JPH1049305A - Touch panel input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily and surely perform an input job of data even at a narrow display part caused by a compact and light-weight structure of a touch panel input device by enlarging the peripheral areas of plural keys touched in an input operation mode or an entire display screen. SOLUTION: A data reading means of a CPU 11 decides the presence or absence of input data to keep the present state if no key input operation is confirmed and to read a key signal if a key input operation is confirmed and outputs the input information. Then the position information accordant with the key positions and serving as the read input information is compared with the information on the areas touched the keys in an input operation mode based on the sizes of arranged keys show at the present display part 1 and it is decided that whether the keys are overlapping with peripheral keys in their input operations. If the overlapping input operations are decided, a signal is outputted to the part 1 to enlarge the overlapping peripheral keys or an entire display screen. Thus, the enlarged input keys and display screen are shown.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable electronic device, such as an electronic organizer, having a display unit into which data can be input, and more particularly to a touch panel input device having a display unit in which a touch panel and an LCD are combined.

[0001]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable information terminals such as electronic notebooks, PDAs, and the like having a touch panel on the front of a display unit have been downsized.
With the reduction in weight, the areas of the housing and the display unit are becoming smaller.

[0002] Some conventional portable information terminals input data to the portable information terminal by touching the display with a pen or a fingertip.

[0003] In this type of portable information terminal, "numerical keys" and "kana keys" for inputting data of a calculator function and telephone number registration are keys having a preset arrangement and a limited size. The arrangement is displayed on the display screen, and the plurality of keys are touched with a pen or a fingertip to perform an operation.

Further, as shown in, for example, JP-A-7-93078 or JP-A-4-281514, a key pattern display (key arrangement, size, etc.) at the time of input so that various conditions can be handled. There is also an input device in which each user himself creates and varies.

[0005]

However, in the above-described portable information terminal, the key arrangement of the display unit has only one type of limited basic fixed form key arrangement for each function. (Age, physique, gender, experience, ability, etc.)
Can not respond to. Therefore, there is a problem that the work of inputting data to the display unit is troublesome and the work efficiency is poor.

[0006] In addition, since it is expected that the size and weight of the portable information terminal are reduced and the area of the display unit is inevitably reduced along with the demand, the input device described above is limited in the area of the display unit. There are problems to be solved.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the display area is relatively large, a key size and a key arrangement suitable for the user's condition can be freely created or changed.
The input operation is performed by enlarging the key as shown in FIG. 7B. However, when the display area is relatively small as shown in FIG. Even if the key size and the key layout are adapted to the conditions, if the key size is increased, it becomes impossible to store necessary keys within a limited display area, and as a result, as shown in FIG. Since the user performs data input work with a key size that can be stored in the display area, there is also a problem that the displayed keys are difficult to see and the input work cannot be performed reliably, resulting in poor efficiency.

[0008] In addition, creating and changing a key pattern within a limited display area (when the display area is relatively small) consumes a great deal of time in complicated and difficult operations, so that the user is not allowed to do so. Has a problem that the creation work is troublesome, and also causes annoyance to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables a user to easily and reliably input data even on a display unit having a relatively small area or a small display area accompanying a reduction in size and weight. Provided is a touch panel input device.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, a touch panel input device of the present invention has a plurality of keys arranged on a display screen of each function (calculator, memo pad, address book, etc.). A plurality of key arrangements, and switching means for switching the plurality of key arrangements, a storage means for storing a key arrangement of each function selected by the switching means, and a key position in response to operation of each key. Input means for inputting corresponding position information, contact area detecting means for detecting a contact area of the input means, data reading means for reading output information of the input means and the contact area detecting means, and the data reading means Data interpretation means for comparing the output data captured by the database with a pre-installed database and interpreting the meaning of the input data, and a plurality of inputs which could not interpret the meaning. The chromatography data again, in order to input operation (pressed duplicate) contact with during input operations and enlarging means for enlarging the periphery of the multi-key, or the entire display screen,
Data output means for outputting input data from the data interpretation means to the display unit, and display enlarged by the enlargement means after outputting the data to the display unit (around a duplicate key or the entire display screen)
And reducing means for reducing

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of pre-installed key arrangements for each function can be freely switched and selected. In addition to the free selection of the key arrangement, the input operation with a relatively large area fingertip different from the pen tip of the device accessory automatically detects and recognizes the contact area and arranges it on the current display unit. Since the key size or the entire display screen is enlarged by comparing with the key size area of a plurality of keys, a reliable and efficient data input operation can be performed, and an input device optimal for each user condition can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to cope with an input device having a display unit having a relatively small (narrow) area, so that the restriction on the size of the display unit area is relaxed, and existing products can be used. Can provide a very small portable information terminal that could not be realized.

[0013]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 1, a touch panel input device 4 such as a portable information terminal of the present invention comprises a display unit 1 comprising an LCD 2 and a touch panel 3 placed on the LCD 2,
It comprises a control circuit 6 that controls the touch panel input device 4 and performs all controls, and a screen switching button 5 provided inside or outside the screen display unit.

When the display unit 1 touches the keys arranged on the display unit 1 with a pen or a fingertip, the display unit 1 detects the touched position information through the touch panel 3 arranged on the upper surface of the LCD 2, and detects the touched position. It is configured so that it can be confirmed that it has been pressed.

Next, the details of the control circuit 6 will be described with reference to the block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. The control circuit 6
LCD controller 7 for controlling LCD 2 of display unit 1
A touch panel controller 8 for controlling the touch panel 3 of the display unit 1, a ROM 9 storing a program for operating the touch panel input device 4, and a RAM storing files, application programs, and the like.
10 and a CP for controlling all of the touch panel input devices 4
The circuit is configured by U11, and all are connected on the board.

Next, the operation of one embodiment of the present invention will be described.
Details will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. FIG. In this embodiment, the calculator function is described as an example.

When the calculator function is selected as a function to be used while the power of the apparatus is turned on, an initial key arrangement having a plurality of keys set in advance is displayed on the display unit (step 12). It is determined whether the displayed key arrangement is suitable for the user himself (step 1).
3) If the initially displayed key layout is not suitable for the user, the user presses a screen switching button provided on the apparatus as shown in the calculator key layout of FIG.
Switching between (f) and key layout display allows a key layout suitable for the user condition to be selected from a plurality of key layout data in the RAM mounted on the control circuit (step 14).

As shown in FIGS. 4 (a), 4 (b) and 4 (c), the key arrangement of each function of the present apparatus having a plurality of keys, such as a telephone number registration key arrangement other than the calculator function arrangement, is also stored in the RAM. Is stored.

Since the key arrangement selected in step 14 is stored by the storage means (step 15), the next time the calculator function is used, the previously selected key arrangement is automatically and initially displayed. It has become.

If it is determined in step 13 that the key array displayed on the display unit is a key array suitable for the user himself / herself, the user touches a plurality of keys on the display unit through a touch panel (input means) to perform a data input operation. (Step 1
6).

The data reading means in the CPU 11 determines the presence or absence of input data, holds the current state if there is no key input (step 16), reads the key signal if there is a key input, and outputs the input information. (Step 18). In response to the operation of each key displayed on the display unit, the content of the read input information is detected as position information corresponding to the position of the key and a contact area touching the key at the time of the input operation (step 17). 2) Contact area information. These two contact positions and the contact area information of the contact positions are compared with the key size (area) of the key arrangement and the key interval information displayed on the current display unit, and the input operation is repeatedly performed on other peripheral keys. (Step 18).

If it is determined in step 18 that the current key size is smaller than the contact area of the key contact, and if it is determined that an input operation is being performed overlapping a plurality of peripheral keys, preferably, a plurality of adjacent keys are pressed simultaneously. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of overlapping peripheral keys or a signal for enlarging the entire display screen is output to the display unit (step 19), so that the enlarged input keys and the display are displayed. A screen is displayed (step 22).

The display section enlarged and displayed in step 22 is:
In order to confirm which input key has been touched, the state of the enlarged display is maintained and the state is returned to the data input state again (step 16).

Also, in step 18, the read data determined that accurate key input has been performed without touching a plurality of peripheral keys even at the current key size of the input means is output to the data interpretation means, The meaning of the input data is interpreted by comparing it with a pre-installed database (step 20), and the interpreted result is output to the data output means and displayed on the display unit (step 2).
1) When the data display on the display unit is completed, the display unit (key layout) at which the key input is confirmed is reduced to the previous magnification ratio (step 23), and at the same time, the operation returns to the initial state of the data input operation. (Step 16).

Next, the operation of the enlargement function, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG.

First, although there are two enlargement functions of the present invention, the operation of the enlargement function 1 will be described in detail with reference to a calculator function.

For example, when the user uses the calculator function of the present apparatus as shown in FIG. 5A, the calculator key arrangement of the display unit is changed by the screen switching button (switching means) of the present apparatus described in the present embodiment. It is assumed that switching to FIG. 4D is performed and a data (key) input operation is performed. The input key ([1]) desired by the user is displayed on the calculator key array displayed on the entire display of the apparatus.
Key), the key size is smaller than the area of the fingertip touching the key size. When the apparatus determines that the key to be executed is unclear,
As shown in (b), a plurality of peripheral keys in which the [1] key overlaps are automatically enlarged and displayed.

When the display unit enlarged by an arbitrary magnification is determined by the user to press the [1] key again by the user without any overlap with the peripheral keys, and to determine that the key input has been performed reliably, FIG. As shown in (c), the key arrangement and the key size are returned to the initial state, and the keyed data is displayed on the display unit.

Next, the operation of the enlargement function 2 will be described in detail with reference to a memo pad function.

For example, when the user wants to use the calculator function simultaneously while using the memo pad function of the present apparatus as shown in FIG. 6A, the calculator key arrangement of an arbitrary magnification is displayed on the upper right of the display unit. It is assumed that data is displayed and a data (key) input operation is performed with a fingertip.

Here, when the user presses an input key ([1] key) desired by the user, the calculator key size displayed on the upper right in this apparatus is smaller than the area of the fingertip to be touched.
As shown in FIG. 6 (b), since it is determined that the key that is desired to be input is unclear because it overlaps (touches) the [2] key and the [0] key around the [1] key and is unclear. The entire calculator screen is automatically enlarged.

Similarly, when the [1] key is pressed in the state of the calculator key arrangement display of FIG. 6B and the apparatus determines that the key desired to be input is unclear, as shown in FIG. 6C. To
Further, a calculator key array automatically enlarged at an arbitrary magnification is displayed. When the user presses the [1] key again and it is determined that the key input is securely performed, the keyed data is displayed on the display unit. Is displayed.

When the key input data is displayed on the display unit, the display returns to the previous magnification state of the key array display (magnification) for which the key input has been confirmed, as shown in FIG. 6B.

Depending on the environment in which the apparatus is used (construction site, etc.) and the user's conditions (wearing construction work gloves), the key in the magnification state shown in FIG. When the input is difficult, the enlargement function 1 shown in FIG. 5B enlarges the peripheral keys having duplicate key inputs.

The enlargement magnification of the two enlargement functions described above can be changed by the user himself or herself, and the setting for inhibiting the use of the automatic magnification function can be made.

[0038]

As described above, according to the touch panel input device of the present invention, it is possible to easily and freely select the key arrangement of each function which is optimal for the user condition, and to perform the key input operation of the selected key arrangement. Since the key size or the entire screen of the used display unit is automatically enlarged (automatically reduced), a reliable key input operation is possible, and a portable information terminal with good usability (work efficiency) can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, since it is possible to cope with an input device having a display section having a relatively small area, the restriction on the size of the display section is relaxed, and it can be realized in existing products. There is a possibility that an ultra-small portable information terminal that could not be provided can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view and a cross-sectional view of an apparatus showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed diagram illustrating key layout switching.

FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram illustrating a first enlargement operation.

FIG. 6 is a detailed diagram illustrating a second enlargement operation.

FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram illustrating a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display part 2 LCD 3 Touch panel 4 Touch panel input device 5 Screen switching button 6 Control circuit 7 LCD controller 8 Touch panel controller 9 ROM 10 RAM 11 CPU

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A switching means for switching a plurality of key arrangements having a plurality of keys arranged on a display unit screen, and an input for inputting position information corresponding to a position of a key in response to operation of each key. Means, a contact area detecting means for detecting a contact area of the input means, and a data reading means for reading output information of the input means and the contact area detecting means,
Data interpretation means for interpreting the meaning of the input data fetched by the data reading means, and display or display of a plurality of keys which are repeatedly pressed in order to perform input operation of a plurality of uninterpretable input data again A touch panel input device comprising: an enlarging unit for enlarging an entire screen; and a data output unit for outputting output data from a data interpreting unit to a display unit. 2. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, further comprising a reduction unit configured to reduce a display enlarged by the enlargement unit after outputting data to the display unit. 3. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing a key arrangement of each function selected by said switching means.