Image display device

An image display device in which options for performing functions of the image display device are hierarchized, comprising:

• an image display unit that displays the options;
• a capacitance type touch panel that is disposed on the surface of the image display unit;
• a signal processing unit that detects the capacitance varying with respect to an input operation on the touch panel;
• and
• a control unit that performs a function corresponding to the input operation,
• wherein the control unit:
• a) sets the sensitivity of the touch panel to detect an operator's finger having a distance greater than zero between the touch panel and the operator's finger by setting a capacitance threshold,
• b) detects the operator's finger after setting the sensitivity in step a) by detecting the capacitance threshold being exceeded,
• c) displays high level menu buttons on the image display responsive to step b),
• d) changes the sensitivity of the touch panel to detect the operator's finger touching the touch panel by decreasing the capacitance threshold,
• e) detects location of the operator's finger after changing the sensitivity in step d) by detecting where on the touch panel the decreased capacitance threshold has been exceeded;
• and
• f) detects which of the high level menu buttons have been touched based on the results of step e),
• g) displays low level menu buttons on the image display which corresponds to which of the high level menu buttons have been touched based on where on the touch panel the decreased capacitance threshold has been exceeded in step e) wherein respectively different low level menu buttons which have been previously hidden are displayed depending upon which of the high level menu buttons have been touched.