Method and apparatus for processing touch signals from a touchscreen, computer program product with program code for carrying out the method, and portable device with the apparatus

Abstract

Method for processing signals from a touch-operated touchscreen (120) of a portable device (200), the method comprising: - Detecting (310) a touch signal indicating a touch of the touchscreen (120); - Differentiating (320), based on the detected touch signal, between an input touch for inputting information and / or controlling the portable device (200) and a grasping touch due to grasping the portable device (200) in an area of ​​the touchscreen (120), wherein the differentiation comprises determining (325) at least one touch parameter from the detected touch signal and comparing (326) the at least one determined touch parameter with a corresponding first comparison parameter; - Discard (330) the detected touch signal as an input touch if the touch signal is due to a grasping touch; - Enlarging the area (416, 426) of the touchscreen around the touch of the touchscreen (120); - Detection (310) of a further touch signal belonging to a further touch of the touchscreen (120), wherein the further touch takes place within the area (416, 426) of the touchscreen enlarged around the area of ​​the touch of the touchscreen (120); - Comparing (326) at least one touch parameter from the further touch signal with a corresponding second comparison parameter, wherein the respective second comparison parameter is more restrictive than the respective first comparison parameter for differentiating between an input touch and a gripping touch; and - Discard (330) the further touch signal as input touch if the further touch signal is due to a grasping touch.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a computer-implemented method for processing signals and to an apparatus for carrying out this method. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for processing touch signals from a touch-operated touchscreen. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a computer program product with program code for carrying out the method in a computer system, and to a portable device comprising the apparatus. background

[0002] Many portable electronic devices are now equipped with a touchscreen. Besides displaying a graphical user interface, content, and other information, the touchscreen also allows for input and control of the device via touch. Typically, the user can input data by touch anywhere on the touchscreen where information can also be displayed.

[0003] The touchscreen incorporates a touch-sensitive touchpad, which is transparent so that the underlying display unit remains visible to the user. The touchpad detects a touch on the touchscreen and generates a touch signal, which typically reflects the position of the touch on the screen. Common touchscreen technologies are based on resistive, capacitive, inductive, or optical systems. Many touchscreens are also capable of recognizing more than one touch simultaneously or generating touch signals for multiple simultaneous touches ("multi-touch" or "in-cell touch").

[0004] The development of electronic devices equipped with touchscreens increasingly caters to users' aesthetic preferences. Electronic devices with very narrow bezels are considered particularly visually appealing. They also offer a large display and operating area. However, the remaining, very narrow bezel often results in users unintentionally touching the touchscreen simply by holding or gripping the device, thus triggering an input.

[0005] To prevent unintended input on a touchscreen, it is known to selectively reduce the display area and touch sensitivity of the touchscreen. The Intel prototype HASWELL "North Cape" can be cited in this context. This is a portable laptop computer with a keyboard to which a touchscreen is detachably attached. When the touchscreen is detached from the keyboard, the display area automatically shrinks around the perimeter. Simultaneously, this perimeter is switched to a touch-insensitive mode.

[0006] US 2012 / 0062488 A1 concerns the prevention of erroneous input on a touchpad. This is achieved by defining a detection area on the touchpad, to which an erroneous input threshold is assigned. When a touch occurs within this area, its size is compared to the threshold to determine whether the touch constitutes an erroneous input or not.

[0007] US 2009 / 0184 935 A1 concerns the modification of a display area on a touchscreen in response to the detection of a touch by holding the touchscreen device. The touchscreen is thus divided into active and inactive areas. Content is displayed only in the activated areas, while nothing is displayed in inactive areas of the touchscreen.

[0008] Furthermore, KR 10-1305651 B1 concerns an electronic device with a touchscreen that changes the size of a display area depending on a grasping touch. A distinction is made between a "live area (L / A)" in which content is displayed and whose size can be dynamically changed, a "dead area (D / A)" in which no content is displayed but touch inputs can be detected (this area is not physically present but is adjusted by a grasping touch), and an "active area (A / A)" in which touch inputs and the display of content are possible. Brief overview

[0009] The present disclosure is based on the objective of providing a method, a display device, a computer program product with program code for carrying out the method and a portable device that improve the operation of a touchscreen by touch and reduce the risk of incorrect inputs.

[0010] This problem is solved by the invention as defined in the independent and dependent claims.

[0011] According to one aspect, a computer-implemented method for processing signals from a touch-operated touchscreen of a portable device is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a touch signal indicating a touch of the touchscreen, differentiating, based on the detected touch signal, between an input touch for entering information and / or controlling the portable device and a grasping touch resulting from grasping the portable device in the area of ​​the touchscreen, and discarding the detected touch signal as an input touch if the touch signal is due to a grasping touch.

[0012] Differentiation involves determining at least one touch parameter from the detected touch signal. This at least one touch parameter indicates, for example, one or more of the following or other quantities: a geometric dimension of the touch, a duration of the touch, a speed of movement of the touch, and a pressure intensity of the touch.

[0013] Thus, at least one geometric quantity can be the area of ​​contact, the number of contact points, the position of the contact on the touchscreen, or a combination thereof. The position of the contact on the touchscreen can be represented in the form of coordinates or other location data (e.g., in a coordinate system of the touchscreen).

[0014] Furthermore, discarding the detected touch signal can include discarding the detected touch signal as an input touch for at least the area of ​​the touch on the touchscreen. Alternatively or additionally, if touch signals for a multitude of touches, particularly simultaneous ones, have been detected, a specific touch or a corresponding touch signal from this multitude of touches can be discarded. For example, the touch signal for a touch with the largest area can be discarded. Alternatively or additionally, a touch signal for a touch that lasts the longest can also be discarded.

[0015] Furthermore, the method also includes the detection of a further touch signal associated with a subsequent touch of the touchscreen. This subsequent touch occurs, for example, within a predefined or flexibly defined area surrounding the touched area of ​​the touchscreen. The subsequent touch signal can also be discarded as an input touch.

[0016] In one implementation variant, differentiation involves comparing at least one determined touch parameter with a corresponding reference parameter. This can include determining the spatial orientation of the touchscreen. The spatial orientation of the touchscreen can be determined using a suitable sensor. This spatial orientation includes, for example, whether the user holds the touchscreen horizontally, at an angle, vertically, or with one side facing upwards or higher than another. Alternatively or additionally, the reference parameter can be selected based on the determined orientation.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, differentiation can be limited to a touch signal resulting from a touch in the edge region of the touchscreen. The width of an edge region of the touchscreen can, for example, be between 10 and 35 mm, in particular 25 mm, and preferably 20 mm from the edge of the touchscreen. Alternatively, the edge region can also occupy a certain percentage of the dimensions of the touchscreen. For example, the width of an edge region can be between 2 and 12%, in particular 7%, and preferably 5%, of the total width or height of the touchscreen. The width of the edge region can also be specified in pixels.

[0018] In another implementation variant, the process can further include changing the display on the touchscreen. Changing the display can follow the step of discarding the detected touch signal as an input touch, either as an alternative or in addition to the step of discarding the touch signal as an input touch if the touch signal originates from a grasping touch.

[0019] Changing the display can involve shrinking the display by a portion of the touchscreen area or proportionally reducing the overall display size. Alternatively or additionally, changing the display can involve changing the color of the display, at least in a portion of the touchscreen area. For example, the color change could include making the display partially transparent or displaying it with muted colors, in shades of gray, or in black.

[0020] Shrinking the display can involve, for example, proportionally or non-proportionally resizing the content shown on the display to a smaller area horizontally, vertically, or both. Alternatively, shrinking the display can also involve cropping the displayed content. This content is then not visible or available for control. Content can include general information, alphanumeric elements, graphical elements (e.g., of a user interface), graphical user interface controls, applications, videos, animations, web content, background images, and / or a cursor.

[0021] Furthermore, the procedure may include repeating the steps of detection, differentiation, and rejection as long as a touch is detected. Touch detection may involve the continuous acquisition of a touch signal for a touch at the same or an adjacent location.

[0022] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a computer program product or a computer program with program code for carrying out the method is disclosed when the computer program product is executed on a computer device. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0023] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a device for displaying content. The device may include a touchscreen for displaying content and for use by touch within an input area. Furthermore, the device may include a processor system configured to perform the method disclosed herein for processing touch signals.

[0024] The device can be contained in a portable device, such as a tablet computer. The tablet computer can be designed to be detachably mounted in a vehicle. For example, it could be mounted on the back of the driver's or passenger's seat. Mounting it on the dashboard, either on the driver's or passenger's side (or in between), is also possible. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] Further aspects, advantages and details of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments in connection with the figures, wherein: Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a display device; Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a portable electronic device with a display device with a touchscreen according to two embodiments; Fig. 3 represents a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for processing touch signals; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a touchscreen with different input and gripping touches according to several embodiments; and Fig. Figures 5a-5c show schematic views of a modified display on a touchscreen according to several embodiments. Detailed description

[0026] The present disclosure is explained by means of schematic flowcharts and block diagrams. The technical teaching underlying these diagrams can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both. This includes digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other switching and computing components.

[0027] The present disclosure relates, according to one embodiment, to a display device 100 for displaying content located in a Fig. The block diagram shown in Figure 1 schematically illustrates the device 100. It comprises a processor system 110 and a touchscreen 120. The processor system 110 is configured to execute the method presented here for processing touch signals from the touchscreen 120, or specific steps thereof. The processor system 110 is coupled to the touchscreen 120 via a bus or other data line. This enables the processor system 110 to receive signals and / or data from the touchscreen 120 and to send them to the touchscreen 120.

[0028] The touchscreen 120 comprises a display unit 130 and an input acquisition unit 140. The display unit 130 in turn comprises a so-called display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display or a similar display.

[0029] The display unit 130 is used to display content on the touchscreen 120. This content can include information, alphanumeric elements, graphical user interface elements, graphical user interface controls, applications, videos, animations, web content, background images, and / or a cursor. Control elements include scaled-down and miniaturized applications, such as widgets.

[0030] The input acquisition unit 140 provides a touch-sensitive surface on the touchscreen 120. The input acquisition unit 140 can be a resistive, capacitive, inductive, optical, or other type of touch sensing unit. Generally, the input acquisition unit 140 can include a touchpad with associated electronic control and signal conditioning components. The size of the input acquisition unit 140 can differ from the size of the display unit 130 (the former can, for example, be larger).

[0031] The input detection unit 140 generates an electrical touch signal, which can be transmitted, for example, to the processor system 110. Particularly with capacitive and inductive systems, the touchscreen 120 does not need to be touched directly; a finger or object (e.g., a stylus) in the immediate vicinity of the touchscreen 120 can also be detected.

[0032] The touch signal, for example, identifies a point on the touchscreen where touch 120 is being touched. The touch signal reflects, for example, a (relative) position on the touchscreen 120 in the form of coordinates, a vector, or similar positional information.

[0033] The input capture unit 140 is also available in one variant capable of detecting multiple touches or touch positions ("multi-touch"). In this mode, a single touch signal can be generated and transmitted that reflects all touch positions. Alternatively, multiple touch signals, in particular one signal per touch position, can be generated and transmitted.

[0034] The device 100 can, for example, be contained in a portable electronic device such as a tablet computer, a smartphone, a mobile navigation device, a laptop, etc. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic view of such a portable electronic device 200 with touchscreen 120.

[0035] For example, a touchscreen 120a, b of a certain size can be built into the electronic device 200. In Fig. Figure 2 shows two alternative configurations, each with a different-sized touchscreen 120a, b, represented by dashed lines. In one configuration, the electronic device 200 has a smaller touchscreen 120a. This results in a wider bezel for the electronic device 200. In the alternative configuration, a larger touchscreen 120b is installed. This configuration allows for a narrower bezel, making the electronic device 200 appear more elegant and providing a larger input area.

[0036] As can be seen from the depicted thumbs of a user, gripping the portable electronic device 200 with its wide housing edge does not impair the touchscreen 120a. In this configuration, the outer edge of the touchscreen 120a, and thus the display or input area, is sufficiently far from the housing edge. As mentioned at the beginning, on the other hand, slimming the housing frame plays a significant role, for example, for an improved appearance of the portable electronic device 200. Therefore, electronic devices have been developed that incorporate the even larger touchscreen 120b or have a narrower housing edge or frame around the touchscreen 120b.

[0037] However, as can be seen from the dashed lines, the user now touches the touchscreen 120b while holding the electronic device 200. This not only partially obscures the display area but also generates a touch signal from the touchscreen 120b, which is then processed by the processor system 110. If, for example, a control symbol or another touch-operable graphic element is located in this touched area, the processor system 110 would execute the function underlying that element. For instance, the processor system 110 would launch an application if it is an application icon.

[0038] A similar problem arises when a video or similar program is playing on the 120b touchscreen. Normally, the user can view the video across the entire touchscreen area. Touching the touchscreen often displays a menu, allowing the user to control video playback (e.g., pause, stop, fast forward / rewind, etc.). In the Fig. In the case shown (2) with the large touchscreen 120b, the user's thumb would continuously touch the touchscreen 120b, thus triggering a touch signal. The aforementioned playback control menu would therefore remain permanently displayed, distracting the user while watching the film.

[0039] Although the Fig. Figure 2 shows, for example, two thumbs of the user; it is clear that the present disclosure is not limited to gripping with two thumbs. The present disclosure can also be applied to a single touch by any finger, as well as to multiple touches or even to a surface touch by other body parts, such as the palm of the hand.

[0040] The present disclosure provides a method and a device which prevent or at least reduce such "incorrect inputs". A corresponding method is schematically shown in the block diagram in Fig. 3. This method can be implemented, for example, by the processor system 110 ( Fig. 1), also in connection with the larger 120b touchscreen ( Fig. 2) will be carried out.

[0041] The method for processing touch signals according to Fig. Step 3 begins with the detection of a touch signal indicating a touch on the touchscreen 120. The touch signal can originate from the aforementioned touchpad and reflect at least one touch parameter. The touch parameter can refer to one or more quantities. These include a geometric dimension of the touch, a duration of the touch, a speed of movement of the touch, and a pressure intensity of the touch. The geometric dimension can, for example, be the area of ​​the touch, the number of touch points, or the position of the touch(s) on the touchscreen 120.

[0042] In its simplest form, the touch signal indicates a specific position, such as a coordinate or pixel of the touchscreen 120. A coordinate can be any coordinate of any coordinate system on or within the touchscreen 120. In another implementation variant, the touch signal encompasses multiple coordinates or pixels. In this case, the touch signal would specify an area or extent of the touch. Furthermore, the touch signal can specify the coordinates or pixels of an outer boundary of the touch. From this, the processor system 110 could derive both the location and the area of ​​the touch.

[0043] Another touch parameter is the pressure intensity of the touch. This pressure intensity can also be specified per coordinate or pixel. Furthermore, the pressure intensity can also be specified for an area of ​​contact. This can be either an average pressure intensity or a distribution of the pressure intensity across the area per coordinate or pixel.

[0044] In a further step 320 of the procedure, a distinction is made between an input touch and a grasping touch based on the detected touch signal. An input touch, for example, represents a touch used to input information. Inputting information can be, for instance, a brief tap (click) of the touchscreen. Depending on the underlying application, a touch movement can also be tracked and entered as information, as is the case, for example, in image editing programs. Another form of input touch is control input. This involves touching specific icons, menu items, or other elements of a graphical user interface to execute a particular function. A well-known function is clicking an application icon to open the application or selecting a menu item from a menu.Other well-known control inputs include moving touches, for example to enter a value using a displayed slider (e.g., volume control).

[0045] The present disclosure differentiates these input touches from a grasping touch, which occurs when the user grasps (including holding) the touchscreen. For this differentiation, at least one touch parameter is first determined from the detected touch signal in step 325. As mentioned above, the at least one touch parameter indicates one or more quantities.

[0046] In the case of the duration of a touch and the speed of its movement, the corresponding touch parameter can be determined from the signal of the input acquisition unit 130, for example, by the processor system 110. To do this, the processor system 110 stores previous touch parameters and compares them with the touch parameters of newly acquired touch signals. If a touch occurs at the same position, the processor system 110 can determine the duration of the touch. If the position changes over time, the processor system 110 can determine the speed of the associated touch.

[0047] The input acquisition unit 130 can also capture the duration and / or speed of a touch as a touch parameter. This time-dependent touch parameter can then be included in the touch signal and transmitted to the processor system 110 for further use.

[0048] The determined touch parameter is then compared with a reference parameter in step 326. Based on the result of this comparison, a distinction is made between an input touch and a gripping touch.

[0049] In the event that the touch parameter is a geometric size of the touch, such as an area of ​​the touch, a number of touch points or a specific position of the touch on the touchscreen, a corresponding comparison parameter is also determined that specifies a given area, number or position.

[0050] This comparison will now be made with reference to Fig. 4. Explained in more detail using examples. Fig. Figure 4 schematically illustrates various touches and their corresponding touch areas on a 120-inch touchscreen. The right-hand area of ​​the Fig. Figure 4 schematically depicts a grasping touch 410 by the user's right hand. Since large parts of the user's thumb and palm rest on the touchscreen 120, this touch, or rather the touches, cover a relatively large area. This can be handled by the processor system 110 ( Fig. 1) This can be determined by the fact that many touch signals from contiguous coordinates or pixels are transmitted by the touchscreen, or a single touch signal from a contiguous touch. The area of ​​this touch by the thumb and palm is then compared with a reference parameter for a touch area. In this case, it is assumed that the touch area is larger than the area underlying the reference parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the reference parameter can also represent a specific geometric (typically planar or outlined) structure that is characteristic of the placement of one or more thumbs / or palms on a surface. In this way, the touch by the thumb and palm can be identified as a gripping touch.

[0051] Similarly, the touch 420 in the left area of ​​the touchscreen 120 by the user's left thumb is compared with a corresponding reference parameter of a touch surface. Here too, a grasping touch can be identified and differentiated from an input touch based on the size of the touch surface.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally to the area, the position of the touch or the contact area can also be compared with a reference parameter. If the touch / contact area is within a coordinate / pixel range within the edge area of ​​the touchscreen 120, a gripping touch is identified. The width of the edge area can be defined in various ways. For example, the edge area of ​​the touchscreen can be approximately 35 mm, in particular 25 mm, and preferably 20 mm wide (relative to the edge of the touchscreen). The edge area can also occupy a certain percentage of the dimensions of the touchscreen. For example, the width of an edge area can be approximately 10%, in particular 7%, and preferably 5% of the total width or height of the touchscreen. The reference parameter thus specifies a certain width measured from the edge of the touchscreen.

[0053] A combination of these two parameters is also possible. For example, it can be checked whether the touch area meets (e.g., exceeds) a specific comparison parameter, and whether the touch occurs in a specific area or position on the touchscreen 120. Here is an example: another touch 430 in Fig. Touch 4 is also relatively large compared to an example comparison parameter set to touch 440. Therefore, touch 430 would also be recognized as a grasping touch when compared to the comparison parameter. However, since touch 430 is not located at the edge of touchscreen 120 (defined by a corresponding comparison parameter for the touch position), touch 430 is not identified as a grasping touch. It is therefore an input touch. Touch 440, on the other hand, can be identified as an input touch solely due to its small size.

[0054] In another implementation variant, a touch parameter indicating the duration of the touch can be considered, either alternatively or additionally. It is assumed that touches 410 and 420 last for a longer period, for example, longer than two seconds. Of course, a time comparison parameter can also reflect a different duration, such as 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, etc. If the duration of the touch exceeds the time specified by the corresponding comparison parameter, this touch is identified as a gripping touch.

[0055] Here, too, a combination of different touch parameters is possible to differentiate between input touches and grasping touches. For example, touch 450 can be moved towards touch position 460. The user keeps their finger or object (e.g., a stylus) on the touchscreen 120 throughout the entire movement. A simple comparison of the duration of touches 450 and 460 with a time-based comparison parameter would identify touches 450 and 460 as grasping touches. However, a comparison of the positions of touches 450 and 460 on the touchscreen 120 would identify them as input touches. Another distinguishing criterion would be the area of ​​touch 450 and 460, which identifies them as input touches. For example, touch 450 or 460 might be smaller than a corresponding comparison parameter for a touch area.

[0056] Another touch parameter can indicate the speed of a touch's movement. Again, with reference to touches 450 and 460, the speed or acceleration of the movement from touches 450 to 460 can be calculated. If this speed or acceleration exceeds a predefined value of a comparison parameter, the moving touches 450 and 460 can be identified as input touches. Similarly, one of the touches 410 or 420 might move slightly (e.g., due to natural wobbling), and a corresponding speed or acceleration can be calculated from this. In this case, however, the speed is less than the predefined value of the corresponding comparison parameter, so touches 410 and 420 are identified as gripping touches.

[0057] Ultimately, the pressure intensity of the touch can also be compared to a predefined value of a corresponding reference parameter. For example, touches 410 and 420 might be different (e.g., stronger) than touches 430 to 460 because the user is holding the portable device. Therefore, if the transmitted pressure intensity exceeds a predefined value, it is identified as a gripping touch.

[0058] Again with reference to Fig. In a further step, 330, the detected touch signal is discarded as an input touch if the touch signal originates from a grasping touch. For example, the processor system 110 would discard the touch signals of the touches 410 and 420 identified as grasping touches ( Fig. 4) discard, i.e., do not use for inputting information and / or for control.

[0059] Since, as mentioned above, a gripping contact can also move, the area in which touch signals are rejected can be adjusted. In the simplest case, the area in which touch signals are rejected would be the area corresponding to the contact surface itself. Alternatively, the area can be enlarged (e.g., proportionally according to the shape of the contact). A predefined shape can also be used to reject touch signals. Fig. Figure 4, for example, shows a rectangular area 415 and 425. This rectangular area 415 and 425 is chosen to be large enough to at least enclose the detected touch. Of course, any other shape can be used instead of a rectangle.

[0060] To accommodate a larger movement of the gripping contact, the area in which touch signals are discarded can be further enlarged. This is achieved by areas 416 and 426 in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates this. Touches occurring in this area, or their underlying touch signals, can also be discarded. Touch signals in areas 416 and 426 can also be compared with more restrictive comparison parameters to differentiate them from a grasping touch. For example, a very short touch (e.g., <0.5 sec.) in either area 416 or 426 can be considered an input touch. A longer touch (e.g., >0.5 sec. or >1 sec.), however, would be identified as another grasping touch.

[0061] In another implementation option, the comparison parameter can also be selected based on the spatial orientation of the touchscreen. For this, the processor system 110 ( Fig. 1) Able to determine the spatial orientation of the touchscreen. This can be done, for example, using a sensor (not shown). A comparison parameter can thus be adjusted or selected depending on whether the touchscreen is horizontal, vertical, or tilted. It is also possible to select a comparison parameter based on which sides of the touchscreen are facing up, down, right, or left. This spatial orientation of the touchscreen is particularly helpful for identifying the right and left edges. Most users are likely to hold a 120-inch touchscreen with their hands on the right and / or left side. With a horizontal orientation, it is also conceivable that the touchscreen rests on the palm of the user's hand, while the thumb grips the touchscreen at the bottom edge.Accordingly, the edge areas for identifying a gripping contact would only be defined in the right and left edge areas or only in the lower edge area.

[0062] Again with reference to Fig. In an optional further step 340, the display on the touchscreen 120 is changed. A change to the display can be made, for example, if a gripping touch has been identified. Possible changes to the display on the touchscreen 120 are described in the Fig. 5a to 5c shown schematically.

[0063] Fig. Figure 5a again schematically shows a view of a mobile electronic device 200 with a touchscreen 120, which is held with two hands on the right and / or left. In this embodiment, the display is reduced in size by one edge area of ​​the touchscreen 120 on each side. Since the gripping action takes place on the right and / or left side of the touchscreen 120, an area extending over the entire vertical dimension of the touchscreen 120 is excluded from the display. The display is reduced in size by these two areas.

[0064] Shrinking the display size can be implemented in various ways. For example, the... Fig. 5a The hatched areas are displayed in black, while the content of the entire touchscreen display 120 is adjusted to the remaining (unhatched) area. Alternatively, the hatched areas can simply be cut off from the underlying content. As soon as the user releases the touch screen, the corresponding area is displayed again.

[0065] In another embodiment, the Fig. 5a. The hatched area or areas are shown semi-transparently. This allows the user to see the underlying content. However, due to the semi-transparency, the user is also aware that input is not possible in these areas.

[0066] In another implementation variant, which is in Fig. As shown in 5b, the display is scaled down proportionally. In other words, the content of the entire display is reduced to the area shown in Fig. 5b The area shown unhatched is proportionally reduced. The original proportions of the content can be maintained. The gripping touch(s), or the larger of several gripping touches, determines by what factor the content on the display is reduced. This variant is particularly advantageous when watching videos. Here, the user can hold the electronic device while the entire video can be viewed without cropping or compression. Naturally, the proportional reduction could be dynamically changed if the gripping touch changes. This variant can also be applied to the embodiments according to the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5c will be applied.

[0067] Another implementation variant is in Fig. Figure 5c illustrates this. Certain gripping or contact areas are shown semi-transparently. These areas are adapted to the shape of the gripping contact. Shapes such as rectangles or semi-ellipses can also be used. Fig. Figure 5c shows an example of a rectangular shape adapted to the size of the respective gripping contact, with smoothed corners. The in Fig. 5c, the hatched area shown at the bottom, illustrates an example of a gripping area when the user holds (grips) the electronic device only at the bottom edge.

[0068] In all its variations according to Fig. 5a to 5c, instead of a semi-transparent representation, a different color scheme, weaker colors, shades of gray or similar can be used to indicate to the user the areas in which touch signals are discarded as input touches.

[0069] The present disclosure therefore provides a method and a display device that allow an electronic device with a touchscreen to be grasped and operated simultaneously without significant malfunctions or incorrect inputs. The present disclosure can be implemented in a particularly efficient manner in connection with a tablet computer.

[0070] The disclosure presented here generally prevents the removal of the tablet computer from its designated holder or its subsequent holding from being mistakenly identified as an input touch. This, among other things, prevents security-critical input errors.

[0071] According to one variant, the tablet computer is removable and mounted inside a motor vehicle. It can be mounted in a holder on the back of a seat (e.g., the driver's or passenger's seat). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be mounted in a holder on the dashboard on the driver's or passenger's side, or somewhere in between.

Claims

[1] Method for processing signals from a touch-operated touchscreen (120) of a portable device (200), the method comprising: - Detecting (310) a touch signal indicating a touch of the touchscreen (120); - Differentiating (320), based on the detected touch signal, between an input touch for inputting information and / or controlling the portable device (200) and a grasping touch due to grasping the portable device (200) in an area of ​​the touchscreen (120), wherein the differentiation comprises determining (325) at least one touch parameter from the detected touch signal and comparing (326) the at least one determined touch parameter with a corresponding first comparison parameter; - Discard (330) the detected touch signal as an input touch if the touch signal is due to a grasping touch; - Enlarging the area (416, 426) of the touchscreen around the touch of the touchscreen (120); - Detection (310) of a further touch signal belonging to a further touch of the touchscreen (120), wherein the further touch takes place within the area (416, 426) of the touchscreen enlarged around the area of ​​the touch of the touchscreen (120); - Comparing (326) at least one touch parameter from the further touch signal with a corresponding second comparison parameter, wherein the respective second comparison parameter is more restrictive than the respective first comparison parameter for differentiating between an input touch and a gripping touch; and - Discard (330) the further touch signal as input touch if the further touch signal is due to a grasping touch. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one touch parameter refers to one or more of the following quantities: at least one geometric size of the touch, a time duration of the touch, a speed of movement of the touch and a pressure intensity of the touch. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the at least one geometric dimension is selected from an area of ​​contact, a number of contact points and a position of contact on the touchscreen (120). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the rejection (330) of the detected touch signal comprises rejecting the detected touch signal as an input touch for at least the area of ​​the touch of the touchscreen (120). [5] Method according to claim 1, further comprising: - Determining a spatial orientation of the touchscreen (120), whereby the first comparison parameter is selected depending on the determined orientation. [6] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the differentiation is limited to a touch signal that results from a touch in the edge area of ​​the touchscreen (120). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: - Changing (340) the display on the touchscreen (120). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the changing (340) comprises reducing the display by an area of ​​the touch of the touchscreen (120) or reducing the entire display. [9] Method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the changing (340) comprises a color change of the display in an area of ​​touch of the touchscreen (120). [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the color change comprises a partially transparent representation of the display or a representation of the display with weaker colors, in shades of gray or black. [11] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: - Repeat the steps of detecting, differentiating, and discarding as long as a touch is detected. [12] Computer program product comprising program code for carrying out the method according to at least one of the preceding claims, when the computer program product is executed on a computer device. [13] Computer program product according to claim 12, which is stored on a computer-readable recording medium. [14] Device (100) for displaying content, comprising: - a touchscreen (120) for displaying content and for use by touch within an input area; and - a processor system (110) configured to perform the method for processing touch signals according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [15] Portable device (200) comprising the device (100) according to claim 14. [16] Portable device (200) according to claim 15, which is designed as a tablet computer, in particular for use in a motor vehicle.

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