JP2009025622A - Graphic display apparatus, graphic display method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a graphic display apparatus capable of reducing the burden of a user when finding a portion wherein attribute information of a selection object (element) is displayed. <P>SOLUTION: The graphic display apparatus comprises: an attribute database 51 storing the attribute information of an element; an element image database 52 storing the image data of an element image; an attribute graphic creating section 71 creating an attribute graphic; a background animation creating section 72 creating a background animation for switching the attribute graphic when the selection of attribute is switched; an element image position calculating section 81 calculating the element image position before and after switching; an element image animation creating section 73 creating an element image animation for moving the element image when the selection of attribute is switched; and a graphic combining section 74 superposing the element image animation on the background animation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a graphic display device having a function of visually assisting a user when selecting an element by switching attribute selection for an element having a plurality of attributes.

  In daily life, we perform various actions such as “going to a holiday or a hot spot”, “shopping”, “dining at a restaurant”. At that time, we perform an operation of extracting or selecting an option from a large number of options for various items such as “where to go”, “which to buy”, and “which to eat”. In today's society where there is a lot of information, the number of such options has increased. In addition, according to the needs of multi-value and diversity, the selected object has come to have various complicated aspects and properties. Furthermore, the selection criterion is not limited to only one when the user selects an option, and selection has been made by looking at the option from various angles. Here, a selection object such as a restaurant is referred to as an “element”, and a plurality of elements are also referred to as an “element group”. Various aspects and properties of elements that are selection objects are referred to as “attributes”.

Conventionally, a map information display program is known as a program for a graphical user interface (GUI) used when selecting a facility which is a selection target on a map (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The facility that is the selection target has an attribute of “location on the map (latitude, longitude)” and an attribute of “facility summary information (facility name, major classification, minor classification)”. In the conventional program, the screen is divided into two frames, the location of the facility on the map is displayed in the map display frame, and the facility summary information (facility name, facility name, Major category “eat”, minor category “Japanese food”).
JP 2003-107990 A (page 4-10, FIG. 4)

  However, in the conventional map information display program, the screen is divided into two frames, and information on the two attributes of the selected countermeasure (facility) is displayed separately in each frame. In that case, when the user associates the “location on the map” of the facility with the “summary information”, the user needs to find out corresponding locations in two frames. When the number of facilities to be selected is large, the burden on the user when finding a location where attribute information is displayed in two frames for each of many facilities is large.

  Further, in the conventional map information display program, when the user confirms the relationship between the “location on the map” and the “summary information” of a certain facility, it is necessary to move the line of sight greatly from one frame to the other. . When the number of facilities that are selection objects is large, the user repeats such an operation to understand the whole, and then selects a selection object from among them. However, if the two frames are arranged apart from each other as before, the distance of the user's line-of-sight movement becomes long, and it is not easy to confirm the relationship between the “location on the map” and the “summary information” of the facility. .

  In addition, in the conventional map information display program, it is necessary to display an image for two frames on one screen. On a device with a limited screen size (such as a car navigation device or a mobile phone), each frame There is also a problem that the display size is reduced and the amount of information that can be displayed in each frame is limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can reduce the burden on the user when finding the location where the attribute information of the selection target (element) is displayed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a graphic display device that can be easily confirmed and can display a sufficient amount of information even on a device with a limited screen size.

  The graphic display device according to the present invention includes an attribute data storage unit that stores attribute data relating to a plurality of attributes of the element, and an element that stores image data of an element image indicating the element. A first attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of the first attribute based on the attribute data and a second attribute different from the first attribute; Attribute graphic generation means for generating a second attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element image in view of the above, and attribute selection for the user to select one attribute from the plurality of attributes of the element And when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, from the first attribute graphic, the second attribute Background animation generating means for generating a background animation for switching a background graphic to a sex graphic, a first element image position that is a position of the element image on the first attribute graphic, and a second attribute graphic Element image position calculating means for calculating a second element image position which is the position of the element image; and when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, the image data of the element image and the element image Element image animation generating means for generating an element image animation for moving the element image from the first element image position to the second element image position based on position data of the first element image position and the second element image position And graphic synthesis processing to superimpose the element image animation on the background animation. It includes a graphic synthesizing means.

  When the user selects a first attribute from a plurality of attributes of an element, an element image arranged in terms of the first attribute is displayed over the first attribute graphic that is a background graphic. When the user switches the selection from the first attribute to the second attribute, the element is moved from the first element image position to the second element image position together with a background animation for switching the background graphic from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic. An element image animation for moving the image is displayed. Then, the element image arranged from the viewpoint of the second attribute is superimposed on the second attribute graphic that is the background graphic. This allows the user to know the position where the element image is arranged on the second attribute graphic simply by following the movement of the element image of the element of interest when switching the attribute selection. This reduces the burden on the user when finding a place where attribute information is displayed. Also, in this case, by making the user's line of sight follow the movement of the element image of the element, even if the distance of the user's line-of-sight movement is long, the relationship between multiple attributes for each element can be easily confirmed Can do. In addition, since it is not necessary to divide the screen into two frames as in the past, even a device with a limited screen size can secure a sufficient display size and display a sufficient amount of information. it can.

  In the graphic display device of the present invention, an element set selection means for the user to select a predetermined number of the elements as an element set on the first attribute graphic, and a selection frame surrounding the selected element set When the element set is selected by the element set selection means and a movement amount calculating means for calculating a movement amount for translating the second attribute graphic so that the center coordinate of the second attribute graphic becomes the center coordinate of the background graphic Graphic movement means for performing graphic movement processing for translating the second attribute graphic based on the movement amount calculated by the movement amount calculation means.

  When the user selects a predetermined number of elements on the first attribute graphic, when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, the selection frame surrounding the element set is at the center of the background graphic. In such a manner, the second attribute graphic is translated. Thereby, the second attribute graphic is displayed centering on the element (element set) selected by the user, and the information of the element (element set) selected by the user in the second attribute graphic is easy to see.

  In the graphic display device of the present invention, an element set selection means for the user to select a predetermined number of the elements as an element set on the first attribute graphic, and a selection frame surrounding the selected element set Scaling factor calculating means for calculating an enlargement / reduction ratio for enlarging or reducing the vertical / horizontal size of the second attribute graphic so as to fit the vertical size or horizontal size of the background graphic; Graphic enlargement / reduction means that performs graphic enlargement / reduction processing for enlarging or reducing the vertical / horizontal size of the second attribute graphic based on the enlargement / reduction ratio calculated by the enlargement / reduction ratio calculation means when a set is selected. And may be provided.

  When the user selects a predetermined number of elements on the first attribute graphic, when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, the selection frame surrounding the element set is the vertical size of the background graphic. Alternatively, the vertical and horizontal sizes of the second attribute graphic are scaled so as to fit the horizontal size. Thereby, the element (element set) selected by the user is displayed so as to fit in the background graphic, and the information of the element (element set) selected by the user in the second attribute graphic is easy to see.

  The graphic display device of the present invention may further comprise graphic non-display means for performing graphic non-display processing for hiding element images of the elements not selected by the element set selection means.

  As a result, the element image of the element not selected by the user is hidden, and the information of the element (element set) selected by the user is easy to see. The non-display includes displaying the element image so as not to stand out.

  In the graphic display device of the present invention, the element image animation generation means may generate the element image animation that moves the element image within a display range of the background graphic.

  Thereby, when an element image moves by element image animation, it does not go out of the display range of a background graphic. Therefore, the user can easily follow the movement of the element image of the element of interest with his eyes.

  Further, in the graphic display device of the present invention, the element image animation generation means is configured to start the second element image from the first element image position based on position data of the first element image position and the second element image position. The element image animation for moving the element image substantially linearly toward the position may be generated.

  As a result, the element image moves substantially linearly in the element image animation, so that the user can easily follow the movement of the element image of the element of interest.

  The graphic display device of the present invention further includes setting history data storage means for storing setting history data of the display setting of the second attribute graphic when a predetermined attribute has been selected in the past by the attribute selection means, When the background animation is switched to the second attribute graphic in the background animation, the background animation generation means is configured to display the predetermined attribute from the second attribute graphic of the display setting when the predetermined attribute is selected last time. A preview animation in which the background graphic changes to the second attribute graphic of the display setting when this time is selected may be generated.

  When the user switches the selection from the first attribute to the second attribute, a preview animation is displayed. In the preview animation, first, when the second attribute is displayed, the second attribute graphic of the display setting (center coordinates, vertical / horizontal size, etc.) when it was last selected is displayed, and then the second attribute is selected this time. Change to the second attribute graphic of the display setting (center coordinates or vertical / horizontal size, etc.). Thereby, when the background graphic is switched to the second attribute graphic, the user can change the relationship (positional relationship, etc.) between the second attribute graphic selected last time and the second attribute graphic selected this time. It can be easily grasped.

  The graphic display device of the present invention may further include a slow playback unit that plays back the background animation and the element image animation at a slow playback speed slower than a normal playback speed in response to a slow playback request from the user. .

  Thus, when the user makes a slow playback request, the element image animation is played back slowly. Therefore, the user can easily follow the movement of the element image of the element of interest with his eyes.

  The graphic display method of the present invention is a first background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of a first attribute based on attribute data relating to a plurality of attributes of an element that is a user's selection target. Generating a second attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of an attribute graphic and a second attribute different from the first attribute, and responding to a request for selecting the element from the user When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, a background animation for switching a background graphic from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic is generated, and the first attribute A first element image position which is a position of the element image on the graphic, and a position of the element image on the second attribute graphic. The second element image position is calculated, and when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to the element selection request from the user, the element image indicating the element is displayed. Generating element image animation for moving the element image from the first element image position to the second element image position based on image data and position data of the first element image position and the second element image position; A graphic synthesis process for superimposing the element image animation on the background animation is performed.

  Also in this method, in the same manner as described above, when the user switches the selection of the attribute, the user simply follows the movement of the element image of the element of interest, and the element image is displayed on the second attribute graphic. You can know the position to be placed. The burden on the user when finding the location where the attribute information is displayed is reduced. Also, in this case, by making the user's line of sight follow the movement of the element image of the element, even if the distance of the user's line-of-sight movement is long, the relationship between multiple attributes for each element can be easily confirmed Can do. In addition, since it is not necessary to divide the screen into two frames as in the past, even a device with a limited screen size can secure a sufficient display size and display a sufficient amount of information. it can.

  The graphic display program of the present invention uses the attribute data relating to a plurality of attributes of the element that is the user's selection object stored in the memory and the image data of the element image indicating the element, to the computer. Based on the data, the first attribute graphic, which is a background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of the first attribute, and the element image in terms of a second attribute different from the first attribute When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to a process of generating a second attribute graphic that is a background graphic for performing the element selection request from the user, Generating a background animation for switching a background graphic from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic; A process of calculating a first element image position that is a position of the element image on one attribute graphic and a second element image position that is a position of the element image on the second attribute graphic; When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to the element selection request from, the image data of the element image, the first element image position, and the second element image position Processing for generating an element image animation for moving the element image from the first element image position to the second element image position based on the position data, and graphic synthesis for superimposing the element image animation on the background animation Process.

  In this program as well, when the user switches the attribute selection, the user simply follows the movement of the element image of the element of interest, and the element image is displayed on the second attribute graphic. You can know the position to be placed. The burden on the user when finding the location where the attribute information is displayed is reduced. Also, in this case, by making the user's line of sight follow the movement of the element image of the element, even if the distance of the user's line-of-sight movement is long, the relationship between multiple attributes for each element can be easily confirmed Can do. In addition, since it is not necessary to divide the screen into two frames as in the past, even a device with a limited screen size can secure a sufficient display size and display a sufficient amount of information. it can.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when finding a place where the attribute information of the selection target (element) is displayed, and it is possible to easily confirm the relationship between a plurality of attributes for each element. Even a device with a limited size can display a sufficient amount of information.

  Hereinafter, a graphic display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case of a graphic display device used as a display device such as a car navigation device or a mobile phone will be exemplified. This graphic display device is a graphical user interface (GUI) having a selection support function for effectively selecting a user's desired one from a plurality of selection objects having a plurality of attributes. Specifically, it has a function of assisting the user in effectively selecting an element from among the elements visually distributed and displayed according to the attribute (property) of the element as the selection target. This function is realized by a program stored in the memory or HDD of the graphic display device.

  First, the configuration of the graphic display device of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the graphic display device. As shown in FIG. 1, a graphic display device 1 includes a display 2 composed of a liquid crystal panel, an input device 3 composed of a control button, a touch panel, and the like, and a software unit 4 composed of a CPU, a memory, and the like. I have. The software unit 4 includes a database unit 5, a selection unit 6, an image processing unit 7, a calculation unit 8, and a fitting unit 9.

  The database unit 5 includes an attribute database 51 that stores attribute data related to a plurality of attributes of a selection target (element) of a user, an element image database 52 that stores image data of an element image indicating an element, and predetermined attributes. A setting history database 53 that stores setting history data of display settings of attribute graphics (background graphics) when selected in the past is provided. Here, the attribute database 51 corresponds to attribute data storage means of the present invention, and the element image database 52 corresponds to element image data storage means of the present invention. The setting history database 53 corresponds to setting history data storage means of the present invention.

  The selection unit 6 includes an attribute selection unit 61 that selects one attribute from a plurality of attributes in response to an attribute selection request performed by the user using the input device 3, and an element that the user performs using the input device 3 An element set selection unit 62 is provided that selects a predetermined number of elements as an element set in response to a set selection request. Here, the attribute selection unit 61 corresponds to the attribute selection unit of the present invention, and the element set selection unit 62 corresponds to the element set selection unit of the present invention.

  The image processing unit 7 includes an attribute graphic generation unit 71 that generates an attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging element images in terms of various attributes, and an attribute graphic (background) when the selection of the attribute is switched by the user. A background animation generation unit 72 that generates a background animation for switching graphics) is provided. In addition, the image processing unit 7 includes an element image animation generating unit 73 that generates an element image animation for moving the element image when the attribute selection is switched by the user, and a graphic composition for superimposing the element image animation on the background animation. A graphic synthesis unit 74 that performs processing is provided. Here, the attribute graphic generation unit 71 corresponds to the attribute graphic generation unit of the present invention, and the background animation generation unit 72 corresponds to the background animation generation unit of the present invention. In addition, the element image animation generation unit 73 corresponds to the element image animation generation unit of the present invention, and the graphic synthesis unit 74 corresponds to the graphic synthesis unit of the present invention.

  As will be described later, the background animation generation unit 72 generates a preview animation, which will be described later, as a background animation when switching attribute graphics. The preview animation is an animation for changing the display setting (center coordinate and vertical / horizontal size) when the attribute was selected last time to the display setting (center coordinate and vertical / horizontal size) when the attribute was selected this time. That is, it can be said that the preview animation is an animation that displays the attribute graphic when the attribute is selected last time as a preview before displaying the attribute graphic of the attribute selected this time.

  As will be described later, the element image animation generation unit 73 generates an element image animation so as to move the element image within the display range of the background graphic. That is, it can be said that the element image animation generation unit 73 generates an element image animation that fits the element image within the screen during the reproduction of the animation. In addition, as described later, the element image animation generation unit 73 generates an element image animation so that the element image is moved substantially linearly when the selection of the attribute is switched by the user. That is, it can be said that the element image animation generating unit 73 generates an element image animation such that the element image moves substantially linearly within the screen.

  The image processing unit 7 also includes a graphic non-display unit 75 that hides element images of elements not selected by the user, and background animation and elements in response to a slow playback request made by the user using the input device 3. A slow playback unit 76 for playing back image animation at a slow playback speed is provided. Here, the graphic non-display unit 75 corresponds to the graphic non-display unit of the present invention, and the slow playback unit 76 corresponds to the slow playback unit of the present invention.

  The calculation unit 8 includes an element image position calculation unit 81 that calculates an element image position that is the position of the element image on the attribute graphic, and a selection frame that surrounds the element set selected by the user is positioned at the center of the screen. A movement amount calculation unit 82 for calculating a movement amount for translating the attribute graphic, and a scaling rate for scaling the vertical and horizontal size of the attribute graphic so that the selection frame surrounding the element set selected by the user fits the screen size. An enlargement / reduction ratio calculation unit 83 for calculating is provided. Here, the element image position calculation unit 81 corresponds to element image position calculation means of the present invention. The movement amount calculation unit 82 corresponds to the movement amount calculation unit of the present invention, and the enlargement / reduction rate calculation unit 83 corresponds to the enlargement / reduction rate calculation unit of the present invention.

  The fitting unit 9 includes a graphic moving unit 91 that translates the attribute graphic based on the calculated movement amount, and a graphic enlargement / reduction unit 92 that enlarges or reduces the vertical / horizontal size of the attribute graphic based on the calculated enlargement / reduction ratio. I have. Here, the graphic movement unit 91 corresponds to the graphic movement unit of the present invention, and the graphic enlargement / reduction unit 92 corresponds to the graphic expansion / reduction unit of the present invention.

(Element attributes)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining element attributes. As shown in FIG. 2, the element that is the selection target of the user has various different attributes (properties). This attribute can be expressed by a numerical value. For example, an element (selection object) “restaurant” has attributes such as “price”, “category of dishes to be served”, and “atmosphere”. These attribute parameters are represented as continuous or discontinuous values. For example, the “price” attribute parameter is a continuous value, and the “cooking category” attribute parameter is a discontinuous value such as Japanese, Western, or Chinese.

  FIG. 2 shows a state where m elements (E1 to Em) each have n attributes (price, category, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, the attribute includes position information such as “price”, “category”, “atmosphere”, “topic”, “latitude”, “longitude”, and the like. Further, the attribute may include “number” for arranging the elements in order, “description” of the element, and the like.

(Attribute graphic and element image)
3A to 3D are diagrams showing display examples of attribute graphics and element images. The attribute graphic is for displaying the attribute of the element, and can be said to be for arranging the element image at a position corresponding to the attribute.

  FIG. 3A is an example of a screen in which element images are plotted on the “category” attribute graphic. In this example, black circles (element images) indicating elements (E1 to E4) are plotted at positions corresponding to the respective attributes on a graph (attribute graphic) with “Category” such as Japanese food and Italian as a horizontal axis. Yes. That is, it can be said that FIG. 3A is a one-dimensional “category” graph display on the horizontal axis.

  FIG. 3B is an example of a screen in which element images are plotted on attribute graphics of “category” and “price”. In this example, a black circle mark (elements E1 to E5) indicating elements (E1 to E5) is shown on a graph (attribute graphic) in which “horizontal” is a “category” such as Japanese food or Italian, and “price” is 1000 or 2000 yen. Element images) are plotted at positions corresponding to the respective attributes. That is, it can be said that FIG. 3B is a graph display in which the horizontal axis is “category” and the vertical axis is “price”.

  FIG. 3C is an example of a screen in which element images are plotted on attribute graphics of “latitude” and “longitude”. In this example, black circles (element images) indicating elements (E1 to E3) are displayed on a map (attribute graphic) having “longitude” indicating east and west as a horizontal axis and “latitude” indicating north and south as a vertical axis. It is plotted at the corresponding position above. That is, FIG. 3C can be said to be a graph display in which the horizontal axis indicates “longitude” in the east-west direction and the vertical axis indicates “latitude” in the north-south direction, that is, a map display.

  FIG. 3D is an example of a screen in which element images are plotted on the attribute graphic of “number” and “description”. In this example, a black circle (element image) indicating elements (E1 to E3) is described in a graph (attribute graphic) in which “number” indicating the order of elements is the vertical axis and “description” of the elements is arranged. Is plotted at the position of. That is, FIG. 3D can be said to be a graph display in which the description of the elements is vertically arranged in an arbitrary order.

  As described above, in the example of FIGS. 3A to 3D, elements (for example, restaurants) are represented by element images (black circles) and plotted on the attribute graphic. In this way, a distribution regarding the attributes of a plurality of elements (element groups) is visually expressed. The element image indicating the element includes, for example, images such as a white circle mark, an icon, a balloon, a character, and a photograph in addition to the black circle mark.

  In addition, even if these attribute graphics are 1-dimensional, 2-dimensional, and 3-dimensional graphs, it is possible to plot an element image in the position corresponding to an element attribute. By viewing these graph displays, the user can easily understand how the element group having what attribute is distributed. Further, the user can understand not only the graph display of one attribute but also the graph display of other attributes to understand the multifaceted nature of the element group.

(Space switching + selection)
Next, an outline of an element extraction method by “space switching + selection” used in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Here, a plot of a graph with an attribute as an axis as shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as a “space” symbolizing each attribute. For example, a graph plotted with the attribute of “price” is called “price space”, a graph plotted with the attribute of “taste” is called “taste space”, and plotted with “geographic location (latitude, longitude)” The graph is called “geographic space (map)”. That is, it can be said that there is a space that symbolizes the attribute according to the number of attributes of the element that is the selection target. By plotting the elements in the space, the user can understand the distribution of the elements.

  The user uses the input device 3 to select the desired element (or element group) from among the element groups distributed and displayed on a graph in a certain space. Here, such a user action is called “selection”. This action of selection is executed, for example, when the user selects and touches an icon (element image) that symbolizes an element displayed on the screen using the touch panel. Also, for example, it is executed by enclosing a group of elements that the user wants to select with a finger with a line (called a rubber band), specifying a selection range, and pressing a decision button or the like.

  In addition, users can deepen multifaceted understanding of element groups and select elements effectively by comparing differences in the distribution of element groups in multiple spaces as well as in one space. . In other words, after looking at how an element is positioned in a certain space, selecting an element, looking at how it is positioned in another space, further selecting the element Do. In this way, switching the display of the screen from the plot distribution of elements in one space to the plot distribution of elements in another space is referred to as “space switching” here.

  This “space switching” will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the distribution of element groups in a “category-price” space where the horizontal axis is “category” and the vertical axis is “price”. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the distribution in the “geographic space” for the same element group as in FIG.

  Here, for convenience of explanation, each restaurant is represented by a black circle in FIG. 4A, and each restaurant is represented by a white circle in FIG. 4B. Actually, these elements (restaurants) are represented by element images (icons, photographs, etc.). Here, the black circles of each restaurant in FIG. 4A correspond to any of the white circles in FIG. 4B.

  If the user is browsing the distribution of element groups in the “category-price” space, that is, the distribution of restaurant prices and categories, and then wants to see the distribution in the “geographic space”, he took action. To do. At this time, “space switching” from “category-price” space to “geographic space” is performed.

  The space switching is realized, for example, by the user twisting the jog dial attached to the portable device as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B, the user slides his / her finger on the contact sensor (or proximity sensor). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5C, it is realized by the user pressing a button.

  The switching of the space according to the present embodiment is performed gradually over a certain period of time, not the screen of FIG. 4A suddenly changes to the screen of FIG. 4B. Specifically, each restaurant (indicated by a black circle) distributed in the space of FIG. 4 (a) corresponds to a position of each restaurant (indicated by a white circle) distributed in the space of FIG. 4 (b). Draw a straight orbit and move the animation. Thus, the user can easily visually understand where a restaurant has moved in a plot in another space with his / her eyes. Considering the follow-up of the user's line of sight, it is desirable to switch the space over a time of about 0.5 seconds or more.

  FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a straight trajectory along which an element image (such as an icon) moves. As shown in FIG. 4C, in the present embodiment, each element image (icon) moves on a straight path, so that the user can easily follow the moving icon.

  When a large number of element images (icons) start to move at the same time, it is not easy for the user to follow them. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the user's action of “selecting” an element is performed, the icon of the element group that has not been selected disappears and the screen of the part of the selected element is enlarged as will be described later. By doing so, it becomes easier to follow the movement animation (element image animation) of the element image with the eyes.

  Further, as a further contrivance in consideration of the tracking of the user's line of sight, slow reproduction of a moving animation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state before the user touches the button, the touch panel, or the like illustrated in FIG. From this state, when the user tries to switch the space, if the finger is kept pressed against the touch panel or button, the icon movement animation starts at a slower reproduction speed than usual, as shown in FIG. Or, the moving animation starts, for example, the icon moves quickly for a moment and then slowly moves. By slow reproduction of such a moving animation, the user can easily follow in which direction the icon moves.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the user lifts the finger from the button, the moving animation can be switched to a normal playback speed. The user can grasp the direction in which the icon starts to move in the first slow movement. Thereafter, if it is understood that a straight trajectory is drawn, it is possible to easily predict where the icon moves. When you can predict the movement of the icon, release your finger from the button or touch panel. In this way, the user can easily understand the position to which the icon is moved.

  FIGS. 7A to 7D are explanatory views showing how the screen changes when the space is switched. Here, a change in the screen from “price-category space” in FIG. 7A to “geographic space” in FIG. 7D will be described. The change of the screen starts from “price-category space” in FIG. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7B, the dotted line frame and axis in the background graphic category disappear, and each element group icon starts moving. And as shown in FIG.7 (c), each icon gradually moves along a linear track | orbit as time passes. Finally, a background image of “geographic space” is displayed as shown in FIG. 7D, and the distribution of each restaurant on the map is shown as “geographic space”. This completes the space switching.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams conceptually showing how element images (icons) and background images (attribute graphics) are drawn at the time of “space switching”. 8A is a bird's-eye view conceptually showing the state of “space switching”, and FIG. 8A can be said to be a plan view conceptually showing the state of “space switching”. .

  In FIG. 8A, the user's eyes are arranged above, and an icon display layer for drawing an element image (icon) to be animated is displayed as an upper display layer as viewed from the user's eyes. In addition, a background display layer for drawing a background graphic (attribute graphic) for drawing a space is displayed as a lower display layer as viewed from the user's eyes. On this background display layer, a background image (axis, label, frame, etc.) of the space selected by the user is drawn. The depth value from the user's eyes to each layer is arbitrary, but the layer in which the icon is drawn is arranged in front of the background image layer. When the space is switched, an animation in which each icon moves is displayed in the icon display layer, and in the space background display layer, switching is performed by drawing from the space background image before the space switching to the next space background image.

(Move + Enlarge / Reduce)
In the above description, the simplest example in which the background image is drawn so as to be switched to another background image during the space switching animation has been described. Hereinafter, an example in which an icon moves in the icon display layer as an animation and a background moves in the background display layer as an animation as a characteristic space switching animation of the present invention will be described.

  FIGS. 9A to 9D are explanatory diagrams regarding the movement and enlargement / reduction of the background image in the background display layer. Here, the definition of the movement and enlargement / reduction of the background image will be described first. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram when the background image drawn on the background display layer is viewed from the user's eyes. As shown in FIG. 9A, the center of “background image” is defined as “center of background image”. The “screen frame” is a frame in the screen that can be seen by the user in FIG. 8, and the center of the screen frame is defined as “the center of the screen”. In the example of FIG. 9A, the “center of the screen” is located at the same position as the “center of the background image”.

  FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram showing an example when the background image is translated in the background display layer. In the example of FIG. 9B, the center of the background image is not located at the center of the screen. In this case, the center coordinates of the background image can be defined using the center of the screen as the origin and the offset coordinates.

  FIG. 9C is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example when the background image is enlarged on the background display layer. As shown in FIG. 9C, the enlargement ratio can be defined by the ratio between the side length of the background image and the side length after enlargement. The reduction rate can be defined similarly.

  FIG. 9D is a diagram illustrating an example when the background image is enlarged (or reduced) while the background image is translated in the background display layer. As will be described later, the parallel movement and enlargement / reduction of the background image in the background display layer are determined according to the element group selected by the user. In this embodiment, in many cases, parallel movement and enlargement / reduction occur simultaneously.

  In the graphic display device 1 of the present embodiment, an operation is performed in which the user selects a desired element set from the element group. FIGS. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the state of the “movement + enlargement / reduction” animation of the background image when the user selects an element set.

  FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the element group selected in “Price-Category space” is fitted to the screen. As shown in FIG. 10A, the user selects an element group according to the category. For example, only the icon of the element group surrounded by the selection frame is selected by the user. This selection frame designation is set by drawing with a finger such as a user's touch panel. Alternatively, the selection frame designation is set by touching the frame of the designated category with a finger. After the element group is selected in this way, the user determines that the selection is final with a determination button or the like. When this determination is made, the screen is redrawn, and the background image is “moved + enlarged / reduced”.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10 (a), only the part of the category having the element group included in the selection frame is enlarged. That is, in FIG. 10A, the image is redrawn so that the selected element group in the selection frame fits the entire screen. This makes it easier for the user to visually understand the element group that has been displayed in a complicated manner with many selection candidates by reducing the number of elements. Here, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), scaling the icon and the background image so that only the selected element group fits the screen "makes the selected element group fit the screen". . As shown in FIG. 11, when the above-described enlargement is performed, the element image (icon) may be switched from a graphical icon to a fine picture or photo showing an element group. .

  Note that “selection” here is not limited to an operation of selecting and narrowing down an element group having a smaller number from a predetermined number of element groups. This “selection” includes an operation of increasing the number of selected element groups by canceling the previous narrowing down. In that case, in order to fit the distribution of the increased element group to the screen, the background image is not enlarged but displayed in a reduced size.

  FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the icons and the state of the redrawing animation of the background image when layering the selected element group to the screen. As shown in FIG. 10B, the animation of “enlargement / reduction + translation” is performed so that not only the background image but also the icon of the element group is deformed in the same manner as the “enlargement / reduction + translation” of the background image. It is desirable.

  As described above, in order to fit the selected element group to the screen, it is necessary to calculate how much the background image of the space is “scaled” or “translated”. An example of a function (fit function) for this purpose will be described with reference to FIG.

  When a space A to be fitted with the set Es of the selected element group is given, the fit function is used to change the background image of the space so that the set Es of the element group fits the screen of the space. This is a function for calculating whether “enlargement / reduction + translation” should be performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12A, the xy coordinates of all element groups Es in the space A are measured, and the maximum y coordinate y_max, the minimum y coordinate y_min, and the maximum in the distribution of the element groups are measured. X coordinate x_max and the minimum x coordinate x_min are obtained.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, the vertical / horizontal ratio is calculated from the vertical length r_y (difference between y_max and y_min) and the horizontal length r_x (difference between x_max and x_min) of the selected frame surrounding the element set Es. r (= r_y / r_x) is calculated.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12C, the vertical / horizontal ratio rscreen (= r_s_y / r_s_x) is obtained from the vertical length r_s_y of the screen and the horizontal length r_s_x of the screen.

  As shown in FIG. 12D, when the selected frame surrounding the element set Es is vertically long (r> rscreen) compared to the screen, the vertical length r_y of the selected frame is the vertical length r_s_y of the screen. The background enlargement / reduction ratio of the space A is calculated so as to be the same length as. At this time, the amount of translation is calculated so that the center of the selected frame is the center of the screen.

  As shown in FIG. 12E, when the selected frame surrounding the element set Es is horizontally long (r ≦ rscreen) compared to the screen, the horizontal length r_x of the selected frame is the horizontal length r_s_x of the screen. The background enlargement / reduction ratio of the space A is calculated so as to be the same length as. At this time, the amount of translation is calculated so that the center of the selected frame is the center of the screen.

  The function of fitting the selected element group to the frame of the screen is desirably performed automatically when the space is switched. In FIGS. 13A to 13E, when an element group is selected in “price-category space”, fitting (translation and expansion) to the screen is performed, and switching to “geographic space” is performed. It is a figure which shows a mode.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the icon of each element draws a linear trajectory when moving from “price-category space” to “map space”. Then, as shown in FIG. 13B, the element group of “price-category space” is displayed as “map space”.

  Next, fitting (translation and enlargement) to the screen is performed using the above-described fit function. When the screen is fitted, the “geographic space” is enlarged and translated as shown in FIG. 13C, and the whole screen is fitted as shown in FIG.

  That is, the screen display of “price-category space” in FIG. 13A does not suddenly switch to the screen display of “map space” in FIG. 13D, but first, “fit” in FIG. The “previous map space” is displayed, and then the screen is fitted, and the state of gradually focusing on the “map space after the fit” in FIG.

  Thus, when switching to another space, instead of suddenly drawing the new position of the other space, the position of the screen at the previous visit is drawn first, then the new function determined for the fit function Plays a “preview animation” that changes to the screen position to which the zoom ratio and movement are applied. Therefore, the user can visually understand how the element selection in the previous space is reflected in the next space.

  Note that, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 13C, each icon moves in the same manner according to the background of the enlargement and movement.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 13E, after performing “space switching”, two processes of “fit to screen” are performed. As a result, two types of animation are possible: icon animation in the icon layer and background animation in the background display layer.

(Narrow down elements)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow when the user narrows down what he wants from the element group by repeating selection and space switching.

  As shown in FIG. 14, first, in the graphic display device 1, the distribution of the currently selected element group is displayed on the screen according to the attribute in a certain space (S <b> 1). The user selects one or more element groups from the element groups displayed in a distributed manner (S2). When the user narrows down the element group, the unselected icons are deleted (S3), and the background image is scaled and redrawn so that only the selected one fits the screen (S4). .

  Next, the user selects another space (S5). Then, the currently selected element group is animated toward a corresponding place in another space (S6), and another space is newly selected from the previously viewed position. An animation display of parallel movement enlargement / reduction that changes to a new browsing position that fits is performed (S7). Then, the distribution of the currently selected element group is displayed on the screen in accordance with the attributes in the space newly selected by the user (S8). Thereafter, the user repeats this.

(Linear animation)
In the example shown in FIG. 13E, each icon takes two trajectories, the switching trajectory and the fitting trajectory shown in FIG. 13A, so that a broken straight trajectory is drawn. This can be visually burdensome and confusing for users who follow their trajectory with their eyes.

  Hereinafter, as an example of the characteristic animation of the present invention, this “space switching” and the “fit to screen” animation in the switched new space are performed in parallel at the same time, and the icon of the element group at that time An example will be described in which a trajectory (one shortest straight line trajectory) that can be easily followed with the eyes without confusion is described.

  First, a description will be given of problems that occur when “spatial switching” starts and “fit to screen” is performed on the background image and “enlargement / reduction + translation” is performed.

  For the icons of the element group in the icon display layer, the animation when the icon movement by “spatial transformation” and the coordinate transformation of “enlargement / reduction + translation” are simultaneously applied to the icons is shown in FIGS. d).

  After switching from the “price-category” space in FIG. 15A to the “geographic position” space in FIG. 15B, as shown in FIG. 15C, “enlargement / reduction + translation” is performed. As shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D, the icon animation trajectory results in a curve because two coordinate transformations are given simultaneously. This is an unexpected movement for the user, so it is difficult to follow the icon with the eyes.

  Further, in the examples of FIGS. 16A to 16D, when the fit to the screen is “reduction”, the icon once goes out of the frame of the screen and returns again in the process of moving to the destination. A state of coming will occur. This makes it difficult for the user to follow the icon with his / her eyes because the user's follow-up is interrupted where the icon has moved in another space.

  In the example shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, for example, when shooting an arrow toward the target, the target moves from moment to moment from the moment the arrow is released. It can be said that the curve trajectory is finally drawn.

  On the other hand, in the example described below, from the moment when the arrow is shot, it does not fly toward the target at that time, but the position where the target finally arrives is calculated in advance, and Fly towards the goal. Thereby, since the arrow draws a straight orbit of the shortest distance, the visual burden on the user is reduced, and it is easy to understand where the icon has moved.

  Such characteristic icon movements of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. When the “price-category” space in FIG. 17A is switched to the “geographic location” space, as shown in FIG. 17B, the place (final point) when the map space is changed by the map animation is displayed. As shown in FIG. 17C, the icon is linearly moved toward the final point. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 17D and 17E, even when “space switching” and “enlargement / reduction + translation” are performed, the icon animation trajectory becomes a straight line, and the user can You can easily follow the icon with your eyes.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for realizing this linear animation. Hereinafter, generation of a linear animation will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, first, as input values, the current space (CurrentSpace), the destination space (NextSpace), the selected element group (Es), the coordinates of the center point of the current space (CurrentSpace_center), Information on the current space enlargement / reduction ratio (CurrentSpace_size), the coordinates of the center point when the destination space was last viewed (NextSpace_past_center), and the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_past_center) when the destination space was last viewed I need it. Note that the coordinates of the center point (NextSpace_past_center) when the destination space was last browsed and the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_past_center) when the destination space was last browsed are not viewed yet. A predetermined initial value is used.

  That is, input information is required for which space (CurrentSpace) to which space (NextSpace) is switched to and which element group is selected (Es). Furthermore, if the user has visited the destination space before, the center coordinates (NextSpace_past_center) and the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_past_size) at that time are required. As a result, when the animation starts from the screen that was previously viewed in the space at the moment when the background image changes to the destination space with "switch space", how the selection is reflected in the next space easy to understand.

  Then, in order to animate the icons of the selected element group set Es, the coordinates of each icon in the current space are stored in a memory. In the current space, the center coordinates (CurrentSpace_center) and the enlargement / reduction ratio (CurrentSpace_size) are already known, and the element coordinates (Es_current_position) in the space are calculated (S10). This is the starting point for the animation of each icon. Further, the coordinates (Es_next_position) of each element group Es are calculated according to the attribute in the movement destination space (S11). However, this is not the fitted coordinates in the destination space and is not the end point of the icon animation.

  Next, the center coordinates (NextSpace_center) and the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_size) indicating the amount of movement for fitting each selected element group Es to the screen in the movement destination space are calculated (S12).

  Then, the transformation of the translation of the center coordinate (NextSpace_center) and the enlargement / reduction of the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_size) is applied to the coordinates (Es_next_position) in the destination space of the selected element group, and after fitting to the screen The coordinates (Es_next_fit_position) of the element group are calculated (S13). This is the end point of the element icon animation.

  In this way, animation reproduction is possible when the center coordinates of the space, the amount of change in the enlargement / reduction ratio, and the start and end points of the icon trajectory of each element are calculated.

  First, in the background display layer, the destination space is displayed with the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_past_size) and the center coordinates (NextSpace_past_cente) when viewed last (S14). Thereby, the user can see by animation which position the user has moved or expanded from the previous position in the destination space to select a new element group.

  Then, the drawing of the animation of the background display layer (S15) and the drawing of the animation of the icon display layer (S16) are started simultaneously in parallel. However, animations are performed in independent computations in separate layers. Then, at the end of the animation, the arrow and the target join at a predetermined final point as if they had already obtained mutual consent. That is, each element group arrives at a point where the background image of the new space should be, and the animation ends.

  Specifically, in the background display layer, the space of the movement destination is displayed, and the previous enlargement / reduction rate NextSpace_past_size and the previous center coordinate Es_current_position are used to frame the new enlargement / reduction rate NextSpace_size and new center coordinate Es_next_position. Change the value and animate it.

  On the other hand, in the icon display layer, the icon of the element group causes an animation of moving a straight line connecting the start point and end point of each element group over the number of frames.

  After the predetermined number of frames elapses (S17), when the animation is finished, the fitted center coordinates (NextSpace_center) and the enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_size) in the movement destination space are the same as those in the past in this space. It stores as center coordinates (NextSpace_past_center) and enlargement / reduction ratio (NextSpace_past_size) (S18).

  According to such a graphic display device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user when finding a place where the attribute information of the selection target (element) is displayed. In addition, the relationship between a plurality of attributes can be easily confirmed for each element. A sufficient amount of information can be displayed even on a device with a limited screen size.

  That is, in the present embodiment, when the user selects the first attribute (for example, “category-price”) from the plurality of attributes of the element, the first attribute graphic (for example, “category-price” space in the “category-price” space) is selected. Element images arranged from the viewpoint of the first attribute are superimposed on the graph display). When the user switches the selection from the first attribute to the second attribute (eg, “geographic location”), the background from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic (eg, a graphical representation of the “geographic location” space) The element image animation for moving the element image from the first element image position to the second element image position is displayed together with the background animation for switching the graphic. Then, the element image arranged from the viewpoint of the second attribute is superimposed on the second attribute graphic that is the background graphic.

  This allows the user to know the position where the element image is arranged on the second attribute graphic simply by following the movement of the element image of the element of interest when switching the attribute selection. This reduces the burden on the user when finding a place where attribute information is displayed. Also, in this case, by making the user's line of sight follow the movement of the element image of the element, even if the distance of the user's line-of-sight movement is long, the relationship between multiple attributes for each element can be easily confirmed Can do. In addition, since it is not necessary to divide the screen into two frames as in the past, even a device with a limited screen size can secure a sufficient display size and display a sufficient amount of information. it can.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the user selects a predetermined number of elements on the first attribute graphic, when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, the element set is surrounded. The second attribute graphic is translated so that the selected frame becomes the center of the background graphic. Thereby, the second attribute graphic is displayed centering on the element (element set) selected by the user, and the information of the element (element set) selected by the user in the second attribute graphic is easy to see.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the user selects a predetermined number of elements on the first attribute graphic, when the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, the element set is surrounded. The vertical and horizontal sizes of the second attribute graphic are scaled so that the selected frame fits the vertical or horizontal size of the background graphic. Thereby, the element (element set) selected by the user is displayed so as to fit in the background graphic, and the information of the element (element set) selected by the user in the second attribute graphic is easy to see.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the element images of elements not selected by the user are not displayed, and information on the elements (element sets) selected by the user is easy to see. This non-display includes displaying the element image so as not to stand out.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the element image is moved by the element image animation, it does not go out of the display range of the background graphic. Therefore, the user can easily follow the movement of the element image of the element of interest with his eyes.

  In the present embodiment, the element image moves substantially linearly in the element image animation, so that the user can easily follow the movement of the element image of the element of interest.

  In the present embodiment, a preview animation is displayed when the user switches the selection from the first attribute to the second attribute. In the preview animation, first, when the second attribute is displayed, the second attribute graphic of the display setting (center coordinates, vertical / horizontal size, etc.) when it was last selected is displayed, and then the second attribute is selected this time. Change to the second attribute graphic of the display setting (center coordinates or vertical / horizontal size, etc.). Thereby, when the background graphic is switched to the second attribute graphic, the user can change the relationship (positional relationship, etc.) between the second attribute graphic selected last time and the second attribute graphic selected this time. It can be easily grasped.

  Here, the features of the embodiment of the present invention will be described in comparison with display methods conventionally used in drawings and books.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B are explanatory diagrams of display methods used in drawings and books. FIG. 19A is an explanatory text (descriptions A to E) of each restaurant, and FIG. 19B is a map showing the location (location a to e) of each restaurant. In the conventional display method, the map of the restaurant location in FIG. 19B and the explanatory text of each restaurant in FIG. 19A are presented separately on two pages. For example, in order to understand the correspondence between the description A of a restaurant and the location a of the restaurant, the user must turn the page to find the position of the location a corresponding to the description A and confirm the opposite relationship. There is.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a method of displaying information using a dynamic visual effect is adopted on the screen of a device in the field of graphical user interface (GUI). FIG. 19C is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the display method of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19C, in the present embodiment, two screens are arranged in an overlapping manner, and switching display from one screen to the other screen is performed by a user operation. On one screen, element groups are represented by element images (black circles, icons, etc.). When the screens are switched, these element images are animated and moved on a straight track of the shortest distance from a position on one screen to a corresponding position on the other screen. Accordingly, the user can easily visually follow where the element that has been noticed has moved on the screen after switching. In addition, when the user selects several element sets as selection candidates from a plurality of elements (element groups), the unselected ones disappear from the screen, and only the selected ones are enlarged to fit on the screen. . Thereby, the user can obtain only information on the narrowed elements.

  In the present embodiment, there is a set of elements having a plurality of attributes, among which there is a subset of elements selected by the user, which are displayed in a graph or distribution diagram along certain attributes, Furthermore, redrawing is performed in the screen display for redisplaying along attributes different from those described above. Calculate the movement and scaling conversion amount of the graph in advance so that each subset element group fits the whole screen, and the final coordinate of the element group on the converted graph described above Calculate in advance. The background image relating to the graph simultaneously reproduces the animation in which the above-described transformation is gradually applied and the animation in which the element group including the above-described subset draws a straight line trajectory from the coordinates before redrawing to the final coordinates. This makes it possible to display the distribution of multiple attributes on a single screen while minimizing the distance of line-of-sight movements for a large number of element groups. Bring.

  Also, in the first step of selection, even if many element groups are distributed on the screen, in the selection process, the unselected ones disappear from the screen, and the screen expands to match the remaining ones. Therefore, each time it is selected, it becomes easier to see the distribution of the element group, and finer information can be obtained.

  In an era where a lot of information is overflowing, users are increasingly forced to work out how to properly select what they want from a lot of information. Among them, in particular, in devices that are limited in the size of image display, such as mobile devices and car navigation screens, the present invention displays various values as a space and displays them in a superimposed manner. By following an icon that draws a simple straight line trajectory, you can understand a lot of information from a single screen and select what you want.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and can be changed or modified according to the purpose within the scope of the claims. is there.

  In the description of the fit function to the screen, it is assumed that the center coordinates and the scaling ratio are two variables. However, there are other methods of visual fit to the screen to the selected element group. Conceivable. For example, when the user selects only Japanese food and Chinese in “Price-Category space”, the graphical drawing method of the screen fit for the selection is not simply enlargement or reduction. For example, Italian and French It is possible to apply a coordinate transformation such as deleting the column and displaying only two columns, the Japanese food and the Chinese column. Even in such a case, as proposed by the present invention, if the coordinates of the element group after coordinate conversion are calculated in advance, the element can be reproduced as an animation that draws a straight line trajectory.

  As described above, the graphic display device according to the present invention can reduce the burden on the user when finding the location where the attribute information of the selection target (element) is displayed, and facilitates the relationship between a plurality of attributes for each element. This is effective for displaying a sufficient amount of information even on a device with a limited screen size, and is useful as a GUI for devices with a limited screen size. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the graphic display apparatus in this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the attribute of an element. (A) It is an example of the screen which plotted the element image on the attribute graphic of "category". (B) An example of a screen in which element images are plotted on attribute graphics of “category” and “price”. (C) It is an example of the screen which plotted the element image on the attribute graphic of "latitude" and "longitude". (D) It is an example of the screen which plotted the element image on the attribute graphic of "number" and "description". (A) It is an example of the graph display which plotted the element group in the "category-price" space. (B) It is an example of the map display which plotted the element group by "geographic space". (C) It is the figure which showed the locus | trajectory when the element group of the graph of Fig.4 (a) animation-moves to the element group of the map of FIG.4 (b). (A) It is a figure which shows an example of space switching operation with a portable device. (B) It is a figure which shows an example of space switching operation by a slide type switch. (C) It is a figure which shows an example of space switching operation by a push type switch. (A) It is the figure which showed the state before a user touches a button, a touch panel, etc. with a finger | toe. (B) It is a figure which shows a mode that the slow reproduction of an element image animation is performed. (C) It is a figure which shows a mode that the normal reproduction | regeneration of an element image animation is performed. (A) It is explanatory drawing of the first frame of the space switching animation from "category space" to "map space." (B) It is explanatory drawing of the following flame | frame of the space switching animation from a "category space" to a "map area". (C) It is explanatory drawing of the further next frame of the space switching animation from "category space" to "map area." (D) It is explanatory drawing of the last flame | frame of the space switching animation from "category space" to "map area". (A) It is the figure which showed notionally the mode of "space switching." (B) It is the figure which showed notionally the mode of "space switching." (A) It is explanatory drawing when the center coordinate of the frame of a background image and a screen is the same. (B) It is explanatory drawing when the center coordinates of the frame of a background image and a screen differ. (C) It is explanatory drawing when the center coordinate of the frame of a background image and a screen is the same, and the size of a background image changes. (D) It is explanatory drawing when the center coordinate of the frame of a background image and a screen differs, and the size of a background image changes. (A) It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode when the element group selected by "price-category space" is fitted to a screen. (B) It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode when the element group selected by "price-category space" was fitted to a screen according to the layer. It is the figure which showed a mode that the icon switched to the small photograph of a restaurant by expansion. (A) It is explanatory drawing of the element group Es in the space A. FIG. (B) It is explanatory drawing of the vertical length r_y of the selection frame, horizontal length r_x, and the ratio r of length and width. (C) It is explanatory drawing of the vertical length r_s_y of a screen, horizontal length r_s_x, and the ratio rscreen of vertical and horizontal. (D) It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of fitting when a selection frame is vertically long compared with a screen. (E) It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of fitting when a selection frame is horizontally long compared with a screen. (A) It is the figure which showed the locus | trajectory of the element group which changes from "price-category space" to "map space." (B) It is the figure which showed "map space" and the element group arrange | positioned there. (C) It is the figure which showed the locus | trajectory which the element group of "map space" moves in order to fit a screen. (D) It is the figure which showed a mode that screen fitting is performed after space switching. (E) It is the figure which showed a mode that screen fitting was performed after changing space, according to the layer. It is a flowchart which shows a flow when a user narrows down what he wants from an element group by repeating selection and space switching. (A)-(d) It is explanatory drawing of the animation in which the locus | trajectory of an icon turns into a curve, when a space switch and screen fitting are simply performed simultaneously. (A)-(d) It is explanatory drawing of the animation in which the locus | trajectory of an icon goes out of a screen when space switching and screen fitting are simply performed simultaneously. (A)-(e) It is explanatory drawing of the space switching animation (linear animation) of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart when generating the animation (linear animation) of space switching. (A) It is an example which displays the explanatory note (descriptions AE) which explained the element with drawing, a book, etc. (B) It is an example of the map which shows the place of an element in drawing, a book, etc. (C) It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the line-of-sight switching with the screen of an explanatory note, and the map screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Graphic display apparatus 2 Display 3 Input device 4 Software part 5 Database part 6 Selection part 7 Image processing part 8 Calculation part 9 Fitting part 51 Attribute database 52 Element image database 53 Setting history database 61 Attribute selection part 62 Element set selection part 71 Attribute Graphic generation unit 72 Background animation generation unit 73 Element image animation generation unit 74 Graphic composition unit 75 Graphic non-display unit 76 Slow playback unit 81 Element image position calculation unit 82 Movement amount calculation unit 83 Enlargement / reduction ratio calculation unit 91 Graphic movement unit 92 Graphics Enlargement / reduction section

Claims (10)

Attribute data storage means for storing attribute data related to a plurality of attributes of the element, which is the user's selection target;
Element image data storage means for storing image data of an element image indicating the element;
Based on the attribute data, a first attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of the first attribute, and the element image in terms of a second attribute different from the first attribute Attribute graphic generation means for generating a second attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging
Attribute selection means for the user to select one attribute from a plurality of attributes of the element;
Background animation generating means for generating a background animation for switching a background graphic from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic when selection from the first attribute to the second attribute is switched;
Element image position for calculating a first element image position that is the position of the element image on the first attribute graphic and a second element image position that is the position of the element image on the second attribute graphic A calculation means;
When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute, based on the image data of the element image and the position data of the first element image position and the second element image position, the first attribute Element image animation generating means for generating an element image animation for moving the element image from the element image position to the second element image position;
Graphic composition means for performing graphic composition processing for superimposing the element image animation on the background animation;
A graphic display device comprising: Element set selection means for the user to select a predetermined number of the elements as an element set on the first attribute graphic;
A movement amount calculating means for calculating a movement amount for translating the second attribute graphic so that the center coordinate of the selected frame surrounding the selected element set becomes the center coordinate of the background graphic;
Graphic movement means for performing graphic movement processing for translating the second attribute graphic based on the movement amount calculated by the movement amount calculation means when the element set is selected by the element set selection means. When,
The graphic display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Element set selection means for the user to select a predetermined number of the elements as an element set on the first attribute graphic;
Enlargement / reduction ratio calculation means for calculating an enlargement / reduction ratio for enlarging or reducing the vertical / horizontal size of the second attribute graphic so that the selected frame surrounding the selected element set fits the vertical / horizontal size of the background graphic When,
Graphic enlargement for enlarging or reducing the vertical / horizontal size of the second attribute graphic based on the enlargement / reduction ratio calculated by the enlargement / reduction ratio calculation means when the element set is selected by the element set selection means Graphic enlargement / reduction means for performing reduction processing;
The graphic display device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The graphic display according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising graphic non-display means for performing graphic non-display processing for non-displaying the element image of the element not selected by the element set selection means. apparatus.   5. The graphic display device according to claim 1, wherein the element image animation generation unit generates the element image animation for moving the element image within a display range of the background graphic. .   The element image animation generation means is configured to approximately linearly move the element from the first element image position to the second element image position based on position data of the first element image position and the second element image position. The graphic display device according to claim 1, wherein the element image animation for moving an image is generated. Setting history data storage means for storing setting history data of display setting of the attribute graphic when a predetermined attribute is selected in the past by the attribute selection means;
The background animation generating means
As the background animation when switching from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic, the second attribute is the current attribute from the second attribute graphic of the display setting when the second attribute was previously selected. The graphic display device according to claim 1, wherein a preview animation in which the background graphic changes to the second attribute graphic of the display setting when selected is generated.   8. A slow playback unit that plays back the background animation and the elemental image animation at a slow playback speed slower than a normal playback speed in response to a slow playback request from the user. A graphic display device according to any one of the above. A first attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element images in terms of a first attribute based on attribute data relating to a plurality of attributes of an element that is a selection target of the user; Generating a second attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of a second attribute different from the attribute;
When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to the selection request of the element from the user, the background graphic is switched from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic. Generate a background animation,
Calculating a first element image position which is a position of the element image on the first attribute graphic and a second element image position which is a position of the element image on the second attribute graphic;
When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to the element selection request from the user, the image data of the element image indicating the element, the first element image position, and the Generating an element image animation for moving the element image from the first element image position to the second element image position based on position data of the second element image position;
A graphic display method characterized by performing graphic synthesis processing for superimposing the element image animation on the background animation. Using attribute data relating to a plurality of attributes of an element that is a user's selection object stored in a memory, and image data of an element image indicating the element,
On the computer,
Based on the attribute data, the first attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging the element image in terms of the first attribute, and the element image in terms of a second attribute different from the first attribute Generating a second attribute graphic that is a background graphic for arranging
When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to the selection request of the element from the user, the background graphic is switched from the first attribute graphic to the second attribute graphic. Processing to generate background animation,
A first element image position that is a position of the element image on the first attribute graphic, and a second element image position that is a position of the element image on the second attribute graphic;
When the selection is switched from the first attribute to the second attribute in response to the element selection request from the user, the image data of the element image, the first element image position, and the second element Generating element image animation for moving the element image from the first element image position to the second element image position based on position data of the image position;
Graphic composition processing for superimposing the element image animation on the background animation;
A graphic display program characterized in that the program is executed.