JP2007052702A - Input device, input method, computer program, and semiconductor device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a versatile input device capable of facilitating its operation. <P>SOLUTION: The input device 1 enters signals corresponding to positions on a touch panel surface 5 touched by a stylus pen to an entertainment device. The input device comprises a position detection section 13 for detecting a contact position of the stylus pen on the touch panel surface 5 and outputting position data indicating detected positions; a position data adjustment section 15 setting the position data as adjusted position data when a distance between a prescribed position and the detected position on the touch panel 5 is shorter than a prescribed value, and generating adjusted position data indicating a position of the point of which a distance from the prescribed position indicates a position of a point having a prescribed distance between the prescribed position and the detected position when the distance is longer than a prescribed distance; and an indicating signal generating section 17 generating indicating signals for making the entertainment device execute processing in response to the adjusted position data generated by the position data adjusting means 15. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for inputting operation contents by an operator to electronic devices such as a video game machine, a personal computer, and an entertainment device.

  There are a wide variety of input devices for electronic devices, ranging from general-purpose devices such as keyboards and mice to electronic devices or software types that are specialized to some extent, such as joysticks. . In particular, input devices for consumer video game devices are variously optimized depending on the type of video game to be executed.

  An input device specialized for an application can exhibit excellent operability for the application, but is otherwise difficult to use. General-purpose input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse are widely used because they are generalized, but they do not exhibit operability as much as a joystick for a specific application.

  The joystick is configured so that the gripping portion is perpendicular to the bottom portion, and the operator can operate the tilting amount (hereinafter referred to as “operation amount”) by tilting the gripping portion with respect to the bottom portion. An instruction signal which is the content, for example, data indicating the moving speed of the character in the video game is determined. There is a limit to the tilting of the gripping part, and therefore the operation amount becomes a predetermined amount or less. The limit of the operation amount is an important factor in executing the game. Although it is possible to use a keyboard or the like instead of the joystick, the game becomes unfair by the input device when the limit of the operation amount is eliminated by using the keyboard or the like.

  In recent years, an input device using a pen tablet or a touch panel in addition to a keyboard and a mouse has become widespread. These input devices allow intuitive input without the need for “familiarity” like a keyboard, and can realize a wider variety of input than a mouse, so even an operator unfamiliar with electronic devices can easily input. It can be carried out.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an input device that can be used in place of a joystick and is versatile and easy to operate.

  The input device of the present invention that solves the above-described problems is an input device that generates an instruction signal for causing a predetermined electronic device to execute processing. Each input device is associated with a predetermined function and is pressed. And a button surface having a plurality of buttons for generating an instruction signal corresponding to the function and a touch panel surface for generating an instruction signal corresponding to a position where a predetermined instruction means contacts. The plurality of buttons are arranged on the button surface so that all buttons can be operated with one hand, and a part of the touch panel surface is associated with a predetermined function. When the predetermined instruction means comes into contact with the area of the part, an instruction signal corresponding to the predetermined function is generated, and when the predetermined instruction means comes into contact with another area, coordinates according to the contact position are generated. An instruction signal representing the above is generated.

  Another input device of the present invention is an input device for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on a touch panel surface to which a predetermined instruction means contacts to a predetermined electronic device. The input device detects a position where the predetermined instruction means on the touch panel surface contacts, and outputs position data representing the detected position; the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detection The position data is used as adjustment position data when the magnitude of the distance between the position and the position is equal to or less than a predetermined size, and between the predetermined position and the detected position when the position data is larger than a predetermined size, Position data adjusting means for generating adjusted position data representing the position of the point whose distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size, and the predetermined position in accordance with the adjusted position data generated by the position data adjusting means. Instruction signal generating means for generating an instruction signal for causing the electronic device to execute processing.

For example, a general-purpose stylus pen can be used as the predetermined instruction means, but a touch panel surface may be formed so as to detect contact with a finger.
When the predetermined size is set to the maximum value of the operation amount of the joystick, for example, the input device can input the operation amount in the same range as the joystick to the electronic device, and can be used as a substitute for the joystick. The human interface is the same as a normal touch panel or pen tablet, so it is very easy to operate.

  In such an input device, for example, the position detecting unit further includes a position data storage unit for storing position data representing the detected position so that the position is continuously detected at a predetermined cycle. You may do it. The predetermined period is, for example, a period synchronized with the vertical synchronization signal. In such a configuration, for example, the position data adjusting unit acquires the position data continuously from the position data storage unit, and the position represented by the position data detected immediately before is determined as the predetermined position. The adjustment position data may be generated as follows.

The position data adjustment unit is configured to determine whether the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is greater than the predetermined position. Thus, it is possible to generate the remaining position data representing the detected position viewed from the point where the distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size. In this case, the apparatus further comprises residual position data storage means for storing the residual position data, and when the position data adjustment means generates the residual position data, the residual position data is stored in the residual position data storage means. At the same time, if the residual position data is already stored in the residual position data storage means, the residual position data is captured, corrected position data is generated from the captured residual position data and the position data, and the detection is performed. Instead of the position, the adjustment position data is generated according to the distance between the position represented by the correction position data and the predetermined position. In such a configuration, all detected positions are reflected in the instruction signal.
For example, the position adjusting means takes in the residual position data from the residual position data storage means, and generates the corrected position data by synthesizing the taken-in residual position data and the position data.

Such an input device is further associated with a predetermined function, and further includes a button surface having a button for causing the instruction signal generation means to generate an instruction signal according to the function when pressed. Also good.
Moreover, a partial area of the touch panel surface may be associated with a predetermined function. In this case, when the detected position is within the partial area, the position detecting means sends the position data to the instruction signal generating means, and the instruction signal generating means When data is sent from the position detecting means, an instruction signal corresponding to the predetermined function is generated.

  The instruction signal generation means has, for example, a table representing the relationship between the adjustment position data and the instruction signal, and generates the instruction data based on this table. As the adjustment position data, for example, data represented by orthogonal coordinates or polar coordinates can be used to facilitate processing.

  The input method of the present invention is a method executed by an input device for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on the touch panel surface to which a predetermined instruction means contacts to a predetermined electronic device. The input method includes a step of detecting a position where the predetermined instruction unit on the touch panel surface contacts and generating position data representing the detected position; a predetermined position on the touch panel surface; and the detected position The position data is used as adjustment position data when the distance between the predetermined position and the distance is less than or equal to a predetermined magnitude, and when the distance is larger than a predetermined magnitude, the predetermined data is between the predetermined position and the detected position. Generating adjustment position data representing the position of the point whose distance from the position of the predetermined size and the residual position data representing the detected position viewed from the point, and according to the adjustment position data, Generating an instruction signal for causing a predetermined electronic device to execute processing.

  The computer program according to the present invention provides a computer for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on the touch panel surface to which the predetermined instruction means comes into contact with a predetermined electronic device, and a position at which the predetermined instruction means contacts on the touch panel surface. Detecting position and outputting position data representing the detected position, when the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size The position data is used as adjustment position data, and when the position data is larger than a predetermined size, an adjustment that represents the position of the point where the distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size between the predetermined position and the detected position. Position data and position data adjusting means for generating residual position data representing the detected position viewed from the point, and the adjustment generated by the position data adjusting means. Depending on the position data, the instruction signal generation means for generating an instruction signal for executing a process in the predetermined electronic device is a computer program for forming.

  The semiconductor device of the present invention is mounted on an input device for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on the touch panel surface to which the predetermined instruction means contacts to a predetermined electronic device, and the predetermined instruction means on the touch panel surface. A position detecting means for detecting a position touched and outputting position data representing the detected position, and a distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is a predetermined size. In the following cases, the position data is used as adjustment position data, and when the position data is larger than a predetermined size, the distance from the predetermined position between the predetermined position and the detected position is the predetermined size. Position data adjusting means for generating adjusted position data representing a position and residual position data representing the detected position viewed from the point, the adjustment generated by the position data adjusting means Depending on the location data, instruction signal generation means for generating an instruction signal for executing a process in the predetermined electronic device is a semiconductor device for realizing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a game system using the input device of the present invention. This game system includes an input device 1, an entertainment device 2, and a display device 3 which are examples of the present invention. The input device 1 is operated by an operator, and inputs an instruction signal indicating the operation content to the entertainment device 2. The entertainment device 2 executes processing in accordance with the instruction signal from the input device 1, and outputs the result as a video signal and an audio signal. The entertainment device 2 is a multimedia device having functions such as video games and playback of various media. The display device 3 displays an image based on the video signal output from the entertainment device 2. As the display device 3, an existing device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an FPD (Flat Panel Display) can be used. The display device 3 may include a speaker so that sound based on the sound signal can be output.
The entertainment device 2 and the display device 3 are not the main part of the present invention, and those conventionally used can be used, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted in this specification.
In FIG. 1, the input device 1, the entertainment device 2, and the display device 3 are connected by wire, but they may be connected so as to transmit and receive data wirelessly.

The input device 1 has a button surface 4 and a touch panel surface 5. The button surface 4 has a button arrangement as shown in FIG. 2, and in this embodiment, it has an up / down / left / right arrow button, a “squat” button, a “switch” button, a “USE” button, and a “Jump” button. ing. The buttons are arranged based on ergonomics, and are arranged so that the operator can easily operate with one hand (in this case, the left hand). For example, each button is arranged at a position where it can be operated with any finger in an open state. In FIG. 2, the thumb of the left hand is the “Jump” button, and the index finger is “Right Arrow” and “USE”. The buttons are arranged so that the middle finger can easily operate the “up arrow” and “down arrow” buttons, the ring finger can operate the “left arrow” and “switch” buttons, and the little finger can operate the “squat” button. Each button can be operated more easily if the frequently used function corresponds to, for example, the index finger or the middle finger.
The function of each button is not limited to this, and may have a different function depending on the type of software executed in the entertainment apparatus 2. Further, the arrangement is not limited to the arrangement shown in FIG. 2 as long as the arrangement is easy to operate.

  The touch panel surface 5 is divided into a main area 6 and a sub area 7 as shown in FIG. The main area 6 has a function as a pen tablet, and input is performed by a stylus pen 8 as shown in FIG. In order to function as a pen tablet, when the stylus pen 8 touches the main area 6, a signal representing the coordinates of the touched position is sent to the entertainment device 2. The sub area 7 has the same function as a normal touch panel, and when an operator touches with a finger or a stylus pen 8, a signal corresponding to the touched position is input. In the sub-region 7, an instruction is determined for each position, but this need not be fixed, and may be determined by a signal from the entertainment device 2. The sub area 7 is configured to include a display in order to function as a touch panel. Since the main area 6 functions as a pen tablet, the display is not an essential component. In the example of FIG. 3, the sub-region 7 is provided at three places, but any number of sub-regions 7 may be provided.

  The stylus pen 8 shown in FIG. 4 also has a shape based on ergonomics, and is formed so that any finger is in a position where the switch 81 and the wheel 82 can be operated when grasped. When the pen tip 83 contacts the touch panel surface 5, the contact position is detected by the input device 1. The stylus pen 8 can communicate with the input device 1 by wire or wirelessly.

FIG. 5 is an internal configuration diagram of such an input device 1. The input device 1 processes signals input from the button surface 4 and the touch panel surface 5 and outputs an instruction signal corresponding to the input content to the entertainment device 2. Therefore, in addition to the operation button surface 4 and the touch panel surface 5, the input device 1 includes an operation button control unit 11, a display control unit 12, a position detection unit 13, a position data storage unit 14, a position data adjustment unit 15, and remaining position data. A storage unit 16, an instruction signal generation unit 17, and an interface unit 18 are provided.
Each component of these input devices 1 may be formed individually, and a semiconductor device having a function of each component, or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided in the input device 1 has a predetermined computer program. May be realized by reading and executing.

  The operation button control unit 11 generates an instruction signal from a signal input when the operator presses a button arranged on the button surface 4 and sets a function of each button. The function of each button is determined by a button setting signal received from the entertainment apparatus 2 via the interface unit 18.

  The display control unit 12 changes the display of the sub area 7 on the touch panel surface 5 and assigns functions according to the position of the sub area 7. The function of each position in the sub area 7 is determined by a touch panel setting signal received from the entertainment device 2 via the interface unit 18.

  The position detection unit 13 detects the position where the stylus pen 8 on the touch panel surface 5 is in contact, and outputs position data representing the detected position. The position data represents the position by orthogonal coordinates or polar coordinates with the center of the main area 6 as the origin, for example. The position data is detected in synchronization with a predetermined period (in this embodiment, a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync: 16.6 ms)). The position data is stored in the position data storage unit 14 if the position it represents is the main area 6, and is sent to the instruction signal generation unit 17 if the position data is the sub area 7.

  The position data adjustment unit 15 acquires position data from the position data storage unit 14 and also acquires residual position data from the residual position data storage unit 16 and generates adjustment position data from these data. If new residual position data is generated when the adjustment position data is generated, the new residual position data is stored in the residual position data storage unit 16.

The adjustment position data will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 6 shows position data obtained by operating the joystick. In the joystick, the input signal is determined by the operation amount of the grip portion, but the operation amount is limited. The circle in FIG. 6 represents the limit. The operation amount is output as x and y coordinate values. For example, assuming that (128, 128) is the midpoint when no operation is performed in the coordinate space of 0 to 255 for both the x-axis and the y-axis, the following values are obtained from the inclination of the gripping portion. When the grip part of the joystick is tilted to the right as much as possible, (255, 128) is output, and when rotated 30 ° counterclockwise (238, 64), rotated 45 ° (218, 37), 60 ° When rotated, (192, 18) is output. The output coordinate value corresponds to the position data of the present invention. Thus, the amount of operation that can be output by the joystick is up to “128”.

  The position data adjustment unit 15 adjusts the operation amount so that the operation amount is “128” as in the joystick. The maximum operation amount of the stylus pen 8 that moves in the main region 6 is determined by the size of the main region 6, and the maximum operation amount by the main region 6 is not necessarily less than or equal to the maximum operation amount of the joystick. Therefore, the position data adjustment unit 15 adjusts the position data so that the operation amount by the stylus pen 8 is equal to or less than the operation amount by the joystick.

For example, when the operation amount by the stylus pen 8 exceeds the operation amount by the joystick, the excess portion is stored in the remaining position data storage unit 16 as remaining position data. For example, if the position where the stylus pen 8 is in contact is detected as (260, 128), this position falls outside the circle in FIG. 6, so (255, 128) is output as adjustment position data, and the adjustment is performed. The remaining result (5, 128) is stored in the residual position data storage unit 16 as residual position data.
Further, if there is already residual position data, corrected position data obtained by correcting the detected position data with the residual position data is once generated, and the corrected position data is determined based on the corrected position data so that the corrected position data does not exceed the operation amount by the joystick. Adjustment position data is generated.
When the operation amount by the stylus pen 8 is equal to or less than the operation amount by the joystick, the position data acquired from the position data storage unit 14 becomes the adjustment position data as it is. When the correction position data is equal to or less than the operation amount by the joystick, this correction position data becomes the adjustment position data as it is.

  The instruction signal generator 17 generates an instruction signal based on the position data sent from the position detector 13 or the adjusted position data sent from the position data adjuster 15. The generation of the instruction signal is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, a cycle corresponding to Vsync). For example, the instruction signal generation unit 17 has a table representing the relationship between position data (adjustment position data) and an instruction signal, and generates an instruction signal based on this table. The position data (adjustment position data) is represented by orthogonal coordinates or polar coordinates. Since the main area 8 has a function as a pen tablet, the coordinates represented by the adjustment position data may be used as the instruction signal.

  The interface unit 18 transmits / receives data to / from the entertainment device 2. The interface unit 18 receives a timing signal (for example, Vsync) that is a cycle for generating an instruction signal from the entertainment device 2, a button setting signal for setting a function on each button on the button surface 4, and a touch panel surface 5, an image to be displayed on the touch panel, a touch panel setting signal indicating what function is set in each position of the sub-region 7, and the like are received. The input device 1 performs various processes in synchronization with the received timing signal, detects the position where the stylus pen 8 touches the touch panel surface 5, and outputs an instruction signal generated by operating the touch panel surface 5 and the button surface 4. I do. The button setting signal is sent from the interface unit 18 to the operation button control unit 11. The touch panel setting signal is sent from the interface unit 18 to the display control unit 12. Further, the interface unit 18 transmits an instruction signal or the like generated by the instruction signal generation unit 17 to the entertainment device 2.

  In this embodiment, the input device 1 includes the position data storage unit 14, the position data adjustment unit 15, the remaining position data storage unit 16, and the instruction signal generation unit 17, but these are provided on the entertainment device 2 side. You may make it prepare for. That is, the position data output from the position detection unit 13 may be sent to the entertainment device 2 via the interface unit 18, and the instruction signal may be generated from the position data in the entertainment device 2.

  In such an input device 1, an instruction signal is transmitted to the entertainment device 2 as shown in the processing flowchart of FIG. 8.

  When the input device 1 detects that the touch panel surface 5 has been tapped at a predetermined period, for example, at a timing synchronized with Vsync, or by the stylus pen 8, the stylus pen 5 on the touch panel surface 5 is touched by the position detection unit 13. The position to be detected is detected (step S10). The position detection unit 13 confirms whether the detected position is the main area 6 or the sub area 7 (step S20). When the detected position is the sub-region 7, position data representing this position is sent to the instruction signal generation unit 17. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal according to the received position data (Step S20: N, Step S30).

  When the detected position is the main area 6, the position detection unit 13 stores position data representing this position in the position data storage unit 14 (step S20: Y, step S40). Next, the residual position data storage unit 16 is referred to check whether there is residual position data (step S50). If there is residual position data, the position data adjustment unit 15 acquires the residual position data (step S50: yes, step S60). The position data adjustment unit 15 once generates correction position data from the position data acquired from the position data storage unit 14 and the residual position data acquired from the residual position data storage unit 16 (step S70). Adjustment position data is generated from the corrected position data. If there is no remaining position data, adjustment position data is generated from the position data acquired from the position data storage unit 14 (step S50: none).

  The position data adjustment unit 15 generates adjustment position data from the corrected position data or position data. For this purpose, it is determined whether the correction position data or the adjustment position data is equal to or less than the limit distance of the joystick (step S80). If the distance is equal to or shorter than the limit distance, the corrected position data or the position data becomes the adjusted position data as it is and is sent to the instruction signal generation unit 17 (step S80: Y). If it is larger than the limit distance, adjustment position data and residual position data are generated from the corrected position data or position data (step S80: Y, step S90). The generated residual position data is stored in the residual position data storage unit 16 (step S100). The adjustment position data is sent to the instruction signal generator 17.

  The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal according to the adjustment position data (step S110). The generated instruction signal is output via the interface unit 18 and sent to the entertainment apparatus 2 (step S120).

In this way, an input device having the same operation amount as that of the joystick is more versatile than the joystick and has higher operability than an input device such as a keyboard.
Below, the example of the specific input process by this input device 1 is demonstrated.

<Example 1>
A case where the position where the stylus pen 8 contacts on the touch panel surface 5 is as shown in FIG. 7 will be described. On the touch panel surface 5 having a resolution of 320 × 240, the contact position of the stylus pen 8 has a curved shape from points O to B. The positions of the points O, A, and B are detected in this order. The position is detected at the same 16.6 ms interval as the output timing of the instruction signal to the entertainment apparatus 2.

Point A is at a position of (80, 30 °) in polar coordinates when viewed from point O. Point B is at a position of (100, 60 °) in polar coordinates when viewed from point A. The distance is represented by a value based on the resolution of the touch panel surface 5. Further, when the point A is detected, the residual position data is not stored in the residual position data storage unit 16. The limit distance corresponding to the maximum operation amount when the joystick is used is 50.
In the first embodiment, the input device 1 generates adjustment position data in the order of points a, b, c, and B in FIG. 9 from the detected position data, and outputs an instruction signal based thereon.

  The position at the time of detecting the point A (16.6 ms after the detection of the point O: the first period) is represented by (80, 30 °) as described above, and this is stored in the position data storage unit 14 as position data. . Since the distance between the points O and A is “80” and exceeds the limit distance “50” of the joystick, the position data is adjusted by the position data adjusting unit 15 to generate adjusted position data and residual position data. . Here, (50, 30 °) is generated as the adjustment position data, and (30, 30 °) is generated as the remaining position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (50, 30 °). The adjustment position data represents the position of the point a, and the remaining position data represents the position of the point A viewed from the point a.

  At the next timing (33.2 ms after point O detection: second period), the position data (100, 60 °) of point B is detected and stored in the position data storage unit 14. At this time, the residual position data storage unit 16 stores (30, 30 °) residual position data when the point a is generated, and the position data adjustment unit 15 uses the detected position data as the residual position data. Correct by In the first embodiment, the corrected position data is generated by combining the detected position data and the remaining position data. The corrected position data is (126.8, 53.2 °). This is the position of point B viewed from point a. Since the distance between the points a and B is “126.8” and exceeds the limit distance, the corrected position position data is adjusted by the position data adjusting unit 15 to generate adjusted position data and residual position data. Here, (50, 53.2 °) is generated as the adjustment position data, and (76.8, 53.2 °) is generated as the remaining position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (50, 53.2 °). The adjustment position data represents the position of the point b, and the remaining position data represents the position of the point B viewed from the point b.

  At the next timing (49.8 ms after point O detection: third period), new position data is not detected, and adjusted position data is generated from the remaining position data. Although the position is not detected, in order to output the instruction signal at a predetermined cycle, it is necessary to generate adjustment position data at that cycle. If new position data is not detected, for example, if the transition process is performed assuming that position data of (0, 0 °) has been detected, the adjustment position data, An instruction signal can be generated.

  The remaining position data is (76.8, 53.2 °), and the distance between the points b and B is “76.8”. Since this exceeds the limit distance, the position data adjustment unit 15 generates adjustment position data and residual position data. Here, (50, 53.2 °) is generated as adjustment position data, and (26.8, 53.2 °) is generated as residual position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (50, 53.2 °). The adjustment position data represents the position of the point c, and the remaining position data represents the position of the point B viewed from the point c.

  At the next timing (66.4 ms after point O detection: fourth period), new position data is not detected, and adjusted position data is generated from the remaining position data. The residual position data is (26.8, 53.2 °), and the distance between the points bc and B is “26.8”. Since this is less than or equal to the limit distance, adjusted position data is generated by the position data adjusting unit 15. Here, (26.8, 53.2 °) is generated as the adjustment position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (26.8, 53.2 °). This adjustment position data represents the position of the point B.

In summary, the position data at each timing is as follows.
Detected position data Corrected position data Adjusted position data Residual position data 1st period (80,30 °) (80,30 °) (50,30 °) (30,30 °)
Second period (100,60 °) (126.8,53.2 °) (50,53.2 °) (76.8,53.2 °)
3rd cycle None (76.8,53.2 °) (50,53.2 °) (26.8,53.2 °)
4th cycle None (26.8,53.2 °) (26.8,53.2 °) None

In the first embodiment, the position data representing the position detected on the touch panel surface 5 and the remaining position data remaining at the previous timing are combined, so that the operation amount is always qualified and the shortest distance is obtained. An instruction signal is generated. Therefore, even if an operation over several to several tens of timings is performed, it is unlikely that an instruction signal for a past operation will be output forever.
In this example, the limit distance is described as “50”. However, this value is a conversion rate when converting the touch panel operation into the joystick operation. If this value is decreased, the sensitivity of the touch panel increases (a little). On the other hand, the output of the joystick manipulated variable continues for a long time. On the other hand, if the value is increased, the sensitivity decreases, but the output of the joystick manipulated variable ends early.

<Example 2>
In the second embodiment as well, the case where the position where the stylus pen 8 contacts moves as shown in FIG. In the first embodiment, the detected position data and the remaining position data are combined. However, in the second embodiment, the object is to follow the operation of the operator as much as possible without performing the combination.
In the second embodiment, the position data detected on the touch panel surface 5 and the remaining position data are not synthesized, and an instruction signal based on the position closest to the latest detected position is output under the limitation of the limit distance. Therefore, for example, when the distance based on the residual position data is greater than the limit distance and there is detected position data, the residual of the residual position data and the detected position data are stored as the residual position data.

  The position at the time of detecting the point A (16.6 ms after the detection of the point O) is represented by (80, 30 °), and this is stored in the position data storage unit 14 as position data. Since the distance between the points O and A is “80” and exceeds the limit distance “50” of the joystick, the position data is adjusted by the position data adjusting unit 15 to generate adjusted position data and residual position data. . Here, (50, 30 °) is generated as the adjustment position data, and (30, 30 °) is generated as the remaining position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (50, 30 °). The adjustment position data represents the position of the point a, and the remaining position data represents the position of the point A viewed from the point a.

  At the next timing (33.2 ms after point O detection), the position data (100, 60 °) of point B is detected and stored in the position data storage unit 14. At this time, the residual position data storage unit 16 stores (30, 30 °) residual position data when the point a is generated, and the position data adjustment unit 15 detects the detected position data and the residual position data. The adjustment position data is generated from the above. In the second embodiment, the position data adjustment unit 15 searches the point b at the limit distance “50” from the point a on the line connecting the point A and the point B, and generates adjustment position data. Yes. The position of the point b viewed from the point a becomes the adjustment position data. The remaining position data is the position of point B viewed from point b. Here, the adjustment position data is (50, 42.5 °), and the remaining position data is (78.2, 60 °). The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (50, 42.5 °).

  At the next timing (49.8 ms after point O detection), new position data is not detected, and adjusted position data is generated from the remaining position data. Like the working collar 1, the position is not detected, but in order to output the instruction signal at a predetermined cycle, it is necessary to generate adjustment position data at that cycle. If new position data is not detected, for example, if the transition process is performed assuming that position data of (0, 0 °) has been detected, the adjustment position data, An instruction signal can be generated.

  The remaining position data is (78.2, 60 °), and the distance between the points b and B is “78.2”. Since this exceeds the limit distance, the position data adjustment unit 15 generates adjustment position data and residual position data. Here, (50, 60 °) is generated as the adjustment position data, and (28.2, 60 °) is generated as the remaining position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (50, 60 °). The adjustment position data represents the position of the point c, and the remaining position data represents the position of the point B viewed from the point c.

  At the next timing (66.4 ms after point O detection), new position data is not detected, and adjusted position data is generated from the remaining position data. The remaining position data is (28.2, 60 °), and the distance between the points bc and B is “28.2”. Since this is less than or equal to the limit distance, adjusted position data is generated by the position data adjusting unit 15. Here, (28.2, 60 °) is generated as the adjustment position data. The instruction signal generation unit 17 generates an instruction signal from the adjustment position data (28.2, 60 °). This adjustment position data represents the position of the point B.

In summary, the position data at each timing is as follows.
Detected position data Corrected position data Adjusted position data Residual position data 1st period (80,30 °) (80,30 °) (50,30 °) (30,30 °)
Second period (100,60 °) (30,30 °), (100,60 °) (50,42.5 °) (78.2,60 °)
3rd cycle None (78.2,60 °) (50,60 °) (28.2,60 °)
4th cycle None (28.2,60 °) (28.2,60 °) None

Compared to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, an instruction signal close to the operation by the operator is output, but unlike the first embodiment, the influence of the past operation results does not remain. The propensity for the limit distance is the same as that of the first embodiment.
If all of the remaining position data and the detected position data are equal to or less than the limit distance, an instruction signal corresponding to the latest position data is output.

<Example 3>
FIG. 11 shows detected positions for explaining the third embodiment. The detected positions are represented by points O, A, B, C, and D, and are detected in this order. A circle in FIG. 11 represents a limit distance from the point O. Before the point O is detected, the residual position data is stored in the residual position data storage unit 16.
In the processing as in the first and second embodiments, the point B in FIG. 11 is not easily reflected. In the processing of the first and second embodiments, the position of the point B is synthesized, and for example, the point X is generated as adjustment position data including the point B. Therefore, when only one unique position such as point B is detected among the detected position data, adjustment position data is generated from the position data before and after that point. Therefore, the position data adjustment unit 15 used in the third embodiment has a function of reading out the detected position data from the position storage unit 14 and checking whether the position data is in a specific position.

When the adjustment position data is generated as in the first embodiment, the position data is stored for several timings. In the case of FIG. 11, the position data of the points O, A, and B are synthesized. Adjustment position data representing the point a is generated. Thereby, an instruction signal is generated.
When the adjustment position data is generated as in the second embodiment, a point located near the point D and at the limit distance between the points A and B or between the points B and C is searched. In this example, adjustment position data representing the point a ′ is generated. Thereby, an instruction signal is generated.

<Example 4>
In each of the first to third embodiments, the position data is detected by scratching the touch panel surface 5 with the stylus pen 8 and detecting the scratched position at a predetermined time interval. In the fourth embodiment, the position data is detected by detecting the position tapped by the stylus pen 8. The position is represented, for example, by how far from the center of the touch panel surface 5 is. In FIG. 12, the position in the touch panel surface 5 is represented by (320 × 240). The center point O is represented by (160, 120).

  When the point A is tapped, the position detection unit 13 detects the position (210, 70) of the point A. This is expressed in Cartesian coordinates. The difference from the center point O is (50, −50). The position detection unit 13 stores the difference between the center point O and the point A in the position data storage unit 14 as position data. The position data to be stored may be represented by orthogonal coordinates, but may be (71, 45 °) represented by polar coordinates. Using this position data, an instruction signal is generated by processing as in the first to third embodiments.

For example, the display screen is provided on the touch panel surface 5 and the viewpoint is moved so that the object is located at the center of the screen by tapping the object on the display screen. In this case, it is preferable to calibrate the limit distance so that the tapped object moves to the center of the screen, but even if it is necessary to repeat several taps without being calibrated, that will prevent the game's preference. It is not a thing.
In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that the tapped stylus pen 8 is once separated from the touch panel surface 5 and then has the next tap. Therefore, even if tapped once and the same position is detected over several timings, the instruction signal is output based only on the first tapped detection position.

  Further, it is assumed that the operator frequently taps, and there are cases where the output of the instruction signal for the previous tap is not completed. In such a case, it is preferable to end the output of the instruction signal for the previous tap and switch to the output for a new tap.

  You may combine Example 4 with the input by the scratch shown in Examples 1-3. That is, the contact of the stylus pen 8 with the touch panel surface 5 is processed as a tap as described in the fourth embodiment, and the scratch operation of the stylus pen 8 is processed as described in the first to third embodiments. The instruction signal output for the tap and the instruction signal for the scratch may be performed together, or the instruction signal output for the previous tap may be terminated due to the scratch operation being performed.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a game system using an input device of the present invention. The figure for demonstrating button arrangement | positioning of the button surface of an input device. The figure for demonstrating the main area | region and sub area | region of the touchscreen surface of an input device. The external appearance perspective view of a stylus pen. The internal block diagram of an input device. The figure for demonstrating the position data obtained by operation of a joystick. The figure for demonstrating the position which a stylus pen contacts. The processing flowchart by an input device. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining Example 2; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining Example 3; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining Example 4;

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Input device 2 Entertainment apparatus 3 Display apparatus 4 Button surface 5 Touch panel surface 6 Main area 7 Sub area 8 Stylus pen 11 Operation button control part 12 Display control part 13 Position detection part 14 Position data storage part 15 Position data adjustment part 16 Residual position Data storage unit 17 Instruction signal generation unit 18 Interface unit 81 Switch 82 Wheel 83 Pen tip

Claims (12)

An input device that generates an instruction signal for causing a predetermined electronic device to execute processing,
A predetermined function is associated with each, and a button surface having a plurality of buttons for generating an instruction signal corresponding to the function when pressed,
A touch panel surface for generating an instruction signal according to a position where the predetermined instruction means contacts,
On the button surface, the plurality of buttons are arranged so that all buttons can be operated with one hand,
The touch panel surface has a partial area associated with a predetermined function, and generates an instruction signal corresponding to the predetermined function when the predetermined instruction unit is in contact with the partial area. When the predetermined instruction means comes into contact with another area, an instruction signal representing coordinates according to the contact position is generated.
Input device. An input device for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on a touch panel surface to which a predetermined instruction means comes into a predetermined electronic device,
Position detection means for detecting a position where the predetermined instruction means is in contact with the touch panel surface, and outputting position data representing the detected position;
When the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the position data is used as adjustment position data, and when the distance is larger than the predetermined size, the predetermined position is determined. Position data adjustment means for generating adjustment position data representing the position of a point whose distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size between the position and the detected position;
Instruction signal generating means for generating an instruction signal for causing the predetermined electronic device to execute processing according to the adjusted position data generated by the position data adjusting means,
Input device. The position detection means is configured to continuously detect the position at a predetermined cycle,
It further comprises position data storage means for storing position data representing the detected position,
The position data adjustment unit is configured to continuously acquire the position data from the position data storage unit, and generates the adjustment position data with the position represented by the position data detected immediately before as the predetermined position. It looks like
The input device according to claim 2. The position data adjustment unit is configured to determine whether the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is greater than the predetermined position. Then, residual position data representing the detected position viewed from the point where the distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size is generated,
Further comprising residual position data storage means for storing the residual position data;
When the position data adjusting means generates the residual position data, the residual position data is stored in the residual position data storage means, and when the residual position data is already stored in the residual position data storage means, The remaining position data is captured, corrected position data is generated from the acquired remaining position data and the position data, and the distance between the position represented by the corrected position data and the predetermined position instead of the detected position The adjustment position data is generated according to
The input device according to claim 2. The position adjustment means is configured to take in the residual position data from the residual position data storage means and synthesize the taken-in residual position data and the position data to generate the corrected position data.
The input device according to claim 4. A button surface that is associated with a predetermined function and has a button for causing the instruction signal generation means to generate an instruction signal according to the function when pressed;
The input device according to claim 2. A partial area of the touch panel surface is associated with a predetermined function,
The position detection means is configured to send the position data to the instruction signal generation means when the detected position is within the partial area.
The instruction signal generating means is adapted to generate an instruction signal corresponding to the predetermined function when the position data is sent from the position detecting means.
The input device according to claim 2. The instruction signal generation means has a table representing the relationship between the adjustment position data and the instruction signal, and generates the instruction data from this table.
The input device according to claim 2. The adjustment position data is data represented by orthogonal coordinates or polar coordinates.
The input device according to claim 1. A method executed by an input device for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on a touch panel surface in contact with a predetermined instruction unit to a predetermined electronic device,
Detecting the position where the predetermined instruction means on the touch panel surface is in contact, and generating position data representing the detected position;
When the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the position data is used as adjustment position data, and when the distance is larger than the predetermined size, the predetermined position is determined. Between the position and the detected position, adjustment position data indicating the position of the point whose distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size and residual position data indicating the detected position viewed from the point are generated. And the stage of
Generating an instruction signal for causing the predetermined electronic device to execute a process in accordance with the adjustment position data.
input method. A computer for inputting a signal corresponding to a position on the touch panel surface to which a predetermined instruction means comes into a predetermined electronic device,
Position detecting means for detecting a position where the predetermined instruction means on the touch panel surface contacts, and outputting position data representing the detected position;
When the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the position data is used as adjustment position data, and when the distance is larger than the predetermined size, the predetermined position is determined. Between the position and the detected position, adjustment position data indicating the position of the point whose distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size and residual position data indicating the detected position viewed from the point are generated. Position data adjustment means for
Instruction signal generating means for generating an instruction signal for causing the predetermined electronic device to execute processing according to the adjusted position data generated by the position data adjusting means;
Computer program to form. It is mounted on an input device for inputting a signal corresponding to the position on the touch panel surface to which a predetermined instruction means comes into a predetermined electronic device,
Position detecting means for detecting a position where the predetermined instruction means on the touch panel surface contacts, and outputting position data representing the detected position;
When the distance between the predetermined position on the touch panel surface and the detected position is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size, the position data is used as adjustment position data, and when the distance is larger than the predetermined size, the predetermined position is determined. Between the position and the detected position, adjustment position data indicating the position of the point whose distance from the predetermined position is the predetermined size and residual position data indicating the detected position viewed from the point are generated. Position data adjustment means for
Instruction signal generating means for generating an instruction signal for causing the predetermined electronic device to execute processing according to the adjusted position data generated by the position data adjusting means;
Semiconductor device to realize

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