JP4445793B2 - Input device and program using touch panel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device and program using a touch panel, and more particularly to an input device and program using a touch panel that is applied to an input device of an electronic device and executes predetermined processing by operating the touch panel.

An example of an input device using a conventional touch panel of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This patent document 1 relates to a detection coordinate processing method that enables detection of pressing of a plurality of points on a touch panel at the same time and corresponding data processing. Specifically, the amount of change per unit time in the detected coordinates is calculated, and when it is determined that the calculated amount of change is less than the set value, it is determined that the coordinates are continuously moved by a one-point instruction on the touch panel. Data processing is performed accordingly. If it is determined that the amount of change exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that two points on the touch panel have been pressed, and data processing is performed accordingly.
JP 2000-105645 A

  However, in this prior art, since one-point pressing or two-point pressing is determined by calculating the amount of change per unit time of the detected coordinate, for example, the user can quickly and twice continuously execute two different points by one-point instruction. When a pressing operation is performed, if the amount of change exceeds the set value, there is a problem that it is erroneously determined that two points have been pressed.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide a novel input device and program using a touch panel.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an input device and a program using a touch panel that can accurately detect whether only one point or two points are input on the touch panel.

The invention according to claim 1, a touch panel, provided in association with the touch panel, the display unit for displaying at least a first symbol and a second symbol, set the first input effective region to the first symbol, second FIG Pattern the second set of input effective region, input effective region setting for setting a third input effective region that is not visible on the display unit in the position that corresponds to the middle point of a straight line connecting the first graphic and the second graphic on the Means for detecting the presence or absence of an input operation on the touch panel by a user for every predetermined period in one frame, and detecting coordinate data in response to the input operation being detected by the input operation detecting means. By coordinate data detection means, coordinate change determination means for determining whether the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means has changed with respect to the previously detected coordinate data, by coordinate change determination means When it is determined that the target has changed, there is no input operation during the previous predetermined period by the input operation determination means for determining whether or not there is an input operation for the previous predetermined period detected by the input operation detection means. When determined, it is determined that the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means is due to an input operation of only one point on the touch panel, and there has been an input operation in the previous predetermined period by the input operation determination means. When the determination is made, the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means is determined to be due to the input operation of two points on the touch panel, and the input state determination means is based on the input operation of only one point. when there it is determined whether the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting means instructs the second input effective region Determination to it the time it has been determined that indicates the second input effective region first processing means for performing first processing, and the input state judging means is by an input operation of the two points is determined When it is determined whether the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means indicates the third input effective area, and when it is determined that the third input effective area is specified, the first process different second processing example Bei the second processing means for, input effective region setting means, when it is due to an input operation of the two points is determined by the input state judging means, the input operation of the two points An input device using a touch panel that sets a third input valid area only when the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means in accordance with the previous input operation indicates the first input valid area. The

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an input device using a touch panel includes a touch panel (22: reference numeral corresponding to the embodiment, hereinafter the same). A display unit (14) is provided in association with the touch panel (22). The display unit (14) displays the first symbol (112) and the second symbol (1 1 4) . Input effective region setting means (42, S 65, S99, S123, S14 7) , the first to set the input effective region (120c) in the first symbol (112), the second to the second symbol (1 1 4) set the input effective region (120 a), the third input effective region is not on the display unit in the position that corresponds to the middle point connecting the first symbol (112) and a second symbol (1 1 4) is displayed (120b ) is set. The input operation detection means (4 2, S83 ) detects the presence / absence of an input operation on the touch panel by the user for each predetermined period in one frame. Coordinate data detecting means (42, S 8 7) is a ( "YES" at S 8 3) coordinate data in response to the fact that there is an input operation by the input operation detecting means (42, S 8 3) is detected To detect. The coordinate change determination means (42 , S91 ) determines whether the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means (42 , S87 ) has changed from the previously detected coordinate data. Input operation determination means (4 2, S10 3), when it is determined that the coordinates change by the coordinate change determining means (42, S 9 1) (at S 9 1 "YES"), the input operation detecting means (42 , S 8 3) , it is determined whether or not there is an input operation during the previous predetermined period. The input state determination means (4 2, S105, S10 9) , when the input operation determination means (4 2, S10 3) determines that there has been no input operation during the previous predetermined period, the coordinate data detection means (42 , S10 9) . It is determined that the coordinate data detected in S 8 7) is due to an input operation of only one point on the touch panel (22). On the other hand, when the input operation in a predetermined period that there is determined before by the input operation determination means (42, S 10 3), a touch panel coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting means (42, S 8 7) It is determined that this is due to the above two input operations. When the first processing means (42 , S127) determines that the input state determination means (42 , S105, S109 ) is based on an input operation of only one point, the coordinate data detection means (42 , S127) . to determine whether the coordinate data detected is indicated a second input effective region (120 a) by S 8 7) (S125), instructs the second input effective region (120 a) When it is determined ( "YES" in S125 ), the first process is executed. Further, when the second processing means (42 , S145 ) is determined by the input state judging means (42 , S105, S109 ) to be the input operation of two points, the coordinate data detecting means ( 42 , S 8 7) , it is determined whether or not the coordinate data detected indicates the third input effective area (120 b) (S 14 3) , and the third input effective area (120 b) is determined. perform different second processing an instruction to be that when determining the (in S 14 3 "YES") the first treatment. When the input valid area setting means (42, S65, S99, S123, S147) is determined by the input state determination means (42, S105, S109) to be the input operation of two points, Only when the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting means (42, S87) in response to the previous input operation of the input operations indicates the first input valid area (120c), that is, the first symbol first. The third input valid area (120b) is set only when is operated.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is detected whether or not there is an input to the touch panel every predetermined period of one frame, and when there is a change in coordinates, one point input is made according to the presence or absence of touch input in the previous predetermined period Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine one-point input or two-point input. Therefore, for example, even if an operator such as a player performs an action of quickly and twice pressing two different points in response to a one-point instruction (one-point input), the player can perform two operations within a predetermined period in one frame. It is virtually impossible to press the button continuously, and there is always a predetermined period between the first input operation and the second input operation where there is no input to the touch panel. It is possible to determine that the input is one point without determining the input.
Further, according to the invention of claim 1, the first symbol to set the first input effective region, set the second input effective region can be processed by the operation of the one-point input to the second symbol, the two-point input If the operation is detected, only when the first symbol by the previous operation of the manipulation of the 2-point input is instructed, that corresponds to the middle point of a straight line connecting the first graphic and the second graphic since setting the third input effective region can be processed by the operation of the two-point input to the position, the predetermined processing only when it is entered correctly one-point input or 2 points to the first pattern and / or the second symbol Can be executed. That is, it is possible to prevent erroneous processing from being executed.

The invention of claim 2 is dependent on claim 1 , and when the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting means indicates the first input effective area , information related to the second process is displayed on the second symbol. Further, when the first input effective area is not designated, symbol display control means for displaying information related to the first process on the second symbol is further provided.

In the invention of claim 2, the symbol display control means (42, S135, S155), when the coordinate data detecting means (42, S 87, S189) coordinate data detected by the instructs the first input effective region The information related to the second process is displayed on the second symbol (S155), and when the first input effective area is not indicated, the information related to the first process is displayed on the second symbol (S135).

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the first input effective area is designated, information on processing executed when two points of the first symbol and the second symbol are input in the correct order is displayed on the second symbol. However, when the first input valid area is not instructed, information on processing executed when only one point of the second symbol is input is displayed on the second symbol, so that the first symbol is indicated in the state where the first symbol is instructed. The player can be easily informed of the difference in processing between the case of designating 2 symbols and the case of designating only the 2nd design without designating the 1st design, and the operability can be improved.

In the invention of claim 3, as in the invention of claim 1, it is possible to accurately determine one-point input or two-point input. Further, similarly to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous processing from being executed.

  According to the present invention, it is detected whether or not there is an input operation on the touch panel every predetermined period in one frame, and when there is a change in coordinates, one point input or two depending on the presence or absence of input operation in the previous predetermined period Since it is determined whether it is a point input, it is possible to accurately detect a one-point input or a two-point input.

  The above object, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
Referring to FIG. 1, the input device using the touch panel according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to game device 10. The game apparatus 10 includes a first liquid crystal display (LCD) 12 and a second LCD 14. The LCD 12 and the LCD 14 are accommodated in the housing 16 so as to be in a predetermined arrangement position. In this embodiment, the housing 16 includes an upper housing 16a and a lower housing 16b. The LCD 12 is stored in the upper housing 16a, and the LCD 14 is stored in the lower housing 16b. Therefore, the LCD 12 and the LCD 14 are arranged close to each other so as to be arranged vertically (up and down).

  In this embodiment, an LCD is used as the display, but an EL (Electronic Luminescence) display or a plasma display may be used instead of the LCD.

  As can be seen from FIG. 1, the upper housing 16a has a planar shape slightly larger than the planar shape of the LCD 12, and an opening is formed so as to expose the display surface of the LCD 12 from one main surface. On the other hand, the planar shape of the lower housing 16b is selected to be longer than that of the upper housing 16a, and an opening is formed so as to expose the display surface of the LCD 14 at a substantially central portion in the horizontal direction. The lower housing 16b is provided with a sound release hole 18 and an operation switch 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20L and 20R).

  The upper housing 16a and the lower housing 16b are rotatably connected to the lower side (lower end) of the upper housing 16a and a part of the upper side (upper end) of the lower housing 16b. Therefore, for example, when the game is not played, if the upper housing 16a is rotated and folded so that the display surface of the LCD 12 and the display surface of the LCD 14 face each other, the display surface of the LCD 12 and the display surface of the LCD 14 are displayed. Damage such as scratches can be prevented. However, the upper housing 16a and the lower housing 16b may be formed as a housing 16 in which they are integrally (fixed) provided without being rotatably connected.

  The operation switch 20 includes a direction switch (cross switch) 20a, a start switch 20b, a select switch 20c, an operation switch (A button) 20d, an operation switch (B button) 20e, an operation switch (L button) 20L, and an operation switch (R Button) 20R. The switches 20a, 20b and 20c are arranged on the left side of the LCD 14 on one main surface of the lower housing 16b. The switches 20d and 20e are arranged on the right side of the LCD 14 on one main surface of the lower housing 16b. Further, each of the switch 20L and the switch 20R is a part of the upper end (top surface) of the lower housing 16b, and is disposed on the left and right sides so as to sandwich the connecting portion other than the connecting portion with the upper housing 16a.

  The direction indicating switch 20a functions as a digital joystick, and operates one of the four pressing portions to instruct the moving direction of the player character (or player object) that can be operated by the player, or to change the moving direction of the cursor. It is used to give instructions. The start switch 20b includes a push button, and is used to start (resume) a game, pause (pause), and the like. The select switch 20c includes a push button and is used for selecting a game mode.

  The action switch 20d, that is, the A button is configured by a push button, and allows the player character to perform an arbitrary action such as hitting (punching), throwing, grabbing (obtaining), riding, jumping, and the like other than the direction instruction. it can. For example, in an action game, it is possible to instruct to jump, punch, move a weapon, and the like. In the role playing game (RPG) and the simulation RPG, it is possible to instruct acquisition of items, selection and determination of weapons and commands, and the like. The operation switch 20e, that is, the B button is constituted by a push button, and is used for changing the game mode selected by the select switch 20c, canceling the action determined by the A button 20d, or the like.

  The operation switch 20L (left push button) and the operation switch 20R (right push button) are configured by push buttons, and the left push button (L button) 20L and the right push button (R button) 20R are an A button 20d and a B button. It can be used for the same operation as 20e, and can be used for an auxiliary operation of the A button 20d and the B button 20e.

  A touch panel 22 is attached to the upper surface of the LCD 14. As the touch panel 22, for example, any one of a resistive film type, an optical type (infrared type), and a capacitive coupling type can be used. The touch panel 22 is pressed, stroked, or touched with a stick 24 or a pen (stylus pen) or a finger (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “stick 24 or the like”) (hereinafter simply referred to as “stick”). When the operation is performed by “pressing”), the coordinates of the operation position of the stick 24 and the like are detected, and coordinate data corresponding to the detected coordinates (detected coordinates) is output.

  In this embodiment, the resolution of the display surface of the LCD 14 (the LCD 12 is the same or substantially the same) is 256 dots × 192 dots, and the detection accuracy of the touch panel 22 is 256 dots × 192 dots corresponding to the display screen. The detection accuracy of 22 may be lower or higher than the resolution of the display screen.

  For example, a game screen is displayed on the LCD 12, and an operation screen including character information and icons is displayed on the LCD 14. Accordingly, the player operates the touch panel 22 with the stick 24 or the like to select a command based on character information, icons, etc. displayed on the operation screen of the LCD 14, or scrolls the game screen (map) displayed on the LCD 12 (gradually). The direction of movement display) can be indicated. Further, depending on the type of game, it can also be used for various other input instructions, for example, selection or operation of icons displayed on the LCD 14, coordinate input instructions, and the like.

  As described above, the game apparatus 10 includes the LCD 12 and the LCD 14 serving as a display unit for two screens, and the touch panel 22 is provided on the upper surface of either one (in this embodiment, the LCD 14). 14) and two operation units (20, 22).

  In this embodiment, the stick 24 can be stored in a storage portion (storage hole) 26 provided in the vicinity of the side surface (right side surface) of the upper housing 16a, for example, and taken out as necessary. However, if the stick 24 is not provided, it is not necessary to provide the storage portion 26.

  Furthermore, the game apparatus 10 includes a memory card (or game cartridge) 28. The memory card 28 is detachable and is inserted from an insertion port 30 provided on the back surface or the lower end (bottom surface) of the lower housing 16b. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a connector 46 (see FIG. 2) for joining with a connector (not shown) provided at the front end of the memory card 28 in the insertion direction is provided at the back of the insertion slot 30. Therefore, when the memory card 28 is inserted into the insertion slot 30, the connectors are joined together, and the CPU core 42 (see FIG. 2) of the game apparatus 10 can access the memory card 28.

  Although not expressed in FIG. 1, the position corresponds to the sound release hole 18 of the lower housing 16b, and a speaker 32 (see FIG. 2) is provided inside the lower housing 16b.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, for example, a battery housing box is provided on the back surface side of the lower housing 16b, and a power switch, a volume switch, an external expansion connector, and an external extension connector are provided on the bottom surface side of the lower housing 16b. Earphone jack is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game apparatus 10. Referring to FIG. 2, game device 10 includes an electronic circuit board 40 on which circuit components such as CPU core 42 are mounted. The CPU core 42 is connected to the connector 46 via the bus 44, and also includes a RAM 48, a first graphics processing unit (GPU) 50, a second GPU 52, an input / output interface circuit (hereinafter referred to as “I / F circuit”). ) 54 and the LCD controller 60 are connected.

  As described above, the memory card 28 is detachably connected to the connector 46. The memory card 28 includes a ROM 28a and a RAM 28b. Although not shown, the ROM 28a and the RAM 28b are connected to each other via a bus, and are further connected to a connector (not shown) joined to the connector 46. Therefore, as described above, the CPU core 42 can access the ROM 28a and the RAM 28b.

  The ROM 28a stores a game program for a game (virtual game) to be executed on the game apparatus 10, image (character image, background image, item image, icon (button) image, message image, etc.) data, and sound necessary for the game ( Music) data (sound data) and the like are stored in advance. The RAM (backup RAM) 28b stores (saves) mid-game data and game result data.

  The RAM 48 is used as a buffer memory or a working memory. That is, the CPU core 42 loads a game program, image data, sound data, and the like stored in the ROM 28a of the memory card 28 into the RAM 48, and executes the loaded game program. Further, the CPU core 42 executes the game process while storing in the RAM 48 data (game data or flag data) that is temporarily generated in accordance with the progress of the game.

  Note that the game program, image data, sound data, and the like are read from the ROM 28a all at once, or partially and sequentially, and stored (loaded) in the RAM 48.

  However, the ROM 28a of the memory card 28 stores a program for an application other than the game and image data necessary for executing the application. Further, sound (music) data may be stored as necessary. In such a case, the game device 10 executes the application.

  Each of the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 forms part of a drawing unit, and is configured by, for example, a single chip ASIC, receives a graphics command (graphics command) from the CPU core 42, and game image data according to the graphics command. Is generated. However, the CPU core 42 gives each of the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 an image generation program (included in the game program) necessary for generating the game image data in addition to the graphics command.

  The GPU 50 is connected to a first video RAM (hereinafter referred to as “VRAM”) 56, and the GPU 52 is connected to a second VRAM 58. Data required for the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 to execute the drawing command (image data: data such as character data and texture) is obtained by the GPU 50 and the GPU 52 accessing the first VRAM 56 and the second VRAM 58, respectively. The CPU core 42 writes image data necessary for drawing into the first VRAM 56 and the second VRAM 58 via the GPU 50 and the GPU 52. The GPU 50 accesses the VRAM 56 to create game image data for drawing, and the GPU 52 accesses the VRAM 58 to create game image data for drawing.

  The VRAM 56 and VRAM 58 are connected to the LCD controller 60. The LCD controller 60 includes a register 62. The register 62 is composed of, for example, 1 bit, and stores a value (data value) of “0” or “1” according to an instruction from the CPU core 42. When the data value of the register 62 is “0”, the LCD controller 60 outputs the game image data created by the GPU 50 to the LCD 12 and the game image data created by the GPU 52 to the LCD 14. When the data value of the register 62 is “1”, the LCD controller 60 outputs the game image data created by the GPU 50 to the LCD 14 and outputs the game image data created by the GPU 52 to the LCD 12.

  The operation switch 20, the touch panel 22 and the speaker 32 are connected to the I / F circuit 54. Here, the operation switch 20 is the above-described switches 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 20L and 20R. When the operation switch 20 is operated, a corresponding operation signal (operation data) is transmitted to the I / F circuit 54. To the CPU core 42. Also, coordinate data from the touch panel 22 is input to the CPU core 42 via the I / F circuit 54. Further, the CPU core 42 reads out sound data necessary for the game, such as game music (BGM), sound effects or sound of the game character (pseudo-sound), from the RAM 48 and outputs it from the speaker 32 via the I / F circuit 54. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game apparatus 10 is configured, but at least the LCD 14, the touch panel 22, the memory card 28 (strictly, ROM 28 a), the CPU core 42, the RAM 48, the GPU 52, I / F circuit 54, VRAM 58 and LCD controller 60.

  As described above, in the game apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the touch panel 22 is provided on the LCD 14 so that an input operation can be performed using the touch panel 22. In the following, an input operation using the touch panel 22 will be described. For the sake of easy understanding, button symbols such as alphabet keys are displayed on the LCD 14, and alphabet characters designated by operating (pressing) the button symbols are displayed on the LCD 12. The case of displaying on the screen will be described. In FIG. 3 and subsequent figures, for the sake of simplicity, only the LCD 12 and the LCD 14 of the game apparatus 10 are illustrated, and the other portions are not illustrated. However, it is assumed that the touch panel 22 is disposed on the LCD 14.

  Referring to FIG. 3, LCD 12 displays an input screen 100 for displaying the designated alphabetic character. A cursor 102 is displayed on the input screen 100, and the cursor 102 indicates the display position (input position) for the alphabetic character that has been designated. Further, the LCD 14 displays an operation screen 110 on which a button pattern for performing an input operation is displayed. On this operation screen 110, a button design 112 for the shift key is displayed, and a button design 114 for the lower case alphabet is displayed. In this embodiment, the button symbols 114a and 114b for the lower case letters “q”, “w”, “e”, “a”, “s”, “d”, “z”, “x”, and “c” of the alphabet. , 114c, 114d, 114e, 114f, 114g, 114h, 114i are displayed. Hereinafter, when simply referring to the button symbol 114, all of the button symbols 114a to 114i are included.

  In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, only some alphabetic button designs 114a to 114i are displayed, but other alphabetic button designs are also displayed. For example, other alphabetic button designs may be displayed by switching display such as scrolling.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4, corresponding to the display positions (display areas) of the button symbols 114a to 114i shown in FIG. For convenience, it is referred to as a “first input effective area”) 120a. Here, the input valid area refers to an area for determining whether or not the player's input operation is valid. The setting of the input valid area means setting coordinate data for specifying (defining) the area (stored in the RAM 48 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, since the input effective area is a quadrangular simple shape, only the coordinates of the two vertices located diagonally (for example, the coordinates of the upper left corner and the lower right corner) need only be stored. When the shape of the input effective area is complicated, all coordinate data included in the area may be stored. The same applies hereinafter. The coordinate data defining the first input effective area 120a is coordinate data indicating the position on the touch panel 22 corresponding to each display area of the button symbols 114a to 114i displayed on the LCD 14, and corresponds to the dot of the touch panel 22.

  Therefore, when the player presses any one of the button symbols 114 a to 114 i with the stick 24 or the like, the touch panel 22 transmits the coordinate data corresponding to the pressed point (one point) via the I / F circuit 54 and the bus 44. To the CPU core 42. On the other hand, when detecting the coordinate data from the touch panel 22, the CPU core 42 determines whether or not the coordinate data matches the coordinate data stored in the RAM 48 (the coordinate data of the first input valid area 120a). Based on the determination result, the CPU core 42 determines the presence / absence of the input operation of the button symbol 114 and the type of the button symbol 114a, 114b,.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the touch panel 22 is set with a second input effective area 120b different from the first input effective area 120a. In the second input valid area 120b, as can be seen from FIG. 3, unlike the first input valid area 120a, no button symbol is displayed at the corresponding position on the LCD 14. The second input valid area 120b may be an uppercase letter (hereinafter referred to as "English uppercase") corresponding to a lowercase letter (hereinafter also referred to as "English lowercase") in which the first input valid area 120a is set. This is the input effective area for.

  For example, in the input operation using the touch panel 22 of this embodiment, as in a keyboard input method connected to a general-purpose computer (or provided integrally), a desired alphabet while pressing the button symbol 112 of the shift key. When the button symbols 114a, 114b,..., 114i are pressed, upper case letters of the alphabet can be input. That is, the second input effective area 120b is set so that the capital letter of the alphabet can be input.

  On the touch panel 22, normally, when two places (two points) are pressed, coordinate data of the center point of a straight line connecting the two pressed points is output. Therefore, when the button symbol 112 and any one of the button symbols 114a to 114i are pressed, the coordinate data of the center point is output. The second input effective area 120b is set at the midpoint of a straight line connecting the button symbol 112 and each of the button symbols 114a to 114i so that uppercase letters of the alphabet can be input corresponding to the operation. Specifically, in the second input effective area 120b, uppercase letters “Q”, “W”, “E”, “A”, “S”, “D”, “Z”, “X”, “X” The input valid area for C ″ is included.

  In FIG. 4, the first input effective area 120a and the second input effective area 120b are visually displayed. This is for easy understanding of the position or range of the set input effective area. As described above, the coordinate data defining the input effective area is only stored in the RAM 48 and cannot be viewed by the player.

  FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing one example of display and input operations on the LCD 12 and the LCD 14. In FIG. 5 (the same applies to FIG. 6 and subsequent figures), the second input effective area 120b set on the touch panel 22 is also shown. However, as described above, it is not actually displayed on the screen. Invisible to the player. The first input effective area 120a is omitted for the convenience of the drawing. The same applies hereinafter.

  FIG. 5 shows a state in which, for example, the player presses the “q” button symbol 114a (see FIG. 3) with the index finger of the right hand, and the input screen 100 is updated accordingly. Thus, when one point is input (one point input), the corresponding coordinate data is input from the touch panel 22, and the CPU core 42 determines an input operation based on the input coordinate data. The determination of the input operation is as described above. Here, the CPU core 42 determines that there has been an input operation of an English small letter “q”. Next, the CPU core 42 instructs the GPU 50 to display the lowercase letter “q”. The GPU 50 uses the image data stored in the VRAM 56 to generate screen data for displaying an English small letter “q” at the position indicated by the cursor 102 in FIG. 3. The generated screen data is displayed on the LCD 12 by the LCD controller 60. At this time, the position of the cursor 102 is moved (updated) to a position indicating the input position after the input of the lowercase letter “q”.

  FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing another example of display and input operations on the LCD 12 and the LCD 14. In FIG. 6, the player presses the button symbol 112 of the shift key with the left index finger, and presses the button symbol 114 h (see FIG. 3) of the small letter “x” with the right index finger, thereby changing to the lower case letter “q”. Subsequently, an uppercase letter “X” is displayed on the display screen 100. As described above, when two points are input (two-point input), coordinate data about the midpoint of a straight line connecting the two points is input from the touch panel 22. As shown in FIG. 6, here, the coordinate data in the input effective area of “X” in the second input effective area 120b is input, and the CPU core 42 determines that the input operation of the capital letter “X” has been performed. To do. Next, the CPU core 42 instructs the GPU 50 to display the capital letter “X”. The GPU 50 uses the image data stored in the VRAM 56 to generate screen data for displaying the capital letter “X” at the position indicated by the cursor 102 in FIG. 5. The generated screen data is displayed on the LCD 12 by the LCD controller 60. At this time, the position of the cursor 102 is moved (updated) to a position indicating the input position after the capital letter “X” is input.

  As described above, a small letter can be input by one-point input, and a capital letter can be input by two-point input.

  FIG. 7 is an illustrative view showing another example of display and input operations on the LCD 12 and the LCD 14. In FIG. 7, for example, after the player presses the shift key button pattern 112 with the left index finger, the capital letter “X” in the second input effective area 120b is also displayed with the left index finger (in FIG. 7, with the player's finger). It shows the state where the input effective area is pressed. That is, the second input effective area 120b is pressed by one point input. In such a case, since it cannot be said that the operation method is correct, if an input operation of the capital letter “X” is accepted, characters not desired by the player are displayed on the LCD 12. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to accurately determine (determine) one-point input and two-point input.

  As a method for discriminating between such one-point input and two-point input, when two consecutive coordinate data are within a certain time and separated by a certain distance or more, the current coordinate data is converted to 2 When it is determined that the input is a point input and two consecutive coordinate data are outside a certain time or less than a certain distance, there is a method of determining that each coordinate data is based on a single point input.

  However, in such a method, there is a problem that even if one point input is performed twice within a certain time and apart from a certain distance, it is erroneously determined as two point input.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, one-point input and two-point input are performed by determining whether or not the player has released his / her hand (finger) from the touch panel 22, that is, whether or not coordinate data is input from the touch panel 22. Is accurately discriminated.

  In brief, the CPU core 42 determines whether or not coordinate data is input from the touch panel 22 in an image update period (in this embodiment, 1 frame = 1/60 seconds) in a certain time (in this embodiment, Detect every quarter frame). When there is input of coordinate data from the touch panel 22, the CPU core 42 turns on the input flag and stores the coordinate data (detected coordinates). On the other hand, when there is no input of coordinate data from the touch panel 22, the input flag is turned off and no coordinate data is stored.

  Based on the change of the input flag and the change of the coordinate data, the CPU core 42 determines one-point input or two-point input. This will be specifically described below. FIGS. 8A and 8B are timing charts showing changes in the input flag when the detected coordinates change from (x, y) to (x ′, y ′) in one frame period. It is. However, it is assumed that the detected coordinates (x, y) and the detected coordinates (x ′, y ′) are separated by a certain distance or more.

  In FIG. 8A, the input flag is turned off while the detected coordinates change from (x, y) to (x ′, y ′), and coordinate data is detected during one frame period. There is not a state. This means that the player has released his hand (finger) from the touch panel 22. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that one point is input.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 8B, even when the detected coordinate is changing from (x, y) to (x ′, y ′), the input flag is always on, and the coordinate is set in the middle of one frame period. There is no state where no data is detected. This means that the player has not released his / her hand (finger) from the touch panel 22. Therefore, in such a case, it is determined that the input is two points.

  FIG. 9 shows a memory map of the ROM 28 a provided in the memory card 28. This memory map stores a program or the like for an application that inputs lowercase letters or uppercase letters as described above. Specifically, referring to FIG. 9, ROM 28 a includes a program storage area 70, an image data storage area 72, and an input effective area coordinate data storage area 74. The program storage area 70 includes a coordinate data detection program 70a, an input flag detection program 70b, a coordinate change determination program 70c, an input flag determination program 70d, an input state determination program 70e, an input valid area setting program 70f, and a button symbol display control program 70g. Is memorized.

  The coordinate data detection program 70a is a program for detecting coordinate data input from the touch panel 22 every ¼ frame within one frame period. The input flag detection program 70b is a program for turning on or off the input flag based on the detection result of the coordinate data detection program 70a and writing the information in the input flag storage area 80 (see FIG. 11) of the RAM 48. The coordinate change determination program 70c is a program for comparing the previous detected coordinate (coordinate data) with the current detected coordinate (coordinate data) to determine whether the detected coordinate is changed.

  The input flag determination program 70d is a program for comparing the previous input flag and the current input flag to determine whether or not the state of the input flag (ON / OFF) has changed. The input state determination program 70e determines an input state (one-point input or two-point input), and turns on / off a one-point input flag 84a and a two-point input flag 84b (see FIG. 11) described later according to the determination result. It is a program to do. The input effective area setting program 70f is a program for setting the first input effective area 120a and the second input effective area 120b, and in this embodiment, coordinates stored in the input effective area coordinate data storage area 74 described later. Data is stored in the RAM 48 in correspondence with each lowercase letter and each uppercase letter. The button symbol display control program 70g is a program for displaying the button symbol 112 and the button symbol 114 on the LCD 14 using button symbol data such as shift key symbol data 72a and alphabet key symbol data 72b described later.

  Although not shown, the program storage area 70 also stores an image generation program for generating screen data, an image display program for controlling display of the generated screen data, and the like.

  In the image data storage area 72, shift key symbol data 72a, alphabet key symbol data 72b, and English (small, large) character data 72c are stored. The shift key symbol data 72a is symbol data for displaying the button symbol 112 of the shift key. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 and the like, the button symbol 112 has a rectangular shape, and “shift” characters are drawn therein. The alphabet key symbol data 72b is symbol data for displaying the button symbol 114 of the alphabet key. In this embodiment, it is symbol data for lowercase letters, and the button symbol 114 has a square shape, and characters “q”, “w”, “e”,..., “I” are drawn therein. The As described above, in FIG. 3 and the like, only a part of the alphabet is shown, but symbol data for all of the alphabet from “a” to “z” is stored. The English (small, large) character data 72c is font data for lowercase letters and uppercase letters, and is used to display lowercase letters and uppercase letters on the LCD 12 in accordance with player input.

  The input effective area coordinate data storage area 74 stores the coordinate data of the input effective area for each of the shift key, the lower case alphabet, and the upper case alphabet. As described above, in this embodiment, since the LCD 14 and the touch panel 22 have the same resolution, the coordinate data of the display area (display position) of the button symbol 114 and the coordinate data of the input effective area coincide. That is, the coordinate data for the input effective area is also referred to when the button symbol 112 and the button symbol 114 are displayed on the LCD 14.

  In this embodiment, since the input effective area is not set in the button symbol 112, the coordinate data for the shift key is used only for displaying the button symbol 112 of the shift key.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the coordinate data of the input effective area is stored corresponding to each key (button). For example, (Xa1, Ya1), (Xan, Yan) are stored as the input effective area of the lowercase letter “a”. A square whose diagonal is a straight line connecting two coordinates is an input effective area of the lowercase letter “a”. It is also the display position of the button symbol of the English small letter “a”. Although the detailed description is omitted, the same applies to other lowercase letters. Further, ((Xsh1 + Xa1) / 2, (Ysh1 + Ya1) / 2)), ((Xshn + Xan) / 2, (Yshn + Yan) / 2)) are stored as the English uppercase “A” input effective area. This is because, as described above, the midpoint position of the shift key and the lowercase letter key becomes the input effective area of the uppercase letter key corresponding to the lowercase letter. A square whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the two coordinates is an input effective area of the capital letter “A”. Although the detailed description is omitted, the same applies to other uppercase letters.

  As described above, coordinates (Xsh1, Ysh1) and (Xshn, Yshn) are stored for the shift key, and a rectangle whose diagonal is a straight line connecting the two coordinates is the display position of the shift key.

  FIG. 11 shows a memory map of the RAM 48. Referring to FIG. 11, RAM 48 includes an input flag storage area 80, a detected coordinate storage area 82, an input state storage area 84, and an input valid area storage area 86. The input flag storage area 80 stores status data 80a for the previous input flag and status data 80b for the current input flag. For example, the input flag storage area 80 is composed of at least a 2-bit shift register, and the data value of each bit is updated every time the state of the input flag is determined. If the input flag is on, the data value “1” is stored in the corresponding bit, and if the input flag is off, the data value “0” is stored in the corresponding bit.

  The detected coordinate storage area 82 stores the previously detected coordinate data 82a and the current detected coordinate data 82b, and is updated according to the above-described coordinate data detection program 70a. The input state storage area 84 stores a one-point input flag 84a and a two-point input flag 84b. When one-point input is determined according to the input state determination program 70e, the one-point input flag 84a is turned on, and at this time, the two-point input flag 84b is turned off. On the other hand, when two-point input is determined according to the input state determination program 70e, the two-point input flag 84b is turned on, and at this time, the one-point input flag 84a is turned off. In the input valid area 86, as described above, in accordance with the input valid area setting program 70f, the coordinate data of the lowercase input valid area 120a and the coordinate data of the uppercase input valid area 120b are converted into the lowercase letters, Stored in correspondence with each uppercase letter.

  Although illustration is omitted, as described above, the RAM 48 is loaded with all programs, image data, etc. from the ROM 28a all at once or sequentially and partially, and other necessary for processing of the program, etc. These flags and data are also stored.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the overall processing of the CPU core 42 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 12, when starting the entire process, the CPU core 42 executes initial setting in step S1. For example, in the initial setting, various flags in the RAM 48 are initialized, and the VRAMs 56 and 58 are initialized.

  In the subsequent step S3, display processing of the button symbols 112 and 114 on the second LCD, that is, the LCD 14 is executed. Specifically, the CPU core 42 instructs the GPU 52 to execute the display processing of the button symbols 112 and 114, and in response to this, the GPU 52 acquires image data for the button symbols 112 and 114 from the VRAM 58 and displays the screen. Generate data. Thereafter, the LCD controller 60 outputs screen data generated by the GPU 52 to the LCD 14 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU core 42. Therefore, the operation screen data 110 shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S5, an input effective area for each lowercase letter (first input effective area 120a) is set on the touch panel 22 corresponding to the display area of each alphabet key. Although omitted in FIG. 11, the coordinate data for the first input valid area 120a is stored in the RAM 48 corresponding to each lowercase letter with reference to the two coordinate data defining the input valid area stored in the ROM 28a. . In the subsequent step S7, an uppercase input effective area (second input effective area 120b) is set at an intermediate position between the shift key and each alphabet key. Although omitted in FIG. 11, the coordinate data for the second input valid area 120b is stored in the ROM 48a with reference to the two coordinate data defining the input valid area of each uppercase letter. Is remembered.

  Subsequently, in step S9, coordinate detection processing (1) described later is executed (see FIGS. 13 and 14), and in step S11, display update processing is executed. In step S <b> 11, the CPU core 42 controls the LCD controller 60 to output the screen data generated in the coordinate detection process (1) to the LCD 12. Thereby, the input screen 100 shown in FIG.

  In step S13, it is determined whether the key input (input operation) has been completed. That is, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the operation switch 20 to instruct the end of input. If “NO” in the step S13, that is, if the key input is not ended, the process returns to the step S9 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S13, that is, if the key input is ended, the entire processing is ended.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when starting the coordinate detection process (1), the CPU core 42 sets the input flag detection count n to “1” in step S21 (n = 1). In the next step S23, it is determined whether there is a touch panel input. That is, it is determined whether coordinate data is input from the touch panel 22. If there is no touch panel input, “NO” is determined, the input flag is turned off in step S25, and the process proceeds to step 53 shown in FIG. However, if there is a touch panel input, “YES” is set, the input flag is turned on in step S27, and the coordinate data input from the touch panel 22 is detected in step S29.

  Subsequently, in step S31, the RAM 48 is referred to and it is determined whether or not there is previous coordinate data. If “NO” in the step S31, that is, if there is no previous coordinate data, the process proceeds to a step S41 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S31, that is, if there is previous coordinate data, it is determined whether or not there is a coordinate change in a step S33. Specifically, the previous coordinate data and the current coordinate data are compared to determine whether they are different.

  If “NO” in the step S33, that is, if there is no coordinate change, the process proceeds to a step S53 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S33, that is, if there is a coordinate change, it is determined whether or not the change amount is a predetermined value or more in a step S35. If “NO” in the step S35, that is, if the change amount is not the predetermined value or more, the process proceeds to a step S53 as it is. However, if “YES” in the step S35, that is, if the change amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the previous two-point input is determined in a step S37 shown in FIG. That is, it is determined whether or not the two-point input flag 84b stored in the RAM 48 is on.

  The reason for determining whether or not the amount of change is equal to or greater than a predetermined value is to prevent a single point input continuous operation such as a so-called drag operation from being erroneously determined as a two point input. The same applies hereinafter.

  If “YES” in the step S37, that is, if the two-point input flag 84b is turned on, it is determined that the previous two-point input has been determined, and the process proceeds to a step S41 as it is. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S37, that is, if the one-point input flag 84a is turned on, it is determined that the previous one-point input is determined, and whether or not the previous input flag is turned off is determined in a step S39. . Specifically, the RAM 48 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the previous input flag state data 80a indicates OFF.

  If “YES” in the step S39, that is, if the state data 80a indicates OFF, it is determined that the previous input flag is OFF, and the one-point input flag 84a is turned ON in a step S41. At this time, the two-point input flag 84b is turned off. Then, in the next step S43, it is determined whether or not the detected coordinates indicate the first input effective area 120a (button symbol 114) for an alphabet key, that is, an English small letter. If “NO” in the step S43, that is, if the first input valid area 120a for a lower case letter is not designated, it is determined that the character input is not performed, and the process proceeds to a step S53 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S43, that is, if the first input effective area 120a for a lower case letter is instructed, the corresponding lower case letter is displayed and set in a step S45, and the process proceeds to the step S53. . Specifically, in step S45, the CPU 50 instructs the GPU 50 to display corresponding lowercase letters, and the GPU 50 accesses the VRAM 56 and generates screen data including the lowercase letters accordingly.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S39, that is, if the state data 80a indicates ON, it is determined that the previous input flag is ON, and the two-point input flag 84b is turned ON in a step S47. At this time, the one-point input flag 84a is turned off. Then, in the next step S49, it is determined whether or not the detected coordinates indicate the capital letter input valid area, that is, the second input valid area 120b. If “NO” in the step S49, that is, if the second input valid area 120b is not designated, it is determined that the character input is not performed, and the process proceeds to a step S53 as it is. However, if “YES” in the step S49, that is, if the second input valid area 120b is instructed, the corresponding uppercase letter is displayed and set in a step S51, and the process proceeds to the step S53. Specifically, in step S51, the GPU 50 is instructed to display corresponding uppercase letters, and in response thereto, the GPU 50 accesses the VRAM 56 and generates screen data including the uppercase letters.

  In step S53, it is determined whether or not the number of detections n is “4”. That is, here, it is determined whether one frame period has elapsed. If “NO” in the step S53, that is, if n = 4, the detection count n is incremented (n = n + 1) in a step S55, and the process returns to the step S23 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S53, that is, if n = 4, the coordinate detection process (1) is returned.

  In the coordinate detection process (1), since the scan time of the processes from step S23 to S55 corresponds to ¼ frame, an input from the touch panel 22 is detected at regular intervals within one frame period (S23). ).

  According to the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the touch panel every fixed time within one frame period, and the input state is determined based on the presence or absence of the input. Can be accurately determined.

In the first embodiment, only the case where an input device using a touch panel is applied to a portable game device has been described. However, the input device may be applied to an electronic device such as a small-sized PC such as a bank ATM or PDA. Needless to say, it can be applied.
<Second embodiment>
The game apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is the same as the game apparatus of the first embodiment except that when the shift key is pressed, the alphabetic button pattern 114 is changed and the second input valid area 120b is set. 10 is the same as in FIG. This is for avoiding the display (input) of English capital letters if the operation method is not correct even when it is determined that the input is two points. In other words, in the first embodiment, even if the button design 112 of the shift key is pressed after pressing the lower case button design 114, it is determined that the input is two-point and it is possible to input upper case letters. It is.

  FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing a display example of the LCD 12 and the LCD 14. As shown in FIG. 15, in the second embodiment, an input screen 100 is displayed on the LCD 12, and an operation screen 110 including a shift key button pattern 112 and an English small letter button pattern 114 is displayed on the LCD 14. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, when the player does not press the button symbol 112, the first input valid area 120a is set on the touch panel 22, and the input corresponding to the button symbol 112 of the shift key is set. An effective area (referred to as “third input effective area”) 120c is set. However, in this state, the second input effective area 120b described in the first embodiment is not set. As will be described in detail later, the second input valid area 120b is set when the button symbol 112 of the shift key is pressed before the button symbol 114 of lowercase letters.

  FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing one example of display and operation of the LCD 12 and the LCD 14 in the second embodiment. In FIG. 17, the player presses the shift key button pattern 112 with the left index finger, and in response to this, the uppercase button pattern 114 ′ is displayed instead of the lowercase button pattern 114, and the second input The state where the effective area 120b is set on the touch panel 22 is shown. The button symbol 114 'corresponds to each of the lower-case button symbols 114a, 114b, ... 114i shown in Fig. 15, and as shown in Fig. 17, the capital letters "Q", "W", "E", Button symbols 114'a, 114'b, 114'c, 114'd, 114'e, 114'f for "A", "S", "D", "Z", "X", "C" , 114′g, 114′h, 114′i. In FIG. 17, the input screen 100 in which the lower case letter “q” has already been input is displayed on the LCD 12.

  In the state shown in FIG. 17, as shown in FIG. 18, when the player further presses the button graphic 114 ′ c (see FIG. 17) of the capital letter “E” with the index finger of the right hand, two-point input is determined. Coordinate data input from the touch panel 22 is detected by the CPU core 42. Then, the CPU core 42 specifies an input effective area in the second input effective area 120b from the detected coordinate data, and displays and sets an uppercase letter “E” corresponding to the input effective area. Since the details of the display method are the same as those described in the first embodiment, a duplicate description is omitted. Accordingly, the LCD 12 displays an input screen 100 in which an uppercase letter “E” is input after the lowercase letter “q”.

  FIG. 19 shows an input screen 100 in which the player presses the button symbol 114i (see FIG. 3) of the lower case letter “c” with the index finger of the right hand and inputs the lower case letter “c” in the state shown in FIG. Indicates a state displayed on the LCD 12. In the state shown in FIG. 19, as shown in FIG. 20, when the player further presses the button design 112 of the shift key with the index finger of the left hand, the button design 112 of the shift key is not pressed first. The 2-input effective area 120b is not set. Therefore, even if coordinate data in the second input valid area 120b is input, such input operation is invalid because the coordinate data of the second input valid area 120b is not set in the RAM 48. That is, since the operation method is not correct, English capital letters are not displayed on the input screen 100 by mistake.

  FIG. 21 shows a memory map of the ROM 28a in the second embodiment. Since the memory map shown in FIG. 21 is substantially the same as the memory map (FIG. 9) described in the first embodiment, only different parts will be described. Referring to FIG. 21, in program storage area 70, in addition to programs 70a to 70g described above, one-point input position determination processing program 70h and two-point input position determination processing program 70i are stored.

  The one-point input position determination processing program 70h is a program for determining an input operation for one-point input based on detected coordinates when one-point input is determined according to the input state determination program 70e. The two-point input position determination processing program 70i is a program for determining an input operation for two-point input based on detected coordinates when two-point input is determined according to the input state determination program 70e.

  However, in the second embodiment, the input effective area setting program 70f sets the first input effective area 120a, sets the third input effective area 120c, and the button symbol 112 of the shift key is pressed first. Only when the second input effective area 120b is set is different from the first embodiment.

  The data stored in the image data storage area 72 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the alphabetic key symbol data 72b further stores the English capital letter key symbol data. The data of this uppercase letter key symbol is almost the same as the data of the lowercase letter key symbol, the symbol has a square shape, and the corresponding uppercase letter (“A” to “Z”) is described inside. The The input effective area coordinate data storage area 74 is also the same as in the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the coordinate data stored corresponding to the shift key is used for setting the third input effective area 120c.

  In the second embodiment, the CPU core 42 shown in FIG. 2 executes the entire process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. However, the same processing as the whole processing shown in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment will be briefly described. When the CPU core 42 starts the entire process, the CPU core 42 executes initial setting in step S61. In the next step S63, a button symbol display process on the LCD 14 is executed. In the subsequent step S65, corresponding to the display area of the shift key and each alphabet key (each lowercase key), the touch panel 22 has an input effective area (first input effective area 120a and third input key) for the shift key and each lowercase key. The input valid area 120c) is set.

  Subsequently, in step S67, coordinate detection processing (2) described later is executed (see FIGS. 23 and 24), and display update processing is executed in step S69. In step S71, it is determined whether or not the key input is completed. If “NO” in the step S71, that is, if the key input is not finished, the process returns to the step S67. However, if “YES” in the step S71, that is, if the key input is ended, the entire processing is ended.

  23 and 24 are flowcharts showing the coordinate detection process (2) executed in step S67 of FIG. In the coordinate detection process (2), the same process as the coordinate detection process (1) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the first embodiment will be briefly described. Referring to FIG. 23, when starting the coordinate detection process (2), the CPU core 42 sets “1” as the input flag detection count n in step S81 (n = 1). In a succeeding step S83, it is determined whether or not there is a touch panel input.

  If “YES” in the step S83, that is, if there is a touch panel input, an input flag is turned on in a step S85, and coordinate data is detected in a step S87. In the next step S89, it is determined whether or not there is previous coordinate data (detected coordinate data 82a). If “NO” in the step S89, that is, if there is no previous coordinate data, the process proceeds to a step S105 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S89, that is, if there is previous coordinate data, it is determined whether or not there is a coordinate change in a step S91. If there is no coordinate change, "NO" is determined, and the process proceeds to step S113 shown in FIG. However, if there is a coordinate change, “YES” is determined, and it is determined in step S93 whether or not the change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If the change amount is less than the predetermined value, “NO” is determined, and the process directly proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if the change amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, “YES” is determined, and the process proceeds to step S101 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S83, that is, if there is no touch panel input, the input flag is turned off in a step S95, and whether the capital letter input valid area (second input valid area 120b) is set in the step S97. Judge whether. If “NO” in the step S97, if the capital letter input valid area is not set, the process proceeds to a step S113 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S97, that is, if an uppercase input effective area is set, an input effective area setting process (2) described later is executed in a step S99 (see FIG. 28), and a step 113 is performed. Proceed to

  As shown in FIG. 24, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the previous two-point input has been determined. If “YES” in the step S101, that is, if it is determined that the previous two-point input has been determined, the process proceeds to a step S105 as it is. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S101, that is, if it is determined that the previous one-point input is determined, it is determined whether or not the previous input flag is off in a step S103. If “YES” in the step S103, that is, if the previous input flag is off, the process proceeds to a step S105.

  In step S105, the one-point input flag is turned on. In step S107, a one-point input position determination process described later is executed (see FIG. 25), and the process proceeds to step S113. However, if “NO” in the step S103, that is, if the previous input flag is on, the two-point input flag is turned on in a step S109, and a two-point input position determination process described later is executed in a step S111. (See FIG. 27), the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, it is determined whether n = 4. If n = 4 is not satisfied, “NO” is determined, and in step S115, the detection count n is incremented by 1, and the process returns to step S83 shown in FIG. However, if n = 4, the coordinate detection process (2) is returned.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the one-point input position determination process executed in step S107 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 25, in step S121, it is determined whether or not the detected coordinates indicate a shift key. That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinate data input from the touch panel 22 is included in the third input valid area 120c set in the shift key. If “YES” in the step S121, that is, if the detected coordinates indicate a shift key, the input valid area setting process (1) is executed in a step S123 (see FIG. 26), and the one-point input position determining process To return.

  However, if “NO” in the step S121, that is, if the detected coordinates do not indicate a shift key, it is determined whether or not the detected coordinates indicate an alphabet key in a step S125. If “NO” in the step S125, that is, if the detected coordinates do not indicate an alphabet key, the one-point input position determination process is directly returned. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S125, that is, if the detected coordinates indicate an alphabet key, an uppercase letter having an input valid area corresponding to the detected coordinates is displayed on the first LCD (LCD 12) in a step S127. The display is set and the one-point input position discrimination process is returned. That is, in step S127, the GPU 50 is instructed to create screen data including lowercase letters corresponding to the first display effective area 120a including the detected coordinate data.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the input valid area setting process (1) executed in step S123 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 26, when the CPU core 42 starts the input valid area setting process (1), in step S131, the uppercase input valid area of each alphabet (in the middle coordinate position between the shift key and each alphabet key) A second input effective area 120b) is set. In the subsequent step S133, a lowercase input effective area (first input effective area 120a) set corresponding to the display area of each alphabet key is reset (cleared). In step S135, the lowercase letters displayed in the alphabet keys are set to uppercase letters, and the input valid area setting process (1) is returned. That is, in step S135, the GPU 52 is instructed to generate screen data for displaying the button symbol 114 ′ instead of the button symbol 114.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the two-point input position determination process executed in step S111 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 27, when starting the two-point input position determination process, the CPU core 42 determines whether or not a capital letter input valid area (second input valid area 120b) is set in step S141. If “NO” in the step S141, that is, if the uppercase input valid area is not set, the two-point input position determination process is directly returned. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S141, that is, if a capital letter input valid area is set, it is determined whether or not the detected coordinates indicate a capital letter valid input area in a step S143. That is, it is determined whether the coordinate data input from the touch panel 22 is included in the second input effective area 120b.

  If “NO” in the step S143, that is, if the detected coordinates do not indicate the capital letter input effective area, the process proceeds to a step S147 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S143, that is, if the detected coordinates indicate a capital letter input effective area, the uppercase letters corresponding to the detected coordinates are displayed and set on the first LCD (LCD 12) in a step S145. Then, the process proceeds to step S147. That is, an uppercase letter corresponding to the input valid area in the second input valid area 120b including the detected coordinate data is specified, and the GPU 50 is instructed to display the screen data including the uppercase letter. In step S147, the input valid area setting process (2) is executed (see FIG. 28), and the two-point input position determination process is returned.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the input valid area setting process (2) executed in step S99 of FIG. 23 and step S147 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 28, when starting the input valid area setting process (2), the CPU core 42 resets the capital letter input valid area (second input valid area 120b) in step S151. In the subsequent step S153, a small letter input valid area (first input valid area 120a) is set corresponding to the display area of each alphabet key. In step S155, uppercase letters displayed in the alphabet keys are set to lowercase letters, and the input valid area setting process (2) is returned. That is, in step S155, the GPU 52 is instructed to generate screen data for displaying the button symbol 114 instead of the button symbol 114 ′.

According to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine one-point input and two-point input. In addition, since the second input valid area is set only when the shift key is pressed for the first time, it is possible to prevent an input process due to an erroneous operation from being executed.
<Third embodiment>
Since the game apparatus 10 of the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the touch operation is performed on the game executed on the game apparatus 10 using the touch panel 22, the duplicate description is omitted. I will omit it.

  The game executed on the game apparatus 10 is, for example, a game in which a player character takes an ally character, moves (explors) in a virtual game space, collects predetermined items, and achieves a final purpose. . In addition, there is an enemy character in the virtual game space, and the player character instructs the teammate character in accordance with the player's operation and battles the enemy character.

  FIG. 29 shows an example of an operation screen 200 for executing an input operation for the game. This operation screen 200 is displayed on the LCD 14. In addition, the operation screen 200 displays a player character 202, a plurality of (here, four) ally characters 202a and an enemy character 204, and four button patterns of ally character operation keys (ally character operation keys). 212 is displayed.

  Further, the first input valid area 220a is set on the touch panel 22 (omitted in FIG. 29) corresponding to the positions of the display areas of the enemy character 204 and the button symbol 212. Further, on the touch panel 22, a second input valid area 220b is set between the enemy character 204 and each button symbol 212.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the first input valid area 220a set corresponding to the enemy character 204 is determined by a rectangle surrounding the enemy character 204 regardless of the shape and size of the enemy character 204. The

  For example, when the player presses the “1” button pattern 212 with the left index finger and presses the enemy character 204 with the right index finger, the coordinate data about the center point of the straight line connecting the two pressed points (by two-point input) Coordinate data) is detected by the CPU core 42. When the CPU core 42 determines that the detected coordinate data is included in the input effective area for “1” of the second input effective area 220b, the player character 202 changes the teammate character 202a corresponding to “1” to the enemy character 204. An operation screen 200 expressing an effect such as throwing on is displayed.

  Although illustration is omitted, a screen (game screen) similar to that of the LCD 14 is displayed on the LCD 12, but the button symbol 212 is not displayed on the game screen.

  Although illustration is omitted, for example, when a desired position on the LCD 14 (touch panel 22) is designated (instructed) by one point input, the player character 202 can be moved to the desired position.

  A memory map of the ROM 28a of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. Since this memory map is substantially the same as the memory map shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, different points will be described. As shown in FIG. 30, in addition to the programs 70a to 70g, the program storage area 70 of the ROM 28a further includes a game main processing program 70j, a character (design) movement control program 70k, a character image generation program 70m, and two-point input. A position calculation program 70n is stored.

  The game main process program 70j is a program for the main process of the virtual game executed by the game apparatus 10 (CPU core 42). The character (design) movement control program 70k moves the player character 202 and the ally character 202a in the virtual space according to the operation of the player, or moves the ally character 202a and the enemy character 204 in the virtual space without being operated by the player. It is a program for moving. The character image generation program 70m is a program for generating character images such as a player character 202, a teammate character 202a, and an enemy character appearing in the game using character image data 720b described later. The two-point input position calculation program 70n is a program for calculating (changing) the set position (coordinates) of the second input effective area 220b according to the movement of the enemy character 204.

  Further, in the image data storage area 72, ally character operation key symbol data 720a and character image data 720b are stored instead of the data 72a to 72c shown in FIG. The teammate character operation key symbol data 720a is symbol data for the button symbol 212 displayed on the operation screen 200. FIG. 29 shows an example of the button symbol 212, but the shape and display contents can be arbitrarily set by the developer of the game. The character image data 720b is image data (polygon data or texture data) about the player character 202, the teammate character 202a, and the enemy character 204 described above.

  Although not shown, the input effective area coordinate data storage area 74 is different from the contents shown in the first embodiment, and the first input effective area 220a set corresponding to the enemy character 204 and each button symbol 212. Is stored, and coordinate data for the second input effective area 220b set between the enemy character 204 and each button symbol 212 is stored. However, since the position of the enemy character 204 is moved as the game progresses, the coordinate data of the first input effective area 220a and the second input effective area 220b stored in the input effective area coordinate data storage area 74 is Used only when the game is started (resumed), and thereafter changed (calculated) by executing the two-point input position calculation program 70n as the game progresses.

  In the third embodiment, the CPU core 42 shown in FIG. 2 executes a flow chart of the game process as shown in FIG. The same process as the overall process shown in FIG. 12 of the first embodiment will be briefly described. Referring to FIG. 31, when starting the game process, the CPU core 42 executes initial setting in step S161. In the next step S163, display processing of the operation screen 200 including the player character 202, the friend character 202a, the enemy character 204, and the friend character operation instruction button (button symbol 212) is executed on the second LCD (LCD 14).

  In subsequent step S165, an intermediate position is calculated from the display position of the enemy character 204 and the display position of each teammate character operation instruction button (button symbol 212). In the next step S167, the attack effective input area, that is, the second effective input area 220b is set at the intermediate position calculated in step S165. However, at the beginning of the game, in step S165, the calculation process is not executed and the process proceeds to step S167 as it is. In step S167, the second input effective area is determined according to the coordinate data stored in the input effective area coordinate data storage area 74. 220b is set.

  Subsequently, in step S169, a coordinate detection process (3) (see FIGS. 32 and 33) described later is executed, and in step S171, an operation screen display update process is executed. In step S171, the player character 202 and the teammate character 202a are controlled to be displayed based on the coordinate data detected in step S169, and the enemy character 204 is moved in accordance with the game program (game main processing program 70j) and the player's operation. Control. In the next step S173, other processing is executed. Although detailed description is omitted, in this step S173, for example, the game screen displayed on the LCD 12 is updated, the game music (BGM) is reproduced, and the game data backup process is executed as necessary. Or In step S175, it is determined whether or not the game is over. Here, it is determined whether or not the game is over or an instruction to end the game is input from the player. If “NO” in the step S175, that is, if the game is not ended, the process returns to the step S165. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S175, that is, if the game is ended, the game process is ended.

  32 and 33 are flowcharts showing the coordinate detection process (3) of step S169 shown in FIG. A process similar to the coordinate detection process (1) shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 of the first embodiment will be briefly described. Referring to FIG. 32, when starting the coordinate detection process (3), the CPU core 42 sets “1” as the input flag detection count n in step S181 (n = 1). In the next step S183, it is determined whether there is a touch panel input. If “NO” in the step S183, that is, if there is no touch panel input, the input flag is turned off in a step S185, and the process proceeds to the step S211 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S183, that is, if there is a touch panel input, an input flag is turned on in a step S187, and coordinate data is detected in a step S189. In the next step S191, it is determined whether there is previous coordinate data. If “NO” in the step S191, that is, if there is no previous coordinate data, the process proceeds to a step S201 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S191, that is, if there is previous coordinate data, it is determined whether or not there is a coordinate change in a step S193.

  If “NO” in the step S193, that is, if there is no coordinate change, the process proceeds to a step S211 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S193, that is, if there is a coordinate change, it is determined whether or not the change amount is a predetermined value or more in a step S195. If “NO” in the step S195, that is, if the change amount is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to a step S211 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S195, that is, if the change amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, it is determined whether or not the previous two-point input is determined in a step S197 shown in FIG.

  If “YES” in the step S197, that is, if it is determined that the previous two-point input has been made, the process proceeds to a step S201 as it is. However, if “NO” in the step S197, that is, if it is determined that the previous one-point input is performed, it is determined whether or not the previous input flag is turned off in a step S199. If “YES” in the step S199, that is, if the previous input flag is OFF, the process proceeds to a step 201, and the one-point input flag is turned ON. In the next step 203, the display is set so that the player character 202 is moved to the coordinate position indicated by the detected coordinate data, and the process proceeds to step S211. However, if “NO” in the step S199, that is, if the previous input flag is on, the two-point input flag is turned on in a step S205, and the detected coordinates indicate the second input valid area 220b in a step S207. Determine whether you are doing.

  If “NO” in the step S207, that is, if the detected coordinates do not indicate the second input valid area 220b, the process proceeds to a step S211 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S207, that is, if the detected coordinates indicate the second input effective area 220b, the instructed attack effective input area (second input effective area 220b) is specified in a step S209. ) Is set so that the enemy character 204a attacks the enemy character 204, and the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, it is determined whether n = 4. If “NO” in the step S211, that is, if n = 4 is not satisfied, the detection count n is incremented (n = n + 1) in a step S213, and the process returns to the step S183 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S211, that is, if n = 4, the coordinate detection process (3) is returned.

  According to the third embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine one-point input and two-point input even in a game input operation.

  Further, since the game can be played by operating the input device using the touch panel, the fun of the game can be increased.

  In the third embodiment, as in the case of the second embodiment, the second valid input area 220b can be set when the button symbol 212 is first operated.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view showing one example of a game apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view showing a display example of an LCD provided in the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustrative view for explaining an input effective area set on a touch panel provided in the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an illustrative view for explaining another display example and operation example of the LCD provided in the game apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view for explaining another display example and another operation example of the LCD provided in the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is an illustrative view for explaining still another display example and other operation examples of the LCD provided in the game apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the change of the input flag and the change of the detected coordinates when it is determined that the input is one point and when the input is two points. FIG. 9 is a memory map of the ROM provided in the memory card. FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing the contents of the input effective area coordinate data storage area shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a memory map of a RAM provided in the game device. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the overall processing of the CPU core shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the coordinate detection processing (1) of the CPU core shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another part of the coordinate detection process (1) subsequent to FIG. FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing a display example of an LCD provided in the game apparatus of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an illustrative view for explaining an input effective area set on a touch panel provided in the game apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing another display example and operation example of the LCD provided in the game apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing another display example and another operation example of the LCD provided in the game apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing still another display example and other operation examples of the LCD provided in the game apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing another display example and further operation example of the LCD provided in the game apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 21 is a memory map of a ROM provided in the memory card of the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the entire processing of the CPU core in the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a part of the coordinate detection processing (2) of the CPU core in the second embodiment. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing another part of the coordinate detection process (2) subsequent to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing one-point input position determination processing of the CPU core of the second embodiment. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the input valid area setting process (1) of the CPU core of the second embodiment. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a two-point input position determination process of the CPU core of the second embodiment. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the input valid area setting process (2) of the CPU core of the second embodiment. FIG. 29 is an illustrative view for explaining a display example and an operation example of the LCD in the third embodiment. FIG. 30 is a memory map of the ROM in the third embodiment. FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the CPU core game process of the third embodiment. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a part of the coordinate detection process (3) of the CPU core of the third embodiment. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing another part of the coordinate detection process (3) subsequent to FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Game device 12, 14 ... LCD
16, 16a, 16b ... housing 20 ... operation switch 22 ... touch panel 24 ... stick 28 ... memory card 28a ... ROM
28b, 48 ... RAM
40 ... Electronic circuit board 42 CPU core 50, 52 ... GPU
54 ... I / F circuit 56, 58 ... VRAM
60 ... LCD controller

Claims (4)

Touch panel,
A display unit for displaying at least the first symbol and the second symbol, provided in association with the touch panel;
First sets the input effective region in the first pattern, and sets the second input effective region before Symbol Figure 2 pattern, to correspond to the middle point of a straight line connecting the previous SL first pattern and said second pattern input effective region setting means to the position the display unit sets a third input effective region which does not appear that,
An input operation detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of an input operation on the touch panel by a user for every predetermined period in one frame;
Coordinate data detection means for detecting coordinate data in response to the input operation detected by the input operation detection means;
Coordinate change determination means for determining whether or not the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means has changed with respect to the previously detected coordinate data;
An input operation discriminating means for discriminating whether or not there is an input operation in a previous predetermined period detected by the input operation detecting means when the coordinate change discriminating means discriminates that the coordinate has changed;
When it is determined by the input operation determining means that there has been no input operation in the previous predetermined period, it is determined that the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting means is due to an input operation of only one point on the touch panel. When the input operation determining means determines that there has been an input operation in the previous predetermined period, the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting means is based on the two-point input operation on the touch panel. Input state determination means for determining,
When it is determined by the input state determination means that the input operation is only one point, it is determined whether or not the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means indicates the second input effective area. Then, when it is determined that the second input effective area is instructed, it is determined by the first processing means that performs the first processing, and the input state determination means by the two-point input operation. When the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means indicates the third input effective area, it is determined that the third input effective area is specified. Bei give a second processing means for performing different second treatment with 1 treatment,
The input valid area setting means detects the coordinate data according to the previous input operation of the two input operations when the input state determination means determines that the input effective area setting means is due to the two input operations. An input device using a touch panel that sets the third input effective area only when the coordinate data detected by the means indicates the first input effective area . When the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection means indicates the first input effective area , information related to the second process is displayed on the second pattern, and the first input effective area is indicated. and when not, the first further comprising a symbol display control means for displaying process information related to the second symbol, the input device using a touch panel according to claim 1, wherein. A program for an input device provided with a touch panel and a display unit for displaying at least the first symbol and the second symbol provided in association with the touch panel,
In the computer of the input device,
An input operation detection step of detecting presence or absence of an input operation on the touch panel by a user for each predetermined period in one frame;
First sets the input effective region in the first pattern, and sets the second input effective region before Symbol Figure 2 pattern, corresponding to the middle point of a straight line connecting the previous SL first symbol and the second symbol An input effective area setting step for setting a third input effective area not displayed on the display unit at a position;
A coordinate data detection step for detecting coordinate data in response to the input operation being detected by the input operation detection step;
A coordinate change determination step for determining whether the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection step has changed with respect to the previously detected coordinate data;
An input operation determining step for determining whether or not there is an input operation for a previous predetermined period detected by the input operation detecting step when it is determined that the coordinate is changed by the coordinate change determining step;
When it is determined by the input operation determining step that there has been no input operation in the previous predetermined period, it is determined that the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting step is due to an input operation of only one point on the touch panel. When the input operation determining step determines that there has been an input operation in the previous predetermined period, the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detecting step is based on the two-point input operation on the touch panel. An input state determination step for determining
When it is determined by the input state determination step that the input operation is only one point, it is determined whether or not the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection step indicates the second input effective area. Then, when it is determined that the second effective input area is instructed, it is determined by the first processing step for performing the first processing and the input state determination step by two input operations. When the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection step indicates the third input effective area, it is determined that the third input effective area is specified. Executing a second processing step for performing a second processing different from the one processing ;
When it is determined in the input state determination step that the input valid area setting step is due to two point input operations, the coordinate data detection is performed according to the previous input operation of the two point input operations. A program for setting the third input valid area only when the coordinate data detected in the step indicates the first input valid area . When the coordinate data detected by the coordinate data detection step indicates the first input effective area , information related to the second process is displayed on the second pattern, and the first input effective area is indicated. The program according to claim 3 , further causing a symbol display control step of displaying information related to the first process on the second symbol when not.

Images