Input device, image display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a contactless IC card reader that is friendly to a visually handicapped person and improves display quality.SOLUTION: A card reader 1 is an input device that acquires input information relating to a card 2 serving as a medium. A display part 12 can display an image including icons for inputting the input information. On the display part 12, a projection B is formed in a portion indicating a boundary position and / or a center position of each icon. An input part 13 acquires the input information when a position of the icon on the display part 12 is indicated. A control part acquires the input information from the input part 13 and controls the display part 12. The control part further adjusts the appearance of a portion corresponding to the projection B of the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device, an image display method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been PIN pads used to input information such as personal identification numbers (hereinafter referred to as "PIN") when making payments using card-like media (hereinafter, card-like media will be simply referred to as "cards"), and input devices such as card readers integrated with these PIN pads.

[0003] In such conventional input devices, when physical buttons are used, a protrusion is provided on the number "5" button so that visually impaired people can understand the arrangement of the numbers on the buttons. Regarding conventional considerations for the arrangement of numerical values ​​on buttons for visually impaired people, Patent Document 1 describes a mobile phone in which a flexible sheet material with Braille written on it is added to the operation buttons.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, in addition to input devices that have physical buttons such as numeric keypads, there are also devices (hereinafter referred to as "display type") that display a PIN input screen on a display such as an LCD, and allow input by touching the buttons on this screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-190797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when a conventional display-type input device is designed to indicate the location of a button for visually impaired persons by attaching a sheet member with a convex portion to the display surface, as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that the convex portion causes diffuse reflection of light, making it difficult to see the image displayed at the convex portion.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an input device that reduces the effect of convex portions making the displayed image difficult to see, thereby resolving the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An input device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an input device for acquiring input information related to a medium, and comprises a display unit capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information, an input unit that acquires the input information as the icon when the position of the icon on the display unit is specified, and a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit and controls the display unit, wherein the display unit has a convex portion formed at a position indicating the boundary position and / or center position of the icon, and the control unit adjusts the appearance of the part of the image corresponding to the convex portion. By configuring in this way, it is possible to reduce the effect of the convex portions for visually impaired people making it difficult to see the displayed image.

[0009] In an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the icons are button images for inputting numerical values, characters, or symbols. This configuration makes it possible to display icons of buttons for inputting numbers, letters, or symbols for PIN input, while preventing other normal images from becoming difficult to see.

[0010] An input device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit adjusts the brightness of the area of ​​the display corresponding to the convex portion, and / or adjusts the display of the area corresponding to the refraction of light of the convex portion. By configuring in this way, it is possible to suppress diffused reflection of light due to the convex portions and / or to suppress the discomfort of the appearance due to the convex portions.

[0011] An image display method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an image display method executed by an input device for acquiring input information related to a medium, the input device comprising: a display unit capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information; an input unit that acquires the input information when the position of the icon on the display unit is specified; and a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit and controls the display unit, wherein the display unit has a convex portion formed at a location indicating the boundary position and / or center position of the icon, and adjusts the appearance of the part of the image corresponding to the convex portion. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to reduce the effect of the convex portions for visually impaired people making it difficult to see the displayed image.

[0012] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program executed by an input device for acquiring input information related to a medium, the input device comprising: a display unit capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information; an input unit that acquires the input information when the position of the icon on the display unit is specified; and a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit and controls the display unit, wherein the display unit has a convex portion formed at a position indicating the boundary position and / or center position of the icon, and the control unit adjusts the appearance of the part of the image corresponding to the convex portion. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to reduce the effect of the convex portions for visually impaired people making it difficult to see the displayed image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present disclosure, a convex portion is formed at a location indicating the boundary position and / or center position of an icon for inputting input information on a display unit, and by adjusting the appearance of the part of the image corresponding to the convex portion, an input device can be provided that reduces the effect of the convex portion making the displayed image difficult to see. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the external configuration of the card reader shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the image display adjustment process according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of a screen for the image display adjustment process shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] <Embodiment> [Configuration of card reader 1] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the external configuration of a card reader 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The card reader 1 according to this embodiment is an example of a display-type input device, in which a display unit 12, which is a display, and an input unit 13, which is a touch panel, are integrally formed as a touch panel display.

[0016] In this embodiment, the display unit 12 can display various images such as a PIN input screen including icons for inputting input information, advertisements such as moving images and still images, payment method selection, and payment results. Of these, the image icons may be, for example, input code (symbol) images of numbers, letters, or symbols on a numeric keypad, as will be described later. These input symbols may be, for example, button images that specifically correspond to numbers, letters, symbols, etc. and can be visually recognized by able-bodied people.

[0017] Additionally, in this embodiment, protrusions B are formed at locations indicating the boundary positions and / or center positions of the icons on the display unit 12. These protrusions B may be, for example, resin printed by an inkjet printer or the like to be raised (protruding) on ​​the surface of a glass protective film of the display unit 12 for the visually impaired. Specifically, the protrusions B may be transparent protrusions formed to a thickness of about 0.1 to several mm.

[0018] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the convex portion B is formed as a grid-like convex portion at the boundary of each button image such as a numeric keypad. In addition, a round convex lens-like protrusion is formed at the center of the button image of the number "5." This "center" does not necessarily have to be the center of the diagonal of the square of the button or the center of the circle, as long as it is a position that indicates that it is a button with a central number such as "5." Furthermore, this "center" may have a predetermined extent.

[0019] In this way, by forming the convex portion B out of transparent resin, users without visual impairments are able to recognize the button image. In addition, the transparent resin is moderately wettable (sagging), so it is possible to sign with a finger smoothly without any feeling of catching.

[0020] In this embodiment, as will be described later, the control unit 10 performs image adjustment processing to prevent the image from becoming difficult to see due to light scattering caused by the convex portion B. The control unit 10 performs this image adjustment processing by, for example, executing a program stored in the storage unit 11.

[0021] The card reader 1 according to this embodiment also includes an information reading / writing unit 14 including a magnetic head for reading and writing data from and to the card 2, an IC contact block, an antenna A for a contactless IC, and the like.

[0022] Furthermore, the card reader 1 may include other necessary circuits, devices, mechanisms, etc., such as an interface for connecting to a higher-level device 3 (described later), an LED for displaying a status, etc.

[0023] Next, the system configuration of the card reader 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The card reader 1 according to this embodiment is an example of a card reader that can read or write information to or from a medium including a card 2 in response to an instruction from a higher-level device 3.

[0024] In this embodiment, the card reader 1 may include the functions of a magnetic card reader that reads and writes the magnetic stripe of the card 2, a contact IC reader that reads and writes card information of the contact IC of the card 2, and a contactless IC card reader that reads and writes the contactless IC of the card 2.

[0025] The card 2 is an example of a medium according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the card 2 may be a magnetic recording medium, a contact IC card, and / or a contactless IC card.

[0026] In this embodiment, card 2 may be, for example, a rectangular vinyl chloride card with a thickness of approximately 0.7 to 0.8 mm. This card 2 may have a magnetic stripe 2a formed thereon in which a magnetic signal is stored. Furthermore, in this embodiment, card 2 is provided with IC chip 2b, which is an IC chip (hereinafter referred to as "contact IC") with contacts (external terminals) exposed on the surface of the card, and its external terminals, and is also provided with a contactless IC that may be used in combination with IC chip 2b. That is, in card 2, the contact IC and contactless IC may be the same IC chip or separate IC chips.

[0027] Various application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "apps") for executing credit card payments, debit card payments, other point payments, etc., and various data are stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) in the IC chip 2b of the card 2. The IC chip 2b of the card 2 may also include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit).

[0028] The card 2 may be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card having a thickness of about 0.18 to 0.36 mm, a paper card having a predetermined thickness, or the like. Furthermore, the card 2 may have a built-in electromagnetic induction antenna and may be an NFC (Near Field Communication) recording medium having the function of a contactless IC card. In this embodiment, not only the card 2 but also contactless media such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, an IC tag with a wireless function (RFID tag, Radio Frequency Identifier Tag) and the like can be used.

[0029] The higher-level device 3 may be, for example, an ATM (Automated Teller Machine), a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, a cash register, a PC (Personal Computer) for payment, a payment terminal at a hospital or the like, a store server, other terminals for settlement (payment), a kiosk terminal, a payment terminal at a gas station, roadside equipment, an in-vehicle device at a taxi or the like, a ticket issuing system for a public transport facility, a point card payment system at a convenience store or the like, a member card issuing system at a retail store, a card issuing and payment system at a gaming machine, an entrance / exit management system, etc. (hereinafter referred to simply as "ATM, etc.").

[0030] In this embodiment, the card reader 1 and the higher-level device 3 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), RS-232C, Ethernet (registered trademark), or other dedicated interface (hereinafter simply referred to as "USB, etc.").

[0031] Next, the control configuration and functional configuration of the card reader 1 will be described. The card reader 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a display unit 12, an input unit 13, and an information read / write unit 14 as a control configuration.

[0032] The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "CPU, etc.").

[0033] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 draws and displays an image stored in the storage unit 11. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 10 functions as an image adjustment unit that adjusts the appearance of the image display at the location corresponding to the convex portion B.

[0034] The storage unit 11 is a non-transitory storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM) including a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or an optical storage medium. In this embodiment, the ROM of the storage unit 11 stores various setting values, programs, temporary data, etc. These programs include an operating system (OS), device drivers, middleware, various applications, etc. Among these, the various applications may include a payment application for executing various processes related to the magnetic storage medium, contact IC, and contactless IC card reader. In this embodiment, the programs also include an image processing program related to a device driver that executes an image display adjustment process for adjusting the appearance of the image at the portion corresponding to the protrusion B.

[0035] In this embodiment, a frame buffer area is secured in the RAM or the like of the storage unit 11 to temporarily store images to be displayed on the display unit 12. This frame buffer may be a single buffer or a double buffer. Furthermore, storage unit 11 may store mask image data for determining whether or not to adjust the appearance of a pixel (picture element) displayed directly below protrusion B on display unit 12. This mask image data may be data with the same pixel size as the display area of ​​display unit 12, in which, for each pixel, the portion where protrusion of protrusion B is formed is represented as a height value or "1" and the portion where it is not drawn is represented as "0." This mask image data may be created, for example, based on image data used when protrusion B is printed by an inkjet printer or the like.

[0036] Display unit 12 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display (OLED, organic light emitting diode display), a vacuum fluorescent display (VFG), electronic paper, a light emitting diode (LED) for displaying a status, etc. In this embodiment, display unit 12 is capable of displaying a plurality of types of contactless communication marks, a payment status, a user selection screen, etc.

[0037] The input unit 13 includes a resistive or capacitive touch panel, a touch pad, a camera, a fingerprint or vein sensor formed on glass, and various other sensors. The input unit 13 acquires input information related to a medium by a user. In this embodiment, an example in which the display unit 12 and the input unit 13 are configured as an integrated touch panel display will be described.

[0038] In this embodiment, the input unit 13 is a touch panel, and when instructed by a user pressing a finger on the display unit 12, the input unit 13 acquires the pressed coordinates (position) and a code associated with the displayed icon as input information. For example, the input unit 13 can acquire information such as a PIN by acquiring numbers, letters, or symbols associated with the positions of the icons as input information. Alternatively, for example, the input unit 13 can acquire data on positions that are continuously pressed, and can also acquire the user's signature as input information.

[0039] The information reading / writing unit 14 is a magnetic head, an IC contact block, and / or an antenna A, etc., that reads and / or writes information (medium information) from and to a medium including the card 2.

[0040] Of these, the magnetic head includes a head that reads and writes magnetic signals from the magnetic stripe 2a of the card 2, an encoding / decoding circuit, and the like. The magnetic head may be an encryption head that reads and writes encrypted magnetic signals. In this embodiment, when the user slides the card 2 along the groove, the magnetic head can read and write medium information, which is magnetic information. Alternatively, the IC contact block includes terminals, mechanisms, and circuits for reading and writing information between the IC chip 2b of the card 2. In this embodiment, the IC contact block contacts the external terminals of the IC chip 2b of the card 2 inserted into the IC insertion portion C to read and write information. Alternatively, the antenna A can perform contactless communication by bringing a contactless medium including the card 2 close to the antenna A.

[0041] [Image display adjustment processing] Next, the image display adjustment process according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In the image display adjustment process according to this embodiment, the visibility of the portion of the image corresponding to the convex portion is adjusted by the card reader 1. At this time, the brightness of the portion of the display unit 12 corresponding to the convex portion and / or the display of the portion corresponding to the refraction of light from the convex portion is adjusted. In the image display adjustment process of this embodiment, the control unit 10 mainly executes a program stored in the storage unit 11 using hardware resources in cooperation with each unit. This image display adjustment process is a process for the control unit 10 to execute the image display method according to this embodiment. The image display adjustment process will be described in detail below for each step with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0042] (Step S101) First, the control unit 10 performs a display start process. In response to an instruction from the higher-level device 3, the control unit 10 causes the display unit 12 to display a PIN input screen, advertisements such as moving images and still images, selection of payment method, payment results, and the like. For this reason, the control unit 10 secures a frame buffer in the RAM of the storage unit 11, reads the image data from the storage unit 11 into the frame buffer, and prepares for drawing (rendering).

[0043] (Step S102) Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the image is one for which visibility adjustment is required. If the image data is a normal video, an externally acquired advertisement, or the like (hereinafter referred to as a "normal image") in which an image layout that avoids the convex portion B is not set, the control unit 10 determines Yes, as visibility adjustment for the convex portion B is necessary. On the other hand, if the image data is an image data (hereinafter referred to as an "adjusted image") in which an image layout that avoids the convex portion B is set in advance, such as a PIN input screen, an advertisement such as a pre-processed video or still image, selection of a payment method, or payment result, the control unit 10 determines No to perform normal rendering. If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 advances the process to step S104. If the answer is No, the control unit 10 advances the process to step S103.

[0044] (Step S103) When normal rendering is performed, the control unit 10 performs normal rendering processing. The control unit 10 performs normal rendering on the adjusted image, since it does not adjust the appearance of the image. The control unit 10 reads out image data of the image stored in the ROM or the like of the storage unit 11, and renders it in the frame buffer.

[0045] Screen example 500-1 in FIG. 4(a) is an example of a PIN entry screen that has undergone normal rendering. In this example, an image of a number, letter, or symbol button is drawn as each icon image. Furthermore, the raised portion of the grid corresponding to the border of the icon in raised portion B may be rendered in black. Additionally, the protrusion in the center of the "5" button image may be rendered with an image that has previously been lowered in brightness.

[0046] (Step S104) When the visibility adjustment is to be performed, the control unit 10 performs the visibility adjustment process. The control unit 10 performs an adjustment process on the normal image to reduce the effect of the convex portion B on the appearance. In this process, first, the control unit 10 reads out the mask image data from the storage unit 11. Furthermore, the control unit 10 reads the image data and renders it in the frame buffer. Then, the control unit 10 determines whether each pixel of the image in the frame buffer corresponds to the convex portion B. For example, the control unit 10 may perform an AND test with the above-mentioned mask image data for the relevant pixel, and if the result is TRUE (1), determine that the pixel corresponds to the convex portion B. On the other hand, the control unit 10 may determine that the pixel does not correspond to the convex portion B in other cases.

[0047] For each pixel in the frame buffer, the control unit 10 adjusts the brightness of the pixel at a location corresponding to the convex portion B of the display unit 12, and / or adjusts the display of the pixel at a location corresponding to the refraction of light at the convex portion B.

[0048] Specifically, when adjusting the brightness of a pixel, the control unit 10 reduces the brightness of each of the colors R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue) of the pixel by, for example, a specific percentage. This specific percentage may be set to a percentage that can suppress scattering of light due to the convexity of the convex portion B, for example, in the range of several percent to several tens of percent, depending on the brightness setting of the backlight or the entire screen of the organic EL or the like of the display unit 12. Furthermore, if the brightness of the entire screen is dynamically changed based on the value of the illuminance sensor, the control unit 10 may dynamically change the percentage by which the brightness is reduced to a value corresponding to this.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may deform the pixels at the location corresponding to the convex portion B in accordance with the refraction of light due to the convex lens shape of the convex portion B. Specifically, even if the location of the pixels at that location is enlarged, the pixels may be deformed so that they appear to have the same shape, thereby adjusting the appearance. Here, if the pixels of each color are arranged in a striped or checkered pattern, the control unit 10 can also change or deform the brightness depending on the difference in position, chromatic aberration, etc. In this case, it is preferable that the control unit 10 adjusts the appearance so that the brightness and color when viewing the display unit 12 from the front are the same as those of the image before adjustment.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may perform this process for each frame on pixels corresponding to these convex portions B, in cases where the image changes over time, such as in a moving image or a signature input screen, or in cases where double buffering is used, etc. In this case, the control unit 10 does not need to make changes to areas where the pixel brightness has not changed.

[0051] Screen example 500-2 in Figure 4(b) shows an example of rendering adjusted to lower the brightness of the grid-shaped convex area corresponding to convex area B, the protrusion in the center of the number "5," and the ○ (confirm), × (cancel), and < (back) symbols.

[0052] (Step S105) Next, the control unit 10 determines whether or not to end the display process. If all images have been displayed, the control unit 10 determines Yes. On the other hand, if all images have not yet been displayed, the control unit 10 determines No. If the answer is Yes, the control unit 10 ends the image display adjustment process. If No, the control unit 10 returns the process to step S102 and continues rendering. This completes the image display adjustment process according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Major Effects of the Present Embodiment] The above configuration can provide the following effects. Traditionally, when using a credit card, etc., a PIN has been required. In particular, in manned POS payment terminals, in some countries, regulations require that the boundaries of each button be clearly visible, and that the number "5" button for number input be provided with a protrusion so that visually impaired people can understand the arrangement of the numbers on the buttons. However, for security reasons, it is not possible to read out the numbers.

[0054] Here, if the PIN input device, which was previously a button type, were changed to a display type, it would be easier to clean the surface, but it would no longer be possible to take into consideration the visually impaired as mentioned above. For this reason, when a resin protrusion or the like is provided, as in the mobile phone of Patent Document 1, the convexity causes diffuse reflection of light, which causes the problem of display degradation, making it difficult to see the image displayed in the convexity. In other words, when the display displays not only the PIN entry screen but also advertisements such as moving images and still images, the selection of payment methods, payment results, etc., the convexity causes diffuse reflection of light, making it difficult to see above the convexity.

[0055] In contrast, (1) the card reader 1 of this embodiment is an input device for acquiring input information related to a medium, and is characterized by comprising a display unit 12 capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information, an input unit 13 that acquires the input information when the position of the icon on the display unit 12 is specified, and a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit 13 and controls the display unit 12, wherein the display unit 12 has a convex portion B formed at a location indicating the boundary position and / or center position of the icon, and the control unit is an input device that adjusts the appearance of the part of the image corresponding to the convex portion B.

[0056] In this way, the card reader 1 is configured such that a convex portion B is formed at the portion indicating the boundary position of multiple icons displayed on the display unit 12 to allow information about the medium to be input, and the control unit includes an image adjustment unit that adjusts the appearance of the image at the portion corresponding to the convex portion B. As a result, even if a protrusion B is formed to accommodate visually impaired people, by adjusting the brightness of the image at the corresponding location, diffused reflection caused by the protrusion B can be suppressed and the displayed image can be made less susceptible to the influence of the protrusion B. Therefore, it is possible to provide an input device that can suppress the influence of the protrusion B that makes it difficult to see the displayed image.

[0057] Furthermore, (2) the card reader 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the input device is the input device described in (1), in which the icon is a symbol image for inputting a numerical value, a character, or a symbol.

[0058] With this configuration, when a button icon is drawn on the display using a symbol image for inputting numbers, letters, or symbols for PIN entry, convex portions B are formed at the borders of the icon or at points indicating the number "5," etc. Therefore, in a display-type input device, even visually impaired people can grasp and recognize the button number arrangement using the convex portions B. In addition, the convex portions B can prevent normal images from becoming difficult to see. This makes it possible to improve display quality while being user-friendly.

[0059] Furthermore, (3) in the card reader 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 10 is an input device as described in (1) or (2) that adjusts the brightness of the part of the display unit 12 corresponding to the convex portion B, and / or adjusts the display of the part corresponding to the refraction of light in the convex portion B.

[0060] With this configuration, when displaying video or still image advertisements, payment method selection, or payment results, the RGB brightness of the convex portion B of the image to be displayed is adjusted, i.e., the brightness is reduced, thereby suppressing diffused reflections and smoothing the appearance of the image. Also, by performing a deformation process on the convex lens portion, it is possible to suppress the sense of incongruity of the convex portion of the convex portion B. These processes make the unevenness relatively hard to see when the display of the payment device is viewed from the front, allowing the user to view advertisements and operate the payment selection screen without feeling uncomfortable.

[0061] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the convex portions B are expressed by forming grid-like convexities on the boundaries of the icons. However, it is also possible to form a square or circular frame around the border of an icon on display unit 12, form a raised square or circle on the icon to indicate the button position, or form Braille, numbers, letters, or symbols directly on the icon. Furthermore, instead of making the frame part protrude as in the above-mentioned raised part B, it is also possible to form the entire icon as a raised part and the frame part as a recessed part.

[0062] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment describes an example in which the protrusions B are formed from inkjet resin, the protrusions and recesses may be expressed by cutting (edging) plastic or glass, or by attaching a transparent member such as a frame or button to the display unit 12. Also, a configuration is possible in which a fluid such as transparent oil is introduced by a pump into a microchannel printed on a protective sheet on the display unit 12, and the protrusions B are dynamically formed only when necessary, such as when a visually impaired person enters a PIN.

[0063] By configuring in this way, it becomes possible to adjust the display in accordance with the durability, usage pattern, etc. of the input device, thereby enabling compatibility with a variety of configurations.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when an adjusted image is displayed, normal rendering processing is performed, and no appearance adjustment is performed. However, even in such a case, the visibility adjustment process may be performed. Alternatively, the visibility adjustment process may be performed only on the protrusion B formed on the "5" button, without adjusting the visibility of the frame of the icon. Furthermore, the image display method and image display adjustment process according to this embodiment may also include the process of creating an adjusted image, i.e., the adjusted image may be automatically generated from mask image data.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an image of the entire keypad is prepared as the adjusted image on the PIN input screen. However, when drawing the icons, the display coordinates, area, etc. of the image of each icon may be changed and rendered so that the layout avoids the convex part of the convex part B. In other words, the icon may be arranged so as to avoid the part of the grid, for example. Furthermore, this process may be dynamically applied to the image acquired from the higher-level device 3.

[0066] By configuring it in this way, even if the design of the icon is changed, it is possible to display it in an easy-to-see manner by avoiding the convex parts of the convex part B. Also, it is possible to deal with changes to the layout of the protective sheet of the convex part B, etc.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the example has been described in which the brightness of the portion of the convex portion B is reduced in accordance with the brightness of the entire screen. However, the visibility of the display may be adjusted depending on the brightness of the entire screen, so that the brightness is lowered only when scattering is noticeable or when visibility is to be improved. For example, when the surroundings are dark and the brightness of the entire screen is low, or when it is daytime and the brightness of the entire screen is increased to a value close to the maximum, the visibility adjustment process may not be performed. Alternatively, when a high-contrast display is provided for visually impaired persons, the visibility adjustment process may not be performed. Furthermore, a process of dynamically adjusting brightness may be executed depending on the brightness of the pixels surrounding the convex portion B in the image, the brightness of the entire image, and the like.

[0068] This configuration makes the image appear more natural, further improving display quality.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the icons include images of symbols for inputting numerical values, characters, or symbols, and in particular include touch button images. However, the input symbols may be pictograms other than numbers, letters, or symbols, and may not be button images themselves. For example, input symbols may include symbols indicating a writing area for signing, an area indicating gesture recognition, an area for fingerprint authentication, a touch area for a non-contact medium, etc.

[0070] This configuration makes it possible to accommodate various inputs related to payments.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example in which a single card reader 1 is used as the input device has been described. However, the processing of this embodiment can also be performed in a card reader integrated with other types of devices, such as a POS device, a ticket vending device, a ticket gate device, or a gate device. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to devices that do not have an information read / write unit 14, such as a standalone PIN pad, as an input device. In this case, it is possible to combine the device with a separate standalone card reader to input a PIN or the like for payment.

[0072] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the display unit 12 is a liquid crystal or organic EL display. However, it is also applicable to flat panel PIN entry devices that include backlighting and rear transmissive image panels.

[0073] This configuration allows for flexible configuration, thereby improving user convenience.

[0074] It goes without saying that the configurations and operations of the above-described embodiments are merely examples and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1 card reader 2 Cards 2a magnetic stripe 2b IC chip 3 Upper device 10 Control Unit 11 Storage section 12 Display section 13 Input section 14 Information Reading and Writing Department 500-1, 500-2 screen example A Antenna B Convex part

Claims

1. An input device for obtaining input information about a medium, comprising: a display unit capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information; an input unit that acquires the position of the icon on the display unit as the input information when the position of the icon on the display unit is designated; a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit and controls the display unit, the display unit has a convex portion formed at a position indicating a boundary position and / or a center position of the icon, The control unit adjusts the appearance of a portion of the image corresponding to the convex portion.

1. An input device comprising:

2. The icon is a symbol image for inputting a number, a character, or a symbol.

2. The input device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit Adjusting the brightness of the portion of the display corresponding to the convex portion, and / or adjusting the display of the portion corresponding to the refraction of light of the convex portion.

2. The input device according to claim 1.

4. 1. An image display method performed by an input device for obtaining input information about a medium, comprising: The input device is a display unit capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information; an input unit that acquires the position of the icon on the display unit as the input information when the position of the icon on the display unit is designated; a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit and controls the display unit, the display unit has a convex portion formed at a position indicating a boundary position and / or a center position of the icon, Adjusting the appearance of the portion of the image corresponding to the convex portion 10. An image display method comprising:

5. A program executed by an input device for obtaining input information related to a medium, The input device is a display unit capable of displaying an image including an icon for inputting the input information; an input unit that acquires the position of the icon on the display unit as the input information when the position of the icon on the display unit is designated; a control unit that acquires the input information from the input unit and controls the display unit, the display unit has a convex portion formed at a position indicating a boundary position and / or a center position of the icon, The control unit adjusting the appearance of the portion of the image corresponding to the convex portion; A program characterized by:

Images