JP2004094394A - Device and method for inputting through touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select multiple alternatives by a rough operation. <P>SOLUTION: A touch panel unit 57 provided with a touch panel 56 on a display 55 is so formed that, when a user touches a detection region R on a panel surface 56a once, either one of buttons B disposed on the detection region R is specified as a selection candidate, and when the user continuously touches the same detection region R twice, the button B specified by the selection candidate is selected. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a touch panel input device and a touch panel input method for realizing an input operation to a device using a touch panel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An input device that arranges a touch panel on a display screen, displays a button on the display screen, and touches the button from the touch panel to realize an input operation as if a button was pressed is known. I have. An input device using such a touch panel is used as a user interface of devices such as a car audio device, a car navigation device, a copy device, a cash dispenser, an automatic ticket vending machine, and a portable information terminal.
[0003]
For example, in a car audio device using a DVD, up, down, left, and right arrow-shaped selection buttons and an enter button are displayed on a display screen. The driver of the automobile can operate a selection button or a determination button by touching (pressing) a portion corresponding to the button on the screen of the display with a finger, and can input a DVD reproduction instruction and the like.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, with the multifunctionality of the device, it is desired to design a touch panel input device so that the user can easily select and operate various functions provided in the device. To achieve this, it is conceivable to display many buttons on the display screen at the same time.
[0005]
However, considering the area of the display screen, the accuracy of detecting the contact position of the touch panel, the operability as a user interface, and the like, there is a problem that the number of buttons that can be simultaneously displayed on the display screen is limited.
[0006]
For example, in a car audio device, the display area is small because the place where the car audio device is used is inside a car. In addition, in the touch panel of the car audio device, it is assumed that the buttons are operated by touching the screen with a finger. large. Therefore, the number of buttons that can be simultaneously displayed on the display screen is limited.
[0007]
Also, if the touch panel position detection accuracy is low, even if many small buttons are displayed at small intervals on the display screen, the touch panel itself cannot recognize the difference in the button position, so the user can specify and select the button Can not do it. Also in this point, there is a problem that the number of buttons is limited, and it is difficult to select and operate many functions provided in the device.
[0008]
Further, it is conceivable that the operation screen has a hierarchical structure in order to select and operate many functions provided in the device with a small number of buttons. For example, a hierarchical structure is created by grouping a large number of functions, and first, a first screen on which buttons for selecting groups are arranged is displayed. Then, when any button in the first screen is pressed, a second screen in which buttons for selecting a subgroup belonging to a group corresponding to the pressed button are displayed. Further, when any button in the second screen is pressed, a third screen is displayed in which buttons for selecting a plurality of functions belonging to a subgroup corresponding to the pressed button are arranged.
[0009]
However, when the operation screen has a hierarchical structure as described above, there is a problem that the operation of the device is complicated.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the problems exemplified above, and a first object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel input device and a touch panel input device capable of realizing selection input of a plurality of options by a rough operation It is to provide a method.
[0011]
A second object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel input device and a touch panel input method capable of realizing selection and input of a large number of options even when using a touch panel with low contact position detection accuracy.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The touch panel input device according to claim 1 is a touch panel input device that detects a touch on a panel surface of a touch panel and selects any one of a plurality of options. A designation unit for designating any one of the plurality of options as a selection candidate when the panel surface is contacted in the first aspect; and one of the plurality of options is designated as a selection candidate by the designation unit. And selecting means for selecting an option specified as the selection candidate when the panel surface is touched in the second mode in the state of being pressed.
[0013]
The touch panel input device according to claim 4 for solving the above-mentioned problem is a touch panel input device that detects a touch on a panel surface of a touch panel and selects any one of a plurality of options, The panel surface is divided into a plurality of detection regions, and when there is a contact of the first aspect on the panel surface, one of a plurality of options assigned to the detection region including the contact position is selected. A designation unit for designating a selection candidate; and a state in which, when one of the options is designated as a selection candidate by the designation unit, a detection area on the panel surface to which the option designated for the selection candidate is assigned. And selecting means for selecting an option specified as the selection candidate when there is a contact in the second aspect.
[0014]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program for causing a computer to function as the touch panel input device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.
[0015]
The touch panel input method according to claim 13 is a touch panel input method for detecting a touch on a panel surface of the touch panel and selecting any one of a plurality of options. A designation step of designating any one of the plurality of options as a selection candidate when there is a first aspect of contact with the panel surface, and one of the options being designated as a selection candidate in the designation step A selection step of selecting an option specified as the selection candidate when the panel surface is touched in the second aspect in the state of being pressed.
[0016]
The touch panel input method according to claim 14 is a touch panel input method for detecting a touch on a panel surface of the touch panel and selecting any one of a plurality of options. The panel surface is divided into a plurality of detection regions, and when there is a contact of the first aspect on the panel surface, one of a plurality of options assigned to the detection region including the contact position is selected. A designation step of designating a selection candidate; and, when one option is designated as a selection candidate in the designation step, a selection area on the panel surface to a detection area to which the option designated by the selection candidate is assigned. And a selecting step of selecting an option specified as the selection candidate when there is a contact in the second aspect.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
(1st Embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a touch panel and a touch panel input device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing that a plurality of options are assigned on the panel surface of the touch panel.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment detects a touch on the panel surface 20a of the touch panel 20, and selects one of a plurality of options. The touch panel input device 10 includes: a designation unit 11 that designates any one of the plurality of options as a selection candidate when the panel surface 20a is touched in the first mode; When there is a second aspect of contact with the panel surface 20a in a state where one of the options is designated as a selection candidate, there is provided a selection means 12 for selecting the option designated as the selection candidate.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that options SL1 to SL5 are assigned to a panel surface 20a of the touch panel 20, for example. In this case, when the user touches the panel surface 20a in the first mode, the specifying unit 11 detects this and specifies any one of the options SL1 to SL5 as a selection candidate.
[0022]
When the user touches the panel surface 20a in the first mode, various configurations are conceivable as to which of the options SL1 to SL5 is to be specified by the specifying unit 11 as a selection candidate. For example, each time the panel surface 20a is touched in the first mode, an option different from the option specified immediately before as the selection candidate may be specified as a new selection candidate. Specifically, when the user touches the panel surface 20a for the first time in the first mode, the option SL1 is designated as a selection candidate. When the user touches the panel surface 20a again in the first mode, the option SL1 is removed from the selection options, and a new option SL2 is selected. Is designated as a selection candidate. When touching again in the first mode, the option SL2 is excluded from the selection candidates, and the option SL3 is designated as a new selection candidate.
[0023]
When the user touches the panel surface 20a in the second mode in a state where one option is designated as a selection candidate by the designation unit 11, the selection unit 12 detects this and is designated as the selection candidate. Select an option.
[0024]
There are a first mode and a second mode in the mode of contacting the panel surface 20a. For example, the first mode may be a mode in which the panel surface 20a is contacted once (single touch), and the second mode may be a mode in which the panel surface 20a is continuously touched twice (double touch). Further, the first aspect may be an aspect that makes short contact with the panel surface 20a, and the second aspect may be an aspect that makes long contact with the panel surface 20a. Furthermore, the first aspect may be an aspect that contacts the panel surface 20a with a weak force, and the second aspect may be an aspect that contacts the panel surface 20a with a strong force. Note that the first mode and the second mode may be any modes as long as they are different modes that can be identified.
[0025]
According to the touch panel input device according to the first embodiment, the user can easily select one desired option from a plurality of options by a rough operation. That is, the operation required for the user to select one desired option from a plurality of options is, for example, an operation of touching the panel surface once and an operation of continuously touching the panel surface twice. There is no need for a careful operation such as precisely touching a predetermined small area (for example, a small button) on the panel surface or an operation that requires concentration of nerves. Also, a complicated operation such as pressing a plurality of buttons provided on the panel surface is unnecessary.
[0026]
In addition, according to the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment, options can be selected only by, for example, an operation of touching the panel surface once and an operation of continuously touching the panel surface twice. Even when a touch panel with low detection accuracy is used, an input operation of selecting one option from many options can be easily realized.
[0027]
Further, in the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment, when one option is selected by the selection means 12 and the panel surface 20a is touched in the third mode, the selected option is determined. It may be provided with a first determination unit that determines that the selection has been performed and executes a predetermined process assigned to the option. The third aspect may be different from the first and second aspects, or the third aspect may be the same aspect as the second aspect. For example, the third aspect may be an aspect in which the panel surface 20a is continuously contacted twice.
[0028]
Thus, the selected option can be determined by a simple operation.
[0029]
Further, in the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed in a state where one option is selected by the selection unit 12, the selected option is determined to be determined, The information processing apparatus may further include a second determination unit that executes a predetermined process assigned to the option.
[0030]
This allows the user to determine the selected option without performing an operation to determine the selected option. That is, when the user selects one option, it is expected that the user intends to determine the option. However, when the user selects an incorrect option, a change in the option is expected. Therefore, if the configuration is such that the selected option is determined after waiting for a predetermined time, it is possible to automatically determine the option according to the user's intention. Thereby, the operability of the input operation can be improved. The predetermined time is set in consideration of, for example, such a purpose. Specifically, the predetermined time is desirably about 2 to 3 seconds, but is not limited thereto.
[0031]
Note that a configuration may be employed in which the user can arbitrarily set whether or not to automatically determine an option based on the elapse of a predetermined time by the second determining unit. Further, the predetermined time may be configured to be arbitrarily set by the user.
[0032]
Further, in the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment, a display arranged so as to overlap the panel surface 20a of the touch panel 20 and a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of options are respectively displayed on the display in a first display mode. When one option is designated as a selection candidate by the display unit and the designation unit 11, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed to the second display mode, and one option is selected and input by the selection unit 12. When it is determined that the button has been changed, a display mode changing unit for changing the display mode of the button corresponding to the option to the third display mode may be added.
[0033]
In the case where the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment is provided with the first determining means or the second determining means, a display arranged to overlap the panel surface 20a of the touch panel 20 and the plurality of options are displayed on the display. And a display unit for displaying a plurality of buttons corresponding to the first in the first display mode, and when one option is designated as a selection candidate by the specifying unit 11, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed to the second display mode. When a change is made and one option is selected by the selecting means 12, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed to the third display mode, and one option is determined by the first determining means or the second determining means. When it is determined that the button has been changed, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed to the fourth display mode. It may be added and means.
[0034]
As described above, according to the configuration in which the display, the display unit, and the display mode changing unit are added, the user sees the display mode of the button displayed on the display, and thereby the designated option, the selected option, or It is possible to easily confirm what the determined options are. Therefore, the operability of the touch panel input device can be improved.
[0035]
(2nd Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0036]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a touch panel and a touch panel input device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing that a plurality of options are assigned on the screen of the touch panel.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 3, the touch panel input device 30 according to the second embodiment detects a touch on the panel surface 20a of the touch panel 20, and selects one of a plurality of options. Then, the touch panel input device 30 divides the panel surface 20a into a plurality of detection regions, and when there is a first aspect of contact with the panel surface 20a, a plurality of options assigned to the detection region including the contact position. And a designation unit 31 for designating any one of the selection candidates as a selection candidate. When the designation unit 31 designates one of the selection candidates as a selection candidate, the selection unit 31 And selecting means 32 for selecting the option designated as the selection candidate when there is a contact in the second mode to the detection area to which is assigned.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that, for example, among the detection areas A1 to A4 provided by roughly dividing the panel surface 20a of the touch panel 20 into four, for example, options SL11 to SL13 are assigned to the detection area A1. In this case, when the user touches the detection area A1 on the panel surface 20a in the first mode, the specifying unit 31 specifies any one of the options SL11 to SL13 as a selection candidate. Various configurations are conceivable as to which one of the options SL11 to SL13 is designated by the designating unit 31 as a selection candidate, and the configuration may be the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0039]
When the user touches the detection area A1 on the panel surface 20a in the second mode in a state where one of the options SL11 to SL13 assigned to the detection area A1 is specified as a selection candidate by the specifying unit 31. The selection means 32 selects the option specified as the selection candidate.
[0040]
Also, as shown in FIG. 4, similarly, when the user touches the detection area A2 on the panel surface 20a in the first mode even when, for example, the options SL14 and SL15 are assigned to the detection area A2, the designation unit 31 , One of the options SL14 and SL15 is designated as a selection candidate. When the user touches the detection area A2 on the panel surface 20a in the second mode in a state where one of the options SL14 and SL15 is specified as a selection candidate by the specifying unit 31, the selection unit 32 performs the selection. Select the option specified as a candidate.
[0041]
Furthermore, even when the options SL16 to SL18 are assigned to the detection area A3, for example, and the options SL19 to SL22 are assigned to the detection area A4, the selection candidates are similarly designated and selected. be able to.
[0042]
According to the touch panel input device 30 according to the second embodiment, the user can perform a rough operation of touching any one of the detection areas provided by roughly dividing the panel surface, and perform a large number of options. Can be easily selected and input. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the detection areas A1 to A4 are provided by roughly dividing the panel screen into four, and a total of 12 options are assigned to these detection areas A1 to A4, the user can relatively An operation of touching any one of the detection areas A1 to A4 having a large area in the first mode and an operation of subsequently touching the same detection area in the second mode can be selected from among 12 options. One can be selected. That is, it is not necessary to perform a careful and meticulous operation such as accurately pressing one of the twelve buttons corresponding to the twelve options. Note that there are a first mode and a second mode as the mode of contact, and the specific contents of these are the same as those of the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment.
[0043]
Further, according to the touch panel input device 30 according to the second embodiment, a specific option can be selected only by an operation of touching the detection area having a relatively large area in the first mode and an operation of touching the detection area in the second mode. Since selection is possible, even when a touch panel having low contact position detection accuracy is used, an input operation of selecting one option from many options can be easily realized.
[0044]
Further, in the touch panel input device 30 according to the second embodiment, when one option is selected by the selection unit 32, the touch panel input to the detection area to which the selected option is assigned is selected on the panel surface 20a. When there is a contact in any of the three modes, the apparatus may further include a first determination unit that determines the selected option as determined, and executes a predetermined process assigned to the option. The third aspect may be different from the first and second aspects, or the third aspect may be the same aspect as the second aspect. For example, the third aspect may be an aspect in which the panel surface 20a is continuously contacted twice.
[0045]
Thus, the selected option can be determined by a simple operation.
[0046]
Further, in the touch panel input device 30 according to the second embodiment, when a predetermined time has elapsed while one option is selected by the selection unit 32, the selected option is determined as determined, The information processing apparatus may further include a second determination unit that executes a predetermined process assigned to the option.
[0047]
Thus, the user can determine the selected option without performing the operation of determining the selected option, and the operability of the input operation can be improved.
[0048]
Further, in the touch panel input device 30 according to the second embodiment, similarly to the touch panel input device 10 according to the first embodiment, a display, a display unit, and a display mode changing unit may be added. Thereby, the user can easily confirm what the designated option, the selected option, or the determined option is by looking at the display mode of the button displayed on the display. Therefore, the operability of the touch panel input device can be improved.
[0049]
Note that the above-described embodiments may be realized in a form in which the dedicated apparatus is configured integrally with hardware, or may be realized by causing a computer to read a program.
[0050]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following embodiments, the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle DVD player.
[0051]
First, the configuration of the in-vehicle DVD player according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0052]
FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle DVD player according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the DVD player 50 according to the present embodiment includes a system controller 51, a disk reading unit 52, a reproduction processing unit 53, a speaker 54, a display 55, and a touch panel 56.
[0053]
The system controller 51 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like, controls the entire DVD player 50, and controls touch panel input control and button display control. Do.
[0054]
The disk reading unit 52 includes a spindle motor, an optical pickup, a servo control mechanism, and the like, and reads audio data, video data, and the like recorded on the DVD 1.
[0055]
The reproduction processing unit 53 includes a demodulation unit, a decoder, and the like. The reproduction processing unit 53 demodulates and decodes audio data, video data, and the like read from the disk reading unit 52, and generates an audio signal, a video signal, and the like. Then, the audio signal is output to the speaker 54, and the video signal is output to the display 55.
[0056]
The display 55 is a display device that displays a video, a menu, and the like obtained by playing the DVD 1, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display.
[0057]
The touch panel 56 is, for example, a resistance pressure-sensitive touch panel, and is formed in a transparent plate shape. The touch panel 56 outputs a detection signal indicating a contact position on the panel surface to the system controller 51 when there is a contact from outside to the panel surface. Note that the touch panel 56 may be configured by a touch panel or a digitizer of an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetostrictive type, an optical type, or the like.
[0058]
The touch panel 56 is arranged so as to overlap the screen of the display 55. The touch panel 56 and the display 55 form a touch panel unit 57. The touch panel unit 57 is housed in a small housing so that it can be arranged, for example, around a front panel of an automobile.
[0059]
Next, the display screen of the DVD player 50 and the panel surface of the touch panel 56 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0060]
FIG. 6 shows a touch panel unit 57 including a display 55 and a touch panel 56. As shown in FIG. 6, the transparent panel surface 56a of the touch panel 56 is arranged so as to overlap on the display screen 55a of the display 55.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 6, the panel surface 56a of the touch panel 56 is divided into, for example, 16 detection regions R in accordance with the contact position detection accuracy of the touch panel 56. These detection areas R are the minimum units for detecting the contact position of the touch panel 56. That is, when there is a touch on the panel surface 56a, the touch panel 56 outputs a detection signal indicating which of the 16 detection areas R has been touched. Therefore, even if the contact position is different within one detection region R, the touch panel 56 cannot identify the subtle difference in position. That is, even if the contact position is different in one detection region R, as long as the contact position is in the same detection region R, the touch panel 56 outputs a detection signal indicating that there is a contact in the detection region R. Just do it.
[0062]
In the present embodiment, the panel surface 56a is divided into 16 detection regions R in accordance with the touch position detection accuracy of the touch panel 56. However, if the touch position detection accuracy of the touch panel is high, the panel surface 56a can be divided into a finer detection region. May be divided. On the other hand, if the contact position detection accuracy of the touch panel 56 is low, the panel surface 56a may be roughly divided so that the number of the detection areas R may be less than 16. Furthermore, even if the touch position detection accuracy of the touch panel is high, the touch panel may be divided into, for example, 16 or less rough detection areas. Furthermore, regardless of the touch position detection accuracy of the touch panel, one detection region R may be used (the panel surface is not divided).
[0063]
A plurality of buttons B are displayed on the display screen 55a. As will be described later, there are four types of colors for each button B depending on whether the button B is not operated, whether it is designated as a selection candidate, whether it is selected, or determined. Set and changed to color. Each button B is assigned a process to be executed when the button is selected and determined. The user (driver) selects and determines any one of the plurality of buttons B displayed on the display screen 55a (panel surface 56a), and executes the process assigned to the button B.
[0064]
Note that the arrangement, color (display form) of these buttons B, and what processing is assigned to each button B can be set based on the DVD standard. For example, in the case of DVD video, these items can be set by button information or highlight information included in the VOB.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of four detection regions R (these are referred to as detection regions R1 to R4) located at the center of the panel surface 56a (display screen 55a) in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, three buttons B1 to B3 are arranged in the detection area R1. Also, one button B4 is arranged in the detection area R2. Furthermore, there is no button in the detection area R3, and two buttons B5 and B6 are arranged in the detection area R4.
[0066]
Button numbers are assigned to the buttons B1 to B6. For example, "1" is assigned to button B1, "2" is assigned to button B2, "3" is assigned to button B3, "4" is assigned to button B4, "5" is assigned to button B5, and "5" is assigned to button B6. Is assigned “6”.
[0067]
As described above, the minimum unit of the touch position detection accuracy of the touch panel 56 is the detection region R. Therefore, for example, it is not possible to determine which of the buttons B1 to B3 in the detection area R1 has been pressed (touched) only by detecting the contact position. Therefore, in the DVD player 50 of the present embodiment, the buttons B1 to B3 can be selected by executing the touch panel input control described below.
[0068]
Next, touch panel input control and button display control in the DVD player 50 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0069]
8 and 9 show touch panel input control and button display control in the DVD player 50. FIG. 10 shows, in an enlarged manner, four detection regions R1 to R4 located at the center of the panel surface 56a (display screen 55a) in FIG. 6, as in FIG.
[0070]
When the DVD 1 is loaded into the DVD player 50, the reproduction operation of the DVD 1 is started, and for example, a menu is reproduced. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of buttons B are displayed on the display screen 55a (panel screen 56a), and the apparatus is in a state of waiting for user input. At this time, among the buttons B displayed on the display screen 55a, for example, the button with the smallest button number is set in a state of being selected in advance according to the DVD standard. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the button B1 is set to a previously selected state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the color of the button B displayed on the display screen 55a is displayed in a color indicating that the button B1 is selected (hereinafter, this is referred to as a “selected color”). Buttons B2 to B6 are displayed in a color indicating that no operation is performed (hereinafter referred to as “normal color”).
[0071]
In such a state, the system controller 51 starts processing of touch panel input control and button display control.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 8, the system controller 51 first determines whether or not the button B is displayed on the display screen 55a (Step S1).
[0073]
When the button B is displayed (step S1: YES), it is next determined whether or not the panel surface 56a has been touched (step S2).
[0074]
When the user touches panel screen 56a with his / her fingertip by pressing button B displayed on display screen 55a (step S2: YES), system controller 51 then determines whether or not there have been two consecutive touches. That is, it is determined whether or not it is a double touch (step S3).
[0075]
If it is not a double touch, it is determined that the user has made one touch (single touch) (step S3: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not the button B exists in the detection area R including the position on the panel surface 56a touched by the user (step S4).
[0076]
When the button B does not exist in the detection area R (Step S4: NO), the process returns to Step 1. On the other hand, when the button B exists in the detection area R (step S4: YES), it is next determined whether or not the button B designated as the selection candidate exists in the detection area R (step S5). .
[0077]
When there is no button B designated as a selection candidate in the detection area R (step S5: NO), the button B assigned the smallest button number in the detection area R is designated as a selection candidate, and the button B The color of B is changed to a color indicating the state designated as the selection candidate (hereinafter, referred to as a “candidate color”) (step S6). Then, the process returns to step S1.
[0078]
On the other hand, when there is a button B designated as a selection candidate in the detection area R (step S5: YES), the button B is excluded from the selection candidates. Then, among the buttons B existing in the detection area R, the button B to which the next largest button number is assigned as compared with the button number of the button B excluded from the selection candidates is designated as a new selection candidate. Further, the color of the button B removed from the selection candidate is changed to the normal color, and the button B newly designated as the selection candidate is changed to the candidate color (step S7). Then, the process returns to step S1.
[0079]
On the other hand, in step S3, when the user has continuously touched the panel screen 56a twice (double touch) (step S3: YES), the system controller 51 then determines the position touched by the user. It is determined whether or not there is a button B already designated as a selection candidate in the detection area R corresponding to (step S8).
[0080]
If there is a button B specified as a selection candidate in the detection area R (step S8: YES), it is next determined whether the button B specified as the selection candidate is the same as the selected button. (Step S9).
[0081]
When the button B designated as the selection candidate is not the same as the selected button B (step S9: NO), it is assumed that the button B designated as the selection candidate has been selected, and the color of the button is selected as the selected color. (Step S10). Further, the button B is removed from the selection candidates (step S11). Then, the process returns to step S1.
[0082]
On the other hand, when the button B specified as the selection candidate is the same as the selected button B in step S9 (step S9: YES), it is determined that the button B is determined, and the color of the button B is changed to The color is changed to a color indicating the determined state (hereinafter, referred to as “determined color”) (step S13). Further, the button B is removed from the selection candidates (step S14). At this time, the system controller 51 executes a process to be executed when the button is determined. Depending on the content of this processing, the touch panel input control and the button display control processing are terminated.
[0083]
On the other hand, when the button B specified as the selection candidate does not exist in the detection area R corresponding to the position touched by the user in step S8 (step S8: NO), the button B is next selected in the detection area R. It is determined whether or not the button B exists (step S12).
[0084]
When the selected button B exists in the detection area R (step S12: YES), it is determined that the selected button B has been determined, and the color of the button is changed to the determined color (step S13). The button B is removed from the selection candidates (step S14). At this time, the system controller 51 executes a process to be executed when the button is determined. Depending on the content of this processing, the touch panel input control and the button display control processing are terminated.
[0085]
On the other hand, when the selected button B does not exist in the detection area R corresponding to the position touched by the user in step S12 (step S12: NO), steps S4 to S7 are executed, and the user touches the panel surface 56a by one. The processing is performed in the same manner as when touched twice.
[0086]
On the other hand, in step S2, when there is no contact with the panel surface 56a, the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG. Then, the system controller 51 determines whether or not the selected button B exists.
[0087]
If there is no selected button B (step S15: NO), the process returns to step S1 in FIG.
[0088]
On the other hand, when there is the selected button B, it is next determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the button B was selected (step S16).
[0089]
If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S16: NO), the process returns to step S1 in FIG.
[0090]
On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S16: YES), the button B is determined to be determined, and the color of the button is changed to the determined color (step S17). Further, the button B is removed from the selection candidates (step S18). At this time, the system controller 51 executes a process to be executed when the button is determined. Depending on the content of this processing, the touch panel input control and the button display control processing are terminated.
[0091]
Note that whether or not to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 in FIG. 9 can be arbitrarily set by the user. If the user has set not to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 and there is no contact with the panel surface 56a in step S2 in FIG. 8, the processing immediately returns to step S1 in FIG. . As a result, even if the selected button B exists, the button B is not automatically determined.
[0092]
Further, when the user sets to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18, the user can further arbitrarily set the predetermined time in step S16. For example, if the predetermined time is set to 2-3 seconds, the operability will be improved.
[0093]
Also, even when the user sets to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18, for example, after the reproduction of the menu is started, there is no contact with the panel surface 56a (that is, the panel surface 56a is left in the initial state). ), The processing of steps S15 to S18 may be configured to not be executed exceptionally. That is, in this case, if there is no contact with the panel surface 56a in step S2 in FIG. 8, the process immediately returns to step S1 in FIG.
[0094]
Next, specific operations of the touch panel input control and the button display control will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0095]
FIGS. 11 to 24 show, in an enlarged manner, four detection regions R1 to R4 located at the center of the panel surface 56a (display screen 55a) in FIG. 6, as in FIG.
[0096]
First, selection and determination of the button B1 will be described.
[0097]
As described above, in the initial state when the menu is reproduced, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the button B1 in the detection area R1 on the panel surface 56a is set to a selected state. In this manner, when one button is selected, the selected state is maintained until another button is selected or determined.
[0098]
In this state, when the user touches the detection region R1 once, the button B1 is designated as a selection candidate and the button B1 becomes a candidate color as shown in FIG.
[0099]
In this state, if the user touches the detection region R1 twice more continuously, the button B1 is determined and the button B1 becomes the determined color as shown in FIG. That is, as described above, once a certain button is selected, the selected state of the button is maintained until another button is selected or determined. More specifically, once a certain button is once selected, even if the button or another button is designated as a selection candidate, the selection state of that button is internally maintained. Therefore, when the user successively touches the panel surface 56a twice, when the button designated as the selection candidate matches the button in which the selection state is maintained (step 9 in FIG. 8: YES). , The button is immediately in the determined state. However, if the button designated as the selection candidate is different from the button in which the selection state is maintained when the user touches the panel surface 56a twice consecutively (step 9 in FIG. 8: NO), The button designated as the selection candidate is in the selected state, and the button that has been selected so far is released from the selected state. According to the above process, the button B1, which was in the selected state in the initial state immediately after the menu was reproduced, maintains the selected state even after being designated as a selection candidate. If the user touches the detection area R1 twice continuously, the button B1 is determined.
[0100]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the initial state where the menu is reproduced (the state in which the button B1 is selected), when the user continuously touches the detection region R1 twice, the button B1 is immediately determined, As shown in FIG. 12, the determined color is obtained.
[0101]
Next, selection and determination of the button B2 will be described.
[0102]
As shown in FIG. 11, when the user touches the detection region R1 once in a state where the button B1 of the detection region R1 is designated as a selection candidate, the button B2 is designated as a selection candidate as shown in FIG. , Button B2 becomes a candidate color. At this time, since the button B1 is still in the selected state, the selected color of the button B1 is maintained.
[0103]
In this state, if the user touches the detection region R1 twice more continuously, the button B2 is selected and the button B2 becomes the selected color as shown in FIG. At this time, when the button B2 is selected, the button B1 is released from the selected state, and becomes the normal color. In this state, if the user touches the detection region R1 twice more continuously, the button B2 is determined and the button B2 becomes the determined color as shown in FIG.
[0104]
When the user has set to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 in FIG. 9, when a predetermined time has elapsed while the button B2 is selected as shown in FIG. 14, as shown in FIG. Then, the button B2 is automatically determined, and the button B2 becomes the determined color.
[0105]
Next, selection and determination of the button B3 will be described.
[0106]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the user touches the detection region R1 once in a state where the button B2 of the detection region R1 is designated as a selection candidate, the button B3 is designated as a selection candidate as shown in FIG. , Button B3 becomes a candidate color. In this state, when the user touches the detection region R1 twice more continuously, the button B3 is selected and the button B3 becomes the selected color as shown in FIG. In this state, if the user touches the detection region R1 twice more continuously, the button B3 is determined and the button B3 becomes the determined color as shown in FIG.
[0107]
When the user has set to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 in FIG. 9, when a predetermined time elapses while the button B3 is selected as shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. Then, the button B3 is automatically determined, and the button B3 becomes the determined color.
[0108]
Next, selection and determination of the button B5 will be described.
[0109]
As shown in FIG. 10, when the user touches the detection region R4 once while the button B1 of the detection region R1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 19, the button B5 is designated as a selection candidate, and the button B5 is Become a candidate color. In this state, if the user touches the detection region R4 twice more continuously, the button B5 is selected and the button B5 becomes the selected color as shown in FIG. In this state, if the user touches the detection region R4 twice more continuously, the button B5 is determined and the button B5 becomes the determined color as shown in FIG.
[0110]
When the user has set to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 in FIG. 9, when a predetermined time elapses with the button B5 being selected as shown in FIG. 20, as shown in FIG. Then, the button B5 is automatically determined, and the button B5 becomes the determined color.
[0111]
Next, selection and determination of the button B6 will be described.
[0112]
As shown in FIG. 19, when the user touches the detection region R4 once in a state where the button B5 of the detection region R4 is designated as a selection candidate, the button B6 is designated as a selection candidate as shown in FIG. Button B6 becomes the candidate color. In this state, if the user touches the detection region R4 twice more continuously, the button B6 is selected and the button B6 becomes the selected color as shown in FIG. In this state, when the user further touches the detection region R4 twice continuously, the button B6 is determined as shown in FIG. 24, and the button B6 becomes the determined color.
[0113]
When the user has set to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 in FIG. 9, when a predetermined time has elapsed while the button B6 is selected as shown in FIG. 23, as shown in FIG. Then, the button B6 is automatically determined, and the button B6 becomes the determined color.
[0114]
According to the above-described embodiment, the user easily selects and determines a desired one of the buttons B displayed on the display screen 55a (panel surface 56a) by a rough operation. be able to. That is, the operation required for the user to select / determine a desired one button B from a large number of buttons B includes an operation of touching the panel surface 56a once and an operation of continuously touching the panel surface 56a twice. Only. Therefore, even when the DVD player 50 has multiple functions and various functions are set to be selected and determined by a large number of buttons B, the user can easily select and determine each function with a rough operation. . Thereby, the operability of the DVD player 50 can be improved.
[0115]
Further, the button can be selected and determined only by the operation of touching the panel surface 56a once and the operation of continuously touching the panel surface 56a twice, so that the detection accuracy of the contact position can be determined as described in the present embodiment. Even when the touch panel 56 having a low touch panel is used, an input operation of selecting one button B from a large number of buttons B can be easily realized.
[0116]
When the user has set to perform the processing of steps S15 to S18 in FIG. 9, the button B is automatically selected after a predetermined time elapses without performing any operation with one button B selected. It is determined. Thus, the determination operation can be omitted, and the operability can be improved.
[0117]
Further, the color of the button B is changed to a different color depending on whether the button B is not operated, the state specified as a selection candidate, the selected state, or the determined state. -Since the setting is performed, the user can easily confirm the state of the button, and the operability of the button operation can be improved.
[0118]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an in-vehicle DVD player has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a car navigation device, a copying device, a cash dispenser, an automatic ticket vending machine, The present invention can be applied to a user interface of another device such as a portable information terminal.
[0119]
Further, the present invention can be appropriately changed within a scope not contrary to the gist or idea of the present invention which can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a touch panel input device and a touch panel input method with such changes, and functions thereof Is also included in the technical concept of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel and a touch panel input device according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a panel surface of the touch panel input device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel and a touch panel input device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a panel surface of a touch panel input device according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a DVD player according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a touch panel unit of the DVD player according to the embodiment.
7 is an enlarged front view showing a panel surface (display screen) of the touch panel unit in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing touch panel input control and button display control in the DVD player according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing touch panel input control and button display control continued from FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a front view showing a first state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 11 is a front view showing a second state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 12 is a front view showing a third state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 13 is a front view showing a fourth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 14 is a front view showing a fifth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 15 is a front view showing a sixth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 16 is a front view showing a seventh state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 17 is a front view showing an eighth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 18 is a front view showing a ninth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 19 is a front view showing a tenth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 20 is a front view showing an eleventh state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 21 is a front view showing a twelfth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 22 is a front view showing a thirteenth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 23 is a front view showing a fourteenth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
FIG. 24 is a front view showing a fifteenth state of the panel surface (display screen) in the example.
[Explanation of symbols]
10, 30, 51 ... touch panel input device (system controller)
20, 56… Touch panel
20a, 56a ... panel surface
55 ... Display

Claims (14)

A touch panel input device that detects a touch on a panel surface of a touch panel and selects one of a plurality of options,
Designation means for designating any one of the plurality of options as a selection candidate when there is a first aspect of contact with the panel surface;
And selecting means for selecting the option specified as the selection candidate when there is a second aspect of contact with the panel surface in a state where one option is specified as a selection candidate by the specification means. Characteristic touch panel input device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies, as a new selection candidate, an option different from an option specified as a selection candidate immediately before each time there is a first aspect of contact with the panel surface. The touch panel input device according to the above. When there is a third aspect of contact with the panel surface in a state where one option is selected by the selection means, the selected option is determined to be determined, and the predetermined option assigned to the option is determined. 3. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first determination unit configured to execute the process. A touch panel input device that detects a touch on a panel surface of a touch panel and selects one of a plurality of options,
The panel surface is divided into a plurality of detection areas, and when there is a contact in the first aspect on the panel surface, any one of a plurality of options assigned to the detection area including the contact position is selected. Designation means for designating the selection candidate;
When one of the options is specified as a selection candidate by the specification unit, and a second mode contact is made on the panel surface with a detection area to which the option specified as the selection candidate is assigned A touch panel input device, comprising: selection means for selecting an option designated as the selection candidate. Each time there is a contact of the first aspect to the same detection area on the panel surface, the specification unit selects, from among the plurality of options assigned to the detection area, the option that was specified as the selection candidate immediately before. The touch panel input device according to claim 4, wherein a different option is designated as a new selection candidate. In a state where one option is selected by the selection unit, when there is a third aspect of contact with the detection area to which the selected option is assigned on the panel surface, the selected option is selected. 6. The touch panel input device according to claim 4, further comprising: a first determination unit that determines that the option has been determined and executes a predetermined process assigned to the option. When a predetermined time elapses in a state where one option is selected by the selection means, the selected option is determined to be determined, and a second process for executing a predetermined process assigned to the option is performed. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit. A display arranged to overlap the panel surface of the touch panel,
Display means for displaying a plurality of buttons corresponding to the plurality of options on the display in a first display form,
When one option is designated as a selection candidate by the designation means, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed to the second display style, and when one option is selected by the selection means, the option is The touch panel input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a display mode changing unit configured to change a display mode of a button corresponding to (i) to a third display mode. A display arranged to overlap the panel surface of the touch panel,
Display means for displaying a plurality of buttons corresponding to the plurality of options on the display in a first display form,
When one option is designated as a selection candidate by the designation means, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed to the second display style, and when one option is selected by the selection means, The display mode of the corresponding button is changed to the third display mode, and when it is determined that one option is determined by the first determining means or the second determining means, the display mode of the button corresponding to the option is changed. The touch panel input device according to claim 3, further comprising: a display mode changing unit configured to change to a fourth display mode. The first aspect is a mode in which the panel surface is contacted once, and the second mode is a mode in which the panel surface is continuously contacted twice. A touch panel input device according to any of the above. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, wherein the third aspect is the same as the second aspect. A computer program for causing a computer to function as the touch panel input device according to claim 1. A touch panel input method for detecting a touch on a panel surface of a touch panel and selecting one of a plurality of options,
A designation step of designating any one of the plurality of options as a selection candidate when the panel surface is contacted in the first mode;
A selecting step of selecting the option specified as the selection candidate when there is a second mode contact with the panel surface in a state where one option is specified as the selection candidate in the specification step. Characteristic touch panel input method. A touch panel input method for detecting a touch on a panel surface of a touch panel and selecting one of a plurality of options,
The panel surface is divided into a plurality of detection areas, and when there is a contact in the first aspect on the panel surface, any one of a plurality of options assigned to the detection area including the contact position is selected. A designating process to be designated as a selection candidate,
When one of the options is specified as a selection candidate in the specifying step, and the second area touches a detection area on the panel surface to which the option specified as the selection candidate is assigned. A selection step of selecting an option specified as the selection candidate.

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