JP2008134901A - Information processor and method for controlling the same and program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the effective use of a display area by simplifying an operation to a plurality of buttons which are included in a screen even if its size is limited by scaling, and not completely displayed. <P>SOLUTION: When the size of a window is changed, a control part 102 calculates the number of buttons which can be arranged in the changed window based on the changed size and the size of the button, and selects the calculated number of buttons from among the buttons arranged in the window, and arranges the buttons on the window, and adds one or more sub-buttons associated with one or more buttons which have not been arranged to the arranged buttons based on the initial arrangement information of the buttons, and when an instruction is made to the sub-buttons, the control part 102 changes the buttons to which the sub-buttons are added to the other buttons associated with the sub-buttons for arrangement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of inputting an operation associated with a button by instructing one or a plurality of buttons arranged in a window displayed on the display means by the instruction means, and control of the information processing apparatus The present invention relates to a method, a program, and a recording medium.

  Today, information processing apparatuses such as PDAs, mobile phones, and portable PCs exist in the market, but these computers are generally small and display displays are mostly limited in area. Even in the case of a desktop display with a large display area, the display area may be limited by the operation of the multi-window.

  Thus, there is a need for a technology that effectively uses a limited display screen area.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a technique for reducing and displaying all icons in accordance with an application window (display area) reduced by scaling.

Patent Document 2 proposes a technique that allows a limited display screen to be effectively used by including a plurality of functions in an icon and changing the appearance and function of the icon when a user requests an alternative operation.
JP 2002-55807 A JP 2001-14079 A

  However, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the icon may not be identified because the icon is reduced by resizing the display area.

  The technique of Patent Document 2 is applicable when a predetermined icon is displayed on a predetermined screen such as a PDA, but the number of icons that can be displayed in accordance with the change of the real-time display area. There is a problem that it cannot be applied to the icon display of a general window that also changes.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide buttons that cannot be displayed in a plurality of screens even when the screen size is limited due to scaling. It is to provide a mechanism that facilitates the operation of (icon) and enables effective use of the display area.

  The present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of inputting an operation associated with a button by instructing one or a plurality of buttons arranged in a window displayed on a display unit by an instruction unit. The database creation means for acquiring the size and initial placement information of each button initially placed in the memory and storing the information in the storage means; and when the window size is changed, the changed window size and the storage means are stored in the storage means. A calculation unit that calculates the number of buttons that can be arranged in the resized window based on the size of the button, and the number of buttons calculated by the calculation unit from the buttons arranged in the window The arrangement means for selecting and arranging on the window, and the arrangement information based on the initial arrangement information of the buttons stored in the storage means. First adding means for adding one or more sub buttons respectively associated with one or more buttons not arranged by the means to the buttons arranged by the arranging means; and the sub buttons by the instruction means And changing means for changing and arranging the button to which the sub button is added to another button associated with the sub button when the first instruction is issued.

  According to the present invention, even when the window has a limited size due to the scaling, it is possible to easily operate the buttons included in the window and to enable effective use of the display area. Play.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a computer system to which an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. (A) corresponds to the control configuration of the computer system, and (b) is a computer system. It corresponds to the hardware configuration.

  In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 100 denotes a computer system. Reference numeral 101 denotes an operation unit for performing various operations. For example, an operation for changing the size of a window displayed on the display 106, a button displayed in the window (an instruction to a sub button described later), and the like. For example).

  A control unit 102 performs overall control of the computer system 100 in accordance with an operation from the operation unit 101. A button arrangement control unit 103 calculates the position and number of buttons to be displayed on the window according to an instruction from the control unit 102 and creates sub buttons. Reference numeral 104 denotes a screen control unit, which displays buttons on a window in response to an instruction from the control unit 102.

  A database 105 includes a basic button information database and an adjacent button information database shown in FIG. 9 to be described later, and stores information about buttons to be displayed on the window.

  In FIG. 1B, reference numeral 110 denotes a CPU that controls the computer system 100 in an integrated manner. Reference numeral 111 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is used as a work area for a program executed by the CPU 110 and a buffer for temporarily holding data.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 stores a program executed by the CPU 110 and the like. Reference numeral 113 denotes an external memory, which holds various programs executed by the CPU 110 and data, and specifically includes a hard disk drive and a DVD drive.

  Reference numeral 114 denotes an input device for inputting data and the like to the CPU 110 through this device, and specifically, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, touch panel, etc.) and the like.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes a communication interface, which is a part for connecting a transmission line such as a LAN and a terminal.

  Note that the operation unit 101 in FIG. 1A includes an input device 114. The control unit 102, the button arrangement control unit 103, and the screen control unit 104 are realized by the CPU 110 loading a program stored in the external memory 113 onto the RAM 111 and executing the program. The database 105 is built in the external memory 113.

  Note that all the controls related to the buttons in the present embodiment are executed by the control unit 102, the button arrangement control unit 103, and the screen control unit 104 shown in FIG. 1 (that is, the CPU 110 executes a program stored in the external memory 113 on the RAM 111). Control).

  The computer system 100 may be a mobile device such as a PDA or a mobile phone.

  Hereinafter, various examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, and a button with a sub button used in the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a basic button with a sub button used in the information processing apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 2, it is assumed that the window after the window size is changed is the size of one button.

  As shown in FIG. 2, it is assumed that buttons exist in the window before the window size change as shown in the positional relationship 201 (this positional relationship is referred to as initial arrangement information). When the basic button is set to the button 1 (205), the display of the window is controlled as indicated by 202 after the window size is changed.

  In the window 202, reference numeral 233 corresponds to a button 1 (205) as a basic button. 214 to 218 are sub buttons. The sub button 214 represents a sub button having a transition function to the button 2 (206) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 215 has a transition function to the button 3 (207) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 216 has a transition function to the button 5 (206) shown in the positional relationship 201.

  The sub button 218 has a transition function to the button 4 (208) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 217 has a transition function to the button 7 (211) shown in the positional relationship 201.

  When the basic button is set to the button 2 (206), the display of the window is controlled as indicated by 203 after the window size is changed.

  In the window 203, reference numeral 234 corresponds to the button 2 (206) as a basic button. Reference numerals 219 to 224 denote sub buttons. The sub button 219 has a transition function to the button 1 (205) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 220 has a transition function to the button 4 (208) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 221 has a transition function to the button 5 (206) shown in the positional relationship 201.

  The sub button 222 has a transition function to the button 8 (212) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 223 has a transition function to the button 6 (210) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 224 has a transition function to the button 3 (207) shown in the positional relationship 201.

  When the basic button is set to the button 5 (209), the display of the window is controlled as indicated by 204 after the window size is changed.

  In the window 204, reference numeral 235 corresponds to the button 5 (209) as a basic button. Reference numerals 225 to 231 denote sub buttons. The sub button 225 has a transition function to the button 1 (205) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 226 has a transition function to the button 4 (208) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 227 has a transition function to the button 7 (211) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 228 has a transition function to the button 8 (212) shown in the positional relationship 201.

  The sub button 229 has a transition function to the button 9 (213) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 230 has a transition function to the button 6 (210) shown in the positional relationship 201. The sub button 231 represents a sub button having a transition function to the button 3 (207) shown in the positional relationship 201.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the basic button with a sub button changes after the window size is changed.

  In FIG. 3, 301 indicates a window before resizing, and 302, 303, 304, and 305 indicate windows after resizing.

  First, when the window 301 is resized to the size of one row of buttons, the window is controlled to be displayed as 302.

  Further, when the window 302 is resized to the size of one button, the display of the window is controlled as indicated by 303.

  Then, by pressing the sub button 306 in the window 303 (first instruction), the button displayed in the window transitions to a button corresponding to the transition function of the sub button 306 instructed to be pressed as in 304. .

  Similarly, when the sub button 307 is instructed to be pressed in the window 304, the button displayed in the window transitions to a button corresponding to the transition function of the sub button 307 instructed to be pressed as in 305.

  In the figure, sub-buttons that are shaded (actually displayed in red, etc.) indicate a plurality of buttons, which will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a control method of the sub button when the progress destination by pressing the sub button is already displayed.

  In FIG. 4, 401 indicates a window before resizing, and 402 and 403 indicate windows after resizing.

  First, when the window 401 is resized, the display of the window is controlled as indicated by 402. Then, when the sub button 403 is instructed to be pressed in the window 402, the button displayed in the window transitions to a button corresponding to the transition function of the sub button 403 instructed to be pressed as indicated by 404. At this time, the transition destination of the sub button 406 is the button 405, which corresponds to a button that has already been displayed. For this reason, the display of the sub button 406 is controlled so as to be translucent (grayed out) so that it cannot be pressed. Here, the configuration in which the subbutton corresponding to the already displayed button is made translucent is shown. However, the subbutton corresponding to the already displayed button may be deleted.

  When the cursor is overlaid on the sub button (when the second instruction is given), the control unit 102 may be configured to display a label indicating the name of the button to which the sub button transitions. . For example, when the sub button 403 is instructed to be pressed, the control unit 102 controls to display the label “To“ Button 5 ””.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining to which button each of the sub buttons attached to the basic button corresponds.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that buttons exist in the window before the window size change as shown in the positional relationship 503. When the basic button is set to “basic button” 504, the window is controlled to be displayed as 501 after the window size is changed.

  In the window 501, 502 is a button corresponding to the basic button 504. Reference numerals 505 a to 505 d denote sub buttons added to the button 502.

  Of the sub buttons 505, the right buttons (two) 505a and 505b have a function of transitioning to the right button of the basic button 504 in the positional relationship 503. The right button 505a has a transition function to the “right 1” button, and the right button 505b has a transition function to the “right 2” button. When there is only one button in the right direction of the basic button 504, control is performed so that only one button in the right direction is displayed.

  Of the sub buttons 505, the button (one) 505 c in the lower right direction has a transition function to the “lower right” button in the lower right direction of the basic button 504 in the positional relationship 503. When there are a plurality of buttons in the lower right direction of the basic button 504, control is performed so that two buttons in the lower right direction are displayed.

  Of the sub buttons 505, the button (one) 505 d in the downward direction has a transition function to the “down” button in the downward direction of the basic button 504 in the positional relationship 503. When there are a plurality of buttons in the downward direction of the basic button 504, control is performed so that two buttons in the downward direction are displayed.

  In FIG. 4 described above, the case where only the “button 4” is changed to the “button 5” when the sub-button 403 is instructed to be pressed has been described. However, when the sub-button 403 is instructed to be pressed, “button 1” and “button 7” may be changed to “button 2” and “button 8”.

  That is, when a sub button in the right (left) direction is instructed to be pressed, the entire button transitions to the right (left) direction in a row, and when a sub button in the up (down) direction is instructed to be pressed, the entire button is executed. It may be configured to transition in the upward (downward) direction.

  In addition, when a sub-button in the lower right (upper right, lower left, upper left) is instructed to be pressed, the entire button may be solid and transition in the lower right (upper right, lower left, upper left) direction.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a display method when there are a plurality of buttons in a specific direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that buttons exist in the window before the window size change as shown in the positional relationship 602. When the basic button is set to “basic button” 603 and the window size is changed to an area corresponding to one button, the window is controlled to be displayed as 601.

  In the window 601, the sub button 607 has a transition function to the “down 1” button 604, and the sub button 608 has a transition function to the “down 2” button 605.

  In the positional relationship 602, the buttons 604, 605, and 606 in the downward direction of the “basic button” exceed the sub button creation limit number (“2” in the present embodiment), so the sub button 608 changes the color. In other words, it is expressed that there is a sub button that is not further displayed under the sub button 608 (this is referred to as a plurality of buttons). In this embodiment, the sub-button creation limit is “2”, but it may be “2” or more. In addition, for the multiple buttons, the color may be changed or the shape may be changed, and any display method may be used as long as the visual form is changed to notify the user that there are multiple buttons. May be used.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an action when the sub button is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that buttons exist in the window before the window size change as shown in the positional relationship 703. When the basic button is set to “basic button” 707 and the window size is changed to an area corresponding to one button, the display of the window is controlled like 701.

  When the sub button 705 is pressed in the window 701, the button displayed in the window transitions to “button 2” corresponding to the transition function of the sub button 704 instructed to be pressed, as indicated by 702.

  The “button 1” 704 in the window 701 has the same operation function as the “button 1” 707 shown in the positional relationship 703, and the “button 2” 706 in the window 702 has the same operation as the “button 2” 708 in the positional relationship 703. Has function.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of an action when the sub button is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that buttons exist in the window before the window size change as shown in the positional relationship 803. When the basic button is set to “basic button” 807 and the window size is changed to an area corresponding to one button, the display of the window is controlled as in 801.

  When the sub button 805 is pressed in the window 801, as shown in 802, the button displayed in the window transitions to “button after pressing” corresponding to the transition function of the sub button 805 instructed to be pressed.

  The “button 1” 804 in the window 801 has the same operation function as the “button 1” 807 shown in the positional relationship 803, and the “button after pressing” 806 in the window 802 is the “button after pressing” in the positional relationship 803. ”Has the same operation function as 808.

  The data structure of the database 105 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a data table configuration diagram for explaining a data table configuration of the database 105 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes a basic button information table, which corresponds to a table constituting a basic button information database that stores button information of all buttons in the window. The basic button information table 901 includes an ID 901a, a button name 901b, a button position 901c, a button size 901d, an adjacent button information ID 901e, and a press counter 901f.

  The ID 901a indicates an ID for identifying the button. The button name 901b indicates the name of the button. A button position 901c indicates a button coordinate position in the screen. The button size 901d indicates the vertical and horizontal length of the button. The adjacent button information ID 901e indicates an ID indicating a corresponding record in the adjacent button information table. The press counter 901f indicates the total number of buttons pressed. Note that each time the button is instructed to be pressed, the control unit 102 performs control so as to increment the press counter 901f in the basic button information database of the button instructed to be pressed.

  Reference numeral 902 denotes an adjacent button information table, which corresponds to a table constituting an adjacent button information database that stores IDs of buttons adjacent to the corresponding button in the initial arrangement state. The adjacent button information table 902 includes an ID 902a, an upper ID 902b, a lower ID 902c, a left ID 902d, a right ID 902e, an upper left ID 902f, a lower left ID 902g, an upper right ID 902h, and a lower right ID 902i.

  The ID 902a is an ID for identifying a record in the adjacent button information table. The upper ID 902b indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the upward direction. The lower ID 902c indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the downward direction. The left ID 902d indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the left direction. The right ID 902e indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the right direction.

  The upper left ID 902f indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the upper left direction. The lower left ID 902g indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the lower left direction. The upper right ID 902h indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the upper right direction. The lower right ID 902i indicates the ID of a basic button adjacent in the lower right direction.

  The control unit 102, the button arrangement control unit 103, and the screen control unit 104 perform various controls such as button arrangement, sub-button generation, and transition control using the basic button information table 901 and the adjacent button information table 902. .

  For example, when the control unit 102 refers to information on an adjacent button of a certain button, an adjacent button in which the value of the adjacent button information ID 901e item in the basic button information table 901 matches the value of the ID 902a item in the adjacent button information table 902 A record in the information table 902 is searched and referenced.

  In FIG. 9, an arrow 903 schematically indicates that the ID of the adjacent button information table 902 is referred to from the adjacent button information ID 901e item of the basic button information table 901.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a usage example of the basic button information table 901 and the adjacent button information table 902 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the buttons are arranged in a positional relationship such as 1001 in the window. An example of a basic button information table 901 in which information on each button in the window 1001 is stored is shown in 1002.

  In the example 1002, reference numeral 1004 denotes a basic button information table record storing information about “button 1” of the window 1001. Similarly, reference numerals 1005, 1006, and 1007 are records of the basic button information table storing information of “button 2”, “button 3”, and “button 4” of the window 1001, respectively.

  Reference numeral 1003 denotes an example of the adjacent button information table 902 in which the adjacent button information of each button in the window is stored in the case where the buttons are arranged like the window 1001.

  In the example 1003, reference numeral 1008 denotes a record of the adjacent button information table storing information on the adjacent button of “button 1”.

  As shown in the window 1001, the button adjacent to “button 1” is “button 2” in the right direction, “button 3” in the downward direction, “button 4” in the diagonally downward direction to the right, and the other directions are It can be seen that there is no state.

  Therefore, in the record 1008 of the adjacent button information table storing the information of the adjacent button of “button 1”, “03” which is the ID of “button 3” is stored in the lower ID item 1009 and “button 2” is stored in the right ID item 1010. ID “02”, “bottom 4” ID “04” is stored in the lower right ID item 1011, and “none” is stored in the other items.

  Hereinafter, an example of an application to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an application to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 11A, reference numeral 1103 denotes an application screen displayed on the display 106 at the maximum. It is assumed that a sub window 1105 such as a tool is displayed on the application screen 1103.

  In such a case, the sub window 1105 overlaps the application screen 1103, and there are many portions that cannot be seen.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the overlap with the application screen 1103 can be reduced by reducing the sub window screen 1105 by scaling.

  Therefore, the user inputs a resize instruction for the sub window 1105 from the operation unit 101. Then, in response to the resize instruction, the control unit 102 acquires the reduced window size (vertical and horizontal) of the sub window 1105, calculates the number of buttons that can be displayed, and displays the sub window 1105 based on the calculation result. To control. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11B, after the change, the sub window 1105 has a window size in which two buttons are entered but three are not.

  Hereinafter, referring to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 to 15, in the information processing apparatus of the present invention, executed when a window managed by the OS is displayed, when the window size is changed, and when an application is started. A process of creating a button with a sub button that matches the window size and rearranging the buttons will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a first control processing procedure according to the present invention, which is executed when a window managed by the OS is displayed, when the window size is changed, and when an application is started. This corresponds to the process of creating buttons with subbuttons that match the window size and rearranging the buttons. The processing of this flowchart is performed by the CPU 110 shown in FIG. 1 that is implemented by loading the program stored in the external memory 113 onto the RAM 111 and executing the program, the button arrangement control unit 103, and the screen control unit. 104.

  First, in the computer system 100, when a window managed by the OS is displayed, the window size is changed, or an application is started, the control unit 102 starts the processing of this flowchart.

  First, in step S100, the control unit 102 determines whether or not a database for the displayed window managed by the OS, a window whose window size has been changed, or a started application already exists, and the database is still If it is determined that no exists, the process proceeds to step S101.

  In step S101, the control unit 102 acquires the position, size, and the like of the button in the application window from the application, and necessary items (shown in the basic button information table 901 and the adjacent button information table 902 in FIG. 9). Item) data is stored in the database 105 (created as a database). These are hereinafter referred to as a basic button information database and an adjacent button information database. The control unit 102 determines the adjacent button information stored in the adjacent button information database based on the coordinates and position information of each button. Then, the process proceeds to step S102.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S100 that the database already exists, the control unit 102 proceeds to step S102 as it is.

  In step S102, the control unit 102 determines whether or not there is a window resize event (the window size has been changed), and there is no window resize event (the window size has not been changed). If it is determined, the process of this flowchart is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that a window resize event has occurred (the window size has been changed), the control unit 102 advances the process to step S103.

  In step S103, the control unit 102 calculates the number of buttons and button positions that can be displayed according to the resized window size in the button arrangement control unit 103, and generates sub buttons (processing for automatically calculating the button position and number). Is executed. Details of this processing (processing for automatically calculating the button position and number) are shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S104, the control unit 102 controls the screen control unit 104 to place the button in which the sub button is installed in step S103 in the resized window and display it on the display 106. Specifically, the screen control unit 104 controls the buttons stored in the memory managed by the screen control unit 104 to be installed in the resized window and displayed on the display 106. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the processing for automatically calculating the button position and the number of buttons shown in step S103 of FIG. The process of this flowchart is executed by the button arrangement control unit 103 and the screen control unit 104 which are realized by the CPU 110 shown in FIG. 1 loading the program stored in the external memory 113 onto the RAM 111 and executing the program. The

  First, in step S201, the button arrangement control unit 103 acquires the window size after the change.

  Next, in step S202, the button arrangement control unit 103 determines whether or not the window size acquired in step S201 is larger than one button. If it is determined that the window size is smaller than one button, The process proceeds to step S203, and the window size is changed to a size that can be displayed for one button. Then, the process proceeds to step S204.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the window size acquired in step S201 is larger than one button, the process proceeds to step S204 as it is.

  In step S204, the button arrangement control unit 103 determines the number of buttons that can be displayed with the window size acquired in step S201. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, when the window size is resized from 301 to 302, the number of display buttons in one line is determined based on the horizontal width of the window and the width of the button. Similarly, the number of display buttons in one column is calculated based on the height of the window and the height of the buttons. When the image is resized to 302 in FIG. 3, it is determined by the above calculation that the button display of 3 rows and 1 column is possible in the window 302.

  As another method, when the window size is resized, a button outside the window display area of the resized window or a button outside the window display area is detected and displayed. It is also possible to calculate a number. If the button size is not uniform, this method shall be used.

  Next, in step S205, the button arrangement control unit 103 determines the basic buttons displayed in the window by the number of buttons determined in step S204, and the screen control unit 104 arranges the determined basic buttons in the window. Set in the memory managed by. The basic button is determined with reference to the press counter 901f item in the basic button information database. Basically, a button having a large value of the press counter 901f item is determined as a basic button. When the value of the press counter 901f item is the same, the young button of the ID 901a item is set as a basic button.

  Next, in step S206, the button arrangement control unit 103 acquires one button determined as the basic button in step S205 (hereinafter referred to as the current basic button), and subbuttons are placed on the acquired basic button. Determine if necessary. This determination is made by comparing the number of buttons that can be displayed in the resized window with the total number of buttons (number of records) in the basic button information database. If all buttons fit in the resized window, it is determined that sub-button installation is not necessary. On the other hand, if all buttons do not fit in the re-sized window, it is determined that sub-button installation is necessary. .

  If it is determined in step S206 that subbutton setting of the button is not necessary, the button arrangement control unit 103 advances the process to step S208.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S206 that the sub-button installation of the button is necessary, the button arrangement control unit 103 advances the process to step S207.

  In step S207, the button arrangement control unit 103 causes the screen control unit 104 to execute a sub button installation process for the current basic button. Details of the setting of the sub button setting are shown in FIG.

  When the sub-button installation process in step S207 is completed, in step S208, the button arrangement control unit 103 determines whether or not the processes in steps S206 to S207 have been completed for all the basic buttons. If it is determined that there is not, the process returns to step S206 to shift the process to the next basic button.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that the processing of steps S206 to S207 has been completed for all the basic buttons, the button arrangement control unit 103 ends the processing of this flowchart.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a third control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the sub button installation processing shown in step S207 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the screen control unit 104 realized by the CPU 110 shown in FIG. 1 loading the program stored in the external memory 113 onto the RAM 111 and executing it.

  First, in step S301, the screen control unit 104 determines whether sub-buttons are necessary in the eight directions “up, down, left, right, upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left” of the basic buttons to be processed. Determine whether. The determination of the presence / absence of a sub-button is first obtained from the basic button information database and the adjacent button information database by determining the number of buttons existing in the eight directions above, below, left, right, bottom right, top right, bottom left, and top left of the button. . Based on this data, it is determined whether or not a sub button is installed.

  If it is determined in step S301 that none of the eight sub-buttons of the basic button “up, down, left, right, upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left” is necessary, the flowchart of FIG. End the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that a sub button is required in any of the eight directions of the basic button “up, down, left, right, upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left”, step S302. Proceed with the process.

  In step S302, the screen control unit 104 installs the sub button on the basic button in a display method corresponding to each direction with respect to the direction in which the sub button is determined to be necessary (creates the sub button as a button and performs screen control). Set to be installed on a basic button set in the memory managed by the unit 104).

  Next, in step S303, the screen control unit 104 determines whether it is necessary to change the color of the sub button installed in step S302. Note that the presence / absence of color change is also determined based on the number of buttons existing in the eight directions obtained in step S302 above, below, left, right, bottom right, top right, bottom left, and top left.

  If it is determined in step S303 that the color change is not necessary for the sub button installed in step S302, the screen control unit 104 ends the process of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the color change is necessary for the sub button installed in step S302, the screen control unit 104 advances the process to step S304.

  In step S304, the screen control unit 104 changes the color of the sub button that has been determined to require color change in step S303.

  In step S305, the screen control unit 104 determines whether any of the sub buttons installed in step S302 needs to be translucent. Note that the determination as to whether or not translucency is necessary is made based on whether or not the button that is the transition destination of the subbutton is already displayed as a basic button.

  If it is determined in step S305 that none of the sub buttons set in step S302 needs to be translucent, the screen control unit 104 ends the process of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that any of the sub buttons set in step S302 needs to be translucent, the screen control unit 104 in step S306 performs translucency in step S305. Make subbuttons that are judged necessary to be translucent. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  Hereinafter, the processing when the sub button is pressed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to processing when a sub button is pressed. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the control unit 102 and the screen control unit 104 which are realized by the CPU 110 shown in FIG. 1 loading and executing the program stored in the external memory 113 onto the RAM 111.

  First, in step S401, the control unit 102 determines whether or not the sub button has been instructed to be pressed. If it is determined that the sub button has not been instructed to be pressed, the process of this flowchart is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the sub button has been pressed, the control unit 102 advances the process to step S402.

  In step S402, the control unit 102 refers to the basic button information database and the adjacent button information database based on the pressed sub button, and obtains a transition button (transition button).

  Next, in step S403, the control unit 102 sets the basic button in which the sub button is pressed in the memory managed by the screen control unit 104 so as to change (transition) to the transition button obtained in step S402. To do.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, when the sub button 403 of the window 402 is pressed, the button displayed in the window is changed to a button corresponding to the transition function of the sub button 403 that is pressed as shown by 404. The transition is made, and the other buttons (“button 1”, “button 7”) remain unchanged.

  Next, in step S404, the control unit 102 determines the transition button changed (transitioned) in step S403 as a basic button.

  Next, in step S405, the control unit 102 causes the screen control unit 104 to execute the sub button installation process illustrated in FIG. 14 for the basic button determined in step S404. Then, when the sub button installation process in step S207 is completed, the control unit 102 ends the process of this flowchart.

  Next, in step S <b> 406, the control unit 102 controls the screen control unit 104 so that the button in which the sub button is installed in step S <b> 405 is installed in the window and displayed on the display 106. That is, the screen control unit 104 performs control so that buttons stored in the memory managed by the screen control unit 104 are installed in the window and displayed on the display 106. And the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  Note that, in step S403, the case where only the button instructed to be pressed is changed, but the buttons around the button instructed to be pressed may also be changed. That is, in FIG. 4 described above, when the sub-button 403 is instructed to be pressed, not only “Button 4” instructed by the sub-button but also “Button 1”, “Button 4”, and “Button 7” as a whole are “ You may comprise so that it may change to "Button 2", "Button 5", and "Button 8".

  That is, when a sub button in the right (left) direction is instructed to be pressed, the entire button transitions to the right (left) direction in a row, and when a sub button in the up (down) direction is instructed to be pressed, the entire button is executed. It may be configured to transition in the upward (downward) direction. In addition, when a sub-button in the lower right (upper right, lower left, upper left) is instructed to be pressed, the entire button may be solid and transition in the lower right (upper right, lower left, upper left) direction.

  As explained above, even if the screen has a limited size due to scaling, the sub-button added to the displayed button can be changed to a non-displayed button, and the display area Enable effective use of.

  Further, since the sub button is added to the position indicating the actual positional relationship of the button, the transition of the button by the sub button can be visually recognized. As a result, in the case of a button arrangement that is familiar to the user, the user can easily estimate and select the position of the button to be executed from the positional relationship of the buttons.

  In the above-described embodiment, the buttons have been described as examples. However, the present invention can also be applied to icons that allow input of operations associated with icons by instructions from the operation unit. Alternatively, an icon that simply opens a file may be used.

  In addition, even if the screen size is limited due to scaling, the number of icons that can be displayed is automatically calculated in real time according to the change in the display area, and icons that include multiple functions are rearranged. Therefore, the present invention can also be applied to the icon display of a general window in which the number of icons that can be displayed changes as the real-time display area changes.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the information processing apparatus (computer system 100) according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) for storing various data processing programs readable by the information processing apparatus (computer system 100) according to the present invention.

  Although not specifically shown, information for managing a program group stored in the recording medium, for example, version information, creator, etc. is also stored, and information depending on the OS on the program reading side, for example, a program is identified and displayed. Icons may also be stored.

  Further, data depending on various programs is also managed in the directory. In addition, when a program or data to be installed is compressed, a program to be decompressed may be stored.

  The functions shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

  As described above, a recording medium in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program code, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, A silicon disk or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. It becomes.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of the computer system which can apply the information processing apparatus which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the basic button with a sub button used with the information processing apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of how a basic button with a sub button changes after a window size change. It is a schematic diagram explaining the control method of a sub button when the progress destination by pressing a sub button is already displayed. It is a schematic diagram explaining which button each sub button attached to the basic button corresponds to. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display method when there are a plurality of buttons in a specific direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the action at the time of subbutton pressing. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the action at the time of subbutton pressing. It is a data table block diagram explaining the data table structure of the database 105 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of the basic button information table 901 and the adjacent button information table 902 illustrated in FIG. 9. It is the schematic diagram which showed an example of the application to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which stores the various data processing program which can be read by the information processing apparatus (computer system 100) which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Computer system 101 Operation part 102 Control part 103 Button arrangement | positioning control part 104 Screen control part 105 Database 106 Display 110 CPU
113 External Memory 114 Input Device 901 Basic Button Information Table 902 Adjacent Button Information Table

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus capable of inputting an operation associated with a button by instructing one or a plurality of buttons arranged in a window displayed on a display unit by an instruction unit,
Obtaining means for obtaining arrangement information of each button from storage means for storing arrangement information of each button arranged in the window;
Calculating means for calculating the number of buttons that can be arranged in the resized window based on the changed window size when the size of the window is changed;
Arranging means for selecting the number of buttons calculated by the calculating means from buttons arranged in the window and arranging the buttons on the window;
Based on the button arrangement information acquired by the acquisition unit, one or more sub buttons respectively associated with one or more buttons not arranged by the arrangement unit are buttons arranged by the arrangement unit. First adding means for adding to
When the first instruction is given to the sub button by the instruction means, a changing means for changing and arranging the button to which the sub button is added to another button associated with the sub button;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The acquisition unit acquires the size of each button from a storage unit that stores the size of each button arranged in the window;
When the size of the window is changed, the calculating means is a button that can be arranged in the resized window based on the changed window size and the button size obtained by the obtaining means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of the information processing units is calculated.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a database creating unit that stores a size and arrangement information of each button arranged in the window.   There is provided second adding means for adding one or more sub buttons respectively associated with one or more buttons other than the buttons changed and arranged by the changing means to the buttons changed and arranged by the changing means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The first adding means and the second adding means add a sub button to a button at a position indicating a direction in which a button corresponding to the sub button exists when viewed from the button. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.   The first adding means and the second adding means add sub buttons up to a predetermined number in one direction, and when there are sub buttons not added because the predetermined number is exceeded, 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a sub button added in the same direction as the sub button not added is changed to a different visual form.   The second adding means changes a sub-button corresponding to the button arranged by the arranging means or the changing means to a form in which an instruction cannot be given. The information processing apparatus described. The storage means also stores the cumulative instruction number by the instruction means of each button arranged in the window,
8. The arrangement unit according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement unit selects and arranges the number of buttons calculated by the calculation unit on the window in descending order of the number of integration instructions stored in the storage unit. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   2. A sub-button correspondence information display means for displaying information capable of identifying a button corresponding to the sub button when a second instruction is given to the sub button by the instruction means. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 8. A control method for an information processing apparatus capable of inputting an operation associated with a button by instructing one or a plurality of buttons arranged in a window displayed on a display unit by an instruction unit,
An acquisition step of acquiring the placement information of each button from storage means for storing the placement information of each button placed in the window;
A calculating step of calculating the number of buttons that can be arranged in the resized window based on the changed window size when the size of the window is changed;
An arrangement step of selecting the number of buttons calculated in the calculation step from the buttons arranged in the window and arranging the buttons on the window;
Based on the button arrangement information acquired in the acquisition step, one or more sub buttons respectively associated with one or more buttons not arranged in the arrangement step are arranged in the arrangement step. A first appending step to append to
When the sub button is instructed by the instruction means, a change step of changing and arranging the button to which the sub button is added to another button associated with the sub button;
A second addition step of adding one or more sub buttons respectively associated with one or more buttons other than the buttons changed and arranged in the changing step to the buttons changed and arranged in the changing step;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising:   A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or causing a computer to execute the control method for the information processing apparatus according to claim 10.   A computer program for causing a computer to function as the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or a program for causing a computer to execute the control method for the information processing apparatus according to claim 10. A recording medium stored in a readable manner.

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