JP5280965B2 - Touch panel device and method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a touch panel device correspond to multi-touch even when it is made to correspond to only single touch. <P>SOLUTION: This touch panel device for detecting a contact position is provided with: a position information storage part for storing position information showing a position touched by a user; and a position information output part for outputting the first and second position information stored by the position information storage part as input data for multi-touch. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel device.

  The touch panel device is an input device that operates a device by directly touching the surface of the display. Unlike input using a keyboard or mouse, the buttons and software keyboard displayed on the screen of the display can be directly touched to input, so that there is an advantage that the operation is intuitive and easy to understand even for users unfamiliar with the device. A liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is used.

  In addition, a touch panel device that can touch and operate a plurality of points simultaneously has been realized. The touch panel device is called a multi touch panel device. Since the multi-touch panel device can input by touching a plurality of points on the display screen at the same time, the multi-touch device can collaborate by touching a large screen by a plurality of users. In addition, by touching the screen with a plurality of fingers simultaneously, the object can be moved and rotated, and the image can be zoomed.

  The number of applications that support multi-touch is also increasing.

JP 2005-505065 gazette Special Table 2009-522669

  In order to use an application that supports multi-touch, the touch panel device itself needs to have a function that supports multi-touch.

  Accordingly, even if a computer system including a touch panel device is provided, if the touch panel device supports only single touch, the multi touch function cannot be used even if an application corresponding to multi touch is installed. . For example, the computer system includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device, an input device, and an output device.

  However, it is a heavy burden to replace a touch panel device that already has a touch panel device that supports multi-touch. Therefore, it is preferable that an application compatible with multi-touch can be used on a touch panel device that supports only single touch.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a touch panel device and method, a program, and a recording medium that can support multi-touch even when only single-touch is supported.

This touch panel device
A touch panel device capable of detecting a contact position,
A position information holding unit that holds position information indicating a position touched by the user;
A pseudo-position information creating unit that creates pseudo-position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information, based on the position information held by the position information holding unit;
As input data for the multi-touch, possess position information held by said position information holding section, and the position information output section for outputting a pseudo position information created by the pseudo-position-information creating unit,
The pseudo position information creating unit creates pseudo position information indicating a position obtained by translating the position information held by the position information holding unit with respect to a predetermined position of the touch panel device .

This method
A method for a touch panel device capable of detecting a contact position,
A position information holding step for holding position information indicating a position touched by the user;
Based on the position information held by the position information holding step, a pseudo position information creating step for creating pseudo position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information;
As input data for the multi-touch, possess position information held by said position information storing step, and the position information output step of outputting a pseudo position information created by the pseudo-position-information creating step,
In the pseudo position information creating step, pseudo position information indicating a position obtained by translating the position information held in the position information holding step with respect to a predetermined position of the touch panel device is created .

This program
On the computer,
A position information holding step for holding position information indicating a position touched by the user;
Based on the position information held by the position information holding step, a pseudo position information creating step for creating pseudo position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information;
As the input data for multi-touch, the position information output step for outputting the position information held by the position information holding step and the pseudo position information created by the pseudo position information creation step is executed .
Wherein when executing the pseudo-position-information creating step, for a given position of the touch panel device, to create a pseudo-position information indicating a position moved parallel position information held by said position information storing step.

  This recording medium records the above-described program.

  According to the disclosed touch panel device and method, program, and recording medium, it is possible to support multi-touch even when only single touch is supported.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the system by which the touchscreen apparatus according to one Example is applied. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a system to which a touch panel device according to an embodiment is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | generation process of the pseudo data in the touchscreen device according to one Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | generation process of the pseudo data in the touchscreen device according to one Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the system with which the touchscreen apparatus according to one Example is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data produced with the touchscreen apparatus according to one Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data produced with the touchscreen apparatus according to one Example. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of a system to which a touch panel device according to an embodiment is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the system with which the touchscreen apparatus according to one Example is applied.

  Next, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings based on the following Examples.

  In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for those having the same function, and repeated explanation is omitted.

<First embodiment>
<System>
FIG. 1 shows a system to which a touch panel device according to the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 1 mainly shows a hardware configuration.

  The system 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 102, a storage device 104, an input device 106, an output device 108, and a touch panel device 110. Each device is connected by a bus 150. In this embodiment, a computer system will be described as an example. This touch panel device can be applied not only to a computer system but also to a device or system having a touch panel device. For example, it can be applied to a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable terminal, and the like.

  The central processing unit 102 controls the storage device 104, the input device 106, the output device 108, and the touch panel device 110. The central processing unit 102 functions in accordance with a program stored in the storage device 104 and performs predetermined processing.

  The storage device 104 includes an application 1042, an operating system (OS) 1044, and a touch panel driver 1046. For example, the storage device 104 is an external storage device that stores data and programs in a computer. For example, a hard disk, a fixed disk, a flexible disk, a MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable), a magnetic tape, and the like are included. The application 1042 is software having a function for performing a work executed by the user on the system 100. For example, the application 1042 includes a word processor, spreadsheet software, a database management system (DBMS), a media player, and the like. The operating system 1044 is software that provides application software with an interface that abstracts hardware in the system 100. The operating system supports a multi-touch function. The touch panel driver 1046 is software for providing an interface with the touch panel device 110 to the central processing unit 102 that functions as the operating system 1044.

  The input device 106 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is a device for inputting instructions to the system 100 and inputting data. The instruction includes an instruction for the operating system 1044 and an instruction for the application 1042.

  The output device 108 is configured by a display, for example, and displays a processing state and a processing result by the system 100. The processing state and the processing result include those by the operating system 1044 and the application 1042. The display includes a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a plasma (PDP: Plasma Display Panel) display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, and the like.

  The touch panel device 110 includes a touch panel 1102 and a touch panel control unit 1104. The touch panel 1102 is used by being integrated with the output device 108, for example. By touching a display on the touch panel 1102 integrated with the output device 108, an operation corresponding to the display can be performed. As a method for touching the display on the touch panel 1102, finger input or pen input may be used. As a touch panel system, there are a resistive film system, a capacitive system, an infrared system, an ultrasonic system, an electromagnetic induction system, a capacitive system, etc., but any system may be used.

  When the user touches a display on the touch panel 1102, the touch panel control unit 1104 inputs an output signal corresponding to the display to the central processing unit 102 that functions as the device driver 1046. The output signal includes information on the designated position (direct coordinates) on the touch panel 1102.

<System functions>
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the present system. FIG. 2 mainly shows functions executed by the central processing unit 102.

  In the present system 100, it is possible to set a touch hold flag that activates a function of temporarily storing the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel. Hereinafter, the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel may be referred to as contact position coordinates, may be referred to as first coordinates, or may be referred to as second coordinates.

  Further, in the present system 100, coordinates (first pseudo coordinates) having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to coordinates (first coordinates) where the user touches the touch panel are generated in a pseudo manner. The first pseudo coordinate may be referred to as pseudo data or virtual data. For example, in the present system, the first pseudo coordinate is generated at a position that is symmetrical to the first coordinate with respect to a predetermined position of the monitor. The predetermined position may be the center of the monitor. For example, it may be bilaterally symmetric, vertically symmetric, line symmetric, or point symmetric. The position at which the first pseudo coordinate is generated may be set in advance, or may be set when the first pseudo coordinate is generated.

  Further, in the present system 100, the first coordinates are temporarily stored, and after the storage, the coordinates of the contacted position (second coordinates) are further stored. In other words, even if the second coordinate is input, the first coordinate is not output. The system 100 inputs the first and second coordinates temporarily stored as multi-touched data to the central processing unit 102 functioning as an operating system. Since the first and second coordinates can be input to the central processing unit 102 functioning as an operating system, multi-touched data can be output even when the touch panel device supports only single touch. Since the operating system supports multi-touch, the first and second coordinates are processed as multi-touched data.

  This system includes an input determination unit 202. The input determination unit 202 acquires input information input by the input device 106 and sets a function corresponding to the input information. For example, a predetermined function is associated with a predetermined key on a keyboard. The user activates the function by pressing a key corresponding to the function to be activated.

  For example, the predetermined function includes a function of temporarily storing the first coordinates. Hereinafter, this function is also referred to as a “touch hold function”. In addition, the predetermined function includes a function of artificially generating coordinates (first pseudo coordinates) having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first coordinates. Hereinafter, this function is also referred to as “pseudo data creation function”. Further, the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel (first coordinate) is temporarily stored, the coordinates of the position where the user has touched (second coordinates) are further stored, and the first data is stored as multi-touched data. And a function of outputting the second coordinates. Hereinafter, this function is also referred to as “multi-touch data creation function”.

  The input determination unit 202 includes a touch hold function setting unit 2022. The touch hold function setting unit 2022 activates the touch hold function when the information input by the input device 106 is information for activating the touch hold function. By activating the touch hold function, the pseudo output processing unit 204 and / or the multi-touch processing unit 206 can temporarily hold the first coordinates. In other words, the first coordinates can be held without being output. The touch hold function setting unit 2022 sets the touch hold function in the pseudo output processing unit 204 and / or the multi-touch processing unit 206.

  The input determination unit 202 inputs an operation command to the pseudo output processing unit 204 when the information input by the input device 106 is information that activates the pseudo data creation function.

  The input determination unit 202 inputs an operation command to the multi-touch processing unit 206 when the information input by the input device 106 is information that activates the multi-touch data creation function.

  This system includes a pseudo output processing unit 204. The pseudo output processing unit 204 is connected to the input determination unit 202. The pseudo output processing unit 204 generates first pseudo coordinates having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first coordinates acquired from the touch panel device 110 when an operation command is input by the input determination unit 202. The pseudo output processing unit 204 inputs the first coordinate and the first pseudo coordinate to the operating system processing unit 208.

  The pseudo output processing unit 204 includes a symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042. The symmetrical operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 generates the first pseudo coordinates at the symmetrical position with respect to the first coordinates.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of processing of the symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042. FIG. 3 shows an example in which first pseudo coordinates that are point-symmetric with respect to the first coordinates are generated. First pseudo coordinates that are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the touch panel may be generated. In addition, a point serving as a reference for symmetry may be designated. The cursor position before the first coordinate is set may be used as a symmetrical reference. FIG. 3 shows a case where the symmetrical reference is the pre-movement position (initial input position). In FIG. 3, the first coordinates are indicated by “cursor with touch input (first input cursor)”. In FIG. 3, the first pseudo coordinate is indicated by “cursor output cursor (second input cursor)”. Since the first pseudo-coordinate having a predetermined positional relationship with the first coordinate can be generated, the same effect as when two points are multi-touched can be obtained by one-point touch input.

  The pseudo output processing unit 204 includes a parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044. The parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 generates the first pseudo coordinate at a position obtained by translating the first coordinate with respect to the first coordinate.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of processing of the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the first pseudo-coordinate that is translated in the right direction with respect to the first coordinate is generated. A first pseudo coordinate that is translated in the left direction with respect to the first coordinate may be generated. A first pseudo coordinate that is translated downward with respect to the first coordinate may be generated. First pseudo-coordinates translated in the upward direction with respect to the first coordinates may be generated. In addition, a line serving as a symmetric reference may be designated. A line including the center of the touch panel may be used as a symmetric reference. FIG. 4 shows the case where the symmetrical reference is the pre-movement position (initial input position). In FIG. 4, the first coordinates are indicated by “cursor with touch input (first input cursor)”. In FIG. 4, the first pseudo coordinate is indicated by “a cursor in pseudo output (second input cursor)”. Since the first pseudo-coordinate having a predetermined positional relationship with the first coordinate can be generated, the same effect as when two points are multi-touched can be obtained by one-point touch input.

  The system includes a multi-touch processing unit 206. The multi-touch processing unit 206 is connected to the input determination unit 202. The multi-touch processing unit 206 performs the following processing when an operation command is input by the input determination unit 202. The multi-touch processing unit 206 receives the coordinates of the position touched by the user (first coordinates) from the touch panel device 110, and when the touch hold function is set but the contact position coordinates are not held. The first coordinates are held as first input data.

  The multi-touch processing unit 206 has a hold determination unit 2062. When the touch hold function is set by the touch hold function setting unit 2022, the hold determination unit 2062 determines whether or not the first coordinate is held as the first input data. For example, when the coordinate (first coordinate) of the position touched by the user is input from the touch panel device 100, the hold determination unit 2062 determines whether or not the first input data is already held.

  When it is determined that the first point of input data is held, the hold determination unit 2062 inputs to the input data setting unit 2064 that the first point of input data is held together with the first coordinates. If the hold determination unit 2062 determines that the first input data is not held, the hold determination unit 2062 inputs to the input data setting unit 2064 that the first point input data is not held together with the first coordinate. .

  The multi-touch processing unit 206 has an input data setting unit 2064. The input data setting unit 2064 sets the first coordinate as the second input data when the hold determination unit 2062 notifies that the first input data is held. The input data setting unit 2064 sets the first coordinates as the first input data when the hold determination unit 2062 notifies that the first input data is not held.

  The multi-touch processing unit 206 has an input data output unit 2066. The input data output unit 2066 determines whether it is touch-off, in other words, whether the input data set by the input data setting unit 2064 has been output. When it is determined that the input data is output, the input data output unit 2066 clears the touch hold function when the touch hold function is set by the touch hold function setting unit 2022, in other words, the touch hold function. To reset. When it is determined that the touch hold function is set, the touch hold function is cleared so that the input data input when the touch hold function is set is not notified to the operating system processing unit 208. it can. When it is determined that the input data is not output, the input data output unit 2066 outputs the input data set by the input data setting unit 2064.

  This system includes an operating system processing unit 208. The operating system processing unit 208 is connected to the pseudo output processing unit 204 and the multi-touch processing unit 206. The operating system processing unit 208 processes the first coordinate and the first pseudo coordinate input by the pseudo output processing unit 204 as coordinates input by a touch panel having a multi-touch function. In addition, the operating system processing unit 208 processes the first coordinates input by the multi-touch processing unit 206 or the first and second input data as coordinates input by a touch panel having a multi-touch function. For example, an operating system corresponding to the multi-touch function performs processing based on the first coordinates and the first pseudo coordinates. The operating system processing unit 206 performs processing based on the first coordinates or the first and second input data.

<System operation>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of this system.

  The system 100 acquires information corresponding to the key input by the user (step S502). For example, the input determination unit 202 acquires information corresponding to the key input by the input device 106.

  The system 100 determines whether the information acquired in step S502 is information for setting the touch hold function (step S504). For example, the input determination unit 202 determines whether information input by the input device 106 is information for setting the touch hold function.

  When the information is information for setting a touch hold function (step S504: YES), the system 100 sets a touch hold flag (step S506). For example, the touch hold function setting unit 2022 sets a touch hold flag. By setting the touch hold flag, the function of temporarily storing the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel can be activated.

  If the information is not information for setting the touch hold function (step S504: NO), and whether the information input by the input device 106 is information for starting the pseudo data generation function after the touch hold flag is set in step S506. Is determined (step S508). For example, the input determination unit 202 determines whether the information input by the input device 106 is information that activates the pseudo data creation function.

  When the information is information that activates the pseudo data creation function (step S508: YES), the system 100 changes the coordinates (first coordinates) of the position where the user touches the first input data for multi-touch. (Step S510). For example, the symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 changes the first coordinates to the first input data for multi-touch.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of data created when a touch panel corresponding to single touch is touched. The coordinates include status data, X coordinates, and Y coordinates. The status data is information indicating whether the touch panel is on or off. For example, “1” may be set when the touch panel is touched, and “0” may be set when the touch panel is released. The setting may be opposite to the setting, and may be set to “0” when the touch panel is touched and “1” when the touch panel is released.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of multi-touch data created by the system 100. This system creates multi-touch data by adding input point data to single-touch input data. The input point data is information indicating whether the coordinate is the first point or the second point. For example, the symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement pseudo output processing unit 2044 converts the first coordinates indicated by the single touch data shown in FIG. 6 into the multi-touch data shown in FIG. By changing, the first pseudo coordinate is created.

  The system 100 creates first pseudo coordinates having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first coordinates, and changes the first pseudo coordinates to second input data for multi-touch (step S512). ). For example, the symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 creates a first pseudo coordinate having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first coordinate, and multiplies the first pseudo coordinate. The second input data for touch is used.

  The system 100 performs processing corresponding to multi-touch based on multi-touch input data. The central processing unit 102 functioning as an operating system performs processing based on the input data for multi-touch (step S514). For example, the symmetrical operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 inputs the first and second input data for multi-touch to the operating system processing unit 208. The operating system processing unit 208 performs processing based on multi-touch input data.

  In step S508, when the information input by the input device 106 is not information that activates the pseudo data generation function (step S508: NO), the system 100 determines that the information input by the input device 106 has the multi-touch data generation function. It is determined whether the information is to be activated (step S516). For example, the input determination unit 202 determines whether information input by the input device 106 is information that activates the multi-touch data creation function.

  If the key is a key that activates the multi-touch data creation function (step S516: YES), the system 100 determines whether or not the first input data is held (step S518). For example, the hold determination unit 2062 determines whether or not input data is held.

  When it is determined that the input data is held (step S518: YES), the system 100 changes the coordinates of the position touched by the user to the second input data for multi-touch (step S520). For example, the input data setting unit 2064 changes the coordinates (first coordinates) of the position touched by the user to the second input data for multi-touch described with reference to FIG.

  If the information is not information that activates the multi-touch data creation function in step S516 (step S516: NO) or if it is not determined in step S518 that the input data is held (step S518: NO), the system 100 is shown in FIG. The coordinates (first coordinates) of the position touched by the user are changed to the first input data for multi-touch described (step S522). For example, the input data setting unit 2064 changes the coordinates (first coordinates) of the position touched by the user to the first input data for multi-touch.

  The system 100 determines whether it is touch-off, in other words, whether the coordinates of the position touched by the user have been output (step S524). For example, the input data output unit 2066 determines whether the input data set by the input data setting unit 2064 (first input data or first and second input data) has been output.

  When it is determined that the touch is off (step S524: YES), the system 100 determines whether the touch hold flag is set (step S526). For example, when input data (first input data or first and second input data) set by the input data setting unit 2064 is output, the input data output unit 2066 is output by the touch hold function setting unit 2022. It is determined whether the touch hold flag is set.

  When it is determined that the touch hold flag is set (step S526: YES), the system 100 clears the touch hold flag (step S528). For example, the input data output unit 2066 instructs the touch hold function setting unit 2022 to reset the touch hold flag.

  If it is not determined in step S524 that the touch is off (step S524: NO), or if it is determined in step S526 that the touch hold flag is not set (step S526: NO), the system 100 performs the input for multi-touch. Based on the data, a process corresponding to multi-touch is performed. The central processing unit 102 functioning as an operating system performs processing based on the input data for multi-touch (step S530). For example, the input data output unit 2066 inputs first input data or first and second input data for multi-touch to the operating system processing unit 208. The operating system processing unit 208 performs processing based on the first input data or multi-touch input data.

  The processing from step S502 to step S512 and from step S516 to step S528 is executed by the central processing unit 102 performing processing according to the touch panel driver 1046. A touch panel driver 1046 (program) for causing the central processing unit 102 to function as a touch panel device is provided in a state of being recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, or a memory card. Further, the program may be downloaded via a communication network. When this recording medium is inserted into an auxiliary storage device of a computer, a program recorded on the recording medium is read. The central processing unit 102 writes the read program into the RAM or HDD and executes processing. The program causes the computer to execute steps S502 to S512 and steps S516 to S528 in FIG. For example, the program may be configured to execute at least some steps.

<Second embodiment>
<System>
The system to which the touch panel device according to the present embodiment is applied is the same as that shown in FIG.

<System functions>
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the system 100. FIG. 8 mainly shows functions executed by the central processing unit 102.

  In the function block diagram shown in FIG. 2, the function of the system 100 is input to the input determination unit 202 with the touch position coordinates from the touch panel device 110. The input determination unit 202 does not receive a signal from the input device 106.

  In the first embodiment, the “touch hold function”, “pseudo data creation function”, and “multi-touch data creation function” are set by the user pressing a key corresponding to each function. In this system, the “touch hold function”, “pseudo data creation function”, and “multi-touch data creation function” are set according to the time that the user has kept touching the touch panel device 110.

  In the present system 100, it is possible to set a touch hold flag that activates a function of temporarily storing the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel. Hereinafter, the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel may be referred to as contact position coordinates, may be referred to as first coordinates, or may be referred to as second coordinates.

  Further, in the present system 100, coordinates (first pseudo coordinates) having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to coordinates (first coordinates) where the user touches the touch panel are generated in a pseudo manner. For example, in the present system, the first pseudo coordinate is generated at a position that is symmetrical to the first coordinate with respect to a predetermined position of the monitor. The predetermined position may be a central position of the monitor. For example, it may be bilaterally symmetric, vertically symmetric, line symmetric, or point symmetric. The position at which the first pseudo coordinate is generated may be set in advance, or may be set when the first pseudo coordinate is generated.

  Further, in the present system 100, the first coordinates are temporarily stored, and after the storage, the coordinates of the contacted position (second coordinates) are further stored. The system 100 inputs the first and second coordinates as multi-touched data to the central processing unit 102 that functions as an operating system.

  This system includes an input determination unit 202. When the user touches the touch panel device 110, the input determination unit 202 measures the contact time (hereinafter also referred to as “contact elapsed time”), and determines a predetermined time based on the contact elapsed time. Set the function. For example, the elapsed contact time necessary for determining to set a predetermined function may be set. Hereinafter, the contact elapsed time necessary for determining to set a predetermined function is also referred to as a function setting time. For example, the predetermined function includes a touch hold function. The predetermined function includes a pseudo data creation function. The predetermined function includes a multi-touch data creation function.

  For example, according to the order of operation of the system, for example, it may be determined whether the function setting time has elapsed in the order of “touch hold function”, “pseudo data creation function”, and “multi-touch data creation function”. . In addition, for example, an area for setting each function may be provided in the touch panel device 110, and it may be determined whether or not the contact elapsed time in contact with the area has passed the function setting time. By recognizing whether or not the contact elapsed time in contact with the area for setting each function has passed the function setting time, erroneous recognition can be reduced. Further, for example, the function setting time may be different depending on each function. By making the function setting times different, erroneous recognition can be reduced. When the function setting time is varied, it is not necessary to provide an area for setting each function in the touch panel device 110.

  The input determination unit 202 includes a touch hold function setting unit 2022. The touch hold function setting unit 2022 activates the touch hold function when the elapsed contact time by the touch panel device 110 becomes the function setting time. By activating the touch hold function, the pseudo output processing unit 204 and / or the multi-touch processing unit 206 can temporarily hold the first coordinates. The touch hold function setting unit 2022 sets the touch hold function in the pseudo output processing unit 204 and / or the multi-touch processing unit 206.

  The input determination unit 202 inputs an operation command to the pseudo output processing unit 204 when the elapsed contact time by the touch panel device 110 becomes a function setting time for starting the pseudo data creation function.

  The input determination unit 202 inputs an operation command to the multi-touch processing unit 206 when the elapsed contact time by the touch panel device 110 becomes a function setting time for starting the multi-touch data creation function.

  The pseudo output processing unit 204, the multi-touch processing unit 206, and the operating system processing unit 208 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

<System operation>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of this system.

  The system 100 acquires the elapsed contact time of the touch panel device 110 touched by the user (step S902). For example, the input determination unit 202 acquires the contact elapsed time based on the coordinates input by the touch panel device 110.

  The system 100 determines whether the elapsed contact time acquired in step S502 has passed the function setting time for setting the touch hold function (step S904). For example, the input determination unit 202 determines whether the contact elapsed time when the same coordinates are input by the touch panel device 110 has passed the function setting time for setting the touch hold function.

  When the function setting time for setting the touch hold function has elapsed (step S904: YES), the system 100 sets a touch hold flag (step S906). For example, the touch hold function setting unit 2022 sets a touch hold flag. By setting the touch hold flag, the function of temporarily storing the coordinates can be activated without outputting the coordinates of the position where the user touches the touch panel.

  When the function setting time for setting the touch hold function has not elapsed (step S904: NO), and after the touch hold flag is set in step S906, the touch elapsed time when the same coordinates are input by the touch panel device 110 is generated as pseudo data. It is determined whether or not a function setting time for activating the function has elapsed (step S908). For example, the input determination unit 202 determines whether or not the contact elapsed time when the same coordinates are input by the touch panel device 110 has passed the function setting time for activating the pseudo data creation function.

  When the function setting time for activating the pseudo data creation function has elapsed (step S908: YES), the system 100 coordinates the position of the user touching the first input data for multi-touch shown in FIG. The first coordinate) is changed (step S910). For example, the symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 changes the first coordinates to the first input data for multi-touch shown in FIG. For example, the symmetric motion pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel motion pseudo output processing unit 2044 creates multi-touch data by adding input point data to single touch input data.

  The system 100 creates a first pseudo coordinate having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first coordinate, and converts the first pseudo coordinate to the second input data for multi-touch shown in FIG. Change (step S912). For example, the symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 creates a first pseudo coordinate having a predetermined positional relationship with respect to the first coordinate, and multiplies the first pseudo coordinate. The second input data for touch is used.

  The system 100 performs processing corresponding to multi-touch based on multi-touch input data. The central processing unit 102 functioning as an operating system performs processing based on the input data for multi-touch (step S914). For example, the symmetrical operation pseudo output processing unit 2042 or the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 inputs the first and second input data for multi-touch to the operating system processing unit 208. The operating system processing unit 208 performs processing based on multi-touch input data.

  In step S908, when the contact elapsed time in which the same coordinates are input by the touch panel device 110 does not pass the function setting time for starting the pseudo data creation function (step S908: NO), the system 100 uses the touch panel device 110 to detect the same coordinates. It is determined whether or not the contact elapsed time in which the is input has passed the function setting time for starting the multi-touch data creation function (step S916). For example, the input determination unit 202 determines whether the contact elapsed time when the same coordinates are input by the touch panel device 110 has passed the function setting time for activating the multi-touch data creation function.

  When the function setting time for activating the multi-touch data creation function has elapsed (step S916: YES), the system 100 determines whether or not the first point of input data is held (step S918). For example, the hold determination unit 2062 determines whether or not input data is held.

  When it is determined that the input data is held (step S918: YES), the system 100 changes the coordinates of the position touched by the user to the second input data for multi-touch (step S920). For example, the input data setting unit 2064 changes the coordinates (first coordinates) of the position touched by the user to the second input data for multi-touch.

  If it is determined in step S916 that the function setting time for activating the multi-touch data creation function has not elapsed (step S916: NO), or if it is not determined in step S918 that input data is held (step S918: NO) The system 100 changes the coordinates (first coordinates) of the position touched by the user to the first input data for multi-touch (step S922). For example, the input data setting unit 2064 changes the coordinates (first coordinates) of the position touched by the user to the first input data for multi-touch.

  The system 100 determines whether it is touch-off, in other words, whether the coordinates of the position touched by the user have been output (step S924). For example, the input data output unit 2066 determines whether the input data set by the input data setting unit 2064 (first input data or first and second input data) has been output.

  When it is determined that the touch is off (step S924: YES), the system 100 determines whether the touch hold flag is set (step S926). For example, when input data (first input data or first and second input data) set by the input data setting unit 2064 is output, the input data output unit 2066 is output by the touch hold function setting unit 2022. It is determined whether the touch hold flag is set.

  When it is determined that the touch hold flag is set (step S926: YES), the system 100 clears the touch hold flag (step S928). For example, the input data output unit 2066 instructs the touch hold function setting unit 2022 to reset the touch hold flag.

  If it is not determined in step S924 that the touch is off (step S924: NO), or if it is determined in step S926 that the touch hold flag is not set (step S926: NO), the system 100 performs input for multi-touch. Based on the data, a process corresponding to multi-touch is performed. The central processing unit 102 functioning as an operating system performs processing based on the input data for multi-touch (step S930). For example, the input data output unit 2066 inputs first input data or first and second input data for multi-touch to the operating system processing unit 208. The operating system processing unit 208 performs processing based on the first input data or multi-touch input data.

  The processing from step S902 to step S912 and from step S916 to step S928 is executed by the central processing unit 102 performing processing according to the touch panel driver 1046. A touch panel driver 1046 (program) for causing the central processing unit 102 to function as a touch panel device is provided in a state of being recorded on a recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, or a memory card. Further, the program may be downloaded via a communication network. When this recording medium is inserted into an auxiliary storage device of a computer, a program recorded on the recording medium is read. The central processing unit 102 writes the read program into the RAM or HDD and executes processing. The program causes the computer to execute steps S902 to S912 and steps S916 to S928 in FIG. For example, the program may be configured to execute at least some steps.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two input data are mainly output as multi-touch is shown, but three or more input data may be output. For example, three or more coordinates may be generated as pseudo coordinates, or three or more coordinates indicated by single touch data may be converted into input data and output.

According to the present embodiment, a touch panel device capable of detecting a contact position is provided. The touch panel device
A position information holding unit as a pseudo output processing unit and / or a multi-touch processing unit that holds position information indicating a position touched by a user;
As input data for multi-touch, a pseudo output processing unit that outputs first and second position information held by the position information holding unit and / or a position information output unit as a multi-touch processing unit.

  First position information is output by holding position information indicating a position touched by a user and outputting the held first and second position information as input data for multi-touch. Instead, the first and second position information can be output as input data for multi-touch.

In addition, the touch panel device
A position information holding unit as a pseudo output processing unit for holding position information indicating a position touched by a user;
Based on the position information held by the position information holding unit, a pseudo operation as a symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit and / or a parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit that creates pseudo position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information. A location information creation unit;
As input data for multi-touch, a symmetrical operation pseudo output processing unit and / or a parallel movement operation pseudo unit that outputs position information held by the position information holding unit and pseudo position information created by the pseudo position information creating unit. And a position information output unit as an output processing unit.

  Position information indicating the position touched by the user is held, and pseudo position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information is created. Then, by outputting the position information and the pseudo position information, the position information and the pseudo position information can be output as the input data for multi-touch without outputting the position information. In other words, even if the touched position is one point, the same processing as that performed for multi-touching can be performed.

  Further, the pseudo position information creating unit as a symmetric operation pseudo output processing unit is configured to display pseudo position information indicating a position that is symmetrical to the position information held by the position information holding unit with respect to a predetermined position of the touch panel device. create.

  By creating pseudo-position information indicating a position that is symmetric with respect to the position information held by the position information holding unit, even if the touched position is a single point, the symmetric position is also touched. Similar processing can be performed.

  Further, the pseudo position information creating unit as the parallel movement operation pseudo output processing unit is a pseudo position information indicating a position obtained by translating the position information held by the position information holding unit with respect to a predetermined position of the touch panel device. Create

  For the position information held by the position information holding unit, by creating pseudo position information indicating the position moved in parallel, even if the touched position is one point, it is also in contact with the position moved in parallel Similar processing can be performed.

  Furthermore, the position information holding unit includes a holding function setting unit as a touch hold function setting unit that activates a function of holding position information indicating a position touched by a user.

  The multi-touch function can be activated as necessary by activating a function for holding position information indicating the position touched by the user.

  Furthermore, the holding function setting unit activates the position information holding unit based on the information input by the input device.

  For example, the position information holding unit can be activated based on information input by a user operating a keyboard.

  Further, the holding function setting unit activates the position information holding unit when the contact time of the touch panel device has passed a set time for activating the position information holding unit.

  For example, the position information holding unit can be activated based on the time when the user touches the touch panel.

  Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, each embodiment is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will understand various variations, modifications, alternatives, substitutions, and the like. I will. For convenience of explanation, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described using a functional block diagram, but such an apparatus may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various variations, modifications, alternatives, substitutions, and the like are included without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

100 system 102 central processing unit (CPU)
104 storage device 1042 application 1044 operating system 1046 touch panel driver 106 input device 108 output device 110 touch panel device 1102 touch panel 1104 touch panel control unit 150 bus 202 input determination unit 2022 touch hold function setting unit 204 pseudo output processing unit 2042 symmetrical operation pseudo output processing unit 2044 Parallel movement pseudo output processing unit 206 Multi-touch processing unit 2062 Hold determination unit 2064 Input data setting unit 2066 Input data output unit 208 Operating system processing unit

Claims (8)

A touch panel device capable of detecting a contact position,
A position information holding unit that holds position information indicating a position touched by the user;
A pseudo-position information creating unit that creates pseudo-position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information, based on the position information held by the position information holding unit;
As input data for the multi-touch, possess position information held by said position information holding section, and the position information output section for outputting a pseudo position information created by the pseudo-position-information creating unit,
The pseudo-position information creating unit creates pseudo-position information indicating a position obtained by translating the position information held by the position information holding unit with respect to a predetermined position of the touch panel device. The touch panel device according to claim 1 ,
The pseudo-position-information creating unit, a touch panel device for creating said relative predetermined position of the touch panel device, a pseudo-position information indicating the position where the position information and symmetrically held by the position information holding section. The touch panel device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A touch panel device having a holding function setting unit that activates a function of causing the position information holding unit to hold position information indicating a position touched by a user. The touch panel device according to claim 3 ,
The holding function setting unit is a touch panel device that activates the position information holding unit based on information input by an input device. The touch panel device according to claim 3 ,
The holding function setting unit, the contact time of the touch panel device, when the elapsed set time to start the positional information storage unit, a touch panel device for activating the position information holding section. A method for a touch panel device capable of detecting a contact position,
A position information holding step for holding position information indicating a position touched by the user;
Based on the position information held by the position information holding step, a pseudo position information creating step for creating pseudo position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information;
As input data for the multi-touch, possess position information held by said position information storing step, and the position information output step of outputting a pseudo position information created by the pseudo-position-information creating step,
The pseudo position information creating step creates pseudo position information indicating a position obtained by translating the position information held by the position information holding step with respect to a predetermined position of the touch panel device . On the computer,
A position information holding step for holding position information indicating a position touched by the user;
Based on the position information held by the position information holding step, a pseudo position information creating step for creating pseudo position information having a predetermined positional relationship with the position information;
As the input data for multi-touch, the position information output step for outputting the position information held by the position information holding step and the pseudo position information created by the pseudo position information creation step is executed .
When executing the pseudo position information generation step, to a predetermined position of the touch panel device, in order to create a pseudo-position information indicating a position moved parallel position information held by said position information storing step program. A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 7 is recorded.

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