Abstract:
An input processing device includes an input pad; a detector which detects a position of an indicating object coming into contact with the input pad; and a processor which controls a display state of an image displayed on a display on the basis of an input signal obtained from the detector, wherein an input surface of the input pad is provided with a detection region for detecting a specific input operation, and wherein when the processor receives the input signal corresponding to the specific input operation given from the indicating object onto the detection region, the processor rotates the image.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present invention contains subject matter related to and claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application JP 2009-108197 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Apr. 27, 2009, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an input processing device which performs a process of rotating the display contents displayed on a display when a planar input pad is operated by an indicating object. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    A keyboard or a mouse can be used as an input processing device mounted to a personal computer. In a notebook-type personal computer, a planar input member having an input pad is mounted in addition to the keyboard. The planar input member is configured to detect a variation in capacitance between electrodes when a low-potential indicating object such as a human finger approaches or comes into contact with the input pad. Since it is possible to obtain coordinate data on the basis of a variation in capacitance, a controller of the personal computer generates a control signal which is the same as a control signal generated upon operating the mouse as an external device on the basis of the coordinate data which can be obtained from the input member. 
         [0006]    In recent years, a personal computer has been introduced which is capable of rotating an image displayed on a display by operating a tablet-type input device provided in an overlapping manner on a display screen using a pen or a finger. 
         [0007]    For example, JP-A-2007-011035 discloses an image display method of a computer which displays an image displayed on a display so as to be rotated by one of 90°, 180°, and 270°. 
         [0008]    The image display method of the computer disclosed in JP-A-2007-011035 has a configuration in which the image is rotated when a rotation selection switch connected to a bus controller is operated by an operator. The rotation selection switch has a configuration in which an exclusive key is provided in a keyboard or a general key of the keyboard is provided so as to have an allocated function. 
         [0009]    However, in the method of providing the exclusive key in the keyboard, there is a problem in that the number of components increases. Further, there is a problem involved with a space when a region other than the general keys is ensured on the keyboard. 
         [0010]    In addition, in the method of allocating the rotation function to the general key, since it is necessary to simultaneously operate a plurality of keys by using a plurality of fingers, there are problems in that the operation is complex and it is easy to forget the arrangement of the keys. 
         [0011]    Further, there is a method of rotating an image by clicking an exclusive rotation icon provided in a task bar displayed on a display. However, there are problems in that it is complex to move a cursor onto the icon and it is not possible to continuously rotate the image due to the clicking performed by the unit of 90°. 
         [0012]    These and other drawbacks exist. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0013]    An advantage of various embodiments is to provide an input processing device capable of rotating an image displayed on a display of a computer by an arbitrary angle or continuously rotating the image just by performing a simple operation on an input pad. 
         [0014]    According to an exemplary embodiment, an input processing device includes: an input pad; a detector which detects a position of an indicating object coming into contact with the input pad; and a processor which controls a display state of an image displayed on a display on the basis of an input signal obtained from the detector, wherein an input surface of the input pad is provided with a detection region for detecting a specific input operation, and wherein when the processor receives the input signal corresponding to the specific input operation given from the indicating object onto the detection region, the processor rotates the image. 
         [0015]    In an input processing device according to various embodiments, it is possible to rotate an image by an arbitrary angle or to continuously rotate the image just by performing a simple operation on a detection region provided on the input pad using an indicating object (finger). 
         [0016]    For example, when the specific input operation is a tap operation, the image is rotated upon performing the tap operation. 
         [0017]    In addition, when the specific input operation is a push operation having a contact time longer than that of a tap operation, the image is continuously rotated during the push operation. 
         [0018]    Likewise, in the input processing device according to various embodiment, it is possible to rotate the image just by a simple operation. 
         [0019]    Also, the detection region may be allocated to any position of the input surface. 
         [0020]    With the above-described configuration, it is possible to dispose the detection region at an easily noticed position. 
         [0021]    The detection region is provided at two corners of the input surface so that the image is rotated right when the corner at one position is operated, and the image is rotated left when the corner at the other position is operated. 
         [0022]    With the above-described configuration, it is possible to easily select the rotation direction of the image. 
         [0023]    In addition, the specific input operation includes a first operation and a second operation performed after the first operation. In this case, the first operation may be detected in a first detection region, and the second operation may be detected in a detection region different from the first detection region. 
         [0024]    With the above-described configuration, since the image is not rotated just by performing the first operation, it is possible to prevent such a problem that the indicating object carelessly comes into contact with the input pad to thereby rotate the image. In addition, since it is possible to clearly distinguish the first operation and the second operation, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary rotation due to other erroneous operations. 
         [0025]    In the input processing device according to various embodiments, when the first operation is performed, the indicator showing instructions of the second operation is displayed. 
         [0026]    With the above-described configuration, since it is possible to give instructions to the operator, it is possible even for a clumsy operator to reliably rotate the image. 
         [0027]    Further, a detection region for detecting the second operation may include second and third detection regions extending in directions intersecting each other so that the image is rotated right when the second operation is performed on the second detection region, and the image is rotated left when the second operation is performed on the third detection region. 
         [0028]    With the above-described configuration, it is possible to simply rotate the image just by sliding the indicating object on the second detection region or the third detection region. In addition, it is possible to freely select the rotation direction. 
         [0029]    Also, the second operation may be a rotation operation drawn in a circular shape by the indicating object around the first operation. 
         [0030]    With the above-described configuration, since it is possible to rotate the image just by a simple operation of drawing a circle on the input surface, it is possible to perform an intuitive operation. 
         [0031]    In the input processing device according to various embodiments, the first operation is a tap operation, and the second operation is a slide operation or a push operation. 
         [0032]    Further, the specific input operation is a rotation perpendicular movement operation of moving the indicating object in the perpendicular direction in the vicinity of the corner of the input surface. 
         [0033]    With the above-described configuration, it is possible to rotate the image just by a simple operation. 
         [0034]    In the input processing device according to the aspect of the invention, the processor may be operated by a software stored in a controller of a personal computer. 
         [0035]    In addition, the processor may be operated by a driver for giving coordinate information to an operating system inside a controller on the basis of the input signal from the detector. 
         [0036]    In the input processing device according to various embodiments, it is possible to rotate the image just by a simple operation using the input pad. 
         [0037]    The driver software may change a setting of a rotation angle of the image. 
         [0038]    With the above-described configuration, it is possible to rotate the image by the unit of the rotation angle desired by the operator or to continuously rotate the image. 
         [0039]    In the input processing device according to various embodiments, it is possible to rotate the image displayed on the display by an arbitrary angle or to continuously rotate the image just by a simple operation using the touch pad. 
         [0040]    Further, the special keys for operating rotation can become unnecessary. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a notebook-type personal computer (PC) equipped with an input processing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0042]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of a planar input member (touch pad). 
           [0043]      FIG. 3  is a circuit block diagram of the input processing device. 
           [0044]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of an input pad showing an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0045]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an example of an operation process by a driver software according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0046]      FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a rotating image. 
           [0047]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of an input pad showing an embodiment of the disclosure and a diagram showing an example of an indicator displayed on a display. 
           [0048]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process by the driver software according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0049]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the input pad showing a third embodiment of the invention and a diagram showing a relationship with a rotating image. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process by the driver software according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0051]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the input pad showing an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing an example of an operation process by the driver soft according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0053]    The following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the embodiments described by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving input processing devices. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only. It is further understood that one possessing ordinary skill in the art, in light of known systems and methods, would appreciate the use of the invention for its intended purposes and benefits in any number of alternative embodiments, depending on specific design and other needs. 
         [0054]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a notebook-type personal computer (PC) equipped with an exemplary input processing device, and  FIG. 2  is a plan view of a planar input member (touch pad). 
         [0055]    A personal computer  1  shown in  FIG. 1  may have a configuration in which a cover portion  3  may be foldably connected to a body  2 . A keyboard  4  and a planar input member  5  may be provided in an operation panel of a surface of the body  2 . A display  6  which may be formed by a liquid crystal display panel may be provided in a front surface of the cover portion  3 . 
         [0056]    As shown in the enlarged view of  FIG. 2 , the planar input member  5  may include an input pad (touch pad)  7 , a right button  8  which may be located on the right and below the input pad, a left button  9  which may be located on the left and below the input pad, and the like. 
         [0057]    The input pad  7  may include an input surface  7   a  which may be formed by a planar surface. In the input pad  7 , a plurality of X electrodes extending in the X direction may face a plurality of Y electrodes extending in the Y direction with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and a detection electrode may be provided between adjacent X electrodes. A thin insulating sheet may be provided on a surface of the electrode so that the surface of the insulating sheet may be used as the input surface  7   a.    
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a driving circuit  11  provided in the input member  5  sequentially may apply a predetermined voltage to the X electrodes, and may apply a predetermined voltage to the Y electrodes at a timing different from the timing for the X electrodes. When a finger as an indicating object of a conduction body having a substantially ground potential comes into contact with the input surface  7   a,  a capacitance may be formed between the finger and each electrode. Accordingly, at the portion contacting with the finger, the capacitance between the detection electrode and the X electrode may change, and the capacitance between the detection electrode and the Y electrode may change. 
         [0059]    Due to a variation in the capacitance, a rising time of a pulsar voltage applied to the X electrode or the Y electrode may be delayed. At this time, the delay of the rising time may be detected by a pad detector  12  through the detection electrode. When the pad detector  12  detects the delay of the rising time of the voltage through the detection electrode, the position contacting with the finger maybe detected on the X-Y coordinate by obtaining timing information on the voltage applied to the X electrode and the Y electrode. 
         [0060]    Accordingly, when the finger contacting with the input surface  7   a  moves, it may be possible to detect the movement locus of the finger on the X-Y coordinate. In addition, when a so-called tap operation is performed such that the finger rapidly moves to the input surface  7   a  to touch the input surface and rapidly moves away therefrom, the capacitance between the electrodes may change in a short time, which may be detected by the pad detector  12 . 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7  may be divided into a plurality of regions in advance, and various operation functions may be allocated thereto. How to set the number of divided regions or the area of the region or how to allocate which function to each region may be set and changed by operating the setting menu of a pad driver software  24  to be described later. 
         [0062]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing the input processing device  10  provided in the personal computer  1 . 
         [0063]    As described above, the planar input member  5  may include the driving circuit  11  which sequentially may apply a pulsar voltage to the X electrode and the Y electrode of the input pad  7 , and the pad detector  12  which may detect a variation in the rising time of the voltage in the detection electrode provided in the input pad  7 . The pad detector  12  may be capable of specifying the finger contact position on the input surface  7   a  as the coordinate position on the X-Y coordinate. In addition, the operation signals of the right button  8  and the left button  9  also may be detected by the pad detector  12 . 
         [0064]    A pad input signal generator  13  may be provided in the input member  5 . In the pad input signal generator  13 , the X-Y coordinate information as the operation signal of the input pad  7 , the switch input information of the right button  8 , and the switch input information of the left button  9  detected by the pad detector  12  may be considered as format data having a predetermined number of bytes, and may be output from an output interface  14 . The operation signal output from the output interface  14  may be sent to an input interface  21  provided in a controller  20  of the personal computer. The output interface  14  and the input interface  21  may be USB interfaces and the like, for example. In addition, it may be desirable that the generated operation signal include rotation information to be described later in addition to the X-Y coordinate information or the switch input information. 
         [0065]    In addition, in the case where the rotation information is not included in the operation signal, the pad driver software  24  may generate the rotation information from the operation signal (X-Y coordinate information) sent from the pad input signal generator  13 . 
         [0066]    The controller  20  of the personal computer  1  may store a variety of software. The controller  20  may store an operation system (OS)  22 . A display driver  23  may be controlled by the operating system  22 , and a variety of information may be displayed on the display  6 . 
         [0067]    The pad driver software  24  may be installed in the controller  20 . The operation signal received by the input interface  21  may be sent to the pad driver software  24 . In the pad driver software  24 , a coordinate data signal and the like may be generated on the basis of a predetermined format of the operation signal sent from the pad input signal generator  13 , and may be informed to the operating system  22 . 
         [0068]    Here, the X-Y coordinate information may be information representing the absolute position or the relative position on the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7  with which the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact. In addition, the rotation information may be information which can be obtained when the finger moves on the input surface  7   a  in a predetermined direction, and may include, for example, a rotation direction (right rotation or left rotation), a rotation angle, a continuous rotation, and the like. 
         [0069]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the input pad showing an exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process by the driver software according to this exemplary embodiment.  FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a rotating image. 
         [0070]    In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , a right rotation detection region  18  and a left rotation detection region  19  may be respectively allocated to the right upper corner and the left upper corner of the input pad  7  so as to have a circular shape. In addition, such allocation may be set and changed by operating the setting menu of the pad driver software  24 . For example, when the input pad  7  and the like are operated by changing the setting menu, it may be possible to change the diameters of the right rotation detection region  18  and the left rotation detection region  19 . In addition, it may be possible to move the centers of the right rotation detection region  18  and the left rotation detection region  19  to the Y direction or the X direction. 
         [0071]    In the setting menu, the rotation angle θ for each operation, the repeating time t 1  for performing the operation process, and the like may be set and changed in this manner. The rotation angle θ for each operation may be the unit of 90° as shown in  FIG. 6 , but may be, for example, the units of 1°, 5°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 120°, and the like. It may be desirable that the rotation angle is set and changed to an arbitrary rotation angle in accordance with the operator&#39;s desire. 
         [0072]    In addition, each step of the operation process is described as “ST” in the following description. 
         [0073]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the operation process of the pad driver software  24  starts (ST 0 ), the process moves to ST 1  so as to start the monitor of the output from the pad input signal generator  13 . In addition, in ST 1 , it may be determined whether the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7  as a first operation. In the case of YES, the process may move to ST 2  so as to check whether the finger contact position is a predetermined rotation detection region. 
         [0074]    In the case of NO, that is, the case where the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the input surface  7   a,  but the position is not in the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19 , the process may return to the start (ST 0 ) so as to resume the monitor of the pad input signal generator  13 . In the case of YES, that is, the case where the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the input surface  7   a,  and the position is in the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19 , the process may move to ST 3 . 
         [0075]    In ST 3 , it may be determined whether the contact position is the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19 . In ST 3 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the finger contact position is the right rotation detection region  18 , the process may move to ST 4 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the finger contact position is the left rotation detection region  19  instead of the right rotation detection region  18 , the process may move to ST 5 . 
         [0076]    In ST 4 , the pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information so that the rotation direction is set to the right rotation, the rotation angle is set to θ, and the like, and informs the rotation information of the operating system  22 . Then, the process may return to the start (ST 0 ). Likewise, in ST 5 , the rotation information may be created so that the rotation direction is set to the right rotation, the rotation angle is set to θ, and the like, the rotation information is informed to the operating system  22 , and then the process may return to the start (ST 0 ). 
         [0077]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the operating system  22  may rotate the image displayed on the display  6  on the basis of the obtained rotation information. 
         [0078]    The operation process shown in  FIG. 5  may be repeatedly performed at, for example, a predetermined repeating time t 1 . In this case, during a time when the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19  (during a time when the push operation is continued), the rotation of the image may be sequentially repeated by the rotation angle θ so that the image may rotate in one direction. That is, in the case where the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the right rotation detection region  18 , the image may continuously rotate in the right rotation direction. In the case where the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the left rotation detection region  19 , the image may continuously rotate in the left rotation direction. In addition, when the operator&#39;s finger moves away from the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19 , the rotation may be stopped. Further, when the repeating time t 1  is set to be comparatively long, it may be possible to intermittently rotate the image. 
         [0079]    In the case where the operator&#39;s finger performs a tap operation, that is, the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19  for a short time, the operation process shown in  FIG. 5  may be performed only once. For this reason, in the case where the contact position is the right rotation detection region  18 , it may be possible to rotate the image in the right rotation direction by the rotation angle θ. In the case where the contact position is the left rotation detection region  19 , it may be possible to rotate the image in the left rotation direction by the rotation angle θ. Accordingly, when the operator repeatedly performs the tap operation, for example, it may be possible to intermittently rotate the image by the predetermined angle θ as shown in  FIG. 6 . Further, it may be possible to freely change the rotation direction of the image based on the tap operation or the push operation in accordance with the operator&#39;s operation on the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19 . 
         [0080]    In addition, in the case where the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the input surface  7   a  only for a short time, the tap operation for performing the rotation may be determined. If a problem is caused by the rotation, the normal tap operation or the tap operation for the rotation may be determined on the basis of the time during which the finger comes into contact with the input surface  7   a.  That is, for example, in the case where the contact time is shorter than a first predetermined threshold time, the normal tap operation may be determined. In the case where the contact time is longer than the first predetermined threshold time and is shorter than the second predetermined threshold time, the tap operation for the rotation of the image may be determined. In the case where the contact time is much longer than the second predetermined threshold time, the push operation may be determined. In this manner, it may be possible to determine the operations. In addition, in the case where the normal tap operation is determined, the pad driver software  24  may create information representing the normal tap operation, and may inform the operating system  22  of the information. On the other hand, in the case where the tap operation for rotating the image is determined, the pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the right rotation (or the left rotation), the rotation angle may be set to θ, the continuous rotation may not be set, and the like. In the case where the push operation is determined, the pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the right rotation (or the left rotation), the rotation angle may be set to θ, the continuous rotation may be set. The rotation information may be informed to the operating system  22 . 
         [0081]    Likewise, in an exemplary embodiment, it may be possible to rotate the image by an arbitrary rotation angle or to continuously rotate the image in a desired direction by performing a simple operation such as the tap operation or the push operation on the right rotation detection region  18  or the left rotation detection region  19 . Further, since it may be possible to perform the tap operation and the push operation by using one finger, it may be possible to improve the operability. 
         [0082]    In such an embodiment, a case has been described in which the rotation operation may be performed in the corners of two positions of the right rotation detection region  18  and the left rotation detection region  19 , but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the rotation detection region may be provided in one corner of one position of the input surface  7   a,  or the corners of three positions. In the case where the rotation detection region is the corner of one position, it may be possible to perform the operation at that position without moving the finger, and thus to further improve the operability. 
         [0083]    However, in the case where the rotation detection region is in the corner of one position, the rotation direction may be limited to one direction. However, it may be possible to change the rotation direction by changing the setting of the setting menu of the pad driver software  24 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the input pad showing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, and a diagram showing an example of the indicator displayed on the display.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process by the driver software according to this embodiment. 
         [0085]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , it may be possible to allocate a first detection region  28   a  to a right upper corner of the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7 . In addition, it may be possible to allocate a second belt-like detection region  28   b  which may extend in the Y direction from the lower portion of the first detection region  28   a,  and a third belt-like detection region  28   c  which may extend in the X direction from the left portion of the first detection region  28   a.  Further, the position of the first detection region  28   a  may not be limited to the right upper corner if there are several corners in the input surface  7   a.    
         [0086]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , when the operation process of the pad driver software  24  starts (ST 10 ), the timer T may be reset (Tb→0), and the process may move to ST 11  so as to start the monitor of the output from the pad input signal generator  13 . Then, in ST 11 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the first operation of allowing the operator&#39;s finger to come into contact with the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7  is detected, the process may move to ST 12  so as to check whether the finger contact position is the first detection region  28   a.  In ST 12 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the finger contact position is the first detection region  28   a,  the process may move to ST 13 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the finger contact position is other than the first detection region  28   a,  the process may return to the start (ST 10 ). In addition, the first operation may be, for example, the tap operation and the like. 
         [0087]    In ST 13 , the pad driver software  24  may inform the operating system  22  that the first operation is performed on the first detection region  28   a.  When the operating system  22  receives the information, for example, the operating system  22  may display an indicator (guide screen)  30  on the display  6  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In addition, at this time, the elapsed time Tb may be measured by the timer T. 
         [0088]    The indicator  30  may include a background image  31  and a guide image  32  which may show the contents to be operated at the next time. It may be desirable that the background image  31  indicates the image (the drawing of a bicycle in  FIG. 7 ) currently displayed on the display  6  as a depicted image. However, the background image  31  may be a predetermined image (default image) or a solid-color image. Also, the background image  31  may be a transparent or translucent object. In addition, it may be desirable that the background image is set or changed by the operator. 
         [0089]    In the embodiment, for example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the guide image  32  may include five figures or signs, that is, for example, a circle  32   a,  a downward arrow  32   b,  a leftward arrow  32   c,  a clockwise rotation arrow  32   d  may be provided in the tip end of the downward arrow, and a counter-clockwise rotation arrow  32   f  may be provided in the tip end of the leftward arrow. 
         [0090]    The circle  32   a  may correspond to the position of the first detection region  28   a  on the input surface  7   a,  and the downward arrow  32   b  and the leftward arrow  32   c  may indicate the operation directions from the circle  32   a.  In addition, the clockwise rotation arrow  32   d  may indicate that the image rotates in the right rotation direction when the finger moves from the circle  32   a  along the downward arrow  32   b,  and the counter-clockwise rotation  32   f  may indicate that the image rotates in the left rotation direction when the finger moves from the circle  32   a  along the leftward arrow  32   c.    
         [0091]    In addition, it may be desirable that the operator freely sets or changes whether the indicator  30  is displayed or not. 
         [0092]    In ST 14 , it may be monitored whether the display of the indicator  30  is canceled by the operator. In the case of NO, that is, the case where the display is not canceled, the process may move to ST 15 . In the case of YES, that is, the case where the display is canceled, the display of the indicator  30  is erased (ST 21 ), and the process may return to the start (ST 10 ). 
         [0093]    In ST 15 , it may be monitored whether the elapsed time Tb after starting the measurement of the timer T exceeds a predetermined specified time t 2 . In the case of YES, that the case where the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the display of the indicator  30  may be erased (ST 21 ), and the process may return to the start (ST 0 ). In the case of NO, that is, the case where the elapsed time Tb of the timer T does not exceed the predetermined specified time t 2 , the process after ST 16  may be performed so as to specify the detection region. 
         [0094]    In ST 16 , it may be checked whether a second operation is performed by the operator&#39;s finger in the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c  within the predetermined specified time t 2 . In ST 16 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the second operation is performed in the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c,  the process after ST 17  may be performed so as to check whether the finger moves. In addition, in the case where the second operation by the operator&#39;s finger is detected in a region other than the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c  (the case of NO in ST 16 ), the process before ST 14  may be performed. Further, here, the second operation may be a slide operation in which the operator&#39;s finger slides on the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c.    
         [0095]    In ST 17 , when it is detected that the operator&#39;s finger moves on the second detection region  28   b,  the process may move to ST 18 . In ST 18 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the second operation is performed in the second detection region  28   b,  the pad driver software  24  may determine that there is an operation of prompting the right rotation. The pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the right rotation, the rotation angle may be set to θ, and the like, and may inform the operating system  22  of the rotation information. 
         [0096]    On the other hand, in the case of NO, that is, the case where the movement of the finger is not detected in the second detection region  28   b,  the process may move to ST 19  so as to detect the movement of the finger in the third detection region  28   c.  In ST 19 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the operator&#39;s finger moves on the third detection region  28   c,  the process may move to ST 20 . In ST 20 , in the case where the second operation is performed in the third detection region  28   c,  the pad driver software  24  may determine that there is an operation of prompting the left rotation. The pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the left rotation, the rotation angle may be set to θ, and the like, and may inform the operating system  22  of the rotation information. 
         [0097]    Then, when the operating system  22  receives the rotation information in ST 18  or ST 20 , the operating system  22  may rotate the image displayed on the display  6  on the basis of the obtained rotation information. In addition, the operating system  22  may erase the display of the indicator  30  (ST 21 ) at the same time when the image rotates or immediately before the image rotates. 
         [0098]    In addition, the second operation in this case is not limited to the slide operation, but may also be a push operation in which the operator&#39;s finger continuously comes into contact with the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c  for a predetermined elapsed time or more. The push operation may be specified as an operation of prompting the continuous rotation. In ST 18  or ST 20 , the rotation information having the continuous rotation added thereto may be created, and may be informed to the operating system  22 . Accordingly, it may be possible to continuously rotate the image in the right rotation direction or the left rotation direction during a time when at least the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c.    
         [0099]    Likewise, in such an embodiment, it may be possible to rotate the image through the indicator  30  by performing the operation along the indicator  30 . For this reason, it may be possible for even a clumsy operator to reliably rotate the image. In addition, since it may be possible to perform the operation by using one finger even in this embodiment, it may be possible to improve the operability. 
         [0100]    In addition, the image may be rotated by a predetermined rotation angle θ whenever the operator&#39;s finger repeatedly moves on the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c,  or the rotation angle may be adjusted in proportion to the movement amount of the finger or the contact time. In the former case in which the image is rotated whenever the finger moves on the second detection region  28   b  or the third detection region  28   c,  it may be supposed that the smooth rotation operation is disturbed by the indicator  30  displayed every time. In this case, it may be possible to handle the problem in such a manner that the indicator  30  is set so as not to be displayed by operating the setting menu of the pad driver soft  24 . In addition, in the latter case in which the image is rotated in proportion to the movement amount of the finger or the contact time, it may be possible to promptly rotate the image in accordance with the operator&#39;s desire. 
         [0101]      FIG. 9  is a plan view of the input pad showing an exemplary embodiment, and a diagram showing a relationship with the rotating image.  FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process by the driver software according to this embodiment. 
         [0102]    In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , a specific detection region may not be allocated onto the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7 , but the entire region of the input surface  7   a  may serve as the detection region. 
         [0103]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the operation process starts (ST 30 ), the pad driver software  24  may move to ST 31  and may reset the timer T (Tc→0). 
         [0104]    Subsequently, the pad driver software  24  may start a normal monitor of the output from the pad input signal generator  13 . Subsequently, in ST 32 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the first operation is performed by the operator&#39;s finger in the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7 , the process may move to ST 33 . In the case where the first operation is not detected, the process returns to the start (ST 30 ). In addition, here, the first operation may be, for example, a tap operation. 
         [0105]    In ST 33 , the measurement using the timer T may start. In addition, the pad driver software  24  may check whether the rotation operation is performed on the input surface  7   a  as the second operation within the predetermined specified time t 3  after the first operation (tap operation) after ST 33 . In addition, in this case, it may be desirable that the second operation is performed to have a circular locus about, for example, the position of the first operation. The locus may not be an accurate circle, but may be a substantially circular shape. In addition, the circular locus of the second operation may not be formed about the position of the first operation, but may include the center point of the first operation on the inside of the circular locus. 
         [0106]    In ST 34 , the elapsed time Tc of the timer T may be checked. In the case of YES, that is, the case where the elapsed tame Tc of the timer T is within the predetermined specified time t 3 , the process may move to ST 35 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the elapsed time Tc exceeds the predetermined specified time t 3 , the process may return to the start (ST 30 ). 
         [0107]    In ST 35 , it may be checked whether the second operation performed on the input surface  7   a  within the predetermined specified time t 3  is the right rotation. In the case of YES, that is, the right rotation, the process may move to ST 36 . In ST 36 , the pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the right rotation, the rotation angle may be set to θ, and the like, and may inform the operating system  22  of the rotation information. 
         [0108]    On the other hand, in the case of NO, that is, the case where the second operation is not the right rotation as a result of the check in ST 35 , the process may move to ST 37  so as to check whether the left rotation is performed. In the case of YES, that is, the left rotation, the process may move to ST 38 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the left rotation is not performed, it may be determined that an operation other than the rotation operation is performed, and the process returns to the start (ST 30 ). 
         [0109]    In ST 38 , the pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the left rotation, and the rotation angle may be set to θ, and the like, and may inform the operating system  22  of the rotation information. 
         [0110]    Then, when the operating system  22  receives the rotation information in ST 36  or ST 38 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the operating system  22  may rotate the image displayed on the display  6  on the basis of the obtained rotation information. 
         [0111]    In addition, in such an embodiment, the first operation may be the tap operation. However, in the case where it is necessary to distinguish the normal tap operation from the tap operation for the rotation operation, the push operation having the finger contact time with respect to the input surface  7   a  may be longer than that of the normal tap operation may be set as the first operation. In this case, it may be possible to distinguish the tap operation from the push operation on the basis of whether the finger contact time with respect to the input surface  7   a  exceeds a threshold time. Also, the push operation may be determined in the case where the finger contact area with respect to the input surface  7   a  exceeds a threshold area. 
         [0112]    Likewise, in this embodiment, it may be possible to rotate the image displayed on the display  6  by a desired rotation angle or to continuously rotate the image through a simple operation in which the rotation operation as the second operation is performed after the first operation. Further, since it may be possible to continuously perform the first operation and the second operation by using one finger, it may be possible to improve the operability. 
         [0113]    Further, since the first operation and the second operation need to be performed through two stages of operations, it may be possible to prevent such a problem that the image is arbitrarily rotated on the contrary to the operator&#39;s intension when the finger carelessly comes into contact with the input surface  7   a.  Further, since the first operation may be used as a previous operation upon starting the rotation operation, it may be possible to smoothly perform the subsequent rotation operation. 
         [0114]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the input pad showing an exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process by the driver soft according to this embodiment. 
         [0115]    In the example shown in  FIG. 11 , an operation region  37  having a wide area may be set in the center portion of the input surface  7   a  of the input pad  7 , and a right operation region  38  may be provided in the vicinity of the right upper corner. The right operation region  38  may include a right end rotation region  38 R which may extend in the lengthwise direction (Y direction) from the right upper corner so as to have a belt shape, and a right rotation start region  38 S which may extend in the transverse direction (X direction) from the right upper corner so as to have a belt shape, where the right end rotation region  38 R and the right rotation start region  38 S may intersect each other at the right upper corner. 
         [0116]    Likewise, a left operation region  39  including a left end rotation region  39 L and a left rotation start region  39 S may be set in the vicinity of the left upper corner of the operation region  37 , where the left end rotation region  39 L and the left rotation start region  39 S intersect each other. In addition, the right rotation start region  38 S of the right upper end may be separated from the left rotation start region  39 S of the left upper end by a convex operation region  37   a  provided therebetween. Further, an arrow  41  of  FIG. 11  may indicate an operation of prompting the right rotation, and an arrow  42  may indicate an operation of prompting the left rotation. The arrows  41  and  42  may be printed on the input surface  7   a.    
         [0117]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , in such an embodiment, when the operation process starts (ST 40 ), first, the timer T may be reset (Td→0). 
         [0118]    Subsequently, the pad driver software  24  may move to ST 41 , and may start the monitor of the output from the pad input signal generator  13 . Then, in ST 41 , it may be checked whether the operator&#39;s finger comes into contact with the right operation region  38  or the left operation region  39  on the input surface  7   a  as the first operation. In the case of YES, that is, the case where the first operation is detected, the process may move to ST 42 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the first operation is not detected, the process may return to the start ST 40 . The first operation may include slide operation or push operation. 
         [0119]    In ST 42 , the measurement of the elapsed time Td may start by operating the timer T. 
         [0120]    In ST 43  and ST 46 , the position of the first operation may be specified. In ST 43 , it may be checked whether the finger contact position is the right rotation start region  38 S. In the case of YES, that is, the case where the finger contact position is the right rotation start region  388 , the process may move to ST 44 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the finger contact position is not the right rotation start region  38 S, the process may move to ST 46 . In ST 46 , it may be checked whether the finger contact position is the left rotation start region  39 S. In the case of YES, that is, the case where the finger contact position is the left rotation start region  39 S, the process may move to ST 47 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the finger contact position is not the left rotation start region  39 S, it may be determined that the position other than the right rotation start region  38 S and the left rotation start region  39 S is operated, and the process may return to the start ST 40 . 
         [0121]    In ST 44 , it may be checked whether the second operation is performed. That is, in ST 44 , it may be checked whether the right rotation perpendicular movement operation (an operation is performed along the arrow  41 , and the finger moves rightward on the right rotation start region  38 S so as to further move downward on the right end rotation region  38 R by changing a direction at the right upper corner in the perpendicular direction) of the finger is performed as the second operation. In the case of YES, that is, the case where the right rotation perpendicular movement operation is detected within a predetermined specified time t 4  (the elapsed time Td is within the predetermined specified time t 4 ), the process may move to ST 45 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the right rotation perpendicular movement operation is not detected within the predetermined specified time t 4 , the process may return to the start ST 40 . 
         [0122]    In ST 45 , in the case of YES, that is, the case where the first operation is first detected in the right rotation start region  385 , and the right rotation perpendicular movement operation is detected as the second operation within the predetermined specified time t 4 , it may be determined that the operation (which means the right rotation operation) indicated by the arrow  41  of  FIG. 11  is performed. The pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction maybe set to the right rotation, the rotation angle may be set to θ, and the like. The pad driver software  24  may inform the operating system  22  of the rotation information, and the process may return to the start (ST 0 ). 
         [0123]    Likewise, in ST 47 , it may be checked whether the left rotation perpendicular movement operation (the operation is along the arrow  42 , and the finger moves leftward on the left rotation start region  39 S so as to further move downward on the left end rotation region  39 L by changing a direction at the left upper corner in the perpendicular direction) is performed as the second operation. In the case of YES, that is, the case where the left rotation perpendicular movement operation is detected within the predetermined specified time t 4  (the elapsed time Td is within the predetermined specified time t 4 ), the process may move to ST 48 . In the case of NO, that is, the case where the left rotation perpendicular movement operation is not detected within the predetermined specified time t 4 , the process may return to the start ST 40 . 
         [0124]    In ST 48 , in the case where the first operation is first detected in the left rotation start region  39 S, and the left rotation perpendicular movement operation is detected as the second operation within the predetermined specified time t 4 , it may be determined that the operation (which means the left rotation operation) indicated by the arrow  42  of  FIG. 11  is performed. The pad driver software  24  may create the rotation information such that the rotation direction may be set to the left rotation, the rotation angle may be set to θ, and the like. The pad driver software  24  may informs the operating system  22  of the rotation information, and the process may return to the start (ST 0 ). 
         [0125]    Subsequently, when the operating system  22  receives the rotation information from ST 45  or ST 48 , the operating system  22  may rotate the image displayed on the display  6  on the basis of the rotation information. 
         [0126]    Likewise, it may be possible to rotate the image displayed on the display  6  through a simple operation in which the finger moves to the vicinity of the right upper corner of the input surface  7   a  or the left upper corner thereof at right angle. In addition, since it may be possible to continuously perform the first operation and the second operation by using one finger, it may be possible to improve the operability. 
         [0127]    In addition, since the first operation and the second operation need to be performed through two stages of operations, the image may not be arbitrarily rotated just by an operation in which the finger carelessly comes into contact with the input surface  7   a.  Further, since the first operation may be used as a previous operation waiting for the input of the second operation, it may be possible to smoothly perform the subsequent second operation. 
         [0128]    It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims of the equivalents thereof. 
         [0129]    Accordingly, the embodiments of the present inventions are not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Further, although some of the embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in the context of a particular implementation in a particular environment for a particular purpose, those of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that its usefulness is not limited thereto and that the embodiments of the present inventions can be beneficially implemented in any number of environments for any number of purposes. Accordingly, the claims set forth below should be construed in view of the full breadth and spirit of the embodiments of the present inventions as disclosed herein. While the foregoing description includes many details and specificities, it is to be understood that these have been included for purposes of explanation only, and are not to be interpreted as limitations of the invention. Many modifications to the embodiments described above can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.