Information processing apparatus and control method

An information processing apparatus includes a display unit; a touch panel configured to detect a touch position at which a touch operation is performed on the display unit; a function setting module configured to set at least one area of a first area functioning as a touch screen and a second area functioning as a precision touch pad with respect to a touch panel area where the touch panel is formed; and a polling rate setting module configured to raise a polling rate in an area where the second area is set in the touch panel area when the second area is set for the touch panel area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-73285 filed Apr. 23, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, various terminals (e.g., tablet terminals) configured to display a virtual touch pad on a predetermined area of a touch screen have been proposed. A user can operate, for example, a mouse cursor by touch operations on the virtual touch pad.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-241139 discloses a technology of displaying a virtual touch pad and a user interface of an operating system on a touch screen and controlling a motion of a mouse cursor based on a touch operation of a user on the virtual touch pad.

With the virtual touch pad disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-241139, the user cannot perform various gesture operations other than the mouse cursor operation. Herein, various gesture operations include operations using a precision touch pad, and include, for example, a screen scroll operation, an enlargement or reduction operation of screen display, etc. by multi-touch. Therefore, it is considered to allow the user to use a function of the precision touch pad by using the virtual touch pad to be able to improve a user experience on the touch screen.

Meanwhile, regarding the touch screen, it is known that a finer operation is enabled as a polling rate is higher, and required polling rates are different between the virtual touch pad and the precision touch pad. For that reason, when realizing the function of the precision touch pad by using the virtual touch pad, it is preferable that a polling rate in an area for which the function of the precision touch pad is set can be changed to a required polling rate.

One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an information processing apparatus and a control method that can improve a user experience on a touch screen.

SUMMARY

An information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a display unit; a touch panel configured to detect a touch position at which a touch operation is performed on the display unit; a function setting module configured to set at least one area of a first area functioning as a touch screen and a second area functioning as a precision touch pad with respect to a touch panel area where the touch panel is formed; and a polling rate setting module configured to raise a polling rate in an area where the second area is set in the touch panel area when the second area is set for the touch panel area.

Moreover, in the information processing apparatus, the polling rate setting module may be configured to raise the polling rate in the area where the second area is set in the touch panel area up to at least 125 Hz.

Moreover, in the information processing apparatus, the polling rate setting module may be configured to restore the polling rate in the area where the second area is set in the touch panel area when setting of the second area is canceled.

Moreover, the information processing apparatus may further includes: a sensor device configured to determine a posture of the apparatus itself; a posture detecting module configured to detect a posture of the apparatus itself based on posture information related to the posture of the apparatus itself acquired by the sensor device; a mode determining module configured to determine a mode in which the apparatus itself is used based on the detected posture; and a display processing module configured to display a virtual precision touch pad, which is the precision touch pad as a virtual pad, at a position in the touch panel area according to the determined mode.

Moreover, the information processing apparatus may further includes: a touch operation determining module configured to determine whether the touch operation is an operation on which a process should be performed based on a magnitude relationship of contact information with respect to a threshold, the contact information being information related to contact between an operation medium and the touch panel that is acquired when the touch operation by the operation medium is performed; and a threshold setting module configured to change the threshold in the area where the second area is set in the touch panel area to a value different from the threshold in another area in the touch panel area when the second area is set for the touch panel area.

Moreover, in the information processing apparatus, the threshold setting module may be configured to restore the threshold in the area where the second area is set in the touch panel area when setting of the second area is canceled.

A control method for an information processing apparatus, which includes a display unit and a touch panel configured to detect a touch position at which a touch operation is performed on the display unit, according to the second aspect of the present invention includes: setting, by a function setting module, at least one area of a first area functioning as a touch screen and a second area functioning as a precision touch pad with respect to a touch panel area where the touch panel is formed; and raising, by a polling rate setting module, a polling rate in an area where the second area is set in the touch panel area when the second area is set for the touch panel area.

The above-described aspects of the present invention can improve a user experience on a touch screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. First Embodiment

First, the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.1to13.

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus configured to cause a touch screen to function as at least one of a touch screen and a precision touch pad (PTP). A precision touch pad that is virtually displayed on the touch screen is also hereinafter referred to as a virtual precision touch pad (VPTP).

The touch screen according to the first embodiment means an input-output device that includes a display screen on which various types of information can be displayed and a touch panel that can detect touch operations. A user can operate the touch screen by directly touching an operation target displayed on the touch screen. For example, the user can perform keyboard input by directly touching each key of an on-screen keyboard (OSK) displayed on the touch screen.

The PTP according to the first embodiment means a touch pad that can perform gesture operations. The PTP can also perform various gesture operations other than a mouse cursor operation. For example, when performing a gesture of bringing two fingers into contact with the surface of the PTP and sliding the two fingers in a direction parallel to the surface, a screen is scrolled. Moreover, when performing a gesture of bringing three fingers into contact with the surface of the PTP and swiping the three fingers from side to side, switching is performed between the display of a window and the display of an application. Moreover, when performing a gesture of bringing two fingers into contact with the surface of the PTP and making a pinch, the display is enlarged or reduced. Note that the number of fingers in contact with the PTP and the type of gesture in the gesture operations are not limited to such the examples. Moreover, a combination of the number of fingers and the type of gesture is not limited to such the examples.

The information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is realized by a terminal having at least a touch screen. For example, the information processing apparatus is realized by a terminal, such as a laptop PC (personal computer), a tablet terminal, and a smartphone, having a touch screen. Moreover, the information processing apparatus may be realized by a foldable terminal (foldable device) that can fold its touch screen. Note that a terminal realizing the information processing apparatus is not limited to such the examples.

Moreover, the number of touch screens included in the information processing apparatus is not particularly limited. For example, the information processing apparatus includes two displays (dual display), and one of the two displays may be a touch screen or both the two displays may be touch screens. Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus will be described about the case where it is a laptop PC having two touch screens, as an example.

First, the outline of the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.1to3.FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.1, the information processing apparatus1includes a first chassis2A and a second chassis2B of which both are substantially rectangular solids. The first chassis2A and the second chassis2B are connected by a connection part3at their respective ends. The connection part3is a hinge for example, and supports the first chassis2A and the second chassis2B so as to be openable and closable.

The first chassis2A includes a touch screen10A and the second chassis2B includes a touch screen10B. Note that, in the following description, either A or B is added to the end of the reference number when distinguishing the touch screens10A and10B, and A and B are omitted when not distinguishing the touch screens10A and10B. Hereinafter, the screen display on the touch screen10will be described as an example of vertical screen display in which one of two short sides constituting the touch screen10is in a top direction of the screen display and the other is in a bottom direction of the screen display.

The information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment is set with various modes related to the functions of the touch screen10. As an example, the modes related to the functions of the touch screen10include a normal mode (first mode) and a VPTP mode (second mode).

The normal mode is a mode in which a predetermined area (first area) in a touch panel area where the touch panel of the touch screen10is formed functions as a touch screen. The predetermined area (hereinafter, also referred to as “touch screen area”) that functions as the touch screen is the entire area of the touch panel area, for example. In the normal mode, the OSK etc. displayed on the touch screen10can be operated for example.

The function acting as the touch screen in the touch screen area is directly controlled by an operating system (OS) in accordance with a predetermined operation. Herein, a predetermined operation is a touch operation, for example. Specifically, the predetermined operation is an operation of touching a target displayed on the touch screen10. In the normal mode, a user interface (UI) such as a desktop screen, a task bar, and the OSK is displayed in the touch screen area by the control of the OS, for example. Moreover, when the OSK is displayed, an application operating on the OS causes the UI of a tool bar for operating the application to be displayed in the touch screen area. The user can perform an operation of switching between the normal mode and the VPTP mode by operating the tool bar with an operation medium, for example.

The VPTP mode is a mode in which a predetermined area (second area) in the touch panel area functions as the PTP. The predetermined area (hereinafter, also referred to as “VPTP area”) that functions as the PTP is an area where the VPTP is displayed, within the entire area of the touch panel area, for example. Note that, within the entire area of the touch panel area, an area other than the VPTP area is the touch screen area.

The function acting as the PTP in the VPTP area is not directly controlled by the OS in accordance with a predetermined operation. Herein, a predetermined operation is a touch operation. Specifically, the predetermined operation is a gesture operation. In the VPTP mode, the control according to the gesture operation of the user is performed by a control program (firmware) for the touch screen10, for example. This control program is firmware executed by an embedded controller (EC) to be described later, and is also referred to as “EC firmware” hereinafter. Moreover, the VPTP is displayed in the VPTP area by the control of an application. In the VPTP mode, the display controlled by the OS and the display controlled by the application are the same as in the normal mode.

The switching between the normal mode and the VPTP mode is controlled by the application. The application instructs the EC firmware to set one of the modes based on the user input with respect to the application, for example. At this time, the application instructs the EC firmware to use definition information according to a mode to be set. Herein, definition information means information including information (hereinafter, also referred to as “hardware information”) related to hardware. The definition information may include various hardware information, and includes, for example, hardware information on the touch screen10and hardware information on the PTP. The hardware information includes, for example, information on hardware type, size, etc. Moreover, when virtually displaying hardware on the touch screen10, the hardware information includes size information indicating a virtual display size, position information indicating a virtual display position, display layout information indicating layout including other display targets, and the like. Moreover, the hardware information may include area setting information related to the setting of an area such as the touch screen area and the VPTP area. Note that information included in the definition information is not limited to such the examples.

When detecting a touch on the touch screen10, the EC firmware generates a signal according to the set mode and an area on which a touch is detected and outputs the signal to the OS.

When a touch is detected during setting the normal mode, the EC firmware generates a touch screen signal (first signal) indicating that the touch screen10is touched as a touch screen and outputs the signal to the OS. The touch screen signal includes, for example, definition information on the touch screen10and coordinate information indicating a touch position. Note that, during setting the normal mode, a touch in the VPTP area is not detected because the entire area of the touch panel area is a touch screen area.

When a touch is detected in the VPTP area during setting the VPTP mode, the EC firmware generates a VPTP signal (second signal) indicating that the touch screen10is touched as the PTP and outputs the signal to the OS. The VPTP signal includes, for example, definition information on the PTP and coordinate information indicating a touch position. On the other hand, when a touch is detected in the touch screen area during setting the VPTP mode, the EC firmware generates a touch screen signal indicating that the touch screen10is touched as a touch screen and outputs the signal to the OS.

The OS that has received the signal from the EC firmware recognizes that hardware indicated by the definition information included in the received signal has been touched. At this time, the OS recognizes that the hardware indicated by the definition information is connected to the information processing apparatus1. For example, when receiving the touch screen signal, the OS recognizes that the touch screen10is connected to the information processing apparatus1. On the other hand, when receiving the VPTP signal, the OS recognizes that the PTP is connected to the information processing apparatus1. Note that the touch screen10is physically connected to the information processing apparatus1in the first embodiment. However, the PTP is not physically connected to the information processing apparatus1. In other words, even if hardware is not physically connected to the information processing apparatus1, the OS can recognize this hardware based on its definition information.

Then, the OS performs an operation according to a coordinate position at which a touch is detected by the recognized hardware. When recognizing the touch screen10, the OS performs an operation related to the touch screen10. On the other hand, when recognizing the PTP, the OS performs an operation related to the PTP. As described above, the EC firmware can control the operation of the OS by generating the signal according to the set mode and the area on which the touch is detected and outputting the signal to the OS.

Herein, a relationship between the display and function in each mode will be described with reference toFIGS.2and3.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating a display example of the touch screen10in each mode according to the first embodiment.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating a function example of the touch screen10in each mode according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in the left drawing ofFIG.2, for example, a desktop5, an OSK7, and a tool bar8are displayed on the touch screen10in the normal mode. At this time, as illustrated in the left drawing ofFIG.3, a touch screen area TA where the desktop5, the OSK7, and the tool bar8are displayed functions as a touch screen.

On the other hand, as illustrated in the right drawing ofFIG.2, for example, the desktop5, the tool bar8, and a VPTP9are displayed on the touch screen10in the VPTP mode. At this time, as illustrated in the right drawing ofFIG.3, the touch screen area TA where the desktop5and the tool bar8are displayed functions as the touch screen, and a VPTP area VA where the VPTP9is displayed functions as the PTP.

2. HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

As described above, the outline according to the first embodiment has been described. Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.4.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the information processing apparatus1includes the touch screen10A, the touch screen10B, a central processing unit (CPU)15, a main memory16, a graphic processing unit (GPU)17, and a chipset21. The information processing apparatus1further includes a basic input output system (BIOS) memory22, a hard disk drive (HDD)23, an audio system25, a wireless local area network (WLAN) card26, an EC31, an input unit32, a power supply circuit33, and a sensor device34.

The touch screen10includes a display screen11and a touch panel12. The touch screen10displays various types of information according to display data converted into video signals on the display screen11, and also accepts operation input by an operation medium such as a finger of the user and a pen by detecting a touch by the operation medium or the proximity of the operation medium by using the touch panel12.

For example, the display screen11is a display device such as an OLED display (organic electroluminescence display). Note that the display screen11may be configured to be foldable.

The touch panel12is arranged so as to overlap a display surface of the display screen11. The touch panel12detects a touch position. Note that the touch panel12may be configured to be integrated with the display screen11and may be configured to be foldable in the same manner as the display screen11.

The CPU15executes various arithmetic processes by program control to control the entire of the information processing apparatus1.

The main memory16is a writable memory that is used as a reading area for an execution program of the CPU15or a working area for writing processing data of the execution program. The main memory16is configured by a plurality of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips, for example. The execution program includes various drivers, various services/utilities, application programs, etc. for operating the OS and peripheral devices by hardware.

The GPU17executes image processing to generate display data on the basis of the control of the CPU15. The GPU17is connected to the display screen11, and outputs the generated display data to the display screen11.

The chipset21includes controllers of a universal serial bus (USB), a serial ATA (AT attachment), a serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-express bus, a low pin count (LPC) bus, and the like, and is connected to a plurality of devices. InFIG.4, as an example of these devices, the BIOS memory22, the HDD23, the audio system25, the WLAN card26, and the EC31are connected to the chipset21.

For example, the BIOS memory22is configured by an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) and a flash read only memory (ROM). The BIOS memory22stores therein system firmware for controlling the BIOS, the EC31, and the like. The system firmware is firmware executed by the CPU15, and is different from the EC firmware executed by the EC31.

The HDD23(example of nonvolatile storage) stores therein OS, various drivers, various services/utilities, application programs, and various data.

The audio system25records, plays, and outputs sound data. For example, a microphone and a speaker are connected to the audio system25.

The WLAN card26is connected to a network by wireless (radio) LAN to perform data communication.

The EC31is a one-chip microcomputer configured to monitor and control various devices (peripheral device, sensor, etc.) regardless of a system status of the information processing apparatus1. The EC31includes a CPU, a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM) that are not illustrated. The EC31functions as a control unit that operates independently of the CPU15and mainly manages the internal operating environment of the information processing apparatus1. The EC31reads a control program (EC firmware) previously stored in the ROM, and executes processes instructed by various instructions described in the read control program to realize various functions. Moreover, the EC31includes multi-channel A/D input terminal and D/A output terminal, a timer, a digital input/output terminal, and the like. The EC31is connected via these input/output terminals to the input unit32, the power supply circuit33, the sensor device34, and the like, for example, and the EC31controls operations of them.

The input unit32is an input device configured to receive input from a power switch, a function switch, etc., for example.

The power supply circuit33includes, for example, a DC/DC converter, a charge/discharge unit, a battery unit, an AC/DC adapter, etc., and converts a DC voltage supplied from the AC/DC adapter or the battery unit into a plurality of voltages required to operate the information processing apparatus1. Moreover, the power supply circuit33supplies electric power to each component of the information processing apparatus1on the basis of the control from the EC31.

The sensor device34is a sensor device configured to determine a posture of the information processing apparatus1(the apparatus itself). The sensor device34includes a camera, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an environmental sensor, etc., for example. The sensor device34acquires posture information related to the posture of the information processing apparatus1, for example.

3. FUNCTIONAL CONFIGURATION

As described above, the hardware configuration example of the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment has been described. Next, a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.5.FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.5the information processing apparatus1includes a display unit110, a detecting unit120, a first control unit130, a second control unit140, and a storage unit150.

The display unit110has a function of displaying various types of information input from the first control unit130. The display unit110is realized by, for example, the display screen11described with reference toFIG.4, and displays the UI such as the desktop5, the task bar, the OSK7, the tool bar8, and the VPTP9on the display screen11. Note that information displayed by the display unit110is not limited to such the examples.

The detecting unit120has a function of detecting a touch position by an operation medium in the touch panel area. The detecting unit120is realized by, for example, the touch panel12described with reference toFIG.4, and outputs the touch position detected by the touch panel12to the second control unit140.

The first control unit130has a function of controlling the overall operation of the information processing apparatus1. The first control unit130is configured to include the CPU15, the GPU17, etc., for example. The function of the first control unit130is realized, for example, by the CPU15executing programs such as system firmware such as BIOS, the OS, and various applications (e.g., applications operating on the OS) to boot (activate) a system and performing various operations, processing, etc. To realize this function, the first control unit130includes a display processing module1302and a function control module1304.

The display processing module1302has a function of controlling the display on the display unit110. Based on an operation by the user, for example, the display processing module1302controls the display on the display unit110. As an example, the operation by the user includes an operation of displaying or hiding the OSK7, an operation of setting the normal mode or the VPTP mode, and the like.

When the operation of displaying the OSK7is input, the display processing module1302causes the display unit110to display the OSK7. When displaying the OSK7, the display processing module1302further causes the display unit110to display the tool bar8. On the other hand, when the operation of hiding the OSK7is input, the display processing module1302causes the display unit110to hide the OSK7and the tool bar8.

When the operation of setting the VPTP mode is input during setting the normal mode, the display processing module1302causes the display unit110to display the VPTP9based on the definition information. For example, the display processing module1302acquires information such as size information of the VPTP9and position information of the VPTP9with reference to the definition information. After acquisition, the display processing module1302generates display data of the VPTP9from the acquired size information, and causes the display unit110to display the generated display data at a position indicated by the position information.

Based on the definition information, the display processing module1302controls a display layout of the OSK7displayed on the touch screen area TA and the VPTP9displayed on the VPTP area VA. For example, when the size and display position of the VPTP9indicated by the definition information are the same as the size and display position of the OSK7that is already displayed, the display processing module1302displays the VPTP9in the display area of the OSK7. At this time, the display processing module1302causes the display unit110to hide the OSK7and then to display the VPTP9. Note that the display processing module1302may cause the display unit110to display the VPTP9by overlaying the VPTP9on the OSK7without hiding the OSK7. As a result, the display processing module1302can secure a wider area other than the VPTP9by the display unit110, compared with the case where the VPTP9is displayed in an area different from the area of the OSK7.

On the other hand, when the operation of setting the normal mode is input during setting the VPTP mode, the display processing module1302causes the display unit110to hide the VPTP9. At this time, the display processing module1302causes the display unit110to redisplay the OSK7. As a result, the user can again operate the OSK7. Note that, when the VPTP9is overlaid on the OSK7during setting the VPTP mode, the OSK7is displayed by hiding the VPTP9. Therefore, when the operation of setting the normal mode is input in the state where the VPTP9is overlaid on the OSK, the display processing module1302does not need to perform a process of causing the display unit110to redisplay the OSK7.

Note that a process of displaying or hiding the OSK7is executed by the OS, for example. Moreover, a process of displaying or hiding the tool bar8is executed by an application, for example. Moreover, a process of displaying or hiding the VPTP is executed by an application, for example.

The function control module1304has a function of controlling the function of the touch screen10. For example, the function control module1304controls modes to be set for the touch screen10. Specifically, based on an operation by the user, the function control module1304controls the setting of either the normal mode or the VPTP mode.

When an operation of switching to the VPTP mode is input during setting the normal mode, the function control module1304determines to cause a function setting module1402to be described later to set the VPTP mode for the touch screen10. At this time, the function control module1304causes the function setting module1402to set the display area of the VPTP9in the touch panel area as the VPTP area VA. Specifically, the function control module1304acquires the size information and position information of the VPTP9with reference to the definition information. After acquisition, based on the size information and position information, the function control module1304causes the function setting module to set the display area of the VPTP9as the VPTP area VA. Moreover, the function control module1304causes the function setting module to set an area other than the VPTP area VA as the touch screen area TA.

On the other hand, when an operation of switching to the normal mode is input during setting the VPTP mode, the function control module1304determines to cause the function setting module1402to set the normal mode for the touch screen10. At this time, the function control module1304causes the function setting module1402to set the entire area of the touch panel area as the touch screen area TA.

As described above, based on the operation by the user, the function control module1304can switch between the normal mode and the VPTP mode to set the mode for the touch screen10. Moreover, the function control module1304can set the VPTP area VA in the display area of the VPTP9of the display unit110when setting the VPTP mode so as to functionalize the predetermined area in the touch panel area as the PTP.

The second control unit140has a function of controlling the overall operation of various devices (peripheral device, sensor, etc.). The second control unit140is configured to include the EC31, for example. The function of the second control unit140is realized, for example, by the EC firmware executed by the EC31performing various operations, processing, etc. To realize this function, the second control unit140includes the function setting module1402, a polling rate setting module1403, a touch operation determining module1404, and a signal processing module1406. Note that the functions of the function setting module1402, the touch operation determining module1404, and the signal processing module1406to be described below are also realized by the EC firmware.

The function setting module1402has a function of performing setting related to the function of the touch screen10. The function setting module1402performs the setting of modes on the touch screen10. For example, based on an instruction from the function control module1304, the function setting module1402sets one mode of the normal mode and the VPTP mode for the touch screen10. Specifically, when receiving an instruction from the function control module1304to set the normal mode, the function setting module1402sets the normal mode for the touch screen10. On the other hand, when receiving an instruction from the function control module1304to set the VPTP mode, the function setting module1402sets the VPTP mode for the touch screen10.

Moreover, the function setting module1402performs the setting of areas in the touch panel area of the touch screen10. For example, based on an instruction from the function control module1304, the function setting module1402sets at least one area of the touch screen area TA and the VPTP area VA with respect to the touch panel area. Specifically, when receiving an instruction from the function control module1304to set the touch screen area TA, the function setting module1402generates the touch screen area TA based on the definition information of the touch screen. After generation, the function setting module1402sets the generated touch screen area TA on the touch screen10. Moreover, when receiving an instruction from the function control module1304to set the touch screen area TA and the VPTP area VA, the function setting module1402generates the VPTP area VA based on the definition information of the PTP. After generation, the function setting module1402sets the generated VPTP area VA on the touch screen10. At this time, the function setting module1402overlays the generated VPTP area VA on the touch screen area TA already set in the touch panel area.

The polling rate setting module1403has a function of setting a polling rate in the touch panel area of the touch screen10. For example, the polling rate setting module1403changes a polling rate in the touch panel area in accordance with whether the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a polling rate before change in the touch panel area is set to 120 Hz.

Specifically, when the VPTP area VA is set for the touch panel area, the polling rate setting module1403raises a polling rate in an area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area.

By employing this configuration, in the VPTP area VA where the polling rate is high, a response to the touch operation becomes faster than that in another area (the touch screen area TA) where the polling rate is not changed. For that reason, the user can perform a finer touch operation in the VPTP area VA than that in the touch screen area TA. As a result, a user experience on the touch screen10is also improved.

Therefore, the polling rate setting module1403can improve a user experience on the touch screen10by increasing the polling rate in the VPTP area VA.

The polling rate setting module1403changes the polling rate in the area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area to a polling rate according to the PTP request. For example, the acquisition of logo certification by WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) requires that the polling rate of the PTP is 125 Hz. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the polling rate setting module1403raises the polling rate in the area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area up to at least 125 Hz. As a result, it is possible to improve a user experience on the touch screen10and also acquire the logo certification of WHQL.

On the other hand, when the setting of the VPTP area VA is canceled, the polling rate setting module1403restores the polling rate in the area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area. For example, the polling rate setting module1403returns the polling rate in this area from 125 Hz to 120 Hz.

Note that the change of the polling rate cannot be realized by the control by software such as the OS and various applications. However, in the present invention, the change of the polling rate can be realized by linking the control by firmware (EC firmware) and the control by an application.

The touch operation determining module1404has a function of determining an area on which a touch operation by the operation medium is performed. For example, based on a touch position of the operation medium detected by the detecting unit120, the touch operation determining module1404determines an area operated by the operation medium.

Specifically, the touch operation determining module1404first determines an area where the touch position detected by the detecting unit120is included. When the touch position is included in the touch screen area TA, the touch operation determining module1404determines that the touch screen area TA has been operated. On the other hand, when the touch position is included in the VPTP area VA, the touch operation determining module1404determines that the VPTP area VA has been operated. Then, the touch operation determining module1404outputs the determination result to the signal processing module1406at the polling rate set by the polling rate setting module1403.

The signal processing module1406has a function of generating signals for controlling operations of the OS and outputting the signals to the OS. For example, based on the determination result input from the touch operation determining module1404, the signal processing module1406generates a signal including definition information according to the area where the touch position is detected, and outputs the signal to the OS.

When the determination result indicates that the touch position is detected in the touch screen area TA, the signal processing module1406generates a touch screen signal including the definition information of the touch screen10and outputs the signal to the OS. As a result, the signal processing module1406can cause the OS to recognize that the touch screen10is operated as a touch screen and to perform operations related to the touch screen.

On the other hand, when the determination result indicates that the touch position is detected in the VPTP area VA, the signal processing module1406generates a VPTP signal including the definition information of the PTP and outputs the signal to the OS. As a result, the signal processing module1406can cause the OS to recognize that the touch screen10is operated as the PTP and to perform operations related to the PTP.

When setting the normal mode, the touch screen area TA is set for the entire area of the touch panel area. For that reason, no matter where in the touch panel area a touch is detected, the signal processing module1406generates the touch screen signal and outputs the signal to the OS.

When setting the VPTP mode, the VPTP area VA is overlaid on a part of the touch screen area TA. For that reason, when a touch is detected in the touch screen area TA, the signal processing module1406generates the touch screen signal and outputs the signal to the OS in the same way as when setting the normal mode. On the other hand, when the touch is detected in the VPTP area VA, the signal processing module1406generates the VPTP signal and outputs the signal to the OS.

At the time of the generation of the signal, the signal processing module1406changes, for example, the definition information included in the signal to change a signal to be output to the OS. Specifically, it is assumed that the touch is detected in the VPTP area VA after the output of the touch screen signal. In this case, the signal processing module1406changes the definition information of the touch screen10included in the touch screen signal to the definition information of the PTP. As a result, the touch screen signal is changed to the VPTP signal. In this way, the signal processing module1406generates the signal indicating that a part of the touch panel area has been touched as the signal indicating that the PTP has been touched.

Note that the touch screen signal and the VPTP signal are generated by the EC firmware for the touch screen10and are output to the OS. As a result, the OS operations related to the touch screen10are controlled by the EC firmware for the touch screen10. The touch screen signal and the VPTP signal may be output in accordance with a request from the OS or may be output regardless of the request, if they are output to the OS at the polling rate set by the polling rate setting module1403.

The storage unit150has a function of storing various types of information. The storage unit150is configured to include the main memory16, the BIOS memory22, the HDD23, the ROM and RAM included in the EC31, and the like. The storage unit150stores therein, for example, software such as OS and various applications, various firmware such as system firmware and EC firmware, and definition information. As an example, the storage unit150according to the first embodiment stores at least one definition information indicating that the screen display on the touch screen10is a vertical screen display and the VPTP9is displayed in the area where the OSK7has been displayed.

4. PROCESSING FLOW

As described above, the functional configuration example of the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment has been described. Next, an example of processing flow in the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.6to11.

(1) Processing Flow in Information Processing Apparatus1

FIG.6is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing flow in the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment. Note that, based on operations by the user, processing in each of the OS and application executed by the first control unit130of the information processing apparatus1and the EC firmware executed by the second control unit140will be described below as illustrated inFIG.6.

The user first inputs an operation for displaying the OSK7into the information processing apparatus1(Step S102). This operation is input into the OS through the touch screen10.

The OS into which the operation is input causes the touch screen10to display the OSK7(Step S104).

After displaying the OSK7, the OS outputs a notification indicating that the OSK7is displayed to an application (Step S106).

The notified application causes the touch screen10to display the tool bar8(Step S108).

The user first inputs an operation for displaying the VPTP9into the information processing apparatus1(Step S110). This operation is input into the application through the tool bar8displayed on the touch screen10.

The application into which the operation is input outputs an instruction of hiding the OSK7to the OS (Step S112). The OS that has received the instruction causes the touch screen10to hide the OSK7.

Next, the application causes the touch screen10to display the VPTP9in the area where the OSK7has been displayed (Step S114).

Next, the application outputs an instruction of turning on the VPTP mode of the touch screen10to the EC firmware (Step S116).

The EC firmware that has received the instruction sets the VPTP mode for the touch screen10(Step S118).

Moreover, the EC firmware changes a polling rate in an area where the VPTP area VA is set (Step S119). Specifically, when the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area, the EC firmware raises the polling rate in the area where the VPTP area VA is set from 120 Hz to 125 Hz. On the other hand, when the setting of the VPTP area VA in the touch panel area is canceled, the EC firmware lowers (i.e., restores) the polling rate in the area where the VPTP area VA is set from 125 Hz to 120 Hz.

The user first inputs an operation for hiding the VPTP9into the information processing apparatus1(Step S120). This operation is input into the application through the tool bar8displayed on the touch screen10.

The application into which the operation is input outputs an instruction of turning off the VPTP mode of the touch screen10to the EC firmware, and causes the touch screen10to hide the VPTP9(Step S122).

The EC firmware that has received the instruction turns off the VPTP mode. Next, the application outputs an instruction of displaying the OSK7to the OS (Step S124).

The OS that has received the instruction causes the touch screen10to display the OSK7(Step S126).

The user first inputs an operation for hiding the OSK7into the information processing apparatus1(Step S128). This operation is input into the OS through the touch screen10. The OS into which the operation is input causes the touch screen10to hide the OSK7.

Furthermore, the OS outputs a notification indicating that the OSK7is hidden to the application (Step S130). The notified application causes the touch screen10to hide the tool bar8.

(2) Transition of Display and Function

Herein, an example of transition of the display and function on the touch screen10will be described with reference toFIGS.7to10.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating an example of the display and function of the touch screen10at the time of the initial display according to the first embodiment. The left drawing (A) ofFIG.7illustrates a display example, and the right drawing (B) ofFIG.7illustrates a function example. At the time of the initial display (before execution of Step S102), for example, the desktop5and a task bar6are displayed on the touch screen10as illustrated in (A) ofFIG.7. At this time, as illustrated in (B) ofFIG.7, the touch screen area TA is set for the entire area of the touch screen10(touch panel area), and the touch screen area TA functions as a touch screen.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating an example of the display and function of the touch screen10at the time of the display of the OSK7according to the first embodiment. The left drawing (A) ofFIG.8illustrates a display example, and the right drawing (B) ofFIG.8illustrates a function example. When displaying the OSK7(when executing Step S104to Step S106), for example, the desktop5and the OSK7are displayed on the touch screen10as illustrated in (A) ofFIG.8. At this time, as illustrated in (B) ofFIG.8, the touch screen area TA is set for the entire area of the touch screen10, and the touch screen area TA functions as a touch screen.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating an example of the display and function of the touch screen10at the time of the display of the tool bar8according to the first embodiment. The left drawing (A) ofFIG.9illustrates a display example, and the right drawing (B) ofFIG.9illustrates a function example. When displaying the tool bar8(when executing Step S108to Step S112and Step S124to Step S130), for example, the desktop5, the OSK7, and the tool bar8are displayed on the touch screen10as illustrated in (A) ofFIG.9. At this time, as illustrated in (B) ofFIG.9, the touch screen area TA is set for the entire area of the touch screen10, and the touch screen area TA functions as a touch screen.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating an example of the display and function of the touch screen10at the time of the display of the VPTP9according to the first embodiment. The left drawing (A) ofFIG.10illustrates a display example, and the right drawing (B) ofFIG.10illustrates a function example. When displaying the VPTP9(when executing Step S114to Step S122), for example, the desktop5, the tool bar8, and the VPTP9are displayed on the touch screen10as illustrated in (A) ofFIG.10. At this time, as illustrated in (B) ofFIG.10, the touch screen area TA is set for an area where the desktop5and the tool bar8of the touch screen10are displayed, and the touch screen area TA functions as a touch screen. Moreover, the VPTP area VA is displayed in an area where the VPTP9of the touch screen10is displayed, and the VPTP area VA functions as the PTP.

(3) Processing Flow in Second Control Unit140

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing flow in the second control unit140according to the first embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.11, the second control unit140first detects a touch operation by an operation medium on the display unit110(Step S202).

Next, the second control unit140determines whether a touch position of the detected touch operation is in the VPTP area VA (Step S204).

When the touch position is in the VPTP area VA (Step S204: YES), the second control unit140causes the EC firmware to transmit the VPTP signal to the OS (Step S206). On the other hand, when the touch position is not in the VPTP area VA (Step S204: NO), the second control unit140causes the EC firmware to transmit the touch screen signal to the OS (Step S208). After transmitting the signal, the second control unit140repeatedly performs the above processing every time a touch operation is detected.

As described above, the information processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment includes the display unit110, the touch panel12(the detecting unit120), the function setting module1402, and the polling rate setting module1403.

The touch panel12detects the touch position at which the touch operation is performed on the display unit110.

The function setting module1402sets at least one area of the touch screen area TA and the VPTP area VA with respect to the touch panel area where the touch panel12is formed.

When the VPTP area VA is set for the touch panel area, the polling rate setting module1403raises the polling rate in the area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area.

By employing this configuration, the user can perform a finer touch operation in the VPTP area VA than that in the touch screen area TA. As a result, a user experience on the touch screen10is also improved.

Therefore, the information processing apparatus1can improve a user experience on the touch screen10by increasing the polling rate in the VPTP area VA.

5. MODIFIED EXAMPLES

As described above, the first embodiment has been described. Next, modified examples of the first embodiment will be described. Note that each modified example to be described later may be alone applied to the first embodiment or may be applied to the first embodiment in combination. Moreover, each modified example may be applied instead of the configuration described in the first embodiment or may be additionally applied to the configuration described in the first embodiment.

(1) First Modified Example

First, the first modified example according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.12.FIG.12is a diagram illustrating an example of the display and function of the touch screen10according to the first modified example of the first embodiment. The left drawing (A) ofFIG.12illustrates a display example, and the right drawing (B) ofFIG.12illustrates a function example.

In the embodiment described above, the example in which the VPTP9may be overlaid on the OSK7has been described, but the display processing module1302may display the VPTP9without being overlaid on the OSK7.

For example, as illustrated in (A) ofFIG.12, the desktop5, the OSK7, the tool bar8, and the VPTP9are displayed on the touch screen10. Furthermore, the VPTP9is displayed in an area different from that of the OSK7without being overlaid on the OSK7. At this time, as illustrated in (B) ofFIG.12, the touch screen area TA is set in an area where the desktop5, the OSK7, and the tool bar8of the touch screen10are displayed, and the touch screen area TA functions as a touch screen. Moreover, the VPTP area VA is displayed in an area where the VPTP9of the touch screen10is displayed, and the VPTP area VA functions as the PTP.

As a result, because both the OSK7and the VPTP9are displayed on the touch screen10, the user can save a trouble of switching the display when using the OSK7or the VPTP9. Therefore, the information processing apparatus1can improve a user experience on the touch screen. Note that, when implementing the present modified example, the storage unit150stores therein definition information that includes display layout information indicating display layout of (A) ofFIG.12and area setting information indicating area setting of (B) ofFIG.12.

(2) Second Modified Example

Next, the second modified example according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG.13.FIG.13is a diagram illustrating an example of the display and function of the touch screen10according to the second modified example of the first embodiment. The left drawing (A) ofFIG.13illustrates a display example, and the right drawing (B) ofFIG.13illustrates a function example.

In the embodiment described above, the example in which the screen display on the touch screen10is vertical screen display has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to such the example. For example, the screen display on the touch screen10may be horizontal screen display in which one of two long sides constituting the touch screen10is in a top direction of the screen display and the other is in a bottom direction of the screen display.

When the screen display is horizontal screen display, as illustrated in (A) ofFIG.13, for example, the desktop5, the OSK7, the tool bar8, and the VPTP9are displayed on the touch screen10. At this time, as illustrated in (B) ofFIG.13, the touch screen area TA is set in an area where the desktop5, the OSK7, and the tool bar8of the touch screen10are displayed, and the touch screen area TA functions as a touch screen. Moreover, the VPTP area VA is displayed in an area where the VPTP9of the touch screen10is displayed, and the VPTP area VA functions as the PTP.

As a result, the touch screen10can display the VPTP9even in the horizontal screen display. The user can use the VPTP9even if the information processing apparatus1is held to have the horizontal screen display. Therefore, the information processing apparatus1can improve a user experience on the touch screen. Note that, when implementing the present modified example, the storage unit150stores therein definition information that includes display layout information indicating display layout of (A) ofFIG.13and area setting information indicating area setting of (B) ofFIG.13.

(3) Third Modified Example

Next, the third modified example will be described. In the embodiment described above, the example in which the storage unit150stores one piece of definition information has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to such the example. For example, the storage unit150may store a plurality of pieces of definition information. As an example, the plurality of pieces of definition information includes a plurality of pieces of definition information, in which display layouts are different, such as definition information for realizing the display and function illustrated inFIG.2, definition information for realizing the display and function illustrated inFIG.12, and definition information for realizing the display and function illustrated inFIG.13.

As a result, the information processing apparatus1can cause the touch screen10to perform various displays according to situations. For example, it is assumed that the storage unit150stores definition information related to vertical screen display and definition information related to horizontal screen display. At this time, when the user holds and operates the information processing apparatus1so that one of two short sides constituting the touch screen10is in the top direction of the screen display and the other is in the bottom direction of the screen display, the screen display of the touch screen10becomes vertical screen display. From this state, when the user rotates the information processing apparatus1so that one of two long sides constituting the touch screen10is in the top direction of the screen display and the other is in the bottom direction of the screen display, the screen display of the touch screen10is changed to horizontal screen display.

Moreover, the plurality of pieces of definition information may be a plurality of pieces of definition information that have different hardware information of PTP. As a result, the information processing apparatus1can cause the touch screen10to display the VPTP9of various standards.

As described above, the touch screen10can display the VPTP9according to the orientation of the information processing apparatus1by the storage unit150storing the plurality of pieces of definition information, and the user can use the VPTP9regardless of the orientation of the information processing apparatus1. Moreover, the touch screen10can display the VPTP9of various standards, and the user can select and use the VPTP9suited for oneself. Therefore, the information processing apparatus1can improve a user experience on the touch screen.

2. Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.14to17.

In the above first embodiment, the example in which the VPTP9is displayed at the preset position has been described, but the first embodiment is not limited to such the example. The VPTP9may be displayed at a position according to a mode (hereinafter, also referred to as “use mode”) in which the user is using the information processing apparatus1, for example. Hereinafter, in the second embodiment, an example in which the VPTP9is displayed at a position according to a use mode will be described. Note that the description overlapping with the first embodiment described above will be omitted.

FIG.14is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an information processing apparatus1aaccording to the second embodiment. Note that, because the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus1aaccording to the second embodiment is the same as that of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIGS.1and4, their descriptions are omitted. Moreover, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus1ahaving the same functional configuration as that of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIG.5is assigned with the same reference numbers, and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, the functional configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.14, a first control unit130aof the information processing apparatus1afurther includes a posture detecting module1300and a mode determining module1301, in addition to the configuration included in the first control unit130of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIG.5in the first embodiment.

The posture detecting module1300has a function of detecting a posture of the information processing apparatus1a(apparatus itself). For example, based on posture information related to a posture of the information processing apparatus1aacquired by the sensor device34, the posture detecting module1300detects the posture of the information processing apparatus1a. Specifically, the posture detecting module1300detects, from the posture information, a posture of the information processing apparatus1awhen the information processing apparatus1ais held like when the user reads a book, a posture of the information processing apparatus1awhen the information processing apparatus1ais placed like when the user uses a laptop PC, or the like.

The mode determining module1301has a function of determining a use mode of the information processing apparatus1a. For example, based on the posture of the information processing apparatus1adetected by the posture detecting module1300, the mode determining module1301determines a use mode of the information processing apparatus1a. As an example, when a posture in which the information processing apparatus1ais held like when the user reads a book is detected by the posture detecting module1300, the mode determining module1301determines that the use mode is a mode (hereinafter, also referred to as “book mode”) of using the information processing apparatus1alike a book. Moreover, when a posture in which the information processing apparatus1ais placed like when the user uses a laptop PC is detected by the posture detecting module1300, the mode determining module1301determines that the use mode is a mode (hereinafter, also referred to as “clamshell mode”) of using the information processing apparatus1alike a laptop PC.

The display processing module1302displays the VPTP9at a position in the touch panel area according to the use mode determined by the mode determining module1301.

Note that the display processing module1302may display the VPTP9at a position previously set for each use mode or may display the VPTP9at a position determined based on information acquired by the sensor device34in accordance with a use mode. For example, the display processing module1302detects the position of a finger of the user from the information acquired by the sensor device34, and displays the VPTP9near the position of this finger. Moreover, the number, size, position, etc. of the VPTP9displayed by the display processing module1302are not particularly limited.

Herein, a display example of the VPTP9according to the second embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.15and16.

FIG.15is a diagram illustrating a display example of the VPTP9in a book mode according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in the left drawing ofFIG.15, it is assumed that the user is using the information processing apparatus1ain a state where it is held in a hand. In this case, the mode determining module1301determines that the use mode is a book mode. Because it is determined that the use mode is a book mode, the display processing module1302displays a VPTP9aand a VPTP9bas illustrated in the right drawing ofFIG.15. The positions at which the VPTP9aand the VPTP9bare displayed are, for example, preset positions as a position near a thumb of the user. By displaying the VPTPs9aand9bat the positions, the user can easily perform an operation (e.g., page turning) when the information processing apparatus1ais held like when the user reads a book.

FIG.16is a diagram illustrating a display example of the VPTP9in a clamshell mode according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in the left drawing ofFIG.16, it is assumed that the user is using the information processing apparatus1ain a state where it is opened and placed. In this case, the mode determining module1301determines that the use mode is a clamshell mode. Because it is determined that the use mode is a clamshell mode, the display processing module1302displays the VPTP9as illustrated in the right drawing ofFIG.16. A position at which the VPTP9is displayed is, for example, a preset position as a position at which the user easily performs a touch operation.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIG.14, a second control unit140aof the information processing apparatus1afurther includes a posture information acquiring module1400in addition to the configuration included in the second control unit140of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIG.5in the first embodiment.

The posture information acquiring module1400has a function of acquiring posture information. For example, the posture information acquiring module1400acquires the posture information from the sensor device34. The posture information acquiring module1400outputs the acquired posture information to the posture detecting module1300.

Herein, a flow of display processing of the VPTP9will be described with reference toFIG.17.FIG.17is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow example of display processing of the VPTP9according to the second embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the EC (the posture information acquiring module1400) first acquires the posture information from the sensor device34(Step S302). The EC outputs the acquired posture information to an application (Step S304).

Based on the posture information input from the EC, the application (the posture detecting module1300) detects a posture of the information processing apparatus1a(Step S306).

Based on the detected posture of the information processing apparatus1a, the application (the mode determining module1301) determines a use mode of the information processing apparatus1a(Step S308).

The application (the display processing module1302) displays the VPTP at a position according to the determined use mode (Step S310).

The application (the function control module1304) outputs an instruction of turning on the VPTP mode of the touch screen10to the EC firmware (Step S312).

The EC firmware that has received the instruction sets the VPTP mode for the touch screen10(Step S314).

As described above, the information processing apparatus1aaccording to the second embodiment detects the posture of the information processing apparatus1abased on the posture information by the posture detecting module1300, determines the use mode of the information processing apparatus1afrom the detected posture by the mode determining module1301, and displays the VPTP9in accordance with the determined use mode by the display processing module1302.

By employing this configuration, in the information processing apparatus1a, the VPTP9is displayed at the position according to the use mode of the information processing apparatus1a. The user can comfortably perform a touch operation in any use mode by previously performing setting to display the VPTP9at the position at which the touch operation according to the use mode is easily performed.

Therefore, the information processing apparatus1acan improve a user experience on the touch screen10.

Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.18and19.

In the above first and second embodiments, distinction between a touch operation that executes processing and a touch operation that does not execute processing has not been mentioned, but this distinction may be performed. By distinguishing between a touch operation that executes processing and a touch operation that does not execute processing, it is possible not to recognize an unintended touch operation by a user as a touch operation (exclusion of unintended touch operation) and to detect a button press, for example.

Hereinafter, in the third embodiment, an example of distinguishing between the touch operation that executes processing and the touch operation that does not execute processing will be described. Note that the description overlapping with the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted.

FIG.18is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an information processing apparatus1baccording to the third embodiment. Note that, because a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus1baccording to the third embodiment is the same as the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIGS.1and4, their descriptions are omitted. Moreover, the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus1bhaving the same functional configuration as that of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIG.5is assigned with the same reference numbers, and their descriptions are omitted. In the third embodiment, the functional configuration different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.18, a first control unit130bof the information processing apparatus1bfurther includes a threshold information acquiring module1303in addition to the configuration included in the first control unit130of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIG.5in the first embodiment.

The threshold information acquiring module1303has a function of acquiring threshold information. The threshold information is information indicating a threshold as a reference when determining whether a touch operation is an operation on which a process should be performed. In the third embodiment, based on a magnitude relationship of contact information with respect to the threshold, it is determined whether a touch operation is an operation on which a process should be performed.

The contact information is information related to contact between an operation medium and the touch panel12, which is acquired when a touch operation by the operation medium is performed. Specifically, the contact information is information such as a contact area between the operation medium and the touch panel12and a pressure applied to the touch panel12when the operation medium and the touch panel12have contact with each other. The contact information, such as a contact area and a pressure, is detected by the detecting unit120, for example.

The threshold information is determined by the user, for example. The user determines, for example, a threshold for excluding an unintended touch operation, a threshold for detecting a button press, and the like for each contact information. The user inputs threshold information indicating the determined thresholds through the input unit32. The threshold information acquiring module1303acquires the threshold information input into the input unit32and outputs the information to a threshold setting module1405to be described later.

As illustrated inFIG.18, a second control unit140bof the information processing apparatus1bfurther includes a contact information acquiring module1401and the threshold setting module1405, in addition to the configuration included in the second control unit140of the information processing apparatus1described with reference toFIG.5in the first embodiment.

The contact information acquiring module1401has a function of acquiring contact information. For example, the contact information acquiring module1401acquires the contact information from the detecting unit120, and outputs the acquired contact information to the touch operation determining module1404.

Based on a magnitude relationship with respect to the threshold of the contact information acquired by the contact information acquiring module1401, the touch operation determining module1404determines whether a touch operation is an operation on which a process should be performed. For example, when a contact area when the touch operation is performed is a threshold or more or a contact pressure is a threshold or more, the touch operation determining module1404determines that the process by the touch operation is executed. On the other hand, when a contact area when a touch operation is performed is less than the threshold or a contact pressure is less than the threshold, the touch operation determining module1404determines that the process by the touch operation is not executed.

As a result, the touch operation determining module1404can exclude an unintended touch operation by the user from a process execution target and can detect a button press.

The threshold setting module1405has a function of setting a threshold. For example, the threshold setting module1405sets threshold information indicating a threshold for excluding an unintended touch operation, threshold information indicating a threshold for detecting a button press, and the like, which are input from the threshold information acquiring module1303, as thresholds in the VPTP area VA.

Specifically, when the VPTP area VA is set for the touch panel area, the threshold setting module1405changes a threshold in an area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area to a value different from a threshold in another area in the touch panel area. On the other hand, when the setting of the VPTP area VA is canceled, the threshold setting module1405restores the threshold in the area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area.

Note that the determination using the threshold in the VPTP area VA cannot be realized by the control by software such as the OS and various applications. However, in the present invention, the determination using the threshold in the VPTP area VA is made to be feasible by linking the control by firmware (EC firmware) and the control by the application.

Herein, a flow of threshold setting processing will be described with reference toFIG.19.FIG.19is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow example of threshold setting processing according to the third embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG.19, the user first inputs threshold information to be set from the input unit32(Step S402).

The application (the threshold information acquiring module1303) acquires the threshold information input by the user (Step S404). The application (the threshold information acquiring module1303) outputs the acquired threshold information to the EC firmware (Step S406).

Based on the threshold information input from the application, the EC firmware (the threshold setting module1405) sets a threshold in the VPTP area VA (Step S408).

As described above, in the information processing apparatus1baccording to the third embodiment, when the VPTP area VA is set for the touch panel area, the threshold setting module1405changes the threshold in the area where the VPTP area VA is set in the touch panel area to the value different from the threshold in the other area in the touch panel area. Moreover, based on the magnitude relationship of contact information with respect to the threshold acquired when the touch operation by the operation medium is performed, the touch operation determining module1404determines whether the touch operation is an operation on which the process should be performed.

By employing this configuration, based on the magnitude relationship between the contact information and the threshold in the VPTP area VA, distinction between a touch operation that executes processing and a touch operation that does not execute processing is performed in the VPTP area VA. As a result, the determination accuracy of the touch operation in the VPTP area VA is improved, and the operability is improved.

Therefore, the information processing apparatus1bcan improve a user experience on the touch screen10.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. Note that the embodiments described above may be alone implemented or may be implemented in combination.

Some or all of functions of the information processing apparatus1according to the embodiments described above may be realized by a computer. In that case, some or all may be realized by recording a program for realizing functions in a computer-readable recording medium and causing a computer system to read the program recorded in the recording medium to execute the program. Note that a “computer system” referred to here includes OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Moreover, a “computer-readable recording medium” means a storage device such as a portable medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disc, ROM, and CD-ROM, and a hard disk embedded in the computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” may also include one that dynamically holds a program for a short time like a communication line when the program is transmitted via a network such as Internet and a communication line such as a telephone line, and one that holds a program in a fixed time like a volatile memory in a computer system that is a server or a client in that case. Moreover, the program may be one for realizing some of functions described above, may be one that can be realized by further combining the functions described above with a program already recorded in the computer system, or may be one that is realized by using a programmable logic device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

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