Abstract: A plurality of characters that are candidates for entry are displayed on a display surface of a display corresponding to an operation surface of a touch panel as character buttons. A touch detector judges whether a user touches the operation surface either with a single point or plural points, and detects a position touched by the user. An input receiver receives an entry of a character associated with a character button in the position touched by the user among the plurality of characters displayed on the display surface of the display. Then, the input receiver receives the entry of the character which varies in type depending on whether the user touches an area in the operation surface corresponding to an identical character button with a single point or plural points.

Abstract: A display apparatus that displays an image detects user proximity to a display surface of a display; and causes a light source to emit light in different states, depending on whether the user proximity is proximity with one point or with plural points. Thus, the user can understand whether or not the display apparatus is ready to receive a close range operation to execute a user objective function.

Abstract: An operation receiver includes a first detector and a second detector each of which detects an object. A detection range for the first detector and another detection range for the second detector are located next to each other. The first detector detects a state of the object. A controller makes a judgment as to whether the operation by the object has been carried out to the first detector or to the second detector.

Abstract: A plurality of characters that are candidates for entry are displayed on a display surface of a display corresponding to an operation surface of a touch panel as character buttons. A touch detector judges whether a user touches the operation surface either with a single point or plural points, and detects a position touched by the user. An input receiver receives an entry of a character associated with a character button in the position touched by the user among the plurality of characters displayed on the display surface of the display. Then, the input receiver receives the entry of the character which varies in type depending on whether the user touches an area in the operation surface corresponding to an identical character button with a single point or plural points.