Patent ID: 12203771

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An information processing device and computer program stored on a non-transitory, computer-readable medium according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

An information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, for example, an on-vehicle device including a navigation device. In addition, the information processing device is not limited to the on-vehicle device, and may be other forms such as smartphones, feature phones, tablet terminals, Personal Computers (PCs), Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Portable Navigation Devices (PNDs), handheld game devices, and the like.

FIG.1is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing device1according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG.1, the information processing device1includes a controller100, a communication interface unit110, an operation unit120, a display unit130, an audio output unit140, and a vibrating unit150. Note thatFIG.1shows the main structural elements necessary for describing the present embodiment, and some structural elements such as a housing, which is an essential structural element of the information processing device1, are not shown as appropriate.

The controller100provides overall control for the information processing device1and is a microcomputer composed of a CPU100A, Random Access Memory (RAM)100B, Read Only Memory (ROM)100C, input/output ports100D, a bus line that connects these ports, and the like.

The CPU100A reads a computer program102stored in the ROM100C and controls the information processing device1according to the program102thus read. The CPU100A includes, as functional blocks, a touch detection unit100a, a function allocating unit100b, an operator display unit100c, and a function executing unit100d.

The CPU100A that is an example of an electronic processor is, for example, a single processor or multiprocessor, and includes at least one processor. In a configuration containing a plurality of processors, the controller100including the CPU100A may be packaged as a single device or may be configured as a plurality of physically separated devices within the information processing device1.

The RAM100B is a storage unit that temporarily stores programs and data, and provides a work area. The RAM1008is, for example, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)

The ROM100C is non-volatile memory (also known as a non-transitory, computer readable medium) that stores various programs including the program102and data. The ROM100C is, for example, flash memory.

The program102includes program104and a plurality of applications106. The program104is, for example, an Operating System (OS) or middleware positioned in an intermediate layer between the OS and the application106. In other words, the application106is higher layer software than the program104and operates on the program104.

The plurality of applications106include, for example, a navigation application that provides route guidance to a destination, a camera application that displays a bird's-eye view of the vehicle when parking, a 3D viewer application that displays a 3D model of the vehicle, an audio application for operating an audio function equipped in the on-vehicle device including the navigation device, and an air conditioner control application for performing temperature adjustment and air flow adjustment of the air conditioner equipped on the vehicle.

For example, when a trigger signal is detected, the application106operating in the program104is switched. As an example, when the gear shift is switched to reverse while the navigation application is running, the program102switches the application106running on the program104from the navigation application to the camera application.

In this manner, the information processing device1is configured to switch between and execute a plurality of applications106.

A program102, including a program104and an application106, allocates a first function to a first peripheral area within the screen along a first side of the screen, allocates a second function to a second peripheral area inside the screen along a second side of the screen, detects user touch operation on the screen, and when slide operation from outside a peripheral area into a peripheral area is detected, a function allocated to the peripheral area slid to is executed based on the detected touch operation into the slid to peripheral area, and is a program that is executed on the CPU100A that is an example of a computer. By executing the program102, an operating environment is provided in which erroneous operations occur less readily even when, for example, the user performs a touch operation without paying attention to the screen. Details of the program102will be described below.

In the present embodiment, each functional block of the CPU100A is implemented by a program102, which is software. Note that each functional block of the CPU100A may be partially or wholly implemented by hardware such as a dedicated logic circuit.

The input/output port100D connects the controller100with other structural elements (specifically, the communication interface unit110, the operation unit120, the display unit130, the audio output unit140, and the vibrating unit150).

The communication interface unit110is an interface that performs communication processing with other terminal devices. The information processing device1is connected to other terminal devices via a communication line of a public line or a closed network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) by a communication interface unit110, enabling two-way communication.

The operation unit120is an operation member such as a button or switch for the user to operate the information processing device1.

The display unit130has a touch panel display132and a display driver134that drives the touch panel display132. The touch panel display132is configured so that the entire screen can be touch-operated. Note that the “touch panel display” may be simply called a “touch panel”, or may be called a “touch screen” or a “touch screen.”

The touch panel display132includes, for example, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or organic Electro Luminescence (EL). The touch panel display132employs, for example, a resistive film system, a capacitance system, an ultrasonic surface elastic wave system, an infrared optical imaging system, or an electromagnetic induction system. The touch panel display132incorporates a pressure sensor136that senses the pressure of touching the screen (in other words, a touch-operable area).

The audio output unit140has a speaker142and a speaker driver144that drives the speaker142. By driving the speaker142using the speaker driver144, for example, navigation audio stored in the ROM100C or storage media (not shown), (such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), detachable memory card, or the like) is output from the speaker142.

The vibrating unit150has a vibrator152and a vibrator driver154that drives the vibrator152. The vibrator152is composed of, for example, an Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM), a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA), or piezo. By driving the vibrator152using the vibrator driver154, the screen of the touch panel display132vibrates.

FIG.2AtoFIG.2Dare diagrams showing examples of images displayed on a screen138of the touch panel display132when running the navigation application. The entire screen138is configured to be touch operable.

Note that each drawing showing an image display example includes, as necessary, a hand icon indicating that the user has touched the screen138. The fingertip position of this icon is the touch position TP of the user on the screen138.

The CPU100A detects the touch position TP of the user on the screen138and acquires the detected touch position TP as two-dimensional X and Y coordinate information. In other words, the CPU100A running the program102operates as the touch detection unit100athat detects touch operation of the user on the screen138.

The horizontal direction of the screen138corresponds to a X direction, and the vertical direction of the screen138corresponds to a Y direction. When the center of the screen138is the origin, the direction indicated by the arrow indicating X (in other words, the direction to the right of the screen138) is the positive X direction, and the opposite direction to the positive X direction (in other words, the direction to the left of the screen138) is the negative X direction. The direction indicated by the arrow indicating Y (in other words, the upward direction of the screen138) is the positive Y direction, and the opposite direction to the positive Y direction (in other words, the downward direction of the screen138) is the negative Y direction. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other.

As shown inFIG.2A, when running the navigation application, a map image is displayed on the screen138, and a mark M indicating the current position of the vehicle is displayed in the center of the screen138. Although detailed description is omitted, the navigation application displays the mark M on the map image based on position information acquired by a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver mounted on the vehicle or by an autonomous navigation system.

When the user slides a finger while touching the screen138, a touch position TP moves. The CPU100A can detect the slide operation by the user on the screen138by monitoring the moving touch position TP.

For example, when the user's touch position TP is slid in the direction of arrow R (seeFIG.2A), the navigation application displays a circle C on the map image with a radius of the length of from the base point of the touch position TP (here, the display position of the mark M) to the current touch position TP, as indicated inFIG.2B. The circle C indicates a destination search range centered on the display position of the mark M (in other words, the current position of the vehicle). The search range surrounded by the circle C has the code SA attached.

The size of circle C is set when the finger of the user is removed from screen138. In other words, the navigation application sets the circle C as a circle having a radius that is the length from the base point of the touch position TP to the touch release position (in other words, the position on the screen138immediately before the finger of the user is released from the screen138).

The navigation application searches preset search targets (restaurants, convenience stores, and the like) within the search range SA indicated by the circle C as set, and displays the search targets that are found on the map image. In the example ofFIG.2C, three search targets are found within the search range SA, and marks m1to m3indicating these three search targets are displayed on the map image.

When the user touches any one of the marks m1to m3(in the example ofFIG.2D, the mark m1is touched), the navigation application sets the search target indicated by the touched mark as the destination and searches for a route. Guidance is provided along the searched route.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, the user can set the destination with a simple operation. Since detailed operations are not required to set the destination, even if the user performs touch operations without paying attention to the screen138, erroneous operations do not readily occur.

Note that a sound or vibration may be generated to assist the search operation as described above. For example, when the mark M is touched, the CPU100A can control the vibrating unit150to vibrate the screen138in a predetermined vibration pattern, or audio such as “slide your finger to set the search range,” or “release finger to confirm the search range” can be output from the speaker142.

Various patterns are conceivable for the method of setting the search range SA. Two methods of setting the search range SA will be described with reference to FIG.3A andFIG.3B.

FIG.3AandFIG.3Bare diagrams showing the search range SA set by touch operation of the user on the screen138.FIG.3Ashows the search range SA of Example 1.FIG.3Bshows the search range SA of Example 2. In the examples ofFIG.3AandFIG.3B, the user continues to touch the screen138until the vehicle moves from position P1to position P2.

The search range SA of Example 1 is set using a method described with reference toFIG.2AtoFIG.2D. In other words, in Example 1, as indicated by the hatched area inFIG.3A, the area inside the circle around the current position of the mark M on the map image is set as the search range SA. In Example 1, the circular search range SA moves as the vehicle moves.

In Example 2, as indicated by the hatched area inFIG.3B, the entire area inside the circle centered on the position of the mark M on the map image for each point as the finger is slid from touching on the mark M until the finger is released from the screen138is the search range SA. In Example 2, the search range SA expands as the vehicle moves.

In Example 1, the user tends to limit the search range SA to the nearest range from the current position. On the other hand, in Example 2, the user can readily visually understand the point in time for which the user desires to perform a destination search, and the search range SA is set to a range along the travel route starting at the present up to this point in time.

In response to touch operation of the user on the screen138, the CPU100A can execute various functions of the navigation application in addition to setting the search range SA shown inFIG.2AtoFIG.2D.

FIG.4AtoFIG.4Dare diagrams showing GUIs for executing functions in response to touch operation of the user on the screen138.

As shown inFIG.4A, a triangular area positioned to the right of the center of screen138is labeled R1R. In addition, a peripheral area along the right side of the screen138within the screen138is labeled R2R. As shown inFIG.4B, a triangular area positioned to the left of the center of screen138is labeled R1L. In addition, a peripheral area along the left side of the screen138within the screen138is labeled R2L. As shown inFIG.4C, a triangular area positioned to the top of the center of screen138is labeled R1U. In addition, a peripheral area along the upper side of the screen138within the screen138is labeled R2U. As shown inFIG.4D, a triangular area positioned on the bottom side of the center of screen138is labeled R1D. In addition, a peripheral area along the bottom side of the screen138within the screen138is labeled R2D

Any one of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2Dis an example of the first peripheral area, and any one peripheral area other than the first peripheral area is an example of the second peripheral area.

As shown inFIG.4A, when the touch position TP of the user is slid from the center of the screen138in the direction of the arrow R and enters the area R1R, an operator20R is placed in the peripheral area R2Ralong the right side of the screen138.

As shown inFIG.4B, when the touch position TP of the user is slid from the center of the screen138in the direction of the arrow L and enters the area R1L, an operator20L is placed in the peripheral area R2Lalong the left side of the screen138.

As shown inFIG.4C, when the touch position TP of the user is slid from the center of the screen138in the direction of the arrow U and enters the area R1U, an operator20U is placed in the peripheral area R2Ualong the upper side of the screen138.

As shown inFIG.4D, when the touch position TP of the user is slid from the center of the screen138in the direction of the arrow D and enters the area R1D, an operator20D is placed in the peripheral area R2Dalong the bottom side of the screen138.

The CPU100A executes a function according to the touch operation of the user on the operator displayed in the peripheral area of screen138.

Note that when the touch position TP of the user is slid to any peripheral area of the screen138, a sound alerting this may be output from the speaker142, or vibration of the screen138in a vibration pattern may provide this alert.

FIG.5is a flowchart showing processing of program102executed by CPU100A in one embodiment of the present invention. In the process shown inFIG.5, operators are displayed in the peripheral area of the screen138according to touch operation by the user, and functions are executed according to touch operation of the user on the operators thus displayed.

FIG.5describes an example of processing when the navigation application is executed. An example of this processing will be described with reference to image display examples ofFIG.6AtoFIG.6C,FIG.7AtoFIG.7C,FIG.8AtoFIG.8C, andFIG.9AtoFIG.9C.

When, for example, execution of the application106starts (excluding an application106in the background not shown on the screen138), the CPU100A starts execution of the flowchart process shown inFIG.5.

Here, the ROM100C holds association information that associates different functions for each application106with each of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2D.

For example, for the navigation application, in the association information, the peripheral area R2Rand the search settings function are associated, the peripheral area R2Land the search cancel function are associated, the peripheral area R2Uand the zoom-in function are associated, and the peripheral area R2Dand the zoom-out function are associated with each other.

For example, for an air conditioner control application, in the association information, the peripheral area R2Rand the raise set temperature function are associated, the peripheral area R2Land the lower set temperature function are associated, the peripheral area R2Uis associated with the raise air flow function, and peripheral area R2Dis associated with the lower air flow function.

The CPU100A acquires from the ROM100C the association information of the application106(in this case, the navigation application) for which execution has started, and according to the acquired association information, allocates functions to each of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2D(here, respectively search settings function, search cancel function, zoom-in function, and zoom-out function) (step S101).

The function allocated to the first peripheral area (one of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2D) is an example of the first function. A function allocated to the second peripheral area (any one of the peripheral areas other than the first peripheral area) is an example of the second function. In other words, the CPU100A executing the program102operates as the function allocating unit100b: allocating the first function to the first peripheral area within the screen138along a first side of the screen138; and allocating the second function to the second peripheral area in the screen138along a second side of the screen138.

When the CPU100A detects a touch operation by the user on the mark M (step S102: YES), the CPU100A determines whether or not a slide operation with mark M as a base point has been performed (step S103).

In addition, when the CPU100A detects touch operation of the user on the mark M, the CPU100A performs draw processing of a circle C centered on the mark M in parallel with the processing shown inFIG.5.

When the CPU100A detects a slide operation from the mark M to the area R1R(step S103: YES and step S104: right side), the CPU100A displays the operator20R in the peripheral area R2R(step S105), as shown inFIG.6A. The operator20R is an operator for executing a function (here, search settings function) allocated to the peripheral area R2R.

In this manner, when the touch detection unit100adetects a slide operation in the direction in which the peripheral area is located (in the above example, the right direction in which the peripheral area R2Ris located), the CPU100A operates as the operator display unit100cthat displays operators (operator20R in the above example) for executing functions allocated to the peripheral area in the peripheral area located in the direction of the detected slide operation.

The CPU100A determines whether or not the touch position TP of the user has slid beyond the area R1Rto the peripheral area R2R(seeFIG.6B) and whether or not touch has been released at the peripheral area R2R(step S106). When touch is released at the peripheral area R2R(step S106: YES), the CPU100A executes the search settings function (step S107).

When execution of the search settings function is started, a search target settings screen is displayed on the screen138as shown inFIG.6C. The user can set the search target by touching the search target listed on the settings screen.

In this manner, when the touch detection unit100adetects a slide operation from outside the peripheral area to inside the peripheral area (in the above example, a slide operation into the peripheral area R2R), the CPU100A detects the detected slide operation destination, the CPU100aoperates as the function executing unit100dand executes the function (in the above example, the search settings function) allocated to the peripheral area that is the destination of the slide operation (or, more precisely, according to the touch operation of operator indicated on the peripheral area in question) based on the touch operation in the peripheral area into which the slide operation is performed.

When the CPU100A detects a slide operation from the mark M to the area R1L(step S103: YES and step S104: left side), the CPU100A displays the operator20L in the peripheral area R2L(step S108), as shown inFIG.7A. The operator20L is an operator for executing a function (here, search cancel function) allocated to the peripheral area R2L.

Also in step S108, the CPU100A operates as the operator display unit100c, similar to step S105.

The CPU100A determines whether or not the touch position TP of the user has slid beyond the area R1Lto the peripheral area R2L(seeFIG.7B) and whether or not touch has been released at the peripheral area R2L(step S109). When touch is released at the peripheral area R2L(step S109: YES), the CPU100A executes the search cancel function (step S110).

When the search cancel function is executed, the display of the screen138returns to the display before the touch operation, as shown inFIG.7C.

Also in step S110, the CPU100A operates as the function executing unit100d, similar to step S107.

When the CPU100A detects a slide operation from the mark M to the area R1U(step S103: YES and step S104: upper side), the CPU100A displays the operator20U in the peripheral area R2U(step S111), as shown inFIG.8A. The operator20U is an operator for executing a function (here, zoom-in function) allocated to the peripheral area R2U.

Also in step S111, the CPU100A operates as the operator display unit100c, similar to step S105.

The CPU100A determines whether or not the touch position TP of the user has slid beyond the area R1Uto the peripheral area R2U(seeFIG.8B) (step S112). If the touch position slides into the peripheral area R2U(step S112: YES), the CPU100A executes the zoom-in function (step S113).

When executing the zoom-in function, the CPU100A divides the peripheral area R2Uinto a plurality of divided areas. In the example ofFIG.8C, the peripheral area R2Uis divided into three in the Y direction. These divided areas are referred to as R21U, R22U, and R23Uin order from the center of the screen138. The operator in the divided area R21Uis referred to as operator21U, the operator in the divided area R22Uis referred to as operator22U, and the operator in the divided area R23Uis referred to as operator23U.

The CPU100A enlarges (zooms in) the scale of the map image according to the duration of the touch on the operators21U to23U. Specifically, the CPU100A enlarges the scale of the map image as the duration of the touch becomes longer.

Also, a different magnification rate (rate of enlarging of map image per unit time while the touch is continued; magnification rate is greater than 1) is set for each operator. Of the operators21U to23U, the magnification rate for the operator21U is set the smallest, the operator22U is set to the next smallest magnification rate, and the operator23U is set to the largest magnification rate.

For example, if the user keeps touching the operator23U for n seconds, the scale of the map image is enlarged by n1times. On the other hand, when the user continues to touch the operator21U for n seconds, the scale of the map image is enlarged by n2times (n2<n1).

In this manner, the CPU100A operating as the function executing unit100dcontrols the set value of the function (in the above example, the enlargement ratio of the map image) according to the duration of the touch operation on the operator. In addition, the peripheral areas are divided into a plurality of areas including a first divided area (for example, operator21U) and a second divided area (for example, operator23U) farther from the center of screen138than the first divided area. When the CPU100A operating as the function executing unit100ddetects touch operation for the first duration on the second divided area, changes to function settings are more significant than for the case of detecting touch operation for the first duration on the first divided area.

When the CPU100A detects a slide operation from the mark M to the area R1D(step S103: YES and step S104: bottom side), the CPU100A displays the operator20D in the peripheral area R2D(step S114), as shown inFIG.9A. The operator20D is an operator for executing a function (here, zoom-out function) allocated to the peripheral area R2D.

Also in step S114, the CPU100A operates as the operator display unit100c, similar to step S105.

The CPU100A determines whether or not the touch position TP of the user has slid beyond the area Rio to the peripheral area R2D(seeFIG.9B) (step S115). If the touch position slides into the peripheral area R2D(step S115: YES), the CPU100A executes the zoom-out function (step S116).

Also when executing the zoom-out function, the CPU100A divides the peripheral area R2Dinto a plurality of divided areas (divided areas R21D, R22D, and R23Din order of proximity to the center of the screen138). The operator in the divided area R21Dis referred to as operator21D, the operator in the divided area R22Dis referred to as operator22D, and the operator in the divided area R23Dis referred to as operator23D.

The CPU100A reduces the scale of the map image (zooms out) according to the duration of the touch on the operators21D to23D. Specifically, the CPU100A reduces the scale of the map image as the duration of the touch becomes longer.

Also, a different magnification rate (rate of reducing map image per unit time while the touch is continued; magnification rate is less than 1) is set for each operator. Of the operators21D to23D, the magnification rate for the operator21D is set the largest, the operator22D is set to the next largest magnification rate, and the operator23D is set to the smallest magnification rate. Of the operators21D to23D, the magnification rate set for the operator21D is the value closest to 1 (for example, 0.8), and the magnification rate set for the operator23D is closest to 0 (for example, 0.5 times).

For example, if the user continues to touch the operator23D for n seconds, the scale of the map image is enlarged by n3times. On the other hand, when the user continues to touch the operator21D for n seconds, the scale of the map image is enlarged by n4times (n3<n4)

Also, in step S116, the CPU100A operates as the function executing unit100d, similar to step S113

In addition, the upper side (example of the first side) of the screen138along which the peripheral area R2Uruns is the opposite side to the lower side (an example of the second side) of the screen138along which the peripheral area R2Druns. The zoom-in function (example of the first function) allocated to the peripheral area R2U, and the zoom-out function (example of the second function) allocated to the peripheral area R2Dare paired functions with common setting values for changing in the plus direction and changing in the minus direction.

Allocating the paired functions to the peripheral areas along opposite sides of the screen138enables the user to more intuitively change the set values of the function.

According to the present embodiment, the user can have the information processing device1execute the application106function through simple operation of sliding a finger from the center of the screen138to close to a side thereof and lifting the finger. Therefore, even if the user performs a touch operation without focusing on the screen138, an erroneous operation does not readily occur.

Also, the peripheral area, which is the slide operation destination, is located near the physical structure of the side of the screen138. Therefore, the user can easily understand the position of the peripheral area without focusing on the screen138. For this point as well, even if the user performs a touch operation without focusing on the screen138, an erroneous operation does not readily occur.

In addition, operators are not displayed on the screen138unless a slide operation is performed with the display position of the mark M as a base point. Therefore, more display objects such as map images can be displayed on the screen138.

Note that when touching is terminated at a position that is not included in any of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2D, the CPU100A terminates the processing of the flowchart ofFIG.5and as shown inFIG.2C, the circle C is fixed at that time, and the search target is searched from within the search range SA, and the search target that is found is displayed on the map image. The CPU100A sets a destination according to a touch operation on a mark indicating a search target, searches for a route, and provides guidance.

An example of processing when an application other than the navigation application is executed will be described. An example of processing when the camera application is executed will be described with reference toFIG.10AtoFIG.10D.

For example, the camera application is executed when the gear shift is switched into reverse.FIG.10Ais an example of a bird's-eye view image of a vehicle displayed on the screen138when the camera application is executed.

Similar to step S101inFIG.5, the CPU100A acquires camera application association information from the ROM100C, and allocates functions to the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2Daccording to the acquired association information.

For example, when a slide operation to the area R1Ris detected, the CPU100A displays the operator20R in the peripheral area R2R(seeFIG.10B) as in step S105ofFIG.5. In this case, the operator20R is an operator for setting the camera application.

Various setting items are listed for the operator20R. If the touch is slid to the peripheral area R2Rand released at a position on a setting item of the operator20R, the CPU100A executes the setting function of the applicable item.

For example, when a slide operation into the area R1Uis detected, the CPU100A displays the operator20U in the peripheral area R2U(seeFIG.10C), as in step S111ofFIG.5. In this case, the operator20U is an operator for executing the zoom-in function of the bird's-eye view image.

When there is a slide operation into the peripheral area R2U, the CPU100A executes the zoom-in function of the bird's-eye view, as in step S113ofFIG.5

For example, when a slide operation to area Rio is detected, the CPU100A displays operator20D in the peripheral area R2D(seeFIG.10D) as in step S114ofFIG.5. In this case, the operator20D is an operator for executing the zoom-out function of the bird's-eye view image.

When there is a slide operation into the peripheral area R2D, the CPU100A executes the zoom-out function of the bird's-eye view, as in step S116ofFIG.5.

Note that the peripheral areas R2Uand R2Dmay be divided into a plurality of areas with different magnification rates, as in the examples ofFIG.8CandFIG.9C. The user can change the zoom-in and zoom-out speed of the bird's-eye view image according to the divided area touched.

A processing example when the 3D viewer application is executed will be described. Execution of the 3D viewer application is started based on operation of the operation unit120. When execution of the 3D viewer application is started, a 3D model of the vehicle, for example, is displayed on the screen138

Similar to step S101inFIG.5, the CPU100A acquires 3D viewer application association information from the ROM100C, and allocates functions to the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2Daccording to the acquired association information. For example, the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2Dare allocated the functions of rotating the 3D model of the vehicle to the right, left, up, and down.

When a slide operation into the various areas R1R, R1L, R1U, and R1Dis detected, the CPU100A displays an operator in the peripheral area located in the direction of the slide operation. When the slide operation extends to the displayed operator, the CPU100A rotates the 3D model of the vehicle being displayed on the screen138. As an example, a slide operation that extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2Rrotates the 3D model of the vehicle being displayed on the screen138to the right.

The function of rotating right is allocated to the peripheral area R2Ralong the right side of the screen138. In addition, the function of rotating left is allocated to the peripheral area R2Lalong the left side of the screen138. Also, the function of rotating upward is allocated to the peripheral area R2Ualong the upper part of the screen138. Lastly, the function of rotating downward is allocated to the peripheral area RR2Dalong the lower side of the screen138. Since the direction in which the peripheral area is located on the screen138and the corresponding rotation direction match, the user can intuitively perform a rotation operation of the 3D model.

An example of processing when an audio application is executed will be described. Execution of the audio application is started based on operation of the operation unit120. When execution of the audio application is started, for example, a controller for the audio application is displayed on screen138.

Similar to step S101inFIG.5, the CPU100A acquires audio application association information from the ROM100C, and allocates functions to the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2Daccording to the acquired association information. For example, a channel selection up function, a channel selection down function, a volume up function, and a volume down function are allocated to each of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2D.

When a slide operation into the various areas R1R, R1L, R1U, and R1Dis detected, the CPU100A displays an operator in the peripheral area located in the direction of the slide operation. When the slide operation extends to the displayed operator, the CPU100A executes the corresponding function.

For example, when the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2R, the volume of the sound output from the speaker142is increased. The longer the duration of touch on the operator the more volume is increased. Also, if the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2L, the volume of the sound output from the speaker142is lowered. The longer the duration of touch on the operator the more volume is decreased

For example, if the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2U, channel selection is changed to a channel with a higher frequency. The selected channel is changed to a channel with a higher frequency each time the duration of touching the operator exceeds a certain amount of time. For example, if the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2U, channel selection is changed to a channel with a lower frequency. The selected channel is changed to a channel with a lower frequency each time the duration of touching the operator exceeds a certain amount of time.

The volume up function allocated to the peripheral area R2Rand the volume down function allocated to the peripheral area R2Lare paired functions of a function for changing the common set value to the plus side and a function for changing the common set value to the minus side. In addition, the channel selection up function allocated to the peripheral area R2Uand the channel selection down function allocated to the peripheral area R2Dare paired functions of a function for changing the common set value to the plus side and a function for changing the common set value to the minus side

In the audio application as well, the user can more intuitively change the set value of the function by allocating paired functions to a peripheral area along the opposite side of the screen138.

A processing example when the air conditioner control application is executed will be described. Execution of the air conditioner control application is started based on operating of the operation unit120. When execution of the air conditioner control application is started, a controller for air conditioning, for example, is displayed on the screen138.

Similar to step S101inFIG.5, the CPU100A acquires air conditioner control application association information from the ROM100C, and allocates functions to the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2Daccording to the acquired association information. For example, a raise air flow function, a reduce air flow function, a raise set temperature function, and a lower set temperature function are allocated to each of the peripheral areas R2R, R2L, R2U, and R2D.

When a slide operation into the various areas R1R, R1L, R1U, and R1Dis detected, the CPU100A displays an operator in the peripheral area located in the direction of the slide operation. When the slide operation extends to the displayed operator, the CPU100A executes the corresponding function.

For example, when the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2R, the set temperature of the air conditioner is raised. The longer the duration of touch on the operator the more temperature is raised. In addition, when the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2L, the set temperature of the air conditioner is lowered. The longer the duration of touch on the operator the more temperature is lowered.

For example, when the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2U, the air flow of the air conditioner is increased. The longer the duration of touch on the operator the more air flow is increased. In addition, when the slide operation extends to the operator displayed in the peripheral area R2D, the air flow of the air conditioner is reduced. The longer the duration of touch on the operator the more air flow is reduced.

The raise set temperature function allocated to the peripheral area R2Rand the lower set temperature function allocated to the peripheral area R2Lare paired functions of a function for changing the common set value to the plus side and a function for changing the common set value to the minus side. In addition, the raise air flow function allocated to the peripheral area R2Uand the reduce air flow function allocated to the peripheral area R2Dare paired functions of a function for changing the common set value to the plus side and a function for changing the common set value to the minus side.

In the air conditioner control application as well, by allocating paired functions to a peripheral area along the opposite side of the screen138, the user can more intuitively change the set value of the function.

In this manner, the CPU100A operating as the function executing unit100dallocates different functions to the peripheral areas of the screen138for each application106. Therefore, the function executed by the function executing unit100dis switched according to the application106being executed.

The aforementioned is a description of a typical embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within a scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, embodiments and the like that are explicitly indicated by way of example in the specification or combinations of obvious embodiments and the like are also included, as appropriate, in the embodiments of the present application.

In the embodiment described above, the search range SA is set to a circle C for which radius is the length from the base point of the touch position TP to the current touch position TP, but the shape of the search range SA is not limited to a circle. For example, a range within a polygon (triangle, quadrangle, or the like) with the base point of the touch position TP as the center of gravity, or a range within a polygon with the base point and the current touch position TP as vertices set as the search range SA are also feasible.

REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

1. Information processing device100. Controller100A. CPU1008. RAM100C. ROM100D. Input/output port100a. Touch detection unit100b. Function allocating unit100c. Operator display unit100d. Function executing unit102. Program104. Program106. Application110. Communication interface unit120. Operation unit130. Display unit140. Audio output unit150. Vibrating unit