JP2014002590A - Information processing device, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance operability of an information processing device using a touch panel.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: an object display unit which displays two or more selectable objects on a touch panel display; a reception unit which receives designation by a user's touch; a determination unit which, when the reception unit receives designation, determines whether a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in a designation area designated by the user; and an enlargement unit which enlarges at least the designation area for display when the determination unit determines that the predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in the designation area. Thus, it is possible to dispense with a user's enlargement operation and operability is enhanced in the graphic processing device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including a touch panel.

  Information processing apparatuses having a touch panel have become widespread. And in the situation where selectable objects such as menu items and icons are displayed on the touch panel, when trying to specify a specific object with a finger, if there are multiple objects within the size of the finger, It is difficult to specify an object accurately.

  In such a case, the operator has repeatedly enlarged the screen until there is no other selectable object around the target object, and the target object has been designated (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Apple Store “New iPad”, [online] [Search June 4, 2012], Internet [URL: http://store.apple.com/jp/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad]

  However, the operation of designating a specific object after the operator repeatedly enlarges the screen is an extremely troublesome operation.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, an object display unit that displays two or more objects that can be selected on a touch panel display, a reception unit that receives an instruction by touch, and a reception unit that receives the instruction A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in the designated area that is the designated area; and a predetermined number or more of selectable objects in the designated area. When the determination unit determines that it exists, the information processing apparatus includes at least an enlargement unit that displays an enlarged display area.

  With this configuration, an enlargement operation is not necessary, and operability can be improved.

  The information processing apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention is an information processing apparatus in which the enlargement unit enlarges and displays the designated area at different magnifications according to the object existing in the designated area. is there.

  With such a configuration, the instruction area is enlarged at an appropriate magnification, and the operability can be further improved.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, in contrast to the second aspect of the invention, the enlargement unit enlarges and displays the designated area at a magnification that leads to the presence of only one object in the designated area. It is.

  With such a configuration, the instruction area is enlarged at an appropriate magnification, and the operability can be further improved.

  The information processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention is an information processing apparatus that further includes an area detection unit that detects an instruction area, as compared with any of the first to third aspects of the invention.

  With this configuration, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not enlargement is necessary according to the operator, and the operability can be further improved.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first to fourth aspects of the invention, the enlargement unit is a window different from the window in which the object display unit displays each of the two or more objects. In addition, the information processing apparatus displays an enlarged area including the designated area.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily specify a specific object while viewing the entire screen, and the operability can be further improved.

  The information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the enlargement unit displays another window at a position that does not overlap the designated area in the window displayed by the object display unit. Device.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily specify a specific object without hiding the area of interest, and the operability can be further improved.

  The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the information processing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein the enlargement unit displays another window at a position where the object displayed by the object display unit is not displayed. Device.

  With this configuration, it is possible to easily specify a specific object without hiding the displayed object, and the operability can be further improved.

  According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the enlargement operation is not necessary, and the operability can be improved.

Block diagram of information processing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 A flowchart for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 Flow chart explaining the same area detection processing Flow chart explaining the determination process Flow chart explaining the enlargement process Figure showing the menu displayed Diagram explaining the operation of pressing the menu item Figure showing the enlarged menu The figure which shows the screen which indicates the icon which is displayed Figure showing the enlarged area Figure showing the word processor window The figure which shows operation when changing the position of the cursor with the same finger The figure which shows the screen where the whole window is expanded Block diagram of the information processing apparatus 2 Block diagram of the information processing apparatus 3 Block diagram of the information processing apparatus 4 Overview of the computer system Block diagram of the computer system

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment performs the same operation | movement, description may be abbreviate | omitted again.

(Embodiment 1)
In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that automatically enlarges an area including an instructed area when two or more selectable objects exist in the area instructed by a finger will be described.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus in which the magnification to be enlarged differs according to the object existing in the region will be described. In particular, an information processing apparatus that expands an area until one object exists in the area will be described.

  In the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that automatically detects an area designated by a finger will be described.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an information processing apparatus that displays an enlarged area in a window different from the original screen (window) will be described. In such a case, an information processing apparatus will be described in which the separate window is displayed avoiding the designated area, or other objects are not displayed, or are displayed in an area where there are few other objects. Here, the window is a concept including the entire screen.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 includes an object storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, an object display unit 13, an area detection unit 14, a determination unit 15, an enlargement unit 16, and a processing unit 17.

  The object storage unit 11 stores two or more pieces of object information that are information related to objects. The object may be any information that can be selected. The object includes a static object and a dynamic object. A static object is an object that exists in advance when the system is activated. A dynamic object is an object that can be input or edited by the user during execution of the system and the number of objects (0 or more) and contents can be changed. Static objects are, for example, menu items, icons, buttons, list items, etc. that make up a menu. The dynamic object is an element of content created by a so-called user such as a character, a figure, a photograph, or a picture. The characters constituting the character string are so-called word processor characters, characters in a text box, and the like. The object information includes, for example, an identifier for identifying the object, an attribute value of the object, and the like. The attribute value of the object is, for example, position information indicating the size and position. The object storage unit 11 and the data structure of the object are not limited. Further, the object storage units 11 may be physically distributed. The object storage unit 11 may be a file, a database, a part of a program, or the like. That is, the object may be embedded in the program.

  The object storage unit 11 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. The process in which an object is memorize | stored in the object storage part 11 is not ask | required. For example, an object may be stored in the object storage unit 11 via a recording medium, and an object transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the object storage unit 11. Alternatively, an object input via the input device may be stored in the object storage unit 11.

  The accepting unit 12 accepts an instruction by touch. The instruction by touch here is usually an instruction to select an object. The accepting unit 12 also accepts input instructions for inputting characters, display instructions for displaying objects, and the like. Note that it is preferable that the instruction received by the receiving unit 12 includes an instruction corresponding to the process performed by the processing unit 17. In addition, the receiving unit 12 may receive other instructions and information. Here, accepting is usually accepting information input from an input device such as a touch panel. However, accepting an input instruction or the like is a concept including receiving information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, accepting information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory. Suppose there is. The instruction by touch is usually a finger instruction. Moreover, you may catch that the instruction | indication by a touch is synonymous with a touch.

  The object display unit 13 displays two or more objects that can be selected on the touch panel display. The object display unit 13 usually reads the object information from the object storage unit 11 and arranges the object at a position corresponding to the position information included in the object information.

  The object display unit 13 may be considered as including or not including a display device. The object display unit 13 may be realized by display device driver software, or display device driver software and a display device. Here, the display device may be a touch panel alone or may be considered to include a touch panel and another display (for example, a liquid crystal display).

  The area detection unit 14 detects an instruction area that is a touched area. For example, when the touch panel is a projection-type capacitive touch panel, the region detection unit 14 acquires the change in the capacitance of the electrodes from the two vertical and horizontal electrode rows, and there is a change in the capacitance more than a predetermined value. A region that is a region and continuous in position is determined. Such an area is referred to as an instruction area.

  In addition, the area | region detection part 14 may acquire the fixed instruction | indication area | region containing the said coordinate information, when the coordinate information of one touched is acquired. In such a case, the area detection unit 14 holds information on the size of the designated area in advance. Further, the shape of the indication area may be rectangular or circular.

  That is, the indication area here may be fixed or dynamically determined. The case where the pointing area is dynamically determined means that the finger and the ground plane of the touch panel display become the pointing area.

  The area detection unit 14 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the area detection unit 14 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  When the receiving unit 12 receives an instruction, the determining unit 15 determines whether there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects in the specified area that is the specified area. Here, the predetermined number is usually two, but may be three or more.

  More specifically, the determination unit 15 usually determines the display range of the object from the position information of each of the two or more objects in the object storage unit 11 and there is an overlap between the range of the object and the designated area. Then, it is determined that the object exists in the designated area. Then, the determination unit 15 determines whether there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects in the designated area. The selectable object is usually an object displayed on the display. However, even if the object is displayed on the display, the object managed as not active by the management means (not shown) may be excluded from the selection targets.

  The determination unit 15 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the determination unit 15 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The enlargement unit 16 enlarges and displays at least the instruction region when the determination unit 15 determines that there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects in the instruction region. Here, the magnification to be enlarged may be a fixed magnification or may be dynamically changed. Further, the area to be enlarged may be only the designated area, or may be a wider area including the designated area. It is preferable to enlarge the entire screen and the entire window including the instruction area.

  Further, the enlargement unit 16 may enlarge and display the designated area at different magnifications depending on the object existing in the designated area. “According to the object” may refer to the number of objects, the type of the object, the attribute value such as the size of the object, or the interval between the objects. You may respond.

  Further, the enlargement unit 16 may enlarge and display the designated area at a magnification that allows only one object to exist in the designated area. For example, the enlargement unit 16 repeats enlargement at a fixed magnification until only one object exists in the designated area, and ends the enlargement when determining that only one object exists in the designated area.

  Further, the enlargement unit 16 may enlarge and display an area including the instruction area in a window different from the window in which the object display unit 13 displays two or more objects.

  In addition, the enlargement unit 16 may display another window at a position that does not overlap the designated area in the window displayed by the object display unit 13.

  Further, the enlargement unit 16 may display another window at a position where the object displayed by the object display unit 13 is not displayed.

  Note that the enlargement unit 16 usually displays an instruction area on the touch panel. However, the enlargement unit 16 may display an enlarged instruction area or the like on another display device that is not the designated touch panel. The enlargement unit 16 can be usually realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the enlargement unit 16 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The processing unit 17 performs various processes. The various processes include, for example, execution of a process corresponding to a selected menu item, execution of a process for a selected icon, input or editing of a character in a character string on a selected line, and the like. In addition, the process which the process part 17 performs is not ask | required.

  The processing unit 17 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the processing unit 17 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described using the flowchart of FIG. Here, the operation until the information processing apparatus 1 selects an object will be mainly described. It is assumed that two or more objects are displayed on the touch panel display at the start of processing.

  (Step S201) The receiving unit 12 determines whether an instruction has been received. If an instruction is accepted, the process goes to step S202, and if no instruction is accepted, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S202) The area detection unit 14 determines whether or not the instruction received in Step S201 is an object selection instruction. If it is an object selection instruction, the process proceeds to step S203, and if it is not an object selection instruction, the process proceeds to step S208. The selection instruction is usually a touch on the touch panel with a finger.

  (Step S203) The area detection unit 14 acquires the touched instruction area. The area detection process for acquiring the instruction area will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S204) The determination unit 15 determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in the instruction area acquired in step S203. Such determination processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S205) The enlargement unit 16 determines whether or not the determination result in Step S204 is a determination result that there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects in the designated area. If there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects, go to step S206, otherwise go to step S207.

  (Step S206) The enlargement unit 16 enlarges and displays at least the designated area, and returns to step S201. Such processing is called enlargement processing. The enlargement process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S207) The processing unit 17 or means (not shown) (not shown) selects an object existing in the designated area. If no object exists in the designated area, nothing is processed in this step. The process returns to step S201.

  (Step S208) The processing unit 17 and the like perform processing according to the instruction received by the receiving unit 12. When the instruction is a display instruction, the object display unit 13 displays object information corresponding to the instruction. The process returns to step S201.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 2, the process is terminated by powering off or a process termination interrupt.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 2, after an object is selected, the process performed using the selected object does not matter.

  Next, the area detection process in step S203 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S301) The area detection unit 14 substitutes 1 for a counter i.

  (Step S302) The region detection unit 14 determines whether or not the i-th vertical region on the touch panel exists. If the i-th vertical region exists, the process goes to step S303, and if it does not exist, the process returns to the upper process.

  (Step S303) The area detection unit 14 substitutes 1 for a counter j.

  (Step S304) The area detection unit 14 determines whether or not the jth horizontal area on the touch panel exists. If the j-th horizontal region exists, the process goes to step S305, and if not, the process goes to step S309.

  (Step S305) The region detection unit 14 acquires a change in capacitance in the vertical region i and the horizontal region j (referred to as (i, j)).

  (Step S306) The region detection unit 14 determines whether or not the change in capacitance is greater than or equal to a threshold value. If the change in capacitance is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S307, and if the change in capacitance is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S308.

  (Step S307) The area detection unit 14 acquires an instruction area including the area (i, j). Here, for a region adjacent to the region (i, j), the region detection unit 14 acquires a change in capacitance, and if the change in capacitance is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the adjacent detection unit 14 The area to be added is added to the designated area. And the area | region detection part 14 repeats this process.

  (Step S308) The area detection unit 14 increments the counter j by 1, and returns to step S304.

  (Step S309) The area detection unit 14 increments the counter i by 1, and returns to step S302.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the touch panel is assumed to be, for example, a projection-type capacitance method. However, the touch panel may be a surface-type capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, a surface acoustic wave method, or the like. The area detection unit 14 acquires an instruction area by a method according to the touch panel method.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the area detection unit 14 may acquire an instruction area having a fixed size or shape. In such a case, for example, first, the area detection unit 14 acquires a pressed point (x, y) on the touch panel. Next, the region detection unit 14 acquires information on a region having a predetermined size or shape (for example, a rectangle or a circle) with the point (x, y) as the center. Note that the size of the predetermined size instruction area may be customized by an individual, or may be customized by user attributes (gender, age, etc.).

  Next, the determination process in step S204 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S401) The determination unit 15 substitutes 0 for the counter c. The counter c is a variable for counting object information existing in the designated area.

  (Step S402) The determination unit 15 substitutes 1 for a counter i.

  (Step S403) The determination unit 15 determines whether or not the i-th object information exists in the object storage unit 11. If the i-th object information exists, the process goes to step S404. If the i-th object information does not exist, the process goes to step S410.

  (Step S <b> 404) The determination unit 15 acquires i-th object information from the object storage unit 11.

  (Step S405) The determination unit 15 determines whether or not there is an overlap between the object area indicated by the object information acquired in step S404 and the instruction area. If there is an overlap, the process goes to step S406, and if there is no overlap, the process goes to step S409. Note that the case where there is an overlap is a case where an object (i-th object) corresponding to the i-th object information exists in the designated area.

  (Step S406) The determination unit 15 increments the counter c by 1.

  (Step S407) The determination unit 15 determines whether c is equal to or greater than a threshold value (for example, 2). If c is greater than or equal to the threshold value, go to step S408, and if c is not greater than or equal to the threshold value, go to step S409.

  (Step S408) The determination unit 15 substitutes information (for example, “1”) indicating that a predetermined number or more objects exist in the variable “determination result”. Return to upper process.

  (Step S409) The determination unit 15 increments the counter i by one. The process returns to step S402.

  (Step S410) The determination unit 15 substitutes information (for example, “0”) indicating that there are no more than a predetermined number of objects in the variable “determination result”. Return to upper process.

  Next, the enlargement process in step S206 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S501) The enlargement unit 16 generates a new window.

  (Step S502) The enlargement unit 16 determines the display position of the window. The display position may be a position centered on the indication area, a position that does not overlap with the indication area, or a corner (any one of four corners) on the screen with the least number of objects. Note that the position that does not overlap the instruction area and the area with the least number of objects can be determined using the object information in the object storage unit 11.

  (Step S503) The enlargement unit 16 acquires an area including the designated area from the designated screen or window. Note that the area including the instruction area may have a fixed size or may change dynamically depending on the object. For example, the enlargement unit 16 may acquire an area that includes all objects included in the instruction area and does not include other objects as much as possible.

  (Step S504) The enlargement unit 16 enlarges the area acquired in step S503 so as to have a new window size.

  (Step S505) The enlargement unit 16 displays the area enlarged in step S504 in the window generated in step S501. Return to upper process.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the enlarged area is displayed in a new window. However, the enlargement unit 16 may simply enlarge the entire current screen or the entire display of the indicated window.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the object is a menu item, the enlargement unit 16 may enlarge only a menu including a plurality of menu items.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 5, the enlargement unit 16 may enlarge the area at a fixed magnification, may enlarge the area so that only one object enters the designated area, The magnification may be changed according to the number and type of objects. Normally, buttons, text boxes, menu items, etc. are different types of objects.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 in the present embodiment will be described using three specific examples.

(Specific example 1)
In the first specific example, the object is a menu item. When the information processing apparatus 1 tries to designate a specific menu item with a finger in the menu displayed on the display, the information processing apparatus 1 has two or more menu items in the designated area designated with the finger. Suppose that the operation of automatically enlarging and displaying the entire menu is performed.

  Assume that a menu having a large number of menu items is stored in the object storage unit 11. Then, it is assumed that the menu shown in FIG. 6 is displayed in accordance with a user instruction.

  In this situation, it is assumed that the user inputs an instruction to display one menu to the information processing apparatus 1. Then, the receiving unit 12 receives a menu display instruction. Next, the processing unit 17 reads the object information of the menu item from the object storage unit 11 and displays the menu. A display example of such a menu is shown in FIG. Reference numeral 601 in FIG. 6 denotes a menu corresponding to the “edit” button.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the user touches the display with his / her finger to indicate a specific menu item with his / her finger. Then, the reception unit 12 receives a menu item selection instruction.

  Next, the area detection unit 14 acquires the instructed position information (x1, y1). And the area | region detection part 14 acquires the information of the square area | region of fixed size centering on positional information (x1, y1). The information of this area is (x2, y2) (x3, y3). Note that “x1 = (x2 + x3) / 2” and “y1 = (y2 + y3) / 2”. Also, | x2-x3 | and | y2-y3 | are fixed lengths. Furthermore, it is preferable that | x2-x3 | and | y2-y3 | can be customized for each user.

  Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether or not there are more than a predetermined number (here, “2”) selectable menu items in the acquired instruction area. Judgment is made using position information of two or more menu items. Here, it is assumed that the determination unit 15 determines that there are two selectable menu items in the acquired instruction area. Note that the determination unit 15 acquires, for example, the coordinates of a large number of points on the outer edge of the indication area, and determines a menu item that includes at least one of the coordinates. Here, it is assumed that the menu item is a rectangle, and the coordinates of four corner points or two points (upper left and lower right points) of the rectangle are stored in the object storage unit 11. In such a situation, it is a known technique to determine whether a point on the outer edge of the indication area is included in a certain menu item.

  Next, the enlargement unit 16 enlarges the menu including the menu item, as shown in FIG.

  Next, the user designates a specific menu item in the enlarged menu with a finger.

  Through the above processing, the user can easily select one menu item with a finger. After selecting one menu item, the processing unit 17 executes a process corresponding to the menu item.

(Specific example 2)
In the second specific example, the object is an icon. When the information processing apparatus 1 tries to designate a specific icon with a finger among a plurality of icons displayed on the display, the information processing apparatus 1 has two or more icons in the designated area designated with the finger. Assume that an operation of automatically enlarging an area including an instruction area and displaying the enlarged area in a separate window different from the screen is performed.

  Now, it is assumed that a large number of object information as icon information is stored in the object storage unit 11, and a large number of icons are displayed on the display of the touch panel. Here, the object information is, here, image data of an icon pattern, position information indicating a display position (for example, upper left coordinates (x, y) of the icon), and a module for identifying a module to be executed when an icon is selected. Such as an identifier.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the user touches the display with his / her finger to indicate a specific icon with his / her finger. Then, the reception unit 12 receives an icon selection instruction.

  Next, the area detection unit 14 acquires an instruction area by the operation described with reference to FIG. 3, for example.

  Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether the icons in the object storage unit 11 have whether or not there are more than a predetermined number (here, “2”) selectable icons in the acquired instruction area. Judgment is made using information, icon size, and the like. Here, it is assumed that the determination unit 15 determines that there are two selectable icons (G and K icons in FIG. 9) in the acquired instruction area.

  Next, the enlargement unit 16 generates a new window. Then, the enlargement unit 16 determines the display position of the window. Here, it is assumed that the display position is a position including the instruction area.

  Next, the enlargement unit 16 acquires an area including the instruction area from the screen. Here, it is assumed that the area including the instruction area has a fixed size.

  Next, the enlargement unit 16 enlarges the acquired area so as to have a new window size. Then, the enlargement unit 16 displays the enlarged area in the generated window as shown in FIG.

  Next, the user designates a specific icon (for example, G icon) in the enlarged window with a finger.

  Through the above processing, the user can easily select one icon with a finger. After selecting one icon, the processing unit 17 executes a process corresponding to the icon.

(Specific example 3)
In the specific example 3, the object is a character constituting a character string. When the information processing apparatus 1 tries to designate a specific character with a finger among the characters displayed on the display, the information processing device 1 automatically performs processing when two or more characters exist in the designated area designated with the finger. It is assumed that the operation of enlarging and displaying the entire screen is performed. The designation of a specific character may be regarded as the designation of the cursor position.

  Now, the text is stored in the object storage unit 11. Here, the text is physically held as one piece of data. However, the information processing apparatus 1 may regard each character as an object.

  Then, it is assumed that the text of the object storage unit 11 is displayed in one window on the screen of the information processing apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. This window is here a so-called word processing software window. In FIG. 11, the cursor is at the beginning of the sentence.

  Next, it is assumed that the user touches the display with his / her finger to change the position of the cursor with his / her finger as shown in FIG. Then, the accepting unit 12 accepts a character selection instruction (cursor movement instruction).

  Next, the area detection unit 14 acquires an instruction area by the operation described with reference to FIG. 3, for example.

  Next, the determination unit 15 determines whether or not there are more than a predetermined number (here, “2”) selectable characters (cursor movement candidate positions) in the acquired instruction area. Here, the determination unit 15 includes two selectable characters (“de” in “3” on the third line in FIG. 11, “number” in “plurality” on the fourth line in the third line in FIG. 11). ) Exists.

  Next, the enlargement unit 16 enlarges the entire window as shown in FIG.

  Next, the user designates a specific character (focus position) in the enlarged sentence with a finger.

  Through the above processing, the user can easily select one character (focus position) with a finger. After selecting one character, the processing unit 17 executes processing such as insertion and editing of the designated character.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, no enlargement operation is required, and operability can be improved.

  When the object is a character, sentence, or sentence, the information processing apparatus described above includes a document information storage unit 21, a reception unit 12, a document display unit 23, a region detection unit 14, and a determination as shown in FIG. It may be considered that the information processing apparatus 2 includes the unit 15, the enlargement unit 16, and the document editing unit 27. The document information storage unit 21 may correspond to the object storage unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1, the document display unit 23 may correspond to the object display unit 13, and the document editing unit 27 may correspond to the processing unit 17.

  Here, the document information storage unit 21 can store a document. The document information storage unit 21 is preferably a non-volatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. The process of storing the document in the document information storage unit 21 does not matter. For example, an object may be stored in the document information storage unit 21 via a recording medium, or a document transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the document information storage unit 21. Alternatively, a document input via an input device may be stored in the document information storage unit 21.

  The document display unit 23 displays the document in the document information storage unit 21 on the touch panel display. The document display unit 23 may be considered to include a display device or not. The document display unit 23 can be realized by display device driver software, or display device driver software and a display device. Here, the display device may be a touch panel alone or may be considered to include a touch panel and another display (for example, a liquid crystal display).

  Further, the document editing unit 27 edits the document in accordance with the instruction received by the receiving unit 12. Then, the edited document is accumulated in the document information storage unit 21. The document editing unit 27 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the document editing unit 27 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  When the object is a menu item, an icon, a button, a list item, or the like, the information processing apparatus described above includes a reception unit 12, a display unit 33, a region detection unit 14, and a determination unit as illustrated in FIG. 15, it may be considered that the information processing device 3 includes the enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 36 and the processing unit 37. Further, the display unit 33 may be considered to correspond to a part of the object display unit 13 and the enlargement unit 16 of the information processing apparatus 1. Further, the enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 36 may be considered to correspond to a part of the enlargement unit 16. Further, the processing unit 37 may be considered to correspond to the object storage unit 11 and the processing unit 17.

  The display unit 33 displays the object on the touch panel display. The display unit 33 enlarges and displays the object on the touch panel display in accordance with an instruction from the enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 36. The display unit 33 may be considered as including or not including a display device. The display unit 33 may be realized by display device driver software, or display device driver software and a display device. Here, the display device may be a touch panel alone or may be considered to include a touch panel and another display (for example, a liquid crystal display).

  The enlarged redisplay preparation unit 36 prepares for enlarged display. Preparation for enlarged display means determination of parameter values for enlarged display. The parameters are, for example, an enlargement ratio, position information after the object is enlarged (for example, coordinates), and the like. The enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 36 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 36 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The processing unit 37 performs various processes. The various types of processing include, for example, command processing corresponding to the selected object, list data processing, and the like. The processing unit 37 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the processing unit 37 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  In the information processing apparatus 3, although not illustrated, objects such as menu items and icons are held by the processing unit 37, for example.

  When the object is a menu item, an icon, a button, a list item, or the like, the information processing apparatus described above includes a reception unit 12, a display control unit 40, a region detection unit 14, and a process as illustrated in FIG. It may be considered that the information processing apparatus 4 includes the unit 37. The display control unit 40 includes a display unit 33, a determination unit 15, and an enlarged redisplay preparation unit 36. The display unit 33 includes a data storage unit 331 and a display processing unit 332.

  The display control unit 40 may be considered to correspond to the object display unit 13, the determination unit 15, and the enlargement unit 16 of the information processing apparatus 1.

  The display control unit 40 displays two or more objects such as menus and performs processing until the object is selected in the display state. When an object is selected, the processing unit 37 performs processing corresponding to the selected object. The display control unit 40 can usually be realized by an MPU, a memory, or the like. The processing procedure of the display control unit 40 is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk. However, it may be realized by hardware (dedicated circuit).

  The data storage unit 331 stores objects. The data storage unit 331 is preferably a nonvolatile recording medium, but can also be realized by a volatile recording medium. The process of storing the object in the data storage unit 331 does not matter. For example, an object may be stored in the data storage unit 331 via a recording medium, and an object transmitted via a communication line or the like may be stored in the data storage unit 331. Alternatively, an object input via an input device may be stored in the data storage unit 331.

  The display processing unit 332 reads the object in the data storage unit 331 and displays it. Further, the enlarged object is displayed on the touch panel display according to the instruction of the enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 36. The display processing unit 332 may be considered as including or not including a display device. The display processing unit 332 may be realized by display device driver software, or display device driver software and a display device. Here, the display device may be a touch panel alone or may be considered to include a touch panel and another display (for example, a liquid crystal display).

  Note that the processing in the present embodiment may be realized by software. Then, this software may be distributed by software download or the like. Further, this software may be recorded and distributed on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. This also applies to other embodiments in this specification. Note that the software that implements the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is the following program. In other words, this program causes the computer to display an object display unit that displays two or more objects that can be selected on the touch panel display, a reception unit that receives a touch instruction, and the reception unit that receives the instruction. A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in the designated area that is the designated area; and a predetermined number or more of selectable objects in the designated area A program for causing a function as an enlargement unit that enlarges and displays at least the indication area when the determination unit determines that it exists.

  In the above program, it is preferable that the enlargement unit causes the computer to function as an enlarged display of the designated area at a different magnification according to an object existing in the designated area.

  In the above program, it is preferable that the enlargement unit causes the computer to function as an enlargement display of the instruction area at a magnification that leads to the presence of only one object in the instruction area.

  In the above program, it is preferable to further cause the computer to function as an area detection unit that detects an instruction area that is the touched area.

  In the above program, the enlargement unit enlarges and displays the area including the indication area in a window different from the window in which the object display unit displays the two or more objects. It is preferable to make a computer function.

  In the above program, it is preferable that the enlargement unit causes the computer to function as displaying the other window at a position that does not overlap the designated area in the window displayed by the object display unit.

  In the above program, it is preferable that the enlargement unit causes the computer to function as displaying the other window at a position where the object displayed by the object display unit is not displayed.

  Further, in the above program, the receiving unit further includes a processing unit that receives a predetermined instruction, and performs processing according to the instruction when the receiving unit receives the predetermined instruction. It is preferable to make a computer function as a thing.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of the external appearance of a computer that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the information processing apparatuses according to the various embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. FIG. 17 is an overview diagram of the computer system 300, and FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the system 300.

  In FIG. 17, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304. The monitor 304 is a touch panel display.

  In FIG. 18, a computer 301 includes an MPU 3013, a bus 3014, a ROM 3015, a RAM 3016, and a hard disk 3017 in addition to a CD-ROM drive 3012. The bus 3014 is connected to the MPU 3013 and the CD-ROM drive 3012. The ROM 3015 stores a program such as a bootup program. The RAM 3016 is connected to the MPU 3013 and temporarily stores application program instructions and provides a temporary storage space. The hard disk 3017 is for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, the computer 301 may further include a network card that provides connection to a LAN.

  A program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the information processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment may be stored in the CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and further transferred to the hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored in the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 at the time of execution. The program may be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

  In addition, as the external appearance of the information processing apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. 6, it is suitable that it is a tablet type terminal provided with a touch panel.

  The CD-ROM drive is an example of a recording medium driving device, and needless to say, it may be another recording medium driving device such as a Blu-ray disc drive. Needless to say, the hard disk is an example of an information storage device and may be another information storage device.

  The program does not necessarily include an operating system or a third-party program that causes the computer 301 to execute the functions of the information processing apparatus according to the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include an instruction portion that calls an appropriate function (module) in a controlled manner and obtains a desired result. How the computer system 300 operates is well known and will not be described in detail.

  Further, the computer that executes the program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, each process (each function) may be realized by centralized processing by a single device (system), or by distributed processing by a plurality of devices. May be.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention eliminates the need for an enlargement operation, has the effect of improving operability, and is useful as an information processing apparatus.

1, 2, 3, 4 Information processing apparatus 11 Object storage unit 12 Reception unit 13 Object display unit 14 Area detection unit 15 Judgment unit 16 Enlargement unit 17, 37 Processing unit 21 Document information storage unit 23 Document display unit 27 Document editing unit 33 Display unit 36 Enlargement / redisplay preparation unit 40 Display control unit 331 Data storage unit 332 Display processing unit

Claims (12)

An object display unit for displaying two or more objects as selectable targets on the touch panel display;
A reception unit for receiving instructions by touch;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in an instruction area that is an instructed area when the reception unit receives an instruction;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an enlargement unit that enlarges and displays at least the instruction area when the determination part determines that a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in the instruction area. The enlarged portion is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the instruction area is enlarged and displayed at a different magnification according to an object existing in the instruction area. The enlarged portion is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the instruction area is enlarged and displayed at a magnification at which only one object exists in the instruction area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an area detection unit that detects the instruction area. The enlarged portion is
5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an area including the instruction area is enlarged and displayed in a window different from a window in which the object display unit displays the two or more objects. . The enlarged portion is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the another window is displayed at a position that does not overlap the instruction area in the window displayed by the object display unit. The enlarged portion is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the another window is displayed at a position where the object displayed by the object display unit is not displayed. The object is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a character constituting a character string. The object is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is a selectable menu item. The reception unit
Accept pre-determined instructions,
The graphic processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit that performs processing in accordance with the instruction when the receiving unit receives the predetermined instruction. An information processing method realized by an object display unit, a reception unit, a determination unit, and an enlargement unit,
An object display step in which the object display unit displays two or more objects to be selected on the touch panel display;
The accepting step for accepting an instruction by touch;
A determination step for determining whether or not there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects in an instruction area that is an instructed area when an instruction is received in the reception step;
Information including: an enlargement step for enlarging and displaying at least the indication area when the enlargement unit determines in the determination step that a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in the indication area Processing method. Computer
An object display unit for displaying two or more objects as selectable targets on the touch panel display;
A reception unit for receiving instructions by touch;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined number or more of selectable objects exist in an instruction area that is an instructed area when the reception unit receives an instruction;
A program for functioning as an enlargement unit that enlarges and displays at least the instruction area when the determination section determines that there are more than a predetermined number of selectable objects in the instruction area.

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