Display apparatus for controlling display of images based on detected touch operations

A display apparatus includes a number-of-touches detecting unit, a first touch-area detecting unit and a first switching control unit. The number-of-touches detecting unit detects the number of touch operations when a user performs a plurality of touch operations on a touch panel. The first touch-area detecting unit detects areas, including touch positions of the plurality of touch operations, from a plurality of areas into which the touch panel is partitioned. The first switching control unit controls switching display, based on the number of detected touch operations and the detected areas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-117912, filed on Jun. 11, 2015, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display apparatus and a display method.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, there is known a display apparatus having an operation unit enabling a user to perform speed adjustment such as fast forwarding, rewinding, and slow motion reproduction in reproducing videos. The operation unit includes keys or dials of hardware. However, the operation unit is provided separately from a video display unit, and thus hinders the display apparatus from being downsized.

For this reason, there are disclosed a technology for controlling the speed of video reproduction according to the direction and speed of a slide operation on a touch panel as disclosed in JP-A-2004-104594, and a technology for semi-transparently displaying a plurality of reproduction speeds on the display of a video such that a user can recognize the relation between positions on a touch panel and the reproduction speeds, as disclosed in JP-A-2010-176575.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

(1) A display apparatus includes a touch panel, a display unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: perform switching display for switching an image displayed on the display unit to another image, based on touch operations of a user on the touch panel; detect the number of touch operations when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel; detect areas, including touch positions of the plurality of touch operations, from a plurality of areas into which the touch panel is partitioned; and control the switching display, based on the number of detected touch operations and the detected areas.

(10) A display apparatus includes a touch panel; a display unit and a processor. The processor is configured to: perform switching display for switching an image displayed on the display unit to another image, based on touch operations of a user on the touch panel; detect each area, including each touch position of a plurality of touch operations which the user performs on the touch panel, from a plurality of areas into which the touch panel is partitioned; and control the switching display based on the plurality of detected areas.

(16) A display method using a display apparatus which performs switching display for switching an image displayed on a display unit to another image based on touch operations of a user on a touch panel, includes: detecting the number of touch operations when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel; detecting areas, including touch positions of the plurality of touch operations, from a plurality of areas into which the touch panel is partitioned; and controlling the switching display, based on the number of detected touch operations and the detected areas.

(17) A display method using a display apparatus which performs switching display for switching an image displayed on a display unit to another image based on touch operations of a user on a touch panel, includes: detecting each area, including each touch position of a plurality of touch operations which the user performs on the touch panel, from a plurality of areas into which the touch panel is partitioned; and controlling the switching display based on the plurality of detected areas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, with respect to the present invention, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to examples shown in the drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a rough configuration of a display apparatus100of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, the display apparatus100of the first embodiment specifically includes a central control unit1, a memory2, an image recording unit3, a display unit4, an operation input unit5, and an operation processing unit6.

Also, the central control unit1, the memory2, the image recording unit3, the display unit4, the operation input unit5, and the operation processing unit6are connected to one another through a bus line7.

The central control unit1is for controlling the individual units of the display apparatus100. Specifically, the central control unit1includes a processor (a central processing unit) and like (not shown), and performs various control operations according to various processing programs (not shown) for the display apparatus100.

The memory2may be configured by a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or the like, and temporarily stores data and the like to be processed by the central control unit1, the operation processing unit6, and so on.

The image recording unit3may be composed of a solid state drive (SSD), and in the image recording unit, image data on still images and videos encoded in a predetermined compression format (such as a JPEG format or a MPEG format) by an image processing unit (not shown) are recorded.

Also, image data recorded in the image recording unit3may be image data acquired by an imaging unit (not shown) of the display apparatus100, and may be image data acquired by an external imaging apparatus (not shown) and transmitted to the display apparatus100and recorded in the image recording unit3.

Also, the image recording unit3may be configured such that a recording medium (not shown) can be loaded to and unloaded from the image recording unit, and the image recording unit can control reading of data from a loaded recording medium and writing of data onto a recording medium.

The display unit4displays images on the display screen of a display panel4a.

In other words, the display unit4displays designated images on the display screen of the display panel (a display unit)4abased on image data having a predetermined size and decoded by the image processing unit (not shown). Also, the display unit4reproduces videos read from the image recording unit3at a predetermined reproduction frame rate (for example, 30 fps) under control of a first switching control unit6c(to be described below) of the operation processing unit6, as will be described below.

Also, the display panel4ais composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel, but is not limited to those examples.

The operation input unit5is for performing predetermined operations on the display apparatus100. Specifically, the operation input unit5includes a power button related to an operation for turning on or off a power supply, selection determination buttons related to selection instructions of various modes, functions, and so on, etc (all of which are not shown).

Therefore, if various buttons are operated by a user, the operation input unit5outputs operation instructions according to the operated buttons, to the central control unit1. The central control unit1performs control according to the operation instructions input from the operation input unit5such that the individual units perform predetermined operations (for example, video reproduction).

Also, the operation input unit5includes a touch panel5aprovided integrally with the display panel4aof the display unit4.

The touch panel5adetects the positions of direct or indirect touches of user's fingers (hands), touch pens, and the like on a display screen forming the display area of the display panel4a. In other words, the touch panel5amay be provided on the display screen of the display panel4aor may be provided on the inner side from the display screen, and detects the X and Y coordinates of the positions of touches on the display screen at predetermined sampling intervals by various systems such as an electrostatic capacity system, a resistive film system, and an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave system. Then, the touch panel5aoutputs position signals related to the X and Y coordinates of the positions of touches, to the operation processing unit6.

Also, the touch panel5ais partitioned into a plurality of areas in a predetermined state such as a state where video reproduction is being performed (seeFIGS. 2A and 2B).

For example, in a case where the touch panel5ais equally portioned into two areas as shown inFIG. 2A, a first area A1and a second area A2are provided on the right side and the left side, respectively, as seen from a user facing the touch panel. Meanwhile, for example, in a case where the touch panel5ais equally partitioned into four areas as shown inFIG. 2B, a first area A1, a second area A2, a third area A3, and a fourth area A4are provided on the upper right side, the upper left side, the lower right side, and the lower left side, respectively, as seen from a user facing the touch panel.

Also, the areas shown inFIGS. 2A and 2Bare examples of a plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned, and the number, shapes, arrangement, and the like of areas into which the touch panel is partitioned can be appropriately and arbitrarily changed. For example, the number of areas may be an odd number, and the shapes, areas, and so on of the plurality of areas may be set so as to be different from one another.

Also, the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned is associated with different switching directions, respectively, for example, in a switching display process which is performed by the first switching control unit6c(to be described below) of the operation processing unit6.

Here, for example, in a case where a display object is a video, the switching directions mean advance directions of a plurality of frame images constituting the video, and examples thereof include a forward direction and a backward direction.

Specifically, for example, in the case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into two areas of the first area A1and the second area A2(seeFIG. 2A), the forward direction is associated as a switching direction with the first area A1, and the backward direction is associated as a switching direction with the second area A2. Also, as will be described below, in the switching display process which is performed by the first switching control unit6c, the speed of frame image switching is controlled according to the number of touch operations on the individual areas of the touch panel5a, and the first area A1is associated with a “FAST FORWARDING” mode for switching frame images forward at a speed higher than a normal switching speed, and the second area A2is associated with a “FAST REWINDING” mode for switching frame images backward in a speed higher than the normal switching speed.

Meanwhile, for example, in the case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into four areas of the first to fourth areas A1to A4(seeFIG. 2B), the forward direction is associated as a switching direction with the first area A1and the third area A3, and the backward direction is associated as a switching direction with the second area A2and the fourth area A4. Also, as described above, in the switching display process which is performed by the first switching control unit6c, the first area A1is associated with the “FAST FORWARDING” mode for switching frame images forward at the speed higher than the normal switching speed, and the second area A2is associated with the “FAST REWINDING” mode for switching frame images backward at the speed higher than the normal switching speed, and the third area A3is associated with a “SLOW FORWARDING” mode for switching frame images forward at a speed lower than the normal switching speed, and the fourth area A4is associated with a “SLOW REWINDING” mode for switching frame images backward at a speed lower than the normal switching speed.

Also,FIGS. 2A and 2Bschematically show examples of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5aprovided integrally with the display panel4ais partitioned, and broken lines shown as the boundaries between the areas inFIGS. 2A and 2B, and words “FAST FORWARDING”, “FAST REWINDING”, “SLOW FORWARDING”, and “SLOW REWINDING” shown inFIGS. 2A and 2Bare not actually displayed on the display panel4a.

The operation processing unit6includes a number-of-touches detecting unit6a, a first touch-area detecting unit6b, and the first switching control unit6c.

Also, each unit of the operation processing unit6is composed of, for example, a predetermined block circuit; however, this configuration is an example, and the operation processing unit is not limited thereto.

The number-of-touches detecting unit (a number detecting unit)6adetects the number of a plurality of touch operations. The plurality of touch operations are include simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations, which are performed on the touch panel5aby the user.

Here, simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations, which are performed on the touch panel5aby the user, indicate a sequence of touch operations related to each other. In short, the number of simultaneous touch operations, the number of touch operations having time intervals, and the like are not restricted, and the number of simultaneous touch operations may be one or more, and the number of touch operations having time intervals may be one or more. In other words, examples of simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations include simultaneous touch operations which are performed at a plurality of touch positions on the touch panel5aby the user, and touch operations which are performed at a plurality of positions on the touch panel5aby the user and in which one touch position (for example, a touch position included in the first area A1) of the touch positions is kept at the touch state while the other touch position (for example, a touch position included in the second area A2) is released from the touch state and then returns to the touch state.

Also, simultaneous touch operations which are performed on the touch panel5ainclude touch operations which are performed at individual touch positions on the touch panel5aat a time interval by the user, in a case where touch states of the touch positions can be simultaneously secured (can be detected and recognized). In other words, touch operations which are performed at individual touch positions on the touch panel5aat a time interval by the user can considered as simultaneous touch operations as long as simultaneous touches of the user on the touch positions of the touch panel5acan be secured.

In a case where the user performs simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations on the touch panel5a, the number-of-touches detecting unit6aacquires a position signal related to the X and Y coordinates of a touch position output from the touch panel5awhenever a touch operation is performed on the touch panel5a, and detects the number of touch operations based on the acquired position signals. Specifically, for example, in a case of acquiring a position signal related to one pair of X and Y coordinates of the touch panel5a, the number-of-touches detecting unit6adetects that the user has performed a touch operation on one position of the touch panel5aand the number of touch operations is 1. Meanwhile, for example, in a case of acquiring position signals related to a plurality of (for example, two) different pairs of X and Y coordinates of the touch panel5a, the number-of-touches detecting unit6adetects that the user has performed touch operations on a plurality of different positions (for example, two positions) of the touch panel5aand the number of touch operations is two or more (for example, 2).

Here, detection of the number-of-touches detecting unit6aon the number of touch operations is performed, for example, in a period when the number-of-touches detecting unit continuously acquires position signals based on continuous touch operations of the user on the touch panel5a, or a predetermined period from when the number-of-touches detecting unit acquires a position signal based on the first touch operation of the user on the touch panel5a.

The first touch-area detecting unit (an area detecting unit)6bdetects areas, including the touch positions subjected to individual touches of simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations of the user, of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned.

In other words, if the user performs simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations on the touch panel5a, the first touch-area detecting unit6bacquires position signals related to the X and Y coordinates of the touch positions output from the touch panel5a, and detects areas, where the acquired position signals are included, of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Specifically, for example, in a case of acquiring a position signal related to one pair of X and Y coordinates of the touch panel5a, the first touch-area detecting unit6bdetects one area (for example, the first area A1) where the acquired position signal is included. Meanwhile, for example, in a case of acquiring position signals related to a plurality of (for example, two) different pairs of X and Y coordinates of the touch panel5a, the first touch-area detecting unit6bdetects a plurality of areas (for example, the first area A1and the second area A2) where the acquired individual position signals are included, respectively.

Here, touch area detection of the first touch-area detecting unit6bis performed, for example, in a period when the first touch-area detecting unit continuously acquires position signals based on continuous touch operations of the user on the touch panel5a, or a predetermined period from when the first touch-area detecting unit acquires a position signal based on the first touch operation of the user on the touch panel5a.

The first switching control unit6ccontrols reproduction of a video displayed on the display unit4, that is, switching display of a plurality of frame images constituting the corresponding video.

In other words, the operation processing unit6includes, for example, a video random access memory (VRAM), a VRAM controller, a digital video encoder, and so on (all of which are not shown). In this configuration, the digital video encoder reads a luminance signal Y and color-difference signals Cb and Cr decoded by the image processing unit (not shown) and recorded in the VRAM, from the VRAM through the VRAM controller, at a predetermined reproduction frame rate (for example, 30 fps), and generates a video signal based on data on those signals, and outputs the video signal to the display panel4aof the display unit4.

In this case, the first switching control unit (a control unit)6ccontrols switching display for switching a frame image displayed on the display panel4ato another frame image (a switching display process), based on the number of touch operations detected by the number-of-touches detecting unit6a, and areas of touch panel5adetected by the first touch-area detecting unit6b. For example, in a case where one area (for example, the first area A1) is detected by the first touch-area detecting unit6b, the first switching control unit6cperforms control for adjusting the switching speed for switching a plurality of frame images constituting the video in a switching direction (for example, the forward direction) associated with the detected area, according to the number of touch operations detected by the number-of-touches detecting unit6a.

For example, as shown inFIG. 3A, in the case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into two areas of the first area A1and the second area A2, in a case where a touch area of the user is the first area A1, if the number of touches is “1”, a “FORWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images forward at 1× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “2”, a “FORWARD 2× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images forward at 2× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “3”, a “FORWARD 3× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images forward at 3× speed is performed. Also, in a case where a touch area of the user is the second area A2, if the number of touches is “1”, a “BACKWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images backward at 1× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “2”, a “BACKWARD 2× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images backward at 2× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “3”, a “BACKWARD 3× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images backward at 3× speed is performed.

Also, for example, as shown inFIG. 3bB, in a case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into four areas of the first to fourth areas A1to A4, if touch areas of are the first area A1and the second area A2, the same processes as those inFIG. 3Adescribed above are performed. Also, in a case where a touch area of the user is the third area A3, if the number of touches is “1”, a “FORWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images forward at 1× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “2”, a “FORWARD ½× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images forward at ½× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “3”, a “FORWARD ⅓× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images forward at ⅓× speed is performed. Also, in a case where a touch area of the user is the fourth area A4, if the number of touches is “1”, a “BACKWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images backward at 1× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “2”, a “BACKWARD ½× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images backward at ½× speed is performed, and if the number of touches is “3”, a “BACKWARD ⅓× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process for switching frame images backward at ⅓× speed is performed.

Also, the switching speed adjustment described above is performed, for example, only in a period when the user touches the touch panel5a. After touching finishes, returning to forward reproduction at 1× speed may be performed, or even after touching finishes, the image switching speed adjusted according to the number of touch operations may be kept. Whether to perform returning to forward 1× speed reproduction or keep the adjusted switching speed can be appropriately and arbitrarily selected by the user.

Also, as an example of a specific method of adjusting the switching speed, setting of a reproduction frame rate or a decimation rate can be taken. However, setting of a reproduction frame rate or a decimation rate is a known technology, and thus a detailed description thereof will not be made.

Also, for example, in a case where a plurality of areas (for example, the first area A1and the second area A2) is detected by the first touch-area detecting unit6b, the first switching control unit6ccontrols switching display with the control content other than adjustment on the switching speed of a plurality of frame images constituting the video.

Here, as examples of the control content other than adjustment on the frame image switching speed, a pause in a state where a frame image displayed on the display panel4aat the time of a user's touch operation on the touch panel5ais kept, switching to a predetermined image such as the first frame image or the last frame image constituting the video, or the first frame image of each chapter can be taken.

Also, chapter setting on a video may be automatically performed by a known technology or may be manually performed by the user, for example, when the video is made or recorded.

Specifically, for example, if simultaneous touch operations on a plurality of areas (for example, the first area A1and the second area A2) are performed as a plurality of touch operations which is performed on the touch panel5aby the user, whereby the plurality of areas is detected by the first touch-area detecting unit6b, the first switching control unit6cpauses the video while keeping a frame image displayed on the display panel4a. In this case, if the user keeps one touch position (for example, a touch position included in the first area A1) of the plurality of touch positions included in the plurality of areas while releasing the other touch position (for example, a touch position included in the second area A2) from the touch state and then performing a touch operation for returning the corresponding touch position to the touch state, the first switching control unit6cperforms switching to a predetermined image by image advance of one or more frame images in a predetermined direction (for example, the forward direction or the backward direction).

For example, as shown inFIG. 3A, in a case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into two areas of the first area A1and the second area A2, if the user simultaneously performs touch operations on the first area A1and the second area A2(touch areas are the first area A1and the second area A2and the number of touches is “2”), a “PAUSE” process is performed while a frame image displayed on the display panel4ais kept. In this case, if the area which is released from the touch state and then is subjected to a touch operation, thereby returning to the touch state (the area which is released from the touch state and is touched again) is the first area A1, a “FORWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process for switching images of one frame forward is performed, and if the area which is released from the touch state and is touched again is the second area A2, a “BACKWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process for switching images of one frame backward is performed.

Also, for example, as shown inFIG. 3bB, in a case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into four areas of the first to fourth areas A1to A4, if touch operations are performed on the first area A1and the second area A2, the same processes as those inFIG. 3Adescribed above are performed. Also, if the user simultaneously performs touch operations on the first area A1and the third area A3(touch areas are the first area A1and the third area A3and the number of touches is “2”), a “JUMP TO END” process for switching a frame image displayed on the display panel4ato the last frame image is performed. Meanwhile, if the user simultaneously performs touch operations on the first area A1and the fourth area A4(touch areas are the first area A1and the fourth area A4and the number of touches is “2”), a “PAUSE” process is performed while a frame image displayed on the display panel4ais kept. In this case, if the first area A1is released from the touch state and is touched again, as the subsequent process, a “FORWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process for switching to the first frame image of the next chapter in the forward direction is performed; whereas, if the fourth area A4is released from the touch state and is touched again, as the subsequent process, a “BACKWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process for switching to the first frame image of the next chapter in the backward direction is performed. Meanwhile, if the user simultaneously performs touch operations on the second area A2and the third area A3(touch areas are the second area A2and the third area A3and the number of touches is “2”), a “PAUSE” process is performed while a frame image displayed on the display panel4ais kept. In this case, if the second area A2is released from the touch state and is touched again, as the subsequent process, a “BACKWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process is performed; whereas, if the third area A3is released from the touch state and is touched again, as the subsequent process, a “FORWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process is performed. Meanwhile, if the user simultaneously performs touch operations on the second area A2and the fourth area A4(touch areas are the second area A2and the fourth area A4and the number of touches is “2”), a “JUMP TO BEGINNING” process for switching a frame image displayed on the display panel4ato the first frame image is performed. Meanwhile, if the user simultaneously performs touch operations on the third area A3and the fourth area A4(touch areas are the third area A3and the fourth area A4and the number of touches is “2”), a “PAUSE” process is performed while a frame image displayed on the display panel4ais kept. In this case, if the third area A3is released from the touch state and is touched again, as the subsequent process, a “FORWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process is performed; whereas, if the fourth area A4is released from the touch state and is touched again, as the subsequent process, a “BACKWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process is performed.

Also, the processes shown inFIGS. 3A and 3Bare examples of switching display processes, and the speeds and directions of frame image switching, the contents of the processes, and so on can be appropriately and arbitrarily changed. For example, in a case of adjusting the image switching speed, the number of touches may be set as a multiplier in order to change a weight. Also, in a case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into three or more areas, the number of touch operations which can be simultaneously performed may be three or more.

Now, a reproducing process which is performed by the display apparatus100will be described with reference toFIG. 4.

FIG. 4is a flow chart illustrating examples of operations related to the reproducing process.

Also, on the assumption that the touch panel5ais partitioned into two areas of the first area A1and the second area A2, the reproducing process will be described below. Also, it is assumed that adjustment on the speed of switching of frame images is performed only in a period when the user touches the touch panel5a.

As shown inFIG. 4, if a video is first designated, as a display object, from among videos recorded in the image recording unit3, based on a predetermined operation performed on the operation input unit5by the user, the operation processing unit6reads the designated video from the image recording unit3, and outputs a plurality of frame images constituting the video and decoded by the image processing unit (not shown), to the display unit4, and the first switching control unit6creproduces the video on the display panel4aat a predetermined reproduction frame rate (for example, 30 fps) in STEP S1.

Subsequently, in STEP S2, the operation processing unit6determines whether the touch panel5ahas been touched by the user.

If it is determined in STEP S2that the touch panel5ahas not been touched (“NO” in STEP S2), in STEP S3, the operation processing unit6determines whether reproduction of the video has finished.

If it is determined in STEP S3that reproduction of the video has not finished (“NO” in STEP S3), the operation processing unit6returns the reproducing process to STEP S2, thereby repeatedly performing the process of determining whether the touch panel5ahas been touched, at predetermined time intervals.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in STEP S3that reproduction of the video has finished (“YES” in STEP S3), the operation processing unit6finishes the reproducing process.

If it is determined in STEP S2that the touch panel5ahas been touched (“YES” in STEP S2), in STEP S4, the number-of-touches detecting unit6aacquires position signals related to the X and Y coordinates of touch positions and output from the touch panel5a, and detects the number of touch operations based on the acquired position signals. Subsequently, in STEP S5, the first touch-area detecting unit6bacquires the position signals related to the X and Y coordinates of touch positions and output from the touch panel5a, and detects areas where the acquired position signals are included, from among the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned.

Also, the order of detection of STEP S4on the number of touch operations and detection of STEP S5on touch areas is an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the detection order may be reversed.

Subsequently, in STEP S6, the first switching control unit6cdetermines whether a plurality of areas (for example, the first area A1and the second area A2) has been detected by the first touch-area detecting unit6b.

If it is determined in STEP S6that a plurality of areas has not been detected (“NO” in STEP S6), in STEP S7, the first switching control unit6cadjusts the switching speed (for example, to 2× speed) for switching a plurality of frame images constituting the video, according to the number of touch operations (for example, “2”) detected by the number-of-touches detecting unit6a. Subsequently, in STEP S8, the first switching control unit6creproduces the video at the adjusted switching speed by switching display (for example, forward 2× speed reproduction) for switching a plurality of frame images in a switching direction (for example, forward advance) associated with the detected one area (for example, the first area A1) detected by the first touch-area detecting unit6b.

Subsequently, in STEP S9, the operation processing unit6determines whether touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished.

If it is determined in STEP S9that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas not finished (“NO” in STEP S9), the first switching control unit6creturns the reproducing process to STEP S8and then performs the process of STEP S8and the subsequent processes. In other words, as described above, the processes of STEPS S8and S9are subsequently performed, whereby switching display of a plurality of frame images according to the touching of the user on the touch panel5ais performed.

If it is determined in STEP S9that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished (“YES” in STEP S9), in STEP S10, the first switching control unit6creturns the speed of switching of a plurality of frame images to a normal switching speed (for example, 1× speed), and reproduces the video.

Thereafter, the operation processing unit6returns the reproducing process to STEP S2.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in STEP S6that a plurality of areas has been detected (“YES” in STEP S6), in STEP S11, the first switching control unit6cpauses the video while keeping a frame image displayed on the display panel4a.

Subsequently, in STEP S12, the operation processing unit6determines whether any of the touch positions touched by the user has been released from the touch state and has been subjected to a touch operation, thereby returning to the touch state again.

If it is determined in STEP S12that any of the touch positions touched by the user has not been released from the touch state and has not been subjected to a touch operation for returning to the touch state again (“NO” in STEP S12), in STEP S13, the operation processing unit6determines whether touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished.

If it is determined in STEP S13that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas not finished (“NO” in STEP S13), the first switching control unit6creturns the reproducing process to STEP S11in which the first switching control unit keeps the pause of the video with the frame image displayed on the display panel4a.

If it is determined in STEP S12that any of the touch positions touched by the user has been released from the touch state and has been subjected to a touch operation, thereby returning to the touch state again (“YES” in STEP S12), in STEP S14, the first switching control unit6cperforms switching to a predetermined image by image advance (for example, forward frame advance) for switching of images of one frame in a predetermined direction (for example, the forward direction) according to an area (for example, the first area A1) including a touch position having released from the touch state and having subjected to a touch operation for returning to the touch state again.

Thereafter, the operation processing unit6advances the reproducing process to STEP S13, and determines whether touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished, in STEP S13.

If it is determined in STEP S13that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas not finished (“NO” in STEP S13), the first switching control unit6creturns the reproducing process to STEP S11, and performs the process of STEP S11and the subsequent processes. In other words, as described above, the individual processes of STEPS S11to S14are subsequently performed, whereby switching display of a plurality of frame images according to touching of the user on the touch panel5ais performed.

If it is determined in STEP S13that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished (“YES” in STEP S13), the first switching control unit6cadvances the reproducing process to STEP S10. In STEP S10, the first switching control unit returns the speed of switching of a plurality of frame images to the normal switching speed (for example, 1× speed), and reproduces the video.

Thereafter, the operation processing unit6returns the reproducing process to STEP S2.

As described above, according to the display apparatus100of the first embodiment, if the user performs simultaneous touch operations or a sequence of consecutive touch operations on the touch panel5a, the display apparatus controls switching display for switching a frame image displayed on the display panel4ato another frame image, based on the number of the touch operations, and areas, including touch positions simultaneously or consecutively touched by the user, of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Therefore, it is possible to increase selectable types of frame image switching display in association with combinations of the numbers and areas of touch operations which are performed simultaneous touch operations or in sequences of consecutive touch operations of the user, and even if an installable touch panel5ais limited in size, it is possible to suppress a reduction in operability enabling the user to select predetermined switching display.

Also, the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned is associated with different switching directions for switching display, respectively, and in a case where one area of the touch panel5ais touched when the user performs a plurality of touch operations, control is performed to adjust the switching speed according to the number of touch operations, such that switching of frame images is performed at the adjusted switching speed in a switching direction associated with the corresponding area. Therefore, it is possible to change the switching direction and the switching speed according to the number of touch operations and touch positions in a sequence of touch operations which are performed on the touch panel5aby the user, and the user can implement selection of predetermined switching display by an easier operation.

Further, in a case where a plurality of areas of the touch panel5ais touched when the user performs a plurality of touch operations, control on switching display is performed with the control content other than adjustment on the frame image switching speed. Therefore, according to the modes of touch operations when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, it is possible to perform, for example, a pause in a state where a frame image displayed on the display unit4is kept, switching to a predetermined image, and so on, and the user can implement selection of predetermined switching display by an easier operation. Specifically, after the plurality of areas of the touch panel5ais touched by the user, whereby the video is paused while a frame image displayed on the touch panel5ais kept, if any one touch position of a plurality of touch positions included in the plurality of areas of the touch panel5ais kept in the touch state while another touch position is released from the touch state and is touched again, thereby returning to the touch state, switching to a predetermined image is performed by any one of advance processes of one or more images, whereby it is possible to implement a variety of switching display by easy operations such as release of touching and retouching.

Also, since a plurality of touch operations which is performed on the touch panel5aby the user may be touch operations which are performed at individual touch positions on the touch panel5aat a time interval as long as touch states of the touch positions can be simultaneously secured, the timings of the touch operations on the plurality of touch positions of the touch panel5ado not need to be exactly simultaneous, and the user can implement selection of predetermined switching display by an easier operation.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a display apparatus200of a second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 5 to 8.

FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating a rough configuration of the display apparatus200of the second embodiment according to the present invention.

Also, the configuration and functions of the display apparatus200other than points to be described below are substantially identical to those of the display apparatus100of the first embodiment described above, and thus a description thereof will not be made.

As shown inFIG. 5, an operation processing unit206includes a number-of-touches detecting unit6a, a second touch-area detecting unit206b, and a second switching control unit206c.

Similarly to the first touch-area detecting unit6b, the second touch-area detecting unit206bdetects areas, including touch positions touched in a user's simultaneous or consecutive touch operations, of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Also, in a case where a plurality of touch operations is performed at a time interval when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, specifically, in a case where the user performs a plurality of consecutive touch operations on the touch panel5awithin a predetermined time (for example, 500 ms), the second touch-area detecting unit206bdetects the order of the touch operations performed on a plurality of areas.

Here, examples of a plurality of touch operations which is performed on the touch panel5aby the user include a plurality of touch operations which the user consecutively performs on some areas of the touch panel5awithin the predetermined time, in addition to the examples shown in the first embodiment such as simultaneous touch operations which are performed at a plurality of touch positions on the touch panel5aby the user, and touch operations which are performed at a plurality of positions on the touch panel5aby the user and in which one touch position of the touch positions is kept at the touch state while the other touch position is released from the touch state and then returns to the touch state.

Also, in a case where the user consecutively performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, for example, the user may release the touch state of a previous touch operation and then perform the next touch operation, or the user may keep the touch state of a previous touch operation while performing the next touch operation.

In other words, whenever the user performs a touch operation on the touch panel5a, the second touch-area detecting unit206bacquires a position signal related to the X and Y coordinates of the touch position and output from the touch panel5aand acquires the time of touching on the touch panel5afrom a clocking unit (not shown). Further, with respect to each of user's operations on the touch panel5a, the second touch-area detecting unit206bdetects an area where the acquired position signal is included, from among the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Furthermore, with respect to a touch operation consecutively performed within the predetermined time from the time of performance of another touch operation on any area of the touch panel5a, the second touch-area detecting unit206bdetects the order of the touch operations on the plurality of areas of the touch panel5a.

Similarly to the first switching control unit6c, the second switching control unit206ccontrols switching display of a plurality of frame images constituting a video. Also, the second switching control unit206ccontrols switching display based on the order of a plurality of touch operations performed at a time interval in the plurality of user's touch operations on the touch panel5adetected by the second touch-area detecting unit206b. Specifically, based on the order of the plurality of touch operations detected by the second touch-area detecting unit206b, the second switching control unit206ccontrols adjustment on the switching speed of a plurality of frame images constituting the video, and switching display with the control content other than adjustment on the switching speed.

For example, as shown inFIG. 6A, in a case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into two areas of the first area A1and the second area A2, in a case where a touch area of the user is the “first area A1”, if the number of touches is “1”, a “FORWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if two touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is a “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “2”), a “FORWARD 2× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if three touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches “3”), a “FORWARD 3× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed. Meanwhile, in a case where a touch area of the user is the “second area A2”, if the number of touches is “1”, a “BACKWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if two touch areas are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “2”), a “BACKWARD 2× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if three touch areas are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “3”), a “BACKWARD 3× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed.

Also, in a case where touch areas of the user are the “first area A1” and the “second area A2”, if touch operations are simultaneously performed on the first area A1and the second area A2(the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is a “SIMULTANEOUS” mode), a “PAUSE” process is performed, and if an touch operation on the first area A1and an touch operation on the second area A2are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is a “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the first area is first touched), a “FORWARD ½× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if an touch operation on the second area A2and a touch operation on the first area A1are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is a “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the second area is first touched), a “BACKWARD ½× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed.

Also, for example, as shown inFIG. 6B, in a case where the touch panel5ais partitioned into four areas of the first to fourth areas A1to A4, if the user performs touch operations only on the first area A1and the second area A2, processes identical to those ofFIG. 6Adescribed above are performed. Also, in a case where a touch area of the user is the “third area A3”, if the number of touches “1”, a “FORWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if two touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches “2”), a “FORWARD ½× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if three touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “3”), a “FORWARD ⅓× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed. Meanwhile, in a case where a touch area of the user is the “fourth area A4”, if the number of touches is “1”, a “BACKWARD 1× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if two touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “2”), a “BACKWARD ½× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed, and if three touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “3”), a “BACKWARD ⅓× SPEED REPRODUCTION” process is performed.

Also, in a case where touch areas of the user is the “first area A1” and the “second area A2”, if touch operations are simultaneously performed on the first area A1and the second area A2(the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS” mode), a “PAUSE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the first area A1and a touch operation on the second area A2are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the first area is first touched), a “FORWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the second area A2and a touch operation on the first area A1are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the second area is first touched), a “BACKWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process is performed. Meanwhile, if touch areas of the user are the “first area A1” and the “third area A3”, and two touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “2”), a “JUMP TO END” process is performed. Meanwhile, in a case where touch areas of the user are the “first area A1” and the “fourth area A4”, if touch operations are simultaneously performed on the first area A1and the fourth area A4(the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS” mode”), a “PAUSE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the first area A1and a touch operation on the fourth area A4are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the first area is first touched), a “FORWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the fourth area A4and a touch operation on the first area A1are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is a “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the fourth area is first touched, a “BACKWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process is performed. Also, in a case where touch areas of the user is the “second area A2” and the “third area A3”, if touch operations are simultaneously performed on the second area A2and the third area A3(the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS” mode), a “PAUSE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the second area A2and a touch operation on the third area A3are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the second area is first touched), a “BACKWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the third area A3and a touch operation on the second area A2are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is a “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the third area is first touched), a “FORWARD CHAPTER ADVANCE” process is performed. Also, in a case where touch areas of the user are the “second area A2” and the “fourth area A4”, if two touch operations are simultaneously or consecutively performed by the user (the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS OR CONSECUTIVE” mode and the number of touches is “2”, a “JUMP TO BEGINNING” process is performed. Also, in a case where touch areas of the user are the “third area A3” and the “fourth area A4”, if touch operations are simultaneously performed on the third area A3and the fourth area A4(the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “SIMULTANEOUS” mode), a “PAUSE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the third area A3and a touch operation on the fourth area A4are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the third area is first touched), a “FORWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process is performed, and if a touch operation on the fourth area A4and a touch operation on the third area A3are consecutively performed by the user (the number of touches is “2” and the touch mode is the “CONSECUTIVE” mode in which the fourth area is first touched), a “BACKWARD FRAME ADVANCE” process is performed.

Also, the processes shown inFIGS. 6A and 6Bare examples of switching display processes, and similarly to the processes shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the speed and direction of switching of frame images, the contents of the processes, and so on can be appropriately and arbitrarily changed.

Now, the timing when the second switching control unit206cstarts switching display control will be described.

As described above, if a touch operation is performed on any area of the touch panel5a, until the predetermined time elapses, the second touch-area detecting unit206bmonitors whether the next touch operation is consecutively performed. In other words, in order to determine whether one touch operation and another touch operation are performed at a time interval or only one touch operation is performed (the number of touch operations does not matter), it is required for the predetermined time to elapse from the time when one touch operation is performed.

For this reason, the second switching control unit206cis configured so as to normally start switching display control if the predetermined time elapses from the time when one touch operation is performed. However, for example, in a case where one touch operation was performed and then the next touch operation has been performed within the predetermined time (a case which is determined as consecutive touch operations have been performed at a time interval), the second switching control unit may start switching display control at a time before the predetermined time elapses from the time of performance of the first touch operation (such as the time of performance of the next touch operation).

Now, a reproducing process of the display apparatus200will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 and 8.

FIGS. 7 and 8are flow charts illustrating examples of operations related to the reproducing process.

Also, on the assumption that the touch panel5ais partitioned into two areas of the first area A1and the second area A2, the reproducing process will be described below. Also, it is assumed that adjustment on the speed of switching of frame images is performed only in a period when the user touches the touch panel5a.

As shown inFIG. 7, if a video is first designated, as a display object, from among videos recorded in the image recording unit3, based on a predetermined operation performed on the operation input unit5by the user, almost similarly in the reproducing process of the first embodiment described above, the operation processing unit206outputs a plurality of frame images constituting the designated video to the display unit4, and the second switching control unit206creproduces the video on the display panel4aat a predetermined reproduction frame rate (for example, 30 fps) in STEP S21.

Subsequently, in STEP S22, the operation processing unit206determines whether any touch operation (a first touch operation) has been performed on the touch panel5aby the user.

If it is determined in STEP S22that any touch operation has not been performed on the touch panel5a(“NO” in STEP S22), in STEP S23, the operation processing unit206determines whether reproduction of the video has finished.

If it is determined in STEP S23that reproduction of the video has not finished (“NO” in STEP S23), the operation processing unit206returns the reproducing process to STEP S22, thereby repeatedly performing the process of determining whether the touch panel5ahas been touched, at predetermined time intervals.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in STEP S23that reproduction of the video has finished (“YES” in STEP S23), the operation processing unit206finishes the reproducing process.

If it is determined in STEP S22that a touch operation has been performed on the touch panel5a(“YES” in STEP S22), in STEP S24, almost similarly in the reproducing process of the first embodiment described above, the number-of-touches detecting unit6aacquires a position signal related to the X and Y coordinates of the touch position and output from the touch panel5a, and detects the number of touch operations based on the acquired position signal. Subsequently, in STEP S25, the second touch-area detecting unit206bacquires the position signal related to the X and Y coordinates of the touch position and output from the touch panel5a, and detects an area where the acquired position signals is included, from among the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned, and acquires the time of the touch operation on the touch panel5afrom the clocking unit (not shown).

Subsequently, in STEP S26, the operation processing unit206determines whether any other touch operations (second and subsequent touch operations) have been performed on the touch panel5aby the user.

If it is determined in STEP S26that any other touch operations have not been performed (“NO” in STEP S26), in STEP S27, the operation processing unit206determines whether the predetermined time has elapsed from the time of performance of the first touch operation on the touch panel5a.

If it is determined in STEP S27that the predetermined time has not elapsed from the time of performance of the first touch operation on the touch panel5a(“NO” in STEP S27), the operation processing unit206returns the reproducing process to STEP S26, and determines whether any other touch operations (second and subsequent operations) have been performed on the touch panel5a, as described above, in STEP S26.

If it is determined in STEP S26that any other touch operations have been performed (“YES” in STEP S26), in STEP S28, similarly in STEP S24, the number-of-touches detecting unit6aacquires position signals related to the X and Y coordinates of touch positions and output from the touch panel5a, and detects the number of touch operations based on the acquired position signals. Subsequently, in STEP S29, similarly in STEP S25, the second touch-area detecting unit206bacquires the position signals related to the X and Y coordinates of the touch positions and output from the touch panel5a, and detects areas where the acquired position signals are included, from among the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned, and acquires the times of the touch operations on the touch panel5afrom the clocking unit (not shown).

Thereafter, the operation processing unit206returns to STEP S26, and repeats determination on whether any other touch operations (second and subsequent touch operations) have been performed on the touch panel5a.

Thereafter, if it is determined in a STEP S27that the predetermined time has elapsed from the time of performance of the first touch operation on the touch panel5a(“YES” in STEP S27), as shown inFIG. 8, in STEP S30, the second switching control unit206cdetermines whether a plurality of areas (for example, the first area A1and the second area A2) has detected by the second touch-area detecting unit206b.

If it is determined in STEP S30that a plurality of areas has not detected (“NO” in STEP S30), in STEP S31, according to the number of touch operations (for example, “2”) detected by the number-of-touches detecting unit6a, the second switching control unit206cadjusts the switching speed (for example, to 2× speed) for switching a plurality of frame images constituting the video. Subsequently, in STEP S32, the second switching control unit206creproduces the video at the adjusted switching speed by switching display (for example, forward 2× speed reproduction) for switching a plurality of frame images in a switching direction (for example, forward advance) associated with one area (for example, the first area A1) detected by the second touch-area detecting unit206b.

Subsequently, in STEP S33, the operation processing unit206determines whether touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished.

If it is determined in STEP S33that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas not finished (“NO” in STEP S33), the second switching control unit206creturns the reproducing process to STEP S32, and performs control on switching display of a plurality of frame images according to the touching of the user on the touch panel5a.

If it is determined in STEP S33that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished (“YES” in STEP S33), in STEP S34, the second switching control unit206creturns the speed of switching of a plurality of frame images to the normal switching speed (for example, 1× speed), and reproduces the video.

Thereafter, the operation processing unit206returns the reproducing process to STEP S22.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in STEP S30that a plurality of areas has been detected (“YES” in STEP S30), in STEP S35, the second switching control unit206cdetermines whether the plurality of areas detected by the second touch-area detecting unit206bwas simultaneously touched by the user.

If it is determined in STEP S35that the plurality of areas was simultaneously touched by the user (“YES” in STEP S35), in STEP S36, the second switching control unit206cpauses the video while keeping a frame image displayed on the display panel4a.

Subsequently, in STEP S37, the operation processing unit206determines whether touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished.

If it is determined in STEP S37that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas not finished (“NO” in STEP S37), the second switching control unit206creturns the reproducing process to STEP S36, and keeps the pause state of the video with the frame image displayed on the display panel4a.

If it is determined in STEP S37that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished (“YES” in STEP S37), the second switching control unit206cadvances the reproducing process to STEP S34. In STEP S34, the first switching control unit returns the speed of switching of a plurality of frame images to the normal switching speed (for example, 1× speed), and reproduces the video.

Thereafter, the operation processing unit206returns the reproducing process to STEP S22.

Meanwhile, if it is determined in STEP S35that the plurality of areas was not simultaneously touched by the user (“NO” in STEP S35), in STEP S38, the second switching control unit206cspecifies the order in which the plurality of areas was touched (for example, the first area A1was first touched), and reproduces the video by switching display (for example, forward ½× speed reproduction) for switching a plurality of frames in a switching direction (for example, the forward direction) according to the specified order, at a predetermined switching speed (for example, ½× speed).

Thereafter, in STEP S39, the operation processing unit206determines whether touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished.

If it is determined in STEP S39that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas not finished (“NO” in STEP S39), the second switching control unit206creturns the reproducing process to STEP S38, and keeps controlling switching display for switching a plurality of frame images, at the predetermined switching speed, in the switching direction according to the order in which the plurality of areas was touched.

If it is determined in STEP S39that touching of the user on the touch panel5ahas finished (“YES” in STEP S39), the second switching control unit206cadvances the reproducing process to STEP S34. In STEP S34, the second switching control unit returns the speed of switching of a plurality of frame images to the normal switching speed (for example, 1× speed), and reproduces the video.

Thereafter, the operation processing unit206returns the reproducing process to STEP S22.

As described above, according to the display apparatus200of the second embodiment, similarly in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to increase selectable types of frame image switching display in association with combinations of the numbers and areas of touch operations which are performed in user's simultaneous or consecutive touch operations, and even if an installable touch panel5ais limited in size, it is possible to suppress a reduction in operability enabling the user to select predetermined switching display. Especially, when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, in a case where a plurality of touch operations is performed at a time interval, like a case where a plurality of touch operations is consecutively performed on the touch panel5awithin the predetermined time, the display apparatus controls switching display based on the order in which the plurality of touch operations was performed on a plurality of areas. Therefore, it is possible to change the switching direction or the switching speed, or to pause the video while keeping a displayed frame image, or to perform switching to a predetermined image, by only changing the order of a plurality of touch operations which is performed when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, and the user can implement selection of predetermined switching display by an easier operation.

Also, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various improvements and design changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a display apparatus300of a first modification will be described with reference toFIG. 9.

Also, the configuration and functions of the display apparatus300other than points to be described below are substantially identical to those of the display apparatuses100and200of the first and second embodiments described above, and thus a description thereof will not be made.

FIG. 9is a view schematically illustrating an example of a guidance display which is performed by the display apparatus300of the first modification.

The display apparatus300of the first modification displays a frame image switching method, as a guide, on the display panel4a(seeFIG. 9).

In other words, in a case where the number of touch operations detected by the number-of-touches detecting unit6ais “1”, the first switching control unit6c(or the second switching control unit206c) performs control such that the display panel4adisplays a guidance image representing a frame image switching method regarding switching display for switching a frame image displayed on the display panel4ato another frame image.

Specifically, for example, if the user performs a touch operation on any one position of the touch panel5a, the first switching control unit6cperforms control such that the display panel4adisplays a guidance image G representing switching directions, switching speeds, and the like associated with a plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned, on a frame image. Also, for example, in a period where touching of the user on the touch panel5acontinues, the first switching control unit6cperforms control such that the display panel4adisplays the guidance image G on the frame image.

In this case, in order to prevent erroneous operations such as a momentary touch operation of the user on the touch panel5a, for example, the first switching control unit6cmay measure the time when a touch operation of the user on the touch panel5acontinues, and performs control such that the display panel4adisplays the guidance image G, in a case where the measure time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, 200 ms).

Therefore, according to the display apparatus300of the first modification, in a case where the number of touch operations which are performed when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5ais “1”, the display apparatus performs control such that the display panel4adisplays the guidance image representing the frame image switching method regarding switching display. Therefore, the user can perform various touch operations on the touch panel5a, using the guidance image G displayed on the display panel4a, and it is possible to improve operability enabling the user to select predetermined switching display.

Also, the first switching control unit6cmay change the content of the guidance image G and the content of switching display control, depending on areas of the touch panel5atouched by the user. For example, forward switching display such as “forward 2× speed reproduction” is associated as the content of switching display control with the first area A1of the touch panel5a, and backward switching display such as “backward 2× speed reproduction” is associated as the content of switching display control with the second area A2. In this state, in a case where the user performs a touch operation on the first area A1of the touch panel5acorresponding to the guidance image G related to “FAST FORWARDING”, the first switching control unit6cperforms control such that a guidance image (not shown) related to “PAUSE” is displayed, in place of the guidance image G related to “FAST REWINDING”, in an area corresponding to the second area A2of the display panel4a, and performs pausing while keeping a frame image displayed on the display panel4aand including the content of switching display control corresponding to the second area A2.

Also, switching display control for switching a frame image displayed on the display panel4ato another frame image may be performed based on a plurality of areas, including touch positions touched when the user performed a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. In other words, the first touch-area detecting unit6bof the first embodiment (or the second touch-area detecting unit206bof the second embodiment) serving as a detecting unit detects a plurality of areas, including touch positions touched when the user performed a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, of the plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Then, the first switching control unit6cof the first embodiment (or the second switching control unit206cof the second embodiment) serving as a control unit controls switching display based on the plurality of detected areas.

Even in this configuration, it is possible to increase selectable types of frame image switching display in association with combinations of a plurality of touch operations which are performed in user's simultaneous or consecutive touch operations, and even if an installable touch panel5ais limited in size, it is possible to suppress a reduction in operability enabling the user to select predetermined switching display.

In the above described configuration, in a case where a plurality of areas of the touch panel5ais touched when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, according to a combination of the plurality of detected areas, pausing may be performed while a frame image displayed on the display panel4ais kept, or switching to a predetermined image, or the like may be performed.

Also, in a case where a plurality of areas of the touch panel5ais touched by the user, whereby pausing is performed while a frame image displayed on the display panel4ais kept, and then any one touch position of the plurality of touch positions included in the plurality of areas of the touch panel5ais kept in the touch state while another touch position is released from the touch state and is touched, thereby returning to the touch state, switching to a predetermined image may be performed by any one of image advance modes of one or plurality of images.

Also, a plurality of touch operations which is performed on the touch panel5aby the user may be touch operations which are performed at individual touch positions on the touch panel5aat a time interval as long as touch states of the touch positions can be simultaneously secured.

Also, when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, in a case where a plurality of touch operations is performed at a time interval, like a case where a plurality of touch operations is consecutively performed on the touch panel5awithin a predetermined time, switching display may be controlled based on the order in which the plurality of touch operations was performed on a plurality of areas.

Also, in the first and second embodiments, a case where display objects are videos has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, display objects may be a plurality of still images. In this case, the direction of image switching corresponds to the read order of the still images (such as the order of file names, or the order of storage).

Also, a plurality of touch operations which is performed on the touch panel5awhen the user performs a plurality of touch operations may be, for example, a pinch operation. In this case, according to the position, interval, and the like of the pinch operation, the speed of frame image switching may be adjusted, or pausing may performed while a displayed frame image is kept, or switching to a predetermined image, or the like may be performed.

Further, the configurations of the display apparatuses100and200shown in the first and second embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

Besides, in the first and second embodiment, the functions of the number detecting unit, the area detecting unit, and the control unit are implemented by driving the number-of-touches detecting unit6a, the first touch-area detecting unit6b(the second touch-area detecting unit206b), and the first switching control unit6c(the second switching control unit206c) under control of the central control unit1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Those functions may be implemented by executing a predetermined program or the like by the processor of the central control unit1.

In other words, in a program memory (not shown), a program including a number detection process routine, an area detection process routine, and a control process routine is recorded. In this case, the number detection process routine may cause the processor of the central control unit1to implement the function of detecting the number of touch operations which are performed when the user s performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a. Also, the area detection process routine may cause the processor of the central control unit1to implement the function of detecting areas, including touch positions touched when the user performs a plurality of touch operations, of a plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Also, the control process routine may cause the processor of the central control unit1to implement the function of controlling switching display based on the number of detected touch operations and detected areas.

Similarly, in the program memory, a program including an area detection process routine and a continuous is recorded. In this case, the area detection process routine may cause the processor of the central control unit1to implement a function of detecting a plurality of areas, including touch positions touched when the user performs a plurality of touch operations on the touch panel5a, of a plurality of areas into which the touch panel5ais partitioned. Also, the control process routine may cause the processor of the central control unit1to implement a function of controlling switching display based on the plurality of detected areas.

Further, as a computer-readable recording medium which retains the above described program for implementing the individual processes, besides a ROM and a hard disk drive, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can also be applied. Also, as a medium for providing data on the program through a predetermined communication line, a carrier wave may be applied.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, and includes the scopes of inventions disclosed in claims and the scopes of their equivalents.