Touch field device

Abstract

Touch field device (1) comprising the following: a touch field (20) which has a user interface (21) and changes the state of a region on the user interface (21) on which a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit (30) to output a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressure force applied to the user interface (21); and a controller (100) to calculate coordinates of the touch operation on the user interface (21) based on the state of the touch field (20), wherein the touch operation includes a first touch operation that uses a first operating component displayed on the operating surface (21) and a second touch operation that uses a second operating component displayed on the operating surface (21), wherein the first touch operation is a normal touch operation and the second touch operation is a restricted touch operation. When the first touch operation is performed, the controller (100) assesses that the initial operating information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid. If the second touch operation is performed and a pressure value of the pressure force specified by the pressure detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure force, the controller (100) assesses that the second operating information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid, If the second touch operation is performed and the pressure value is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operating information is invalid. the control component has a slider (210, 250, 310), the slider (210, 250, 310) has a bar section whose longitudinal direction corresponds to an input value, and a slider (220, 260, 320) that moves along the bar section, the beam section has a first-stage section (211, 251, 311) and a second-stage section (212, 252, 312), the operating component further comprises a fixed region that is arranged around a limit value position between the first-stage part (211, 251, 311) and the second-stage part (212, 252, 312), and When the second touch operation is performed by pressing the slide (220, 260, 320) with a pressure force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressure force while touching the solid region, the controller (100) judges that the second operating information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch panel device having a touch panel. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A user interface (UI) device has been proposed in which a slider of a slider displayed on a screen is moved along a rail part (i.e., bar part) by a dragging operation of wiping the slider with a pen tip of a stylus (see, for example, Patent Reference 1). In this device, when switching the movement of the slider from a movement in a first-stage rail part to a movement in a second-stage rail part, it is necessary to perform an operation of continuously selecting the slider for a certain time or more in a boundary region between the rail parts while stopping the dragging operation. REFERENCE TO THE STATE OF THE ART PATENT REFERENCE

[0003] Patent Reference 1: JP 2006 - 323 492 A (e.g. paragraphs 0024 to 0025 and Fig. 9) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] The input to the second-stage rail section on the aforementioned device is a restricted input operation that is permitted after the specified condition of continuously selecting the slider for a specified time or longer is met, while the pulling operation is stopped. However, in actual operations, a situation may arise in which the pulling operation is stopped in the boundary region and the aforementioned specified condition is met by accident. Accordingly, a misoperation may occur in which the input operation in the second-stage rail section is permitted by accident (i.e., the restriction is lifted), and the restricted input operation in the second-stage rail section is executed contrary to the operator's intention.

[0005] An object of the present invention, which has been developed to solve the above-described problem with the conventional technology, is to provide a touch panel device capable of preventing the occurrence of a misoperation in which a second touch operation is performed as a restricted input operation contrary to the operator's intention. MEANS TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

[0006] The above-mentioned problem is solved by touch panel devices according to claims 1 and 6-9. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the subclaims. EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the present invention, the occurrence of an erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed as a restricted input operation contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a touch panel device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a structure of the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating sliders displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a touch operation using a multi-step slider displayed on the operation surface of the touch panel of the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a touch operation using the multi-step slider displayed on the operation surface of the touch panel of the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. The Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a multi-step slider displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a touch operation using a multi-stage slider displayed on the operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a touch operation using the multi-step slider displayed on the operation surface of the touch panel of the touch panel device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the third embodiment. The Fig. 13(a) and Fig. 13(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using numeric input components displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the fourth embodiment. The Fig. 15(a) to 15(d) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using numeric input components displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the fifth embodiment. The Fig. 17(a) to 17(c) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using numeric input components displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the sixth embodiment. The Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using sliders displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using a rotary knob displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using the rotary knob displayed on the operation surface of the touch panel of the touch panel device according to the eighth embodiment. Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the eighth embodiment. Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using a valve displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the ninth embodiment. The Fig. 26(a) and Fig. 26(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a lever displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the tenth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a touch panel device according to a modification of the tenth embodiment. The Fig. 29(a) and Fig. 29(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a breaker switch displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the eleventh embodiment. Fig. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a touch panel device according to a modification of the eleventh embodiment. Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using a breaker switch with a cover displayed on an operation surface of a touch panel of a touch panel device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the twelfth embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Touch panel devices according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. (1) First embodiment

[0009] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a touch panel device 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the touch panel device 1 includes: a touch panel 20 that changes a state of a region on an operation surface where a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit 30 for outputting a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressing force applied to the operation surface; and a controller 100 for calculating coordinates of the touch operation on the operation surface based on the state of the touch panel 20. In the first embodiment, the touch panel 20 is a capacitive touch panel in which the electrostatic capacitance of a conductor contact region on the operation surface changes. The touch panel 20 includes a screen arranged in overlay with the operation surface on which the touch operation (also referred to as "touch gesture operation" or "touch input operation") is performed, and a user interface (UI) image, such as a screen.an operation component (e.g., an icon). The touch panel device 1 may include an indicator 50 that displays information based on a result of the touch operation.

[0010] The controller 100 includes a processor 41 as an information processing unit and a memory 42 as a storage unit, for example, for storing information. The processor 41 controls the operation of the entirety of the touch panel device 1 by executing a program stored in the memory 42. All or part of the controller 100 may be formed with a "system on chip" as a control circuit composed of semiconductor integrated circuits or the like. The memory 42 may include various types of storage devices, such as a semiconductor storage device, a hard disk drive, and a device that records information on a removable storage medium. The memory 42 may store conductor contact information detected by the touch panel 20 and pressure information detected by the pressure sensor unit 30.

[0011] The controller 100 performs a process corresponding to the touch operation performed on the operation surface of the touch panel 20. Specifically, the controller 100 performs a process based on a change in electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the touch operation performed on the operation surface of the touch panel 20 and the pressure detection signal output from the pressure sensor unit 30, which corresponds to the pressing force applied to the operation surface. For example, the controller 100 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the touch operation performed on the operation surface of the touch panel 20 to other devices connected to the touch panel device 1 or other devices capable of communicating with the touch panel device 1. The device is an operation target device, e.g.,an external device such as a manufacturing facility, a vehicle or an electrical household appliance.

[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the structure of the touch panel device 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the touch panel device 1 comprises a substrate 60 and four pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d, which support the touch panel 20 on the substrate 60. The substrate 60 may be part of a housing of the touch panel device 1. Furthermore, while the controller 100 in Fig. 2 outside the touch panel 20, the controller 100 may be a part of the substrate 60 or a part of a circuit board mounted on the substrate 60. In Fig. 2, the pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d each support four corner parts of the touch panel 20, which has a quadrangular shape in plan view. The pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d in Fig. 2 place the pressure sensor unit 30 in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d can also be arranged to support the touch panel 20 at positions other than the corner portions. Furthermore, the top view shape of the touch panel 20 can be other than a quadrilateral. Furthermore, the number of pressure sensors supporting the touch panel 20 can also be three or fewer, or five or more.

[0013] As in Fig. 2, the touch panel 20 has an operation surface 21 that receives a touch operation performed by an operator. When a conductor (i.e., an electrically conductive object) is in contact with the operation surface 21, the capacitance of the conductor contact region changes. The conductor is, for example, a finger 80 of the operator or an operation assist tool such as a stylus pen made of electrically conductive material. The controller 100 detects the capacitance at each position on the operation surface 21 to thereby acquire the position (i.e., two-dimensional coordinates on the operation surface 21) of the conductor contact region. Specifically, the controller 100 calculates touch position coordinates indicating the position of the conductor contact region on the operation surface 21 based on the capacitance at each position on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20.For example, the conductor contact region is a region where the capacitance is higher than a predetermined threshold capacitance ThC. The conductor contact region is a "capacitance change region." The contact position coordinates that indicate the position of the conductor contact region are also referred to as "capacitance coordinates."

[0014] The pressing force applied to the operating surface 21 of the touch panel 20 is detected by the pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d. The pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d output pressure detection signals indicating the pressure values ​​Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd corresponding to a pressure value Fp as the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the operating surface 21 and a pressing position. The controller 100 is capable of calculating the pressure value Fp based on the pressure values ​​Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd indicated by the pressure detection signals output by the pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d. Furthermore, the controller 100 is capable of calculating the touch position coordinates, which indicate the pressing position on the user interface 21, based on the pressure values ​​Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd. The touch position coordinates calculated based on the pressure values ​​Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd are also referred to as "pressure coordinates."

[0015] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram schematically illustrating the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 3 is any component that is connected to a Fig. 1 is identical or corresponds to the component shown, the same reference numeral as that shown in Fig. 1 shown. As shown in Fig. 3, the controller 100 includes a coordinate recognition unit 110, a pressure recognition unit 120, an operation judgment unit 130, and an operation permission pressure setting unit 140 including a storage unit.

[0016] An operation component (also referred to as an "operation object") is displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20. The touch operation is an operation that uses the operation component displayed on the operation surface 21. In the first embodiment, the operation component is a slider displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20. The displayed slider includes a bar part (i.e., rail part) in the shape of a bar and a slider as a movable component that moves along the bar part. A longitudinal direction of the bar part corresponds to an input value.

[0017] The coordinate detection unit 110 detects whether or not a conductor is in contact with the operation surface 21 by detecting the capacitance at each position on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20. The coordinate detection unit 110 calculates the touch position coordinates as the coordinates of the conductor contact region, which is a region where the detected capacitance value is higher than the predetermined threshold capacitance ThC. The coordinate detection unit 110 provides the touch position coordinates to the operation judgment unit 130.

[0018] The pressure detection unit 120 receives the pressure detection signals output from the pressure sensors 30a, 30b, 30c and 30d constituting the pressure sensor unit 30, and supplies the operation judgment unit 130 with the pressure values ​​Fa, Fb, Fc and Fd indicated by the pressure detection signals.

[0019] The operation judgment unit 130 judges the operation information input through the touch operation using data stored in the operation permission pressure setting unit 140. The data stored in the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 includes, for example, a threshold pressure force ThF and coordinates of the operation components such as the slider and the slider.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the touch operation includes a first touch operation using a first operation component displayed on the operation surface 21, and a second touch operation using a second operation component displayed on the operation surface 21. In the first embodiment, the first operation component is a part (e.g., a first-stage part) in a normal input area (e.g., 231 and 211 in Fig. 4) of a slider, and the second control component is a part (e.g. second stage part) in a restricted input range (e.g. 212 in Fig. 4) a slider.

[0021] The first touch operation is a normal touch operation. When the first touch operation is performed, the operation judgment unit 130 judges that the first operation information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid, updates the display of the operation components (e.g., moves the slider on the slider), outputs an operation signal to the operation target device, and so on.

[0022] The second touch operation is a restricted touch operation. If the pressure value Fp of the pressing force indicated by the pressure detection signal is greater than the predetermined threshold pressing force ThF when the second touch operation is performed, the operation judgment unit 130 judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid and outputs the second operation information to the operation target device. If the pressure value Fp is less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF when the second touch operation is performed, the operation judgment unit 130 judges that the second operation information is invalid and does not output the second operation information to the operation target device.

[0023] Fig. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating sliders displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. A normal slider 230 and a multi-stage slider 210 are shown in Fig. 4. In the example of Fig. 4, the operator can enter a value corresponding to the position of a slider 220, 240 by moving the slider 220, 240 up or down with the finger 80.

[0024] In Fig. 4, the slider on the left is the normal slider 230, which is a slider with no limit set between input ranges. Thus, the entire range of the bar portion of the normal slider 230 is a normal input range 231. The operator can freely move the slider 240 with the finger 80 within the entire range of the normal input range 231.

[0025] In Fig. 4, the slider on the right is the multi-stage slider 210, which is a slider on which a limit value 213 is set between the input ranges. A first-stage part of the multi-stage slider 210, which is a part lower than the limit value 213, is a normal input range 211. A second-stage part of the multi-stage slider 210, which is a part higher than the limit value 213, is a restricted input range 212. The operator can freely move the slider 220 with the finger 80 in the normal input range 211. The touch operation in the normal input range 211 is the first touch operation. However, when a predetermined restriction release operation is performed (ie,After performing the predetermined restriction release operation or during the performance of the predetermined restriction release operation, the operator can move the slider 220 in the restricted input area 212. The touch operation in the restricted input area 212 is the second touch operation.

[0026] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are diagrams (part 1 and part 2) illustrating touch operations using the multi-stage slider 210 on the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, when the operator pushes the slider 220 upwards with the finger 80 with a pressure force on the operating surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force ThF, the slider 220 stops at the position of the limit value 213 (ie, the position of the upper limit of the normal input range 211). As shown in Fig. 6, when the operator pushes the slider 220 upwards with the finger 80 with a pressure force on the operating surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF, the slider 220 can cross the position of the limit value 213 and move in the restricted input range 212.

[0027] Fig. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. When the Fig. 7 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S101, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF as an operation permission pressure of the second touch operation in step S102. In the next step S103, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0028] In the next step S104, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF or not.

[0029] When the result of the judgment in step S104 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S105 whether or not the touch operation is an operation in the normal input area 211 as the first-stage part.

[0030] If the result of the judgment in step S105 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates a display of the slider 210 (e.g., movement of the slider 220 in the restricted input area 212 in Fig. 6) in step S107. If the result of the judgment in step S105 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 210 (e.g., movement of the slider 220 in the normal input area 211 in Fig. 5) in step S106

[0031] If the result of the judgment in step S104 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S108 whether the touch operation is an operation in the area of ​​the second-stage part (ie, the restricted input area 212 in Fig. 6) is or not.

[0032] If the result of the judgment in step S108 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 210 (e.g., movement of the slider 220 in the normal input area 211 in Fig. 5) in step S109. If the result of the judgment in step S108 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 210 (e.g., movement of the slider 220 in the restricted input area 212 in Fig. 6) in step S110.

[0033] As described above, in the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment, a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF is used as the condition for allowing the movement of the slider 220 in the restricted input area 212, and thus, the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. In particular, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an erroneous operation in which the second touch operation in the restricted input area 212, which should be performed by the operator with sufficient attention (e.g., an operation in which no error is allowed or an operation with a high degree of importance), is erroneously input against the operator's will. (2) Second embodiment

[0034] A touch panel device according to a second embodiment differs from the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the second embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0035] The Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a multi-stage slider 250 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8(a) shows a first touch operation as a touch operation in a normal input area 251 as a first-stage part of the slider 250. Fig. 8(b) shows a second touch operation as a touch operation in a restricted input area 252 as a second stage part of the slider 250 or at a limit point 253.

[0036] As in Fig. 8(a), when the operator pushes a slider 260 upward with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the slider 260 stops at a position on the right side of the limit value 253 (ie, the position of the upper limit of the normal input range 251) or at a position on the left side of the limit value 253. As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 8(b), when the operator applies a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF to the operation surface 21 with the finger 80, the operator can move the slider 260 in the restricted input range 252 as a second-stage part.

[0037] Fig. Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the second embodiment. When the Fig. 9 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S201, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S202. In the next step S203, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0038] In the next step S204, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF or not.

[0039] When the result of the judgment in step S204 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S205 whether or not the touch operation is an operation in the normal input area 251 as the area of ​​the first-stage part or at the position of the limit value.

[0040] If the result of the judgment in step S205 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the display of the slider 250 in step S207. If the result of the judgment in step S205 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display in the first-stage part of the slider 250 (e.g., movement of the slider 260 in the normal input range 251 or at the position of the limit value 253 in Fig. 8(a)) in step S206.

[0041] If the result of the judgment in step S204 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S208 whether or not the touch operation is an operation in the restricted input area 252 as the area of ​​the second-stage part or at the position of the limit value.

[0042] If the result of the judgment in step S208 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display in the first-stage part of the slider 250 (e.g., movement of the slider 260 in the normal input area 251 in Fig. 8(a)) in step S209. If the result of the judgment in step S208 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display in the second-stage part of the slider 250 (e.g., movement of the slider 260 in the restricted input area 252 in Fig. 8(b)) in step S210.

[0043] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the second embodiment, a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF is used as a condition for allowing the movement of the slider 260 in the restricted input area 252, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (3) Third embodiment

[0044] A touch panel device according to a third embodiment differs from the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the third embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0045] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a multi-stage slider 310 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a first touch operation as a touch operation in a normal input area 311 as a first-stage part of the slider 310. Fig. 11 shows a second touch operation as a touch operation in a restricted input area 312 as a second-stage part of the slider 310. In the third embodiment, a fixed region 314 is displayed on either side of a limit value 313 of the slider 310 on the touch panel 20.

[0046] As in Fig. 10, when the operator pushes a slider 320 upwards with the finger 80 with a pressure force on the operating surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force ThF, the slider 320 stops at the position of the limit value 313 (ie, the position of the upper limit of the normal input range 311). As shown in Fig. 11, when the operator applies a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF with the finger 80 to the operation surface 21 and touches the fixed region 314 with another finger, the slider 320 can move in the restricted input area 312 as a second-stage part. Fig. 11 shows a second touch operation of moving the slider 320 upward with the middle finger while touching the fixed region 314 with the index finger and the ring finger.

[0047] Fig. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the third embodiment. When the Fig. 12 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S301, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S302. In the next step S303, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0048] In the next step S304, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF or not.

[0049] When the result of the judgment in step S304 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S305 whether or not the touch operation is an operation in the normal input area 311 as the area of ​​the first-stage part or at the position of the threshold value 313.

[0050] If the result of the judgment in step S305 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates a display of the slider 310 (e.g., movement of the slider 320 in the restricted input area 312 in Fig. 11) in step S307. If the result of the judgment in step S305 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 310 (e.g., movement of the slider 320 in the normal input range 311 or at the position of the limit value 313 in Fig. 10) in step S306.

[0051] If the result of the judgment in step S304 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S308 whether the touch operation is a touch operation in the area of ​​the second-stage part (ie, the restricted input area 312 in Fig. 11) or not, and whether there is contact with the fixed region 314 or not.

[0052] If the result of the judgment in step S308 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 310 (e.g., movement of the slider 320 in the normal input area 311 in Fig. 11) in step S309. If the result of the judgment in step S308 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 310 (e.g., movement of the slider 320 in the restricted input area 312 in Fig. 11) in step S310.

[0053] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the third embodiment, performing a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF and a touch operation on the fixed region 314 is used as a condition for allowing the movement of the slider 320 in the restricted input area 312, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (4) Fourth embodiment

[0054] A touch panel device according to a fourth embodiment differs from the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the fourth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0055] The Fig. 13(a) and Fig. 13(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a numeric input component 410 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the fourth embodiment. The numeric input component 410 includes a "+" key 411 as a first increment key, a "-" key 412 as a first decrement key, a "+" key 413 as a second increment key, a "-" key 414 as a second decrement key, and a numeric value display part 415. As an example, a description will be given of a case where the normal input range is a range of numeric values ​​(integers) from "10" to "100" and the restricted input range is a range of numeric values ​​less than or equal to "9" and greater than or equal to "101"; regarding the restricted input range, a numeric value change is possible only when a predetermined condition is met.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13(a), when the operator performs a touch operation on the "+" button 411 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, an output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 415 is incremented (e.g., increased by 1) with each touch; but the numerical value is no longer incremented even with a touch operation with the same pressing force when the numerical value reaches a threshold value "100" (namely, the upper limit of the normal input range). When the operator performs a touch operation on the "-" button 412 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 415 is decremented (e.g., decreased) with each touch.decremented by 1); but the numerical value will not be further decremented even with a touch operation with the same pressure force when the numerical value reaches a limit value of "10" (namely, the lower limit of the normal input range).

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13(b), when the operator performs a touch operation on the "+" button 413 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 415 is incremented (e.g., incremented by 1) with each touch. In this case, the numerical value may be incremented to a value greater than or equal to "101" by the same touch operation, which exceeds the threshold value (namely, the upper limit of the normal input range). When the operator performs a touch operation on the "-" button 414 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 415 is decreased (e.g., decreased by 1) with each touch.In this case, the numerical value can be decreased to a value less than or equal to “9” by the same touch operation, which is lower than the limit value (namely, the lower limit of the normal input range).

[0058] Fig. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the fourth embodiment. When the Fig. 14 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S401, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S402. In the next step S403, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0059] In the next step S404, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF or not.

[0060] If the result of the judgment in step S404 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S405 whether the touch operation is an operation in the normal input range (ie, on the “+” key 411 or the “-” key 412 in Fig. 13(a)) or not.

[0061] If the judgment result in step S405 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 415 in step S407. If the judgment result in step S405 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 415 in step S406.

[0062] If the result of the judgment in step S404 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S408 whether the touch operation is an operation in the restricted input area as a specified region of the numeric input component 410 (ie, at the “+” key 413 or the “-” key 414 in Fig. 13(b)) or not.

[0063] If the judgment result in step S408 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 415 in step S409. If the judgment result in step S408 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 415 in step S410.

[0064] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the fourth embodiment, a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF and a touch operation in the specified region is used as a condition for allowing the numerical value change in the restricted input range, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (5) Fifth embodiment

[0065] A touch panel device according to a fifth embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the fifth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the fifth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0066] The Fig. 15(a) to 15(d) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a numeric input component 510 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the fifth embodiment. The numeric input component 510 includes a "+" key 511 as a first increment key, a "-" key 512 as a first decrement key, a "+" key 513 as a second increment key, a "-" key 514 as a second decrement key, and a numeric value display part 515. As an example, a description will be given of a case where the normal input range is a range of numeric values ​​(integers) from "10" to "100" and the restricted input range is a range of numeric values ​​less than or equal to "9" and greater than or equal to "101."

[0067] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15(a), when the operator performs a touch operation on the "+" button 511 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 515 is incremented (e.g., increased by 1) with each touch; but the numerical value is no longer incremented even with a touch operation with the same pressing force when the numerical value reaches a threshold value "100" (namely, the upper limit of the normal input range). Each time the operator touches the "-" button 512 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 515 is decremented (e.g.,decremented by 1); but the numerical value will not be further decremented even with a touch operation with the same pressure force when the numerical value reaches a limit value of "10" (namely, the lower limit of the normal input range).

[0068] As in Fig. 15(b), when the operator touches the “+” button 511 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operating surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, the “+” button 513 appears. As shown in Fig. 15(c), when the finger 80 performs a touch operation on the "+" button 513 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp greater than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 515 is increased (e.g., increased by 1) with each touch, and the numerical value may be increased to a value greater than or equal to "101" that exceeds the limit value (namely, the upper limit of the normal input range).

[0069] Furthermore, when the operator touches the "-" button 512 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, when "10" is displayed on the numerical value display part 515, the "-" button 514 appears. In this case, when the operator performs a touch operation on the "-" button 514 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 515 is decreased (e.g., decreased by 1) with each touch, and the numerical value can be decreased to a value less than or equal to "9" that is lower than the limit value (namely, the lower limit of the normal input range).

[0070] Fig. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the fifth embodiment. When the Fig. 16 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S501, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S502. In the next step S503, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0071] In the next step S504, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the touch operation is an operation in the normal input range or not (ie, on the “+” key 511 or the “-” key 512 in Fig. 15(a)).

[0072] If the result of the judgment in step S504 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 515 in step S505.

[0073] If the result of the judgment in step S504 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S506 whether or not the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF.

[0074] If the result of the judgment in step S506 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 515.

[0075] If the result of the judgment in step S506 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 causes the display of the specified region (namely 513 or 514 in Fig. 15(b)).

[0076] In the next step S509, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether or not the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF, and whether the touch operation is an operation in the restricted input range as the specified region of the numerical input component 510.

[0077] If the judgment result in step S509 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 515 in step S510. If the judgment result in step S509 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 515 in step S511.

[0078] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the fifth embodiment, a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF and a touch operation in the specified region is used as a condition for allowing the numerical value change in the restricted input range, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (6) Sixth embodiment

[0079] A touch panel device according to a sixth embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the sixth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the sixth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0080] The Fig. 17(a) to 17(c) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a numeric input component 610 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the sixth embodiment. The numeric input component 610 includes a "+" key 611 as a first increment key, a "-" key 612 as a first decrement key, a "+" key 613 as a second increment key, a "-" key 614 as a second decrement key, and a numeric value display part 615. As an example, a description will be given of a case where the normal input range is a range of numeric values ​​(integers) from "10" to "100," and the restricted input range is a range of numeric values ​​less than or equal to "9" and greater than or equal to "101."

[0081] As in Fig. 17(a), when the operator performs a touch operation on the "+" button 611 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 615 is increased (e.g., increased by 1) with each touch, and the increase stops at a limit value "100" (namely, the upper limit of the normal input range). When the operator performs a touch operation on the "-" key 612 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 615 is decreased (e.g., decreased by 1) with each touch, and the decrease stops at a limit value "10" (namely, the lower limit of the normal input range).

[0082] As in Fig. 17(b), when the operator touches the “+” button 611 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operating surface 21 at a pressure value Fp that is greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, the “+” button 613 appears. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 17(c), when the operator performs a swipe operation of sliding the finger 80 from the "+" key 611 to the "+" key 613 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, numerical value input becomes possible in the restricted input range (e.g., the range greater than or equal to "101"). When the operator performs a swipe operation of sliding the finger 80 from the "-" key 612 to the "-" key 614 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, numerical value input becomes possible in the restricted input range (e.g., the range less than or equal to "9").

[0083] Each time the operator touches the "+" button 613 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp, the output value is increased as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 615 (e.g., increased by 1), and the numerical value can be increased to a value greater than or equal to "101" which is higher than the limit value (namely, the upper limit of the normal input range).

[0084] Each time the operator touches the "-" key 614 with the finger 80 with a pressing force on the operation surface 21 at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, the output value is decreased (e.g., decreased by 1) as the numerical value displayed on the numerical value display part 615, and the numerical value can be decreased to a value less than or equal to "9" which is lower than the limit value (namely, the lower limit of the normal input range).

[0085] Fig. Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the sixth embodiment. When the Fig. 18 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S601, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S602. In the next step S603, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0086] In the next step S604, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the touch operation is an operation in the normal input range or not (ie, on the “+” key 611 or the “-” key 612 in Fig. 17(a)).

[0087] When the result of the judgment in step S604 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 615 in step S605.

[0088] If the result of the judgment in step S604 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S606 whether or not the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF.

[0089] If the result of the judgment in step S606 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 615.

[0090] If the result of the judgment in step S606 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 causes the display of the specified region (namely, the “+” button 613 or the “-” button 614 in Fig. 17(b)).

[0091] In the next step S609, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether or not the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF, and whether the touch operation is a swipe operation at a position in the restricted input range as the specified region of the numerical input component 610.

[0092] If the judgment result in step S609 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 615 in step S610. If the judgment result in step S609 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the numerical value display on the numerical value display part 615 in step S611.

[0093] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the sixth embodiment, an operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF and a swipe operation in the specified region is used as a condition for allowing the numerical value change in the restricted input range, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (7) Seventh embodiment

[0094] A touch panel device according to a seventh embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the seventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the seventh embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0095] The Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using sliders displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the seventh embodiment. A normal slider 730 and a multi-stage slider 710 are shown in FIGS. Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b). Fig. 19(a) indicates that the operator can change the slider 720 or 740 from a locked state (i.e., an unusable state) in which touch operation on a slider is invalid to an unlocked state (i.e., a usable state) in which touch operation on the slider is valid by tapping with the finger 80. In other words, the touch panel device according to the seventh embodiment has the locked state in which operation of the slider is disabled and the unlocked state in which operation of the slider is permitted. Fig. 19(b) indicates that the operator can input a value corresponding to the position of the slider 720 or 740 by sliding the slider of a slider in the unlocked state up or down with the finger 80.

[0096] In the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. In Figure 19(b), the slider on the left is the normal slider 730, which is a slider on which no threshold is set between input ranges. Thus, the entire range of the bar portion of the normal slider 730 is a normal input range 731. When the slider is in the unlocked state, the operator can freely move the slider 740 with the finger 80 within the entire range of the normal input range 731.

[0097] In the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b), the slider on the right side is the multi-stage slider 710, which is a slider on which a limit value 713 is set between the input ranges. A first-stage part of the multi-stage slider 710, which is a part lower than the limit value 713, is a normal input range 711. A second-stage part of the multi-stage slider 710, which is a part higher than the limit value 713, is a restricted input range 712. When the slider is in the unlocked state, the operator can freely move the slider 720 with the finger 80 within the normal input range 711. The touch operation within the normal input range 711 is the first touch operation. However, only when the operator performs a predetermined restriction release operation when the slider is in the unlocked state can the operator move the slider 720 in the restricted input area 712.The touch operation in the restricted input area 712 is the second touch operation.

[0098] Fig. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 20 processes shown include, in addition to those in Fig. 7 include the processes of steps S704 to S707. Except for the addition of the processes of steps S704 to S707, the processes shown in Fig. 20 processes shown are the same as those in Fig. 7 processes shown.

[0099] If the Fig. 20 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S701, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S702. In the next step S703, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0100] In step S704, the operation judging unit 130 judges, based on the inputted coordinates, whether or not a touch operation has been performed on a locked region with a fingertip.

[0101] If the result of the judgment in step S704 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 displays “LOCKED” to indicate the locked state in step S705 and returns the process to step S703.

[0102] If the judgment result in step S704 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 displays "UNLOCKED" in step S706 to indicate the unlocked state. Thereafter, the operation judgment unit 130 performs the same processing as in step S703 in step S707.

[0103] In the next step S708, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp of the pressing force is greater than the threshold pressing force ThF or not.

[0104] If the result of the judgment in step S708 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S709 whether the touch operation is an operation in the area of ​​the first-stage part (ie, the normal input area 711 in the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b)) or not.

[0105] If the result of the judgment in step S709 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 710 (e.g., movement of the slider 720 in the restricted input area 712 in the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b)) in step S711. If the result of the judgment in step S709 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 710 (e.g., movement of the slider 720 in the normal input area 711 to the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b)) in step S710.

[0106] If the result of the judgment in step S708 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S712 whether or not the touch operation is an operation in the restricted input area 712 as the area of ​​the first-stage part.

[0107] If the result of the judgment in step S712 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 710 (e.g., movement of the slider 720 in the normal input area 711 in the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b)) in step S713 If the result of the judgment in step S712 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the slider 710 (e.g., movement of the slider 720 in the restricted input area 712 in the Fig. 19(a) and Fig. 19(b)) in step S714.

[0108] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the seventh embodiment, the locked state in which the movement of the slider 720 is prohibited is provided, and a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF is used as a condition for allowing the movement of the slider 720 in the restricted input area 712, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (8) Eighth embodiment

[0109] A touch panel device according to an eighth embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the eighth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the eighth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0110] Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using a rotary knob 810 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the eighth embodiment. Fig. 21 shows a locked state in which the rotary knob 810 cannot be rotated (left side), a touch operation for releasing the locked state of the rotary knob 810 (center), and a touch operation for rotating the rotary knob 810 in the unlocked state.

[0111] Fig. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using the rotary knob 810 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the eighth embodiment. The rotary knob 810 on the left side of Fig. Fig. 22 shows a state in which the input value has reached a limit value of "100" (the upper limit of the normal input range), and in which the rotary knob 810 cannot be rotated any further even if a rotary operation is performed with a finger. The rotary knob 810 in the center of Fig. 22 indicates that after the input value reaches the limit value "100" (upper limit of the normal input range), a rotary operation with the finger 80 with a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressure force ThF is performed, and accordingly, input in the restricted input range becomes possible. In this case, the input value is increased by performing the rotary operation with a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressure force ThF. Incidentally, the increase of the input value per rotation (i.e., increase rate) can be set lower than that in the normal input range. The rotary knob 810 on the right side of Fig. 22 indicates that the input value has not reached the limit value “100” (upper limit of the normal input range), and that when a clockwise rotation operation is performed with a finger, the rotary knob 810 rotates clockwise and the input value increases, and when a counterclockwise rotation operation is performed, the rotary knob 810 rotates counterclockwise and the input value decreases.

[0112] Fig. Fig. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device 8 according to the eighth embodiment. When the Fig. 23 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S801, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S802. In the next step S803, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0113] In step S804, the operation judging unit 130 judges, based on the inputted coordinates, whether or not a touch operation has been performed on a locked region with a fingertip.

[0114] If the result of the judgment in step S804 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S805 that the rotary knob 810 is in the locked state, then displays “LOCKED” and returns the process to step S803.

[0115] If the judgment result in step S804 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 judges in step S806 that the rotary knob 810 is in the unlocked state, and then displays "UNLOCKED." Thereafter, in step S807, the operation judgment unit 130 performs the same processing as in step S803.

[0116] In the next step S808, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp of the pressing force is larger than the threshold pressing force ThF or not.

[0117] When the result of the judgment in step S808 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S809 whether the coordinates (x, y) are in a rotation region and the rotation operation is detected or not.

[0118] If the result of the judgment in step S809 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the rotary knob 810 (e.g., updating the rotation display of the rotary knob 810 and the numerical value display in Fig. 22) in step S811. If the result of the judgment in step S809 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the rotary knob 810 (e.g., updating the rotation display of the rotary knob 810 and the numerical value display in Fig. 22) in step S810.

[0119] If the result of the judgment in step S808 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S812 whether a current display value is the limit value and the rotary operation in the rotary region (ie, a region of the rotary knob 810 in Fig. 22) or not.

[0120] If the result of the judgment in step S812 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the rotary knob 810 (e.g., updating the rotation display of the rotary knob 810 and the numerical value display in Fig. 22) in step S813. If the result of the judgment in step S812 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the rotary knob 810 in step S814.

[0121] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the eighth embodiment, the locked state of the rotary knob 810 is provided, and in the unlocked state of the rotary knob 810, the input value of the rotary knob 810 can be changed by performing a touch operation with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF in the restricted input range, thereby avoiding the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention. (9) Ninth embodiment

[0122] A touch panel device according to a ninth embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the ninth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the ninth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0123] Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using a valve 910 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the ninth embodiment. The operator performs a rotation operation on the valve 910 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 while pressing the operation surface 21 with multiple fingers, such as when rotating an actual valve. Similar to the actual valve opening operation, during rotation from a value of the initial position to a certain input value (fixed value), a rotation operation of the valve 910 is performed while pressing the valve 910 with a pressing force of a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF (i.e.,the second touch operation), and after the number of rotations of the valve reaches and exceeds the specified value, a rotation operation is performed while pressing the valve with a pressing force of a pressure value Fp less than or equal to the threshold pressing force ThF (i.e., the first touch operation). Specifically, the operation of rotating the valve a specified number of times from the home position is the second operation, the operation after the rotations a specified number of times is the first operation, and the controller judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid when the second touch operation of rotating the valve is performed while pressing the valve with a pressing force of a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF.

[0124] Fig. Fig. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device 9 according to the ninth embodiment. When the Fig. 25 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S901, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S902. In the next step S903, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0125] In step S904, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether or not the pressure value Fp of the pressing force is greater than the threshold pressing force ThF.

[0126] If the result of the judgment in step S904 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the valve display in step S905 and returns the process to step S903.

[0127] If the judgment result in step S904 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the valve display in step S906. Thereafter, in step S907, the operation judgment unit 130 performs the same processing as in step S903.

[0128] In the next step S908, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp of the pressing force is larger than the threshold pressing force ThF or not.

[0129] If the result of the judgment in step S908 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S909 whether or not the coordinates of the touch operation are in the display region of the valve and whether or not a rotary operation has been performed on the valve.

[0130] If the result of the judgment in step S909 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the valve rotation display and the numerical value display in step S911.

[0131] If the result of the judgment in step S909 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the valve rotation display and the numerical value display in step S910.

[0132] If the result of the judgment in step S908 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S912 whether the current display value is the limit value or not and whether rotation is detected in the display region of the valve or not.

[0133] If the judgment result in step S912 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the valve 910 and updates the display value in step S913. If the judgment result in step S912 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the valve 910 and updates the display value in step S914.

[0134] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the ninth embodiment, the restricted input range requiring a pressing force at a large pressure value Fp for the rotary operation of the valve 910 is provided, and the input value of the valve 910 is changed by performing a touch operation in the restricted input range with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, whereby the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (10) Tenth embodiment

[0135] A touch panel device according to a tenth embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the tenth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the tenth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0136] The Fig. 26(a) and Fig. 26(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a lever displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 26(a) and Fig. 26(b), the lever 1010 is displayed on the touch panel 20, and in the touch operation, the lever 1010 is operated and the lever display is updated only when a slide operation is performed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 while the operation surface is pressed with a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF.

[0137] Fig. 26(a) shows an operation in which the operator pushes a fist 81 while pressing the screen with the fist 81. Fig. Figure 26(b) shows that the lever 1010 is operable only when the fist 81 is pushed a predetermined number of times (e.g., multiple times), thereby preventing misoperation. In these cases, it is possible to set the lever operation from "ON" to "OFF" as the normal input operation, for example, and set the lever operation from "OFF" to "ON" as the restricted input operation.

[0138] Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the touch panel device ( Fig. 26(a)) according to the tenth embodiment. If the Fig. 27 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S1001, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S1002. In the next step S1003, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0139] In the next step S1004, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether or not the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF, and whether or not a sliding operation has been performed in the display region of the lever.

[0140] If the result of the judgment in step S1004 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the lever display in step S1005.

[0141] If the result of the judgment in step S1004 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the lever display in step S1006.

[0142] As described above, the Fig. 26(a), a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF is used as a condition for enabling the lever operation, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided.

[0143] Fig. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the touch panel device 10 ( Fig. 26(b)) according to the tenth embodiment. In Fig. 28 is every process step that one in Fig. 27 is identical or corresponds to the process step shown, the same step number as the one shown in Fig. 27 shown assigned.

[0144] If the judgment result in step S1004 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the number of times the sliding operation has been performed in step S1007. In the next step S1008, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0145] In the next step S1009, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF or not.

[0146] If the result of the judgment in step S1009 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the lever display in step S1010.

[0147] If the result of the judgment in step S1009 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S1011 whether or not the currently displayed number of times of the lever operation is a prescribed number of times, and whether or not a slide operation is recognized at coordinates in the lever region.

[0148] If the result of the judgment in step S1011 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the lever display in step S1010.

[0149] If the result of the judgment in step S1011 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the lever display in step S1012.

[0150] As described above, the Fig. 26(b), a pressing force at a pressure value Fp greater than the threshold pressing force ThF is used as a condition for enabling the lever operation, and thus the occurrence of the erroneous operation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided. (11) Eleventh embodiment

[0151] A touch panel device according to an eleventh embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the first embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the eleventh embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the eleventh embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0152] The Fig. 29(a) and Fig. 29(b) are diagrams illustrating touch operations using a breaker switch 1110 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the eleventh embodiment. Fig. 29(a) shows an example in which a touch operation of moving the breaker switch 1110 from an ON state "ON" to an OFF state "OFF" is the first touch operation, and a touch operation of moving the breaker switch 1110 from "OFF" to "ON" is the second touch operation of pressing with a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force ThF. Fig. 29(b) shows an example in which a touch operation of moving the breaker switch 1110 from "ON" to "OFF" is the first touch operation, and a touch operation of moving the breaker switch 1110 from "OFF" to "ON" is the second touch operation of performing the sliding operation for a prescribed number of times or more while pressing with a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force ThF.

[0153] By equipping with the breaker switch 1110 which can be easily operated in one direction (from ON to OFF) and in the other direction (from OFF to ON) by the sliding operation when the sliding operation is performed once by pushing with a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, misoperation is prevented.

[0154] Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing the operation of the touch panel device in Fig. 29(a). If the Fig. 30 begins, the pressure detection unit 120 is initialized in step S1101, and the operation permission pressure setting unit 140 sets the threshold pressing force ThF of the second touch operation in step S1102. In the next step S1103, the operation judgment unit 130 acquires the position coordinates (x, y) of the touch operation and the pressure value Fp of the pressing force of the touch operation.

[0155] In the next step S1104, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether or not the coordinates are in the display region of the breaker switch, and whether or not a sliding operation for operating the breaker switch has been performed.

[0156] If the result of the judgment in step S1104 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the display of the breaker switch in step S1105.

[0157] If the result of the judgment in step S1104 is YES, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S1106 whether or not the lever indicator has been shifted from “ON” to “OFF”.

[0158] If the result of the judgment in step S1106 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the breaker switch in step S1108.

[0159] If the result of the judgment in step S1106 is NO, the operation judging unit 130 judges in step S1107 whether or not the pressure value Fp is greater than the threshold pressure force ThF.

[0160] If the judgment result in step S1107 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 does not update the display of the breaker switch in step S1105. If the judgment result in step S1107 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display of the breaker switch in step S1108.

[0161] As described above, the Fig. 29(a), the occurrence of the misoperation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be avoided.

[0162] Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the touch panel device in Fig. 29(b). In Fig. 31 is every process step that leads to Fig. 30 is identical or corresponds to the process step shown, the same step number as the one shown in Fig. 30 shown assigned. Fig. 31 differs from Fig. 30 is that steps S1109 and S1110 have been added. In this case, as indicated by steps S1109 and S1108, when the slide operation is performed a certain number of times (numerical value count) greater than or equal to a certain count, the display of the breaker switch is updated, and the state of the breaker switch is switched. If the judgment in step S1109 is NO, the slide operation count display is updated.

[0163] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the eleventh embodiment, by providing the breaker switch 1110 which can be easily operated in one direction (from ON to OFF) and in the other direction (from OFF to ON) by the slide operation, when the slide operation is performed for a certain number of times (several times) by pressing with a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, misoperation is prevented. (12) Twelfth embodiment

[0164] A touch panel device according to a twelfth embodiment differs from the touch panel device according to the twelfth embodiment in the operation components displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 and the method of touch operation. Except for these features, the twelfth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the twelfth embodiment, reference is also made to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 referred to.

[0165] Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating touch operations using a breaker switch 1210 with a cover 1220 displayed on the operation surface 21 of the touch panel 20 of the touch panel device according to the twelfth embodiment. To operate the breaker switch 1210, the operator performs a one-time sliding operation in the region of the cover 1220 to change the state of the cover 1220 to an open state, and then performs a touch operation on the breaker switch 1210. Specifically, the breaker switch 1210 is operated in one direction (from ON to OFF) by the sliding operation. Regarding the other direction (from OFF to ON), the breaker switch is operated only when the operator slides the breaker switch (once) while pressing the breaker switch or slides the breaker switch a certain number of times (multiple times).Equipped with the circuit breaker and the cover outside the circuit breaker, incorrect operation is prevented.

[0166] Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the touch panel device 12 according to the twelfth embodiment. Fig. 33 processes shown include, in addition to those in Fig. 30, the processes of steps S1203 to S1206 are included. Steps S1201 to S1202 and S1207 to S1213 in Fig. 33 are the same as steps S1101 to S1108 in Fig. 30. In addition to the addition of the processes of steps S1203 to S1206, the Fig. 33 processes are the same as those in Fig. 30 processes shown.

[0167] In step S1204, the operation judging unit 130 judges whether or not a sliding operation is recognized at coordinates in a coverage region based on the coordinates recognized in step S1203.

[0168] If the result of the judgment in step S1204 is NO, the operation judgment unit 130 returns the process to step S1203 without updating the display of the breaker switch with the cover in step S1205.

[0169] If the result of the judgment in step S1204 is YES, the operation judgment unit 130 updates the display so that the cover 1220 is displayed in the open state in step S1206, and advances the process to step S1207.

[0170] As described above, in the touch panel device according to the twelfth embodiment, by providing the breaker switch 1210 that can be easily operated in one direction (from ON to OFF) and in the other direction (from OFF to ON) by the slide operation, when the slide operation is performed a certain number of times (multiple times) by pressing with a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force ThF, misoperation is prevented. Furthermore, since the breaker switch can be operated only after performing the touch operation to open the cover 1220, the occurrence of misoperation in which the second touch operation is performed contrary to the operator's intention can be prevented. (13) Modification

[0171] In each of the touch panel devices 1 to 12 according to the first to twelfth embodiments described above, features of the touch panel devices 1 to 12 can be combined with each other accordingly.

[0172] Furthermore, in the touch panel devices 1 to 12, it is also possible to calculate the pressure coordinates (x, y) as the coordinates to which the pressing force is applied based on the equilibrium equations of the force moments by using the pressure values ​​Fa to Fd output from the pressure sensors 30a to 30d of the pressure sensor unit 30. For example, in a case where four corner parts of the touch panel 20, which have a size W in the horizontal direction and a size H in the vertical direction, are supported by the pressure sensors 30a to 30d, the pressure coordinates (x, y) can be calculated from the equilibrium equations of force moments in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The equilibrium equations of force moments are, for example, the following equations (1) and (2): (Fa+Fb)x=(Fc+Fd)(W−x) (Fb+Fc)y=(Fa+Fd)(H−y)

[0173] The pressure coordinates (x, y) can be calculated from the simultaneous equations (1) and (2). If the pressure coordinates can be calculated, it is also possible to use the pressure coordinates to check the reliability of the capacity coordinates or to use them instead of the capacity coordinates. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 touch panel device 20 touch field 21 User interface 30 Pressure sensor unit 30a - 30d pressure sensor 41 processor 42 storage 100 Control 110 Coordinate recognition unit 120 pressure detection unit 130 Operation Assessment Unit 140 Operation permission pressure setting unit 210, 250, 310 sliders 410, 510, 610 numeric input component 810 rotary knob 910 valve 1010 levers 1110, 1210 circuit breaker 1220 cover.

Claims

[1] Touch panel device (1) comprising: a touch panel (20) having an operation surface (21) and changing the state of a region on the operation surface (21) on which a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit (30) for outputting a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressure force exerted on the operating surface (21); and a controller (100) for calculating coordinates of the touch operation on the user interface (21) based on the state of the touch panel (20), wherein the touch operation includes a first touch operation using a first operation component displayed on the operation surface (21) and a second touch operation using a second operation component displayed on the operation surface (21), wherein the first touch operation is a normal touch operation and the second touch operation is a restricted touch operation, when the first touch operation is performed, the controller (100) judges that first operation information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and a pressure value of the pressure force indicated by the pressure detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and the pressure value is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information is invalid, the operating component has a slider (210, 250, 310), the slider (210, 250, 310) has a bar part whose longitudinal direction corresponds to an input value, and a slider (220, 260, 320) which moves along the bar part, the beam part has a first stage part (211, 251, 311) and a second stage part (212, 252, 312), the operating component further comprises a fixed region arranged around a position of a limit value between the first-stage part (211, 251, 311) and the second-stage part (212, 252, 312), and when the second touch operation is performed by pressing the slider (220, 260, 320) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force while touching the fixed region, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [2] The touch panel device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (100) has a locked state of disabling an operation on the slider (210, 250, 310) and an unlocked state of allowing the operation on the slider (210, 250, 310). [3] Touch panel device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating component has a numerical input component (410), the numeric input component (410) has a first increase key (411) for increasing an input value by the first touch operation, a first decrease key (412) for decreasing the input value by the first touch operation, a second increase key (413) for increasing the input value by the second touch operation, and a second decrease key (414) for decreasing the input value by the second touch operation, and when the second touch operation is performed by pressing the second increase key (413) or the second decrease key (414) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [4] Touch panel device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating component has a numerical input component (510), the numeric input component (510) has a first increase key (511) for increasing an input value by the first touch operation, a first decrease key (512) for decreasing the input value by the first touch operation, a second increase key (513) for increasing the input value by the second touch operation, and a second decrease key (514) for decreasing the input value by the second touch operation, the controller (100) displays the second increase key (513) when the first touch operation is performed by pressing the first increase key (511) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, and displays the second decrease key (514) when the first touch operation is performed by pressing the first decrease key (512) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, and when the second touch operation is performed by pressing the second increase key (513) or the second decrease key (514) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [5] Touch panel device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the operating component has a numerical input component (610), the numeric input component (610) has a first increase key (611) for increasing an input value by the first touch operation, a first decrease key (612) for decreasing the input value by the first touch operation, a second increase key (613) for increasing the input value by the second touch operation, and a second decrease key (614) for decreasing the input value by the second touch operation, the controller (100) displays the second increase key (613) when the first touch operation is performed by pressing the first increase key (611) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, and displays the second decrease key (614) when the first touch operation is performed by pressing the first decrease key (612) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, and the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation as a swipe operation is valid when a swipe operation from the first increase key (611) to the second increase key (613) or a swipe operation from the first decrease key (612) to the second decrease key (614) is performed with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force. [6] Touch panel device (1) comprising: a touch panel (20) having an operation surface (21) and changing the state of a region on the operation surface (21) on which a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit (30) for outputting a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressure force exerted on the operating surface (21); and a controller (100) for calculating coordinates of the touch operation on the user interface (21) based on the state of the touch panel (20), wherein the touch operation includes a first touch operation using a first operation component displayed on the operation surface (21) and a second touch operation using a second operation component displayed on the operation surface (21), wherein the first touch operation is a normal touch operation and the second touch operation is a restricted touch operation when the first touch operation is performed, the controller (100) judges that first operation information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and a pressure value of the pressure force indicated by the pressure detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and the pressure value is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information is invalid, the operating component has a rotary knob (810) on which a rotary operation is carried out, and when the second touch operation is performed by rotating the rotary knob (810) while pressing the rotary knob (810) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [7] Touch panel device (1) comprising: a touch panel (20) having an operation surface (21) and changing the state of a region on the operation surface (21) on which a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit (30) for outputting a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressure force exerted on the operating surface (21); and a controller (100) for calculating coordinates of the touch operation on the user interface (21) based on the state of the touch panel (20), wherein the touch operation includes a first touch operation using a first operation component displayed on the operation surface (21) and a second touch operation using a second operation component displayed on the operation surface (21), wherein the first touch operation is a normal touch operation and the second touch operation is a restricted touch operation, when the first touch operation is performed, the controller (100) judges that first operation information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and a pressure value of the pressure force indicated by the pressure detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and the pressure value is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information is invalid, the operating component has a valve (910) on which a rotary operation is carried out with several fingers, the valve (910) has a starting position, an operation of rotating the valve (910) a certain number of times from the initial position is the second touch operation, and an operation of rotating after the rotation a certain number of times is the first touch operation, and when the second touch operation is performed by rotating the valve (910) while pressing the valve (910) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [8] Touch panel device (1) comprising: a touch panel (20) having an operation surface (21) and changing the state of a region on the operation surface (21) on which a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit (30) for outputting a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressure force exerted on the operating surface (21); and a controller (100) for calculating coordinates of the touch operation on the user interface (21) based on the state of the touch panel (20), wherein the touch operation includes a first touch operation using a first operation component displayed on the operation surface (21) and a second touch operation using a second operation component displayed on the operation surface (21), wherein the first touch operation is a normal touch operation and the second touch operation is a restricted touch operation, when the first touch operation is performed, the controller (100) judges that first operation information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and a pressure value of the pressure force indicated by the pressure detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and the pressure value is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information is invalid, the operating component has a lever (1010) which switches between a first position and a second position, and when the second touch operation is performed by sliding the lever (1010) while pushing the lever (1010) with a pushing force at a pushing value greater than the threshold pushing force, or when an operation of sliding the lever (1010) while pushing the lever (1010) with a pushing force at a pushing value greater than the threshold pushing force is performed for a predetermined specific number of times, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [9] Touch panel device (1) comprising: a touch panel (20) having an operation surface (21) and changing the state of a region on the operation surface (21) on which a touch operation is performed; a pressure sensor unit (30) for outputting a pressure detection signal corresponding to a pressure force exerted on the operating surface (21); and a controller (100) for calculating coordinates of the touch operation on the user interface (21) based on the state of the touch panel (20), wherein the touch operation includes a first touch operation using a first operation component displayed on the operation surface (21) and a second touch operation using a second operation component displayed on the operation surface (21), wherein the first touch operation is a normal touch operation and the second touch operation is a restricted touch operation, when the first touch operation is performed, the controller (100) judges that first operation information corresponding to the first touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and a pressure value of the pressure force indicated by the pressure detection signal is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid, when the second touch operation is performed and the pressure value is less than or equal to the threshold pressure force, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information is invalid, the operating component has a circuit breaker (1110) that switches between an ON state and an OFF state, and when the second touch operation is performed by shifting the breaker switch (1110) from the OFF state to the ON state while pressing the breaker switch (1110) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force, or when an operation of shifting the breaker switch (1110) from the OFF state to the ON state while pressing the breaker switch (1110) with a pressing force at a pressure value greater than the threshold pressing force is performed a predetermined specific number of times, the controller (100) judges that the second operation information corresponding to the second touch operation is valid. [10] The touch panel device (1) according to claim 9, wherein an operation of shifting from the ON state to the OFF state is the first touch operation. [11] Touch panel device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the operating component further comprises a cover (1220) surrounding the circuit breaker (1210) and sliding between a closed position and an open position, and the controller (100) only allows operation of the circuit breaker (1210) when the cover (1220) is in the open position.

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