Input device, storage medium, information input method, and electronic apparatus

A storage medium storing a program adapted to implement input processing based on a plurality of input modes according to a light-shielding operation performed, using an operating member, on predetermined input information displayed on a display screen, the program comprising the steps of:

• detecting at least one of an area and brightness of a light-shielded portion formed on the display screen by the operating member by approaching the display screen;
• comparing the detected at least one of an area and brightness with a predetermined threshold value to select a desired input mode from among the plurality of input modes;
• defining a detection area so as to correspond to the input information on the basis of the selected input mode, the detection area having a shape and size corresponding to the selected input mode;
• detecting at least one of a position and movement of the light-shielded portion within the detection area;
• and
• determining input processing in the desired input mode on the basis of the detected at least one of a position and movement.

An information input method for implementing input processing based on a plurality of input modes according to a light-shielding operation performed, using an operating member, on predetermined input information displayed on a display screen, the information input method comprising the steps of:

• detecting at least one of an area and brightness of a light-shielded portion formed on the display screen by the operating member by approaching the display screen;
• comparing the detected at least one of an area and brightness with a predetermined threshold value to select a desired input mode from among the plurality of input modes;
• defining a detection area so as to correspond to the input information on the basis of the selected input mode, the detection area having a shape and size corresponding to the selected input mode;
• detecting at least one of a position and movement of the light-shielded portion within the detection area;
• and
• determining input processing in the desired input mode on the basis of the detected at least one of a position and movement.

An electronic apparatus comprising:

• an optical input device having a display screen, a portion of the display screen being shielded from light by an operating member to implement input processing based on a plurality of input modes, the input device including
• input detection means including a display unit configured to display predetermined input information, the input detection means detecting at least one of an area and brightness of a light-shielded portion formed on the display screen by the operating member by approaching the display unit, and
• control means for providing display control of the display unit and input control on the basis of the at least one of an area and brightness detected by the input detection means,
• wherein the control means compares the detected at least one of an area and brightness with a predetermined threshold value to select a desired input mode from among the plurality of input modes.

An optical input device having a display screen, a portion of the display screen being shielded from light by an operating member to implement input processing based on a plurality of input modes, the input device comprising:

• an input detection unit including a display unit configured to display predetermined input information, the input detection unit being configured to detect at least one of an area and brightness of a light-shielded portion formed on the display screen by the operating member by approaching the display unit;
• and
• a control unit configured to provide display control of the display unit and input control on the basis of the at least one of an area and brightness detected by the input detection unit,
• wherein the control unit compares the detected at least one of an area and brightness with a predetermined threshold value to select a desired input mode from among the plurality of input modes.

An electronic apparatus comprising:

• an optical input device having a display screen, a portion of the display screen being shielded from light by an operating member to implement input processing based on a plurality of input modes, the input device including
• an input detection unit including a display unit configured to display predetermined input information, the input detection unit being configured to detect at least one of an area and brightness of a light-shielded portion formed on the display screen by the operating member by approaching the display unit, and
• a control unit configured to provide display control of the display unit and input control on the basis of the at least one of an area and brightness detected by the input detection unit,
• wherein the control unit compares the detected at least one of an area and brightness With a predetermined threshold value to select a desired input mode from among the plurality of input modes.