Click position control apparatus, click position control method, and touch sensor system

A click position control apparatus that controls a click position on a touch sensor clicked by a user when the user operates an input device including a clickable touch sensor including the touch sensor and a click detecting unit, the click position control apparatus including: a touch position information generating unit which generates touch position information indicating a position on the touch sensor touched by the user; a click judging unit which detects a click on the click detecting unit; a click position information generating unit which generates click position information indicating a click position when the click is detected; and a correcting unit which corrects the click position information based on a positional relationship between a reference position on the input device and the click position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a click position control apparatus, a click position control method, and a touch sensor system that control a click position when a clickable touch sensor is clicked.

BACKGROUND ART

Recent CE (Consumer Electronics) apparatuses such as TV sets and BD recorders include network-ready applications to provide ways of use that are different from conventional TV viewing. Network-ready applications are applications such as video viewing using a network and photo viewers, for example. Cross keys, ten-keys and the like on existing remote controls do not allow sufficiently comfortable operations on these applications. Therefore there is a growing need for a new input device.

As such a new input device, a remote control using a clickable touch sensor that has a symmetric shape in both vertical and horizontal directions and provides a plurality of ways of holding to users has been developed. The clickable touch sensor includes a touch sensor which detects the position where a user is touching and a switch which is disposed under the touch sensor and is pressed when the user clicks the touch sensor.

To commercialize this remote control, robustness needs to be improved to withstand practical use by ordinary users and, in particular, unintended operation errors by users need to be prevented. An operation error can occur because there is a region where a finger used for the click operation deflects due to the structural makeup of the finger and the click operation cannot be performed at intended coordinates. For example, when a user operates the touch sensor with a finger (thumb, for example) while holding the remote control, it is difficult for the user to accurately press the touch sensor in the direction normal to the touch sensor and the press slightly deviates in the direction in which the finger (thumb) is bent. That is, a deflection of click occurs.

That is, there is a difference between the position where the user intentionally clicks on a touch sensor and the position where the user's click is actually detected because of an effect such as a deflection of click. The difference causes an operation error.

To prevent operation errors, PTL 1 discloses an input device having one or more buttons displayed on a touch panel to be pressed to perform an input, wherein correction is made. In the input device disclosed in PTL 1, a history of press operations performed on the tough panel by a user is maintained and when a pressed point is located out of a contact judgment range of a button displayed in a screen, the operation history of the past press operations performed up to that time is used to make rejudgment. If it is determined as a result of the rejudgment that one button has been pressed, the contact judgment range of the button is corrected to include the pressed point in the contact judgment range of the button.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-242958

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

However, the existing configuration described above has the following problems.

Because the apparatus in Patent Literature 1 uses an operation history of user's press operations for correcting a click position, no correction can be made until a certain amount of operation history of user's press operations is accumulated. Furthermore, when a history of press operations is not held, such as when the user is changed, no correction can be made.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the conventional problem and an object of the present invention is to provide a click position control apparatus, a click position control method, and a touch sensor system that are capable of preventing operation errors in click operations on an input device including a clickable touch sensor without needing an operation history.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the problem, a click position control apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a click position control apparatus that controls a click position on a touch sensor clicked by a user when the user operates an input device including a clickable touch sensor including the touch sensor and a click detecting unit which is disposed under the touch sensor and is pressed when the user clicks the touch sensor, the click position control apparatus including: a touch position information generating unit configured to generate touch position information indicating a position on the touch sensor touched by the user; a click judging unit configured to detect a click on the click detecting unit; a click position information generating unit configured to generate click position information indicating a click position by using the touch position information when the click judging unit detects the click on the click detecting unit, the click position being a position at which the click detecting unit is pressed; and a correcting unit configured to correct the click position information on the basis of a positional relationship between at least one reference position on the input device and the click position, the at least one reference position being indicated in predetermined correction information.

Accordingly, because correction is made on the basis of a positional relationship between a predetermined reference position and a click position, information such as an operation history does not need to be stored for each individual user and operation errors can be prevented without needing an operation history.

Moreover, the correction information may further indicate a predetermined distance threshold, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information when a distance between the reference position and the click position is equal to or greater than the distance threshold.

With this configuration, the amount of processing can be reduced because correction is made when the distance between a reference position and a click position is equal to or greater than a distance threshold, and therefore correction does not need to be made when the click position is close to the reference position and therefore the possibility of occurrence of a deflection of click is low. In other words, when a click position is away from the reference position and therefore the possibility of occurrence of a deflection of click is high, the click position can be reliably corrected and an operation error can be prevented.

Furthermore, the correction information may further indicate a predetermined correction distance, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information so that the click position corrected is a position at the correction distance from the click position and in a direction from the reference position toward the click position.

With this configuration, when a click position is away from a reference position, an operation error can be prevented by correcting the click position by a predetermined correction distance in the direction from the reference position toward the click position, because in such a case a deflection of click can occur in the direction from the click position toward the reference position.

Moreover, the touch position information may further indicate a time at which the user has touched the touch sensor, the click position control apparatus may further include a storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of touch position information including the touch position information, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information with reference to the pieces of touch position information stored in the storage unit.

With this configuration, a click position can be more accurately corrected to a position intended by the user because the correction is performed on the basis of a trajectory of touch positions on the touch sensor.

Furthermore, the click position information may further indicate a time at which the click detecting unit is pressed, the correction information may further indicate a predetermined correction amount of time, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information with reference to the pieces of touch position information stored in the storage unit so that the click position corrected is a position indicated in one of the pieces of touch position information which indicates a time which precedes the time indicated in the click position information by the correction amount of time.

With this configuration, an operation error can be prevented because a click position is corrected to a touch position indicating a time a correction amount of time before the time at which the click position has been detected, that is, the click position can be corrected to a position touched at a time before the occurrence of a deflection of click.

Moreover, the correction information may further indicate a predetermined correction distance, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information so that the click position corrected is, among positions indicated in the pieces of touch position information stored in the storage unit, a position closest to a position at the correction distance from the click position indicated in the click position information.

With this configuration, an operation error can be prevented because a click position is corrected to a touch position closest to a position at a correction distance from the click position, that is, the click position can be corrected to a position touched before the occurrence of a deflection of click.

Furthermore, the correcting unit may correct the click position information so that the click position corrected is, among the positions indicated in the pieces of touch position information stored in the storage unit, a position closest to a position at the correction distance from the click position indicated in the click position information along a trajectory of the touch position information.

With this configuration, more accurate correction can be made because a click position is corrected to a touch position closest to a position at a correction distance from the click position along the trajectory.

Moreover, the click detecting unit may be a pressure sensor which detects intensity of a click on the touch sensor by the user, the correction information may further indicate predetermined correction intensity, the click judging unit may: generate intensity information indicating intensity obtained from the pressure sensor; and detect the click on the click detecting unit when the intensity obtained from the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference intensity value, the storage unit may further store the intensity information and the touch position information in association with each other, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information with reference to a plurality of pieces of intensity information and the pieces of touch position information stored in the storage unit so that the click position corrected is a position indicated in the touch position information associated with the intensity information indicating the intensity equal to or greater than the correction intensity, the pieces of intensity information including the intensity information.

With this configuration, a click position at the time when intensity at click position detection, namely click intensity, has become equal to or greater than reference click intensity is corrected to a touch position at which the click intensity has become equal to or greater than click intensity which is lower than the reference intensity value. Thus, the click position can be corrected to the position touched before occurrence of a deflection of click and an operation error can be prevented.

Furthermore, the click detecting unit may be a pressure sensor which detects intensity of a click on the touch sensor by the user, and the click judging unit may detect the click on the click detecting unit when intensity obtained from the pressure sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference intensity value.

With this configuration, more accurate correction can be made because intensity information can be used.

Moreover, the click position control apparatus may further include: a grip information generating unit configured to generate grip information indicating how the user is holding the input device; a correction information storage unit configured to store a plurality of pieces of correction information including the correction information; and a selecting unit configured to select one of the pieces of correction information on the basis of the grip information, wherein the correcting unit may correct the click position information using the correction information selected by the selecting unit.

With this configuration, a click position can be corrected and an operation error can be prevented even when the user changes the way of holding the input device, because a plurality of pieces of correction information are stored beforehand and one of the pieces of correction information is selected according to holding information indicating the way of holding the input device.

Furthermore, the click position control apparatus may further include: a user information storage unit configured to store user information indicating a characteristic of the user, wherein the selecting unit may further correct the selected correction information on the basis of the user information, and the correcting unit may correct the click position information using the correction information corrected by said selecting unit.

With this configuration more accurate correction can be made in a manner appropriate to the user because correction information is changed according to a characteristic of the user.

Moreover, the grip information may be information indicating that the input device is being held by a left hand, a right hand or both hands of the user.

Furthermore, the grip information may be information indicating a position at which a hand of the user is in contact with the input device.

Moreover, the grip information may be information indicating an orientation of the input device.

Furthermore, the reference position may be a position on the clickable touch sensor or on a perimeter of the clickable touch sensor.

Moreover, the reference position may be a position at which a base of a finger operating the clickable touch sensor is located.

Furthermore, the present invention can be realized as a touch sensor system. The touch sensor system according to another aspect of the present invention includes: an input device which includes a clickable touch sensor; and a click position control apparatus which controls a click position on a touch sensor clicked by a user when the user operates the input device, wherein the clickable touch sensor includes: the touch sensor; and a click detecting unit which is disposed under the touch sensor and is pressed when the user clicks the touch sensor; the click position control apparatus includes: a touch position information generating unit configured to generate touch position information indicating a position on the touch sensor touched by the user; a click judging unit configured to detect a click on the click detecting unit; a click position information generating unit configured to generate click position information indicating a click position by using the touch position information when the click judging unit detects the click on the click detecting unit, the click position being a position at which the click detecting unit is pressed; and a correcting unit configured to correct the click position information on the basis of a positional relationship between at least one reference position on the input device and the click position, the at least one reference position being indicated in predetermined correction information.

It is to be noted that the present invention can be realized not only as the click position control apparatus but also as a method having, as steps, the processing units included in the click position control apparatus. Moreover, the present invention may be realized as a program causing a computer to execute the steps. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) as well as information, data, or signals indicating the program. The program, information, data, and signals may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

Moreover, part or all of the constituent elements included in each of the click position control apparatuses may be included in one system large scale integration (LSI). The system LSI is a super-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating the constituent elements on one chip and is, specifically, a computer system including a micro processing unit, a ROM, a RAM (Random Access Memory), and so on.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The click position control apparatus according to the present invention is capable of preventing operation errors in click operations on a remote control including a clickable touch sensor without needing an operation history.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a click position control apparatus, a click position control method, and a touch sensor system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to drawings.

First Embodiment

A click position control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that controls a click position on a touch sensor clicked by a user when the user operates an input device that includes a clickable touch sensor including the touch sensor and a switch which is disposed under the touch sensor and is pressed when the user clicks the touch sensor. The click position control apparatus according to this embodiment is characterized in that a click position at which the switch is pressed is corrected on the basis of a positional relationship between the click position and a predetermined reference position. Specifically, the click position control apparatus according to the first embodiment corrects a click position information so that a corrected click position is at a position at a predetermined correction distance from the click position in a direction from the reference position toward the click position.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example is given in which uniform correction is made to click position information according to the distance between a point (a reference position) that serves as a benchmark on an input device and a click position (coordinates) indicating a user input on a clickable touch sensor.

FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an input device101in the first embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the input device101includes a clickable touch sensor105including a touch sensor102and a switch103and an enclosure106.

The touch sensor102is an example of a sensor that detects a position touched by a user and moves downward when clicked by the user.

The switch103is an example of a click detecting unit according to the present invention, disposed under the touch sensor102, and pressed when the user clicks the touch sensor102. Specifically, the switch103is disposed under the touch sensor102and is integral with the touch sensor102. When the user clicks the touch sensor102with a finger104, the switch103integrally disposed is pressed.

The clickable touch sensor105is made up of the integrally disposed touch sensor102and switch103. A technique to use a capacitive pad as the touch sensor102of the clickable touch sensor105to detect a position touched by a finger104is a well-known art and therefore description of such technique will be omitted.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the input device101and an example of a display apparatus201in the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 2, the same elements as those inFIG. 1are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The input device101provides, by wireless communication, a signal indicating a position being touched by a user's finger104on the clickable touch sensor105and a click signal indicating a click when the clickable touch sensor105is pressed to the display apparatus201. A technology such as Bluetooth or ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 is used for the wireless communication, which is a well-known art and therefore description of such technology will be omitted here.

Based on the signal indicating the position provided from the input device101, the display apparatus201obtains position information about a point being touched by the finger104on the clickable touch sensor105and displays a cursor203at a position within a display screen202that corresponds to the obtained position information. The user can manipulate the cursor203displayed on the display screen202by moving the finger104on the clickable touch sensor105.

A coordinate system of the clickable touch sensor105and a coordinate system of the display screen202are associated with each other using absolute coordinates. Specifically, the coordinate systems are associated with each other on the basis of the ratio in size between the clickable touch sensor105and the display screen202(for example, widths in X-axis- and Y-axis-directions).

Assume for example that position information in the clickable touch sensor105is indicated in an X-coordinate range of 0 to 400 and a Y-coordinate range of 0 to 300 whereas position information in the display screen202is indicated in an X-coordinate range of 0 to 960 and a Y-coordinate range of 0 to 540. In this case, when the coordinates of a point in the clickable touch sensor105that is touched by a finger104of the user is (200,150), the coordinate position of the cursor203displayed on the display screen202is (480,270).

As the user moves the finger104on the clickable touch sensor105, the cursor203in the display screen202moves. The user also can click the clickable touch sensor105at a time at which the finger overlaps an intended object204.

At this point in time, the input device101detects the click on the touch sensor102by the user and provides a click signal to the display apparatus201. The display apparatus201determines whether the object204is selected or not on the basis of a signal indicating the position and the click signal provided from the clickable touch sensor105and information indicating the display position of the object204displayed on the display screen202.

For example, when the clickable touch sensor105is clicked while the coordinates of a point in the clickable touch sensor105that is touched by a finger of the user is (200,150), the coordinate position (480,270) at which the cursor203is currently displayed is recognized as a click position. When the coordinate position of the object204is (450,200) and the size of the object204is 50 in an X-axis direction and 100 in a Y-axis direction, the display apparatus201determines that the object204is selected upon input of the coordinate position (480,270) as a click position.

FIG. 3is a diagram for explaining an example of correction of a click position in the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 3, the same elements as those inFIG. 1are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

First, a correction reference point301is defined at one point preset on the input device101. The correction reference point301is a position at which the base of a finger with which the clickable touch sensor105is operated is expected to be located. Specifically, the correction reference point301is set on a perimeter of the touch sensor102at a point at which a portion of an operating finger of the user104other than the tip of the finger104contacts the input device101. It should be noted that in the following description, coordinate values in the coordinate system of the display screen202that are converted from coordinate values of the correction reference point301on the clickable touch sensor105are used in all calculations using the correction reference point301.

A click position302represents a position at which press of the switch103is detected when the switch103(not depicted inFIG. 3) is pressed by a click on the touch sensor102with a finger104.

A correction direction303is a straight direction from the correction reference point301to the click position302. Here, the click position302is (100,200) in X- and Y-coordinates and the correction reference point301is (0,0), for example. In this case, the correction direction303is a direction that has an inclination of (200−0)/(100−0)=2.

A corrected position304represents a position determined by correcting a click position according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the corrected position304represents a position at a predetermined correction distance305from a click position302in the correction direction303. A process for determining the corrected position304will be described later in detail.

A correction judgment distance306is the distance between the correction reference point301and a click position302. When the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance threshold, the click position302is corrected to the corrected position304.

Here, the correction reference point301, the correction distance305, and the distance threshold (correction judgment threshold) are determined by predetermined correction information.

While the correction reference point301is on the perimeter of the clickable touch sensor105at the point at which a portion excluding the tip of the user's finger104with which the clickable touch sensor105is operated contacts the input device101in the first embodiment, the correction reference point301may be a point on the clickable touch sensor105, or a point at which a hand with which the input device101is held contacts the input device101, or a combination of these four points.

FIG. 4Ais a block diagram illustrating an exemplary internal configuration of an input device101including a clickable touch sensor105in the first embodiment of the present invention and an exemplary internal configuration of a display apparatus201, which is an example of the click position control apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 4A, the same components as those inFIGS. 1 and 2are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

The input device101includes a clickable touch sensor105including a touch sensor102and a switch103.

The display apparatus201includes a touch position information generating unit401, a click judging unit402, a click position information generating unit403, a correcting unit404, a cursor position determining unit405, an object position storage unit406, an object selection determining unit407, a cursor display control unit408, an object display control unit409, a screen display control unit410, and a display screen202.

The touch position information generating unit401generates touch position information indicating a position within the touch sensor102touched by a user (hereinafter also referred to as a touch position). Specifically, the touch position information generating unit401obtains from the touch sensor102a signal indicating a position at which the user is touching the touch sensor102. The touch position information generating unit401then represents the position at which the user is touching the touch sensor102by X- and Y-coordinates and provides the coordinates representing the touch position to the click position information generating unit403and the cursor position determining unit405as touch position information.

It should be noted that the touch position information also indicates the time at which the user touched the touch sensor102. The touch position information indicates the position on the touch sensor102touched by the user by coordinate values in a coordinate system of the display screen202converted from coordinate values in a coordinate system of the touch sensor102. In this case, the touch position information is identical to cursor position information, which will be described later.

The click judging unit402detects a click on the switch103which is an example of the click detecting unit. Specifically, the click judging unit402receives a signal when the user clicks or releases the switch103, and represents the time at which the user has clicked the switch103by time information, and provides the time information to the click position information generating unit403as click information.

When the click judging unit402detects the click on the switch103, the click position information generating unit403uses touch position information to generate click position information indicating a click position (click position302inFIG. 3), which is a position at which the switch103has been clicked. Note that the click position is specifically a position where the user is touching the touch sensor102at the time of press on the switch103.

For example, based on click information provided from the click judging unit402and touch position information provided from the touch position information generating unit401, the click position information generating unit403provides touch position information indicating the time identical to the time at which the user has clicked the clickable touch sensor105to the correcting unit404as click position information. It should be noted that like the touch position information, the click position information indicates the position on the touch sensor102at the time of the click on the touch sensor102by the user, represented by values in the coordinate system of the display screen202converted from the coordinate system of the touch sensor102.

The correcting unit404corrects click position information on the basis of a positional relationship between at least one reference position on the clickable touch sensor indicated in predetermined correction information and the click position. Note that the reference position is for example the correction reference point301depicted inFIG. 3.

For example, the correcting unit404determines a correction distance to be applied to a click position302according to the distance between the click position302indicated in click position information provided from the click position information generating unit403and the correction reference point301. The correcting unit404then corrects the click position information so that a corrected position304is at a position at the determined correction distance from the click position302in a correction direction303. The correcting unit404then provides the corrected click position information to the object selection determining unit407.

A detailed configuration of the correcting unit404will be described later with reference toFIG. 4B. Specific exemplary values of the click position302, the correction reference point301, and the correction judgment distance306are shown inFIG. 5.

The object position storage unit406is a memory or the like that stores position information for all objects204displayed on the display screen202. The object position storage unit406provides stored position information of all objects204to the object selection determining unit407. The position information for an object is information indicating a position and size in which the object is to be displayed in the display screen202.

The object selection determining unit407determines an object204selected, on the basis of corrected click position information provided from the correcting unit404and position information of objects204provided from the object position storage unit406. The object selection determining unit407then provides information indicating the selected object204to the object display control unit409.

The cursor display control unit408performs control concerning display of the cursor203such as a display effect of the cursor203when moved, on the basis of position information of the cursor203provided from the cursor position determining unit405. The cursor display control unit408then provides cursor display information indicating the result of the control concerning the cursor203to the screen display control unit410.

The object display control unit409performs control concerning display of objects204in general such as a display effect of a selected object204, on the basis of information indicating the selected object204provided from the object selection determining unit407. The object display control unit409then provides object display information indicating the result of the control concerning to the object204to the screen display control unit410.

The screen display control unit410receives cursor display information provided from the cursor display control unit408and object display information provided from the object display control unit409and controls display in general such as the cursor203and all objects204displayed on the display screen202.

A detailed configuration of the correcting unit404according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.FIG. 4Bis a block diagram illustrating an exemplary detailed configuration of the correcting unit404according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The correcting unit404according to the first embodiment corrects click position information when the distance between a correction reference point301and a click position302is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance threshold. Specifically, the correcting unit404corrects click position information so that a click position after correction is at a position (a corrected position304) a correction distance305from the click position302in the direction from the correction reference point301to the click position302, that is, in a correction direction303. As illustrated inFIG. 4B, the correcting unit404includes a correction reference point storage unit441, a correction judgment threshold storage unit442, a correction value storage unit443, a correction calculating unit444, and a click position information calculating unit445.

The correction reference point storage unit441is a memory for storing information indicating a correction reference point301.

The correction judgment threshold storage unit442is a memory for storing a distance threshold which is a threshold used in determination as to whether or not a correction process is to be performed.

The correction value storage unit443is a memory for storing information indicating a correction distance305which represents the amount of correction of a click position.

The correction calculating unit444uses information indicating a correction reference point301and click position information indicating a click position302to calculate the distance between the correction reference point301and the click position302(a correction judgment distance306). The correction calculating unit444then determines whether or not the calculated correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the distance threshold stored in the correction judgment threshold storage unit442.

When the correction calculating unit444determines that the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the distance threshold, the correction calculating unit444determines a correction direction303. Specifically, the correction calculating unit444calculates an inclination between the correction reference point301and the click position302to determine the correction direction303. The correction calculating unit444then provides information indicating the determined correction direction303and the click position information to the click position information calculating unit445.

On the other hand, when the correction calculating unit444determines that the calculated distance is smaller than the distance threshold, the correction calculating unit444provides the click position information to the object selection determining unit407without correction because correction does not need to be made.

The click position information calculating unit445calculates a corrected position304on the basis of click position information, information indicating a correction direction303, and information indicating a correction distance305. Specifically, the click position information calculating unit445calculates a corrected position304which is a position at the correction distance305from the click position302in the correction direction303. The click position information calculating unit445then provides corrected click position information indicating the calculated corrected position304to the object selection determining unit407.

An operation of the click position control apparatus in the first embodiment having the configuration described above will be described below in detail with specific examples.

FIG. 5shows specific exemplary values of a correction reference point301, a click position302, and a correction judgment distance306in the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 5, the same elements as those inFIG. 3are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 5illustrates an example in which “occurrence of a click operation on the clickable touch sensor105has been detected at (200,200)” and an example in which “occurrence of a click operation on the clickable touch sensor105has been detected at (300,300)”.

It should be noted that the correction judgment distance306is the distance between a correction reference point301and a click position302as described above and is calculated by the correcting unit404by using coordinate values represented by X- and Y-coordinates. Specifically, the correction judgment distance306is calculated as the square root of the sum of squares of a difference between the X-coordinate of the correction reference point301and the X-coordinate of the click position302and a difference between the Y-coordinate of the correction reference point301and the Y-coordinate of the click position302.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation for presetting parameters such as a correction reference point301and a correction distance305on the basis of correction information in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the correcting unit404sets a correction reference point301which serves as a reference point required for calculating a correction judgment distance306(step S101). Specifically, the correcting unit404causes the correction reference point storage unit441to store a correction reference point301indicated in correction information. Note that the correction information here is information predetermined at the time of manufacture or predetermined by the user when using the input device101, for example, and is information indicating conditions for correcting a click position.

The correcting unit404then sets a correction judgment threshold (distance threshold) for determining whether or not a click position is to be corrected and a correction distance corresponding to the correction judgment threshold (step S102). Specifically, the correcting unit404causes the correction judgment threshold storage unit442to store a correction judgment threshold indicated in correction information and causes the correction value storage unit443to store a correction distance305.

FIG. 7Ashows specific exemplary values of coordinates of the correction reference point301, the correction judgment threshold, and the correction distance305set by the correcting unit404.

FIG. 7Ashows exemplary values of the correction reference point301, the correction judgment threshold501, and the correction distance305in the first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 7A, the same elements as those inFIG. 3are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example in which “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the correction judgment threshold501(300), a position at a correction distance305of (20) from a click position302in a correction direction303is set as a corrected click position”.

It should be noted that while one correction judgment threshold501and one correction distance305associated with the correction judgment threshold501are used in the example illustrated inFIG. 7A, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501and a plurality of correction distances305may be used. Here, the correction judgment threshold storage unit442and the correction value storage unit443store the correction judgment threshold501and the correction distance305in association with each other.

Referring toFIG. 7B, an example will be described in which a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501and a plurality of correction distances305are stored.

The example inFIG. 7Bshows that “when the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold501of (300) and smaller than a correction threshold of (400), a position at a correction distance305of (20) from a click position302in a correction direction303is set as a corrected position”. The example also shows that “when the correction judgment distance306is greater than a correction judgment threshold501of (400), a position at a correction distance305of (30) from a click position302in the correction direction303is set as a corrected click position”.

In this way, if a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501are used, the correction judgment thresholds501and correction distances305are stored in association with each other. It should be noted that preferably, the greater the correction judgment threshold501is, the greater the correction distance305is. That is, preferably, the farther a click position is from a predetermined reference position (correction reference point301), the greater correction is made, that is, the greater correction distance305is set. This is because a deflection of click generally increases as the distance from the correction reference point301increases.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an example of a click position information correcting method performed by the correcting unit404in the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, the correcting unit404obtains click position information (step S201). Specifically, a click on the clickable touch sensor105by the user causes the click position information generating unit403to provide click position information to the correcting unit404.

Then, the correcting unit404calculates a correction judgment distance306, which is the distance between the correction reference point301and the click position302(step S202).

The correcting unit404then compares the correction judgment distance306with the correction judgment threshold501(step S203). When the correction judgment distance306is less than the correction judgment threshold501(Yes at step S203), the correcting unit404does not correct the click position information (step S204). That is, the correcting unit404provides the click position information provided from the click position information generating unit403to the object selection determining unit407.

When the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the correction judgment threshold501(No at step S203), the correcting unit404uses the correction distance305and the correction direction303to correct the click position information (step S205). Specifically, the correcting unit404calculates a corrected position which is a position at the correction distance305from the click position302indicated in the click position information in the correction direction303and generates information indicating the calculated corrected position304as corrected click position information.

The process described above and illustrated inFIG. 8will be described using specific exemplary values.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, (0,0) is used as the correction reference point301and two points (200,200) and (300,300) are used as click positions302. Also, (300) is used as the correction judgment threshold501and (20) is used as the correction distance305as illustrated inFIG. 7A.

First, the correcting unit404calculates correction judgment distances306(step S202). The correction judgment distances306calculated are (280) and (420).

The correcting unit404then compares each correction judgment distance306with the correction judgment threshold501(step S203). Since the correction judgment distance306(280) is less than the correction judgment threshold501(300) (Yes at step S203), the correcting unit404does not correct the click position (200,200). Accordingly, the click information indicating the click position (200,200) is provided to the object selection determining unit407without correction.

Then, since the correction judgment distance306(420) is greater than the correction judgment threshold501(300) (No at step S203), the correcting unit404calculates a corrected position304which is a position at a correction distance of (20) from the click position (300,300) in a direction of a straight line between the click position302and the correction reference point301(correction direction300). That is, the X-coordinate of the corrected position304is 300+14=314 and the Y-coordinate of the corrected position304is 300+14=314. Thus, the corrected position304indicated in the corrected click position information is calculated as (314,314).

As described above, the click position control apparatus according to the first embodiment corrects a click position at which the switch103is pressed when the distance between a predetermined reference position and the click position is equal to or greater than a threshold. Specifically, the click position control apparatus according to the first embodiment corrects click position information so that a corrected click position is at a position at a correction distance from the click position in the direction from a reference position toward the click position. That is, the click position control apparatus according to the first embodiment assumes a detected click position to be deflected from the click position intended by a user in the direction of the reference position and corrects the deflection.

Thus, a click position can be corrected simply by presetting parameters such as a threshold and a correction distance. Accordingly, an operation error due to a deflection of a click by a user can be prevented without needing a user operation history or the like even when the user is changed or when a new user uses the apparatus.

Second Embodiment

A click position control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a storage unit which stores a plurality of pieces of touch position information, and by correcting click position information with reference to the pieces of touch position information stored in the storage unit.

In the second embodiment, an example will be given first in which click position information is corrected on the basis of a record of touch position information indicating positions at which a user touched a touch sensor, that is, a trajectory of touch positions according to the distance between a point (reference position) which serves as a benchmark on an input device and a click position (coordinates) which indicates an input by the user on a clickable touch sensor.

It should be noted that since a touch position is represented as coordinates on a display screen in the second embodiment, a touch position is identical to a cursor position. Therefore, a trajectory of a cursor displayed on the display screen is used as a trajectory of touch positions in the second embodiment.

A cross section of an input device101in the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to that in the first embodiment and therefore a cross-sectional view of the input device101will be omitted.

FIG. 9is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the input device101and an example of a display apparatus601in the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 9, the same elements as those inFIG. 1are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The display apparatus601obtains position information on a point at which a finger104is touching a clickable touch sensor105on the basis of a position signal provided from the input device101and displays a cursor203at a position on a display screen202that corresponds to the obtained position information in the same fashion as the display apparatus201in the first embodiment. The display apparatus601also detects a click on the clickable touch sensor105by a user and performs processing such as object204judgment processing in the same fashion as the display apparatus201in the first embodiment.

In addition, the display apparatus601includes a storage unit which stores a history of movements of the cursor203displayed on the display screen202(a cursor trajectory605) as series of cursor positions information. In the second embodiment, correction of click position information is made by selecting one cursor position from the series of cursor positions information indicating a cursor position trajectory205. A specific example of series of cursor positions information will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 10.

FIG. 10shows exemplary values of series of cursor positions information701indicating a trajectory of the cursor203displayed on the display screen202of the display apparatus601in the second embodiment of the present invention.

The series of cursor positions information701indicates times702at which position information of the cursor203(that is, touch position information) was inputted and cursor positions703corresponding to the times702. The example inFIG. 10illustrates that “the cursor203was displayed at positions (480,135), (360,160), (355,280), (315,300), and (300,300) on the display screen202at times 30 ms, 60 ms, 90 ms, 120 ms, and 150 ms, respectively”.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary internal configuration of an input device101including a clickable touch sensor105and an exemplary internal configuration of a display apparatus601, which is an example of the click position control apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 11, the same components as those inFIGS. 1,4A and9are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

The display apparatus601differs from the display apparatus201described in the first embodiment in that the display apparatus601includes a click position information generating unit803, a correcting unit804, and a cursor position determining unit805instead of the click position information generating unit403, the correcting unit404, and the cursor position determining unit405and includes a series of cursor positions storage unit811in addition.

The correcting unit804refers to series of cursor positions information701stored in the series of cursor positions storage unit811to correct click position information. Specifically, the correcting unit804refers to series of cursor positions information701to correct click position information so that corrected click position information represents a position indicated in cursor position information indicating a time which precedes the time indicated in the click position information by a predetermined correction amount of time.

More specifically, the correcting unit804selects one cursor position from the series of cursor positions information701provided from the series of cursor positions storage unit811, according to the distance between a click position302indicated in the click position information provided from the click position information generating unit803and a correction reference point301. The correcting unit804then provides cursor position information indicating the one cursor position703selected from the series of cursor positions information701to an object selection determining unit407as a click position information.

Exemplary values of the click position302, the correction reference point301, and the correction judgment distance306are shown inFIG. 5. A process performed by the correcting unit804for selecting one cursor point from the series of cursor positions information701is illustrated in detail inFIG. 14.

The cursor position determining unit805determines cursor position information of the cursor203displayed on the display screen202from touch position information provided from the touch position information generating unit401in the same fashion as the cursor position determining unit405. The cursor position determining unit805then provides the determined cursor position information to the series of cursor positions storage unit811as well as to a cursor display control unit408. It should be noted that as shown inFIG. 10, the cursor position information is information which indicates a cursor position703determined on the basis of touch positions indicated in touch position information and a time702indicated in the touch position information (that is, information in one row inFIG. 10).

The series of cursor positions storage unit811, which is an example of the storage unit according to the present invention, stores cursor position information generated on the basis of touch position information. Specifically, the series of cursor positions storage unit811stores, as series of cursor positions information701, a plurality of pieces of cursor position information including cursor positions703and times702associated with the cursor positions703, provided from the cursor position determining unit805. The series of cursor positions storage unit811provides the stored series of cursor positions information701to the correcting unit804according to an instruction from the correcting unit804.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation for presetting parameters such as a correction reference point301and a correction amount of time on the basis of correction information in the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 12, the same operations as those inFIG. 6are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

First, the correcting unit804sets a correction reference point301which serves as a reference position required for calculating a correction judgment distance306(step S101). Specific operation is the same as the operation performed by the correcting unit404according to the first embodiment.

Then, the correcting unit804sets a correction judgment threshold for determining whether or not a click position is to be corrected and a correction amount of time corresponding to the correction judgment threshold (step S302).FIG. 13shows specific exemplary values of the coordinates of the correction reference point301, the correction judgment threshold, and the correction amount of time set by the correcting unit804.

FIG. 13shows exemplary values of the correction reference point301, the correction judgment threshold501, and the correction amount of time901in the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 13, the same elements as those inFIGS. 3 and 7Aare given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 13illustrates that “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the correction judgment threshold501(300), a correction amount of time901of (30 ms) is used to make correction”. More specifically,FIG. 13illustrates that “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the correction judgment threshold501(300), a position at which the user was touching the touch sensor102a correction amount of time901of (30 ms) before the time indicated in click position information is set as a corrected click position”.

While one correction judgment threshold501and one correction amount of time901associated with the correction judgment threshold501are used in the example illustrated inFIG. 13, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501and a plurality of correction amounts of time901may be used. Specifically, if a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501are used, the correction judgment thresholds501and correction amounts of time901are stored in association with each other. In this case, preferably the correction amount of time901increases as the correction judgment threshold501increases. That is, preferably, the farther a click position is from a predetermined reference position (correction reference point301), the greater correction is made, that is, the greater correction amount of time901is set. This is because a deflection of click generally increases as the distance from the correction reference point301increases.

FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method performed by the correcting unit804for correcting click position information in the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 14, the same operations as those inFIG. 8are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the operations (step S201to step S203) of obtaining click position information by the correcting unit804, calculating a correction judgment distance306, and comparing the calculated correction judgment distance306with a correction judgment threshold501are the same as those inFIG. 8.

When the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than the correction judgment threshold501(No at step S203), the correcting unit804obtains series of cursor positions information701from the series of cursor positions storage unit811(step S405). Here, time information indicating a time at which a click position302was detected is referred to as correction reference time information. That is, the correction reference time is a time indicated in click position information and indicates a time at which the switch103was pressed by a click on the touch sensor102by the user.

The correcting unit804subtracts the correction amount of time901from the correction reference time information (step S406). That is, the correcting unit804calculates a time the correction amount of time901before the time indicated in the correction reference time information, that is, the time at which the switch103was clicked.

The correcting unit804then replaces the click position information with cursor position information indicating a cursor position703corresponding to a time702identical to the calculated past time.

In this way, the correcting unit804refers to cursor position information stored in the series of cursor positions storage unit811to correct click position information so that a position corresponding to a corrected click position is the cursor position corresponding to a time a correction amount of time901before the time indicated in the click position information.

The process described above and illustrated inFIG. 14will be described using specific exemplary values.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, (0,0) is used as the correction reference point301and two points (200,200) and (300,300) are used as click positions302. Also, (300) is used as the correction judgment threshold501and (20) is used as the correction amount of time901as illustrated inFIG. 13.

First, the correcting unit804calculates correction judgment distances306(step S202). The correction judgment distances306calculated are (280) and (420).

The correcting unit804then compares each correction judgment distance306with the correction judgment threshold501(step S203). Since the correction judgment distance306(280) is less than the correction judgment threshold501(300) (Yes at step S203), the correcting unit804does not correct the click position302(200,200). Accordingly, click information indicating the click position (200,200) is provided to an object selection determining unit407.

Then, since the correction judgment distance306(420) is greater than the correction judgment threshold501(300) (No at step S203), the correcting unit804corrects the click position information that indicates the click position (300,300). First, the correcting unit804obtains series of cursor positions information701from the series of cursor positions storage unit811(step S405). For example, the correcting unit804obtains the series of cursor positions information shown inFIG. 10.

Here, the correction reference time is a time indicated in the click position information indicating the click position (300,300). The correction reference time in this case is (150 ms) as shown inFIG. 10.

The correcting unit804then subtracts the correction amount of time901(30 ms) from the correction reference time (150 ms) to obtain a past time (step S406). Here, the past time is (120 ms).

The correcting unit804then replaces the click position information with cursor position information indicating a cursor position (315,300) corresponding to a time702identical to the past time (120 ms) (step S407). That is, the correcting unit804corrects the click position information so that a corrected position is the cursor position (315,340).

In this way, the click position control apparatus according to the second embodiment corrects a click position when the distance between a predetermined reference position and a click position at which the switch103was clicked is equal to or greater than a threshold. Specifically, the click position control apparatus according to the second embodiment refers to series of cursor positions information stored in the series of cursor positions storage unit811to correct click position information so that a corrected click position is a position indicated in the cursor position information that indicates a past time a correction amount of time before the time indicated in the click position information.

Thus, a click position can be corrected simply by presetting parameters such as a threshold and a correction amount of time. Accordingly, an operation error due to a deflection of a click by a user can be prevented without needing a user operation history or the like even when the user is changed or when a new uses the apparatus.

(First Variation of Second Embodiment)

While a method performed by the correcting unit804for correcting click position information using a correction amount of time901has been described with reference toFIGS. 13 and 14, a click position control apparatus according to a first variation of the second embodiment may use a correction distance instead of the correction amount of time901. A method for correcting click position information using a correction distance will be described below with reference toFIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 15shows exemplary values of a correction reference point301, a correction judgment threshold501, and a correction distance1001in the first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 15, the same elements as those inFIGS. 3 and 7Aare given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 15shows that “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold501of (300), a correction distance1001of (20) is used to perform correction”. More specifically,FIG. 15shows that “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold501of (300), a click position302is corrected to a position closest to a position at a correction distance1001of (20) from the click position302”.

While one correction judgment threshold501and one correction distance1001associated with the correction judgment threshold501are used in the example shown inFIG. 15, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501and a plurality of correction distances1001may be used.

FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method performed by a correcting unit804for correcting click position information in the first variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 16, the same operations as those inFIG. 14are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the operations (step S201to step S203) of obtaining click position information by the correcting unit804, calculating a correction judgment distance306, and comparing the calculated correction judgment distance306with a correction judgment threshold501are the same as those inFIG. 14. The operation of obtaining series of cursor positions information (step S405) performed by the correcting unit804when the correction judgment distance306is greater than the correction judgment threshold501is also the same as the operation inFIG. 14.

The correcting unit804calculates the distance between a cursor positions703indicated in every piece of cursor position information contained in series of cursor positions information701and a click position302indicated in the click position information. It should be noted that the calculation here is performed with one of the coordinate system in the touch sensor102and the coordinate system in the display screen202. The correcting unit804then determines cursor position information that resulted in a calculated distance identical or closest to the correction distance1001(step S506).

Here, when there are a plurality of identical or closest pieces of cursor position information (No at step S507), the correcting unit804selects a piece of cursor position information that corresponds to a time closest to the time indicated in the click position information among the plurality of pieces of cursor position information (step S508). The correcting unit804replaces the click position information with the cursor position information thus determined or selected (step S509).

In this way, the correcting unit804refers to cursor position information stored in the series of cursor positions storage unit811to correct click position information so that a corrected click position is a position closest to a position at the correction distance1001from the position indicated in the click position information.

The process described above and illustrated inFIG. 16will be described using specific exemplary values. The values used are the same as those used inFIG. 14and the results of the calculations illustrated inFIG. 14are used.

The correcting unit804calculates the distance between a click position302(300,300) indicated in click position information and every cursor position (480,135), (360,160), (355,280), (315,300) in series of cursor positions information701obtained from the series of cursor positions storage unit811, excluding a cursor position that is identical to the click position302(300,300). Results of the calculations are 244, 152, 62, and 15 (digits to the right of the decimal point of each values were discarded), respectively, and a cursor position information closest to the correction distance1001(20) is (315,300) (step S506).

Then, correcting unit804determines whether or not there are a plurality of pieces of cursor position information with calculated distances that are equal or closest to the correction distance1001. Here, there are not a plurality of pieces of cursor position information (Yes at step S507). Therefore the cursor position information indicating the cursor position (315,300) is determined to be corrected click position information (step S509).

While the distance between the cursor position indicated in every piece of cursor position information contained in the series of cursor positions information701and the click position indicated in click position information is calculated in the example described above, only the distances to cursor positions at times before the time indicated in the click position information need to be calculated. Alternatively, the distances to cursor positions at times within a predetermined time period before the time indicated in the click position information may be calculated. In this way, the distances to only some of the cursor positions need to be calculated and the amount of processing can be reduced accordingly.

(Second Variation of Second Embodiment)

Referring toFIG. 16, a method for correcting click position information performed by the correcting unit804has been described in which the click position information is replaced with cursor position information indicating a distance to the click position302that is equal or closest to the correction distance1001. That is, the click position302is corrected to a cursor position that coincides with or closest to the circumference of a circle that is centered on the click position302and has a radius equal to the correction distance1001.

A method of a second variation of the second embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 17in which correction is made by calculating distances between cursor positions along a trajectory of the cursor and replacing click position information with cursor position information with a sum of the calculated distances between cursor positions that is equal or closest to a correction distance.

FIG. 17is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for correcting click position information performed by a correcting unit804in the second variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 17, the same operations as those inFIG. 14are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 17, the operations (step S201to step S203) of obtaining click position information by the correcting unit804, calculating a correction judgment distance306, and comparing the calculated correction judgment distance306with a correction judgment threshold501are the same as those inFIG. 14. The operation of obtaining series of cursor positions information (step S405) performed by the correcting unit804when the correction judgment distance306is greater than the correction judgment threshold501is also the same as the operation inFIG. 14.

The correcting unit804selects cursor position information that indicates a cursor position703identical to a click position302indicated in click position information from series of cursor positions information701(step S606). Here, a cursor position703that is identical to a click position302indicated in click position information is referred to as a correction reference position and cursor position information indicating the cursor position703is referred to as correction reference position information.

The correcting unit804refers to the series of cursor positions information701and, based on time information indicating times702contained in the series of cursor positions information701, calculates the distance between a cursor position indicated in cursor position information just preceding in time the correction reference position information and the correction reference position (step S607). The distance between two cursor positions indicate by series of cursor positions information701is hereinafter referred to as an inter-cursor-position distance.

The correcting unit804then determines whether or not the calculated inter-cursor-position distance is equal to or greater than a correction distance1001(step S608). When the calculated inter-cursor-position distance is equal to or greater than the correction distance1001(Yes at step S608), the correcting unit804replaces the click position information with earliest-time cursor position information among the cursor position information used in the inter-cursor-position distance calculation (step S609).

On the other hand, when the calculated inter-cursor-position distance is less than the correction distance1001(No at step S608), the correcting unit804goes back to previous two adjacent pieces of cursor position information according to the time information and performs the same calculation on them (step S607). The correcting unit804then adds the calculated distance to the inter-cursor-position distance. Thus, the correcting unit804calculates sums of inter-cursor-position distances one after another.

Specifically, at the second calculation, the distance between a cursor position indicated in cursor position information just preceding in time the correction reference position information and a cursor position indicted by cursor position information preceding in time that cursor position information is calculated. Then, the distance between the two positions is added to the inter-cursor-position distance (the distance between the correction reference position and the cursor position just preceding in time the correction reference position information).

The correcting unit804then compares the sum of the inter-cursor-position distances with the correction distance1001(step S608). When the sum of the inter-cursor-position distances is less than the correction distance1001(No at step S608), the correcting unit804calculates an additional inter-cursor-position distance (returns to step S607).

When the sum of the inter-cursor-position distances is equal to or greater than the correction distance1001, or when all pieces of cursor position information stored as series of cursor positions information701are used in the distance calculation (Yes at step S608), the correcting unit804replaces the click position information with the earliest-time cursor position information among the cursor position information used in the cursor position distance calculations (step S609).

In this way, the correcting unit804calculates the distances between adjacent two points along a trajectory of cursor positions one after another. Then, the correcting unit804calculates the sum of the distances calculated one after another and corrects the click position information so that a corrected click position is a cursor position at which the calculated sum becomes equal to or greater than the correction distance1001.

The process described above and illustrated inFIG. 17will be described using specific exemplary values. The values used are the same as those used inFIGS. 14 and 16and the results of calculations illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 16will be used.

Since the click position302indicated in click position information is (300,300), the correcting unit804refers to series of cursor positions information701to determine correction reference position information (step S606). Here, the correction reference position indicated in the correction reference position information is (300,300).

The correcting unit804then calculates the distance between the correction reference position (300,300) and a cursor position (315,300) immediately preceding the correction reference position (300,300) to yield an inter-cursor-position distance of (15) (step S607). The correcting unit804then compares the inter-cursor-position distance (15) with the correction distance1001(20) (step S608).

Here, the inter-cursor-position distance (15) is smaller (No at step S608). Therefore the correcting unit804calculates the distance between the cursor position (315,300) immediately preceding the correction reference position and a cursor position (355,280) preceding that cursor position (315,300) to yield an inter-cursor-position distance of (50).

The inter-cursor-position distance (50) is added to the previously yielded inter-cursor-position distance (15) to yield a sum of (65). The correcting unit804then compares the sum (65) of the inter-cursor-position distances with the correction distance1001(20) (step S608).

Here, the sum (65) of the inter-cursor-position distances is greater than the correction distance1001(15) (Yes at step S608). Therefore the correcting unit804sets as a corrected click position a cursor position (355,280) that corresponds to the earliest time among cursor positions (300,300), (315,300), (355,280) indicated in the cursor position information used in the inter-cursor-position distance calculation.

In this way, the correcting unit804may correct click position information so that a corrected position304is a cursor position closest to a position at a correction distance1001from a click position302indicated in click position information. In this case, the correcting unit804may correct the click position information so that the corrected position304is the cursor position closest to a position at the correction distance1001from the click position302along a trajectory of the cursor.

(Third Variation of Second Embodiment)

An input device according to the second embodiment may include a pressure sensor instead of the switch. A method for correcting click position information using an input device1101including a pressure sensor1103in place of the switch103illustrated inFIG. 11will be described with reference toFIGS. 18 to 21.

FIG. 18is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary internal configuration of an input device1101including a clickable touch sensor1105and an exemplary internal configuration of a display apparatus1201, which is an example of the click position control apparatus, in a third variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 18, the same elements as those inFIGS. 1 and 11are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The input device1101includes a clickable touch sensor1105including a touch sensor102and a pressure sensor1103.

The pressure sensor1103, which is an example of the click detecting unit according to the present invention, is disposed under the touch sensor102, is integral with the touch sensor102, and detects the intensity of a click on the touch sensor102by a user. The pressure sensor1103provides a signal indicating the intensity of a click on the touch sensor by the user to a display apparatus1201. That is, whereas the switch103can be placed in two states, pressed and not pressed, the pressure sensor1103detects the degree of press as the intensity of a click.

The display apparatus1201differs from the display apparatus601in the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11in that the display apparatus1201includes a click judging unit1202, a click position information generating unit1203, a correcting unit1204, a cursor position determining unit1205, and a series of cursor positions storage unit1211in place of the click judging unit402, the click position information generating unit403, the correcting unit404, the cursor position determining unit805, and the series of cursor positions storage unit811.

The click judging unit1202generates intensity information indicating intensity obtained from the pressure sensor1103and, when the intensity obtained from the pressure sensor1103is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference intensity value, detects a click on the pressure sensor1103. It should be noted that “the click on the pressure sensor1103” means that the user has pressed the touch sensor102sufficiently in order to select an object204displayed on the display screen202, for example.

Specifically, the click judging unit1202receives a signal indicating the intensity of a click on the pressure sensor1103by a user from the pressure sensor1103and generates click intensity information indicating the intensity it received. The click judging unit1202also represents a timing at which the intensity of the click on the pressure sensor1103by the user has been measured as time information and provides click information indicating the click intensity information and the time information to the click position information generating unit1203.

Based on click information provided from the click judging unit1202and touch position information provided from a touch position information generating unit401, the click position information generating unit1203associates click information with touch position information that indicates the same time information as the click information. The click position information generating unit1203provides the click information and the touch position information associated with each other to the cursor position determining unit1205. The click position information generating unit1203also provides touch position information that coincides with the time at which the user has clicked the clickable touch sensor105with an intensity equal to or greater than the reference intensity value to the correcting unit1204as click position information.

The correcting unit1204selects one cursor position from series of cursor positions information obtained from the series of cursor positions storage unit1211according to the distance between a click position302indicated in click position information provided from the click position information generating unit1203and a correction reference point301. The correcting unit1204then provides cursor position information indicating the selected cursor position to an object selection determining unit407as click position information.

Specific exemplary values of the click position302, the correction reference point301, and the correction judgment distance306are the same as those in the first embodiment and therefore description of such values will be omitted (seeFIG. 5, for example). An example of series of cursor positions information provided from the series of cursor positions storage unit1211will be describe later with reference toFIG. 19.

Based on touch position information and click information provided from the click position information generating unit1203, the cursor position determining unit1205determines cursor position information of a cursor203to be displayed on the display screen202. The cursor position determining unit1205then provides the determined cursor position information to a cursor display control unit408. The cursor position determining unit1205provides the cursor position information and the click position information obtained from the click position information generating unit1203to the series of cursor positions storage unit1211.

The series of cursor positions storage unit1211associates cursor position information provided from the cursor position determining unit1205in which a cursor position and a time are associated with each other with click information and stores the information as series of cursor positions information. The series of cursor positions information is stored for a predetermined period of time. Series of cursor positions information that has been stored for a period of time beyond the predetermined period of time is discarded. The series of cursor positions storage unit1211provides all series of cursor positions information stored in it to the correcting unit1204according to an instruction from the correcting unit1204.

FIG. 19shows exemplary values of series of cursor positions information1301indicating a trajectory of the cursor203displayed on the display screen202of the display apparatus1201in the third variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 19, the same elements as those inFIG. 10are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The series of cursor positions information1301indicates a time702at which cursor203position information (that is, touch position information) was input, a cursor position703corresponding to the time702, and a click intensity1302.

The click intensity1302in the example shown inFIG. 19is represented by a value ranging from 0 to 100, where 0 represents a “not pressed at all” state and 100 represents a “fully pressed” state.FIG. 19illustrates that “the clickable touch sensor1105was clicked with intensities of (20), (40), (60), (80), and (100) at times 30 ms, 60 ms, 90 ms, 120 ms, and 150 ms, respectively, while the cursor203was at positions of (480,135), (360,160), (355,280), (315,300), and (300,300), respectively.

Note that the reference intensity value is 100, for example. Accordingly, the click judging unit1202detects the click on the touch sensor102when the user clicks the touch sensor102to fully press the pressure sensor1103.

FIG. 20shows exemplary values of a correction reference point301, a correction judgment threshold501, and a click intensity threshold1401in the third variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 20, the same elements as those inFIGS. 3 and 7Aare given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The click intensity threshold1401is a value used for correcting click position information. Details about how the click intensity threshold1401is used will be described with reference toFIG. 21.

FIG. 20illustrates that “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold501of (300), a click intensity threshold1401of (60) is used to make correction”. Specifically,FIG. 20illustrates that “when the correction reference point301is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance306is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold501of (300), a correction position302is corrected to a cursor position associated with intensity information indicating intensity equal to or greater than a click intensity threshold1401of (60)”.

While one correction judgment threshold501and one click intensity threshold1401associated with the correction judgment threshold501are used in the example illustrated inFIG. 20, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501and a plurality of click intensity thresholds1401may be used. Specifically, if a plurality of correction judgment thresholds501are used, the correction judgment thresholds501and click intensity thresholds1401are stored in association with each other. Here, preferably the click intensity threshold1401is decreased as the correction judgment threshold501increases. That is, preferably, the farther a click position is from a predetermined reference position (correction reference point301), the greater correction is made, that is, the smaller click intensity threshold1401is set. This is because a deflection of click generally increases as the distance from the correction reference point301increases.

FIG. 21is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method performed by the correcting unit1204for correcting click position information in the third variation of the second embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 21, the same operations as those inFIG. 14are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 21, the operations (step S201to step S203) of obtaining click position information by the correcting unit1204, calculating a correction judgment distance306, and comparing the calculated correction judgment distance306with a correction judgment threshold501are the same as those inFIG. 14. The operation of obtaining series of cursor positions information (step S405) performed by the correcting unit1204when the correction judgment distance306is greater than the correction judgment threshold501is also the same as the operation inFIG. 14. However, the correcting unit1204obtains series of cursor positions information1301including intensity information as shown inFIG. 20.

The correcting unit1204selects click intensity information that indicates intensity greater than the click intensity threshold1401and that is associated with the earliest time from the series of cursor positions information1301and replaces the click position information with cursor position information associated with the selected click intensity information (step S706).

In this way, the correcting unit1204refers to cursor position information stored in the series of cursor positions storage unit1211to replace click position information with the earliest cursor position information among the cursor position information that has click intensity information associated with the click position information that is equal to or greater than the click intensity threshold1401. That is, the correcting unit1204corrects the click position information so that a corrected click position is a position at which the user touched the touch sensor102at the time the click intensity exceeds the click intensity threshold1401for the first time.

The process described above and illustrated inFIG. 21will be described using specific exemplary values. For example, when the click reference intensity value is (100), click position information is cursor position information indicating a cursor position (300,300) as shown inFIG. 19. In association with this, (0,0) is used as the correction reference point301and (300,300) is used as a click position302as shown inFIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 20, (300) is used as a correction judgment threshold501and (60) is used as the click intensity threshold1401.

The correction judgment distance306is as described with respect toFIG. 14and is greater than the correction judgment threshold501(No at step S203). Therefore the correcting unit1204obtains series of cursor positions information1301(step S405).

Cursor positions that correspond to click intensity1302equal to or greater than the click intensity threshold1401among the series of cursor positions information1301obtained are (355,280), (315,300), and (300,300). Among the cursor position information, the cursor position information that corresponds to the earliest time information is (355,280). Therefore, the correcting unit1204sets the cursor position information indicating the cursor position (355,280) as corrected click position information.

In this way, the input device1101according to the third variation of the second embodiment may include a pressure sensor1103that detects click intensity in place of the switch103. In this case, when it is determined that the touch sensor102has been clicked, that is, when intensity detected by the pressure sensor1103is equal to or greater than a reference intensity value (for example 100), the correcting unit1204corrects the click position information. Specifically, the correcting unit1204corrects the click position information so that a corrected position304is the earliest cursor position among the cursor positions with intensity equal to or greater than the click intensity threshold1401. Thus, the click position302can be corrected to a touch position touched prior to occurrence of a deflection of click and therefore an operation error can be prevented.

It should be noted that while cursor position information, rather than touch position information, is stored in the storage unit in the embodiment described above, touch position information may be stored instead. That is, while the calculations are performed using the coordinate system in the display screen202, the calculations may be performed using the coordinate system in the touch sensor102.

Third Embodiment

A click position control apparatus according to a third embodiment is characterized by including a grip information generating unit which generates grip information indicating how a user is holding an input device, a correction information storage unit which stores a plurality of pieces of correction information, and a selecting unit which selects one of the plurality of pieces of correction information on the basis of the grip information.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, when correction is made based on the distance between a point (reference position) that serves as a benchmark on the input device and a click position (coordinates) indicating a user input on a clickable touch sensor, correction information is changed on the basis of grip information about how the input device is being held.

The input device in the third embodiment of the present invention has a cross section similar to that in the first embodiment and therefore a cross sectional view of the input device is omitted.

FIG. 22is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the input device1501and an example of a display apparatus1601in the third embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 22, the same components as those inFIG. 2are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

The input device1501includes two clickable touch sensors (a left clickable touch sensor1505L and a right clickable touch sensor1505R), a grip sensor (not depicted inFIG. 22), and an acceleration sensor (not depicted inFIG. 22).

The left clickable touch sensor1505L includes a left touch sensor1502L and a left switch1503L which is disposed under the left touch sensor1502L and is pressed when a user clicks on the left touch sensor1502L (not depicted inFIG. 22. SeeFIGS. 1 and 25). Similarly, the right clickable touch sensor1505R includes a right touch sensor1502R and a right switch1503R which is disposed under the right touch sensor1502R and is pressed when the user clicks on the right touch sensor1502R (not depicted inFIG. 22. SeeFIGS. 1 and 25).

The left clickable touch sensor1505L and the right clickable touch sensor1505R are operated with a left finger1504L and a right finger1504R, respectively. The input device1501sends signals obtained through the left clickable touch sensor1505L and the right clickable touch sensor1505R to the display apparatus1601by wireless communication. A technology such as Bluetooth or ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 is used for the wireless communication, which is a well-known art and therefore description of such technology will be omitted here.

The signals that the input device1501sends to the display apparatus1601include a signal indicating a position at which a left finger1504L of the user is touching the left clickable touch sensor1505L and a signal indicating a click when left finger1504L of the user clicks the left clickable touch sensor1505L, a signal indicating a position at which a right finger1504R of the user is touching the right clickable touch sensor1505R, a signal indicating a click when the right finger1504R of the user clicks the right clickable touch sensor1505R, a signal indicating an orientation of the input device1501obtained through the acceleration sensor, and a signal indicating contact of a hand of the user with the input device1501obtained through the grip sensor.

A technology to measure the orientation of the input device1501with the acceleration sensor is a well-known art and therefore description of such technology will be omitted here. A technique to detect contact of a user's hand with the input device1501is also a known art and therefore description of such technology will be omitted.

The display apparatus1601obtains position information indicating a point at which the left finger1504L is touching the left clickable touch sensor1505L and position information indicating a position at which the right finger1504R is touching the right clickable touch sensor1505R, on the basis of the position-indicating signals provided from the input device1501and displays a left cursor1603L and a right cursor1603R at positions in a display screen202that correspond to the obtained position information. The user can manipulate the left cursor1603L displayed on the display screen202by moving the left finger1504L on the left clickable touch sensor1505L and can manipulate the right cursor1603R displayed on the display screen202by moving the right finger1504R on the right clickable touch sensor1505R.

A coordinate system of a left half of the entire display screen202is associated with a coordinate system of the left clickable touch sensor1505L through absolute coordinates. A coordinate system of a right half of the entire display screen202is associated with a coordinate system of the right clickable touch sensor1505R through absolute coordinates.

For example, position information on both of the left clickable touch sensor1505L and the right clickable touch sensor1505R is represented by X-coordinates ranging from 0 to 400 and Y-coordinates ranging from 0 to 300, where an origin point (0,0) is at an end point at bottom left. Position information in the display screen202is represented by X-coordinates ranging from 0 to 960 and Y-coordinates ranging from 0 to 540, where an origin point (0,0) is at an end point at bottom left.

In this case, the left half (an area with X-coordinates ranging from 0 to 480 and Y-coordinates ranging from 0 to 300) of the display screen202corresponds to the left clickable touch sensor1505L and is an area where the left cursor1603L moves around. The right half (an area with X-coordinates ranging from 480 to 960 and Y-coordinates ranging from 0 to 540) corresponds to the right clickable touch sensor1505R and is an area where the right cursor1603R moves around.

When the coordinate position on the left clickable touch sensor1505L that is being touched by the user's left finger1504L is (200,150), the coordinate position of the left cursor1603L displayed on the display screen202is (240,270); when the coordinate position on the right clickable touch sensor1505R that is being touched by the user's right finger1504R is (200,150), the coordinate position of the right cursor1603R displayed on the display screen202is (720,270).

When the user selects an object204located in the left half of the display screen202, the user moves the left finger1504L on the left clickable touch sensor1505L to move the left cursor1603L in the display screen202and clicks the left clickable touch sensor1505L at the timing of the left cursor1603L being superimposed on the intended object204. Upon the click on the left clickable touch sensor1505L by the user, the input device1501sends a click signal to the display apparatus1601.

The display apparatus1601determines whether or not an object204displayed on the display screen202has been selected, on the basis of a signal indicating a position and a click signal provided from the left clickable touch sensor1505L and information indicating the display position of the object204. For example, when the left clickable touch sensor1505L is clicked while a finger of the user is touching a point at the coordinates (200,150) in the left clickable touch sensor1505L, the coordinate position (240,270) at which the left cursor1603L is currently displayed is recognized as a click position. When the coordinate position (240,270) given above is input as a click position in the case where the object204is at a coordinate position (200,200) and has a size of 50 along an X-axis direction and 100 along a Y-axis direction, the display apparatus1601determines that the object204has been selected.

Note that operation performed when the user selects an object located in the right half of the display screen202is similar to the operation performed when the user selects an object located in the left half and therefore description of such an operation will be omitted.

An input device1501including two clickable touch sensors like the one illustrated inFIG. 22may be held and operated in a vertical orientation, in addition to horizontal orientation. Here, operation in a horizontal orientation is a mode in which the input device1501is held with both hands in a horizontal orientation as, illustrated inFIG. 22, the left clickable touch sensor1505L is operated with a left finger1504L and the right clickable touch sensor1505R is operated with a right finger1504R. Operation in a vertical orientation is a mode in which the input device1501is rotated 90 degrees as illustrated inFIG. 23, held with one hand in a vertical orientation, and the left clickable touch sensor1505L is operated with a left finger1504L, or the right clickable touch sensor1505R is operated with a right finger1504R. The user can change the input device1501from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation even while operating the input device1501. An operation in vertical orientation will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 23.

It should be noted that the input device1501can determine its own orientation and make assignments of the left and right clickable touch sensors to rotate a logical direction of the input device1501to allow the right clickable touch sensor1505R to be operated with a left finger1504L or the left clickable touch sensor1505L to be operated with a right finger1504R. Similarly, in a horizontal orientation, the input device1501can be rotated so that the right clickable touch sensor1505R can be operated with a left finger1504L and the left clickable touch sensor1505L can be operated with a right finger1504R.

Here, the display apparatus1601determines a hand or hands (one of the left and right hands or both hands) holding the input device1501and the orientation of the input device1501on the basis of signals sent from the input device1501, namely a touch signal obtained through the grip sensor and an orientation signal obtained through the acceleration sensor. The display apparatus1601uses the determination as to the hand(s) holding the input device1501and orientation of the input device1501to determine a cursor to display on the display screen202on the basis of a position indicating signal and a click signal sent from the input device1501.

FIG. 23is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for operating the input device1501held in a vertical orientation in the third embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 23, the same elements as those inFIG. 22are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 23illustrates an example in which the right clickable touch sensor1505R is operated with a right finger1504R while the input device1501is held only with the right hand in a vertical orientation. In this case, only the right cursor1603R is displayed on the display apparatus1601. The coordinate system of the display screen202differ from that inFIG. 22; the coordinate system of the entire display screen202is associated with the coordinate system of the right clickable touch sensor1505R through absolute coordinates.

For example, position information in the display screen202is represented by X-coordinates ranging from 0 to 960 and Y-coordinates ranging from 0 to 540, where an origin point (0,0) is at an end point at bottom left as inFIG. 22. Position information on the right clickable touch sensor1505R is represented by X-coordinates ranging from 0 to 400 and Y-coordinates ranging from 0 to 300, where an origin point (0,0) is at an end point at bottom right because the right clickable touch sensor1505R is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise compared to the orientation of right clickable touch sensor1505R inFIG. 22.

In this case, the entire display screen202corresponds to the right clickable touch sensor1505R and serves as an area where the right cursor1603R moves around. However, because the right clickable touch sensor1505R is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise compared with the orientation of the right clickable touch sensor1505R inFIG. 22, the coordinate systems of the display screen202and the right clickable touch sensor1505R correspond to each other in a different way: when a right finger1504R of the user is touching a coordinate position (150,200) on the right clickable touch sensor1505R, the right cursor1603R is displayed at a coordinate position (480,270) on the display screen202.

FIG. 24is a diagram for explaining an example of correction of a left click position, which is a position clicked with a left hand, and a correction of a right click position, which is a position clicked with a right hand, in the third embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 24, the same elements as those inFIG. 22are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

A left correction reference point1701L is fixed at a preset point on the input device1501. For example, the left correction reference point1701L is at a position at which the base of a left finger1504L operating the left clickable touch sensor1505L is expected to be located. Specifically, the left correction reference point1701L is set on a perimeter of the left clickable touch sensor1505L at a point at which a portion of the user's operating left finger1504L other than the tip of the left finger1504L contacts the input device1501. It should be noted that coordinate values of the left correction reference point1701L on the left clickable touch sensor1505L are converted to coordinate values in the coordinate system of the display screen202and the converted coordinate values are used in all calculations using the left correction reference point1701L.

A right correction reference point1701R is fixed at a preset point on the input device1501. For example, the right correction reference point1701R is at a position at which the base of a right finger1504R operating the right clickable touch sensor1505R is expected to be located. Specifically, the right correction reference point1701R is set on a perimeter of the right clickable touch sensor1505R at a point at which a portion of the user's operating right finger1504R other than the tip of the right finger1504R contacts the input device1501. It should be noted that coordinate values of the right correction reference point1701R on the right clickable touch sensor1505R are converted to coordinate values in the coordinate system of the display screen202and the converted coordinate values are used in all calculations using the right correction reference point1701R.

A left click position1702L represents a position at which press of the left switch1503L is detected when the left clickable touch sensor1505L is clicked with a left finger1504L of the user to press the left switch1503L.

A right click position1702R represents a position at which press of the right switch1503R is pressed when the right clickable touch sensor1505R is clicked with a right finger1504R of the user to press the right switch1503R.

A left correction direction1703L is a straight direction from the left correction reference point1701L to the left click position1702L.

A right correction direction1703R is a straight direction from the right correction reference point1701R to the right click position1702R.

Suppose for example the left click position1702L represented by X- and Y-coordinates is (100,200) and the left correction reference point1701L is at (0,0). In this case, the left correction direction1703L is a direction that has an inclination of (200−0)/(100−0)=2. The right correction direction1703R can be calculated in the same way that the left correction direction1703L is calculated and therefore exemplification of specific values will be omitted.

A corrected left position1704L represents a position determined by correcting the left click position1702L according to the third embodiment. Specifically, the corrected left position1704L represents a position at a predetermined left correction distance1705L from the left click position1702L in the left correction direction1703L.

A corrected right position1704R represents a position determined by correcting the right click position1702R according to the third embodiment. Specifically, the corrected right position1704R represents a position at a predetermined right correction distance1705R from the right click position1702R in the right correction direction1703R.

A left correction judgment distance1706L is the distance between the left correction reference point1701L and a left click position1702L. When the left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a predetermine distance threshold, the left click position1702L is corrected to a corrected left position1704L.

A right correction judgment distance1706R is the distance between the right correction reference point1701R and a right click position1702R. When the right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than the predetermine distance threshold, the right click position1702R is corrected to a corrected right position1704R.

Here, the left correction reference point1701L, the right correction reference point1701R, the left correction distance1705L, the right correction distance1705R, and the distance threshold (correction judgment threshold) are determined by predetermined correction information. It should be noted that because the correction information varies depending on the way of holding the input device1501, the click position control apparatus according to the third embodiment stores a plurality of pieces of correction information and selects among the plurality of pieces of the correction information according to the way of holding the input device1501indicated in grip information.

While the left correction reference point1701L is on a perimeter of the left clickable touch sensor1505at a point at which a portion of a user's operating left finger1504L other than the tip of the left finger1504L contacts the input device1501in the third embodiment, the left correction reference point1701L may be at a point on the left clickable touch sensor1505L, or a point at which a hand holding the input device1501contacts the input device1501, or a combination of all of the four points. Similarly, while the right correction reference point1701R is on a perimeter of the right clickable touch sensor1505R at a point at which a portion of a user's operating right finger1504R other than the tip of the right finger1504R contacts the input device1501in the third embodiment, the right correction reference point1701R may be at a point on the right clickable touch sensor1505R, a point at which a hand holding the input device1501contacts the input device1501, or a combination of all of the four points.

A correction direction in the case of holding in a vertical orientation illustrated inFIG. 23is the same as the correction direction inFIG. 3and therefore description of the correction direction will be omitted.

FIG. 25is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary internal configuration of the input device1501and an exemplary internal configuration of a display apparatus1601, which is an example of the click position control apparatus, in the third embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 25, the same components as those inFIGS. 4A and 22are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

The input device1501includes a left clickable touch sensor1505L including a left touch sensor1502L and a left switch1503L, a right clickable touch sensor1505R including a right touch sensor1502R and a right switch1503R, an acceleration sensor1511, and a grip sensor1512.

The left touch sensor1502L and the right touch sensor1502R are the same as the touch sensor102according to the first embodiment; the left switch1503L and the right switch1503R are the same as the switch103according to the first embodiment. Therefore, description of these components will be omitted.

The acceleration sensor1511is an example of a sensor that detects the orientation of the input device1501. The grip sensor1512is an example of a sensor that detects a position at which a user is in contact with the input device1501.

It should be noted that the acceleration sensor1511and the grip sensor1512are examples of detecting units for detecting how a user is holding the input device1501and may be any sensors.

The display apparatus1601differs from the display apparatus201according to the first embodiment inFIG. 4Ain that the display apparatus1601includes a touch position information generating unit1801, a click judging unit1802, a click position information generating unit1803, a correcting unit1804, a cursor position determining unit1805, and a cursor display control unit1808instead of the touch position information generating unit401, the click judging unit402, the click position information generating unit403, the correcting unit404, the cursor position determining unit405, and the cursor display control unit408. The display apparatus1601differs from the display apparatus201according to the first embodiment inFIG. 4Aalso in that the display apparatus1601further includes a grip information generating unit1812, a correction information storage unit1813, and a correction information determining unit1814.

The touch position information generating unit1801generates touch position information indicating positions in the left touch sensor1502L and the right touch sensor1502R touched by a user (a left touch position and a right touch position). Specifically, the touch position information generating unit1801obtains signals indicating positions at which the user is touching the left touch sensor1502L and the right touch sensor1502R from the left touch sensor1502L and the right touch sensors1502R.

The touch position information generating unit1801then represents the positions at which the user is touching the touch sensors using X- and Y-coordinates and provides the coordinates indicating the touch positions to the click position information generating unit1803and the cursor position determining unit1805as touch position information. Note that the touch position information also indicates a time at which the user touched any of the touch sensors. When the touch position information generating unit1801provides the touch position information, the touch position information generating unit1801puts an information ID indicating “left” or “right” information in the touch position information and provides the information. The information ID will be described later with reference toFIG. 26.

The click judging unit1802detects a click on at least one of the left switch1503L and the right switch1503R, which are an example of a click detecting unit. Specifically, when the user presses or releases each of the left and right switches1503L and1503R, the click judging unit1802receives a signal from each of the left and right switches1503L and1503R, represents the timing at which the user has pressed each switch by time information, and provides the time information to the click position information generating unit1803as click information. Note that when the click judging unit1802provides the click information, the click judging unit1802puts an information ID indicating “left” or “right” information in the click information and provides the information.

When the click judging unit1802detects the click on at least one of the left switch1503L and the right switch1503R, the click position information generating unit1803uses touch position information to generate click position information indicating a left click position1702L or a right click position1702R which is a position at which at least one of the left switch1503L and the right switch1503R has been pressed.

Specifically, the click position information generating unit1803compares the information ID contained in click information provided from the click judging unit1802with the information ID contained in touch position information provided from the touch position information generating unit1801. That is, the click position information generating unit1803selects touch position information that contains the same information ID as the information ID contained in the click position information.

The click position information generating unit1803then provides touch position information containing time information indicating a time identical to a time contained in the click information from the selected touch position information to the correcting unit1804as click position information. Note that when the click position information generating unit1803provides the click position information, the click position information generating unit1803puts an information ID indicating “left” or “right” information in the click position information and provides the information.

The correcting unit1804uses correction information determined by the correction information determining unit1814to correct click position information provided from the click position information generating unit1803. Specifically, the correcting unit1804corrects click position information according to the distance (correction judgment distance) between a click position indicated in click position information provided from the click position information generating unit18903and a correction reference point indicated in correction information containing the information ID identical to the information ID contained in the click position information. The correcting unit1804then provides the corrected click position information to an object selection determining unit407. Specific exemplary values of the click position information, the correction reference point, and the correction judgment distance are shown inFIG. 26.

The cursor position determining unit1805determines cursor position information on positions of the left cursor1603L and the right cursor1603R to be displayed on the display screen202on the basis of touch position information provided from the touch position information generating unit1801and grip information provided from grip information generating unit1812and provides the determined cursor position information to the cursor display control unit1808.

The cursor display control unit1808performs control concerning display of the left cursor1603L and the right cursor1603R, such as a display effect associated with movements of the cursors, on the basis of the position information of the left and right cursors1603L and1603R provided from the cursor position determining unit1805. The cursor display control unit1808then provides cursor display information indicating the result of the control performed for the left and right cursors1603L and1603R to a screen display control unit410.

The grip information generating unit1812generates grip information indicating how the user is holding the input device1501. Specifically, the grip information generating unit1812obtains a signal indicating a tilt of the input device1501from the acceleration sensor1511. A method for detecting a tilt of the input device1501through the acceleration sensor1511is a well-known art and therefore description of the method will be omitted here.

The grip information generating unit1812also obtains a signal indicating contact of a hand of the user with the input device1501. Based on the obtained signal indicating the tilt and the signal indicating the contact, the grip information generating unit1812generates grip information indicating which hand the user is holding the input device1501with and in which orientation. The grip information generating unit1812provides the generated grip information to the cursor position determining unit1805, the correction information determining unit1814, and the correcting unit1804.

For example, the grip information is information indicating an orientation of the input device1501with respect to the display apparatus1601, for example information indicating which side of the input device1501is closest to the display screen202. The grip information also indicates whether the input device1501is held in a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation, and if held in a vertical orientation, which of the left and right hand the input device1501is held with.

The correction information storage unit1813is a memory for storing a plurality of pieces of correction information. Specifically, the correction information storage unit1813stores correction information for making correction according to grip information about how the user is holding the input device1501.

For example, the correction information is information indicating a correction reference point, a threshold used for determining whether or not to make correction, a value (correction distance) used when the correction is actually made, and others. The correction information is provided to the correction information determining unit1814according to an instruction from the correction information determining unit1814. Specific exemplary values of the correction information will be described later with reference toFIGS. 28 and 29.

The correction information determining unit1814is an example of a selecting unit according to the present invention and selects one of a plurality of pieces of correction information on the basis of grip information. Specifically, the correction information determining unit1814determines, on the basis of grip information provided from the grip information generating unit1812, which of the pieces of correction information stored in the correction information storage unit1813is to be used. After the determination, the correction information determining unit1814selects the piece of correction information used for correction and provides the selected correction information to the correcting unit1804.

For example, there are various pieces of correction information associated with how the input device1501is held (that is, grip information) such as correction information for vertical holding or horizontal holding, or correction information used when the right clickable touch sensor1505R is used in a vertical orientation or correction information used when the left clickable touch sensor1505L is used in a vertical orientation. That is, since correction information and grip information are stored in association with each other in the correction information storage unit1813, the correction information determining unit1814can select correction information corresponding to grip information provided from the grip information generating unit1812.

FIG. 26shows specific exemplary values of the information ID1901, the click position1702, the correction reference point1701, and the correction judgment distance1706in the third embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary values inFIG. 26represent information for the “left clickable touch sensor1505L held in a horizontal orientation”, information for the “right clickable touch sensor1505R held in a horizontal orientation”, and information for the “right clickable touch sensor1505R held in a vertical orientation”, from top to bottom rows.

The information ID1901is contained in information such as click position information provided from the click position information generating unit1803and correction information provided from the correction information determining unit1814and indicates which of the left clickable touch sensor1505L and the right clickable touch sensor1505R each item of information relates to. There are two types of information IDs: “left” and “right” information IDs.

The click position1702is a position on the clickable touch sensor at which the user has performed a click operation. The click position information contains an information ID1901. For example, the click position information containing an information ID1901of “left”, in the first row is information representing coordinate values of a left click position1702L. The click position information containing an information ID1901of “right”, in the second or third row is information representing coordinate values of a right click position1702R.

The correction reference point1701is set on a perimeter of the clickable touch sensor at a point at which a portion of an operating finger of the user other than the tip of the finger contacts the input device1501. The correction reference point1701is associated with an information ID1901and contained in correction information. The correction reference point1701associated with an information ID1901of “Left”, represents coordinate values of a left correction reference point1701L. The correction reference point1701associated with an information ID1901of “Right”, represents coordinate values of a right correction reference point1701R.

It should be noted that the coordinate values of the left correction reference point1701L on the left clickable touch sensor1505L and the coordinate values of the right correction reference point1701R on the right clickable touch sensor1501R are converted to coordinate values in the coordinate system of the display screen202and the converted coordinate values are used in all calculations using the correction reference points1701.

The correction judgment distance1706represents the distance between a click position1702indicated in click position information and the correction reference point1701having the same information ID1901as the click position1702. That is, a correction judgment distance1706associate with the information ID1901indicating “left” is a left correction judgment distance1706L, which is the distance between the left correction reference point1701L and a left click position1702L. Similarly, a correction judgment distance1706associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” is a right correction judgment distance1706R, which is the distance between the right correction reference point1701R and a right click position1702R. It should be noted that the distances are calculated using coordinate values represented by X- and Y-coordinates and the square root of the sum of squares of a difference between the X-coordinate of a correction reference point1701and the X-coordinate of a click position1702and a difference between the Y-coordinate of the correction reference point1701and the Y-coordinate of the click position1702.

The example shown inFIG. 26illustrates a case where “a click operation on the left clickable touch sensor1505L held in a horizontal orientation has occurred at (200,200)”, a case where “a click operation on the right clickable touch sensor1505R held in a horizontal orientation has occurred at (660,300)”, and a case where “a click operation on the right clickable touch sensor1505R held in a vertical orientation has occurred at (860,440)”.

FIG. 27is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation for presetting parameters such as the correction reference point1701and the correction distance1705on the basis of correction information in the third embodiment of the present invention. The presetting takes place at timing when grip information on the input device1501has changed. For example, the presetting takes place when a user holds the input device1501, or when the user changes the way of holding the input device1501. Specifically, the presetting takes place when the acceleration sensor1511and the grip sensor1512detect a signal anew or when a detected signal significantly changes.

First, when grip information on the input device1501provided from the grip information generating unit1812changes, the correcting unit1804obtains correction information corresponding to the grip information on the input device1501from the correction information determining unit1814(step S801). Here, the correction information contains a correction reference point1701, a correction judgment threshold, and an information ID.

Specifically, the grip information generating unit1812receives signals from the acceleration sensor1511and the grip sensor1512at regular intervals and generates grip information on the basis of the received signals. When the generated grip information differs from grip information previously generated, the grip information generating unit1812determines that the user has changed the way of holding the input device1501and provides the grip information to the correction information determining unit1814. The correction information determining unit1814selects correction information from the correction information storage unit1813on the basis of the provided grip information and provides the selected correction information to the correcting unit1804. Thus, the correcting unit1804obtains the correction information.

Then, the correcting unit1804sets coordinates for the correction reference point1701on the basis of the correction information provided from the correction information determining unit1814(step S802).

The correcting unit1804then sets a correction judgment threshold and a correction distance required for correcting click position information from the correction information obtained from the correction information determining unit1814(step S803).

FIGS. 28 and 29show specific exemplary values of the coordinates of the correction reference point1701, the correction judgment threshold, and the correction distance1705set by the correcting unit1804.

FIG. 28shows exemplary values of correction information2001in the third embodiment of the present invention.

The correction information2001includes an information ID1901, a correction reference point1701, a correction judgment threshold2002, and a correction distance1705. The exemplary values shown inFIG. 28indicates a case where the input device1501is held and operated in a horizontal orientation as illustrated inFIG. 22. InFIG. 28, the same elements as those inFIGS. 24 and 26are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

A correction judgment threshold2002is associated with an information ID1901and a correction distance1705. The correction judgment threshold2002is used for comparison with a correction judgment distance1706associated with the same information ID1901as that of the correction judgment threshold2002during correction of click position information.

A correction judgment distance1706associated with the information ID1901indicating “left” (that is, a left correction judgment distance1706L) is compared with a correction judgment threshold2002associated with the information ID1901indicating “left”. Similarly, a correction judgment distance1706associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” (that is, a right correction judgment distance1706R) is compared with a correction judgment threshold2002associated with the information ID1901indicating “right”.

A correction distance1705is associated with an information ID1901and a correction judgment threshold2002and indicates a value applied to click position information when determination is made using the correction judgment threshold2002.

A correction distance1705associated with the information ID1901indicating “left” (that is, a left correction distance1705L) is applied to a click position1702associated with the information ID1901indicating “left” (that is, a left click position1702L). Similarly, a correction distance1705associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” (that is, a right correction distance1705R) is applied to a click position1702associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” (that is, a right click position1702R).

FIG. 28indicates that “when the left correction reference point1701L associated with the information ID1901indicating “left” is (0,0) and the left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a position at a left correction distance1705L of (20) from a left click position1702L in the left correction direction1703L is set as a corrected left click position”.FIG. 28also indicates that “when the right correction reference point1701R associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” is (960,0) and the right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a position at a right correction distance1705R of (20) from a right click position1702R in the right correction direction1703R is set as a corrected right click position”.

FIG. 29shows exemplary values of correction information2101in the third embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary values shown inFIG. 29indicate a case where the input device1501is held and operated in a vertical orientation as illustrated inFIG. 23. InFIG. 29, the same elements as those inFIGS. 24 and 26are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 29indicates that “when the right correction reference point1701R associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” is (960,0) and the right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a position at a right correction distance1705R of (20) from a right click position1702R in the right correction direction1703R is set as a corrected right click position”.

While one correction judgment threshold2002and one correction distance1705associated with the correction judgment threshold2002are used in the examples shown inFIGS. 28 and 29, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds2002and a plurality of correction distances1705may be used. Furthermore, while one piece of correction information2001and2101is stored for each way of holding in the examples shown, the correction information storage unit1813can store a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device1501.

FIG. 30is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for correcting click position information performed by the correcting unit1804in the third embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 30, the same operations as those inFIG. 8are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

First, the correcting unit1804obtains click position information including an information ID1901(step S901). Specifically, when a user clicks the left clickable touch sensor1505L or the right clickable touch sensor1505R, click position information including an information ID1901is provided from the click position information generating unit1803to the correcting unit1804.

The rest of the process is the same as the process performed by the correcting unit404of the first embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8. However, the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment uses information associated with the same information ID1901as the information ID1901provided to perform the rest of the process (steps S202to S205).

The process illustrated inFIG. 30will be described using specific exemplary values.

A case will be described first in which an information ID1901indicating “left”, a correction reference point1701of (0,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702(200,200) as shown in the first row ofFIG. 26are provided. Here, because the information ID associated with the click position information is “left”, the correcting unit1804uses (300) as the correction judgment threshold2002associated with the information ID1901indicating “left” and (20) as the correction distance1705as illustrated inFIG. 28.

First, the correcting unit1804calculates a correction judgment distance1706(step S202). As a result, a correction judgment distance1706of (280) is yielded.

The correcting unit1804then compares the correction judgment distance1706(280) with the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (step S203). Since the correction judgment distance1706(280) is less than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (Yes at step S203), the correcting unit1804does not correct the click position information (step S204). Thus, the click position information indicating the click position (200,200) is provided to an object selection determining unit407without being corrected.

A case will be described next in which an information ID1901indicating “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702of (660,300) as shown in the second row ofFIG. 26are provided. Here, because the information ID associated with the click position information is “right”, the correcting unit1804uses (300) as the correction judgment threshold2002corresponding to the information ID1901indicating “right” and (20) as the correction distance1705as illustrated inFIG. 28.

First, the correcting unit1804calculates a correction judgment distance1706(step S202). As a result, a correction judgment distance1706of (420) is yielded.

The correcting unit1804then compares the correction judgment distance1706(420) with the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (step S203). Since the correction judgment distance1706(420) is greater than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (No at step S203), the correcting unit1804calculates a corrected position which is a position at a correction distance of (20) from the click position (660,300) in a straight direction (a right correction direction1703R) from the click position1702to the correction reference point1701. That is, the X-coordinate of the click position1702is 660−14=646 and the Y-coordinates of the click position1702is 300+14=314. Thus, the corrected position1704indicated in the corrected click position information is (646,314).

The process illustrated inFIG. 30performed when the user has switched to holding the input device1501only with the right hand in a vertical orientation as illustrated inFIG. 23will also be described using specific exemplary values.

For example, a case will be described in which an information ID1901indicating “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702(860,100) as shown in the third row ofFIG. 26are provided.

It should be noted that the fact that the user is holding the input device1501in a vertical orientation can be determined from grip information provided from the grip information generating unit1812. Accordingly, the correcting unit1804makes settings such as a correction reference point1701on the basis of correction information2101shown inFIG. 29, for example, according to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 27. As shown inFIG. 29, (300) is used as the correction judgment threshold2002corresponding to the information ID1901indicating “right” and (20) is used as the correction distance1705as shown inFIG. 29.

First, the correcting unit1804calculates a correction judgment distance1706(step S202). As a result, a correction judgment distance1706of (140) is yielded.

Then, the correcting unit1804compares the correction judgment distance1706(140) with the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (step S203). Since the correction judgment distance1706(140) is less than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (Yes at step S203), the correcting unit1804does not correct the click position information (step S204). Thus, the click position information indicating the click position (860,100) is provided to the object selection determining unit407without being corrected.

In this way, the click position control apparatus according to the third embodiment determines how a user is holding the input device1501and changes correction information on the basis of the result of the determination to correct a click position. Specifically, because the input device1501according to the third embodiment includes two clickable touch sensors, the click position control apparatus according to the third embodiment puts an information ID indicating which of the clickable touch sensors information is related to in information such as touch position information, click position information, and correction information and provides the information to each processing unit. Each processing unit then uses information indicating the same information ID to correct click position information. Details of the correction method are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Thus, a click position can be corrected simply by storing a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device1501and for each clickable touch sensor. Accordingly, an operation error due to a deflection of click by a user can be prevented without needing a history of user operations even when the user is changed or a new user uses the input device.

(Variation of the Third Embodiment)

Correction information may be changed on the basis of user information registered previously.FIG. 31shows a block diagram of an implementation in which correction information is changed on the basis of previously registered information about a user.

The display apparatus2201differs from the display apparatus1601illustrated inFIG. 25in that the display apparatus2201includes a correction information determining unit2214in place of the correction information determining unit1814and includes a user information storage unit2215in addition.

The user information storage unit2215is a storage, such as a memory, that stores user information indicating characteristics of a user. Specifically, the user information storage unit2215stores user information registered previously, and provides the user information to the correction information determining unit2214. The user information is information indicating a user's characteristics relating to the efficiency of operations on a clickable touch sensor, for example information such as the lengths of fingers of the user and dominant hands of the user.

The correction information determining unit2214selects one of pieces of correction information stored in a correction information storage unit1813on the basis of grip information provided from a grip information generating unit1812. The correction information determining unit2214then corrects the selected correction information on the basis of user information provided from the user information storage unit2215. The correction information determining unit2214provides the corrected correction information to be used for correcting click information to a correcting unit1804.

The correction information determining unit2214may store the corrected correction information in the correction information storage unit1813.

FIG. 32is a diagram illustrating exemplary values of correction information2301corrected by the correction information determining unit in the variation of the third embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted thatFIG. 32is a diagram for explaining correction of correction information made on the basis of the length of a finger of a user, which is an example of user information. InFIG. 32, the same elements as those inFIG. 28are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

Correction information2301includes an information ID1901, a correction reference point1701, a correction judgment threshold2302, and a correction distance1705.

InFIG. 32, L1represents a value that depends on the length of a left finger1504L and L2represents a value that depends on the length of a right finger1504R. The values of L1and L2are in the range of 1.0 to 1.5, for example, and are greater for those who have longer fingers.

For example, when a user holds and starts operating the input device1501, the user is prompted to select an option such as “Having long fingers” or “Having short fingers” for the left and right fingers through a GUI screen or the like, and the lengths of the fingers are determined and stored in the user information storage unit2215as user information indicating finger lengths.

Like the correction judgment threshold2002shown inFIG. 28, a correction judgment threshold2302is associated with an information ID1901and a correction distance1705. The correction judgment threshold2302is used for comparison with a correction judgment distance1706associated with the same information ID1901as that of the correction judgment threshold2302when click position information is corrected.

The correction information determining unit2214changes the value of the correction determination threshold according to the length L1of a left finger1504L and the length L2of a right finger1504R of the user provided from the user information storage unit2215. For example, when L1is 1.0, a correction judgment threshold2032of (300) is used for comparison with a correction judgment distance1706with an information ID1901of “left”. When L1is 1.5, a correction judgment threshold2302of (450) is used for comparison with a correction judgment distance1706with an information ID1901of “left”.

FIG. 32indicates that “when a correction reference point1701with an information ID1901of “left”, is at (0,0) and the correction judgment distance1706is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2302of (300×L1), a position at a correction distance1705of (20) from a click position1702in the left correction direction1703L is set as a corrected click position”.FIG. 32also indicates that “when a correction reference point1701with an information ID1901of “right”, is at (960,0) and the correction judgment distance1706is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2302of (300×L2), a position at a correction distance1705of (20) from a click position1702in the right correction direction1703R is set as a corrected click position”.

While one correction judgment threshold2302and one correction distance1705associated with the correction judgment threshold2302are used in the example shown inFIG. 32, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds2302and a plurality of correction distances1705may be used. Furthermore, while one piece of correction information2301is stored for each way of holding in the example shown, the correction information storage unit1813can store a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device1501.

In this way, the click position control apparatus according to the variation of the third embodiment is capable of making more accurate correction adjusted to the user, because correction information is changed according to characteristics of the user.

Fourth Embodiment

A click position control apparatus according to a fourth embodiment is characterized in that the apparatus includes a grip information generating unit generating grip information indicating how a user is holding an input device, a correction information storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of correction information, a selecting unit selecting one of the plurality of pieces of correction information on the basis of the grip information, and a storage unit storing a plurality of pieces of touch position information, and refers to the touch position information stored in the storage unit to correct click position information.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, an example is given in which when correction is made based on the distance between a point (reference position) that serves as a benchmark on an input device and a click position (coordinates) indicating a user input on a clickable touch sensor, correction information is changed on the basis of grip information about how the input device is being held, click position information is corrected based on a record of touch position information indicating positions at which a user has touched a touch sensor up to the time of the correction, that is, a trajectory of touch positions. It should be noted that a trajectory of a cursor displayed on a display screen is used as a trajectory of touch positions in the fourth embodiment.

A cross section of an input device in the fourth embodiment of the present invention is similar to that in the first embodiment and therefore a cross-sectional view of the input device will be omitted.

FIG. 33is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an input device1501and an example of a display apparatus2401in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 33, the same components as those inFIG. 22are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

Like the display apparatus1601in the third embodiment, the display apparatus2401obtains position information indicating a point on a left clickable touch sensor1505L touched by a left finger1504L and position information indicating a point on a right clickable touch sensor1505R touched by a right finger1504R on the basis of a signal indicating a position provided from the input device1501and displays the position information as a left cursor1603L and a right cursor1603R on a display screen202. Also like the display apparatus1601in the third embodiment, the display apparatus2401detects a click on the left clickable touch sensor1505L or the right clickable touch sensor1505R by a user and performs processing such as processing for determining an object204. The relationship between a coordinate system of the display screen202of the display apparatus2401and a coordinate system of each of the clickable touch sensors of the input device1501is the same as that in the third embodiment and therefore description of the relationship will be omitted.

The display apparatus2401also includes a storage unit that stores a history of movements of the left cursor1603L displayed on the display screen202(a left cursor trajectory2405L) as series of left cursor positions information and a history of movements of the right cursor1603R (a right cursor trajectory2405R) as series of right cursor positions information. In the fourth embodiment, click position information is corrected by selecting one cursor position from series of cursor positions information indicating a trajectory of each corresponding cursor. An example of the series of cursor positions information will be described later in detail with reference toFIG. 34.

The input device1501can be held and operated in a vertical orientation as well as a horizontal orientation, operation in a vertical orientation is the same as in the third embodiment and therefore description of such operation is omitted.

FIG. 34shows exemplary values of series of cursor positions information2501representing trajectories of the cursors (the left cursor1603L and the right cursor1603R) displayed on the display screen202of the display apparatus2401in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 34, the same elements as those inFIG. 26are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The series of cursor positions information2501indicates an information ID1901indicating which of the left cursor1603L and the right cursor1603R an associated time2502and a cursor position2503are related to, a time2502at which the cursor position2503is inputted, and the cursor position2503corresponding to the time2502. It should be noted that cursor positions2503associated with an information ID1901indicating “left” that are arranged in chronological order using associated times2502represent a left cursor trajectory2405L. Similarly, cursor positions2503associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” that are arranged in chronological order using associated times2502represent a right cursor trajectory2405R.

FIG. 35is a block diagram illustrating exemplary internal configurations of the input device1501and an exemplary internal configuration of the display apparatus2401, which is an example of the click position control apparatus, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 35, the same components as those inFIGS. 25 and 33are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

The display apparatus2401differ from the display apparatus1601according to the third embodiment inFIG. 25in that the display apparatus2401includes a correcting unit2604and a cursor position determining unit2605in place of the correcting unit1804and the cursor position determining unit1805and includes a series of cursor positions storage unit2611in addition.

Like the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment, the correcting unit2604uses correction information determined by a correction information determining unit1814to correct click position information provided from a click position information generating unit1803. Specifically, the correcting unit2604corrects click position information according to the distance between a click position indicated in click position information provided from the click position information generating unit1803and a correction reference point indicated in correction information having the same information ID that is contained in the click position information (correction judgment distance).

More specifically, the correcting unit2604selects one cursor position from series of cursor positions information2501provided from a series of cursor positions storage unit2611and replaces cursor position information indicating the selected point cursor position information with the click position information, thereby correcting the click position information. That is, the correcting unit2604provides one piece of cursor position information in the selected series of cursor positions information2501to an object selection determining unit407as click position information. Specific exemplary values of the click position information, the correction reference point, and the correction judgment distance are illustrated inFIG. 26.

Like the cursor position determining unit1805according to the third embodiment, the cursor position determining unit2605determines cursor position information for the left cursor1603L and cursor position information for right cursor1603R to be displayed on the display screen202on the basis of grip information provided from a grip information generating unit1812and touch position information provided from a touch position information generating unit1801. The cursor position determining unit2605then provides the determined cursor position information to the series of cursor positions storage unit2611as well as to a cursor display control unit1808.

The series of cursor positions storage unit2611, which is an example of the storage unit according to the present invention, stores cursor position information generated on the basis of touch position information. Specifically, the series of cursor positions storage unit2611associates cursor positions2503indicated in cursor position information provided from the cursor position determining unit2605with times2502corresponding to the cursor positions2503and stores the cursor positions2503and the times2502as series of cursor positions information2501. The series of cursor positions storage unit2611provides all of the stored series of cursor positions information2501to the correcting unit2604.

FIG. 36is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation for presetting parameters such as a correction reference point1701and a correction amount of time on the basis of correction information in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The presetting takes place when grip information on the input device1501has changed. InFIG. 36, the same operations as those inFIG. 27are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

The operations of obtaining correction information and setting a correction reference point performed by the correcting unit2604are the same as those operations performed by the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 27.

The correcting unit2604sets a correction judgment threshold for determining whether or not to correct a click position and a correction amount of time corresponding to the correction judgment threshold from the correction information obtained from the correction information determining unit1814(step S1003).

FIGS. 37 and 38show specific exemplary values of coordinates of the correction reference point1701, the correction judgment threshold, and the correction amount of time set by the correcting unit1604.

FIG. 37shows exemplary values of correction information2701in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The correction information2701includes an information ID1901, a correction reference point1701, a correction judgment threshold2002, and correction amount of time2702. The exemplary values shown inFIG. 37indicate a case where the input device1501is held and operated in a horizontal orientation as illustrated inFIG. 33. InFIG. 37, the same elements as those inFIG. 28are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The correction amount of time2702is associated with an information ID1901and a correction judgment threshold2002. The correction amount of time2702is a value used for correcting click position information after determination is made using the correction judgment threshold2002. Specifically, the correcting unit2604corrects click position information so that a corrected position is a cursor position indicated in cursor position information indicating a time which precedes the time indicated in the click position information by the correction amount of time2702.

FIG. 37indicates that “when a left correction reference point1701L associated with an information ID1901indicating “left” is at (0,0) and a left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a correction amount of time2702of (30 ms) is used to make correction”. Specifically,FIG. 37indicates that “when a left correction reference point1701L associated with an information ID1901indicating “left” is at (0,0) and a left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a position on the left touch sensor1502L touched by the user at a time preceding a time indicated in click position information by a correction amount of time2702of (30 ms) is set as a corrected click position”.

FIG. 37also indicates that “when a right correction reference point1701R associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” is at (960,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a correction amount of time2702of (30 ms) is used to make correction”. Specifically,FIG. 37also indicates that “when a right correction reference point1701R associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” is at (960,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a position on the right touch sensor1502R touched by the user at a time preceding a time indicated in click position information by a correction amount of time2702of (30 ms) is set as a corrected click position”.

FIG. 38shows exemplary values of correction information2801in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The exemplary values shown inFIG. 38indicate a case where the input device1501is held and operated in a vertical orientation as illustrated inFIG. 23. InFIG. 38, the same elements as those inFIGS. 26 and 27are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 38indicates that “when a right correction reference point1701R associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” is (0,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a correction amount of time2702of (30 ms) is used to make correction”. Specifically,FIG. 38indicates that “when a right correction reference point1701R associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” is at (0,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a position on the right touch sensor1502R touched by the user at a time a correction amount of time2702of (30 ms) before is set as a corrected click position”.

It should be noted that while one correction judgment threshold2002and one correction amount of time2702associated with the correction judgment threshold2002are used in the examples shown inFIGS. 37 and 38, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds2002and a plurality of correction amount of times2702may be used. Furthermore, while one piece of correction information2701and2801is stored for each way of holding in the example shown, the correction information storage unit1813can store a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device1501.

FIG. 39is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for correcting click position information performed by the correcting unit2604in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 39, the same operations as those inFIGS. 30 and 14are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 39, the correcting unit2604first obtains click position information including an information ID1901(step S901). Specifically, like the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 30, the correcting unit2604is provided with click position information including an information ID1901from the click position information generating unit1803when a user clicks the left clickable touch sensor1505L or the right clickable touch sensor1505R.

The rest of the process is the same as the process performed by the correcting unit804of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14. However, the correcting unit2604according to the fourth embodiment uses information associated with the same information ID1901as the information ID1901provided to the correcting unit2604to perform the rest of the process (step S202to step S407).

The process illustrated inFIG. 39will be described using specific exemplary values.

A case will be described first in which an information ID1901indicating “left”, a correction reference point1701of (0,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702of (200,200) as shown in the first row ofFIG. 26are provided. Here, because the information ID associated with the click position information is “left”, the correcting unit2604uses (300) as the correction judgment threshold2002associated with the information ID1901indicating “left” and (30 ms) as the correction amount of time2702as illustrated inFIG. 37.

First, the correcting unit2604calculates a correction judgment distance1706(step S202). As a result, a correction judgment distance1706of (280) is yielded.

The correcting unit2604then compares the correction judgment distance1706(280) with the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (step S203). Since the correction judgment distance1706(280) is less than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (Yes at step S203), the correcting unit2604does not correct the click position information (step S204). Thus, the click position information indicating the click position (200,200) is provided to an object selection determining unit407without being corrected.

A case will be described next in which an information ID1901indicating “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702(660,300) as shown in the second row ofFIG. 26are provided. Here, because the information ID associated with the click position information is “right”, the correcting unit2604uses (300) as the correction judgment threshold2002corresponding to the information ID1901indicating “right” and (30 ms) as the correction amount of time as illustrated inFIG. 37.

First, the correcting unit2604calculates a correction judgment distance1706(step S202). As a result, a correction judgment distance1706of (420) is yielded.

The correcting unit2604then compares the correction judgment distance (420) with the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (step S203). Since the correction judgment distance1706(420) is greater than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (No at step S203), the correcting unit2604corrects the click position information indicating the click position (660,300).

Specifically, the correcting unit2604obtains series of cursor positions information2501from the series of cursor positions storage unit2611(step S405). For example, the correcting unit2604obtains the series of cursor positions information2501shown inFIG. 34.

Here, the correction reference time is the time of click position information indicating a click position (300,300). In this case, the correction reference time is (150 ms) as shown inFIG. 34.

The correcting unit2604then subtracts the correction amount of time2702(30 ms) from the correction reference time (150 ms) to obtain a past time (step S406). Here, a past time of (120 ms) is yielded.

The correcting unit2604then corrects the click position information so that a corrected click position is a cursor position2503(600,260) corresponding to the time2502identical to the past time (120 ms).

The process illustrated inFIG. 39performed when the user has switched to holding the input device1501only with the right hand in a vertical orientation as illustrated inFIG. 23will also be described using specific exemplary values.

For example, a case will be described in which an information ID1901indicating “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702(860,100) as shown in the third row ofFIG. 26are provided. It should be noted that the fact that the user is holding the input device1501in a vertical orientation can be determined from grip information provided from the grip information generating unit1812. Accordingly, the correcting unit2604makes settings such as a correction reference point1701on the basis of the correction information2801shown inFIG. 38. Here, the correcting unit2604uses (400) as the correction judgment threshold2002associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” and (30 ms) as the correction amount of time2702.

First, the correcting unit2604calculates a correction judgment distance1706(step S202). As a result, a correction judgment distance1706of (100) is yielded.

The correcting unit2604then compares the correction judgment distance1706(100) with the correction judgment threshold2002(400) (step S203). Since the correction judgment distance1706(100) is less than the correction judgment threshold2002(400) (Yes at step S203), correcting unit2604does not correct the click position information (step S204). Accordingly, the click position information indicating the click position (860,100) is provided to an object selection determining unit407without being corrected.

In this way, as in the third embodiment, the click position control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment determines how a user is holding the input device1501and changes correction information on the basis of the result of the determination to correct a click position. As in the second embodiment, series of cursor positions information stored in the series of cursor positions storage unit2611is referred to and the click position information is corrected so that a corrected click position is a position indicated in cursor position information indicating a time which precedes a time indicated in the click position information by a predetermined correction amount of time.

Thus, a click position can be corrected simply by storing a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device1501and for each clickable touch sensor. Furthermore, a click position can be corrected to a more accurate click position by making correction based on a trajectory of a cursor, that is, a trajectory of movements of a finger. Accordingly, operation errors due to a deflection of click by a user can be prevented without needing a history of user operations even when the user is changed or a new user uses the input device.

(First Variation of the Fourth Embodiment)

While a method performed by the correcting unit2604for correcting click position using a correction amount of time2702has been described with respect toFIGS. 37 to 39, a correction distance may be used in a first variation of the fourth embodiment instead of the correction amount of time2702. A method for correcting click position information using a correction distance will be described below with reference toFIGS. 40,41, and42.

FIG. 40shows exemplary values of correction information2901in the first variation of the forth embodiment of the present invention.

The correction information2901includes an information ID1901, a correction reference point1701, a correction judgment threshold2002, and a correction distance2902. The exemplary values shown inFIG. 40indicate a case where an input device1501is held and operated in a horizontal orientation as illustrated inFIG. 33. InFIG. 40, the same elements as those inFIG. 28are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 40indicates that when a left correction reference point1701L associated with an information ID1901indicating “left” is at (0,0) and a left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a left click position1702L is corrected to a position closest to a position at a correction distance2902of (15) from the left click position1702L″.FIG. 40also indicates that “when a right correction reference point1701R associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” is at (960,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a right click position1702R is corrected to a position closet to a position at a correction distance2902of (25) from the right click position1702R″.

FIG. 41shows exemplary values of correction information3001in the first variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The example inFIG. 41shows a case where an input device1501is held and operated in a vertical orientation as illustrated inFIG. 23. InFIG. 41, the same elements as those inFIGS. 28 and 40are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

FIG. 41indicates that “when a right correction reference point1701R associated with an information ID1901indicating “right” is at (960,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a right click position1702R is corrected to a position closest to a position at a correction distance2902of (15) from the right click position1702R.

It should be noted that while one correction judgment threshold2002and one correction distance2903associated with the correction judgment threshold2002are used in the examples shown inFIGS. 40 and 41, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds2002and a plurality of correction distances2902may be used. Furthermore, while one piece of correction information2901and3001is stored for each way of holding in the examples shown, the correction information storage unit1813can store a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device1501.

FIG. 42is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for correcting click position information performed by the correcting unit2604in the first variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 42, the same elements as those inFIGS. 39 and 16are given the same reference numerals and description of which will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 42, first the correcting unit2604obtains click position information including an information ID1901(step S901). Specifically, like the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 30, the correcting unit2604is provided with click position information including an information ID1901from the click position information generating unit1803when a user clicks a left clickable touch sensor1505L or a right clickable touch sensor1505R.

The rest of the process is the same as the process performed by the correcting unit804according to the first variation of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 16. However, here the correcting unit2604according to the first variation of the fourth embodiment uses information associated with the same information ID1901as the information ID1901provided to the correcting unit2604to perform the rest of the process (step S202to step S509).

The process illustrated inFIG. 42will be described using specific exemplary values. It should be noted that when the click position information shown in the first row ofFIG. 26is inputted and when the click position information shown in the third row ofFIG. 26is inputted, correction is not made (step S204) as described with reference toFIG. 39and therefore description of those cases will be omitted.

A case will be described in which an information ID1901of “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702of (660,300) is provided as shown in the second row ofFIG. 26. Since the information ID associated with the click position information here is “right”, the correcting unit2604uses a correction judgment threshold2002of (300) and a correction distance2902of (25) that are associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” as shown inFIG. 40.

Since the correction judgment distance1706(420) is greater than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (No at step S203), the correcting unit2604obtains series of cursor positions information2502(step S405). Specifically, the correcting unit2604obtains cursor position information indicating cursor positions (660,300), (640,300), (640,260), (580,260), and (520,235) associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” from among series of cursor positions information2501.

The correcting unit2604then calculates the distance from the click position1702(660,300) to every cursor positions2503(640,300), (640,260), (580,260), and (520,235) indicated in all pieces of cursor position information included in the obtained series of cursor positions information2501, excluding a cursor position identical to the click position1702(660,300). The calculated distances are 20, 44, 89, and 154 (all digits to the right of the decimal point are discarded), respectively, and the cursor position2503closest to the correction distance2902(25) is (640,300) (step S506).

The correcting unit2604then determines whether or not there is more than one piece of cursor position information with calculated distance information identical or closest to the correction distance2902. Here, there is not more than one piece of such cursor position information (Yes at step S507), the correcting unit2604determines the cursor position information indicating the cursor position2503(640,300) as corrected click position information.

(Second Variation of Fourth Embodiment)

As a second variation of the fourth embodiment, a correction method will be described with reference toFIG. 43in which distances between cursor positions along a trajectory of a cursor are calculated and click position information is replaced with cursor position information with a sum of the calculated distances between cursor positions that is identical or closest to a correction distance, thereby making correction.

FIG. 43is a flowchart illustrating an example of method for correcting click position information performed by a correcting unit2604in the second variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 43, the same operations as those inFIGS. 39 and 17are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 43, first the correcting unit2604obtains click position information including an information ID1901(step S901). Specifically, like the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 30, the correcting unit2604is provided with click position information including an information ID1901from a click position information generating unit1803when a user clicks a left clickable touch sensor1505L or a right clickable touch sensor1505R.

The rest of the process is the same as the process performed by the correcting unit804according to the second variation of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 17. However, here, the correcting unit2604according to the second variation of the fourth embodiment uses information associated with the same information ID1901as the provided information ID1901to perform the rest of the process (step S202to step S609).

The process illustrated inFIG. 43will be described using specific exemplary values. It should be noted that when the click position information shown in the first row ofFIG. 26is inputted and when the click position information shown in the third row ofFIG. 26is inputted, correction is not made as also described with respect toFIG. 39(step S204) and therefore description of those cases will be omitted.

A case will be described in which an information ID1901of “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702of (660,300) is provided as shown in the second row ofFIG. 26. Since the information ID associated with the click position information here is “right”, the correcting unit2604uses a correction judgment threshold2002of (300) and a correction distance2902of (25) that are associated with the information ID1901indicating “right” as shown inFIG. 40. Note that the process is the same as the process inFIG. 42until the correcting unit2604obtains series of cursor positions information and therefore description of the process up to that point will be omitted.

The correcting unit2604refers to the series of cursor positions information2501to determine correction reference position information (step S606). In this case, since the click position information indicates a click position1702of (660,300), it is determined that the correction reference position is (660,300).

The correcting unit2604then calculates the distance between the correction reference position (660,300) and a cursor position (640,300) immediately preceding the correction reference position to yield an inter-cursor-position distance of (20) (step S607). The correcting unit2604then compares the inter-cursor-position distance (20) with the correction distance2902(25) (step S608). Here, since the inter-cursor-position distance (20) is smaller (No at step S608), the correcting unit2604calculates the distance between the cursor position (640,300) immediately preceding the correction reference position information and a cursor position (640,260) immediately preceding that cursor position (640,300) to yield an inter-cursor-position distance of (40) (step S607).

The inter-cursor-position distance (40) is added to the previously calculated inter-cursor-position distance (20) to yield a sum of the inter-cursor-position distances of (60). The correcting unit2604then compares the sum (60) of the inter-cursor-position distances with the correction distance2902(25) (step S608).

Here, since the sum of the inter-cursor-position distances is greater (Yes at step S608), the correcting unit2604sets the cursor position (640,260) that is associated with an earliest time among the cursor position information (660,300), (640,300), and (640,260) used in the calculation of the inter-cursor-position distances as a corrected click position.

In this way, the correcting unit2604may correct click position information so that a corrected position is a cursor position closest to a position at a correction distance2902from the click position indicated in the click position information. Furthermore, here the correcting unit2604may correct click position information so that a corrected position is a cursor position closest to a position at the correction distance2902from the click position along a trajectory of the cursor.

(Third Variation of Fourth Embodiment)

In a third variation of the fourth embodiment, correction information may be changed on the basis of user information registered previously.FIG. 44shows a block diagram illustrating an implementation in which correction information is changed on the basis of previously registered user information.

FIG. 44is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary internal configuration of an input device1501and an exemplary internal configuration of a display apparatus3101, which is an example of the click position control apparatus, in the third variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 44, the same components as those inFIGS. 31 and 35are given the same reference numerals and description of those components will be omitted.

The display apparatus3101differs from the display apparatus2401illustrated inFIG. 35in that the display apparatus2401includes a correction information determining unit2214in place of the correction information determining unit1814and includes a user information storage unit2215in addition.

The user information storage unit2215and the correction information determining unit2214are the same as the user information storage unit2215and the correction information determining unit2214according to the variation of the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 31. Detailed operations of these units are the same as the operations described with reference toFIG. 32and therefore description of the operations will be omitted.

Thus, the click position control apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is capable of making more accurate correction adjusted to the user, because correction information is changed according to characteristics of the user.

(Fourth Variation of Fourth Embodiment)

An input device according to a fourth variation of the fourth embodiment may include a pressure sensor in place of a switch. A method for correcting click position information using an input device3201including a left pressure sensor3203L and a right pressure sensor3203R in place of the left switch1503L and the right switch1503R illustrated inFIG. 35will be described below with reference toFIGS. 45 to 48.

The input device3201includes a left clickable touch sensor3205L including a left touch sensor1502L and a left pressure sensor3203L, a right clickable touch sensor3205R including a right touch sensor1502R and a right pressure sensor3203R, an acceleration sensor1511, and a grip sensor1512.

The left pressure sensor3203L, which is an example of a click judging unit according to the present invention, is disposed under the left touch sensor1502L, is integral with the left touch sensor1502L, and detects the intensity of a click on the left touch sensor1502L by a user. The left pressure sensor3203L provides a signal indicating the intensity of a click on the left touch sensor1502L by the user to the display apparatus3301.

The right pressure sensor3203R, which is an example of the click judging unit according to the present invention, is disposed under the right touch sensor1502R, is integral with the right touch sensor1502R, and detects the intensity of a click on the right touch sensor1502R by a user. The right pressure sensor3203R provides a signal indicating the intensity of a click on the right touch sensor1502R by the user to the display apparatus3301.

The display apparatus3301differs from the display apparatus2401of the fourth embodiment illustrated inFIG. 35in that the display apparatus3301includes a click judging unit3302, a click position information generating unit3303, a correcting unit3304, a cursor position determining unit3305, and a series of cursor positions storage unit3311in place of the click judging unit1802, the click position information generating unit1803, the correcting unit2604, the cursor position determining unit2605, and a series of cursor positions storage unit2611.

The click judging unit3302generates intensity information indicating intensity obtained from at least one of the left pressure sensor3203L and the right pressure sensor3203R and, when the intensity obtained from the left pressure sensor3203L or the right pressure sensor3203R is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference intensity value, detects a click on the left pressure sensor3203L or the right pressure sensor3203R. It should be noted that “the click on the left pressure sensor3203L or the right pressure sensor3203R” means that the user has clicked the left touch sensor1502L or the right touch sensor1502R in order to select an object204displayed on the display screen202, for example.

Specifically, the click judging unit3302receives a signal indicating the intensity of clicks on the left pressure sensor3203L and the right pressure sensor3203R by a user from the left pressure sensor3203L and the right pressure sensor3203R, respectively, and generates click intensity information indicating the received intensity. The click judging unit3302represents the timing at which the intensity of the click on each pressure sensor by the user has been measured as time information and provides click information indicating the click intensity information and the time information to the click position information generating unit3303. It should be noted that when the click judging unit3302provides the click information, the click judging unit3302puts an information ID1901indicating “left” or “right” information in the click position information and provides the information to the click position information generating unit3303.

The click position information generating unit3303compares the information ID and the time information contained in the click information provided from the click judging unit3302with an information ID and time information contained in touch position information provided from a touch position information generating unit1801. That is, the click position information generating unit3303associates click information with touch position information that includes the same information ID and time information as the click information. The click position information generating unit3303then provides the click information and the touch position information associated with each other to the cursor position determining unit2605.

The click position information generating unit3303further provides touch position information having a time identical to the time at which the user has clicked the left clickable touch sensor1505L or the right clickable touch sensor1505R with an intensity equal to or greater than a certain intensity as click position information to the correcting unit3304. It should be noted that when the click position information generating unit3303provides the click position information, the click position information generating unit3303puts an information ID1901indicating “left” or “right” information in the click position information and provides the information.

The correcting unit3304selects one cursor position from series of cursor positions information obtained from the series of cursor positions storage unit3311according to the distance between a click position1702indicated in the click position information provided from the click position information generating unit3303and a correction reference point1701. The correcting unit3304then provides cursor position information indicating the selected cursor position to an object selection determining unit407as click position information.

It should be noted that the correcting unit3304uses correction information provided from the correction information determining unit1814to correct the click position information provided from the click position information generating unit3303. Specifically, the correcting unit33304uses correction information including the same information ID included in the click position information provided from the click position information generating unit3303to set parameters such as a correction reference point, a correction judgment threshold, and a click intensity threshold. The correcting unit3304then corrects the click position information according to the distance between the set correction reference point1701and the click position1702. The corrected click position information is provided to the object selection determining unit407.

Specific exemplary values of the click position information, the correction reference point, and the correction judgment distance are the same as those in the third embodiment and therefore description of those values will be omitted. An example of the series of cursor positions information provided from the series of cursor positions storage unit3311will be described with reference toFIG. 46.

The cursor position determining unit3305determines cursor position information for a left cursor1603L and a right cursor1603R to be displayed on a display screen202on the basis of grip information provided from a grip information generating unit1812and touch position information provided form the click position information generating unit1803. The cursor position determining unit3305provides the determined cursor position information to a cursor display control unit1808. The cursor position determining unit3305also provides the cursor position information, the click intensity information obtained from the click position information generating unit1803, and the information ID1901to the series of cursor positions storage unit3311.

The series of cursor positions storage unit3311associates the information ID1901, the cursor position information, the time information, and the click intensity information which have been provided from the cursor position determining unit3305with one another and stores as series of cursor positions information. The series of cursor positions information is stored for a predetermined period of time; series of cursor positions information that has been stored for a period of time exceeding the predetermined period of time is discarded. The series of cursor positions storage unit3311provides all series of cursor positions information stored to the correcting unit3304according to an instruction from the correcting unit3304.

FIG. 46shows exemplary values of series of cursor positions information3401indicating trajectories of the left cursor1603L and the right cursor1603R displayed on the display screen202of the display apparatus3301in the fourth variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 46, the same elements as those inFIG. 34are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The series of cursor positions information3401indicates an information ID1901indicating which of the left cursor1603L and the right cursor1603R an associated time2502and cursor position2503correspond to, the time2502at which the cursor position2503was inputted, the cursor position2503corresponding to the time2502, and a click intensity3402.

The click intensity3402is represented by a value ranging from 0 to 100, where 0 represents a “not pressed at all” state and 100 represents a “fully pressed” state.FIG. 46indicates that “the left clickable touch sensor1505L was clicked with intensities of (0), (0), (0), (0), and (0) (that is, the left clickable touch sensor1505L was not pressed at all) at times 30 ms, 60 ms, 90 ms, 120 ms, and 150 ms, while the left cursor1603L was at positions of (150,90), (180,90), (195,95), (160,85), and (100,90), respectively.FIG. 46also indicates that “the right clickable touch sensor1505R was clicked with intensities of (20), (40), (60), (80), and (100) at times 30 ms, 60 ms, 90 ms, 120 ms, and 150 ms, respectively, while the right cursor1603R was at positions of (520,235), (580,260), (640,260), (640,300), and (660,300), respectively.

FIG. 47shows exemplary values of correction information3501in the fourth variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 47, the same elements as those inFIGS. 26 and 28are given the same reference numerals and description of those elements will be omitted.

The correction information3501indicates an information ID1901, a correction reference point1701, a correction judgment threshold2002, and a click intensity threshold3502.

The click intensity threshold3502is a value used for correcting click position information. A method for using the click intensity threshold3502will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 48.

FIG. 47indicates that “for click position information associated with an information ID1901indicating “left”, when a left correction reference point1701L is at (0,0) and a left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a click intensity threshold3502of (60) is used to make correction”. Specifically,FIG. 47indicates that “for click position information associated with an information ID1901indicating “left”, when a left correction reference point1701L is at (0,0) and a left correction judgment distance1706L is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a left click position1702L is corrected to a cursor position associated with intensity information indicating intensity equal to or greater than a click intensity threshold3502of (60)”.

FIG. 47also indicates that “for click position information associated with an information ID indicating “right”, when a right correction reference point1701R is (960,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a click intensity threshold3502of (60) is used to make correction”. Specifically,FIG. 47indicates that “for click position information associated with an information ID1901indicating “right”, when a right correction reference point1701R is at (0,0) and a right correction judgment distance1706R is equal to or greater than a correction judgment threshold2002of (300), a right click position1702R is corrected to a cursor position associated with intensity information indicating intensity equal to or greater than a click intensity threshold3502of (60).

While one correction judgment threshold2002and one click intensity threshold3502associated with the correction judgment threshold2002are used in the example shown inFIG. 47, a plurality of correction judgment thresholds2002and a plurality of click intensity thresholds3502may be used. Furthermore, while one piece of correction information3501is stored for each way of holding in the example shown, the correction information storage unit1813can store a plurality of pieces of correction information for each way of holding the input device3201.

FIG. 48is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for correcting click position information performed by the correcting unit3304in the fourth variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 48, the same operations as those inFIGS. 21 and 30are given the same reference numerals and description of those operations will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 48, the correcting unit3304first obtains click position information including an information ID1901(step S901). Specifically, like the correcting unit1804according to the third embodiment illustrated inFIG. 30, the correcting unit3304is provided with click position information including an information ID1901from the click position information generating unit3303when a user clicks a left clickable touch sensor3205L or a right clickable touch sensor3205R.

The rest of the process is the same as the process performed by the correcting unit804according to the third variation of the second embodiment illustrated inFIG. 21. However, the correcting unit3304according to the fourth variation of the fourth embodiment uses information associated with the same information ID1901as the provided information ID1901to perform the rest of the process (step S202to step S706).

The process described above and illustrated inFIG. 48will be described using specific exemplary values.

Note that a case will be described in which an information ID1901of “right”, a correction reference point1701of (960,0), and click position information indicating a click position1702of (660,300), as shown in the second row ofFIG. 26is provided. Here, because the information ID associated with the click position information is “right”, the correcting unit3304uses a correction judgment threshold2002of (300) that is associated with the information ID1901and a click intensity threshold3502of (60) as illustrated inFIG. 47.

A correction judgment distance1706of (420) is yielded, which is greater than the correction judgment threshold2002(300) (No at step S203) and therefore the correcting unit3304obtains series of cursor positions information3401(step S405).

Among the obtained series of cursor positions information3401, cursor positions2503associated with an click intensity3402equal to or greater than the click intensity threshold3502(60) are (660,300), (640,300), and (640,260). Since the cursor position2503associated with the earliest time2502among these cursor positions2503is (640,260), the correcting unit3304sets cursor position information indicating the cursor position (640,260) as corrected click position information.

As has been described above, the input device3201according to the fourth variation of the fourth embodiment may include the left pressure sensor3203L and the right pressure sensor3203R which detect click intensity, in place of the left switch1503L and the right switch1503R. In this case, when it is determined that the left touch sensor1502L or the right touch sensor1502R has been clicked, that is, when intensity detected by the left pressure sensor3203L or the right pressure sensor3203R is equal to or greater than a reference intensity value (for example 100), the correcting unit3304corrects click position information.

Specifically, the correcting unit3304corrects the click position information so that a corrected position is an earliest cursor position among cursor positions with intensities equal to or greater than the click intensity threshold3502. Accordingly, the click position1702can be corrected to a touch position touched before occurrence of a deflection of click and therefore an operation error can be prevented.

Although the click position control apparatus and the click position control method according to the implementation of the present invention have been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Modifications resulting from various modifications to the respective embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art and modifications realized by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements and functions of the respective embodiments without materially departing from the teachings of the present invention are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention.

For example a click position control apparatus according to the present invention may include only a touch position information generating unit401, a click judging unit402, a click position information generating unit403, and a correcting unit404, like a click position control apparatus3601illustrated inFIG. 49. InFIG. 49, the same components as those inFIG. 4Aare given the same reference numerals.

With this configuration, correction is made based on a positional relationship between a predetermined reference position and a click position and therefore an operation history or the like does not need to be stored for each individual user and operation errors can be prevented without needing an operation history.

While click position control apparatuses according to the present invention that are provided in a display apparatus have been described, the click position control apparatuses may be provided in an input device. In that case, preferably a click position is corrected on the basis of a touch position represented in a coordinate system of a touch sensor, rather than a cursor position represented in a coordinate system of a display screen.

It is to be noted that, as stated above, the present invention can be realized not only as the click position control apparatus and the click position control apparatus but also as the program causing the computer to execute the click position control apparatus according to this embodiment. Moreover, the present invention may be realized as a program causing a computer to execute the steps. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as the computer-readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon such as the CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) as well as the information, data, or signals indicating the program. The program, information, data, and signals may be distributed via the communication network such as the Internet.

Moreover, in the present invention, the part or all of the constituent elements included in each of the click position control apparatuses may be included in the one system large scale integration (LSI). The system LSI is the super-multifunctional LSI manufactured by integrating the constituent elements on the one chip and is, specifically, the computer system including the micro processing unit, the ROM, the RAM (Random Access Memory), and so on.

All of the numerals used in the foregoing are given as examples for specifically explaining the present invention and the present invention is not limited to those numerals. Connections between components are given as examples for specifically explaining the present invention and connections that implement functions of the present invention are not limited to those connections

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A click position control apparatus according to the present invention has the effect of preventing operation errors in click operations on a remote control including a clickable touch sensor without needing an operation history and can be used in a system such as an input system including a clickable touch sensor.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

101,1101,1501,3201Input device102Touch sensor103Switch104Finger105,1105Clickable touch sensor106Enclosure201,601,1201,1601,2201,2401,3101,3301Display apparatus202Display screen203Cursor204Object301,1701Correction reference point302,1702Click position303Correction direction304,1704Corrected position305,1001,1705,2902Correction distance306,1706Correction judgment distance401,1801Touch position information generating unit402,1202,1802,3302Click judging unit403,803,1203,1803,3303Click position information generating unit404,804,1204,1804,2604,3304Correcting unit405,805,1205,1805,2605,3305Cursor position determining unit406Object position storage unit407Object selection determining unit408,1808Cursor display control unit409Object display control unit410Screen display control unit441Correction reference point storage unit442Correction judgment threshold storage unit443Correction value storage unit444Correction calculating unit445Click position information calculating unit501,2002,2302Correction judgment threshold605Cursor trajectory701,1301,2501,3401Series of cursor positions information702,2502Time703,2503Cursor position811,1211,2611,3311Series of cursor positions storage unit901,2702Correction amount of time1103Pressure sensor1302,3402Click intensity1401,3502Click intensity threshold1502L Left touch sensor1502R Right touch sensor1503L Left switch1503R Right switch1504L Left finger1504R Right finger1505L,3205L Left clickable touch sensor1505R,3205R Right clickable touch sensor1511Acceleration sensor1512Grip sensor1603L Left cursor1603R Right cursor1701L Left correction reference point1701R Right correction reference point1702L Left click position1702R Right click position1703L Left correction direction1703R Right correction direction1704L Left corrected position1704R Right corrected position1705L Left correction distance1705R Right correction distance1706L Left correction judgment distance1706R Right correction judgment distance1812Grip information generating unit1813Correction information storage unit1814,2214Correction information determining unit1901Information ID2001,2101,2301,2701,2801,2901,3001,3501Correction information2215User information storage unit2405L Left cursor trajectory2405R Right cursor trajectory3203L Left pressure sensor3203R Right pressure sensor3601Click position control apparatus