JPH11212726A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of setting plural switches at a desired position, eliminating the danger of erroneous pressing as much as possible and improving operability. SOLUTION: A touch panel 6 is arranged on a display device 5. In a normal state, the switches S1 and S2 are not displayed. When a finger F touches the touch panel, it is detected, a shutter switch S1 is set at the touched position and a zoom switch S2 is set at a part in prescribed relative position relation to the switch S1. Thus, by touching the optional position on the touch panel, since the two switches are set around there, the operator surely performs a switch operation even at the time of relatively roughly touching it and no pressing error occurs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly, to an input device provided with a plurality of switches and operated by touching the switches.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of input devices of computers and other information processing devices, there is a device called a touch panel or a touch screen. As is well known, this is a screen-like position input device that is installed on the screen of the image display device, and is a device that directly touches the screen on the screen with a finger to obtain the position information. .

The touch panel and the like merely detect the position touched by a finger. Therefore, a switch is assigned to each area on the screen in advance, it is determined which switch has been selected from the detected position information, and further switching of the input display screen and various processing are executed. become.

Further, the contents of the assigned switches are displayed in a corresponding area on the screen in the form of characters, pictorial symbols, etc., and the operator aims at the displayed characters or the like on the screen. Input processing is performed by placing a finger at a desired position.

[0005] Regardless of such a touch panel, the positions of various conventional switches and input units are determined in advance, and by pressing the determined positions, the operator's intention / command is transmitted to the device. To the side.

[0006]

However, in the conventional touch panel and other various input devices, since the position of the switch is predetermined, the switch does not operate even if a part different from the switch is pressed. . Therefore, the operator must visually confirm the displayed / existing portion of the switch and touch the corresponding portion without fail, and the process is complicated and there is a possibility that the switch may be erroneously pressed.

[0007] For example, some digital cameras and video cameras take images while displaying an image of an object to be imaged on a liquid crystal monitor. In such a case, in the conventional camera, switches such as a shutter and a zoom are physical switches installed at predetermined positions of the main body. In the case of a switch having such a physically protruding portion, the position of the switch can be found by groping to some extent. However, if a touch panel function is provided on the LCD monitor and the user touches a predetermined position on the screen while looking at the LCD monitor to operate the zoom or release the shutter, etc. Is impossible, and because the liquid crystal monitor itself is small, the switch portion displayed on the small monitor also becomes small,
It is troublesome to surely press such a small portion, and there is a risk of an operation error. In addition, when the position of the switch is too much concerned, there is a possibility that a photo opportunity is missed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to set a plurality of switches at desired positions, and to make a wrong push. And to provide an input device with good operability.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, an input device according to the present invention comprises: a position input device for detecting a contact to obtain information on the position of the contact; Means for setting the first switch at the contact position when the occurrence occurs, and setting the second switch at a position having a predetermined relative positional relationship with respect to the first switch. .

Here, as a means for detecting contact, various methods such as a pressure-sensitive method, a resistive film method, and a light position detecting method can be employed. The position input device corresponds to the “touch panel 6” in the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is not associated with a display device as well as a screen panel of the same type. It can be anything. In short, what is necessary is just to be able to detect the existing position of the contacting part when the finger or the like touches.

[0011] With this configuration, by touching an arbitrary position in the input area of the position input device, the first position is moved to that position.
Since the switches are set, the switches can be operated even if they are touched relatively roughly in terms of the positional relationship. And the first
The second switch is automatically set at a portion located at a predetermined relative position from the position of the switch. Therefore, the operator obtains the information of the relative position, so that the operator not only looks at the operation surface of the position input device (the touch surface for detecting the position), but also of the second switch as well as the first switch. The operation can be easily performed, and the operability is improved.

Furthermore, such a position input device is often incorporated in some other device. Then, when performing the operation of the other device, it is sufficiently conceivable that the location where the individual operator can easily touch on the operation surface of the position input device is different. In the conventional device, the position of the switch is fixed, so that the operator operates according to the position of the switch. In the present invention, however, the switch is generated at a position where the operator touches the finger or the like. Therefore, the user can set and use the easy-to-use portion on the switch, so that the operability is further improved.

[0013] The predetermined relative positional relationship is predetermined, and it is preferable that the second switch is located at a position where it can be easily operated in relation to the first switch. The relative positional relationship may be always determined and set uniquely with respect to the position of the first switch, or may be determined differently according to various conditions.
The position of the switch may be determined. By doing so, the second switch can be set to a more appropriate and convenient position according to the state, and the operability is further improved. The following is an example of such a determination method.

First, the predetermined relative positional relationship may be determined according to the contact position in an input area of the position input device. This is because the input area of the position input device is not infinite, but a certain area is determined. Thus, for example, if the first switch is set on the periphery of the input area, the second switch is preferably set in a direction along the periphery. In other words, if the second switch is always installed below the first switch, if the touched location is below the input area, the setting of the second switch may be difficult. In such a fixed state, the operator only needs to slightly touch the upper side in consideration of the setting of the lower side, and the operation of the second switch is slid. Then, the sliding direction is preferably along the side of the input area. Therefore, the operability described above can be improved by determining the relative position between the first switch and the second switch according to the contact position. That is, as an example of the determination of the relative position, when the contact position is close to the periphery of the input area, the second switch determines the direction not to be from the periphery, or determines the second switch in the direction along the periphery close to the contact position. In addition to setting two switches, various other measures can be taken.

Further, as another predetermined relative positional relationship,
For example, it may be determined according to the shape of the contact portion with the position input device (claim 2). That is, for example, when touching with a finger, the shape of the contact portion becomes elongated. Then, for example, it is preferable to set the second switch in the short width direction of the contact portion because the second switch is easily touched. That is, when the second switch is touched by another finger, the operability is improved because the first and second switches are arranged in the finger arrangement direction, but the second switch is also the first switch. In the case of operating with the same finger as above, it is only necessary to turn around the base of the finger (shake the finger), and the position of the wrist does not change much, so that the operation can be performed easily. Of course, the setting position of the second switch according to the shape is not limited to the above-described one, and can be set appropriately according to various situations.

Still further, another predetermined relative positional relationship may be determined according to a moving state of a contact position with respect to the position input device. That is, by determining the setting position of the second switch depending on the action of the operator, the second switch can be set to a position that is easy for the operator to use. In other words, for example, when the second contact is made next to the first contact position on the right side, the second switch is set to extend to the right side or both the left and right sides. Further, when the contact is made on the upper side, it can be set so as to extend on the upper side or both the upper and lower sides. By doing so, the position of the second switch can be set according to the operator's feeling, so that the operability is further improved.
Note that the relationship between the installation position and the direction is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. Also, the next contact position may be a position where the user has once separated and then contacted, or, if the user has slid while touching the input area without leaving the first contact position, the direction of the sliding movement Position.

The moving state may be the moving direction in this way, but other than this, for example, there is a case where the moving state does not move (change based on the time of keeping the contact position pressed), a moving speed or a moving state. Various states other than the trajectory can be used.

On the other hand, based on feature amounts (size, area, etc.) extracted from a contact portion with the position input device,
At least one of the size of the first switch, the size of the second switch, and the interval between the relative positions of the first and second switches may be adjusted. In other words, for example, when operating with a finger, the size of the finger / hand varies from person to person. Since conventional switches cannot cope with such individual differences, a standard size is assumed or determined based on the size of the device.
For example, if the area of the switch is small or the interval between adjacent switches is short, a person with a large finger may press a plurality of switches at the same time. On the other hand, if the distance between the switches is long for a person with a small finger, the operability also deteriorates. Therefore, the operability is improved by assuming the approximate length and size of the finger and hand based on the feature amount of the contact portion and setting the switch shape and interval in accordance therewith. It is most preferable that all of the listed elements be adjusted. However, adjusting at least one of the elements is preferable because operability is improved in that part compared to a case where no adjustment is performed at all.

Further, on the premise of each of the above-mentioned inventions, the position input device is placed on a display device so that an image displayed on the display device can be visually recognized.
It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises means for displaying a mark indicating the position where the second switch is set on the display device (claim 6). That is, this is a method of using as a general touch panel, touch screen, or the like. By displaying a mark, visual confirmation can be performed, and convenience is improved. In other words, in each of the above-mentioned claims, it is not always necessary to display the mark described in claim 6. In other words, unlike a switch which has been generally used conventionally, a touched portion becomes a switch, so that an operation can be performed without particularly displaying a mark.

The "mark" used in the present invention may be not only a picture, a symbol, and a pictorial symbol, but also a color or a character. In short, any mark may be used as long as it serves as a mark of the switch.

The input device described in each of the above claims can be applied to an imaging device. That is, the position input device is installed such that the captured image displayed on the monitor screen of the imaging device is visible while being superimposed on the monitor screen of the imaging device, and the first switch and the second switch are It can be an operation switch of an imaging device (claim 7). The image pickup device here is not limited to a general digital still camera, but may be any device having a function of capturing an image such as a video camera and a monitor. Further, it may be incorporated in a part of the device. As an example, as mentioned in the embodiment, an image in an image search apparatus that compares a captured image with a built-in image database and reads and displays information on a corresponding image from digital pictorial book data or the like. It may be a device portion or the like that takes in the data.

Furthermore, it is more preferable to provide a means for setting different types of switches according to the manner of contact with the position input device (claim 8). In this case, a plurality of switches can be selectively used, so that the use is expanded. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the apparatus further comprises means for detecting an operation on each of the switches and outputting a sound under certain conditions. By outputting the sound, it is possible to confirm by sound that the switch has been reliably operated. A device that outputs such a sound may perform all switch operations, or may output a sound when a certain process is performed on a certain switch or when a predetermined process is performed on the same switch. It may be.

Further, when the contact position with respect to the position input device is moved while maintaining the contact state, a function may be added to move the setting area of the first switch with the movement. 10). In addition,
The area to be moved may follow any area as long as it is an input area, or the moving range may be limited to a certain area and may be followed within that area. Furthermore, in the case of following the fixed area, the setting of the first switch is canceled when the contact part moves out of the area, or the boundary part is moved out of the area. Various countermeasures can be taken, for example, the first switch may be kept set.

In this case, the switch is operated by moving the function of the first switch away from the contact state.
By moving only one finger, both the first and second switches can be operated. In addition, when the switch is operated by releasing the switch in such a manner, it is preferable to set an area that can be followed so that a cancel function of canceling when the switch moves outside the area can be added. In addition, it can be easily distinguished whether it has moved out of the area or has released the contact by determining whether or not the area is still in contact outside the area.

[0025]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an embodiment of an image input processing apparatus 1 to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram thereof. As shown in the figure,
The CCD imaging unit 3 is mounted on the front side of the housing 2 in an exposed state. The CCD imaging unit 3 includes a CCD and an imaging lens for forming light from an object on the CCD. And the lens part 3a protrudes outside.

A display device 5 composed of a liquid crystal display is mounted on the opposite surface of the housing 2. The display screen of the display device 5 has a rectangular shape. Further, a touch panel 6 is provided on the front side of the display device 5.
Is attached.

Further, a power switch 7 is provided at a predetermined position of the housing 2. In this embodiment, the shutter switch S1 as the first switch and the zoom switch S2 as the second switch are configured using the touch panel 6 (see FIG. 3). Then, an image captured by the CCD imaging unit 3 is sent to the display device 5 via the bus, and the captured image is output and displayed on the display device 5. Further, image data when the shutter is released by operating the shutter switch S1 is stored in the image memory 8.

The shutter switch S1 has the same function as a shutter button of a normal photographing device. However, in this embodiment, the shutter is released when released from the shutter switch S1. Zoom switch S2
Is for changing the zoom magnification according to the position. In the present embodiment, “W” indicates the wide-angle side and “T” indicates the telephoto side. Then, the zoom magnification is 1 (standard value) at the center (the part where the shutter switch S1 is displayed in the illustrated state), and the enlargement ratio (reduction ratio) increases as the distance increases, and at each position. The zoom magnification corresponds uniquely. Therefore, for example, even if a finger is placed on the “W” side, the zoom ratio does not change while the finger is stopped at that position. Of course, instead of such a configuration, if the zoom position is set on the “W” side, the zoom ratio may change more and more, and the degree of wide angle may increase.

If the image input processing device 1 is, for example, a digital still camera, the image stored in the image memory 8 is processed by an external information processing device such as a personal computer via an input / output I / O (not shown). Predetermined processing such as transfer to an apparatus or direct transfer to a printer or the like for printing out can be performed. If the image input processing device 1 is a part of the image search device, an image database (eg, pictorial book data) is built in, and image data captured by a CCD camera is compared with data stored in the image database. You will search for what you want to do.
Then, such processing is executed based on a control signal from the CPU 9.

Here, in this embodiment, another switch (zoom switch S2) is provided adjacent to the installation position of the shutter switch S1 as described above. As described above, it is assumed that a plurality of types of switches are provided, and that the relative positions of the switches are determined. And
For convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows a state in which marks of the switches S1 and S2 are displayed. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a mark of the shutter switch S1 is displayed at a portion touched by the finger F, and a mark of the zoom switch S2 is displayed at a predetermined position around the shutter switch S1. More specifically, each switch S1, S2
Are set in a predetermined area of the touch panel 6, and the above-mentioned respective marks are output and displayed on the display screen 5a of the display device 5 facing the area. Since the touch panel 6 is transparent, the mark displayed on the display screen 5a can be visually recognized from the outside.

In the prior art, a finger is held at the position to operate the switch, which is displayed at a fixed position in advance, and the finger is operated at an arbitrary position on the screen in the present invention. The switch appears at the position where the finger is placed. In other words, since the switch follows the finger, the operator only has to touch an appropriate position in the input area of the touch panel 6 and does not need to care much about the position of the switch itself, and pays attention to the subject side. There are individual differences in places where the operability can be improved by touching a finger, and the switch is automatically set to a place where the user can easily operate, thereby improving the operability.

Further, in this embodiment, the shutter switch S
1 moves so as to follow the movement of the finger. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the finger F is moved while being pressed on the touch panel 6, the shutter switch S1 is moved accordingly. When the finger F is moved out of the area of the zoom switch S2, the switch operation at that time is canceled, and the switches S1, S
The setting of 2 is canceled.

Thus, the operator touches an arbitrary position on the touch panel 6 to set the shutter switch S1 and the zoom switch S2. By moving the touched finger F in the direction of the zoom switch S2 in this state, the zoom ratio is changed and the imaging target is adjusted to have a predetermined size on the display screen. At this time, since the finger F keeps touching the touch panel 6, the shutter switch S1 follows the finger F (see FIG. 6).

That is, the shutter switch S
The shutter cannot be released because 1 is still present.
When the zoom ratio is determined, the finger F is released from the touch panel 6. As a result, the shutter is released, and the image data being captured at that time is stored.

On the other hand, since the shutter is released by releasing the finger F, once the touch panel 6 is touched as it is, the finger F always leaves the standing panel 6 and eventually, the shutter is released. However, in reality, there is a case where a good composition cannot be obtained even if an attempt is made to take an image, or there is a case where the user misses a photo opportunity and wants to stop the image taking. In such a case, a canceling switch or the like may be separately provided. However, in this embodiment, the follow-up range of the shutter switch S1 is set within the setting area of the zoom switch S2.
If you move further, you can cancel.

The switch position determination unit 010 shown in FIG. 2 determines the positions of the switches S 1 and S 2 based on the position information given from the touch panel 6 and outputs the display to the display device 5. To become
When a switch operation is performed on the switches S1 and S2 that are actually set, the CPU 9 performs a process according to the switch operation. The switch position determination unit 10 in the actual device may be incorporated as a program in the CPU 9 and perform software processing. The function of the switch position determination unit 10 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

That is, when the power switch 7 is operated and the power is turned on (ST1), the process starts. Then, it is determined whether or not the touch panel is pressed with a finger based on the output information from the touch panel 6 (ST2).
Then, when pressed, the contact position information is acquired (ST3).

The switch position determining unit 10 includes an information storage unit 10a for storing information on a relative positional relationship between the shutter switch S1 and the zoom switch S2, and a relative position obtained by accessing the information storage unit 10a. The installation positions of the switches S1 and S2 are obtained based on the information on the relationship and the contact position information given from the touch panel 6 (ST4).

An example of this determination will be described. For example, the information storage unit 10a stores "shutter switch position coordinates (X,
Y): Zoom switch position coordinates (X, Y-y1) (X, Y-y1)
Y + y1) ”, information (pattern) related to the switch mark corresponding to the relative positional relationship in the initial state is stored in association with the information. Here, X and Y are respective coordinate values on the touch panel 6 and the display screen 5a, and X is a horizontal coordinate. Further, y1 is a value indicating the separation distance. In this example, since the zoom switches S2 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the shutter switch S1, there are two position coordinates of the zoom switches. The absolute values of the separation distances are equal. Also,
Each coordinate is a representative coordinate value such as the center or upper left of the switch, and a predetermined area is set as an actual switch area based on the representative coordinate value. Then, information on the predetermined area (for example, an M × N area whose representative coordinate value is at the center (upper left)) is also stored in the information storage unit 10a. Further, a mark of a predetermined size is displayed in accordance with a portion facing the switch area, and the shape and size of the mark to be displayed are also stored as information on the mark.

The storage example of the information on the relative positional relationship described above is merely an example, and various methods can be adopted. That is, assuming that the zoom switch is a region extending in a band around the initial shutter switch, information on the shape is also included in the coordinate values, such that the coordinates of the four vertices indicating the region are defined in relation to the contact position. You may.

Therefore, the switch position determining unit 10 determines the first switch position coordinates as X and Y based on the acquired contact position information. At this time, since the finger makes contact with the operation surface (input area) of the touch panel 6 on a surface having a predetermined shape and size, the position information given from the touch panel 6 indicates that all the touched points , A coordinate value of a point that satisfies certain conditions, such as the center of gravity and the center, is calculated from the coordinate value group, and is set as a representative coordinate value (X, Y) of the shutter switch. Then, based on the obtained X and Y, 2
It can be easily calculated by obtaining the two zoom switch position coordinates. Further, a predetermined area constituting the switch is obtained based on the representative position coordinates. Of course, since the shutter switch S1 moves, the position and area of each switch obtained above are the positions in the initial state to the last.

The area information of the switches S1 and S2 thus obtained is sent to the CPU 9. This allows
The CPU 9 compares the contact position information sent from the touch panel 6 with the given switch area, and can determine which part of which switch is being pressed.

Further, a mark of a predetermined size and shape is output and displayed on the display screen 5a of the display device 5 corresponding to the area thus obtained (ST5).

Next, a process associated with a normal switch operation in the CPU 9 will be described. Such processing can be realized by executing the flowchart shown in FIG. That is, the image data picked up by the CCD image pickup unit 3 is sent to the display device 5 in a through state and output and displayed (ST11, ST12). The photographing of the object may be started when the power of the apparatus is turned on or by operating a switch prepared separately, or the photographing may be started by touching the touch panel 6 as described above. You may.

The CPU 9 has information on the positions (areas) of the switches S1 and S2 from the operation on the touch panel 6 described above. Then, it is determined whether or not the finger has been released from the shutter switch (mark) S1 (ST13). If the finger has been released, it is determined that the shutter has been released, and the image data captured at that time is stored in the image memory 8. (ST16).

On the other hand, if the shutter switch S1 is kept pressed, the position of the finger is detected based on information from the touch panel 6 (ST14). Then, when the area of the zoom switch S2 is pressed, zoom processing is performed according to the area (ST15). That is, in the present embodiment, “W” indicates the wide-angle side and “T” indicates the telephoto side. Therefore, it is determined whether the pressed position belongs to the wide-angle side or the telephoto side, and belongs. Increase or decrease the zoom magnification depending on the direction. The shutter is not released while the touch panel 6 is being pressed with a finger even during the zoom process (ST15).

After the zoom ratio and the imaging range are determined, the finger is fixed at that position, and the finger is released from the touch panel at an appropriate timing. The display image during this operation is stored and held in the image memory as a photographed image (ST16).

Although not described in the flowchart of FIG. 8, if the finger position is determined in ST14 and the finger is located outside the area of the second switch S2, the photographing operation is interrupted. become.

The buzzer 1 may be turned on at various timings, such as when the switch is turned off, when zoom processing is performed, or when the buzzer is moved out of the area of the zoom switch.
2 may be operated to output a predetermined sound to notify that each process has been executed and / or not executed. In such a case, the sound of the buzzer may be appropriately changed such as the number of times, the height, and the length so as to easily notify the user of the content.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention. As in the above-described embodiment, when operating while displaying an image to be captured on the display screen 5 a of the display device 5, the place where the finger F is inevitably touched is near the periphery of the touch panel 6. Then, the zoom switch S2
In the case where the operation is performed by moving the touch panel 6 as described above, it is preferable that the moving direction be along the edge of the touch panel 6.

Therefore, as shown in FIG.
When the finger F is placed at a position close to the short side on the right side, a zoom switch S2 serving as a zoom slide guide is set and displayed so as to extend in a direction along the short side (vertical direction). Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the finger F is placed at a position close to the long side on the lower side of the touch panel 6, the zoom switch F2 is set so as to extend in the direction (left-right direction) along the long side. And display. Thus, the switch is changed according to the position where the finger is placed.

As an apparatus for executing such processing, for example, as information stored in the information storage unit 10a in the block diagram shown in FIG. 2, each area when the touch panel 6 is divided into a plurality of areas is distinguished. The information and information on the relative positional relationship between the shutter switch S1 and the zoom switch S2 for each area are stored in association with each other.
As a function of the switch position determination unit 10, when executing the “switch position determination processing step” in step 4 of FIG. 7, first, it is determined to which region the touched position coordinates belong to, and the belonging position is determined. The information on the relative positional relationship of the area is read. Thereafter, by performing the same operation as in the first embodiment, the setting and display of the switch position as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be performed. Note that the other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are views for explaining the third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, one direction of the zoom switch S2, which is the second switch, differs depending on the direction in which the finger F is inserted into the touch panel 6. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the finger F is inserted from the short side of the touch panel 6 and placed, the long axis of the ellipse of the contact shape with the touch panel 6 becomes the same as the left and right direction of the touch panel 6. In addition, as shown in FIG.
When the finger F is inserted and placed from the long side of the ellipse, the major axis of the ellipse in contact with the touch panel 6 becomes the same as the vertical direction. That is, since the contact shape between the finger and the touch panel is elliptical, the direction in which the finger is placed can be determined from the directions of the long axis and the short axis.

Thus, the function of the switch is changed.
In the example, the sliding direction of the zoom switch S2 is changed so that the finger is slid in a direction in which the finger can be easily moved. That is, when the finger is placed on the touch panel from the horizontal direction, slide the finger up and down (vertically),
The switch is set to slide left and right (horizontally) when placed on the touch panel from the vertical direction.

As an apparatus for executing such processing, instead of the information for distinguishing a plurality of areas stored in the information storage unit 10a in the above-described second embodiment,
The direction (vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.) of the contact portion of the finger is set, and information on the relative positional relationship between the shutter switch S1 and the zoom switch S2 is stored in association with each direction. Then, as a function of the switch position determination unit 10, when the “switch position determination processing step” in step 4 of FIG. 7 is executed, first, the long axis direction of the contact shape is obtained from the acquired contact coordinates. Then, it determines which direction the long axis direction belongs to, and reads out information on the relative positional relationship in that direction. After that, by performing the same operation as in the first embodiment, the setting and setting of the switch position as shown in FIGS.
Display can be performed.

As a method of determining the major axis direction (the direction of the finger) of the contact shape, for example, the maximum width of the contact position that is continuous in the vertical direction and the maximum width of the contact position that is continuous in the horizontal direction are determined. In addition, it can be easily obtained by obtaining the magnitude relation. Also, besides this, recognize the shape,
By specifying the direction, the direction of the finger can be obtained more accurately. Then, when the direction of the finger is obtained with such high accuracy, if the direction is obliquely inclined, it may be divided into either a vertical or horizontal direction, or based on the oblique direction. The extension direction of the zoom switch S2 may be set. Note that the other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the setting area of the switch is changed according to the contact area and size of the finger F on the touch panel 6. That is, as is apparent from a comparison between FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, a difference occurs in the contact area (shaded portion) with the touch panel 6 due to the difference in the size of the finger F. With this difference, the function of the switch can be changed.

That is, when the contact area is large, as shown in FIG. 13, the display interval of the zoom switch S2 is widened and the area is also long. If the contact area is small, the reverse process is performed (FIG. 14). By performing such processing, the size of the guide display indicating the slide direction of the zoom is changed so that the mark display is not hidden behind a finger even in the case of a large finger. As a change, the area of the shutter switch may be changed.

A plurality of types of information on the relative positional relationship (such as the relative positions and setting areas of the two switches) to be stored in the information storage unit 10a are prepared as an apparatus for performing such processing. Keep it. Then, the switch position determining unit 10 determines the direction based on the given contact position information, and reads out information on the relative positional relationship corresponding to the determined direction. Thereafter, by performing the same operation as in the first embodiment, the setting and display of the switch position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 can be performed. Note that the other configuration and operation and effect are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are views for explaining the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the above embodiments,
In each case, the setting area and the display area of each switch are determined according to the condition at the time of placing the finger for the first time. However, in the present invention, the switch setting is performed based on the next operation after the contact. Like that.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, when the finger F is placed on the touch panel 6, the shutter switch S1 is set, but the zoom switch as the second switch is not set. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the direction in which the finger F is moved next is determined, and the zoom switch S2 is set to extend in the moving direction. Although not shown, if you move it up or down,
The zoom switch is set to extend in the vertical direction.

FIG. 17 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment can be applied to each of the above embodiments. That is, by placing the finger F, the two switches S1, S
Although the area 2 is set, the switch mark is not displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 (in the figure, a picture corresponding to the mark is shown for convenience, but it is not displayed on an actual device as a matter of course. ).

That is, in the present invention, since the position of the switch is determined by the operator touching the finger, the position can be known to some extent without any particular display. By not displaying the image, when the image captured by the CCD imaging unit 3 is displayed on the display screen 5a of the display device 5, it is not hidden by the mark. can do. Then, as a device that executes such processing, the device that implements each of the above-described embodiments may have no display function.

It is to be noted that the display may be performed only immediately after placing a finger to indicate that the function of the switch is turned on. Also,
A sound such as a buzzer may notify that the switch function has been turned on.

FIG. 18 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, different types of switches are set according to the manner in which the finger F contacts the touch panel 6. Such processing means can also be realized by partially modifying the function of the switch position determination unit 10. That is, when the finger F is held on the touch panel 6 for a certain period of time, the normal shutter switch S1 and zoom switch S2 described in each of the above-described embodiments are installed according to certain conditions. On the other hand, if the finger is placed in the manner of double-clicking while changing the contact method, the switch is changed to a switch having a cross cursor function as shown in FIG. Thus, the switch can be selected by placing the finger. Then, it can be easily discriminated whether a double click or a normal contact is made, for example, by being separated once within a certain period of time and twice. In the present embodiment, a double click is employed, but other methods may of course be used as long as the determination is possible.

FIG. 19 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In each of the embodiments described above, the zoom switch is installed so that the shutter switch is located at the center, and the shutter and the zoom can be processed with one finger. In this embodiment, the layout of the switches is changed. Has changed. That is, as shown in the figure, the shutter switch S1 and the zoom switch S2 are set apart from each other. Of course, even in this example, the two switches S1 and S2 are set and displayed by touching on the touch panel 6, which is not initially displayed. In order to operate the set switch, for example, while the shutter switch S1 is pressed with the index finger, the zoom switch S2 is pressed with another finger (for example, the middle finger).
Will be operated. And the shutter switch S
When you remove your finger from 1, the shutter will be released. Note that in this example as well, the shutter switch S1 may move following the movement of the finger being pressed.
Of course, it may not be followed.

In each of the above embodiments, examples have been shown in which the present invention is applied to an image pickup apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to an apparatus having various switches.

[0068]

As described above, in the input device according to the present invention, the position where a finger or the like is touched is detected, and a plurality of switches are set so as to have a predetermined relative positional relationship based on the touched position. Therefore, the operator can touch the operation surface roughly to some extent, and even if touching such rough, it is possible to set a plurality of switches at a desired position, thereby possibly causing a mistake in pushing. Can be suppressed. Also, when the position of the switch to be set is changed according to the condition at the time of touching, the state at that time was changed.
Alternatively, since the switch is set at a position that is easy for the operator to use, the operability is further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an example of an image input processing device in which the present invention is implemented.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating functions of a display determination unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing functions of a CPU associated with a switch operation.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 image input processing device 2 housing 3 CCD imaging unit 5 display device 5a display unit 6 touch panel 7 power switch 8 image memory 9 CPU 10 switch position determination unit 10a information storage unit 12 buzzer

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A position input device that detects a contact and obtains information on the position of the contact, when a contact with the position input device occurs, a first switch is set to the contact position and the first switch is set. Means for setting a second switch at a location having a predetermined relative positional relationship to the input device. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined relative positional relationship is determined according to the contact position in an input area of the position input device. 3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined relative positional relationship is determined according to a shape of a contact portion with the position input device. 4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined relative positional relationship is determined according to a moving state of a contact position with respect to the position input device. 5. A size of the first switch, a size of the second switch, and an interval between relative positions of the first and second switches based on a feature amount extracted from a contact portion with the position input device. The input device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is adjusted. 6. The position input device is placed on a display device so that an image displayed on the display device can be visually recognized, and a mark indicating a position where the first and second switches are set is displayed. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit configured to display on the display device.
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The position input device, wherein the position input device is placed on a monitor screen of an imaging device so as to visually recognize a captured image displayed on the monitor screen, and the first switch and the second switch are provided. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein? Is an operation switch of the imaging device. 8. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting different types of switches according to the manner of contact with the position input device. 9. An operation for each of the switches is detected,
The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising means for outputting a sound under a certain condition. 10. A function according to claim 1, further comprising a function of, when the contact position with respect to said position input device moves while maintaining the contact state, moving the setting area of said first switch with the movement. The input device according to claim 1.