JP2007140900A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of re-inputting on the basis of an operator's will and performing re-input operation easily. <P>SOLUTION: The operator touches a 'correction' switch during input operation of a character switch displayed to a touch panel display 2 and, when a character input apparatus 1 receives a correction instruction of characters, an emphasis processing part 13 enlarges a switch around the switch corresponding to the character the operator has erroneously inputted to display it. Thus, the operator can easily touch the correct switch when re-inputting the character since the enlarged switch is displayed to the touch panel 2, so that the convenience of character input can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device that determines an input character or the like by touching a touch panel or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, information terminals of in-vehicle devices represented by car navigation and the like are provided with a display unit for providing information and an input unit for performing an input operation.
In addition, in order to improve the efficiency of space and the ease of understanding operations, a display unit is increasingly used as an input unit.
In this method, a contact element is mounted on a screen of a display unit, and a user performs input by touching a switch area displayed on the screen with a finger or the like.

However, in an in-vehicle device such as a car navigation system, when an input operation is performed by touching a switch displayed on the screen, it is contrary to the user's intention due to a vehicle shake or a small display area of the switch. You may touch an unexpected switch.
Therefore, in the input device described in Patent Literature 1, when the operator cannot be associated with a specific switch from the position on the display screen touched by the operator (for example, when the operator touches an area between the switches). ) Emphasizes the position of the switch, for example, by enlarging the display of the switch, so that the operator can accept the switch input operation again.
This allows the operator to perform input operations again while looking at the highlighted switch even if the switch cannot be correctly pressed (touching the area where the switch is displayed correctly) Input operation can be performed correctly.
JP-A-2005-44026

  However, in such a conventional input device, when the position touched by the operator cannot be associated with a specific switch, the switch is highlighted and the input operation is accepted again. If the touch switch touches the wrong switch, the input device recognizes the input as correct, and the operator cannot perform the input operation again to correct the incorrect input. was there.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide an input device that can perform re-input based on the operator's intention and can easily perform the re-input operation.

  In the input device that displays a plurality of selection units on the screen and detects the selection unit selected by the operator, the present invention receives the correction instruction of the detected selection unit from the operator by the correction reception unit, The emphasis presenting means emphasizes and presents the selection unit when the correction accepting means accepts a correction instruction from the operator.

  According to the present invention, when the correction accepting unit accepts the correction instruction from the selection unit, the emphasis presenting unit emphasizes and presents the selection unit around the selection unit selected by the operator by mistake. The user can easily touch the correct selection unit by visually recognizing the selection unit that is emphasized when the selection unit is reselected, and can improve the convenience of the input operation by the operator.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples.
First, the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the first embodiment.
A display screen 2A, a touch panel display 2 in which an element capable of detecting contact coordinates is arranged on the surface of the display screen 2A, an input coordinate detection unit 3 for determining which position on the touch panel display 2 the operator touches, An input / output control unit 4 that controls the execution of the corresponding switch operation according to the position where the operator touches the touch panel display 2, and instructs the execution of the switch highlighting according to the corresponding switch; In response to an instruction from the output control unit 4, an emphasis display control unit 5 that performs switch emphasis display execution processing, and an operation corresponding to the operated switch is executed in accordance with an instruction from the input / output control unit 4. The character input device 1 is configured by the processing execution unit 6.
The process execution part 6 performs the destination input process in the guidance route guidance of a navigation function, for example.

The highlight display control unit 5 includes a storage unit 11 that stores screen data for switch highlighting displayed on the touch panel display 2, a screen reading unit 10 that reads highlighted screen data stored in the storage unit 11, and a later-described display. An emphasis range determination unit 12 that determines a range to be highlighted from the coordinates stored in the coordinate storage unit 14, and an emphasis that creates an image to be displayed on the touch panel display 2 based on the range determined by the emphasis range determination unit 12. The processing unit 13 and a coordinate storage unit 14 that stores coordinates on the touch panel display 2 touched by the operator are configured.
In the character input device 1, when there is an instruction to correct an input character from the operator, the highlight display control unit 5 displays a switch screen, and the operator can easily display the highlighted switch on the touch panel display 2. Correct the input characters. When there is no correction instruction from the operator, the process execution unit 6 performs normal character input processing.

Next, details of the character input process will be described.
In the following, an example is shown in which a keyboard is displayed on the screen, and a destination for car navigation is set by a facility name (here, a station name) by inputting 50 sounds.
FIG. 2 shows the flow of character input processing.
In step 100, the input / output control unit 4 displays an image for character input operation on the touch panel display 2.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, a switch Y for inputting 50 sounds is displayed on the touch panel display 2.

In step 101, the input coordinate detection unit 3 switches the switch displayed on the touch panel display 2 by the operator (here, the switch Y for inputting 50 sounds shown in FIG. 3, the switch Z for instructing “correction”, , The switch W for instructing “search” or the like is touched. If it is determined that the touch has been touched, the process proceeds to step 102 on the assumption that there has been an input operation by the operator. If the operator has not touched the touch panel display 2, the process of step 101 is repeated to continue monitoring whether the operator has touched the touch panel display 2.
In step 102, the input coordinate detection unit 3 detects as input coordinates which position on the touch panel display 2 the operator touches.
It is assumed that the operator is trying to input “Yokohama Eki (Yokohama Station)”.
In step 103, the coordinate storage unit 14 stores the input coordinates detected in step 102.

In step 104, the input / output control unit 4 detects a switch corresponding to the position touched by the operator based on the input coordinates detected in step 102 and the image data displayed on the touch panel display 2.
In step 105, the input / output control unit 4 determines whether the detected switch is a switch for ending input operation such as a “cancel” switch (not shown), or performs an operation such as “search” or “dial” (not shown). It is determined whether the switch is for execution.
If the switch is an input end or operation execution switch, the process execution unit 6 is instructed to perform a corresponding operation, and the character input acceptance process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not a switch indicating completion of input or execution of operation, the process proceeds to step 106.

In step 106, the input / output control unit 4 determines whether or not the detected switch is a switch for instructing correction, specifically, a switch Z for instructing “correction” in FIG.
If it is the switch Z for instructing “correction”, the process proceeds to step 108; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 107.
In step 107, the input / output control unit 4 receives the character corresponding to the switch Y detected in step 104, returns to step 101, and monitors whether there is a next character input operation.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the operator touches “yo” and “ko” among the switches Y displayed on the touch panel display 2, and the character input device 1 accepts “yo” and “ko”. Later, when the operator tries to input “ha” and accidentally touches the “ni” switch, the operator touches the switch Z for instructing “correction” and corrects the character. I will try.
When the input / output control unit 4 detects this input operation in step 106, the process proceeds to step 108.
Note that a switch for inputting “ni” touched by the operator by mistake is a switch Ya.

In step 108, the enhancement range determination unit 12 refers to the coordinate storage unit 14, acquires the coordinates of the switch Ya touched by the operator before “correction”, and determines the enhancement range.
Here, when there is a correction instruction from the operator, the character input device 1 enlarges and displays the switches around the switch Ya that has been erroneously input, and when the operator performs input again, the character input device 1 becomes a correct switch. It should be easy to touch.

In step 109, the emphasis processing unit 13 generates an image in which the switch is emphasized based on the emphasis range determined in step 108 and the emphasis screen data read from the storage unit 11 by the screen reading unit 10. indicate.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator intends to touch the switches around “Ni”, but it is considered that the operator accidentally touched the switch Ya for inputting “Ni”. Thus, the switch Yb around “Ni” is enlarged, and only the image of the enlarged switch Yb and the switch Ya touched by the operator by mistake is displayed on the touch panel display 2.
Note that a switch outside the emphasis range is not displayed on the touch panel display 2.
Further, the switch Ya for inputting “ni” does not function even if the operator touches it.

Here, a method for setting the emphasis range will be described.
The emphasis range determination unit 12 sets the emphasis range based on which position on the switch (here, “ni”) the operator touched before “correction” by referring to the coordinate storage unit 14. To do.
Specifically, the emphasis range determination unit 12 divides the “Ni” switch Ya into left and right parts and determines whether the operator is touching the right part or the left part of the switch Ya.
When the highlight range determination unit 12 determines that the right half area has been touched, it is assumed that the operator actually touched the switch on the right side of “Ni”, and the right side of “Ni” is assumed. The emphasis range is set so that many switches are displayed on the touch panel display 2.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, in addition to “ta”, “chi”, “tsu”, “na”, “nu”, “ha”, “hi”, “fu” around “ni” Set “ma”, “mi”, and “mu” on the right side of the switch as the emphasis range. (Switches for entering “ta”, “chi”, “tsu”, “na”, “nu”, “ha”, “hi”, “fu”, “ma”, “mi”, “mu” Becomes switch Yb.)
Note that the emphasis range determination unit 12 operates the operator for “ta”, “chi”, “tsu”, “na”, “nu”, “ha”, “hi”, “fu” adjacent to “ni”. Is included in the emphasis range regardless of where the switch touches the switch.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the operator has touched the left half area of “NI”, “TA”, “CHI”, “TSU”, “NA”, “NU”, “HA” around “NI” In addition to “”, “hi”, “fu”, “sa”, “shi”, “su” on the left side of these switches are set as the emphasis range.

Returning to FIG. 2, in step 110, the input / output control unit 4 determines whether or not the operator has touched the highlight cancellation switch X (see FIG. 5) for canceling the highlight.
This highlight release switch operates the highlight when there is no need for highlighting, such as when the operator accidentally zooms in or when the input is continuously corrected. It is a switch for releasing by the will of the person.
If it is determined that the operator has touched the highlight cancellation switch X, the process proceeds to step 117. After the highlight processing unit 13 cancels the highlighting of the switch in step 117, the process returns to step 101 to repeat the above processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the operator does not touch the highlight cancellation switch X, the process proceeds to step 111.
In step 111, the input coordinate detection unit 3 determines whether or not the operator has touched the highlighted switch (enlarged switch shown in FIG. 5) displayed on the touch panel display 2, and determines that the operator has touched it. Then, it is determined that there has been an input operation by the operator, and the process proceeds to step 112. If the operator has not touched the touch panel display 2, the process of step 111 is repeated to continue monitoring whether the operator has touched the touch panel display 2.

In step 112, the input coordinate detection unit 3 detects as input coordinates which position on the touch panel display 2 the operator touches.
In step 113, the input / output control unit 4 detects a switch corresponding to the position touched by the operator based on the input coordinates detected in step 112 and the image data displayed on the touch panel display 2.
In step 114, the input / output control unit 4 determines whether or not the detected switch is a switch for instructing correction, specifically, a switch Z for instructing “correction” in FIG.
In the case of the switch Z for instructing “correction”, as in the case where the highlighting release switch X is touched, when the operator unintentionally enlarges the display, or continuously input In the case where it is not necessary to perform highlighting, such as in the case where correction is performed, the process proceeds to step 117 and the highlighting is canceled.
On the other hand, if it is not the switch Z for instructing “correction”, the routine proceeds to step 115.

In step 115, the emphasis processing unit 13 cancels the emphasis display.
In step 116, the input / output control unit 4 receives the character corresponding to the switch detected in step 113, returns to step 101, and monitors whether there is a next character input operation.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, “ha” correctly input by the operator can be received.
In this embodiment, a switch such as 50 sounds and “correction” displayed on the touch panel display 2 constitutes a selection unit in the present invention, and step 106 constitutes a correction accepting unit in the present invention. Steps 108 and 109 constitute the emphasis presenting means in the present invention, and the display screen 2A constitutes the screen in the present invention.

The present embodiment is configured as described above, and when the operator touches the switch Z for instructing “correction” during the input operation of the input character, and there is an instruction to correct the character, The switches around the switch corresponding to the entered character are highlighted. As a result, the operator can easily touch the correct switch when re-inputting characters, and the convenience of character input can be improved.
In addition, in order to emphasize the switch, the operator can easily touch the correct switch by enlarging and displaying the switches around the switch that the operator accidentally touched.

Furthermore, the character that the operator wants to correct ("Ni" switch in the present embodiment) is prevented from accepting an input operation by preventing the operator from entering an incorrect character again. Can do.
In step 110, the highlighting is canceled when the operator touches the highlighting cancellation switch X, so that when the operator unintentionally highlights, the normal input screen can be easily displayed. You can go back.

In this embodiment, when the operator gives a correction instruction, as a method of highlighting the switch, the switch Yb around the switch Ya erroneously touched by the operator is enlarged and displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, only the switch Yb around the switch Ya (a switch in the emphasis range in the present embodiment) for inputting “NI” erroneously touched by the operator is displayed brightly. Then, the brightness of the switch Ya for inputting “NI” and the switch Yc for inputting other characters are reduced. Furthermore, it is possible not to accept input operations of the switches Ya and Yc whose luminance has been reduced.
Thus, the operator can easily touch the correct switch while visually recognizing the bright switch Yb around “Ni”. Further, by setting the switches Ya and Yc whose brightness has been reduced to a state in which an input operation is not accepted, it is possible to prevent the operator from touching the wrong switch.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, only the switch Yb (switch in the emphasis range in the present embodiment) around the switch Ya for inputting “ni” touched by the operator by mistake is greatly emphasized and displayed. The switch Yc for inputting other characters is displayed small. Furthermore, the “Ni” switch Ya that is erroneously touched by the operator is prevented from accepting an input operation.
As a result, the operator can easily touch the correct switch while visually recognizing the highly emphasized switch around “Ni”.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 shows the overall configuration of the second embodiment.
A character input device 1A according to the present embodiment includes a highlight display control unit 5A in which the configuration and processing contents of the highlight display control unit 5 according to the first embodiment are changed.
In addition to the screen reading unit 10, the storage unit 11, the enhancement range determination unit 12, the enhancement processing unit 13, and the coordinate storage unit 14, the highlight display control unit 5 </ b> A allows the operator to continuously display the same coordinates on the screen of the touch panel display 2. A time measuring unit 15 that measures the pressing duration when the button is continuously pressed, and a sound reproducing unit 16 that outputs sound.
The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
The emphasis display control unit 5A outputs a voice corresponding to the switch touched by the operator during the highlighting of the screen, and conveys in advance the characters to be input to the operator by voice before the character input is accepted. It is.

Next, details of the character input process will be described.
FIG. 10 shows the flow of the character input process.
Steps 200 to 208 and 218 to 220 are the same as steps 100 to 108 and 115 to 117 of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.
Further, as in the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the operator corrects “ni” that has been input by mistake and inputs “ha”.
In step 209, the emphasis processing unit 13 generates an image in which the switch is emphasized as shown in FIG. 5 from the emphasis range determined in step 208 and the emphasis screen data read from the storage unit 11 by the screen reading unit 10. And displayed on the touch panel display 2.

In step 210, the input / output control unit 4 determines whether or not the operator has touched the highlighting cancellation switch X (see FIG. 5) for canceling the highlighting.
If it is determined that the operator has touched the highlight cancellation switch X, the process proceeds to step 220. If not, the process proceeds to step 211.
In step 211, the input coordinate detection unit 3 determines whether the operator has touched the highlighted switches (enlarged switches Ya and Yb shown in FIG. 11) displayed on the touch panel display 2.
If it is determined that the touch has been made, it is determined that there has been an input operation by the operator, and the process proceeds to step 212. If the operator has not touched the touch panel display 2, the process of step 211 is repeated to continue monitoring whether the operator has touched the touch panel display 2.

In step 212, the time measuring unit 15 starts measuring the time during which the operator is touching the touch panel display 2.
In step 213, the input coordinate detection unit 3 detects as input coordinates which position on the touch panel display 2 the operator touches.
In step 214, the input / output control unit 4 detects a switch corresponding to the position touched by the operator based on the input coordinates detected in step 213 and the image data displayed on the touch panel display 2.

In step 215, the input / output control unit 4 determines whether or not the detected switch is a switch for instructing correction, specifically, a switch Z for instructing “correction” in FIG. 11.
If it is the switch Z for instructing “correction”, the process proceeds to step 220 and the highlighted display is released.
On the other hand, if it is not the switch Z, the process proceeds to step 216.
In step 216, the sound reproducing unit 16 outputs sound corresponding to the switch detected in step 214. For example, when the operator is touching the switch Ya for inputting “ni” on the display screen of the touch panel display 2, the voice “ni, ni ni ...” is output.

In step 217, the audio reproduction unit 16 determines whether or not the time during which the operator continues to touch the switch has exceeded a predetermined threshold value.
This is to compare with a predetermined threshold value using the time when the time measurement unit 15 starts measurement in step 212.
If the time measured by the time measuring unit 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step 218. If not, the process returns to step 211 to check whether the operator touches the switch on the touch panel display 2 again. Make a decision.

Here, the operator listens to the sound generated when the touch panel display 2 is touched in a state where the switch is highlighted, so that the switch currently touched is intended or You can recognize if it is not.
As a result, when there is an unintended voice output, the operator immediately takes off the switch on the screen of the touch panel display 2 and listens to the voice and tries to touch the correct switch.
Therefore, when the operator releases his / her finger from the switch on the screen of the touch panel display 2 before the time measured by the time measuring unit 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the operator touches an unintended switch. In this case, the process in step 211 is repeated assuming that another correct switch is touched again.

On the other hand, when the voice corresponding to the switch that the operator thinks is touched is output, the operator keeps touching the switch.
When it is determined that the state of the operator touching the switch exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the highlight processing unit 13 cancels the highlight display in step 218, assuming that the operator has input a character corresponding to the switch. In step 219, the input / output control unit 4 receives the character corresponding to the switch detected in step 214, returns to step 201, and monitors whether there is a next character input operation.
In this embodiment, a switch such as 50 sounds and “correction” displayed on the touch panel display 2 constitutes a selection unit in the present invention, and step 206 constitutes a correction accepting unit in the present invention. Steps 208, 209, and 216 constitute the emphasis presenting means in the present invention, and the display screen 2A constitutes the screen in the present invention.

The present embodiment is configured as described above, and during the display of the highlight screen, the sound reproduction unit 16 outputs a sound corresponding to the switch touched by the operator, so that the operator can select the switch currently touched by the operator. It can be easily recognized by hearing, and correct input operation can be easily performed.
In addition, when the operator is touching the switch exceeds a predetermined threshold, the input of the switch is accepted, so that the operator recognizes the character entered before the character input operation is accepted. And the convenience of the input operation is improved.

In each of the above embodiments, the operator selects the switch by actually applying (touching) pressure to the touch panel or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation can be performed by bringing a finger or the like closer to the switch. The switch may be selected by other methods such as a capacitive switch capable of detecting the position touched by the person.
In addition, the highlight range when the switch is highlighted on the touch panel display 2 is set based on whether the operator touches the right area or the left area of the switch. The area is divided into four areas, lower right, upper left, and lower left. For example, the emphasis range is shifted to the upper right, lower right, upper left, and lower left from the switch that the operator touched incorrectly. For example, the emphasis range may be set by other methods.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the flow of the character input process in a 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in which the switch was expanded. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a highlight display. It is a figure which shows the other example of a highlight display. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the flow of the character input process in a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in which the switch was expanded.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A character input device 2 Touch panel display 2A Display screen 3 Input coordinate detection part 4 Input / output control part 5, 5A Highlight display control part 6 Processing execution part 10 Screen reading part 11 Storage part 12 Emphasis range determination part 13 Emphasis processing part 14 Coordinate storage unit 15 Time measurement unit 16 Voice playback unit X Highlight display release switch Y, Ya, Yb, Yc, W switch

Claims (7)

In an input device that displays a plurality of selection units on a screen and detects a selection unit selected by an operator,
Correction accepting means for accepting a detected correction instruction of the selection unit from an operator;
Emphasis presenting means for emphasizing and presenting the selection unit,
The input device characterized in that the emphasis presenting means emphasizes and presents the selection unit when the correction accepting means accepts a correction instruction from an operator. The highlighting presentation unit emphasizes and presents a selection unit in a predetermined range around a selection unit selected by the operator before receiving a correction instruction from the operator by the correction reception unit. The input device according to 1. The emphasis presenting means enlarges a selection part in a predetermined range around the selection part selected by the operator and displays only the enlarged selection part on the screen, or of the selection part selected by the operator. The input device according to claim 2, wherein only the surrounding selection portion is enlarged and the other selection portions are reduced and displayed on the screen. 3. The highlight presentation unit changes the luminance of a selection unit in a predetermined range around the selection unit selected by the operator and the selection unit other than the selection unit, and displays the change on the screen. 4. The input device according to 3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the emphasis presenting unit outputs a sound corresponding to the selection unit selected by the operator. Release accepting means for accepting an instruction to cancel the emphasized presentation from an operator,
6. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the emphasis presenting unit cancels the emphasis presentation when the cancellation accepting unit accepts a cancellation instruction from an operator. In an input detection method for displaying a plurality of selection units on a screen and detecting a selection unit selected by an operator, when the correction instruction for the selection unit is received from the operator, the selection unit is highlighted and presented An input detection method characterized by:

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