JP4880304B2 - Information processing apparatus and display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a display method in which an input unit and a display unit are integrated.

A portable information processing device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) does not use a keyboard as an input means, but a touch panel is an LCD (Liquid Crystal).
A display integrated with a display means such as Display) is widely used. Such an information processing apparatus in which the touch panel and the display unit are integrated is operated by touching a soft key such as an icon displayed on the display unit with a finger and a dedicated pen.

  However, the layout of the display screen, such as the size and position of soft keys that are easy to use, differs depending on the input method on the touch panel, such as when inputting with a finger or when inputting with a pen. Therefore, when the layout of the display screen is fixed, inconveniences such as extremely difficult operation may occur.

  For example, when inputting with a finger, if the soft key is small or the interval between the soft keys is small, fine coordinate input cannot be performed with the finger, and erroneous input increases. Further, when inputting with the finger of the right hand, if the soft key is arranged on the left side of the display screen, the finger covers the display screen when operating, and it becomes difficult to operate.

  Also, when inputting with a pen, even if the soft keys are small and the interval is narrow, accurate input is possible, so if the soft keys are large and the interval is wide, an area other than the soft keys is displayed more than necessary. The number of soft keys that can be displayed simultaneously on the display screen becomes smaller than necessary.

  Therefore, the operator selects an optimum mode from various modes such as a mode for inputting with the finger of the right hand, a mode for inputting with the finger of the left hand, and a mode for inputting with the pen. Change the size. In such a case, the operator must select the mode in advance, and when changing the input method, such as changing from finger input to pen input, the mode needs to be selected again.

  Other typical conventional techniques are described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. The information providing apparatus of Patent Literature 1 includes a voice input / output unit that is used in the hand of a user, a display unit that displays an input unit for a user to input information and commands, and a voice input unit that is used by the user. The information providing apparatus includes a detecting unit that detects whether the hand is held by the left or right hand, and a position changing unit that changes a display position of the input unit based on a detection result of the detecting unit.

  The information input / output device of Patent Document 2 is an information input / output device in which coordinate input means and display means are integrated, and an input pen for inputting coordinates and an input pen when inputting coordinates to the coordinate input means. An information input / output device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not a finger has been used; and a change unit that changes a display screen configuration displayed on the display unit according to a determination result by the determination unit.

JP-A-7-64708 JP 2003-271310 A

  The information providing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 can change the display position of the input unit to a position where it can be easily input depending on whether the voice input unit is held with the right hand or the left hand. Therefore, the user can easily operate the apparatus without taking an unnatural posture. However, since the detection of whether the voice input unit is held with the right hand or the left hand is performed based on the distance between the voice input unit and the main body, there are many malfunctions. Moreover, it is only determined whether the hand operated by the user is the right hand or the left hand, and the display position of the input unit is simply moved.

  The information input / output device disclosed in Patent Document 2 can change the size of the icon group displayed on the screen and its interval depending on whether a pen or a finger is used when inputting coordinates. it can. However, it only changes the size and interval of the icon group depending on whether it is a pen input or a finger input, and does not change the position and arrangement of the icon group to switch to a display screen layout that is easy to operate. . In addition, the size of the icon group and its interval are not changed depending on whether the hand to be operated is the right hand or the left hand.

The object of the present invention is to switch the display form of the keys displayed on the display means so as to be easy to input according to the manner of input to the input means, such as input with a finger and input with a pen. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a display method capable of automatically switching the layout of a display screen so as to facilitate input.

The present invention is an information processing apparatus in which an input unit and a display unit are integrated to display a key for input,
Determining means for determining whether the hand holding the information processing device is a right hand, a left hand, or both hands;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that switches a display position of a key displayed on the display unit to a position that can be operated by a thumb of a gripped hand based on a determination result of the determination unit. .

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the determining means determines that the hand to be gripped is the left hand, the control means displays a key on the left end side of the display screen .

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the determining means determines that the hand to be gripped is the right hand, the control means displays a key on the right end side of the display screen .

Further, the present invention is characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the hands to be held are both hands, the control means displays a key at a position where it can be operated with the thumbs of both hands .

Further, the present invention is a display method for displaying a key for input on an information processing apparatus in which an input unit and a display unit are integrated.
A determination step of determining whether a hand holding the information processing device is a right hand, a left hand, or both hands;
A display switching step of switching a display position of a key displayed on the display means to a position that can be operated by a thumb of a gripped hand based on a determination result in the determination step. is there.

According to the present invention, the input unit and the display unit are integrated, and the information processing apparatus displays keys for input. In this information processing apparatus, the determination means determines whether the hand holding the information processing apparatus is the right hand, the left hand, or both hands . The control means switches the display position of the key displayed on the display means to a position where it can be operated with the thumb of the gripped hand based on the determination result of the determination means. By doing so, the display position of the key can be automatically switched depending on whether the information processing apparatus is held with the right hand, the left hand or the both hands .

According to the invention, when the determination unit determines that the hand to be gripped is the left hand, the control unit displays a key on the left end side of the display screen. By doing so, for example, when the information processing device is held with the left hand and input is performed with the thumb of the left hand, the display mode can be switched so that the finger can operate without covering the display screen .

According to the invention, when the determination means determines that the hand to be gripped is the right hand, the control means displays a key on the right end side of the display screen. By doing so, for example, when the information processing apparatus is held with the right hand and input is performed with the thumb of the right hand, the display mode can be switched to a display mode in which the finger can be operated without covering the display screen .

Further, according to the present invention, when the determining means determines that the hand to be held is both hands, the control means is positioned at a position where both hands can operate with thumbs, for example, the right end side and the left end side of the display screen. Display the key. By doing so, it is possible to switch to a display form that can be easily operated with one hand. For example, in a situation where one hand cannot be used, the information processing apparatus is held with the other hand and can be easily operated with that hand, which is preferable .

According to the present invention, there is also a display method for displaying keys for input on an information processing apparatus in which an input unit and a display unit are integrated. In this display method, in the determination step, it is determined whether the hand holding the information processing apparatus is the right hand, the left hand, or both hands . In the display switching step, based on the determination result in the determination step, the display position of the key displayed on the display means is switched to a position where it can be operated with the thumb of the gripping hand . By doing so, the display position of the key can be automatically switched depending on whether the information processing apparatus is held with the right hand, the left hand or the both hands .

  In the present embodiment, PDA (Personal Digital Assistance) will be described as one of information processing apparatuses. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a PDA 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from one side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the PDA 11 viewed from the other side. The PDA 11 includes a display unit 12, hard keys 13, an input pen 14, a pen storage unit 15, and a pressure sensor 16.

  The display unit 12 is realized by arranging a transparent touch panel on the surface of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and can display keys and input coordinates for inputting soft keys such as icons and switch buttons. It is. The display unit 12 can detect the position touched by the finger and the input pen 14 and input coordinates, and can give an instruction to the PDA 11 by touching the displayed soft key with the finger and the input pen 14. it can. The hard key 13 includes, for example, a power key, a menu key, and the like, and an instruction can be given to the PDA 11 when pressed.

  The input pen 14 is used when performing input such as coordinate input on the display unit 12. The pen storage unit 15 can store the input pen 14 and can detect whether or not the input pen 14 is stored. The detection result is used to determine whether the input type to be input to the touch panel of the display unit 12 is input by a finger or input by the input pen 14. A plurality of pressure sensors 16 are provided in the area having the PDA 11 and detect whether or not the operator's hand is touching. The detection result of each pressure sensor 16 is used to determine whether the PDA 11 is held with the right hand or the left hand.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the PDA 11. The PDA 11 is a CPU
(Central Processing Unit) 20, LCD 21, LCD controller 22, touch panel 23, touch panel controller 24, ROM 25, RAM 26, pen insertion / extraction detector 27, hard key 13, pressure sensor 16, and input pen 14.

  The LCD 21 is a display means for displaying an image or the like, and can display soft keys such as icons and switch buttons. The touch panel 23 is integrated with the LCD 21 and is an input means for inputting coordinates by bringing the input pen 14 and a finger into contact with the surface.

  The CPU 20 controls the entire PDA 11. The LCD controller 22 causes the LCD 21 to display information transmitted from the CPU 20. The touch panel controller 24 transmits information input from the touch panel 23 to the CPU 10. The CPU 20, the LCD controller 22 and the touch panel controller 24 correspond to control means.

  The ROM 25 stores programs and the like, and the RAM 26 has a work area for programs such as a layout condition storage area 28, a key input history storage area 29, and a user setting storage area 30. The layout condition storage area 28 stores the layout conditions of the display screen displayed on the LCD 21, the key input history storage area 29 stores the operation frequency of the soft keys displayed on the LCD 21, and the user setting storage area 30. Stores the conditions set by the operator.

  The pen insertion / extraction detector 27 detects whether or not the input pen 14 is housed in the pen housing section 15 shown in FIG. 1 and transmits the detection result to the CPU 20. Based on the detection result, the CPU 20 determines whether the input type to be input to the touch panel of the display unit 12 is an input with a finger or an input with the input pen 14. When the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15, the CPU 20 and the pen insertion / extraction detector 27 are input when the input type is input by a finger, and the input pen 14 is extracted from the pen storage unit 15. It is determined that the type is input by the input pen 14. The CPU 20 and the pen insertion / extraction detector 27 correspond to determination means. The pressure sensor 16 detects whether or not the operator's hand is touching, and notifies the CPU 20 of the detection result. Based on the detection result, the CPU 20 determines whether the PDA 11 is held with the right hand or the left hand. The CPU 20 and the pressure sensor 16 correspond to determination means.

  The PDA 11 according to the first embodiment can perform a switching process for automatically switching the layout of the display screen, which is a display form of keys displayed on the display unit 12, based on the following three conditions.

  The first condition is what type of input is input to the touch panel of the display unit 12 when inputting coordinates. Specifically, the input type is input by a finger, or the input type is an input pen. 14 is input.

The second condition is whether the hand holding the PDA 11 is the right hand or the left hand.
The third condition is whether the frequency of soft key operations is high or low. The PDA 11 may switch the display screen layout according to any one condition, may be switched according to any two conditions, or may be switched according to all three conditions. Further, the PDA 11 may allow the operator to set which condition is valid. Further, based on a preset condition that is an operation content of the operator, for example, whether to operate with a finger of the hand holding the PDA 11 or to operate with a finger of another hand when inputting with a finger The layout may be switched.

  First, a description will be given of the PDA 11 in which two conditions of the first condition and the second condition are validated and the operation is performed with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11 when inputting with the finger.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the switching of the layout of the display screen. 4A is a diagram showing a case of input by the input pen 14, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a case where the PDA 11 is held by the left hand 34 and input by a finger, and FIG. ) Is a diagram showing a case where the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35 and input is performed with a finger. Whether the input is made with the finger or the input pen 14 is determined depending on whether or not the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15 as described above. The determination of whether the PDA 11 is held with the right hand or the left hand will be described later.

  When the input pen 14 is removed from the pen storage unit 15, the switch button 31 is displayed in a small size at the bottom of the display unit 12 as shown in FIG. By doing so, since the input is performed with the input pen 14, even if the switch button 31 is displayed small, an area other than the switch button 31 can be enlarged without erroneous input.

  When the PDA 11 is held with the left hand 34 and the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15, the switch button 32 is displayed largely on the left end side of the display unit 12 as shown in FIG. . By doing so, it is displayed in a large size, so that even if it is input with a finger, it is not input erroneously. Further, since it is displayed on the left end side of the display unit 12, it can be operated with the thumb of the left hand 34 holding the PDA 11, and a finger or the like may cover the display screen when operating by touching the switch button 32. It is preferable because it is not present.

  When the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35 and the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15, the switch button 33 is displayed largely on the right end side of the display unit 12 as shown in FIG. . By doing so, even if the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35, it can be operated without erroneous input with one hand, as with the left hand 34, and the finger or the like does not cover the display screen.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining whether the PDA 11 is held with the left hand or the right hand. The pressure-sensitive sensor 16 is turned on when a hand comes into contact with it, and informs the CPU 20 of an area where the pressure-sensitive sensor 16 is turned on. The CPU 20 regards an area where the pressure sensor is turned on as a contact area where the hand and the PDA 11 are in contact. By doing so, the PDA 11 uses the pressure sensor 16 to detect a contact area where the hand holding the PDA 11 is in contact with the PDA 11.

  When the PDA 11 is held by the left hand 34, as shown in FIG. 5A, a contact area 40 where the left hand 34 and the PDA 11 are in contact is formed. As the contact area 40, a contact area 40 a where the base of the thumb of the left hand 34 contacts is formed on the lower left side of the PDA 11, and a contact area 40 b where the middle finger of the left hand 34 contacts from the upper side on the right side of the PDA 11 A contact region 40c where the ring finger contacts and a contact region 40d where the little finger of the left hand 34 contacts are formed. Therefore, such a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact is formed on the lower left side, and a narrow contact area where any of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger is in contact is formed on the right side. When the CPU 20 detects that the PDA 11 is held with the left hand 34, it is determined.

  When the PDA 11 is held by the right hand 35, as shown in FIG. 5B, a contact area 41 where the right hand 35 and the PDA 11 are in contact is formed. As the contact area 41, a contact area 41 a where the base of the thumb of the right hand 35 contacts is formed on the lower right side of the PDA 11, and a contact area 41 b where the middle finger of the right hand 35 contacts from the upper side on the left side of the PDA 11. A contact area 41c that contacts the ring finger and a contact area 41d that contacts the little finger of the right hand 35 are formed. Therefore, such a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact is formed on the lower right side, and a narrow contact area where any of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger is in contact is formed on the left side. When the CPU 20 detects that the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35, it is determined that the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35.

  The determination of whether the PDA 11 is held with the left hand or the right hand is not limited to the above case. For example, if there is a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact with the lower left part, it is held by the left hand 34, and if there is a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact with the lower right part, the right hand 35 is used. You may judge that you have it.

  Next, a description will be given of the PDA 11 that has been changed to the setting of operating with the finger of a hand that does not have the PDA 11 when inputting with a finger.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the switching of the layout of the display screen. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a case where the PDA 11 is held with the left hand 34 and the finger is input, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a case where the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35 and the finger is input. The determination of whether the PDA 11 is held with the right hand or the left hand will be described later.

  When the PDA 11 is held with the left hand 34 and the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15, the switch button 36 is displayed largely on the right end side of the display unit 12 as shown in FIG. . By doing so, it is displayed in a large size, so that even if it is input with a finger, it is not input erroneously. Further, since it is displayed on the right end side of the display unit 12, it is preferable that the finger does not cover the display screen when the switch button 36 is touched and operated with any finger of the right hand 35 not having the PDA 11. .

  When the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35 and the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15, the switch button 37 is displayed on the left end side of the display unit 12 as shown in FIG. By doing so, even if the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35, it can be operated without erroneous input as in the case of holding the PDA 11 with the left hand 34, and a finger or the like does not cover the display screen.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the input pen 14 is removed from the pen storage unit 15, the switch button 31 is set to operate with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11, as shown in FIG. Are displayed in a small size at the bottom of the display unit 12. By doing so, since the input is performed with the input pen 14, even if the switch button 31 is displayed small, an area other than the switch button 31 can be enlarged without erroneous input.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining whether the PDA 11 is held with the left hand or the right hand. When the PDA 11 is held by the left hand 34, as shown in FIG. 7A, a contact area 42 where the left hand 34 and the PDA 11 are in contact is formed. As the contact area 42, a contact area 42 a where the thumb of the left hand 34 contacts from the upper side and a contact area 42 b where the base of the left hand 34 contacts are formed on the left side of the PDA 11. A contact region 42c where the middle finger of the left hand 34 contacts, a contact region 42d where the ring finger of the left hand 34 contacts, and a contact region 42e where the little finger of the left hand 34 contacts are formed. Accordingly, a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact is formed on the lower left side, and a narrow contact area where any of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger is in contact is formed on the right side. When the CPU 20 detects that the PDA 11 is held with the left hand 34, it is determined.

  When the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35, as shown in FIG. 7B, a contact region 43 where the right hand 35 and the PDA 11 are in contact is formed. As the contact area 43, a contact area 43 a where the thumb of the right hand 35 contacts from the upper side and a contact area 43 b where the base of the thumb of the right hand 35 contacts are formed on the right side of the PDA 11. A contact area 43c where the middle finger of the right hand 35 contacts, a contact area 43d where the ring finger of the right hand 35 contacts, and a contact area 43e where the little finger of the right hand 35 contacts are formed. Therefore, such a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact is formed on the lower right side, and a narrow contact area where any of the index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger is in contact is formed on the left side. When the CPU 20 detects that the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35, it is determined that the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 35.

  The determination of whether the PDA 11 is held with the left hand or the right hand is not limited to the above case. For example, if there is a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact with the lower left part, it is held by the left hand 34, and if there is a wide contact area where the base of the thumb is in contact with the lower right part, the right hand 35 is used. You may judge that you have it.

  In determining whether the PDA 11 is held with the left hand or the right hand, whether the operator operates with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11 or with the finger of the hand not holding the PDA 11 Must be set in advance. When operating with the finger of the hand not having the PDA 11, as shown in FIG. 7, the contact area 42 has an area 42 a where the thumb of the hand holding the PDA 11 comes into contact, and the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11 In the case of the operation, as shown in FIG. 5, since the operation is performed with the thumb of the hand holding the PDA 11, there is no such area. Therefore, depending on whether or not there is a region corresponding to the thumb of the hand holding the PDA 11, there are a case of operating with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11 and a case of operating with the finger of the hand not holding the PDA 11. You may make it judge.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen of the display unit 12 of the PDA 11 and is an example of displaying a display screen of an electronic book. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the case of input by the input pen 14, FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the case of input by the finger of the left hand 34, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the case of the input by 35 fingers.

  In the case of input by the input pen 14, as shown in FIG. 8A, the switch button 45 is displayed small at the lower part of the display unit 12, so that the text display unit 48 on which text is displayed can be enlarged. it can. In the case of input with the finger of the left hand 34, as shown in FIG. 8B, the switch button 46 is displayed large on the left end portion of the display unit 12, so that even a finger is being operated without erroneous input. The hand can be operated without covering the display screen. In the case of input with the finger of the right hand 35, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the switch button 47 is displayed large on the right end of the display unit 12, so that even a finger can be operated without erroneous input. The hand can be operated without covering the display screen.

  The above switching process is executed only when application software with few soft keys such as application software for browsing electronic books is used, and application software with many soft keys such as schedule software. Then, it may not be executed. Alternatively, it may be executed only by application software predetermined by the operator. By doing so, the display screen layout is automatically switched when an application that requires the display screen layout to be switched is used.

  Next, a case where the third condition is validated in addition to the above setting will be described. FIG. 9 is a display screen example of the display unit 12 of the PDA 11. When the third condition is validated, the size and position of the soft key can be switched according to the operation frequency. For example, the following display screen examples are given.

  First, the initial setting display screen is set so that switch buttons are displayed in a predetermined size from the top of the display screen in a predetermined order. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, the switch buttons 46 corresponding to “Page Next”, “Page Back”, “←”, “→”, “OPEN”, “CLOSE” are all the same size. It is set to be displayed from above in this order.

  FIG. 9A shows an example of a display screen in which the switch button 51 having a high operation frequency is set so as to be large and displayed at the top of the screen. When the operation frequency is higher in the order of “Page Next”, “←”, “→”, “Page Back”, “OPEN”, “CLOSE”, the display screen is changed to a display screen as shown in FIG.

  The corresponding switch buttons 52 are displayed from the top in the order of “Page Next”, “←”, “→”, “Page Back”, “OPEN”, and “CLOSE”. Further, switch buttons 51 corresponding to “Page Next” and “←” are displayed larger than a predetermined size, and switch buttons 51 corresponding to “Page Back”, “OPEN”, and “CLOSE” are predetermined. It is displayed smaller than the size. Therefore, the switch button 51 with a high operation frequency is displayed large above the display screen, and the switch button 51 with a low operation frequency is displayed small below the display screen.

  FIG. 9B is an example of a display screen in which soft keys having a high operation frequency are set to be displayed large. When the operation frequency is higher in the order of “←”, “→”, “Page Next”, “Page Back”, “OPEN”, “CLOSE”, the display screen is changed to a display screen as shown in FIG.

  The switch buttons 52 corresponding to “←” and “→” are displayed larger than a predetermined size, and the switch buttons 52 corresponding to “OPEN” and “CLOSE” are displayed smaller than a predetermined size. Therefore, the switch button 52 with a high operation frequency is displayed in a large size and the switch button 52 with a low operation frequency is displayed in a small size in a predetermined order.

  FIG. 9C is an example of a display screen in which the switch button 53 with a high operation frequency is displayed in a large size, and the switch button 53 with the operation frequency lower than a certain ratio is not displayed. When the operation frequency increases in the order of “←”, “→”, “Page Next”, “Page Back”, “OPEN”, “CLOSE”, and the number of operations of “OPEN” and “CLOSE” is extremely small, The display screen is changed to that shown in 9 (c).

  The switch buttons 52 corresponding to “←” and “→” are displayed larger than a predetermined size, and the switch buttons 52 corresponding to “OPEN” and “CLOSE” are not displayed. Therefore, the switch button 52 with a high operation frequency is displayed larger in the predetermined order, but the switch button 52 with a low operation frequency is not displayed. The operation corresponding to the switch button 52 that is not displayed can be performed by operating a hard key.

  As described above, if the display screen layout is set to be switched according to the operation frequency, it is possible to switch to a layout in which soft keys with a high operation frequency can be easily pressed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing layout switching processing. The process of step A1 is performed by activating the application software by an operation of touching an icon displayed on the display screen by the operator.

  In step A1, the CPU 20 determines whether or not it is specific application software that needs to perform display screen layout switching processing. If it is determined that it is specific application software, the process proceeds to step A2. If it is determined that the application software is not specific, the switching process is terminated.

  In step A2, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there is a switching command for switching the layout of the display screen. If it is determined that there is a switching command, the process proceeds to step A3. If it is determined that there is no switching command, the process returns to step A2 to wait for the switching command. The switching command may be a command from the operator or may be a command of the CPU 20 itself.

  In step A3, the CPU 20 refers to the user settings set by the operator stored in the user setting storage area 30, and proceeds to step A4. The user settings are, for example, settings for enabling or disabling the above layout conditions and settings for operating with fingers of a hand holding the PDA 11 or with fingers of a hand not holding the PDA 11, etc. Is mentioned.

  In step A4, the CPU 20 performs layout condition setting processing based on the user setting, sets the layout condition, stores the layout condition in the layout condition storage area 28, and proceeds to step A5. The layout condition setting process includes a first layout condition setting process for setting a layout condition by a contact object that is brought into contact with the display unit 12, a second layout condition setting process for setting a layout condition by a hand having the PDA 11, and a soft key operation frequency. There is a third layout condition setting process for setting layout conditions, and layout conditions for finally displaying on the display screen are set using the layout conditions set in these processes.

  In step A5, the CPU 20 and the touch panel controller 24 switch the layout of the display screen based on the set layout condition, and finish the layout switching process.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the first layout condition setting process. When the first layout condition setting process is started, the process of step B1 is performed.

  In step B <b> 1, the CPU 20 determines whether the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15 based on the detection result detected from the pen insertion / extraction detector 27. If it is determined that the input pen 14 is not stored in the pen storage unit 15, it can be determined that the input pen 14 is used for input, and the process proceeds to step B2. If it is determined that the input pen 14 is stored in the pen storage unit 15, it can be determined that the input is performed using the finger, and the process proceeds to step B3.

  In step B2, the CPU 20 sets the layout condition 1 and proceeds to step B4. The layout condition 1 is a layout condition that makes it easy to input with the input pen 14. For example, a small soft key is displayed at the bottom of the display screen as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 8 (a). The layout conditions are as follows.

  In step B3, the CPU 20 sets the layout condition 2 and proceeds to step B4. The layout condition 2 is a layout condition that makes it easy to input with a finger. For example, the display as shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 8A, and FIG. The layout condition is such that a large soft key is displayed at the right or left end of the screen. Whether the image is displayed at the right end or the left end of the display screen may be set in advance by the operator or may be determined by a second layout condition setting process described later.

  In step B4 and step B5, the CPU 20 waits for key input and pen insertion / removal. In step B4, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there is a key input. If it is determined that there is a key input, the process returns to step B1, and if it is determined that there is no key input, the process proceeds to step B5. In step B5, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the input pen 14 is inserted / removed. If it is determined that there is an insertion / removal, the process returns to step B1, and if it is determined not to be inserted / removed, the process returns to step B4.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the second layout condition setting process. When the second layout condition setting process is started, the process of step C1 is performed.

  In step C1, the CPU 20 receives information on the area where the pressure sensor 16 is turned on, obtains a contact area between the hand holding the PDA 11 and the PDA 11, and proceeds to step C2. In Step C2, the obtained contact area is compared with the matching pattern stored in the ROM 25, and the process proceeds to Step C3.

  In step C3, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the contact area matches the matching pattern A. If they match, the process proceeds to step C4, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step C5. In step C4, the CPU 20 sets the layout condition A and proceeds to step C8. In step C5, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the contact area matches the matching pattern B. If they match, the process proceeds to step C6, and if they do not match, the process proceeds to step C7. In step C6, the CPU 20 sets the layout condition B and proceeds to step C8. In step C7, the CPU 20 sets the layout condition C and proceeds to step C8.

  Therefore, in Step C3 to Step C7, layout conditions are set according to the contact area. Here, the matching pattern A is a matching pattern corresponding to the contact area 40 as shown in FIG. 5A. If the contact area matches the matching pattern A, it can be determined that the PDA 11 is held with the left hand. The layout condition A is, for example, a layout condition that makes it easy to input with the finger of the left hand when it is set to operate with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11, and FIG. The layout condition is such that a large soft key is displayed on the left end side of the display screen as shown in b). The matching pattern B is a matching pattern corresponding to the contact area 41 as shown in FIG. 5B. If the contact area matches the matching pattern B, it can be determined that the PDA 11 is held with the right hand. The layout condition B is, for example, a layout condition that makes it easy to input with the finger of the right hand when it is set to operate with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 11, and is shown in FIGS. The layout condition is such that a large soft key is displayed on the right end side of the display screen as shown in c).

  In addition, the matching pattern is not limited to the above two matching patterns, and for example, a matching pattern corresponding to a contact area between the hand and the PDA when a PDA described later is held with both hands. The layout condition set in such a case is a layout condition for displaying large soft keys on the right end side and the left end portion of the display screen.

  In Step C8 and Step C9, the CPU 20 waits for key input and pen insertion / extraction. In step C8, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there is a key input. If it is determined that there is a key input, the process returns to step C1, and if it is determined that there is no key input, the process proceeds to step C9. In step C9, the CPU 20 determines whether or not the input pen 14 is inserted / removed. If it is determined that there is an insertion / removal, the process returns to step C1, and if it is determined not to be inserted / removed, the process returns to step C8.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the third layout condition setting process. When the third layout condition setting process is started, the process of step D1 is performed. In step D1, the CPU 20 refers to the operation frequency of the soft key stored in the key input history storage area 29, and proceeds to step D2. In step D2, the CPU 20 sets the priority of the soft key arrangement stored in the user setting storage area 30, and proceeds to step D3. For example, a soft key with a higher frequency of soft key operation is arranged so that it is displayed at the top of the display screen, a fixed arrangement is used regardless of the frequency of the soft key operation, and a soft key with a higher frequency of soft key operation. Set to display large.

  In step D3, the CPU 20 sets layout conditions based on the soft key operation frequency and the soft key placement priority. For example, when a soft key with a high operation frequency is large and set to be displayed at the top of the screen, the layout condition is a layout condition that results in a display screen as shown in FIG. When a soft key having a high operation frequency is set to be displayed large without changing its arrangement, the layout condition is a layout condition that results in a display screen as shown in FIG. In addition, when the soft key having a high operation frequency is displayed large and the soft key having the operation frequency lower than a certain ratio is not displayed, the layout condition is displayed on the display screen as shown in FIG. The layout conditions are as follows.

  In step D4, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there is a key input. If it is determined that there is a key input, the process proceeds to step D5. If it is determined that there is no key input, the process returns to step D4. Wait for. In step D5, the CPU 20 updates the operation frequency of the soft key stored in the key input history storage area 29 and the priority of the soft key arrangement stored in the user setting storage area 30, and returns to step D1.

  As a second embodiment, a PDA will be described in which the width of the PDA is large. For example, when the PDA is held with the left hand, the finger cannot reach the right side of the PDA.

  First, a description will be given of the PDA 61 in which the second condition is at least valid and the operation is performed with the finger of the hand holding the PDA 61 when inputting with a finger.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the switching of the layout of the display screen. FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a case where the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65, and FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a case where the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66. The determination of whether the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66 or the left hand 65 will be described later.

  When the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65, the switch button 63 is displayed on the left end side of the display unit 62 as shown in FIG. By doing so, since it is displayed on the left end side of the display unit 62, it can be operated with the thumb of the left hand 65 holding the PDA 61. When the switch button 63 is touched and operated, a finger or the like displays the display screen. Since it does not cover, it is preferable.

  When the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66, the switch button 64 is displayed largely on the right end side of the display unit 62 as shown in FIG. By doing so, even if the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66, it can be operated without erroneous input with one hand as in the case with the left hand 65, and the finger or the like does not cover the display screen.

  Next, a description will be given of the PDA 61 that is set to operate with a finger of a hand that does not have the PDA 61 when inputting with a finger.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the switching of the layout of the display screen. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a case where the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65, and FIG. 15B is a diagram showing a case where the PDA 11 is held with the right hand 66. The determination of whether the PDA 61 is held with the right hand or the left hand will be described later.

  When the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65, the switch button 67 is displayed on the right end side of the display unit 62 as shown in FIG. By doing so, since it is displayed on the right end side of the display unit 62, when the switch button 67 is touched and operated with any finger of the right hand 66 not having the PDA 61, the finger or the like may cover the display screen. It is preferable because it is not present.

  When the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66, the switch button 68 is displayed on the left end side of the display unit 62 as shown in FIG. By doing so, even if the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66, the finger or the like does not cover the display screen, as in the case where the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining whether the PDA 61 is held with the left hand or the right hand. When the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65, as shown in FIG. 16A, a contact region 70 where the left hand 65 and the PDA 61 are in contact is formed. As the contact area 70, a contact area 70 a where the index finger of the left hand 65 comes into contact with the left hand 65 and a contact area 70 b where the base of the thumb of the left hand 65 comes into contact are formed on the left side of the PDA 61. Therefore, when the CPU 20 detects that the contact area 70 having a wide contact area is formed on the left side of the PDA 61, it is determined that the PDA 61 is held by the left hand 65.

  When the PDA 61 is held with the right hand 66, as shown in FIG. 16B, a contact region 71 where the right hand 66 and the PDA 61 are in contact is formed. As the contact area 71, an area 71 a where the index finger of the right hand 66 contacts from the top and a contact area 71 b where the base of the thumb of the right hand 66 contacts are formed on the right side of the PDA 61. Therefore, when the CPU 20 detects that a contact area 71 having a wide contact area is formed on the right side of the PDA 61, it is determined that the PDA 61 is held by the right hand 66.

  The determination of whether the PDA 61 is held with the left hand or the right hand is not limited to the above case. For example, if a contact area is formed on the left side of the PDA 61, it is determined that the PDA 61 is held with the left hand 65, If the contact area is formed on the right side of the PDA 61, it may be determined that the PDA 61 has the right hand 66.

  Similarly to the PDA 11 of the first embodiment, the first condition may be validated, and the layout may be switched depending on the input type input to the tablet of the display unit 12, or the third condition may be validated. Thus, the layout may be switched according to the frequency of soft key operations.

  As a third embodiment, a PDA 81 having a larger PDA width, for example, with both hands will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the layout of the display screen of the PDA 81. When the PDA 81 is held with both hands, the switch button 83 is displayed on both the left and right sides of the display unit 82 as shown in FIG. By doing so, even a large PDA can be operated with the fingers of both hands while holding it with both hands, so that it can be operated stably.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the determination that the PDA 81 is held with both hands. When the PDA 81 is held by both hands, as shown in FIG. 18, a contact area where the left hand 85 and the right hand 86 are in contact with the PDA 61 is formed. As the contact area, a contact area 91 in contact with the left hand 85 and a contact area 92 in contact with the right hand 86 are formed on the left side of the PDA 81. Therefore, when the CPU 20 detects that contact areas are formed on both sides of the PDA 81, it is determined that the PDA 81 is held with both hands.

  Also, as with the PDA 11 according to the first embodiment and the PDA 61 according to the second embodiment, the first condition is enabled and the layout is switched depending on the input type input to the tablet of the display unit 12. Alternatively, the second condition may be validated, and the layout may be switched depending on whether the hand is right-handed or left-handed. Alternatively, the third condition may be validated and the layout may be changed depending on the frequency of soft key operations. You may make it switch. The layout may be switched based on the input type determination result and the operation content of the operator. By doing so, the layout is set to the layout set based on the determination result of the force type whether the input type is an input with a finger or an input with the input pen 14 and the operation content which is a condition predetermined by the operator. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to switch to a layout that is easier to operate. For example, when operated by the operator, the layout can be switched based not only on the determination result but also on the operation content of the operator.

  In the present embodiment, the PDA in which the LCD and the transparent touch panel are integrated has been described. However, the present invention can be implemented even in an information processing apparatus other than the PDA such as a personal computer and a mobile phone. Further, even if the information processing device is not an information processing device using a transparent touch panel, it is an information processing device having a plurality of opaque tablets of various layouts. The information processing apparatus may automatically switch to a tablet having a layout suitable for the condition depending on whether the hand is held with the right hand or the left hand.

It is the perspective view which looked at PDA11 which is one Embodiment of this invention from the one side. It is the perspective view which looked at PDA11 from the other side. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a PDA 11. FIG. It is a figure explaining switching of the layout of a display screen. It is a figure explaining judgment whether PDA11 is held with the left hand or the right hand. It is a figure explaining switching of the layout of a display screen. It is a figure explaining judgment whether PDA11 is held with the left hand or the right hand. It is an example of a display screen of the display unit 12 of the PDA 11. It is an example of a display screen of the display unit 12 of the PDA 11. It is a flowchart which shows the switching process of a layout. It is a flowchart which shows a 1st layout condition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd layout condition setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a 3rd layout condition setting process. It is a figure explaining switching of the layout of a display screen. It is a figure explaining switching of the layout of a display screen. It is a figure explaining judgment of holding PDA61 with the left hand or the right hand. It is a figure explaining the layout of the display screen of PDA81. It is a figure explaining judgment that PDA81 is held with both hands.

Explanation of symbols

11, 61, 81, 82 PDA
12, 62 Display unit 13 Hard key 14 Input pen 15 Pen storage unit 16 Pressure sensor 20 CPU
21 LCD
22 LCD controller 23 Touch panel 24 Touch panel controller 25 ROM
26 RAM
27 Pen insertion / extraction detector 28 Layout condition storage area 29 Key input history storage area 30 User setting storage area 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 45, 46, 47, 51, 52, 53, 63, 64, 67, 68 , 83 Switch button 34, 65, 85 Left hand 35, 66, 86 Right hand 40, 41, 42, 43, 70, 71, 91, 92 Contact area 48, 49, 50 Text display section

Claims (5)

An information processing apparatus in which an input unit and a display unit are integrated to display a key for input,
Determining means for determining whether the hand holding the information processing device is a right hand, a left hand, or both hands;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that switches a display position of a key displayed on the display unit to a position that can be operated by a thumb of a gripped hand based on a determination result of the determination unit.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the hand to be gripped is the left hand, the control unit displays a key on the left end side of the display screen.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the hand to be gripped is the right hand, the control unit displays a key on the right end side of the display screen.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination unit determines that the hand to be gripped is both hands, the control unit displays a key at a position that can be operated with the thumbs of both hands. A display method for displaying keys for input on an information processing apparatus in which an input unit and a display unit are integrated,
A determination step of determining whether a hand holding the information processing device is a right hand, a left hand, or both hands;
And a display switching step of switching the display position of the key displayed on the display means to a position where it can be operated with the thumb of the gripped hand based on the determination result in the determination step.

Images