JP6028375B2 - Touch panel device and program. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel device and a program.

  Conventionally, an instruction is input to a target device using a touch panel. That is, for example, a touch panel is provided on a display panel that displays an operation screen provided with a plurality of operators (for example, buttons), and coordinates of a position touched by the user on the touch panel are detected. For example, an operator touched by the user is identified by determining which of the operator detection areas is included, and processing assigned to the identified operator is executed.

  For touch operations on the touch panel, for example, the orientation of the object is detected from the image of the object (such as a finger) detected by the planar member (such as a liquid crystal panel with a built-in sensor), and a selected region on the planar member is displayed. And detecting a point on the tip side along the direction in the region, detecting the width of the region, a circular region having a diameter equal to or less than the width of the region around the point on the tip side, and an object An invention has been proposed in which the above-mentioned area selected by the above is combined and recognized as an input area (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-128566 A

  An object of the present invention is to propose a technique for improving the operability when a plurality of operators are arranged close to each other in a touch operation on a touch panel.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detecting means for detecting coordinates of a touch position with respect to a touch panel provided for a display panel for displaying a plurality of operators, and the coordinates detected by the detecting means within the detection area. Other than the first specifying means for specifying the operation element to be included and the operation element specified by the first specifying means, there are other detection areas at positions within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection means. When the second specifying means for specifying the operator, the operator specified by the first specifying means, and the other operator specified by the second specifying means satisfy a predetermined condition, the other Determining means for determining the operation element of the second operation means to be determined by the second specification means rather than the operation means specified by the first specification means. If it is smaller, the other control A touch panel and wherein the determining the.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detecting means for detecting coordinates of a touch position with respect to a touch panel provided for a display panel for displaying a plurality of operators, and the coordinates detected by the detecting means within the detection area. Other than the first specifying means for specifying the operation element to be included and the operation element specified by the first specifying means, there are other detection areas at positions within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection means. When the second specifying means for specifying the operator, the operator specified by the first specifying means, and the other operator specified by the second specifying means satisfy a predetermined condition, the other Determining means for determining that the other operating element is a processing target, and the determining means selects the other operating element when the other operating element exists on the opposite side of the preset dominant arm direction of the user. It is characterized by deciding on the processing target Is that the touch screen device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided detection means for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel for displaying a plurality of operators, and coordinates detected by the detection means in a detection area. Other than the first specifying means for specifying the operation element to be included and the operation element specified by the first specifying means, there are other detection areas at positions within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection means. When the second specifying means for specifying the operator, the operator specified by the first specifying means, and the other operator specified by the second specifying means satisfy a predetermined condition, the other And an operation unit having an image that is distinguished from a portion other than the end portion as one of the operation portions. Display the child, the determining means If the operating element with the image on the end on the side of the detected coordinates by the detecting means is a touch panel device and determines the other operating element to be processed.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the touch panel device according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the image is a touch recall image that is visually recalled to be a touch target position. .

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detection function for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided on a display panel for displaying a plurality of controls on a computer, and detecting the coordinates detected by the detection function. In addition to the first specifying function for specifying the operation element included in the area and the operation element specified by the first specifying function, the detection area is set at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection function. A second specifying function for specifying other operating elements, an operating element specified by the first specifying function, and another operating element specified by the second specifying function satisfy a predetermined condition. , A determination function for determining the other operator as a processing target, wherein the determination function is performed by the second specific function rather than the operator specified by the first specific function. Other identified operations If towards the child is small, a program and determines the other operating element to be processed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detection function for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided on a display panel for displaying a plurality of controls on a computer, and detecting the coordinates detected by the detection function. In addition to the first specifying function for specifying the operation element included in the area and the operation element specified by the first specifying function, the detection area is set at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection function. A second specifying function for specifying other operating elements, an operating element specified by the first specifying function, and another operating element specified by the second specifying function satisfy a predetermined condition. , A determination function for determining the other operator as a processing target, wherein the determination function is provided on the opposite side of a user's preset dominant arm direction. If you want to A program and determines the serial other operator to be processed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a detection function for detecting a coordinate of a touch position with respect to a touch panel provided on a display panel for displaying a plurality of operators on a computer, and detecting a coordinate detected by the detection function. In addition to the first specifying function for specifying the operation element included in the area and the operation element specified by the first specifying function, the detection area is set at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection function. A second specifying function for specifying other operating elements, an operating element specified by the first specifying function, and another operating element specified by the second specifying function satisfy a predetermined condition. And a determination function for determining the other operation element as a processing target , wherein the display panel has one of the operation elements other than the end as one of the operation elements. A picture distinct from the part The determination function determines the other operation element as a processing target when the other operation element has the image at the end of the coordinate side detected by the detection function. It is a program characterized by doing .
The present invention according to claim 8 includes a display unit that displays a plurality of operators, a detection unit that detects a touch on any one of the operators displayed on the display unit, and a controller other than the touched operator. The other operation element located at a position within a predetermined distance from the touch position has an image that is distinguished from a portion other than the end portion at the end portion on the touch position side. The touch panel device is characterized by comprising a determining means for determining the operation element as a processing target.
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display function for causing a computer to display a plurality of operators on a display unit, a detection function for detecting a touch on any of the operators displayed on the display unit, and the touch In addition to the operated controls, other controls at a position within a predetermined distance from the touch position display an image that is distinguished from a portion other than the end at the end on the touch position side. And a determination function for determining the other operation element as a processing target.

According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, in the touch operation on the touch panel, it is possible to improve the operability when a plurality of operators are arranged close to each other as compared with the case where the present invention is not applied. it can.

According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to perform an operation in consideration of an erroneous operation when a large operation element and a small operation element are arranged close to each other, and the operability can be improved.

According to the present invention according to claim 2 and 6, it is possible to perform the operation in consideration of the erroneous operation due to the tip of the rounded fingers, thereby improving the operability.

According to the third , fourth, and seventh to ninth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to perform an operation in consideration of an erroneous operation caused by the appearance of the operation element, and it is possible to improve operability.

It is a figure which shows the example of the functional block of the touchscreen apparatus which concerns on this invention. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of button arrangement according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of button arrangement according to the second embodiment. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the dominant arm and touch position which concern on Example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of button arrangement according to a third embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the button which has the touch recall image which concerns on Example 3 in an edge part. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a confirmation screen according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the functional block of the touchscreen apparatus which concerns on this invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following, the touch panel device according to the present invention will be described by taking as an example a configuration in which a touch panel device is provided in a multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as document printing, copying, and facsimile. In addition, a button is used as an example of an operator (a kind of component (object) that is a component of a screen displayed on the display panel) that receives a touch (press operation) from the user. The present invention can also be applied to other types of operators such as buttons and hyperlinks that can be viewed on a web browser.

FIG. 1 shows an example of functional blocks of a touch panel device according to the present invention.
The touch panel device of this example includes a touch panel 1, a pressed coordinate detection unit 2, a button area storage unit 3, an area comparison unit 5, a pressed target button determination unit 7, a button processing storage unit 8, and a button processing execution unit 9.

  The touch panel 1 is a planar transparent panel that is provided on the display surface of the multifunction device display panel, and has a function of detecting a touch position (object contact position) and outputting the signal. As the touch panel 1, those having various operation principles such as a resistance film method and a capacitance method can be used.

The pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position on the touch panel 1 based on the signal output from the touch panel 1 and outputs the detected coordinate to the region comparison unit 5. The coordinates of the touch position can be regarded as coordinates at which the user performs a pressing operation.
Here, when a coordinate system composed of an X axis and a Y axis is used, if the value of the touch position in the X axis direction is x0 and the value of the touch position in the Y axis direction is y0, the coordinate of the touch position is (x0). , Y0). In this example, the coordinates of the touch position are detected on the same coordinate system as that used for image display on the display panel, but what kind of coordinate system is used is arbitrary.

The button area storage unit 3 stores information on the detection area of each button for a plurality of buttons to be displayed on the display panel. In this example, the button identifier and the information on the detection area of the button are stored in association with each other. The button detection area does not necessarily have to be the same size as the area (display area) of the button display panel, and may be an area slightly larger or smaller than the display area in consideration of the button operation feeling.
Here, the origin coordinates indicating the origin (for example, upper left) of the detection area are (x1, y1), the width of the detection area (length in the horizontal (X axis) direction) is w1, and the height of the detection area (vertical (Y axis) ) Direction length) is w1, the detection region can be expressed as (x1, y1, w1, h1). In this example, an example of the detection area of the button having a rectangular shape is shown, but the detection area may be different depending on the shape of the operation element.

Based on the coordinates of the touch position output from the pressed coordinate detection unit 2, the region comparison unit 5 identifies a button having a detection region at a position where the distance from the coordinate is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and the identified button Are output to the button to be pressed determination unit 7. The button specified here becomes a candidate for a button to be pressed that is a target of pressing operation (processing target) by the user.
As a specific process, for example, a circle area centered on the coordinates (x0, y0) of the touch position and having a radius of the threshold value r is obtained, and this circle area and the detection area (x1, y1, w1, h1) of each button are obtained. ) With reference to the button area storage unit 3 to identify a button having a detection area that overlaps a part or the whole of the circle area. In this way, a button having a detection area whose distance between the button including the coordinates of the touch position within the detection area (ie, the touched button) and the coordinates of the touch position is equal to or smaller than the threshold (ie, near the touch position). Button) can be specified as a candidate for the button to be pressed.
Here, it is desirable to use a value corresponding to a touch error as the threshold value r serving as a determination criterion in the vicinity of the touch position. That is, for example, for a plurality of subjects, a difference between a predetermined target touch position and an actual touch position touched by the subject who tried to touch the target touch position is calculated, and the statistical value (for example, average) Value, maximum value, etc.) may be obtained and used as the threshold value r. Further, in consideration of the resolution of the display panel, the threshold value r may be increased as the display panel has a higher resolution.

When a plurality of button identifiers are output from the region comparison unit 5 (when there are a plurality of candidates for the button to be pressed), the button to be pressed determination unit 7 selects the button to be pressed according to a predetermined selection criterion. And the identifier of the determined button is output to the button processing execution unit 9. For example, when a criterion for selecting an operator having a small detection area is used as the selection criterion, the button area storage unit 3 is referred to using the identifier of each button output from the area comparison unit 5 as a key. The size (w × h) of the detection area is compared, a button with a small detection area is selected, and this is determined as a button to be pressed.
When the identifier of one button is output from the area comparison unit 5 (when there is one candidate for the button to be pressed), the button to be pressed determination unit 7 determines the button as the button to be pressed and The identifier is output to the button process execution unit 9.

  The button processing storage unit 8 stores the identifier of the button and information on the processing assigned to the button in association with each other. In this example, as the information of the process assigned to the button, the start address (address) of the function that realizes the process executed when the button is pressed (touched) is stored.

  The button process execution unit 9 reads out the process information associated with the button identifier output from the button to be pressed determination unit 7 from the button process storage unit 8 and jumps to the start address of the function corresponding to the process. Then, the process is executed.

An outline of the operation of the touch panel device of this example will be described.
In the touch panel device of this example, when the user touches (presses down) the touch panel 1, the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position, and the region comparison unit 5 detects the distance from the coordinates. Button having a detection area at a position equal to or less than the threshold value is specified as a candidate for the button to be pressed (processing target), and the button to be pressed determining unit 7 determines one button as the button to be pressed according to a predetermined selection criterion. The button process execution unit 9 executes the process assigned to the button to be pressed.

  As described above, in the touch panel device of this example, the button touched by the user is not immediately determined as a processing target (operation target button) and the process assigned to the button is not executed, but in the vicinity of the touch position. The candidate for the operation target button including the located button is specified, and one of the buttons is determined as the operation target button, and the process is performed.

  Therefore, for example, when a plurality of operators such as buttons for receiving a touch (pressing operation) from a user are densely arranged like a GUI (Graphical User Interface) design that provides many functions on one screen, It is possible to effectively cope with the problem that the possibility of touching an operator different from the one intended by the user increases. In particular, when a display panel with a high resolution is used, the distance between these controls becomes extremely close, so that the possibility of an erroneous operation is increased. Even in such a situation, the selection as described in the following embodiment is performed. By using the criteria, it is possible to specify the operation that the user would have desired.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the touch panel device of the present example will be described more specifically with reference to examples.

In the first embodiment, taking the button arrangement shown in FIG. 2 as an example, an operation when a processing target (a button to be pressed) is selected in consideration of the size of the button detection area will be described.
In the example of FIG. 2, the button A and the button B are arranged close to each other. Further, the size of the detection area of the button B is smaller than that of the button A.

In this case, even if a touch (pressing operation) on the button A is detected, the operation is performed as if the button B is pressed instead of the button A if all of the following conditions are satisfied.
[Condition 1-1] Another button B is disposed in the vicinity of the touch position P on the button A (the distance between the touch position P and the button B is equal to or less than the threshold value).
[Condition 1-2] The size of the button B is smaller than that of the button A.

That is, in the first embodiment, as a selection criterion, a criterion that preferentially selects a button having a small detection area as a processing target (a button to be pressed) is used.
The reason for using such a standard will be described. In the situation where multiple buttons of different sizes are placed close together, if a touch is detected near the boundary between the two, if the button A is large and has the margin in the area, it will bother The possibility of pressing near the border with B is low. For this reason, it is presumed that it is reasonable to interpret that button B has been pressed because the user actually tried to press small button B but failed. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the touch on the button A is an erroneous operation and the operation is performed assuming that the button B is touched, thereby improving the operability.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a processing flow in the case of using a criterion for preferentially selecting a button having a small detection area.
When the user touches the touch panel 1 on the detection area of the button A (press operation), the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position P (step S11).
Next, the area comparison unit 5 is in the vicinity of the touch position P based on the coordinates of the touch position P detected by the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 and the contents stored in the button area storage unit 3 (information on the detection area of each button). It is determined whether or not there is a button B different from the touched button A (position below the threshold) (step S12).
In this example, it is determined that another button B exists in the vicinity of the touch position P. As a result, the actually touched button A and the button B positioned in the vicinity of the touch position P are specified as the candidate buttons to be pressed.

Next, the button to be pressed determination unit 7 compares the size of the detection area for the button A and the button B identified as candidates for the button to be pressed by the area comparison unit 5, and the button B located near the touch position P is compared. It is determined whether the button is smaller than the actually touched button A (step S13).
If the button B is smaller, correction is performed that assumes that a touch (pressing operation) has been performed on the detection region of the button B (step S14). That is, instead of the actually touched button A, the button B is determined as the button to be pressed. When the button B is not located near the touch position P, or when the button B is not smaller than the button A, the button A is determined as the button to be pressed. In this example, since the button B is smaller than the button A, the button B is determined as the button to be pressed.
Next, the button process execution unit 9 executes a process corresponding to the button determined as the press target button by the press target button determination unit 7 (step S15).

  In this situation, even if you accidentally touch the larger button with the intention of touching the smaller button in a situation where multiple buttons of different sizes are placed close to each other, The button to be touched (the smaller button) can be processed, leading to improved operability.

In the second embodiment, the operation in the case of selecting a processing target (press target button) in consideration of the user's dominant arm will be described using the button arrangement shown in FIG. 4 as an example.
In the example of FIG. 4, the button A and the button B are arranged close to each other. In addition, information on the user's dominant arm direction (“right-handed” or “left-handed”) is set in advance in the touch panel device.

In this case, even if a touch (pressing operation) on the button B is detected, the operation is performed as if the button A was pressed instead of the button B if all the following conditions are satisfied.
[Condition 2-1] Another button A is arranged in the vicinity of the touch position P on the button B (the distance between the touch position P and the button A is equal to or less than a threshold value).
[Condition 2-2] The button A is located on the opposite side of the dominant arm direction with respect to the touch position P (on the left side of the touch position P when right-handed).

In other words, in the second embodiment, as a selection criterion, a criterion that preferentially selects a button positioned on the opposite side of the user's dominant arm direction as a processing target (press target button) is used.
The reason for using such a standard will be described. When a right-handed user touches the touch panel, it is common to operate with the right arm. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the finger to be touched is directed from the right to the left. It is natural to be. In this case, since the tip of the finger is rounded, the finger tends to touch the position P on the right side (dominant arm side) of the position (tip of the finger) P ′ intended to be touched. For this reason, when it is known in advance as a system setting that the operator is right-handed, if another button A is arranged immediately to the left of the touch position P, the operator actually tries to press the button A. However, it is presumed that it is reasonable to interpret that the button B has been pressed because of failure. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the touch on the button B is an erroneous operation, and the operation is performed assuming that the button A is touched, thereby improving the operability.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a processing flow in the case of using a criterion for preferentially selecting a button located on the opposite side of the operator's dominant arm direction.
When the operator touches the touch panel 1 on the detection area of the button B (pressing operation), the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position P (step S21).
Next, the area comparison unit 5 is in the vicinity of the touch position P based on the coordinates of the touch position P detected by the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 and the contents stored in the button area storage unit 3 (information on the detection area of each button). It is determined whether or not there is a button B different from the touched button A (position below the threshold) (step S22).
In this example, it is determined that another button A exists in the vicinity of the touch position P. As a result, the actually touched button B and the button A positioned in the vicinity of the touch position P are specified as candidates for the button to be pressed.

Next, the pressing target button determination unit 7 determines information on the dominant arm direction of the operator set in advance (step S23). As a result, if “right-handed” is set, it is determined whether the button A is located on the left side of the touch position P (step S24). If “left-handed” is set, the button A is on the right side of the touch position P. Is determined (step S25).
When the button A is located on the opposite side of the dominant arm direction with respect to the touch position P, correction is performed assuming that a touch (pressing operation) is performed on the detection area of the button A (step S26). That is, the button A is determined to be the button to be pressed instead of the button B actually touched. When the button A is not located near the touch position P, or when the button A is not located on the opposite side of the dominant arm direction with respect to the touch position P, the button B is determined as the button to be pressed. In this example, “right-handed” is set, and the button A is positioned on the left side (opposite to the dominant-arm direction) with respect to the touch position P, so that the button A is determined as the button to be pressed.
Next, the button process execution unit 9 executes a process corresponding to the button determined as the press target button by the press target button determination unit 7 (step S27).

  Due to this movement, the touch position is shifted due to the roundness of the tip of the finger, so even if you accidentally touch a button located on the dominant arm direction side than the button you actually tried to touch, you will actually try to touch it. The button on the opposite side (the button on the opposite side of the dominant arm direction) can be processed, leading to improved operability.

In the third embodiment, taking the button arrangement shown in FIG. 7 as an example, an operation when a processing target (a button to be pressed) is selected in consideration of the appearance of the button will be described.
In the example of FIG. 7, the button A and the button B are arranged close to each other. As shown in FIG. 8, these buttons are buttons of a type that display a pop-up menu M on the top of the button by touch (pressing operation), and in order to express that the pop-up menu M is displayed, The graphic design has an image D with a triangle (upward triangle) in the part. This edge image D is an image that is likely to be recalled to be the position of the touch target, and is referred to as a touch recall image in this specification. In this example, it is assumed that the button area storage unit 3 stores information indicating the type of the button in association with the identifier of each button.

In this case, even if a touch (pressing operation) on the button B is detected, the operation is performed as if the button A was pressed instead of the button B if all the following conditions are satisfied.
[Condition 3-1] Another button A is arranged in the vicinity of the touch position P on the button B (the distance between the touch position P and the button A is equal to or less than a threshold value).
[Condition 3-2] The button A is a type of button having the touch recall image D at the end on the touch position P side.

That is, in the third embodiment, as a selection criterion, a criterion that preferentially selects a button of the type having the touch recall image D at the end on the touch position P side as a processing target (pressed target button) is used.
The reason for using such a standard will be described. Even in the type of button that displays the pop-up menu M as illustrated in FIG. 8, it is possible to detect pressing in the entire detection area as in the case of a normal button, but the touch recall image D (▲ Since the operator strongly reminds that the part can be pressed, many of the operators tend to press the part of the touch recall image D. When such a type of button is arranged alone and no other buttons are present in the surrounding area, there is no problem, but another button close to the side of the touch recall image D of the button A as shown in FIG. When B or the like is arranged, there is a high possibility of an erroneous operation in which another button adjacent to the touch recall image D is pressed by mistake while pressing the portion of the touch recall image D. Therefore, when another button A arranged in the vicinity of the touch position P is a type of button having the touch recall image D at the end on the touch position P side, the touch recall image of the button A is actually used. It is presumed that it is reasonable to interpret that the user tried to press the portion D but failed and pressed the button B. Therefore, in this case, it is determined that the touch on the button B is an erroneous operation, and the operation is performed assuming that the button A is touched, thereby improving the operability.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a processing flow in the case of using a criterion for preferentially selecting a type of button having the touch recall image D at the end on the touch position P side.
When the operator touches the touch panel 1 on the detection area of the button B (pressing operation), the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position P (step S31).
Next, the area comparison unit 5 is in the vicinity of the touch position P based on the coordinates of the touch position P detected by the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 and the contents stored in the button area storage unit 3 (information on the detection area of each button). It is determined whether or not there is a button B different from the touched button A (position below the threshold) (step S32).
In this example, it is determined that another button A exists in the vicinity of the touch position P. As a result, the actually touched button B and the button A positioned in the vicinity of the touch position P are specified as candidates for the button to be pressed.

Next, the button to be pressed determination unit 7 determines whether or not the button A is a type of button having the touch recall image D at the end on the button B side (touch position P side) (step S33).
When the button A has the touch recall image D at the end on the button B side (touch position P side), correction is performed assuming that the touch (pressing operation) is performed on the detection area of the button A ( Step S34). That is, the button A is determined to be the button to be pressed instead of the button B actually touched. When the button A is not located near the touch position P, or when the button A does not have the touch recall image D at the end on the button B side (touch position P side), the button B is the target to be pressed. Determined to be a button. In this example, since the button A has the touch recall image D at the end on the button B side (touch position P side), the button A is determined as the button to be pressed.
Next, the button process execution unit 9 executes a process corresponding to the button determined as the press target button by the press target button determination unit 7 (step S35).

  By such an operation, in the situation where another button is arranged close to the end of the button having the touch recall image at the end, another button is mistakenly intended to touch the part of the touch recall image. Even when the button is touched, the button that is actually touched (the button having the touch recall image at the end) can be processed, and the operability can be improved.

In the fourth embodiment, an operation for requesting confirmation from the operator when there are a plurality of candidate buttons to be pressed will be described.
In this example, when there are a plurality of candidates for the button to be pressed, the operator does not automatically determine the button to be pressed, but confirms with the operator which one was intended to be pressed. That is, in the fourth embodiment, as a selection criterion, a criterion for selecting a button selected by the operator on the confirmation screen as a processing target (a button to be pressed) is used.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a processing flow of an operation for requesting confirmation from the operator when there are a plurality of candidate buttons to be pressed.
When the operator touches the touch panel 1 on the detection area of the button A (pressing operation), the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position P (step S41).
Next, the area comparison unit 5 is in the vicinity of the touch position P based on the coordinates of the touch position P detected by the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 and the contents stored in the button area storage unit 3 (information on the detection area of each button). It is determined whether or not there is a button B different from the touched button A (position below the threshold) (step S42).
In this example, it is determined that another button B exists in the vicinity of the touch position P. As a result, the actually touched button A and the button B positioned in the vicinity of the touch position P are specified as the candidate buttons to be pressed.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the push target button determination unit 7 displays a confirmation screen on the display panel for separately presenting the button A and the button B specified as the push target button candidates. Is confirmed with the operator (step S43).
Then, it is determined whether or not the button B is selected by the operator on the confirmation screen (step S44). When the button B is selected, the touch (pressing operation) is performed on the detection area of the button B. Assuming correction is performed (step S45). That is, instead of the actually touched button A, the button B is determined as the button to be pressed. When the button B is not located near the touch position P, or when the button A is selected by the operator on the confirmation screen, the button A is determined as the button to be pressed.
Next, the button process execution unit 9 executes a process corresponding to the button determined as the press target button by the press target button determination unit 7 (step S46).

  In the confirmation screen, the buttons need only be separated to such an extent that an erroneous operation by the operator can be prevented, and it is preferable to use a value at least larger than the threshold value r as the distance for separating the buttons.

Here, in the first to fourth embodiments, the case where two buttons are specified as candidates for the button to be pressed has been described. However, even when three or more buttons are specified, the buttons to be pressed according to the above selection criteria. Can be determined.
As a result of applying the selection criteria of Embodiments 1 to 3, if the button to be pressed cannot be narrowed down to one, the selection criteria of Embodiment 4 (requiring confirmation from the operator on the confirmation screen) can be further applied. That's fine.
Moreover, you may use combining the selection criteria of Examples 1-3 for two or more. In this case, for example, the selection criteria may be applied equally, or the order in which the selection criteria are applied may be set, or a weight may be assigned to each selection criterion.

Next, another configuration example of the touch panel device will be described.
FIG. 12 shows another example of functional blocks of the touch panel device.
The touch panel device of this example includes a touch panel 1, a pressed coordinate detection unit 2, a button region storage unit 3, a neighborhood region storage unit 4, a coordinate comparison unit 6, a press target button determination unit 7, a button processing storage unit 8, and a button processing execution unit. 9
That is, it differs from the touch panel device shown in FIG. 1 in that a neighborhood region storage unit 4 is further provided and that a coordinate comparison unit 6 is provided instead of the region comparison unit 5. The touch panel 1, the pressed coordinate detection unit 2, the button area storage unit 3, the pressed target button determination unit 7, the button processing storage unit 8, and the button processing execution unit 9 are the same as the touch panel device shown in FIG. Will be omitted, and the neighborhood region storage unit 4 and the coordinate comparison unit 6 will be described.

The vicinity area storage unit 4 stores information on the vicinity area of the detection area of each button for a plurality of buttons to be displayed on the display panel. In this example, the identifier of the button and information on the area near the detection area of the button are stored in association with each other.
Here, the origin coordinates indicating the origin (for example, upper left) of the neighborhood area are (x2, y2), the width of the neighborhood area (length in the horizontal (X axis) direction) is w2, and the height of the neighborhood area (vertical (Y axis) ) Direction length) is w2, the neighboring region can be expressed as (x2, y2, w2, h2).
The neighboring area may be provided along each of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the detection area, or may be provided along any one of the sides. The design (appearance) and layout of each button (with other adjacent buttons) The setting location may be determined according to the distance). In the case of providing a neighboring area on the right (or left) of the detection area, the width w2 of the neighboring area may be set to a threshold value r (a value corresponding to a touch error), and above (or below) the detection area. When providing the neighborhood region, the height h2 of the neighborhood region may be set to the threshold value r (a value corresponding to a touch error).
Moreover, although the example which set the shape of the vicinity area | region to the rectangular shape was shown in this example, the shape of a vicinity area | region is arbitrary.

Based on the coordinates of the touch position output from the pressed coordinate detection unit 2, the coordinate comparison unit 5 identifies a button that includes the coordinate in the detection area or in the vicinity area, and determines the identifier of the identified button to be pressed. Output to unit 7. The button specified here is a candidate for a button to be pressed that is a target of pressing operation (processing target) by the operator.
As specific processing, for example, the coordinates (x0, y0) of the touch position are compared with the detection areas (x1, y1, w1, h1) of each button stored in the button area storage unit 3, and the touch position is determined. Button is included in the detection area, and the coordinates (x0, y0) of the touch position and the vicinity area (x2, y2, w2, h2) of the detection area of each button stored in the vicinity area storage unit 4 To identify a button that includes the touch position in a region near the detection region. In this way, a button that includes the coordinates of the touch position within the detection area (ie, a touched button) and a button that includes the coordinates of the touch position within the vicinity area of the detection area (ie, a position near the touch position). Button) can be specified as a candidate for the button to be pressed.

An outline of the operation of the touch panel device of this example will be described.
In the touch panel device of this example, when the operator touches the touch panel 1 (pressing operation), the pressed coordinate detection unit 2 detects the coordinates of the touch position, and the coordinate comparison unit 5 detects the coordinates. A button included in the area or a nearby area is identified as a candidate for the button to be pressed (processing target), and the button to be pressed determining unit 7 determines one button as the button to be pressed according to a predetermined selection criterion. The process execution unit 9 executes the process assigned to the button to be pressed.

  As described above, in the touch panel device of this example, similarly to the touch panel device shown in FIG. 1, the button touched by the operator is immediately determined as a processing target (operation target button), and the process assigned to the button is performed. Instead of executing, it is possible to specify a candidate for an operation target button including a button located in the vicinity of the touch position, and determine one button as the operation target button to perform processing.

  Here, the touch panel device of this example includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs various arithmetic processes, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a work area of the CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that records a basic control program, and the like. Main storage devices such as, auxiliary storage devices that store various programs and data, output devices such as display panels that display and output various information, and input devices such as operation buttons and touch panels used by operators for input operations It is configured by a computer having hardware resources such as an input / output I / F that is an interface and a communication I / F that is an interface that performs wired or wireless communication with other devices.

Then, the program according to the present invention is read from the auxiliary storage device or the like, loaded into the RAM, and executed by the CPU, thereby realizing the functions of the touch panel device according to the present invention on the computer of the server device.
That is, the function of the detection unit according to the present invention is realized by the pressed coordinate detection unit 2, the function of the specifying unit according to the present invention is realized by the region comparison unit 5 or the coordinate comparison unit 6, and the function of the determination unit according to the present invention. Is realized by the button to be pressed determination unit 7.
Note that each functional unit may be realized by a dedicated hardware module instead of realizing each functional unit by the software configuration as in this example.

  Here, in the above description, the touch panel device provided as an operation unit in the multifunction machine is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and the touch panel device provided in various devices is used. Can be applied. In particular, when a touch panel device is provided in a small device such as a mobile phone terminal, it is assumed that the operators are arranged in close contact with each other in order to provide a plurality of operators in a limited display area. Therefore, the present invention can be effectively applied to such an operating environment.

  1: Touch panel, 2: Pressed coordinate detection unit, 3: Button region storage unit, 4: Neighborhood region storage unit, 5: Region comparison unit, 6: Coordinate comparison unit, 7: Pressed button determination unit, 8: Button processing storage Part 9: Button processing execution part

Claims (9)

Detecting means for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel displaying a plurality of operators;
First specifying means for specifying an operator that includes the coordinates detected by the detecting means in a detection area;
In addition to the operator specified by the first specifying means, a second specifying means for specifying another operator having a detection area at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detecting means;
Determining means for determining the other operator as a processing target when the operator specified by the first specifying means and the other operator specified by the second specifying means satisfy a predetermined condition. When,
Equipped with a,
The determining means determines the other manipulator as a processing target when the other manipulator specified by the second specifying means is smaller than the manipulator specified by the first specifying means. A touch panel device characterized by that.   Detecting means for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel displaying a plurality of operators;
  First specifying means for specifying an operator that includes the coordinates detected by the detecting means in a detection area;
  In addition to the operator specified by the first specifying means, a second specifying means for specifying another operator having a detection area at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detecting means;
  Determining means for determining the other operator as a processing target when the operator specified by the first specifying means and the other operator specified by the second specifying means satisfy a predetermined condition. When,
  With
  The touch panel apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit determines the other operation element as a processing target when the other operation element exists on a side opposite to a preset dominant arm direction of the user.   Detecting means for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel displaying a plurality of operators;
  First specifying means for specifying an operator that includes the coordinates detected by the detecting means in a detection area;
  In addition to the operator specified by the first specifying means, a second specifying means for specifying another operator having a detection area at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detecting means;
  Determining means for determining the other operator as a processing target when the operator specified by the first specifying means and the other operator specified by the second specifying means satisfy a predetermined condition. When,
  With
  The display panel displays, as one of the operation elements, an operation element having an image that is distinguished from a part other than the end part at any end part,
  The determining means determines the other operating element as a processing target when the other operating element has the image at the end of the coordinate side detected by the detecting means. . The touch panel device according to claim 3 , wherein the image is a touch recall image that is visually recalled to be a position of a touch target.   On the computer,
  A detection function for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel that displays a plurality of controls;
  A first identification function for identifying an operator that includes the coordinates detected by the detection function in a detection area;
  In addition to the operator specified by the first specifying function, a second specifying function for specifying another operator having a detection area at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection function;
  A determination function for determining the other operator as a processing target when the operator specified by the first specific function and the other operator specified by the second specific function satisfy a predetermined condition. When,
  Is a program for realizing
  The determination function determines the other operation element as a processing target when the other operation element specified by the second specific function is smaller than the operation element specified by the first specific function. A program characterized by   On the computer,
  A detection function for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel that displays a plurality of controls;
  A first identification function for identifying an operator that includes the coordinates detected by the detection function in a detection area;
  In addition to the operator specified by the first specifying function, a second specifying function for specifying another operator having a detection area at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection function;
  A determination function for determining the other operator as a processing target when the operator specified by the first specific function and the other operator specified by the second specific function satisfy a predetermined condition. When,
  Is a program for realizing
  The determination function determines the other operation element as a processing target when the other operation element exists on a side opposite to a preset dominant arm direction of the user. On the computer,
A detection function for detecting coordinates of a touch position on a touch panel provided for a display panel that displays a plurality of controls;
A first identification function for identifying an operator that includes the coordinates detected by the detection function in a detection area;
In addition to the operator specified by the first specifying function, a second specifying function for specifying another operator having a detection area at a position within a predetermined distance from the coordinates detected by the detection function;
A determination function for determining the other operator as a processing target when the operator specified by the first specific function and the other operator specified by the second specific function satisfy a predetermined condition. When,
A program for realizing a
The display panel displays, as one of the operation elements, an operation element having an image that is distinguished from a part other than the end part at any end part,
The determination function determines the other operation element as a processing target when the other operation element has the image at the end of the coordinate side detected by the detection function. Display means for displaying a plurality of controls;
Detecting means for detecting a touch on any of the operators displayed on the display means;
Other than the touched operation element, another operation element at a position within a predetermined distance from the position of the touch is distinguished from a part other than the end part at the end on the touch position side. A determination means for determining the other operation element as a processing target when an image is included;
A touch panel device comprising: On the computer,
A display function for displaying a plurality of controls on the display means;
A detection function for detecting a touch on any of the operators displayed on the display means;
Other than the touched operation element, another operation element at a position within a predetermined distance from the position of the touch is distinguished from a part other than the end part at the end on the touch position side. A determination function for determining the other operator as a processing target when an image is included;
A program to realize

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