Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To improve operability pertaining to layout changes of a display.SOLUTION: A device comprises: a touch operation detection unit connected to a display and a touch panel; an application execution unit for executing a plurality of applications; and a display control unit for displaying, on the display, a screen in which a content display area that displays a plurality of pieces of display content, each generated by execution of the plurality of applications, an icon area in which a plurality of icons representing applications that can be added to the content display area is arranged, and an operation area, are arranged. The operation area is a limited partial area within a display range of the display, and when the display control unit detects an operation to move one of a plurality of icons into the operation area, display content generated by an application corresponding to that icon is added to a position within the content display area determined correspondingly to the operation with respect to the operation area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for controlling the display of a display.

Background Art

[0002] As a technology for assisting display operations on a display, there is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes that "in a large display device equipped with a touch panel, there are operational inconveniences such as the user's hand not being able to reach." and "The display device of the present invention has a display panel having a display surface for displaying an image, an image processing unit for displaying an image on the display surface, a touch panel having an operation surface to be touched, a coordinate acquisition unit for acquiring input operation coordinates of the operation surface based on the touch operation, and a control unit for outputting the input operation coordinates to another device. When the input operation coordinates are in a first operation area that is a part of the operation surface, the control unit outputs, to the other device, corresponding operation coordinates associated based on the input operation coordinates and a predetermined relationship instead of the input operation coordinates."

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the above prior art, an input operation on the first operation area can be converted into an input operation on the entire touch panel display. However, the operation method itself is not changed, the operation procedure is complicated, and various use cases of the display are not considered. One specific example of a use case is a case where a touch panel display is installed across the left and right of the dashboard at the front inside of a vehicle and is operated by the driver or the front passenger. Various contents such as instruments like a speedometer, a map, and a video can be displayed on the display installed on the dashboard. Also, on the screen of the display, layout changes such as adding the layout of the content to be displayed are required. In particular, when a vehicle-mounted display is operated by a vehicle occupant, ensuring high operability is important from the perspective of vehicle driving safety.

[0005] The present invention aims to improve the operability related to layout changes of a display.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, one of the representative information processing apparatuses of the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected to a display and a touch panel laminated on the display, including a touch operation detection unit that detects an operation on the touch panel by a user, an application execution unit that executes a plurality of applications, a content display area that displays a plurality of display contents respectively generated by the execution of the plurality of applications by the application execution unit, an icon area in which a plurality of icons representing applications that can be added to the content display area are arranged, and a display control unit that controls a display signal to the display so as to display a screen in which an operation area is arranged. The operation area is a partial area limited within the display range of the display. When the touch operation detection unit detects an operation of moving one of the plurality of icons to the operation area, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position within the content display area determined according to the operation on the operation area.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the operability related to the layout change of the display is improved. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment

[0010] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of display control by the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. The information processing apparatus 30 to be described later controls the display of the display 21 installed in the vehicle. The display 21 is a large-screen display installed across the left and right of the dashboard at the front inside the vehicle. In this specification, the left and right are described based on the state of facing the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle. A touch panel 22 to be described later is overlaid on the display 21.

[0011] The information processing apparatus 30 executes a plurality of applications. The information processing apparatus 30 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to display a plurality of display contents respectively generated by executing the plurality of applications on the display 21.

[0012] The information processing apparatus 30 sets a content display area 41, an icon area 43, and an operation area 42 in the display range of the display 21. The content display area 41 is an area for displaying display content. The content display area 41 is provided across substantially the entire width of the left and right of the display 21.

[0013] The icon area 43 is an area where a plurality of icons representing applications that can be added to the content display area 41 are arranged. The entire icon area 43 is provided within a range operable by a passenger seated in a predetermined seat. The icon area 43 is provided in a range that does not overlap with the display content on the content display area 41. As an example, the icon area 43 is a horizontally long area with icons arranged side by side horizontally.

[0014] The operation area 42 is an area that receives operations for controlling the arrangement of the display content in the content display area 41. The entire operation area 42 is provided within a range operable by a passenger seated in a predetermined seat. The entire width of the operation area 42 corresponds to the entire width of the content display area 41. The operation area 42 is provided adjacent to the icon area 43. Although a gap may be provided between the operation area 42 and the icon area 43, it is necessary that the distance does not interfere with the drag operation by the user described later. As an example, the operation area 42 is provided above the icon area 43. The operation area 42 may overlap with the display content on the content display area 41 or may be a part of the content display area 41.

[0015] When the information processing device 30 detects an operation of moving one of the plurality of icons in the icon area 43 to the operation area 42, it adds the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the content display area 41.

[0016] Referring to (1) to (3) of FIG. 1, the addition of the display content will be described. In the state of (1), on the screen of the display 21, the display contents F1 to F3 are arranged and displayed in a horizontal row in the order of "F1", "F2", and "F3" from left to right.

[0017] When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of dragging any of the icons on the icon area 43 to the operation area 42, it newly adds the display content Fn corresponding to the icon to the content display area 41 (2). At this time, the display position of the display content Fn in the content display area 41 is made to correspond to the position of the icon in the operation area 42. Specifically, the position of the icon in the horizontal width of the operation area 42 is made to coincide with the display content Fn in the horizontal width of the content display area 41. Since the display contents in the content display area 41 are arranged in a horizontal row and the position of the display content can be specified by the position on the horizontal axis, the vertical position of the operation area 42 does not need to be considered. Here, the operation of dragging an icon is an operation in which a finger or the like touches the display position of the icon and the contact position is moved to another position on the touch panel 22 while maintaining the contact. The information processing apparatus 30 moves the display position of the icon as the contact position moves, and performs display control so that the icon follows the finger or the like and moves on the touch panel 22. In FIG. 1(2), as a result of this drag operation, the display contents are arranged in a horizontal row in the order of "F1", "Fn", "F2", "F3" from the left.

[0018] When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of further dragging the icon within the operation area 42, it also moves the display content Fn along with this further dragging of the icon. If the display content Fn intrudes into the position of another display content, the information processing apparatus 30 swaps the positions of the display content at the intrusion destination and the display content Fn. In FIG. 1(3), the positions of the display content F2 and the display content Fn are swapped. As a result, the display contents are rearranged in a horizontal row in the order of "F1", "F2", "Fn", "F3" from the left.

[0019] When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of dropping the icon within the operation area 42, it determines the position of the added display content Fn. The operation of dropping an icon is an operation of releasing a finger or the like from the touch panel 22 after dragging. The combination of dragging and dropping is called drag & drop. The dropped icon returns to the icon area 43. The newly added display content Fn remains at the position at the time of dropping, and the display continues. When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of dropping an icon within the icon area 43, it cancels the addition of the display content.

[0020] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of the entire system of the first embodiment. The in-vehicle system 10 includes an in-vehicle display device 20 and an information processing apparatus 30. The in-vehicle display device 20 includes a display 21 and a touch panel 22 laminated on the display 21. The information processing apparatus 30 is connected to the display 21 and the touch panel 22. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a touch operation detection unit 31, an application execution unit 33, and a display control unit 34.

[0021] The touch operation detection unit 31 detects an operation on the touch panel 22 by the user from the detection signal from the touch panel 22. The application execution unit 33 executes a plurality of applications. The plurality of applications include applications that display instruments such as a speedometer, applications that perform map display and route guidance, applications that play videos and music, applications that receive and output television and radio, and the like.

[0022] The display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to display the display content arranged in the content display area 41 and the icons arranged in the icon area 43 on the screen of the display 21. Whether to explicitly display the content display area 41, the icon area 43, and the operation area 42 on the screen of the display 21 is optional. When the touch operation detection unit 31 detects an operation of moving one of a plurality of icons to the operation area 42, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position in the content display area 41 determined according to the operation on the icon on the operation area 42.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the occupant and the operation. In FIG. 3, the left side is the driver's seat and the right side is the passenger seat with respect to the front of the vehicle from inside the vehicle (left-hand drive vehicle).

[0024] The display control unit 34 arranges the left-seat operation area 42L at a place within reach from the left seat (driver's seat) of the vehicle as the operation area 42, and arranges the right-seat operation area 42R at a place within reach from the right seat (passenger seat) of the vehicle. The total width of the operation area 42R corresponds to the total width of the content display area 41. The total width of the operation area 42L corresponds to the total width of the content display area 41. That is, for one content display area 41, there are two operation areas 42L and 42R, and each corresponds to the content display area 41.

[0025] When an operation of dropping an icon is performed on the left-seat operation area 42L, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position in the content display area 41 corresponding to the position in the left-seat operation area 42L. When an operation of dropping an icon is performed on the right-seat operation area 42R, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position in the content display area 41 corresponding to the position in the right-seat operation area 42R.

[0026] The display control unit 34 arranges the left-seat icon area 43L in a place reachable by hand from the left seat (driver's seat) of the vehicle as the icon area 43, and arranges the right-seat icon area 43R in a place reachable by hand from the right seat (passenger seat) of the vehicle. On the operation areas 42R and 42L, icons of display contents that can be added from their respective seats are displayed. The icons displayed on the operation areas 42R and 42L may overlap. They may also include different icons. For example, the icon of the map application is displayed on both the operation area 42R and the operation area 42L, and the icon of the application for setting is displayed only on the operation area 42L.

[0027] When an icon on the left-seat icon area 43L is operated, the display control unit 34 sets the left-seat operation area 42L as an effective area where the drop operation functions, and invalidates the right-seat operation area 42R. When an icon on the right-seat icon area 43R is operated, the display control unit 34 sets the right-seat operation area 42R as an effective area where the drop operation functions, and invalidates the left-seat operation area 42L.

[0028] Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, variations of operations and displays will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation for performing a half-screen display in which one display content is displayed in half of the content display area 41. In the state of FIG. 4(1), on the display 21, the display contents F1 to F3 are arranged and displayed in a horizontal row in the order of "F1", "F2", and "F3" from the left.

[0029] When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of dragging any one of the icons on the icon area 43 to the operation area 42, it newly adds the display content Fn corresponding to that icon to the content display area 41 (2). At this time, the display position of the display content Fn in the content display area 41 is made to correspond to the position of the icon in the operation area 42. Specifically, the position of the icon in the horizontal width of the operation area 42 is made to coincide with the display content Fn in the horizontal width of the content display area 41.

[0030] When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of further dragging the icon within the operation area 42, it moves the display content Fn along with this further dragging of the icon. If the display content Fn intrudes into the position of another display content, the information processing apparatus 30 swaps the positions of the display content at the intrusion destination and the display content Fn. Furthermore, when the touch operation detection unit 31 detects that the movement of the icon continues and an operation of dragging the icon to the right end portion of the operation area 42 has been performed, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to display the display content Fn over the entire right half of the content display area 41 (3). While the half-screen display in which the right half of the display range of the display 21 is occupied by the display content Fn is being performed, the display content F3 is saved on the memory and not displayed on the display 21. The end of content playback, the elapse of a predetermined time, etc. can be set as the end trigger for the half-screen display. When ending the half-screen display by these end triggers or a user operation, the display content Fn is deleted and the display content F3 is displayed at the original position.

[0031] In FIG. 4, the half-screen display of the right half is illustrated, but when the touch operation detection unit 31 detects that an operation of dragging the icon to the left end portion of the operation area 42 has been performed, the display control unit 34 performs a half-screen display in which the display content Fn is displayed over the entire left half of the content display area 41.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation for performing full-screen display in which one piece of display content is displayed across the entire content display area 41. In the state of FIG. 5(1), on the display 21, display contents F1 to F3 are arranged and displayed in a horizontal row in the order of "F1", "F2", and "F3" from the left.

[0033] When the information processing apparatus 30 detects an operation of dragging any of the icons on the icon area 43 to the operation area 42, it newly adds the display content Fn corresponding to the icon to the content display area 41 (2). At this time, the display position of the display content Fn in the content display area 41 corresponds to the position of the icon in the operation area 42. Specifically, the position of the icon in the horizontal width of the operation area 42 is made to coincide with the display content Fn in the horizontal width of the content display area 41.

[0034] When the touch operation detection unit 31 detects an operation of dragging an icon at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined speed within the operation area 42, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so that the display content Fn is displayed across the entire content display area 41 (3). While full-screen display in which the entire display range of the display 21 is occupied by the display content Fn is being performed, the display contents F1 to F3 are stored in the memory and not displayed on the display 21. The end of content playback or the elapse of a predetermined time can be set as the end trigger for full-screen display. When ending full-screen display by these end triggers or a user operation, the display content Fn is deleted and the display contents F1 to F3 are displayed at their original positions.

[0035] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation for reducing display content. In the state of FIG. 6(1), on the display 21, display contents F1 to F4 are arranged and displayed in a horizontal row in the order of "F1", "F2", "F3", and "F4" from the left.

[0036] When the information processing device 30 detects an operation of dragging any of the icons on the icon area 43 to the operation area 42, it newly adds the display content Fn corresponding to the icon to the content display area 41 (2). At this time, the display position of the display content Fn in the content display area 41 corresponds to the position of the icon in the operation area 42. Specifically, the position of the icon in the horizontal width of the operation area 42 is made to coincide with the display content Fn in the horizontal width of the content display area 41. When the display content Fn is added, the display control unit 34 can control the display signal to the display 21 so as to reduce or erase any of the display contents F1 to F4 according to the preset priority levels of the already displayed display contents F1 to F4.

[0037] Specifically, the display content closer to the occupant than the display content Fn is set to have a lower deformation priority. The positional relationship between the display content Fn and the existing display contents F1 to F4 is specified by the occupant, and the existing display content closer to the display content Fn is considered to have a higher display priority for the occupant.

[0038] The display content farther from the occupant than the display content Fn is set to have a higher deformation priority. Further, for a plurality of display contents farther from the occupant than the display content Fn, the deformation priority is set higher in the order closer to the display content Fn. This is because the display content far from the occupant originally has low visibility and may become difficult to view due to deformation.

[0039] In FIG. 6(2), they are arranged and displayed in the order of "F1", "Fn", "F2", "F3", "F4" from the left. Therefore, the display content F1 is set to the deformation priority "4", the display content F2 is set to the deformation priority "1", the display content F3 is set to the deformation priority "2", and the display content F4 is set to the deformation priority "3".

[0040] The display control unit 34 determines whether the display content can be reduced, in descending order of deformation priority. The case where the display content can be reduced is, for example, when there are prepared a plurality of display shapes of different sizes for the content and there is a display format smaller in size than the current display format. Another example is when the display size of the content can be arbitrarily enlarged and reduced within a predetermined range and can be displayed smaller than the current display size. If there is reducible display content, the display control unit 34 reduces the display content and displays the additional display content Fn. If there is no reducible display content, the display control unit 34 deletes the content with the highest deformation priority. FIG. 6 shows a case where the display content F2 can be reduced.

[0041] The reduction and deletion of the display content shown in FIG. 6 are executed, for example, when adding new display content Fn and there is not enough space left in the content display area 41. It may also be executed when the display position of any of the existing display content is fixed and space for displaying the display content Fn cannot be secured.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the processing by the information processing apparatus 30. The information processing apparatus 30 repeatedly executes the following steps S101 to S103. Step S101: The application execution unit 33 executes a plurality of applications. Step S102: The touch operation detection unit 31 detects an operation on the touch panel 22 by the user. Step S103: The display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to display on the display 21 a screen on which the content display area 41, the icon area 43, and the operation area 42 are arranged.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the content addition process. In the content addition process, the information processing apparatus 30 sequentially executes steps S201 to S208. Step S201: The touch operation detection unit 31 detects the dragging of an icon in the icon area 43. Then, it proceeds to step S202. Step S202: The display control unit 34 enables the operation area 42 corresponding to the icon area 43 where the icon dragging is detected, and disables other operation areas 42. Then, it proceeds to step S203. Step S203: The touch operation detection unit 31 detects the entry of the drag operation into the operation area. Then, it proceeds to step S204.

[0044] Step S204: The display control unit 34 newly adds the display content corresponding to the dragged icon to the content display area 41. Then, it proceeds to step S205. Step S205: The display control unit 34 executes the arrangement control process for the display content. Details will be described later. After the arrangement control, it proceeds to step S206.

[0045] Step S206: The display control unit 34 determines whether the icon has been dropped in the operation area 42. If the icon has been dropped in the operation area 42 (Yes), it proceeds to step S207. If the icon has not been dropped in the operation area 42 (No), it proceeds to step S208. Step S207: The display control unit 34 determines the arrangement of the display content and ends the process. Step S208: The display control unit 34 determines whether the icon has been dropped in the icon area 43. If the icon has been dropped in the icon area 43 (Yes), it proceeds to step S209. If the icon has not been dropped in the icon area 43 (No), it proceeds to step S205. Step S209: The display control unit 34 cancels the addition of the display content and ends the process. When canceling, the display control unit 34 returns the size and arrangement of each display content to the state at the stage of step S201.

[0046] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the arrangement control process. In the arrangement control process, the information processing apparatus 30 sequentially executes steps S301 to S304, and then proceeds to step S206 in FIG. 8. Step S301: When adding display content, the display control unit 34 determines whether it is necessary to reduce or delete existing display content, and if necessary, executes it. Step S302: The display control unit 34 determines whether it is necessary to swap the positions of the additional display content and the existing display content, and if necessary, swaps them. Step S303: If an operation corresponding to half-screen display is performed, the display control unit 34 executes half-screen display. Step S304: If an operation corresponding to full-screen display is performed, the display control unit 34 executes half-screen display.

[0047] As described above, in the disclosed information processing apparatus 30, on the screen of the display 21, there are arranged a content display area 41 for displaying a plurality of pieces of display content, an icon area 43 in which a plurality of icons representing applications that can be added to the content display area 41 are arranged, and an operation area 42 which is a partial area limited within the display range of the display 21. When the display control unit 34 that controls these detects an operation of moving one of the plurality of icons to the operation area 42, the display signal to the display 21 is controlled so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position within the content display area 41 determined according to the operation on the operation area 42. Therefore, an operation related to the addition of display content can be easily performed, and the operability related to the layout change of the display is improved.

[0048] Also, as an example, the position within the operation area 42 corresponds to the position within the content display area 41. When the display control unit 34 detects an operation of dragging and dropping one of the plurality of icons into the operation area 42, the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon is added to the position within the content display area 41 corresponding to the position within the operation area 42 where the icon was dropped by the operation. Therefore, display content can be added with a simple operation.

[0049] Also, as an example, the display 21 connected to the information processing apparatus 30 is a large-screen display installed across the left and right of the vehicle dashboard. As the operation area, it has a driver's seat operation area arranged within reach from the driver's seat of the vehicle and a passenger's seat operation area arranged within reach from the passenger's seat of the vehicle. When an operation of dropping the icon into the driver's seat operation area is performed, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so that the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon is added to the position within the content display area 41 corresponding to the position within the driver's seat operation area. When an operation of dropping the icon into the passenger's seat operation area is performed, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so that the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon is added to the position within the content display area 41 corresponding to the position within the passenger's seat operation area. Therefore, vehicle occupants can add display content with a simple operation according to their seats.

[0050] Also, as an example, the icon area 43 has a driver's seat icon area arranged within reach from the driver's seat of the vehicle and a passenger's seat icon area arranged within reach from the passenger's seat of the vehicle. When an icon in the driver's seat icon area is operated, the display control unit 34 sets the driver's seat operation area as the valid area where the drop operation functions. When an icon in the passenger's seat icon area is operated, the display control unit 34 sets the passenger's seat operation area as the valid area where the drop operation functions. Therefore, even if there are multiple passengers, incorrect operations can be prevented.

[0051] Also, as an example, when the touch operation detection unit 31 detects that an operation of dragging the icon to the left end of the operation area has been performed, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so that the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon is displayed on the entire left half of the content display area 41 on the display. When the touch operation detection unit 31 detects that an operation of dragging the icon to the right end of the operation area has been performed, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so that the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon is displayed on the entire right half of the content display area 41 on the display 21. Therefore, new display content can be displayed on half of the display with a simple operation.

[0052] Also, when the touch operation detection unit 31 detects an operation of dragging the icon at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined speed within the operation area 42, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so that the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon is displayed on the entire content display area 41. Therefore, new display content can be displayed on the entire display with a simple operation.

[0053] Also, when the display content is added, the display control unit 34 controls the display signal to the display 21 so as to reduce or erase the already displayed display content according to the priority order preset for the already displayed display content. Therefore, the display content can be appropriately reduced and a plurality of display contents can be displayed simultaneously.

[0054] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are included. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. Further, not only deletion of such a configuration is possible, but also replacement or addition of a configuration is possible.

[0055] For example, it may be implemented as an in-vehicle device having the functions of the in-vehicle display device 20 and the information processing device 30. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the in-vehicle system has been described as an example. However, for example, in work in an office, a presentation in a conference room, or a game play in a living room, the present invention can also be applied to an environment where two users located at both ends of a large screen jointly operate. Also, the additional operation of display content is not limited to drag & drop. Instead of corresponding the position of the operation area 42 and the position of the content display area 41, it is sufficient that the arrangement of the display content is appropriately changed in accordance with the change in the touch position in the operation area 42.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0056] 10: In-vehicle system, 20: In-vehicle display device, 21: Display, 22: Touch panel, 30: Information processing device, 31: Touch operation detection unit, 32: Operation position determination unit, 33: Application execution unit, 34: Display control unit

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus connected to a display and a touch panel laminated on the display, comprising: a touch operation detection unit that detects an operation on the touch panel by a user; an application execution unit that executes a plurality of applications; a display control unit that controls a display signal to the display so as to display a content display area for displaying a plurality of pieces of display content respectively generated by the execution of the plurality of applications by the application execution unit, an icon area in which a plurality of icons representing applications that can be added to the content display area are arranged, and a screen in which an operation area is arranged; The information processing apparatus further comprising: wherein the operation area is a partial area limited within the display range of the display; when the touch operation detection unit detects an operation of moving one of the plurality of icons to the operation area, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position within the content display area determined according to the operation on the operation area. An information processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. The position within the operation area corresponds to the position within the content display area. When the touch operation detection unit detects an operation of dragging and dropping one of the plurality of icons to the operation area, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position within the content display area corresponding to the position within the operation area where the icon is dropped by the operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The display is a large-screen display installed across the left and right of a vehicle dashboard. As the operation area, the information processing apparatus has a driver's seat operation area arranged within reach from the driver's seat of the vehicle and a passenger's seat operation area arranged within reach from the passenger's seat of the vehicle. When an operation of dropping the icon in the left-seat operation area is performed, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to add display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon at a position in the content display area corresponding to the position in the left-seat operation area. When an operation of dropping the icon in the right-seat operation area is performed, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to add display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon at a position in the content display area corresponding to the position in the right-seat operation area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. As the icon area, it has a left-seat icon area arranged within reach from the left seat of the vehicle and a right-seat icon area arranged within reach from the right seat of the vehicle. When an icon in the left-seat icon area is operated, the display control unit sets the left-seat operation area as an effective area where the drop operation functions. When an icon in the right-seat icon area is operated, the display control unit sets the right-seat operation area as an effective area where the operation of dropping functions. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The display control unit When the touch operation detection unit detects that an operation of dragging the icon to the left end of the operation area has been performed, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to display on the display the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon over the entire left half of the content display area. When the touch operation detection unit detects that an operation of dragging the icon to the right end of the operation area has been performed, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to display on the display the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon over the entire right half of the content display area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that.

6. When the touch operation detection unit detects an operation of dragging the icon at a speed equal to or higher than a predetermined speed within the operation area, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to display the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon over the entire content display area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that.

7. When the display content is added, the display control unit controls the display signal to the display so as to reduce or erase the already displayed display content according to the priority set in advance for the already displayed display content. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that.

8. An information processing apparatus connected to a display and a touch panel laminated on the display includes an application execution step of executing a plurality of applications, a touch operation detection step of detecting an operation on the touch panel by a user by the information processing apparatus, and a display control step of controlling a display signal to the display so as to display on the display a content display area for displaying a plurality of display contents respectively generated by execution of the plurality of applications, an icon area in which a plurality of icons representing applications that can be added to the content display area are arranged, and a screen in which an operation area is arranged, including the operation area is a partial area limited within the display range of the display, when the display control step detects an operation of moving one of the plurality of icons to the operation area, the display control step controls the display signal to the display so as to add the display content generated by the application corresponding to the icon to the position within the content display area determined according to the operation on the operation area. An information processing method characterized by the above.

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