JP2013196283A - Electronic equipment, method for controlling electronic equipment and program for controlling electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide electronic equipment in which a touchable area is not limited.SOLUTION: Electronic equipment 100 includes: a setting input part 810 for accepting the input of setting to electronic equipment 100; a user information storage part 820 for storing information specifying whether the user of the electronic equipment 100 is right-handed or left-handed; an area information storage part 830 for storing data specifying a handwriting area and data specifying a touchable area; an area setting part 840 for setting the handwriting area and the touchable area in the display area of a display part 870; a command input part 850 for accepting the input of an operation command to the electronic equipment 100; a command processing part 860 for executing processing corresponding to the operation command; and a display part 870 for displaying the handwriting area, and the touchable area and image.

Description

  The present invention relates to control of electronic equipment, and more specifically to control of electronic equipment that accepts handwritten input.

  As a technique for handwriting input on a touch panel of an electronic device capable of handwriting input, conventionally, the handwriting input range has been fixedly limited, and the rest can be touched by allowing the hand to touch the touch panel. And a method of making hand input impossible by narrowing the spacer interval of the touch panel.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-172447 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-172441 (Patent Document 2) describe, “A hand can be touched to an arbitrary area of the panel surface and a pen can be input. A technique for “allowing simultaneous pen input and finger input” is disclosed ([summary] [issue]).

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-44293 (Patent Document 3) discloses an electronic device that “in an electronic device that performs pen input, prevents erroneous input due to a hand holding the pen touching the tablet during pen input”. ([Summary] [Problem]).

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-009514 (Patent Document 4) states that “the input control for the coordinate input device according to the user can be performed by setting a specific area that invalidates the coordinate data input by the coordinate input device. The electronic device that improves the operability by realizing "is disclosed ([Problem] in [Summary]).

JP 2000-172447 A JP 2000-172441 A JP-A-9-44293 JP 2010-009514 A

  In the method in which the handwriting input range is fixedly limited and the rest of the handwriting input area is a handleable area, there is a problem that the area to which a hand is applied is limited and it takes time to change the area. In addition, in a method in which the touch panel spacer interval is narrowed so that manual input is not possible, the implementation of the method may be limited by hardware. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that does not limit the area that can be handled. In addition, there is a need for a technique that can easily change the available area. Furthermore, there is a need for a technique that is not easily restricted by hardware in realizing the handwriting input method.

  The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object in one aspect is to provide an electronic device in which a region that can be handled is not limited. An object in another aspect is to provide an electronic device that can easily change the available area. Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that is not easily restricted by hardware in realizing the handwriting input method.

  The objective in other embodiment is to provide the method for controlling an electronic device so that the area which can be handled is not restricted. An object in another aspect is to provide a method for controlling an electronic device so that a handleable area can be easily changed. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an electronic device so that the handwriting input method is less likely to be restricted by hardware.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a program for controlling an electronic device so that the available area is not limited. An object in another aspect is to provide a program for controlling an electronic device so that a handleable area can be easily changed. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a program for controlling an electronic device so that it is less likely to be restricted by hardware in realizing the handwriting input method.

  An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch panel for receiving multipoint input, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory to control the operation of the electronic device. The processor accepts an input for setting a handwriting area for accepting handwriting input to the touch panel and a touchable area that is not accepted as handwriting input even when the touch panel is touched as a part of the coordinate detection area of the touch panel, Information representing the setting of the handleable area is stored in the memory, and the handwriting area and the handleable area are movable based on an operation on the touch panel.

  Preferably, the processor is configured to set the position of the handleable area in the coordinate detection area based on an operation on the touch panel.

  Preferably, the processor is configured to set the range of the handleable area based on an operation on the touch panel.

  Preferably, the touch panel is configured so as to clearly indicate the range of the handleable area in the coordinate detection area.

  Preferably, when the processor detects the first touch operation on the coordinate detection area, the processor is configured to set the touchable area as a part of the coordinate detection area around the coordinate value at which the first touch operation is detected. Yes.

  Preferably, the processor is further configured to accept an input of a command to the electronic device based on a touch operation on an area other than the handwritten area and the touchable area in the coordinate detection area.

  Preferably, the processor is configured to accept an input of user information indicating whether the user of the electronic device is right-handed or left-handed, and to set the touchable area in the vicinity of the handwriting area based on the user information Has been.

  According to another embodiment, a method for controlling an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a touch panel for receiving multipoint input, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory for controlling the operation of the electronic device. This method accepts an input for setting a handwriting area that accepts handwriting input to the touch panel and a touchable area that is not accepted as handwriting input even when the touch panel is touched as part of the coordinate detection area of the touch panel. A step, a step of holding information representing setting of a handleable area in a memory, and a step of allowing the handwriting area and the handleable area to move based on an operation on the touch panel.

  According to yet another embodiment, a program for controlling an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a touch panel for receiving multipoint input, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory for controlling the operation of the electronic device. The program inputs to the processor to set a handwriting area that accepts handwriting input to the touch panel and a touchable area that is not accepted as handwriting input even if the touch panel is touched as part of the coordinate detection area of the touch panel. , A step of holding information indicating the setting of the handleable area in the memory, and a step of allowing the handwriting area and the handleable area to move based on an operation on the touch panel.

  In an electronic device according to a certain aspect, a region where a hand can be attached is not limited. In an electronic device according to another aspect, the available area can be easily changed. Furthermore, in an electronic device according to another aspect, it becomes difficult to be restricted by hardware in realizing the handwriting input method.

  The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of electronic device 100. FIG. It is a figure showing the state of the image display and multi-touch input in the display apparatus 140. FIG. It is a figure showing the state of the image display and multi-touch input in the display apparatus 140. FIG. It is a figure showing the one aspect | mode of the handwriting input by a user. It is a figure showing the movement of the region which can be handled. It is a figure showing the state by which a screen is scrolled. It is a figure showing the state by which a screen is expanded or reduced. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of electronic device 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually showing one aspect of data storage in a memory 120. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by electronic device 100. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by electronic device 100. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a figure showing the display mode of the screen in the display apparatus. It is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes which CPU110 performs when handwritten input is performed. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays. It is a figure showing the screen which the display apparatus displays.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[Hardware configuration]
With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the electronic device 100 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of electronic device 100. The electronic device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, a memory 120, a touch pad 130, and a display device 140.

  The CPU 110 controls the operation of the electronic device 100. The memory 120 stores data given to the electronic device 100 or data generated by the CPU 110 and a program for causing the electronic device 100 to execute a predetermined process.

  The touch pad 130 is configured as a touch pad capable of a plurality of operation inputs (so-called multi-touch input).

  The display device 140 displays images, characters, and other images based on the control of the CPU 110. The display device 140 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel, or the like. The touch pad 130 and the display device 140 constitute a so-called touch panel.

  In the present embodiment, electronic device 100 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet-type terminal, or other information processing terminal that is realized as an information processing terminal including a touch panel that can perform handwriting input. The device 100 is not limited to those listed.

[Technology]
The gist of the technical idea applied to electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The electronic device 100 is a device capable of handwriting input equipped with a touch panel capable of multi-touch (multi-point simultaneous input), can be ignored even if a hand is put on it, and can be arbitrarily determined by the user of the electronic device 100 A handleable area where the size / shape can be set or changed, and the area where the pen can reach with the handleable area in hand (for example, the upper left if the user is right-handed, the upper right if the user is left-handed) If the handwriting area can be set in () and the hand is moved, the hand-drawn area and the handwriting area move in conjunction with each other following the movement of the hand.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 7, details of the technical idea applied to the electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIGS. 2 to 7 are diagrams showing the state of image display and multi-touch input on display device 140, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 2, electronic device 100 sets handwriting region 210 and touchable region 220 based on the setting of the user of electronic device 100 in a certain aspect. Here, the handwriting region 210 refers to a region that accepts input by the user of the electronic device 100, for example, handwriting input by a finger, a stylus pen, or other input means. The operation input to the handwriting area 210 is recognized by the CPU 110, and data representing the locus is held in the memory 120.

  The touchable area 220 is an area where the input is not recognized as a handwritten input by the CPU 110 even when a touch input is made to the touch pad 130. Therefore, for example, when the user of the electronic device 100 places the right hand on the display device 140, even if the palm touches the touchable area 220, the CPU 110 does not recognize that the handwriting input has been performed. No drawing is done.

[Function configuration]
In one aspect, a handwriting area 210 that accepts handwriting input to the touchpad 130 and a hand-possible area 220 that does not accept input even when the touchpad 130 is touched are part of the coordinate detection area of the touchpad 130. An input for setting is received, and information indicating the setting of the handleable area 220 is stored in the memory 120.

  Preferably, CPU 110 is configured to set the position of touchable area 220 in the coordinate detection area based on an operation on touch pad 130.

  Preferably, the CPU 110 is configured to set the range of the handleable area 220 based on an operation on the touch pad 130.

Preferably, the handwriting area 210 and the handleable area 220 are movable.
Preferably, the touch pad 130 is configured to clearly indicate the range of the touchable area 220 in the coordinate detection area.

  Preferably, when the CPU 110 detects the first touch operation on the coordinate detection area, the CPU 110 sets the touchable area 220 as a part of the coordinate detection area around the coordinate value at which the first touch operation is detected. ing.

  Preferably, CPU 110 is further configured to accept an input of a command to the information processing terminal based on a touch operation on an area other than the handwriting area 210 and the handleable area 220 in the coordinate detection area.

  Preferably, CPU 110 accepts input of user information indicating whether the user of the information processing terminal is right-handed or left-handed, and displays touchable area 220 in the vicinity of handwriting area 210 based on the user information. It is configured as follows.

[Move the available area]
With reference to FIG. 3, in a certain aspect, the handleable area 220 and the handwriting area 210 can be simultaneously moved to arbitrary positions in the coordinate detection area of the display device 140. The user can input a handwritten character by placing his / her hand in the handleable area after movement. Specifically, the handwriting area 210 and the handleable area 220 are moved to arbitrary positions by dragging the handleable area, for example. The drag operation is realized by a user's finger or pen, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the handleable area 220 is moved as a new handleable area 320 by the finger 310.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an aspect of handwriting input by a user. The user of the electronic device 100 can input the character “a” using the pen 410 with respect to the handwriting area 210. In this case, the palm of the user is placed in the touchable area 220. Therefore, the CPU 110 recognizes the character “a” input in the handwriting area 210 and does not accept manual input for the touchable area 220.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating movement of the handleable area. As shown in screen A of FIG. 5, in one aspect, the user inputs character “a” to handwriting area 210 with the right hand placed in hand-attachable area 220. When the user moves the right hand in the right direction while the right hand is in contact with the handleable area 220, as shown in screen B, the handleable area 220 and the handwritten area 210 are maintained in their positional relationship. Move at the same time. As a result, the handleable area 520 and the handwriting area 510 are defined at the moved position, and the user can continue to input characters by handwriting.

  Command input to electronic device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the screen is scrolled. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the screen is enlarged or reduced.

  Referring to FIG. 6, in one aspect, the user can scroll the screen displayed on display device 140 by dragging an area other than the handwritten area 210 and the handleable area 220. At this time, the handwritten area 210 is displayed as a handwritten area 610 at the place after scrolling. Similarly, the handleable area 220 is displayed as a handleable area 620 at a location after scrolling in a state where the positional relationship with the handwriting area 610 is maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 6, before and after the scroll operation, the handwritten area 210 and the handleable area 220 are moved and displayed. However, in another aspect, in the scroll operation, the input character “a” is displayed. Only the handwritten area 210 and the handleable area 220 need not move.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in another aspect, for example, when a user performs a pinch-out operation in an area other than handwriting area 210 and hand-attachable area 220, characters input according to the amount defined by the operation “A” is expanded. In yet another aspect, when the user performs a pinch-in operation, the input characters are reduced.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 7, the size of the handwritten area 210 and the touchable area 220 is the same before and after the pinch-out operation. However, in another aspect, the handwritten area 210 and the touchable area 220 are touched according to the pinch-out operation. The possible area 220 may be enlarged.

  Also, in the case of a pinch-in operation, the size of the handwritten area 210 and the hand-able area 220 may not be the same. In other aspects, the handwritten area 210 and the hand-able area 220 may be reduced according to the pinch-in operation. Good.

[Function configuration]
With reference to FIG. 8, the structure of the function implement | achieved by the electronic device 100 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of electronic device 100. Electronic device 100 includes setting input unit 810, user information storage unit 820, region information storage unit 830, region setting unit 840, command input unit 850, command processing unit 860, and display unit 870.

  The setting input unit 810 receives input of settings for the electronic device 100. In one aspect, the setting input unit 810 receives input of user setting information and input of information for defining the handwriting area 210 and the touchable area 220 on the display device 140. The user setting information includes information that defines whether the user of the electronic device 100 is right-handed or left-handed. The user setting information is stored in the user information storage unit 820.

  The area information storage unit 830 stores data defining the handwritten area 210 and data defining the touchable area 220. The data that defines the handwritten area 210 and the data that defines the touchable area 220 are, for example, a set of coordinate values that specify the area. The set of coordinate values is represented, for example, as a set of trajectories representing a region, and when the region is a rectangle, the coordinate values of two end points of the rectangle (for example, upper left and lower right).

  The area setting unit 840 stores an input given to the touch pad 130 (for example, an input using a finger or a stylus pen), data stored in the user information storage unit 820, and the area information storage unit 830. Based on the data, the handwriting area 210 and the touchable area 220 are set in the coordinate detection area of the display unit 870. Specifically, the region setting unit 840 uses the data defining the handwritten region 210 and the data defining the touchable region 220 stored in the region information storage unit 830 to use the handwritten region 210 and the touchable region 220. Is displayed on the display unit 870. Further, the area setting unit 840 accepts data input to the handwritten area 210 and does not accept input given to the touchable area 220 (placement of the hand by the user) as handwritten input. Control information processing.

  The command input unit 850 receives input of operation commands for the electronic device 100. The operation command includes, for example, an operation for moving the handwriting area 210 and the hand-possible area 220, an operation for scrolling the screen displayed on the display unit 870, and an operation for enlarging or reducing the screen.

  The command processing unit 860 performs processing (for example, movement, scrolling, enlargement or reduction) of the handwritten area 210 and the hand-attachable area 220 displayed on the display unit 870 according to the operation command received by the command input unit 850. .

  Display unit 870 displays handwritten region 210 and handleable region 220 set by region setting unit 840 and an image actually displayed based on a command given from command processing unit 860 (for example, character “a”). Is displayed by moving, enlarging or reducing.

[data structure]
With reference to FIG. 9, the data structure of electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram conceptually showing one mode of data storage in memory 120.

  In one aspect, the memory 120 stores user setting information 910, handwritten area information 920, and touchable area information 930. The user setting information 910 includes data for identifying the dominant hand (right hand or left hand) of the user of the electronic device 100.

The handwritten area information 920 includes data for defining the handwritten area 210 (for example, coordinate values representing the handwritten area 210). For example, when the handwritten region 210 is a rectangle, the handwritten region information 920 includes a lower left coordinate value (X _a , Y _a ) and an upper right coordinate value (X _b , Y _b ) of the rectangular region.

  Note that the shape of the handwritten region 210 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, in another aspect, the handwritten area 210 may be a circle, a triangle, other polygons, or an area closed by a free curve. In this case, the handwritten region information 920 includes data corresponding to each shape. For example, when the handwritten area 210 is defined by a regular polygon, the handwritten area information 920 includes information indicating that the handwritten area 210 is a polygon and the coordinate values of each point defining the polygon. Including. The handwritten area 210 is not limited to an area drawn by a user of the electronic device 100, and may be an area prepared in advance by a manufacturer of the electronic device 100.

The handleable area information 930 includes data defining the handleable area 220. For example, when the handleable area 220 is defined by a free curve, the handleable area information 930 includes the end point from the coordinate value (for example, the start point coordinate value (X ₁ , Y ₁ ) of each point constituting the area. Coordinate values (up to X _n , Y _n ).

[Control structure]
A control structure of electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing a part of a series of processes executed by electronic device 100. 12 to 22 are diagrams showing screen display modes in display device 140.

  In one aspect, the processing is realized by the CPU 110 of the electronic device 100 executing a program stored in the memory 120. In another aspect, the process can be realized by a combination of circuit elements configured to realize the process.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in step S1010, CPU 110 detects a touch operation of “hand” icon 1210, and changes the operation mode of electronic device 100 from the normal mode (screen A in FIG. 12) to the touchable area setting mode. Switch to (screen B in FIG. 12). When the operation mode becomes the handleable area setting mode, a command menu for defining the handleable area 220 is displayed. The figure that defines the handleable area includes a square, a circle, a heart, and the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a triangle, a pentagon, an ellipse, a fan shape, or the like.

  In step S1020, CPU 110 waits for input of a setting mode. CPU 110 switches control to step S1030 or step S1050 in accordance with a setting mode defined by an operation on touch pad 130.

  In step S1030, CPU 110 detects a touch operation of icon 1310 indicating a command for drawing a handleable area with a graphic prepared in advance (screen A in FIG. 13).

  In step S1040, CPU 110 displays a graphic associated with detected icon 1310 on display device 140. As shown in screen B in FIG. 13, the display device 140 displays a rectangular handleable area 1320.

  In step S1050, CPU 110 detects a touch operation on freehand mode icon 1410 (screen A in FIG. 14). The touch pad 130 detects a touch operation and waits for an input of an area setting corresponding to the touch operation.

  In step S1060, CPU 110 detects that a figure has been drawn freehand based on the drawing of pen 410 by the user. As shown in screen B in FIG. 14, display device 140 displays a handleable area 1420 drawn freehand.

  In step S <b> 1070, CPU 110 enlarges, reduces, or moves handleable area 1420 based on an operation on touch pad 130. For example, when the user performs an operation (for example, pinch-out operation) for enlarging the handleable area 1420, the display device 140 displays the handleable area 1520 after the handleable area 1420 is enlarged (FIG. 15).

  In step S1080, CPU 110 changes the color or transparency of touchable area 1520 from setting menu 1610 based on the operation on touch pad 130 (screen A in FIG. 16 to screen B in FIG. 16). For example, in one aspect, electronic device 100 sets a predetermined color and transparency as default settings for handleable region 1520. The user of the electronic device can change the color or transparency of the handleable area 1520 according to his / her preference. The color or transparency to be changed may be prepared in a palette format in advance or selectable by dragging the pen 410 by the user.

  In step S1090, when CPU 110 detects a touch operation on icon 1710 for proceeding with the setting, CPU 110 changes the operation mode of electronic device 100 from the touchable area setting mode (screen A in FIG. 17) to the handwriting area setting mode. (Screen B in FIG. 17).

  The order of the area setting mode is not limited to the order in which the touchable area setting mode precedes the handwriting area setting mode. Conversely, the handwriting setting mode is executed first, and then the touchable area setting mode is executed. Also good.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in step S1110, CPU 110 waits for input of a setting mode for defining a figure in handwriting region setting mode. Here, the setting mode for defining a figure includes, for example, a mode in which a handwritten area is set by a figure such as a predefined shape (square, circle, heart, etc.) or freehand. When the user selects the graphic mode, CPU 110 detects the selection and switches control to step S1120. When the user inputs selection of the freehand mode, CPU 110 detects the selection and switches control to step S1140.

  In step S1120, CPU 110 detects a touch operation on icon 1810 that defines the graphic mode (screen A in FIG. 18). The graphic mode refers to a mode in which a handwritten area is set using a graphic prepared in advance. The figure defining the handwritten area includes a square, a circle, a heart, and the like, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a triangle, a pentagon, an ellipse, a fan, or other figures.

  In step S1130, when CPU 110 detects selection of icon 1810, CPU 110 causes display device 140 to display a rectangular handwritten region 1820. At this time, the CPU 110 displays the handwriting area 1820 based on the user setting information and the size defined in advance as default information (screen B in FIG. 18). This default information can be changed by the user.

  In step S1140, CPU 110 detects that touch operation has been performed on icon 1910 for activating the freehand mode based on an input to touch pad 130 (screen A in FIG. 19).

  In step S1150, CPU 110 detects that handwritten area 1920 has been drawn freehand based on the information sent from touch pad 130 (screen B in FIG. 19). The CPU 110 stores the coordinate value sent from the touch pad 130 in the memory 120 as information defining the handwriting area 1920.

  In step S1160, CPU 110 enlarges, reduces, or moves the handwriting region based on an operation on touch pad 130 (FIG. 20). The operation of enlargement, reduction or movement is the same as the processing in step 1070. Therefore, description of these processes will not be repeated. When such a process is performed, the handwritten area 2010 displayed based on the default information is enlarged and the handwritten area 2020 is displayed. In this case, each area may be displayed in a different manner in order to clearly show the difference between the areas before and after the enlargement. For example, a dotted line and a solid line, or different colors may be used.

  In step S1170, CPU 110 detects selection of icon 2110 for activating the setting menu based on operation of pen 410 on touch pad 130, and accepts a change in the color or transparency of handwriting area 2020 (FIG. 21). Screen A). For example, the user can change the color of the handwriting area 2020 from the default color to a favorite color. In this case, the color as a candidate for change can be prepared in advance by the manufacturer of the electronic device 100 as a color palette, for example. Alternatively, in another aspect, the user may change the color information linearly by dragging the pen 410 to set a specific color. Similarly, the CPU 110 can change the transparency of the handwriting area 2020 between 0% and 100%. The changed area is displayed as, for example, a handwriting area 2120 (screen B in FIG. 21).

  In step S1180, CPU 110 detects a touch operation of icon 2210 indicating completion of handwriting region setting mode, and switches the operation mode of electronic device 100 from handwriting region setting mode to normal mode in response to the detection (step S1180). Screen A in FIG. 22 to screen B in FIG. At this time, the CPU 110 stores data defining the handwritten area 2120 and the touchable area 1520 displayed by the display device 140 in the memory 120 in a nonvolatile manner (FIG. 9). That is, the handwriting area 2120 and the handleable area 1520 are used for subsequent handwriting input as areas set by the user.

[drawing]
With reference to FIG. 23 to FIG. 30, the operation when handwritten input is performed in electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a part of a series of processes executed by CPU 110 when handwritten input is performed. 24 to 30 are diagrams showing screens displayed on display device 140 in accordance with the processing.

  Referring to FIG. 23, in step S2310, CPU 110 detects a touch operation on “pen” icon 2410 indicating that the handwriting input mode is activated, and in response to the detection, operation mode of electronic device 100 is detected. Is switched from the normal mode to the handwriting input mode (screen A to screen B in FIG. 24). The CPU 110 reads the data held in the memory 120 and displays the handwriting area 2120 and the handleable area 1520 on the display device 140, respectively.

  In step S2315, CPU 110 obtains the coordinate value of the point input to display device 140 based on the signal sent from touch pad 130.

  In step S2320, CPU 110 compares the coordinate value acquired in step S2315 with data defining handwriting area 2120 (for example, handwriting area information 920), so that the input point is included in handwriting area 2120. It is determined whether or not. When CPU 110 determines that the coordinate value of the input point is included in handwritten region 2120 (YES in step S2320), CPU 110 switches control to step S2330. If not (NO in step S2320), CPU 110 switches control to step S2350.

  In step S2330, CPU 110 determines whether or not the point from which the coordinate value has been acquired has moved from the immediately preceding point. This determination is made, for example, by comparing the coordinate value of the point acquired in step S2315 with the coordinate value of the point acquired before and held in the memory 120, and whether or not pen-up has occurred in the meantime. It is done by judging. When CPU 110 determines that the input point has moved from the immediately preceding point (YES in step S2330), CPU 110 switches control to step S2340. If not (NO in step S2330), CPU 110 switches control to step S2335.

In step S2335, CPU 110 draws a point (FIG. 25).
In step S2340, CPU 110 draws a straight line starting from the immediately preceding point (FIG. 26).

  In step S2350, CPU 110 determines whether or not the coordinate value of the point acquired in step S2315 is included in handleable area 2510. If CPU 110 determines that the coordinate value is included in handleable area 2510 (YES in step S2350), CPU 110 switches control to step S2360. If not (NO in step S2350), CPU 110 switches control to step S2380.

  In step S2360, similar to the processing in step S2330, CPU 110 compares the coordinate value of the point acquired in step S2315 with the coordinate value of the point acquired before and held in memory 120, and Then, by determining whether or not the pen has been raised during that time, it is determined whether or not the coordinate value of the point acquired in step S2315 has been moved from the immediately preceding point. When CPU 110 determines that the coordinate value of the point acquired in step S2315 has been moved from the immediately preceding point (YES in step S2360), CPU 110 switches control to step S2365. If not (NO in step S2360), CPU 110 switches control to step S2370.

  In step S2365, CPU 110 moves handwriting area 2120 and handleable area 2510, respectively. When the movement process is performed, the CPU 110 displays a handwriting area 2720 and a handleable area 2710 (FIG. 27). The amount of movement of the handwritten area 2120 or the handleable area 2510 at this time is calculated according to the distance between the coordinate value of the input point and the coordinate value of the point input before that.

  In step S2370, CPU 110 determines that the point input to handleable area 1510 is not a drawing target, and does not perform drawing on display device 140 (FIG. 28).

  In step S2380, CPU 110 analyzes a gesture input by the user based on an operation given to touch pad 130, and executes processing such as screen scrolling, enlargement or reduction. For example, when the user performs a drag operation in an area other than the handwriting area 2120 and the handleable area 1520, the CPU 110 determines that the drag operation is a screen scroll command, and displays the screen along the direction in which the drag operation is performed. Is scrolled (screen A in FIG. 29). In another aspect, the handwriting area 2120 and the handleable area 1520 may not move. Further, when the user performs a pinch-out operation with two fingers in an area other than the handwriting area 2120 and the handleable area 1520, the CPU 110 determines that the operation is an enlargement command, and the character input to the handwriting area 2120 is displayed. Enlarge (screen B in FIG. 29). In other aspects, the handwriting region 2120 may also be enlarged. In this case, the entire screen is enlarged.

  In addition, when a pinch-in operation is performed, the CPU 110 reduces the characters input to the handwriting area 2120. In this case, in yet another aspect, the CPU 110 may reduce the handwriting area 2120 in accordance with the pinch-in operation. In this case, the entire screen is reduced.

  In step S2390, CPU 110 determines whether or not “pen” icon 3010 (screen A in FIG. 30) representing a command for ending the handwriting mode has been touched based on a signal sent from touch pad 130. To do. When CPU 110 determines that “pen” icon 3010 has been touched (YES in step S2390), control is switched to step S2395. If not (NO in step S2390), CPU 110 returns control to step S2315.

  In step S2395, CPU 110 switches the operation mode of electronic device 100 from the handwriting input mode to the normal mode. Then, CPU 110 erases handwriting area 2120 and handleable area 2510 displayed on display device 140. Thereby, the line 3020 inputted by handwriting is displayed on the display device 140 (screen B in FIG. 30).

  As described above, according to electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment, even if the user of electronic device 100 moves while performing pen input as handwritten input with hand in hand, touchable area 220 is in hand. Move to follow. This eliminates the need for the user to change the setting of the handleable area 220 each time the user moves, thereby improving the convenience of handwriting input.

  Further, an area other than the handleable area 220 and the handwriting area 210 can be set as a command (gesture) input area. As a result, the three regions can coexist without switching the operation mode of the electronic device 100. As a result, enlargement, reduction, or movement of the handwriting area 210, movement of the hand-possible area 220, and command input to the electronic device 100 by a touch operation on an area other than the handwriting area 210 and the hand-possible area 220 can be realized. it can.

  Processing in the electronic device 100 is realized by each hardware and software executed by the CPU 110. The software implements the processing shown in the above flowchart. In one aspect, such software is stored in the memory 120 in advance. In another aspect, the software may be stored in a CD-ROM (not shown), a memory card (not shown) or other data recording medium and distributed as a program product. In yet another aspect, the software may be provided as an application program that can be downloaded by an information provider connected to the so-called Internet. Such software is read from the recording medium by an optical disk drive (not shown) or other reading device, or downloaded via a communication interface (not shown) and then temporarily stored in the memory 120. The software is read from the memory 120 by the CPU 110 and stored in the form of an executable program in a work area (not shown) of the RAM. CPU 110 executes the program.

  The CPU 110 and the memory 120 constituting the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are general ones. Accordingly, it can be said that an essential part of the electronic device 100 is software stored in the memory 120 or other data recording medium, or software that can be downloaded via a network.

  The data recording medium is not limited to a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and hard disk, but is a magnetic tape, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)). ), IC (Integrated Circuit) card (including memory card), optical card, mask ROM, EPROM (Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash ROM, etc. It may be a medium that carries the program in a fixed manner.

  The program here includes not only a program directly executable by the CPU but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  100 electronic device, 120 memory, 130 touch pad, 140 display device, 210, 510, 610, 1820, 1920, 2020, 2120, 2720 handwritten area, 220, 320, 520, 620, 1320, 1420, 1510, 1520, 2510 , 2710 Touchable area, 310 fingers, 410 pen, 810 setting input section, 820 user information storage section, 830 area information storage section, 840 area setting section, 850 command input section, 860 command processing section, 870 display section.

Claims (9)

Electronic equipment,
A touch panel for accepting multi-point input;
Memory,
A processor coupled to the memory for controlling the operation of the electronic device;
The processor is
Accepting an input for setting a handwriting area for accepting handwriting input to the touch panel and a touchable area that is not accepted as handwriting input even if touching the touch panel is performed as a part of the coordinate detection area of the touch panel,
Information representing the setting of the handleable area is configured to be held in the memory,
The electronic device in which the handwriting area and the touchable area are movable based on an operation on a touch panel. The processor is
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to set a position of the touchable area in the coordinate detection area based on an operation on the touch panel. The processor is
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to set a range of the handleable area based on an operation on the touch panel.   The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the touch panel is configured to clearly indicate a range of the handleable area in the coordinate detection area. The processor is
When the first touch operation on the coordinate detection region is detected, the touchable region is configured to be a part of the coordinate detection region around the coordinate value at which the first touch operation is detected. The electronic device in any one of Claims 1-4. The processor is
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further configured to receive an input of a command to the electronic device based on a touch operation on an area other than the handwriting area and the touchable area of the coordinate detection area. The electronic device as described in. The processor is
Receiving input of user information indicating whether the user of the electronic device is right-handed or left-handed;
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the touchable area is set in the vicinity of the handwriting area based on the user information. A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:
The electronic device includes a touch panel for receiving multipoint input, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory to control the operation of the electronic device.
The method
A step of accepting an input for setting a handwriting area for accepting handwriting input to the touch panel and a hand-worn area that is not accepted as handwriting input even if the touch on the touch panel is performed as a part of the coordinate detection area of the touch panel When,
Holding information representing the setting of the handleable area in the memory;
The method for controlling an electronic device including the step of allowing the handwriting area and the hand-attachable area to move based on an operation on a touch panel. A program for controlling an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a touch panel for receiving a multipoint input, a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory for controlling the operation of the electronic device. And
The program is stored in the processor.
A step of accepting an input for setting a handwriting area for accepting handwriting input to the touch panel and a hand-worn area that is not accepted as handwriting input even if the touch on the touch panel is performed as a part of the coordinate detection area of the touch panel When,
Holding information representing the setting of the handleable area in the memory;
The program which performs the step which enables the said handwriting area | region and the said touchable area | region to move based on operation with respect to a touch panel.

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