Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

This invention provides an information processing device that can perform multiple map-related processes sequentially, even for processes that are limited by the range of a touch panel. [Solution] The system includes a display 2 for displaying a map, a touch panel 1 for detecting the nature of operations related to the map, and a processing unit 3 that, when a single-point touch operation is detected followed by a series of tracing operations, performs a search process associated with the tracing operation, and when a two-point touch operation is detected after the tracing operation is detected, and then a tracing operation is detected after the two-point touch operation is detected, performs a scrolling process associated with the two-point touch operation and related to the map.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of information processing apparatuses, information processing methods, and information processing programs. More specifically, it belongs to the technical field of information processing apparatuses and information processing methods for performing processes related to maps, and programs for information processing apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, for example, in portable information terminal devices and so-called smartphones, it has become common to perform operations using a touch panel arranged on the surface of the display screen. As an example of the prior art related to such operations, there is the technology described in Patent Document 1 below.

[0003] In the technology described in this Patent Document 1, by tracing a road or the like included in a map displayed under the touch panel with a finger, the traced road is set as a route for navigation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the technology described in the above Patent Document 1, a route can only be set within the map displayed within the range of the touch panel. When setting a route outside the range of the touch panel, for example, it is necessary to expand the range of the displayed map by changing the scale of the displayed map or the like. And in this case, if the scale is increased, for example, although the display range as a map expands, the road itself selected as the route becomes very small, making it difficult to trace it and resulting in the problem that route setting cannot be performed smoothly.

[0006] Therefore, this application was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one example of the problem is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program for the information processing device that can perform multiple map-related processes in succession, even if the processing is subject to the limitations of the touch panel's range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1 includes: a display unit for displaying a map; a detection unit for detecting the manner of operation related to the map; a processing unit for performing a selection process to select a series of positions on the map corresponding to a one-point touch finger tracing operation, or a scrolling process to scroll the map in accordance with the finger performing the tracing operation; and a control unit that, if the end of the one-point touch finger contact is detected during the selection process, causes the processing unit to perform a predetermined process relating to the series of positions on the map selected up to the end; and, if a two-point touch is detected during the selection process, switches from the selection process to the scrolling process and causes the processing unit to perform the scrolling process.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 8 is an information processing method performed in an information processing apparatus equipped with a display unit for displaying a map, comprising: a detection step in which a detection unit detects the manner of operation related to the map; a processing step in which a processing unit performs at least a selection process for selecting a continuous position on the map corresponding to a one-point touch finger tracing operation, or a scrolling process for scrolling the map in accordance with the finger performing the tracing operation; and a control step in which, if the end of the one-point touch finger contact is detected during the selection process, the control unit causes the processing unit to perform a predetermined process relating to the continuous position on the map selected up to the end; and if a two-point touch is detected during the selection process, the control unit switches from the selection process to the scrolling process and causes the processing unit to perform the scrolling process.

[0009] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 9 provides a computer included in an information processing apparatus equipped with a display unit for displaying a map, which functions as a detection means for detecting the manner of operation related to the map, a processing means for performing at least a selection process for selecting a continuous position on the map corresponding to a one-point touch finger tracing operation, or a scrolling process for scrolling the map in accordance with the finger performing the tracing operation, and a control means for causing the processing unit to perform a predetermined process relating to the continuous position on the map selected up to the end of the one-point touch operation if the end of the one-point touch finger contact is detected during the selection process, and for switching from the selection process to the scrolling process and causing the processing unit to perform the scrolling process if a two-point touch is detected during the selection process.

[0010] To solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 10 includes: a display unit that displays a map; a processing unit that performs a selection process to select a series of positions on the map corresponding to a finger tracing operation in a first operating mode, or a scrolling process that scrolls the map in accordance with the finger performing the tracing operation; and a control unit that, if the finger contact in the first operating mode ends during the selection process, causes the processing unit to perform a predetermined process relating to the series of positions selected up to that point, and if a second operating mode is started during the selection process, causes the processing unit to perform the scrolling process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the outline configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the outline configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure (I) shows examples of screens in operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing the first example, (b) is a diagram showing the second example, and (c) is a diagram showing the third example. [Figure 5]Figure (II) shows an example screen of the operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a figure showing the fourth example and (b) is a figure showing the fifth example. [Figure 6] Figure (III) shows examples of screens in operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a figure showing the sixth example, (b) is a figure showing the seventh example, and (c) is a figure showing the eighth example. [Figure 7] Figure (IV) shows an example screen of the operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a figure showing the ninth example and (b) is a figure showing the tenth example. [Figure 8] The following is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment, where (a) is the flowchart and (b) is a diagram showing an example of the screen during the operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure (I) shows examples of screens in operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a diagram showing the first example, (b) is a diagram showing the second example, and (c) is a diagram showing the third example. [Figure 11] Figure (II) shows an example screen of the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a figure showing the fourth example and (b) is a figure showing the fifth example. [Figure 12] Figure (III) shows an example screen of the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment, where (a) is a figure showing the sixth example and (b) is a figure showing the seventh example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Next, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the information processing device S according to this embodiment is composed of a detection means 1, a display means 2, a first processing means 3, and a second processing means 4.

[0014] In this configuration, the display means 2 displays a map. And the detection means 1 detects the mode of operation related to the map displayed on the display means 2.

[0015] And after an operation by the first operation mode is detected, when a continuous operation is detected, the first processing means 3 performs a first process associated with the continuous operation and related to the map displayed on the display means 2.

[0016] Next, after the detection of a continuous operation, when an operation by a second operation mode different from the first operation mode is detected, and further when a continuous operation is detected after the operation by the second operation mode is detected, the second processing means 4 starts a second process different from the first process, which is associated with the operation by the second operation mode and related to the map displayed on the display means 2.

[0017] As described above, according to the operation of the information processing apparatus S according to the embodiment, when a continuous operation is detected after an operation by the first operation mode is detected, the first process associated with the continuous operation is performed. And after the detection of the continuous operation, when an operation by the second operation mode is detected, and further when a continuous operation is detected after the operation by the second operation mode is detected, the second process associated with the operation by the second operation mode and the subsequent continuous operation is performed. Therefore, since the first process and the second process are automatically switched at the boundary of the operation by the second operation mode, for example, even if the first process is a process that is subject to restrictions on the size of the area to be used for the operation, the second process can be continued continuously after the first process.

Example

[0018] Next, specific embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described above will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 12. Each embodiment described below is an example where the embodiments are applied to an information processing device equipped with a display such as a liquid crystal display with a touch panel on its surface. Examples of such information processing devices include smartphones, navigation devices, or portable information terminals.

[0019] (I) First Example First, a first embodiment according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 7. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the information processing device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device. Figures 4 to 7 are diagrams showing examples of screens in the operation of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. In Figure 2, the same component number as the component in the information processing device S according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is used for each component in the embodiment.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device S according to the first embodiment, which is an example of an information processing device S according to the embodiment, comprises a display 2 as an example of a display means 2 according to the embodiment, a touch panel 1 as an example of a detection means 1 according to the embodiment provided on the display surface of the display 2, a processing unit 3 corresponding to an example of a first processing means 3 and an example of a second processing means 4 according to the embodiment, and an example of a "search means" according to the present application, respectively, a display control unit 5, and a touch detection unit 6.

[0021] In this configuration, the touch detection unit 6 and the touch panel 1 detect the position of a person's finger or the tip of a stylus pen (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as "finger") that is in contact with the surface of the touch panel 1, and the number of fingers in contact at the same time, and output the detection results to the processing unit 3.

[0022] Meanwhile, the display control unit 5, under the control of the processing unit 3, displays the image to be displayed on the display 2 on the display 2 so that it can be viewed through the touch panel 1.

[0023] As a result, the processing unit 3 controls not only the normal processing as an information processing device S using the display 2 and touch panel 1, but also the operations according to the first embodiment described below.

[0024] Next, the operation of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment, using the touch panel 1, will be specifically explained with reference to Figures 3 to 7. In the operation according to the first embodiment described below, touching the touch panel 1 with only one finger is referred to as a "single-point touch," and touching it with two fingers simultaneously is referred to as a "two-point touch." The touch panel 1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called multi-touch compatible touch panel 1, and is configured to detect the contact position and the number of fingers simultaneously in contact with the panel, even when multiple fingers are touching it at the same time.

[0025] Furthermore, in the operation of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment described below, by combining the one-point touch and two-point touch described above, the scrolling of the map displayed on the display 2 and route searching via the roads on the map are performed.

[0026] That is, as shown in Figure 3, in the operation according to the first embodiment, the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 initially operate in scroll mode to scroll the map displayed on the display 2 (step S1). The operation of this scroll mode itself is the same as in the conventional method.

[0027] Next, the processing unit 3 monitors whether a one-point touch or a two-point touch has been performed on the touch panel 1 (step S2). If a one-point touch is detected in step S2 (step S2; one-point), the processing unit 3 continues to operate the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 in scroll mode. Then, if the touch panel 1 is traced by a finger while the one-point touch is still being performed, the processing unit 3 scrolls the map displayed on the display 2 in accordance with the movement of the finger (step S3), and then proceeds to the process in step S1. In the case of the scrolling process in step S3, the scroll mode continues even if the finger is lifted from the touch panel midway through.

[0028] On the other hand, if a two-point touch is detected during monitoring in step S2 (step S2; two points), the processing unit 3 switches the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 from scroll mode to search mode for performing the above-mentioned path search (step S4), and displays this fact on the display 2 via display D, which will be described later, to let the user know (step S5).

[0029] Next, after transitioning to the search mode, the processing unit 3 monitors whether either a one-point touch or a two-point touch has been performed on the touch panel 1 (step S6). If a one-point touch is detected in the monitoring in step S6 (step S6; one-point), the processing unit 3 selects a road or the like on the map corresponding to the movement of the finger that traced the touch panel 1 while the one-point touch was maintained as the route to be searched (step S7), and then monitors whether the finger performing the one-point touch has left the touch panel 1 (step S8). If the determination in step S8 is that the one-point touch is continuing (step S8; NO), the processing unit 3 returns to step S6 and continues the monitoring. On the other hand, if the monitoring in step S8 detects that the finger that was performing the one-point touch has left the touch panel 1 (step S8; YES), the processing unit 3 searches for a route using the position where the finger left as the endpoint (destination point) of the route (step S9), and ends the operation according to the first embodiment by displaying the search result, etc.

[0030] On the other hand, if a two-point touch is newly detected during the monitoring in step S6 (step S6; two points), the processing unit 3 switches the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 from the search mode to the scroll mode (step S10), and displays this fact on the display D on the display 2 to make the user aware of it (step S11). After that, the processing unit 3 proceeds to the process in step S1.

[0031] Next, specific display examples when the operation according to the first embodiment described using Figure 3 is performed will be explained using Figures 4 to 7.

[0032] First, as illustrated in Figure 4(a), when the processing unit 3 and touch panel 1 are operating in the scroll mode described above, if a two-point touch, including touch P1 and touch P2, is performed with the fingers of hand H at any location on the map displayed on touch panel 1 (see step S2 in Figure 3; see two points), the processing unit 3 and touch panel 1 will display a message D on display 2 indicating that they are switching to search mode (see steps S4 and S5 in Figure 3), as illustrated in Figure 4(b), and will then operate in search mode as illustrated in Figure 4(c).

[0033] Then, in this state, as illustrated in Figure 5(a), when a single-point touch is made by touching P1 and a road or other object on the map is traced, that road or other object is selected as a route (see step S7 in Figure 3), and when the finger is lifted (step S8 in Figure 3; YES), the route R is automatically set as illustrated in Figure 5(b) (see step S9 in Figure 3).

[0034] In contrast, in the state illustrated in Figure 4(c), if a two-point touch including touch P1 and touch P2 is performed at any location on the map displayed on the touch panel 1 as illustrated in Figure 6(a) (see step S6 in Figure 3; two points), the processing unit 3 and the touch panel 1, etc., execute a display D on the display 2 indicating that they are switching to scroll mode, as illustrated in Figure 6(b) (see steps S10 and S11 in Figure 3), and begin operating in scroll mode, as illustrated in Figure 6(c). In this state, if a one-point touch is performed by touch P1 at any location on the map displayed on the touch panel 1 as illustrated in Figure 7(a) (see step S2 in Figure 3; one point), the map will scroll in accordance with the tracing movement by touch P1, as illustrated in Figure 7(b) (see step S3 in Figure 3).

[0035] As explained above, according to the operation of the information processing device S of the first embodiment, when a swiping operation is detected after a one-point touch operation, the device switches to either the search mode or the scroll mode associated with the swiping operation. Then, when a two-point touch operation is detected after the detection of the swiping operation, and a swiping operation is detected again after the detection of the two-point touch operation, the device switches to the other of the search mode or the scroll mode associated with the two-point touch operation and the subsequent swiping operation. Therefore, since the search mode and scroll mode are automatically switched at the boundary of the two-point touch operation, even if, for example, scrolling is constrained by the size of the touch panel 1, it is possible to transition continuously from scroll mode to search mode.

[0036] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 4(b) or Figure 6(b), a message indicating that the mode has been switched is displayed, making it easy to recognize that the mode has been switched.

[0037] Furthermore, the device switches between explore mode and scroll mode with a two-finger touch, allowing users to continuously switch between these modes.

[0038] Furthermore, since scrolling or route selection is performed with a single touch, scrolling and other actions can be executed without complex operations.

[0039] Furthermore, since mode switching is performed using one-point and two-point touches with the fingers of hand H, the switching of each node can be accurately recognized.

[0040] Furthermore, in search mode, the device automatically starts searching for a path when you release your finger (see step S8 in Figure 3; YES), making it easy to perform pathfinding.

[0041] (II) Second Example Next, a second embodiment, which is another embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, since the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the second embodiment is basically the same as that of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment, the following description will use the same component numbers as those of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment to explain the operation of the information processing device according to the second embodiment. Also, in the flowchart shown in Figure 8(a), for operations similar to those of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, the same step numbers will be used and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0042] In the information processing device S according to the first embodiment described above, the search mode and scroll mode are switched by a two-point touch operation. However, in the second embodiment described below, the search mode, which searches for the area around the vehicle's position, and the scroll mode are switched by a two-point touch operation.

[0043] In other words, the operation of the information processing device S according to the second embodiment is as illustrated in Figure 8(a), first, the operations of steps S1 to S3 of the operation of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment are performed. Then, if a two-point touch is detected during the monitoring in step S2 (step S2; two points), the processing unit 3 switches the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 from scroll mode to the search mode (step S13), and displays this fact on the display 2 using display D, which will be described later, to make the user aware of it (step S14).

[0044] Next, after transitioning to search mode, the processing unit 3 monitors whether either a one-point touch or a two-point touch has been performed on the touch panel 1 (step S6). If a one-point touch is detected in the monitoring in step S6 (step S6; one-point), the processing unit 3 sets the area on the map corresponding to the movement of the finger as the area to be searched, assuming that the touch panel 1 is traced by the finger while the one-point touch is still being performed (step S15), and then monitors whether the finger performing the one-point touch has left the touch panel 1 (step S8). If the determination in step S8 is that the one-point touch is still being performed (step S8; NO), the processing unit 3 returns to step S6 and continues the monitoring. On the other hand, if the monitoring in step S8 detects that the finger that was performing the one-point touch has left the touch panel 1 (step S8; YES), the processing unit 3 performs a surrounding search based on the position where the finger left (step S16), and terminates the operation according to the second embodiment by displaying the search results, etc.

[0045] On the other hand, if a two-point touch is newly detected during the monitoring in step S6 (step S6; two points), the processing unit 3 switches the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 from search mode to the scroll mode (step S17), and displays this fact on display D on the display 2 to make the user aware of it (step S18). After that, the processing unit 3 proceeds to the process in step S1.

[0046] When the operation of the information processing device S according to this second embodiment is performed, for example as illustrated in Figure 8(b), the search results within the area traced by a single-point touch centered on the current location PP (see step S15 in Figure 8(a)) (in Figure 8(b), the roughly trapezoidal area represented as a collection of parking marks ("P" marks) centered on the current location PP) are displayed on the display 2 (as parking marks in Figure 8(b)) (see step S16 in Figure 8(a)). In this search mode, when a point on the map is touched by a single-point touch, the device may be configured to display detailed information about a facility or intersection at the touched location.

[0047] As explained above, the operation of the information processing device S according to the second embodiment provides the same effects as the operation of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment, by switching between the search mode and the scroll mode at the boundary of a two-point touch operation. This allows the search process and the scroll process to be executed continuously, and enables convenient search processing even when the area used for operation is small.

[0048] (III) Third Example Finally, a third embodiment, which is another embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment, and Figures 10 to 12 are diagrams showing example screens in the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment. Furthermore, since the hardware configuration of the information processing device according to the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment, the following description will use the same component numbers as the information processing device S according to the first embodiment to explain the operation of the information processing device according to the third embodiment.

[0049] In the information processing device S according to the first embodiment described above, the search mode and scroll mode are switched by a two-point touch operation. However, in the third embodiment described below, the scroll mode is executed using a two-point touch operation, while the search mode is executed using a one-point touch operation.

[0050] That is, as shown in Figure 9, in the operation according to the third embodiment, when any position on the touch panel 1 is touched first (step S20), the processing unit 3 determines whether the touch is a one-point touch or a two-point touch (step S21). If the determination in step S21 is that it was a one-point touch (step S21; one-point), the processing unit 3 operates the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 in search mode, and displays this to the user via display D on the display 2 to make the user aware of it (step S22), and further confirms the position traced by the one-point touch (step S23). Next, the processing unit 3 determines whether or not any operation has occurred (step S24), and if the one-point touch operation is continuing (step S24; continuing), it selects a road or the like on the map corresponding to the movement of the finger as the route to be searched (step S25), and then searches for a route with the position where the finger performing the one-point touch has left the touch panel 1 as the end point of the route (destination point) (step S26), and ends the operation according to the third embodiment by displaying the search result, etc. On the other hand, if a two-point touch operation is newly performed in the determination in step S24 (step S24; two points), the processing unit 3 proceeds to the operation of step S27, which will be described later.

[0051] On the other hand, if the determination in step S21 indicates a two-point touch (step S21; two points), the processing unit 3 operates the touch panel 1 and the touch detection unit 6 in scroll mode, and displays this to the user via display D on the display 2 to make the user aware of it (step S27), and further confirms the position traced by the two-point touch (step S28). Next, the processing unit 3 determines whether or not any operation has occurred (step S29), and if the two-point touch operation is continuing (step S29; continuing), it scrolls the map corresponding to the movement of the finger (step S30), and then, when the finger performing the two-point touch leaves the touch panel 1 (step S31), it terminates the scroll mode. On the other hand, if the determination in step S29 indicates that a new one-point touch operation has been performed (step S29; one point), the processing unit 3 proceeds to the operation in step S22.

[0052] Next, specific display examples when the operation according to the third embodiment described with reference to Figure 9 is performed will be explained using Figures 10 to 12.

[0053] First, as illustrated in Figure 10(a), when the processing unit 3 and the touch panel 1 are operating in the above-mentioned search mode, if a single-point touch including a touch P1 is made with a finger of hand H at any location on the map displayed on the touch panel 1 (see Figure 9 step S21; see single point), and as illustrated in Figure 10(b), a road or the like on the map is traced while the single-point touch P1 is made, the road or the like is selected as a route (see Figure 9 step S25), and when the finger is lifted, the route R is automatically set as illustrated in Figure 10(c) (see Figure 9 step S26).

[0054] In contrast, in the state illustrated in Figure 10(b), if a two-point touch including touch P1 and touch P2 is performed at any location on the map displayed on the touch panel 1 as illustrated in Figure 11(a) (see step S24 in Figure 9; see two points), the processing unit 3 and the touch panel 1, etc., will display a message D on the display 2 indicating that they have switched to scroll mode, as illustrated in Figure 11(b) (see step S27 in Figure 9), and will operate in scroll mode as illustrated in Figure 12(a). In this state, if a one-point touch is performed by touch P1 as illustrated in Figure 12(b) (see step S29 in Figure 9; see one point), the system will return to the original search mode as illustrated in Figure 12(b) (see step S22 in Figure 9).

[0055] As explained above, the operation of the information processing device S according to the third embodiment allows the scroll mode to be executed by a series of two-point touch operations, based on the same effects as those achieved by the operation of the information processing device S according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the map can be scrolled without complex operations.

[0056] Furthermore, it is also possible to record a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in Figure 3, Figure 8(a), or Figure 9 on a recording medium such as a flexible disk or hard disk, or to obtain it via a network such as the Internet, and then read and execute it on a general-purpose microcomputer, thereby making the microcomputer function as the processing unit 3 according to the embodiment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Detection means (touch panel) 2. Display means (display) 3. First processing means (processing unit) 4. Second processing means 5 Display Control Unit 6 Touch detection unit S Information Processing Device P1, P2 Touch H hand D display R path

Claims

[Claim 1] A means of displaying a map, A detection means for detecting the mode of operation related to the displayed map, When a successive operation is detected after the operation in the first operating mode has been detected, a first processing means performs a first processing associated with the successive operations and related to the displayed map, After the detection of the aforementioned consecutive operations, if an operation in a second operation mode different from the first operation mode is detected, and then a consecutive operation is detected after the detection of the operation in the second operation mode, a second processing means starts a second processing that is associated with the operation in the second operation mode and related to the displayed map, and is different from the first processing. An information processing device characterized by comprising:

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