JP2010015501A - Image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image display device with high operability, which prevents switching of the whole display image in response to an operation of each person in a large image display device used to provide various pieces of information to many persons, and displays an image desired by each individual operator in an easy-to-see position for the operator on a screen by a simple operation of the individual person. <P>SOLUTION: The image display device comprises a touch operation detection circuit 10 for detecting a touch content on the screen; an image processing circuit 2 which displays, for one or each of a plurality of first touch operations independently detected by the touch operation detection circuit 10, operation guide information in an individual display area in a part of the screen corresponding to the touch position; and a main control circuit 8 which specifies an image according to the content of a second touch operation detected in an individual touch area in a part of the screen corresponding to the touch position of the first touch operation, and displays the image in the corresponding individual display area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display device having a touch operation input function.

In recent years, image display devices represented by liquid crystal display devices are becoming popular with light weight and large screen size. Such a large and lightweight image display device is suitable for applications that provide a variety of information to many people, such as a guide display installed in public places.
In general, when a large image display device is used for providing information to many people, a plurality of images may be displayed in a predetermined order, or a plurality of images may be displayed side by side at the same time. Many.
In addition, each user operates an operation unit provided in the image display device or a remote controller (so-called remote controller) prepared in advance, and performs a switching operation to a screen on which target information (image) is displayed. The usage form is also conceivable.
Further, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of operation keys are provided in the edge frame portion of the screen, and when the operation keys are operated, a page feed (display screen switching) process or in advance near the operation keys. An image display device that outputs a command corresponding to a menu image displayed in the screen is shown.

On the other hand, as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, etc., each of the plurality of liquid crystal elements and each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (photosensors) for detecting the front brightness are close to each other on the panel for each pixel of the display image. Liquid crystal display panels arranged in this way have already been put into practical use. Hereinafter, such a liquid crystal display panel is referred to as an optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel.
In addition to functioning as an image display unit, the optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel can also function as a touch panel or a scanner with high spatial resolution.
In addition, the photosensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel does not require a touch panel film to be attached to the surface of the panel unlike a resistive film type or electrostatic capacity type touch panel. Therefore, the optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel does not have a problem that the display quality of the image is deteriorated due to the attenuation of the backlight or the reflection of the external light caused by the touch panel film. In addition, the liquid crystal display panel with a built-in optical sensor has an advantage that the operation positions of touch operations performed simultaneously on a plurality of locations on the panel can be individually detected.
JP 63-201813 A Mycomy Journal 2007.8.31 article, http://journal.mycom.co.jp/news/2007/08/31/022/index.html

Incidentally, in the image display device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a page feed key is operated by a certain person, the entire display image is switched.
However, when a large-sized image display device is used for providing information to many people, switching the entire display image according to the operation of each individual person hinders the use of others. There was a point.
In addition, in a large image display device, there are cases where it is desired to check in detail one partial image after another while displaying all the images that can be displayed as a list. For example, during the display of a list display image representing the entire picture of a sightseeing spot or a tour facility, there is a need to check in detail one after another the explanation images of individual sightseeing points and tour points included in a part of the list display image. However, in such a case, switching the list display image and a partial image thereof every time has a problem that it is difficult to see and the operability is poor.
In addition, when a large image display device displays a specified image at a specified position on the screen in response to an operation on an operation unit such as a remote controller by using a so-called multi-screen display function, the following is performed. There are some problems.
For example, a general image display device cannot detect the position of a person who operates a remote controller or the like, and therefore there is a problem in that the specified image may not be displayed at a position that is easy for the operator who specified the image to view. . In addition, it is troublesome for the operator to specify up to the image display position.
Furthermore, when multiple remote controls are prepared so that requests from multiple people can be accepted in parallel, different displays are specified for the same display area on the screen from multiple remote controls. There was a problem that it could interfere with the use of others.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to operate each individual person in a large-sized image display device used for providing various information to many people. Providing an image display device with high operability that allows the operator to display an image desired by the operator at a position on the screen that is easy for the operator to view without switching the entire display image accordingly. There is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, an image display device according to the present invention includes an image display means for displaying an image, and a touch operation input means for detecting the content of a touch operation on the operated surface. ) To (3).
(1) For each one or a plurality of first touch operations individually detected by the touch operation input means, an operation is performed on an individual display area that is a partial area of the screen of the image display means corresponding to the touch position. Operation guidance display control means for displaying guidance information.
(2) According to the content of the second touch operation detected by the touch operation input means in the individual touch region that is a partial region of the operated surface corresponding to the touch position of the first touch operation, Individual display image specifying means for specifying an image to be displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the individual touch area.
(3) Individual image display control means for displaying the image specified by the individual display image specifying means in the corresponding individual display area.

In the image display device according to the present invention, when an operator performs the first touch operation on the operated surface of the touch operation input unit, a position on the screen corresponding to the touch position (specifically, , Operation guide information is displayed at a position close to the touch position. Furthermore, if the operator performs an operation of designating a desired image at the position where the first touch operation is performed according to the operation guidance information, the designated image is displayed at a position close to the touch position.
Therefore, when the present invention is applied to a large-sized image display device and used to provide various information to many people, the position on the screen that is easy for the operator to view by simple operation of each individual person. An image desired by the operator is displayed at (close position). That is, the entire display image is not switched according to the operation of each operator, and an image desired by each operator is displayed at a position that is easy for the individual operator to see, thereby realizing an image display device with high operability.
Further, the individual display image specifying means displays a partial image that is a part of the base image already displayed on the screen of the image display means in the individual display area in accordance with the content of the second touch operation. It may be specified as an image.
In such a configuration, during the display of the base image in which all displayable images are displayed as a list, each operator displays some partial images in the base image one after another in an easily viewable position. It is particularly suitable for applications that require detailed confirmation. For example, it is used for information displays installed in sightseeing spots and tour facilities.

Further, it is conceivable that the individual display image specifying means includes a cursor designation type image specifying means for executing the following processes.
A different cursor is displayed for each individual touch area on the base image on the screen of the image display means.
A process for moving the display position of the cursor and a process for determining the designated position of the cursor are performed according to the content of the second touch operation in the individual touch area.
The partial image of the base image displayed at the specified position of the cursor determined by the determination process is specified as an image to be displayed in the individual display area.
Thus, the operator can designate the partial image to be confirmed in detail near the user while confirming the position in the base image. In such a configuration, for example, when the base image is a tourist map image including an operator's current location (installation location of the image display device) and a tourist point explanation image, the operator is close to the current location. It is suitable for the purpose of confirming the explanation image of sightseeing points in order from the one. In addition, since the image display device itself has the above-described functions, it does not require a trouble of building special application software for screen control by a computer connected to the image display device.

On the other hand, the base image may include a plurality of partial images that are individual content images. That is, the base image is an image in which a plurality of content images are arranged side by side.
In this case, the operation guidance information is selection menu information having selection information as identification information of the plurality of content images, and the individual display image specifying unit includes a menu selection type image specifying unit that executes the following processing. It is possible.
That is, the menu selection type image specifying unit displays the identification information in the selection menu information according to the content of the second touch operation, and displays it in the individual display area from among the plurality of content images. Identify the image.
As the identification information, for example, a title (name) indicating the contents of each content image, an identification code included in the base image together with the content image, and the like can be considered.
Depending on the use of the image display device, it may be easier to operate when the selection menu information is displayed at a position on the screen corresponding to the position of the operator (near the operator). For example, it is suitable when the position of the content image arranged in the base image is not particularly important when selecting the content image.

Further, the image display means includes a photosensor built-in type in which a plurality of liquid crystal elements for drawing each pixel of a display image and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for detecting the front brightness are arranged close to each other on the panel. It is conceivable that a liquid crystal display panel is provided.
In that case, the optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel can also be used as an operation unit (operated surface) of the touch panel.
In other words, the touch operation input means of the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel that forms the operated surface based on the detection results of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements in the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel. It is conceivable to detect the content of a touch operation on the surface.
As a result, the image display device according to the present invention is provided with a durable touch panel (the touch operation input means), and is suitable for use in an environment where it can be frequently operated by a large number of people. .
A plurality of capacitance sensors, wherein the touch operation input means is provided in a range corresponding to the width of the screen in an edge frame member formed around the screen of the image display means to form the operated surface. It is also possible to individually detect the content of the touch operation on the surface of each capacitance sensor.

Further, it is conceivable that the image display device according to the present invention further includes the following components.
Individual display for discriminating a predetermined end condition for each individual display area and terminating display processing by the individual image display control means and the operation guidance display control means for the individual display area for which the end condition is satisfied Termination control means.
As the termination condition, for example, one or both of the following two conditions can be considered.
A predetermined end operation indicated by the operation guidance information is detected by the touch operation input means in the individual touch area corresponding to the individual display area.
The state where no touch operation is detected in the individual touch area corresponding to the individual display area continues for a predetermined time or more.
Thereby, for example, the background image such as the base image can be displayed over the entire screen, and the image specified by the individual display image specifying means can be displayed at any time in the individual display area, and the entire screen can be displayed. Effective use.

  When the present invention is applied to a large-sized image display device and used for providing various information to a large number of people, the position on the screen that is easy for the operator to view (close) The image desired by the operator can be displayed at (position). At that time, the entire display image is not switched according to the operation of each operator. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image display device having high operability for each of a plurality of users having different images to view.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the present invention can be understood. The following embodiment is an example embodying the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the liquid crystal display device X which is an example of the image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a photosensor built-in type included in the liquid crystal display device X. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a liquid crystal display panel and a backlight, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of image display control processing in the liquid crystal display device X, and FIG. 4 is a screen showing a base image displayed on the liquid crystal display device X. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a screen on which a base image and operation guidance information are displayed on the liquid crystal display device X, and FIG. 6 is a diagram of a partial image designated as a base image on the liquid crystal display device X. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a screen on which a base image and operation guide information are displayed on the liquid crystal display device X, and FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram on the liquid crystal display device X. Be FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a screen on which a video image and operation guidance information are displayed, and FIG. It is a front view in the state where operation guidance information is displayed.

First, the configuration of the main part of a liquid crystal display device X, which is an example of an image display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device X includes an image input unit 1, an image processing circuit 2, a liquid crystal driving circuit 3, a photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel 4, a light source driving circuit 5, a backlight 6, and an image reproducing circuit. 7, an image data storage unit 7a, a main control circuit 8, a light detection circuit 9, a touch operation detection circuit 10, and the like.
The image input unit 1 is an interface circuit that extracts a plurality of image signals from one or a plurality of input signals and transmits them to the image processing circuit 2 in the subsequent stage. Hereinafter, a plurality of image signals and their images obtained through the image input unit 1 are referred to as an input image signal and an input image, respectively.
The image input unit 1 broadcasts from one or a plurality of interface circuits (for example, a signal transmission circuit compliant with the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) standard) or a television broadcast signal. A tuner or the like that extracts (selects) a program image signal.
The image data storage unit 7a is a data storage device such as a hard disk that stores image data of moving images or still images, a drive circuit thereof, a DVD disk, and a drive circuit thereof.
The image reproduction circuit 7 is a circuit that performs an image reproduction process based on the image data stored in the image data storage unit 7 a and transmits a reproduction image signal to the image processing circuit 2.

Further, the image processing circuit 2 determines the three primary colors (pixels constituting each frame image in the moving image) based on the input image signal, the reproduced image signal, and the information transmitted from the main control circuit 8. R, G, B) is a circuit that sequentially generates frame signals representing respective pixel gradations and transmits the frame signals to the liquid crystal driving circuit 3. Hereinafter, the input image and the reproduced image and images representing various information (operation guide information g2 and the like described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 8 to the image processing circuit 2 are collectively referred to as a content image.
For example, the image processing circuit 2 has the following five image generation functions.
The first image generation function is a function for performing a single image screen generation process for generating a frame signal for displaying one content image selected from a plurality of content images.
The second image generation function is a function for performing a multi-image screen generation process for generating a frame signal representing an image in which a plurality of the content images are arranged in one screen.
The third image generation function displays one content image or an image in which a plurality of content images are arranged side by side over the entire screen, and also displays one or more contents in a partial area on the image. This is a function for performing multi-content superimposed screen generation processing for generating a frame signal representing an image on which an image is superimposed.
The fourth image generation function displays a single content image over the entire screen, and a frame representing an image in which a partial image of another region in the content image is superimposed on a partial region on the image. This is a function for performing a single content superimposed screen generation process for generating a signal.
The fifth image generation function is an image of a cursor placed at the cursor position (coordinates) transmitted from the touch operation detection circuit 10 with respect to the images obtained by the first to fourth functions described above, This is a function for performing an additional image superimposed screen generation process for generating a frame signal representing an image on which an image representing information transmitted from the main control circuit 8 is superimposed.
Further, the image processing circuit 2 executes processing for realizing each function described above in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 8. The image processing circuit 2 is embodied by, for example, an FPGA or an ASIC.
The image processing circuit 2 performs processing (image quality adjustment processing and the like) other than those described above, but the description thereof is omitted here.

Next, the structures of the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel 4 and the backlight 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
The optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4 is a means for displaying an image and a touch sensor for forming an operated surface of the touch panel.
As shown in FIG. 2, the optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4 includes a plurality of color liquid crystal elements 4p and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 4a (so-called light receiving elements) for detecting the front brightness (light reception level of visible light). Each element is a liquid crystal display panel arranged in proximity to a glass panel (between two glass panels) for each pixel of a display image. The color liquid crystal element 4p includes an R liquid crystal element 4r, a G liquid crystal element 4g, and a B liquid crystal element 4b that display pixels of the three primary colors.
Each color liquid crystal element 4p in the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel 4 draws each pixel in the display image according to the pixel gradation of each pixel in the frame signal.
Hereinafter, the color liquid crystal element 4p provided for each pixel and the photoelectric conversion element 4a disposed adjacent thereto are collectively referred to as a pixel unit 4u. The pitch of the pixel units 4u is the resolution of the display image.
Further, the liquid crystal driving circuit 3 outputs an image for one frame (one frame image) corresponding to the frame signal based on the frame signal sequentially transmitted from the image processing circuit 2 in a predetermined cycle. This is a circuit for sequentially displaying on the sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4. Thereby, the optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4 displays an image (moving image) based on the input image signal. As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal driving circuit 3 is provided at an outer edge portion along two vertical and horizontal sides of the four sides of the rectangular photosensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4.

The photodetection circuit 9 performs A / D conversion on the detection signal of each of the photoelectric conversion elements 4a provided in the photosensor-embedded liquid crystal display panel 4, and detects a brightness detection value obtained by the conversion, That is, it is a circuit that transmits the light reception level BL (i) for each pixel to the touch operation detection circuit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the photodetection circuit 9 also has two vertical and horizontal sides of the four sides of the rectangular photosensor-embedded liquid crystal display panel 4 (other than the side where the liquid crystal drive circuit 3 is provided). Are provided on the outer edge along the two sides.
Note that the subscript i represents a pixel number for identifying each pixel.

The touch operation detection circuit 10 is a circuit that detects the content of the touch operation on the panel surface based on the brightness detection result (light reception level BL (i)) by each of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 4a. The panel surface is the surface of the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel 4 and is an example of the operated surface of the touch operation detecting means.
More specifically, the touch operation detection circuit 10 sets a predetermined lower limit level (brightness level) to the light reception level BL (i) of each pixel, which is the detection result of the detection signal of each photoelectric conversion element 4a. Always check to see if anything below the lower limit is included. The lower limit level is a threshold value for determining whether or not an instruction unit such as a finger or a stylus pen is in contact with the front surface (light receiving unit) of the photoelectric conversion element 4a.
When the touch operation detection circuit 10 detects the presence of the light reception level BL (i) below the lower limit level, the touch operation is detected at the position (coordinate) where the light reception level BL (i) is detected. Discriminate and detect the position as a touch position. Here, when there are a plurality of pixels in which the light reception level BL (i) is lower than the lower limit level within a predetermined small range (for example, a range about the size of a fingertip), the touch operation detection circuit 10 detects a representative position (for example, center position) in the small range as a touch position.
The touch operation detection circuit 10 does not detect the touch operation position when the number of pixels in which the light receiving level BL (i) is lower than the lower limit level is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit number of pixels. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the touch operation position from being erroneously detected when the light reception level BL (i) is lowered due to a factor other than the touch operation.

Further, the touch operation detection circuit 10 detects the type of touch operation and the cursor position on the screen based on the touch position and its change.
For example, the touch operation detection circuit 10 determines that the type of touch operation is a sliding operation when the locus of the touch position sequentially detected forms a series of lines.
The touch operation detection circuit 10 determines that the type of touch operation is a definite operation when two touch operations are detected within a predetermined positional deviation within a predetermined time.
The touch operation detection circuit 10 detects the cursor position (cursor position setting method) depending on whether the operation mode designated by the main control circuit 8 is the touch pad mode or the touch panel mode. Switch.
That is, when the touch pad mode is designated, the touch operation detection circuit 10 sets the initial position (initial coordinates) designated by the main control circuit 8 as the initial value (starting point) of the cursor position, and thereafter The cursor position is changed from the previous position to the next position in accordance with the sliding direction and sliding speed of the sliding operation.
On the other hand, when the touch panel mode is designated, the touch operation detection circuit 10 sets the touch position itself detected at any time as the cursor position.
As described above, the touch operation detection circuit 10 has a function of switching between an operation mode for performing processing similar to that of a so-called touch pad and an operation mode for performing processing similar to that of a touch panel.

The backlight 6 includes a plurality of white light sources (here, the LED light sources 6a), and illuminates the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel 4 from the back side thereof.
The light source driving circuit 5 adjusts the light emission luminance of each of the LED light sources 6a by adjusting the power supplied to each of the LED light sources 6a in the backlight 6 in accordance with a control command from a dimming circuit (not shown). It is a circuit to do. As shown in FIG. 2, the light source driving circuit 5 is provided in a portion along two vertical and horizontal sides of the four sides forming the outer edge of the LED light source 6a arranged in a rectangular shape as a whole.
The light source of the backlight 6 may be a cold cathode tube.

Further, the main control circuit 8 shown in FIG. 1 includes an MPU 81 which is an arithmetic means and an EEPROM 82 which is a nonvolatile memory, and the MPU 81 executes a control program stored in a ROM (not shown). The control process of each component with which the liquid crystal display device X is provided is performed.
When a touch operation is detected by the touch operation detection circuit 10, the MPU 81 in the main control circuit 8 executes touch panel control for performing processing according to the content of the touch operation.
For example, the MPU 81 controls the image processing circuit 2 to display an image corresponding to the content of the touch operation on the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel 4.
The photosensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4 is also used as a brightness sensor for image quality adjustment.

Next, an example of the procedure of the image display control process in the liquid crystal display device X will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The image display control process shown in FIG. 3 is started when the energization of the liquid crystal display device X is started. Note that S0, S1, S2,... Shown below represent identification codes of processing procedures (steps). In the following description, the optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4 is abbreviated as a liquid crystal panel 4.
First, the image processing circuit 2 uses a base image g0 in which a plurality of individual content images are arranged as a partial image (hereinafter referred to as a partial image) in the entire screen, to the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4. It is displayed over the entire area or most of the area (S0). This process is executed in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 8. Further, the frame signal of the base image g0 is generated by the multi-image screen generation process (the second image generation function) of the image processing circuit 2. Hereinafter, the content image included as the partial image in the base image g0 is referred to as a partial content image g1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen on which the base image g0 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 4.
The base image g0 shown in FIG. 4 is an image in which all of the content images that can be enlarged and displayed by a touch operation on the liquid crystal panel 4 are displayed as a list. As the partial content image g1 included in the base image g0, the following images can be considered.
For example, it is conceivable that the partial content image g1 is an image in which the content (moving image) obtained through the image input unit 1 or the image reproduction circuit 7 is displayed as it is. However, in this case, as the number of the partial content images g1 to be displayed is increased, a higher-performance processing circuit is required.
In addition, the partial content image g1 is generated by thinning out some frame images at a predetermined sampling period from the entire content image (moving image) obtained through the image input unit 1 or the image reproduction circuit 7. It can also be a frame-by-frame image. The base image g0 only needs to display a list of the outline of each content image, and therefore there is no particular problem even if the update cycle of the moving image is somewhat long.

Next, the main control circuit 8 determines whether or not a touch operation has been performed on the liquid crystal panel 4 based on the detection result of the touch operation detection circuit 10 (S1).
When the touch operation is detected, the main control circuit 8 further determines whether the touch operation has been touched in an area that is already in use as an individual touch area or has not been used as the individual touch area. It is determined whether the operation is touched in the use area (S2). The individual touch area is an area on the surface (operated surface) of the liquid crystal panel 4 that is dynamically set and canceled by the main control circuit 8. The setting method will be described later.
Hereinafter, the touch operation newly detected in the unused operation area as the individual touch area is referred to as a first touch operation. The first touch operation performed when only the base image g0 is displayed is the first touch operation.

When it is determined that the touch operation detected in step S1 is an operation in an unused area (the first touch operation) as the individual touch area, the main control circuit 8 Steps S3 to S7 are executed.
First, the main control circuit 8 sets an area occupying a certain range on the liquid crystal panel 4 (operated surface) including the touch position of the first touch operation as the individual touch area (S3). Thereby, for each of the first touch operations, a partial area of the surface (operated surface) of the liquid crystal panel 4 corresponding to the touch position is secured (set) as the individual touch area, and is in use. Become. Specifically, identification information of the first touch operation, coordinate information indicating the individual touch area, and flag information indicating in-use are stored in the main memory of the MPU 81.
Further, the main control circuit 8 displays, in the display area of the liquid crystal panel 4, an area that occupies a certain range near the touch position of the first touch operation, corresponding to the first touch operation. An area is set (S3).
The individual touch area and the individual display area set in step S3 are associated with each other. That is, the individual touch area and the individual display area are individually set for each first touch operation.
Further, the main control circuit 8 starts a non-operation timing process for timing the non-operation of the newly set individual touch area (S4). The time counted up by this non-operation time counting process is managed for each individual touch area, that is, for each first touch operation.

Further, the main control circuit 8 sets a selection mode as an operation mode related to the individual touch area (S5). This selection mode represents an operation mode used for detecting an operation in which the individual touch area selects (designates) an image (content image) to be displayed in the individual display area. There is a display mode as an operation mode distinguished from this selection mode. This display mode represents an operation mode in which a new touch operation is accepted in the individual touch area when an already selected image (content image) is displayed in the individual display area.
Further, the image processing circuit 2 displays the operation guide information designated by the main control circuit 8 in the individual display area in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 8 (S6, operation guide display control).
Further, the image processing circuit 2 displays a predetermined cursor (mark) at the cursor position obtained from the touch operation detection circuit 10 in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 8 (S7). At this time, the image processing circuit 2 displays a different cursor for each individual display area on the base image on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4. The frame signal of the image displayed by the processes in steps S6 and S7 is obtained by the multi-image screen generation process (the second image generation process) and the additional image superimposed screen generation process (the fifth image generation function). Generated. At this time, an initial value of the cursor position is designated from the main control circuit 8 to the touch operation detection circuit 10.
After the above steps S3 to S7 are performed, the process returns to step S1 described above.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a screen on which the base image g0 and the operation guidance information g2 are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 4. In FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6 to 9 to be described later, a mark representing a human hand and vertical and horizontal arrow marks in the vicinity thereof indicate the hand of the operator who performs the touch operation and the direction of the sliding operation, respectively. It does not represent an image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 4.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the first touch operation is detected at a certain position on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4, the main control circuit 8 causes the individual control area to include a certain range including the touch position. The touch area A2 is set. At the same time, the image processing circuit 2 displays the operation guidance information g2 in the individual display area A1, which is a display area close to the touch position of the first touch operation.
The image processing circuit 2 displays a cursor g3 (mark) associated with any one of the individual touch areas A2 on the base image g0 on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4. The cursor g3 is displayed in, for example, a different display mode (for example, a different color or shape) for each individual touch area A2.
Here, the individual display area A1 and the individual touch area A2 may be one of the following two. One of them is a predetermined area in which the entire screen of the liquid crystal panel 4 is divided into a plurality. The second area is an area that is dynamically set according to a rule determined in advance with reference to the touch position every time the first touch operation is detected.
In addition, the individual display area A1 and the individual touch area A2 are not always displayed on the screen.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the individual display area A1 and the individual touch area A2 are the same area, but they may be different areas.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the detected touch operation is a touch operation that has already been detected in the area that is being used as the individual touch area, the main control circuit 8 counts the non-operation time count. The process is reset (S8, redo from the beginning). Thus, the touch operation detected in the area that is already used as the individual touch area is referred to as a second touch operation.
Further, the main control circuit 8 determines whether the operation mode of the individual touch area where the second touch operation is detected is the selection mode or the display mode (S9).
When it is determined that the operation mode is the selection mode, the image processing circuit 2 and the main control circuit 8 execute the following steps S10 to S13.

First, the main control circuit 8 determines the type of touch operation (second touch operation) detected in step S1 (S10), and if it is the sliding operation, the image processing circuit 2 A process for moving the cursor display position is performed (S11), and then the process returns to step S1 described above. The cursor movement at this time is performed in the touch pad mode.
The example shown in FIG. 5 is an example in which the cursor g3 is sequentially moved to a position designating one of the partial content images g1 in the base image g0 in accordance with the sliding direction of the sliding operation. Accordingly, the cursor g3 in the example shown in FIG. 5 is always in a state of designating any one of the partial content images g1.
When a plurality of the individual touch areas A2 are set, a cursor movement process corresponding to the second touch operation (sliding operation) for the individual touch area A2 is performed for each individual touch area A2.

On the other hand, when the second touch operation is the confirmation operation, the cursor g3 when the confirmation operation is performed on the individual display area A1 corresponding to the second touch operation by the image processing circuit 2. The content image at the designated position is displayed (S12). At this time, the image processing circuit 2 also displays new operation guidance information in the individual display area A1 corresponding to the second touch operation. The frame signal of the image displayed in step S12 is generated by the multi-content superimposed screen generation process (the third image generation function).
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a screen on which the base image g0 and the content image g4 in which the designated partial content image g1 is enlarged are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 4 by the process of step S12. The new operation guidance information shown in FIG. 6 is a screen switching button g5 and an end button g6.
The screen switching button g5 is a mark for guiding that a process of switching content images to be displayed in the individual display area A1 is performed by performing a touch operation at the display position. The end button g6 is a mark for guiding that the display of the content image in the individual display area A1 is ended by performing a touch operation at the display position.
When the content image is displayed in the individual display area A1, the main control circuit 8 changes the setting of the operation mode related to the individual touch area A2 from the selection mode to the display mode (S13). , The process returns to step S1 described above.
The individual display area A1 is set to be divided into a display area for the operation guidance information g2 (see FIG. 5) and a display area for the content image g4, and they are set to overlap. Both are conceivable.

As described above, in the liquid crystal display device X, the image processing circuit 2 displays a different cursor g3 for each individual touch area A2 on the base image g0 on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4 (S7). ). Further, the image processing circuit 2 performs a process of moving the display position of the cursor g3 according to the content of the second touch operation in the individual touch area A2 (S11). Further, the main control circuit 8 performs a process of determining the designated position of the cursor g3 (S11), and the partial content image g1 of a part of the base image displayed at the designated position of the cursor g3 is The image is specified as an image to be displayed in the individual display area A1 (S12).
As described above, in the liquid crystal display device X, the main control circuit 8 and the image processing circuit 2 execute a cursor specifying type image specifying process of specifying the display image by moving the cursor g3 according to the touch operation. have.
Then, the content image thus identified is displayed in the individual display area A1 by the image processing circuit 2 (S12, individual image display control).
The content image displayed in the individual display area A1 by the above processing is an example of a partial image of the base image g0 that is already displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4.

In addition, when the second touch operation is detected in step S9, and the operation mode of the individual touch area corresponding to the touch position is the display mode, the main control circuit 8 It is determined whether the touch operation is an operation of touching the image switching button g5 or an operation of touching the end button g6. In the display mode, the cursor position is detected in the touch panel mode. If none of the buttons is touched, the process returns to step S1 as it is (not shown).
When the second touch operation is an operation of touching the image switching button g5, the main control circuit 8 shifts the processing to steps S5 to S7 described above. As a result, a new content image can be designated and displayed in the individual display area A1.

On the other hand, the main control circuit 8 determines, for each individual touch area A2, whether or not the time measured by the non-operation timekeeping process has exceeded a predetermined upper limit time, that is, the duration time when there is no touch operation. It is checked at any time whether or not the upper limit time has been exceeded (S18).
Then, when there is the individual touch area A2 in which the state of no touch operation has continued beyond the upper limit time, or when the touch operation of the end button g6 is detected in the display mode, The control circuit 8 and the image processing circuit 2 execute the following individual image display end processing (S15 to S17).
It should be noted that the fact that the duration of the state where there is no touch operation has exceeded the upper limit time and that the end button g6 has been touched has been made for each individual display area A1 (synonymous with each individual touch area A2). It is an example of the end condition discriminated by.
In the individual image display end process, first, the image processing circuit 2 superimposes and displays the content image g4 on the individual display area A1 (individual image display control) for the individual display area A1 where the end condition is satisfied. ) And the display processing (operation guidance display control) of the operation guidance information g2, g5, g6 is terminated (S16, individual display termination control). Specifically, the setting of the individual display area A1 where the end condition is satisfied is canceled and the area is not used. Further, the setting of the individual touch area A2 corresponding to the individual display area A1 is also released. As a result, the display state of the liquid crystal panel 4 is returned to the initial display state in which only the base image g0 is displayed.
Further, the main control circuit 8 stops the non-operation timing process for the individual touch area A2 where the end condition is satisfied (S17), and then shifts the process to step S1.

As described above, in the liquid crystal display device X, when the operator performs the first touch operation on the surface (operated surface) of the liquid crystal panel 4, the position on the screen corresponding to the touch position. The operation guidance information g2 is displayed (specifically, a position close to the touch position) (S6, FIG. 5). Further, if the operator performs a touch operation for designating a desired image at the position (in the individual touch area A2) where the first touch operation is performed according to the operation guide information g2, the position close to the touch position. The designated image is displayed in (the individual display area A1) (S12, FIG. 6).
Therefore, when the liquid crystal display device X having a large screen size is used for providing various information to a large number of people, a position on the screen that is easy for the operator to view (close) by a simple touch operation of each person. The image desired by the operator is displayed at (position). That is, the entire display image is not switched according to the operation of each operator, and an image desired by each operator is displayed at a position that is easy for the individual operator to see, thereby realizing an image display device with high operability.

Further, in the liquid crystal display device X, a partial image of the base image g0 already displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4 is displayed in the individual display area A1 according to the content of the second touch operation. (S12).
In such a configuration, during the display of the base image g0 in which all displayable content images are displayed as a list, each operator can easily view partial images in the base image g0 one after another. It is particularly suitable for applications in which it is desired to check in detail in the (individual display area A1). For example, it is used for information displays installed in sightseeing spots and tour facilities.

The main control circuit 8 sets a content image to be included in the base image g0 in response to an operation input through a remote controller (not shown) or a touch operation on the liquid crystal panel 4, and the contents are stored in the EEPROM 82. It has a function to memorize.
For example, when the main control circuit 8 detects an operation input for base image registration through the remote controller, the liquid crystal panel uses content image candidates that can be included in the base image g0 as a base image selection menu. 4 is displayed. Further, the main control circuit 8 selects each image display position in the predetermined image layout of the base image g0 from among the selection items of the base image selection menu according to the item selection operation through the remote controller. Then, select the content image. Further, the main control circuit 8 records (registers) in the EEPROM 82 base image layout information indicating the correspondence between the image display position in the image layout and the type of the selected content image.
In step S0, the main control circuit 8 controls the image processing circuit 2 so that the base image g0 is displayed according to the base image layout information recorded in advance in the EEPROM 82.
As described above, the liquid crystal display device X receives a content image signal from the outside through the image input unit 1 or registers (stores) content image data in the image data storage unit 7a in advance. By itself, the image display control process shown in FIG. 3 is executed. That is, in the computer connected to the liquid crystal display device X, it is not necessary to construct an application program for switching the display image in accordance with the detected content of the touch operation. As a result, even a person who has no knowledge of computer programming can realize an application in which image display switching is easily performed as shown in FIGS.

Next, a second embodiment of the individual display image specifying process for specifying an image to be displayed in the individual display area A1 in response to the second touch operation will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a screen on which the base image g0 and the operation guidance information g2 are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 4.
Also in the example shown in FIG. 7, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the base image g <b> 0 includes a plurality of partial content images g <b> 1 (partial images) that are individual content images. It is. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the identification information of each content image is included in the base image g0 together with the plurality of partial content images g1.

On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the operation guidance information displayed in the individual display area A1 is selection menu information g8 having a plurality of content image identification information as selection items.
In this case, the main control circuit 8 selects the identification information in the selection menu information g8 in accordance with the content of the second touch operation, so that the individual display area A1 is selected from the plurality of content images. Specify the image to be displayed. At this time, the touch operation detection circuit 10 detects the cursor position in the touch panel mode, and the identification information corresponding to the cursor position is selected. Note that the frame signal of the image shown in FIG. 7 includes the multi-image screen generation process (second image generation function) and the additional image superimposed screen generation process (fifth image generation function) of the image processing circuit 2. ).
As described above, it is conceivable that the main control circuit 8 has a function of executing menu selection type image specifying processing for specifying a display image in accordance with item selection based on the selection menu information g8.
In such an embodiment, for example, when the content image is selected, if the display position of the partial content image g1 arranged in the base image g0 is not particularly important, the selection menu can be confirmed nearby. Is preferred.
In the menu selection type image specifying process, for example, each selection item (identification information) in the selection menu information g8 may be a title representing the contents of each content image. In this case, the partial content image g1 is not necessarily included in the base image g0.

Next, a third embodiment of the individual display image specifying process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a screen on which the base image g0 and the operation guidance information g2 are displayed on the liquid crystal panel 4.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the cursor g3 is moved in response to the second touch operation to the individual touch area A2, and the indicated position of the cursor g3 A cursor specifying type image specifying process for specifying a partial image corresponding to the display image as a display image is executed.
On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the base image g0 is an image in which one content image is displayed over the entire area of the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4 or a large part thereof. For example, the base image g0 is an image of a guidance map including an explanation image of a sightseeing point or a tour point in a sightseeing spot or a tour facility.
Further, the cursor shown in FIG. 8 is a frame-shaped cursor g3 representing the range of the partial image, and the display position of the frame-shaped cursor g3 corresponds to the sliding operation in the second touch operation. It is moved to an arbitrary position. This frame-like cursor g3 is also displayed in a different manner for each individual touch area A2 depending on the color and line type. Note that the image frame signal shown in FIG. 8 includes the single image screen generation process (the first image generation function) and the additional image superimposed screen generation process (the fifth image generation function) of the image processing circuit 2. ).
When the second touch operation is the confirmation operation, the main control circuit 8 displays the partial image inside the frame-shaped cursor g3 at that time as an image to be displayed in the individual display area A1. Identify. The partial image thus identified is enlarged and displayed in the individual display area A1 by the image processing circuit 2. That is, an image of the partial region (the partial image) is cut out from the base image which is one content image, and an enlarged image of the partial image is displayed superimposed on the base image. The frame signal of the image displayed at that time is generated by the single content superimposed screen generation process (the fourth image generation function) of the image processing circuit 2. FIG. 8 shows a situation before the partial image is enlarged and displayed.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, when the base image g0 is an image of a tourist map including an operator's current location (installation location of the image display device X) and an explanation image of sightseeing points, , It is suitable for the use of confirming the explanation image of the sightseeing point in order from the closest to the current location.

Next, a liquid crystal display device X ′, which is an example of an image display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a front view showing a state in which the base image g0 and the operation guide information g2 are displayed on the liquid crystal display device X ′. Hereinafter, only the portions of the liquid crystal display device X ′ that are different from the liquid crystal display device X will be described.
The liquid crystal display device X ′ is provided with a plurality of capacitance sensors 9 ′ that form an operated surface for a touch operation on an edge frame member 20 formed around the screen of the liquid crystal panel 4. The plurality of electrostatic capacitance sensors 9 'are arranged over a range (same or almost the same range as the screen width) corresponding to the screen width of the liquid crystal panel 4.
In addition, the liquid crystal display device X ′ includes a capacitance type touch operation detection circuit (not shown) that individually detects the content of the touch operation on the surface of each of the plurality of capacitance sensors 9 ′. The capacitance sensor 9 ′ and the capacitive touch operation detection circuit constituting a so-called touch pad are provided in place of the light detection circuit 9 and the touch operation detection circuit 10 in the liquid crystal display device X.
Therefore, the liquid crystal panel 4 in the liquid crystal display device X ′ does not have to be the above-described optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel in which a photoelectric conversion element is incorporated, and a general liquid crystal panel can be adopted.
In the liquid crystal display device X ′, the capacitance type touch operation detection circuit detects which of the plurality of capacitance sensors 9 ′ the first touch operation has been performed. Then, the main control circuit 8 includes the capacitance sensor 9 ′ where the first touch operation is detected and another capacitance sensor 9 ′ existing within a predetermined range centered on the capacitance sensor 9 ′. The individual touch area A2 is set.
Further, the main control circuit 8 sets the individual display area A1 in a display area in the vicinity of the capacitance sensor 9 ′ where the first touch operation is detected. Then, the main control circuit 8 and the image processing circuit 2 execute each process related to the individual display area A1 and the individual touch area A2 in the same manner as in the liquid crystal display device X.
The examples described above are also considered as examples of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used for an image display device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part of a liquid crystal display device X that is an example of an image display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure showing schematic structure of a photosensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel and a backlight with which liquid crystal display device X is provided. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of image display control processing in the liquid crystal display device X. 4 is a schematic diagram of a screen on which a base image is displayed in the liquid crystal display device X. FIG. The schematic diagram showing the 1st example of the screen in which the base image and the operation guidance information are displayed in the liquid crystal display device X. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a screen on which a base image and an enlarged image of a designated partial image are displayed in the liquid crystal display device X. The schematic diagram showing the 2nd example of the screen in which the base image and the operation guidance information are displayed in the liquid crystal display device X. The schematic diagram showing the 3rd example of the screen in which the base image and the operation guidance information are displayed in the liquid crystal display device X. The front view in the state where the base image and the operation guidance information are displayed on the liquid crystal display device X ′ which is an example of the image display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

X, X ': Liquid crystal display device 1: Image input unit 2: Image processing circuit 3: Liquid crystal drive circuit 4: Photosensor built-in type liquid crystal display panel 4u: Pixel unit 4a: Photoelectric conversion element 4p: Color liquid crystal element 4r: R Liquid crystal element 4g: G liquid crystal element 4b: B liquid crystal element 5: light source driving circuit 6: backlight 6a: LED light source 7: image reproduction circuit 7a: image data storage unit 8: main control circuit 81: MPU
82: EEPROM
9: Photodetection circuit 10: Touch operation detection circuit

Claims (8)

An image display device comprising image display means for displaying an image and touch operation input means for detecting the content of a touch operation on the operated surface,
For each of one or more first touch operations individually detected by the touch operation input means, operation guidance information is displayed in an individual display area that is a partial area of the screen of the image display means corresponding to the touch position. Operation guidance display control means to be displayed;
The individual touch according to the content of the second touch operation detected by the touch operation input means in the individual touch region that is a partial region of the operated surface corresponding to the touch position of the first touch operation. Individual display image specifying means for specifying an image to be displayed in the individual display area corresponding to the area;
Individual image display control means for displaying the image specified by the individual display image specifying means in the corresponding individual display area;
An image display device comprising: The individual display image specifying means includes
The partial image which is a part of the base image already displayed on the screen of the image display means is specified as an image to be displayed in the individual display area according to the content of the second touch operation. The image display device described. The individual display image specifying means includes
A different cursor is displayed for each individual touch area on the base image on the screen of the image display means, and a process for moving the display position of the cursor according to the content of the second touch operation in the individual touch area; A cursor designation type image that performs a process of confirming the designated position of the cursor and identifies the partial image of the base image displayed at the confirmed designated position of the cursor as an image to be displayed in the individual display area The image display device according to claim 2, further comprising a specifying unit. The base image includes a plurality of partial images that are individual content images,
The operation guide information is selection menu information having identification information of the plurality of content images as selection items,
The individual display image specifying unit specifies an image to be displayed in the individual display area from among the plurality of content images by selecting the identification information in the selection menu information according to the content of the second touch operation. The image display device according to claim 2, further comprising menu selection type image specifying means for performing the operation. The operation guide information is selection menu information having identification information of a plurality of content images as selection items,
The individual display image specifying unit specifies an image to be displayed in the individual display area from among the plurality of content images by selecting the identification information in the selection menu information according to the content of the second touch operation. The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a menu selection type image specifying unit. An optical sensor built-in type liquid crystal display in which the image display means has a plurality of liquid crystal elements for drawing each pixel of a display image and a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for detecting the front brightness arranged close to each other on the panel. Panel,
The touch operation input means applies to the surface of the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel that forms the operated surface based on the detection results of the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements in the photosensor built-in liquid crystal display panel. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the image display device is formed by detecting a content of a touch operation.   The touch operation input unit includes a plurality of capacitance sensors provided in a range corresponding to the width of the screen in an edge frame member formed around the screen of the image display unit to form the operated surface. The image display device according to claim 1, wherein the content of a touch operation on the surface is individually detected for each capacitance sensor.   Individual display termination for determining a predetermined termination condition for each individual display area and terminating display processing by the individual image display control unit and the operation guidance display control unit for the individual display area for which the termination condition is satisfied The image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit.

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