JP2010049453A - Menu selection window display device and menu selection window display program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a moving distance of a pointer and to facilitate selection of item specification information frequently selected without precisely positioning the pointer. <P>SOLUTION: A list of item specification information for specifying executable processing items is displayed on first windows 11, 12, 13 of a display (A) in the same way as a conventional method, and the selection log of each item specification information is sequentially updated and stored. When displaying a second window 15 on which an item frequently selected among the item specification information is to be disposed, a display scale Ai of each item specification information corresponding to the selection frequency of each item specification information calculated based on the latest selection log is determined, and a display form of the item specification information in the second window 15 is adjusted so that the item specification information frequently selected is disposed close to the present position of a pointer 14 according to the selection frequency of each item specification information based on the present position of the pointer 14 and the display scale Ai of each item specification information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a menu selection window display device, a menu selection window display program, and a menu selection window display method.

  As a means for selecting a necessary processing item from among a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer, for example, a menu bar or a toolbar is placed on one side of the application program window. The item specification information such as menu bar and toolbar icons and character strings can be selected by operating the pointer on the display with a pointing device consisting of a tablet, mouse or arrow keys on the keyboard. It is known.

  The processing items that can be executed by the application program include, for example, “edit”, “insert”, “display”, etc. in the word processing software, and “pen tool”, “add anchor point”, “ In addition, the photo retouching software includes “layer selection”, “approximate color selection”, and “inversion of selection range”, and the contents differ depending on the application program.

  Although menu bars and toolbars are general names, they are not necessarily defined clearly. In short, item specifying information for specifying various processing items in a small window on the display, such as “edit”, “ The names of processing items such as “Insert” and “Display” or icons and buttons in place of the names are listed and displayed. By operating the pointer with a pointing device such as a mouse, item specifying information is selected, “Edit”, “ A function for selectively starting a small program required for processing such as “insert” and “display” is simply referred to as a menu bar or a toolbar.

  A small window used to display item identification information is a horizontally or vertically long band and item identification information is displayed in a row in this small window is called a menu bar or tool bar, and is used to display item identification information. A small window that is rectangular and item specification information is displayed in a matrix in this small window is called a palette. From a technical point of view, these are all of the same type, and the invention of the present application. In this case, this kind of small window is called the first window.

  Small windows for menu bars, toolbars, and palettes are generally placed at specific positions in application program windows, but you can perform drag and drop operations on small windows with a pointing device such as a mouse. In some cases, the position of the small window can be changed, and in other cases, the form of the small window used for display can be switched from a single-band display to a matrix-like palette display, or vice versa. There are various.

  Some examples are given below.

  The window display device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured to change the position where a small window used for displaying item specifying information can be arranged, or by moving the small window by a manual drag and drop operation, Alternatively, the small window is cyclically moved according to a plurality of predetermined positions by a cyclic operation of the movement button. However, the point that the small window is moved by manual drag and drop operation is already a common technique, and the technique that the small window is moved cyclically according to a plurality of predetermined positions is desired by the user. There is an inconvenience that the small window cannot be immediately moved to the position, and the operation of the movement button is troublesome.

  The toolbar display control device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is based on the premise that a toolbar is arranged at a specific position of a window of an application program, and the display position of a button on the toolbar is determined according to the frequency of use of the button displayed on the toolbar. For example, buttons that are frequently used are displayed in order from the left side on the toolbar. Therefore, it is possible to always display a button corresponding to a frequently used processing item on the toolbar, but since the size of the button is small, a pointing device for positioning the pointer on the button corresponding to the processing item is used. The inconvenience that requires skill in operation is not solved. Since it is assumed that the toolbar is placed at a specific position in the application program window, the pointer is moved to the toolbar placement position when performing various processing operations by moving the pointer on the application program window. Further, the operation of returning the pointer from the tool bar to the current work position is troublesome.

  The menu display method disclosed in Patent Document 3 is for facilitating selection of a menu from a hierarchical pull-down menu, and a frequently used menu is displayed on the display as an independent menu button. However, since the display position of the independent menu button is fixed, the pointer is moved to the menu button display position when various processing operations are performed by moving the pointer on the application program window. Furthermore, the troublesome operation of returning the pointer from the menu button to the current work position is not eliminated.

  The operator interface disclosed in Patent Document 4 is for preventing the menu bar from occupying the display area of the display when a computer having a small display is used, and a predetermined calling operation is performed. Only in some cases, the menu bar is displayed at the position specified by the stylus. This configuration has the same effect as a so-called context menu if the stylus is replaced with a pointer on the display. There is an advantage that the menu bar can be displayed near the pointer or work area, but the button displayed on the menu bar. Therefore, the operation for positioning the stylus on the button corresponding to the processing item, that is, the operation of the pointing device is difficult.

JP-A-10-91381 (paragraphs 0038 and 0060) JP-A-11-53155 (paragraphs 0002, 0021) JP 2001-60133 (paragraph 0021, FIG. 6) JP 2003-99172 A (paragraph 0016)

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to access a window in which a list of item specifying information for specifying processing items that can be executed by an application program without moving the pointer greatly, and in particular, item specifying information with high selection frequency. A menu selection window display device and a menu selection capable of easily selecting item specifying information having a high selection frequency without requiring a strict positioning operation of the pointer, and a short moving distance of the pointer when selecting A window display program and a menu selection window display method are provided.

The menu selection window display device of the present invention arranges item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer in a window on the display. A menu selection window display device configured to select item specifying information of a processing item to be executed by moving a pointer with a pointing device and performing a selection operation.
First window display means for displaying a first window on which the list of item specifying information is arranged on the display;
Second window display means for displaying on the display a second window in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged;
Selection history storage means for sequentially updating and storing a selection history for each item specifying information;
Selection frequency calculation means for calculating the selection frequency for each item specifying information based on the selection history stored in the selection history storage means;
Pointer current position storage means for sequentially updating and storing the current position of the pointer;
Based on the current position of the pointer stored in the pointer current position storage means, the display position and display direction of the second window so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display. Display position specifying means for obtaining
Display scale calculating means for obtaining a display scale for each item specifying information according to the selection frequency for each item specifying information calculated by the selection frequency calculating means;
The display position and display direction of the second window determined by the display position specifying means, the current position of the pointer stored in the pointer current position storage means, and the display for each item specifying information determined by the display scale calculating means Based on the scale, according to the selection frequency for each item identification information calculated by the selection frequency calculation means, the second item identification information having a high selection frequency is arranged close to the current position of the pointer. Display mode adjusting means for adjusting the display mode of the item specifying information in the window;
The display position specifying means, the display scale calculating means, the display mode adjusting means, and a command input means for inputting a command for on / off control of the second window display means are provided.

The menu selection window display program of the present invention arranges item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items executable by an application program running on a computer in a window on the display. A menu selection window display program for selecting item specifying information of a processing item to be executed by moving a pointer with a pointing device and performing a selection operation, in order to achieve the same problem as described above,
To the microprocessor of the computer,
A first window display function for displaying a first window on which a list of the item specifying information is arranged on a display;
A second window display function for displaying on the display a second window in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged;
A selection history registration function for sequentially updating and storing a selection history for each item specifying information in the storage device of the computer,
A selection frequency calculation function for calculating a selection frequency for each item specifying information based on a selection history stored in the storage device;
Pointer current position storage function for sequentially updating and storing the current position of the pointer in the current position storage register of the computer,
Based on the current position of the pointer stored in the current position storage register, the display position and display direction of the second window so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display. Display position specifying function,
A display scale calculation function for obtaining a display scale for each item specifying information according to the selection frequency for each item specifying information calculated by the selection frequency calculating function;
The display position and display direction of the second window obtained by the display position specifying function, the current position of the pointer stored in the current position storage register, and the display for each item specifying information obtained by the display scale calculating function Based on the scale, in accordance with the selection frequency for each item identification information calculated by the selection frequency calculation function, the second item identification information having a high selection frequency is arranged close to the current position of the pointer. A display mode adjustment function for adjusting the display mode of the item specifying information in the window, and
A command receiving function for receiving a command to turn on / off the display position specifying function, display scale calculating function, display mode adjusting function, and second window display function is realized.

According to the menu selection window display method of the present invention, item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer is arranged in a window on the display, and A menu selection window display method for selecting item specifying information of a processing item to be executed by moving a pointer and performing a selection operation. To achieve the same problem as described above,
While displaying the first window in which the list of item specific information is arranged on the display and sequentially updating and storing the selection history for each item specific information,
When displaying a second window for arranging at least a part of the list of item specifying information,
Based on the current position of the pointer on the display, the display position and display direction of the second window are determined so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display. Find the display scale for each item specific information according to the selection frequency for each item specific information calculated based on the latest selection history for each specific information,
Based on the obtained second window display position and display direction, the current position of the pointer, and the obtained display scale for each item specifying information, the selection frequency of each item specifying information The display mode of the item specifying information in the second window is adjusted so that high item specifying information is arranged close to the current position of the pointer.

  The menu selection window display device, the menu selection window display program, and the menu selection window display method according to the present invention include a first window in which a list of item specifying information for specifying processing items executable by an application program is arranged. Similarly, when displaying a second window for displaying at least a part of the list of item specifying information and displaying the selection history for each item specifying information sequentially and storing it on the display. Based on the current position of the pointer on the display, the display position and display direction of the second window are determined so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display, and each item is specified. According to the selection frequency for each item specific information calculated based on the latest selection history for each information The display scale for each item specifying information is obtained, and based on the obtained display position and display direction of the second window, the current position of the pointer, and the obtained display scale for each item specifying information, each item specifying information is displayed. According to the selection frequency, the display mode of the item identification information in the second window is adjusted so that the item identification information with a high selection frequency is arranged close to the current position of the pointer. It is possible to access a second window in which a list of item specifying information for specifying processing items that can be executed by an application program without the need to be arranged, and in particular, item specifying information having a high selection frequency is a pointer in the second window. Displayed in close proximity to the current position, and item identification information with a high selection frequency has a large scale according to the selection frequency. Displayed in the second window, the moving distance of the pointer when selecting item specifying information with a high selection frequency can be shortened, and the selection frequency is not required even if the pointer is strictly positioned. High item identification information can be easily selected.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a simplified configuration of a menu selection window display device according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

The main part of the menu selection window display device in this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 1, item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer, for example, First window display means (B) for displaying a first window in which a list of icons, buttons, character strings, etc. is arranged on the display (A) of the computer;
Second window display means (C) for displaying on the display (A) a second window in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged;
Selection history storage means (D) for sequentially updating and storing the selection history for each item specifying information;
Selection frequency calculating means (E) for calculating the selection frequency for each item specifying information based on the selection history stored in the selection history storage means (D);
Pointer current position storage means (F) for sequentially updating and storing the current position of the pointer on the display (A);
Based on the current position of the pointer stored in the pointer current position storage means (F), the second window is displayed so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display (A). Display position specifying means (G) for obtaining a position and a display direction;
Display scale calculating means (H) for obtaining a display scale for each item specifying information according to the selection frequency for each item specifying information calculated by the selection frequency calculating means (E);
The display position and display direction of the second window obtained by the display position specifying means (G), the current position of the pointer stored in the pointer current position storage means (F), and the display scale calculation means (H). Based on the display scale for each item specifying information, the item specifying information with a high selection frequency approaches the current position of the pointer according to the selection frequency for each item specifying information calculated by the selection frequency calculation means (E). Display mode adjusting means (I) for adjusting the display mode of the item specifying information in the second window so as to be arranged;
Command input means (J) for inputting a command for on / off control of the display position specifying means (G), display scale calculating means (H), display mode adjusting means (I), and second window display means (C). .

  The display mode adjustment means (I) of this embodiment selectively arranges item specifying information up to a preset order in the second window in accordance with the selection frequency calculated by the selection frequency calculation means (E). However, this function is for limiting the number of item identification information arranged in the second window, that is, for guaranteeing the size of the display scale of the item identification information, and is always essential. It is not a requirement.

  Furthermore, the menu selection window display device in the present embodiment includes pointer operation restriction means (K) that restricts the movement range of the pointer within the second window only while the second window display means (C) is activated. When the pointer operation restricting means (K) displays at least a part of the list of item specifying information, that is, the list of frequently selected item specifying information in the second window, and performs the selection operation, This is a means for preventing the position of the pointer from inadvertently moving and leaving the second window, and is not necessarily an essential requirement.

  The pointing device (L) is for moving the cursor on the display (A), and its configuration is already known.

  The pointer current position storage means (F) is composed of a current position storage register configured by using a part of a storage area of a RAM provided in the computer, and a pointer movement command such as a movement command output from the pointing device (L). The pulses are read sequentially, and the current position of the pointer on the display (A) is updated and stored in real time.

  The selection history storage means (D) for sequentially updating and storing the selection history for each item specifying information is configured using a part of a storage area such as a nonvolatile memory provided in the computer.

  Item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program installed on the computer, for example, processing items such as “edit”, “insert”, and “display” in word processing software Display data such as icons, buttons, or character strings for selectively starting small programs is automatically stored in a computer storage means (M) such as a hard disk when a program such as word processing software is installed in the computer. Saved in.

  The first window here corresponds to a so-called menu bar or tool bar, and is generally arranged on one side of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the window of the application program. Even if the display position can be changed by a drag and drop operation or the form can be changed from a strip-like one-column display to a matrix-like palette display, it does not matter.

  The second window is unique to the present embodiment, and is a small window for displaying at least part of the list of item specifying information, that is, only item specifying information that is frequently selected in this embodiment. It is a window.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a simplified hardware configuration of the computer 1 having the menu selection window display device of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main part of the computer 1 executes a microprocessor 2 for arithmetic processing, a ROM 3 storing a basic control program, a menu selection window display program, and various selected application programs. A RAM 4 that is expanded as a target and also used for temporary storage of calculation data, a non-volatile memory 5 for storing various parameters, and various application programs and data, as well as a menu selection window display program, etc. A keyboard 8, a mouse 9 and a display (A) functioning as a man-machine interface are connected to an input / output circuit 7 of the microprocessor 2.

  In this embodiment, the menu selection window display program (see FIG. 3) installed in the hard disk 6 is expanded in the RAM 4 as an execution target program, and the microprocessor 2 is driven and controlled by this menu selection window display program, thereby the computer 1 The microprocessor 2 includes a first window display means (B), a second window display means (C), a selection frequency calculation means (E), a display position specifying means (G), and a display scale calculation means in the menu selection window display device. (H), the display mode adjusting means (I), and the pointer operation restricting means (K). The menu selection window display program registers the selection history for the microprocessor 2 of the computer 1 to sequentially update and store the selection history for each item specifying information in the nonvolatile memory 5 that is a storage device of the computer 1. It functions as a part of the selection history storage means (D) in the function realizing means, that is, the menu selection window display device, and sequentially updates the current position of the pointer on the display (A) to the current position storage register in the RAM 4 of the computer 1. It also functions as a pointer current position storage function realizing means for storing data, that is, as a part of pointer current position storage means (F) in the menu selection window display device.

  Further, the arrow keys on the mouse 9 and keyboard 8 of the computer 1 function as a pointing device (L) in the menu selection window display device, and the keyboard 8 and mouse 9 of the computer 1 operate as command input means (J ).

  On the hard disk 6 for storing various application programs, item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by the application program, for example, processing items such as “edit”, “insert”, and “display” are stored. Since display data such as icons, buttons or character strings for selection is also stored, in this embodiment, the hard disk 6 of the computer 1 functions as a storage means (M) in the menu selection window display device. become.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing operation of the microprocessor 2 that is driven and controlled in accordance with the menu selection window display program.

  Next, regarding the processing operation of the computer 1 of this embodiment provided with the menu selection window display device, the configuration of the menu selection window display program in this embodiment, and the menu selection window display method in this embodiment, the menu selection window display of FIG. This will be described in detail with reference to processing.

  However, the menu selection window display program is a process that is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals as one of the multitask processes of the microprocessor 2. Application programs such as word processing software, drawing software, and photo retouching software are executed by other tasks, but since the contents of various application programs are already known, application programs executed by other tasks are here. The contents of are not specifically explained.

  At this stage, a word processor software and a menu selection window display program, which are a kind of application program, are read from the hard disk 6 as execution targets and expanded in the RAM 4, and both the word processor software and the menu selection window display program are activated. It shall be.

  An example of an application program window displayed by word processing software is shown in FIG. In the application program window 10, as shown in FIG. 4, item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by this word processing software, for example, “edit”, “insert”, “display” A list of item specifying information for specifying a processing item such as “” is displayed as a character string in the menu bar 11, and processing items such as bold, italic, and underline related to the format are particularly displayed in the toolbar 12. The item specifying information for specifying is displayed in a list with buttons and pull-down menus. Furthermore, in the toolbar 13, processing items such as arrow generation, rectangle generation, ellipse generation, etc. related to the creation of simple figures are displayed. Item identification information for identification is listed with icons and pull-down menus. Each of the menu bar 11 and the toolbars 12 and 13 is a window for arranging a list of item specifying information, that is, a kind of the first window. Regarding the first window display means (B) for displaying these, It is already known.

  The microprocessor 2 that has started the task of the menu selection window display program first moves and positions the pointer 14 by operating the arrow keys on the mouse 9 and the keyboard 8 constituting the pointing device (L) of the menu selection window display device. To determine whether any item specifying information is selected from the menu bar 11 or the toolbars 12 and 13 constituting the first window (step S1), and if the selection of the item specifying information is not detected, further From the keyboard 8 and mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J) of the menu selection window display device, the display position specifying means (G), the display scale calculating means (H), the display mode adjusting means (I), the second window The window display condition for starting the display means (C) is input. It determines Luke (step S8).

  Display position specifying means (G), display scale calculating means (H), display mode adjusting means (I), window display conditions for starting the second window display means (C), and second window display means (C) Both the window clear conditions for stopping the operation of the user can be set by the user. In this embodiment, input signals from the keyboard 8 and mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J) are set in advance by the user. The determination process of step S8 is executed depending on whether or not the window display conditions are met.

  An example of the window display condition and the window clear condition is shown in the table of FIG. The contents of this table are stored in the hard disk 6 that functions as storage means (M) in the menu selection window display device. It is also possible to configure the command input means (J) with only the keyboard 8 or only the mouse 9 by setting the window display condition and the window clear condition only by the operation of the combination key or the mouse button.

  Here, when the determination result of step S8 is false, that is, when it is clear that the window display condition is not input from the keyboard 8 or mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J), The microprocessor 2 further displays whether or not the window display flag F has already been set at this point, that is, the second window 15 in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged has already been displayed (A). It is determined whether or not it is displayed above (step S22).

  When it is clear that the window display flag F is not set and the second window 15 is not displayed on the display (A), the microprocessor 2 keeps the menu selection window for the processing cycle as it is. The display process is terminated, and only the determination processes of steps S1, S8, and S22 are repeatedly executed in the menu selection window display process after the next period.

  When any item specifying information is selected from the menu bar 11 or the toolbars 12 and 13 in another task for executing word processing software which is a kind of application program, this selection operation is performed in step S1 in the menu selection window display process. Is detected by the microprocessor 2.

  The microprocessor 2 that has detected the selection operation of the item specifying information has already displayed whether or not the window display flag F is set, that is, the second window 15 in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged. (A) It is determined whether or not it is displayed above (step S2), but since the second window 15 is not yet displayed at this stage, the determination result in step S2 is false.

  Next, the microprocessor 2 functioning as a part of the selection history storage means (D) in the menu selection window display device reads the usage history table 16 corresponding to the word processor software from the nonvolatile memory 5 which is a storage device of the computer 1. All of the data in the usage history table 16 is shifted down by 1 bit (step S4), and 1 is set to the nth bit of the item specifying information whose selection operation has been detected, while other item specifying information, that is, selection 0 is set to all the nth bits of the item specifying information whose operation is not detected (step S5).

  An example of the usage history table 16 is shown in FIG. This usage history table 16 is for aggregating the history of selection operations for item identification information executed over the past n times with the current time as a reference. Selection history for each item identification information, for example, “edit” , “Insert”, “display”, etc., the status of the selection operation of the past n times is grasped. If it sees according to each item, the structure of this use log | history table 16 is the same as that of a general shift register. If the usage history table 16 is in the state shown in FIG. 7 and selection of an item of “edit” is newly detected by the current selection operation, first, from the first bit (right end) of all rows to the nth. The data up to the bit (left end) is shifted to the lower (right) one bit at a time, and then 1 is set to the nth bit (left end) of the item “edit” for which the selection operation has been detected, and the other “insertion” , “Display” and the like are all set to 0 in the nth bit (left end). Accordingly, if the selection of the item “edit” is detected when the usage history table 16 is in the state of FIG. 7, the data of the item “edit” is consequently from the state of 101100100 shown in FIG. 110110010, the data of the item “insert” changes from the state 0100001010 shown in FIG. 7 to the state 00100101, and the data of the item “display” changes from the state 000010001 shown in FIG. It will change to the state.

  Next, the microprocessor 2 functioning as the selection frequency calculation means (E) of the menu selection window display device adds the data from the 1st bit to the nth bit of the usage history table 16 as shown in FIG. Then, a value corresponding to the selection frequency for each item is obtained, and the value is updated and stored in the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 in the nonvolatile memory 5 (step S6).

  An example of the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 is shown in FIG. If the usage history table 16 is in the state shown in FIG. 7, the value corresponding to the selection frequency of the “edit” item, that is, the addition value is 4, and the value corresponding to the selection frequency of the “insert” item, that is, the addition value. Is 3, and the value corresponding to the selection frequency of “display”, that is, the added value is 2.

  Here, as an example, only the usage history table 16 for word processing software and the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 are shown, but actually the usage history table 16 and item-specific selection frequency storage for other application programs are shown. A table 17 is also provided in the nonvolatile memory 5 for each application program.

  The microprocessor 2 passes the item specifying information detected in step S1 to the corresponding application program, that is, in this case, word processing software (step S7), and then ends the menu selection window display processing in the processing cycle. In the menu selection window display process after the next period, only the determination processes of steps S1, S8, and S22 are repeatedly executed.

  In another task that executes word processing software that is a kind of application program, processing corresponding to the selected item specifying information, that is, in this case, “editing” processing is executed. Therefore, it will not be described in particular.

  Since the processing from step S4 to step S7 is executed every time selection of any item specifying information is detected from the menu bar 11 or the toolbars 12 and 13 in the processing of step S1, the usage history table 16 always includes The history of selection operations of item specifying information executed over the latest n times in the past is tabulated. If the window display flag F is already set and the determination result in step S2 is true, that is, if the second window 15 is already displayed on the display (A), It is also possible to select item specifying information from the second window 15, and in this case also, the processing from step S4 to step S7 is executed in the same manner as described above according to the selected item specifying information.

  On the other hand, while the determination process of steps S1, S8, and S22 in the menu selection window display process is repeatedly executed, the window display condition is changed from the keyboard 8 and the mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J) of the menu selection window display device. When input, the microprocessor 2 detects the input of the window display condition in the determination process of step S8.

  Next, the microprocessor 2 functioning as a part of the display mode adjusting means (I) in the menu selection window display device stores the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 corresponding to the currently running application program, that is, word processor software, in a nonvolatile manner. Sorting is performed in descending order according to the addition value for each item read from the memory 5 and stored in the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 (step S9), and item identification information up to the top m ranks with the highest selection frequency is obtained (step S9). Step S10). m is a setting value for limiting the number of item specifying information items to be arranged in the second window 15 and can be set by the user as in the window display condition and the window clear condition described above.

  The sorting result of the item specifying information corresponding to the state of the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 of FIG. 7 is shown in the table of FIG. The table shown in FIG. 8 for storing the sorting result is temporarily formed by using a part of the storage area of the RAM 4.

  Next, the microprocessor 2 functioning as a part of the display scale calculation means (H) in the menu selection window display device obtains the sum R1 of the addition values of the items up to the top m (step S11), and reaches the top m. A constant 1 is added to the value obtained by adding the added value for each item by the sum R1 of the added values, and the display scale Ai (where i = 1 to m) is obtained for each item up to the top m. 8 is temporarily stored in a table such as 8 (step S12).

  The calculation result of the display scale Ai corresponding to the state of the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 of FIG. 7 is shown in the table of FIG. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the size of the item specifying information displayed on the menu bar 11 and the toolbars 12 and 13 is a size 1, and is i-th in the range of 1 <Ai <2 (Ai is the aspect ratio). Although the display scale Ai of the item specifying information with the high selection frequency is calculated, other calculation methods may be applied such that the display scale Ai of the item specifying information increases in the order of the selection frequency.

  Next, the microprocessor 2 functioning as display position specifying means (G) in the menu selection window display device reads the current position of the pointer 14 from the current position storage register in the RAM 4 of the computer 1 (step S13), and the current position of the pointer 14 is read. Based on the position, the display position and the display direction of the second window 15 are obtained so that the second window 15 is close to the current position of the pointer 14 and fits in the display area of the display (A) (step S14).

  The display position specifying means (G) is already known as a function such as a so-called context menu. For example, when the pointer 14 is positioned on the right side of the display area of the display (A), the left side of the current position of the pointer 14 is displayed. When the display position of the second window 15 is specified in the direction from right to left, and the pointer 14 is positioned to the left of the display area of the display (A) as shown in FIG. The display position of the second window 15 is specified in the direction from left to right on the right side of the current position 14. Similarly, when the pointer 14 is positioned above the display area of the display (A), the display position of the second window 15 is specified below the current position of the pointer 14, and the pointer 14 is displayed on the display 14A. In the case of being located below the display area of (A), the display position of the second window 15 is specified above the current position of the pointer 14.

  Next, the microprocessor 2 once initializes the value of the item selection index i for specifying the item specifying information to be displayed in the second window 15 to 0 (step S15), and once again increments the value of the index i by one. (Step S16).

  Then, the microprocessor 2 functioning as the display mode adjusting means (I) in the menu selection window display device displays the display position and the display direction of the second window 15 obtained by the display position specifying means (G) in the process of step S14. Based on the current position of the pointer 14 read from the current position storage register in the RAM 4 in the process of step S13 and the value of the display scale Ai for each item specifying information obtained in the process of step S12, The item identification information in the second window 15 is arranged in close proximity to the current position of the pointer 14 in order from the item identification information with the highest selection frequency according to the order of the selection frequency obtained in the process of step S10. By adjusting the display mode, that is, the display position and the display scale, this item specifying information is displayed in the second window display means ( ) By it is displayed on the second window 15, to set the hot spot for realizing the selection operation by the pointer 14 in the display area of the item specifying information (step S17).

  Next, in the microprocessor 2 functioning as the display mode adjusting means (I), does the current value of the item selection index i reach the set value m that limits the number of item specifying information to be displayed in the second window 15? It is determined whether or not (step S18), and if not reached, the processing from step S16 to step S18 is repeatedly executed in the same manner as described above.

  Therefore, in the example of the sorting result of the item specifying information and the calculation result of the display scale shown in the table of FIG. 8, first, according to the value of the item selection index i = 1 updated in the process of step S16 executed first, The first “edit” processing item with the highest selection frequency among the item specifying information is about 1.4 times (13 times the size of the item specifying information displayed on the menu bar 11 and the toolbars 12 and 13 (13 Is displayed in the second window 15 at the position closest to the position of the pointer 14 (see step S17, FIG. 5). Next, it is determined whether or not the current value of the item selection index i has reached the set value m (see step S18). However, at this stage, the current value of the item selection index i has not yet reached the set value m. The current value of the item selection index i is incremented by 1 (see step S16), and the selection frequency of the item specifying information is selected according to the value of the item selection index i = 2 updated in the process of step S16 executed second time. The processing item with the second highest “Insert” is about 1.3 times (12/9 times) the size of the item specifying information displayed on the menu bar 11 or the toolbars 12 and 13. It is displayed in the second window 15 at the position closest to the position 14 (step S17, see FIG. 5). Next, it is determined again whether or not the current value of the item selection index i has reached the set value m (see step S18). At this stage, the current value of the item selection index i has not yet reached the set value m. Therefore, the current value of the item selection index i is incremented by 1 again (see step S16), and the item selection information i is selected according to the value of the item selection index i = 3 updated in the process of step S16 executed for the third time. The processing item “display” having the third highest frequency is about 1.2 times (11/9 times) the size of the item specifying information displayed on the menu bar 11 and the toolbars 12 and 13. It is displayed in the second window 15 at the position closest to the position of the pointer 14 (see step S17, FIG. 5).

  An example of the display result of the item specifying information in the second window 15 is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the second window 15 is displayed in the direction from left to right on the right side of the current position of the pointer 14, the processing item “edit” with the highest selection frequency is the second window. 15 is displayed with the largest scale at the leftmost position, and the processing item of “insertion” with the second highest selection frequency is displayed with the second largest scale on the right side, and further on the right side with The processing item of “display” having the third highest selection frequency is displayed on the third largest scale. On the contrary, when the pointer 14 is located on the right side of the display area of the display (A), that is, When the display position of the second window 15 is specified in the direction from right to left on the left side of the current position of the pointer 14, the “edit” processing item with the highest selection frequency is in the second window 15. The rightmost side, that is, the position closest to the pointer 14 is displayed with the largest scale, and the process item “insert” with the second highest selection frequency is displayed with the second largest scale immediately next to the pointer. The “display” process item with the third highest selection frequency is displayed on the third largest scale immediately to the left of the “insert” process item.

  Finally, when the current value of the item selection index i reaches the set value m and it is confirmed in the determination process in step S18 that the display of all item specifying information to be displayed is completed, the menu selection window display device The microprocessor 2 functioning as the pointer operation restricting means (K) restricts the movement range of the pointer 14 to the display range of the second window 15 (step S19).

  Next, the microprocessor 2 sets the window display flag F and stores that the second window 15 is displayed on the display (A) (step S20). The continuous display allowable time is set in the display time restriction timer to start the elapsed time measurement by the timer (step S21), and the menu selection window display processing of the processing cycle is ended.

  In the menu selection window display process after the next period, since the window display flag F has already been set, the determination result in step S22 executed following the determination process in steps S1 and S8 is true.

  Therefore, the microprocessor 2 determines whether or not the measurement time of the display time restriction timer has reached the predetermined continuous display allowable time (step S23). If not, the microprocessor 2 further determines the menu selection window display device. It is determined whether or not a window clear condition for stopping the operation of the second window display means (C) is input from the keyboard 8 or mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J) (step S24). If the input of the window clear condition is not detected, the microprocessor 2 ends the menu selection window display process in the processing cycle, and in the menu selection window display processing after the next cycle, step S1, step S8, step S22. , Step S23 and step S24 are repeated.

  During this time, a second window 15 that selectively displays only m items specifying information frequently selected from the top is displayed on the display (A), and the mouse 9 and keyboard 8 constituting the pointing device (L). The movement range of the pointer 14 by the operation of the upper arrow key is restricted within the display range of the second window 15.

  Frequently selected item specifying information is displayed closer to the pointer 14, more frequently selected item specifying information has a larger display scale and hot spot area, and the pointer 14 is not prepared. And moving away from the second window 15 is prevented in advance, so that the moving distance of the pointer 14 when selecting item specifying information with a high selection frequency in the second window 15 is short, In addition, it is possible to easily select item specifying information with a high selection frequency without performing a strict positioning operation of the pointer 14.

  And while the determination process of step S1, step S8, step S22, step S23, and step S24 is repeatedly performed, the user operates the arrow key on the mouse 9 and the keyboard 8 constituting the pointing device (L), When any item specifying information is selected from the second window 15 displaying frequently selected item specifying information by the movement and positioning operation of the pointer 14, the microprocessor 2 selects this item in the determination process of step S1. Detect operation.

  The microprocessor 2 that has detected the selection operation of the item specifying information determines whether or not the window display flag F is set, that is, whether or not the second window 15 is already displayed on the display (A). However, since the second window 15 has already been displayed at this stage, the determination result in step S2 is true.

  As described above, when any item specifying information is selected in a state where the second window 15 is displayed on the display (A), any one of the second windows 15 is continuously selected from the second window 15. Since there is a high possibility that the item specifying information is selected, the microprocessor 2 sets the continuous display allowable time again in the display time restriction timer and restarts the timer to continuously open the second window 15. The allowable time for display is automatically extended (step S3).

  As described above, even when the item specifying information is selected from the second window 15, the processing of step S4 to step S7 is executed in the same manner as described above according to the selected item specifying information, and the usage history table 16 is used. Data update processing and selection frequency rewriting processing for each item in the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 are performed, and then the item specifying information detected in step S1 is passed to the corresponding application program, that is, word processing software. Then, processing corresponding to the item specifying information, for example, “edit”, “insert”, “display”, and the like are executed by the task of the word processing software.

  Finally, when the operation of the timer started in the process of step S21 or the operation of the timer restarted in the process of step S3 is finished and the continuous display allowable time of the second window 15 has elapsed, step S23 is performed. When the timer expires in the determination process, and the window clear condition is input from the keyboard 8 or mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J), this operation is detected in the determination process in step S24. The microprocessor 2 that has detected these operations cancels the display of the second window 15 and the setting of the hot spot on the display (A) (step S25), and also cancels the restriction on the movement range of the pointer 14. The pointer 15 is allowed to move freely (step S26), and the window display flag F is set. The fact that the display of the second window 15 has been cleared is stored (step S27), the menu selection window display processing of the processing cycle is terminated, and steps S1, S8, S22 are performed in the menu selection window display processing of the next cycle and thereafter. Return to the initial standby state in which only the determination process is repeatedly executed.

  Therefore, the movement range of the pointer 14 is limited to the second window 15 while the second window display means (C) is activated and the second window 15 is displayed on the display (A). Only, that is, only while the window display flag F is set.

  In this embodiment, the elapsed time since the last window display condition is input from the keyboard 8 or mouse 9 constituting the command input means (J) of the menu selection window display device is the continuous display allowable time of the second window 15. Or when the elapsed time from the last selection of any item specifying information from the second window 15 has reached the continuous display allowable time of the second window 15. However, the operation related to the display / non-display of the second window 15 depends only on the input of the window display condition from the command input means (J) and the input of the window clear condition. You may make it carry out.

  Further, the movement range of the pointer 14 may not be restricted while the second window 15 is displayed on the display (A). In such a case, the second window 15 is displayed. In the meantime, the item specifying information can be selected in the same manner as before by performing a selection operation with the pointer 14 using the menu bar 11 and the tool bars 12 and 13.

  In this embodiment, the second window 15 is divided into two upper and lower display areas, and in the upper area, item specifying information related to the menu bar 11 is m from the top according to the selection frequency, and in the lower area. Since only m items specifying information related to the toolbars 12 and 13 are displayed from the top according to the selection frequency, the usage history table 16 and the item-specific selection frequency storage table shown in FIG. Two sets of 17 are required.

  Of course, the usage history table 16 and the item-specific selection frequency storage table 17 corresponding to each of the menu bar 11, the tool bar 12, and the tool bar 13 are provided for convenience, and the second window 15 is divided into three upper and lower display areas, and the menu is displayed. The item specifying information related to the bar 11, the item specifying information related to the tool bar 12, and the item specifying information related to the tool bar 13 may be displayed divided into three areas, or the second window 15 may be displayed. The display area is arranged in a horizontal row, and the item specifying information related to the menu bar 11, the item specifying information related to the tool bar 12, and the item specifying information related to the tool bar 13 are displayed in a line from the top without any distinction. It is also possible.

It is the functional block diagram which simplified and showed the structure of the menu selection window display apparatus of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is the block diagram which simplified and showed the hardware constitutions of the computer provided with the menu selection window display apparatus of the embodiment. It is the flowchart shown about the outline of a structure of the menu selection window display program of the embodiment. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the menu bar and tool bar which comprise a 1st window with the window of the application program. It is the conceptual diagram which showed the 2nd window with the window of the application program. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the table which memorize | stores window display conditions and window clear conditions. It is the conceptual diagram which showed an example of the usage history table and the selection frequency storage table classified by item. It is the table which showed an example of the sorting result of item specific information, and the calculation result of a display scale.

Explanation of symbols

1 Computer 2 Microprocessor (first window display means, second window display means, selection frequency calculation means, display position specification means, display scale calculation means, display mode adjustment means, selection history storage means, pointer current position storage means)
3 ROM
4 RAM
5 Nonvolatile memory 6 Hard disk (storage means)
7 I / O circuit 8 Keyboard (pointing device, command input means)
9 Mouse (pointing device, command input means)
10 Application program window 11 Menu bar (first window)
12, 13 Toolbar (first window)
14 Pointer 15 Second window 16 Usage history table 17 Item-specific selection frequency storage table (A) Display (B) First window display means (C) Second window display means (D) Selection history storage means (E) Selection frequency Calculation means (F) Pointer current position storage means (G) Display position specification means (H) Display scale calculation means (I) Display mode adjustment means (J) Command input means (K) Pointer operation restriction means (L) Pointing device ( M) Computer storage means

Claims (9)

Item specification information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer is arranged in a window on the display, and the pointer on the display is moved by a pointing device to perform a selection operation. A menu selection window display device configured to select item specifying information of a processing item to be executed by performing
First window display means for displaying a first window on which the list of item specifying information is arranged on the display;
Second window display means for displaying on the display a second window in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged;
Selection history storage means for sequentially updating and storing a selection history for each item specifying information;
Selection frequency calculation means for calculating the selection frequency for each item specifying information based on the selection history stored in the selection history storage means;
Pointer current position storage means for sequentially updating and storing the current position of the pointer;
Based on the current position of the pointer stored in the pointer current position storage means, the display position and display direction of the second window so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display. Display position specifying means for obtaining
Display scale calculating means for obtaining a display scale for each item specifying information according to the selection frequency for each item specifying information calculated by the selection frequency calculating means;
The display position and display direction of the second window determined by the display position specifying means, the current position of the pointer stored in the pointer current position storage means, and the display for each item specifying information determined by the display scale calculating means Based on the scale, according to the selection frequency for each item identification information calculated by the selection frequency calculation means, the second item identification information having a high selection frequency is arranged close to the current position of the pointer. Display mode adjusting means for adjusting the display mode of the item specifying information in the window;
A menu selection window display device comprising: a command input means for inputting a command to turn on / off the display position specifying means, display scale calculating means, display mode adjusting means, and second window display means.   The display mode adjustment unit is configured to selectively arrange item specifying information up to a preset order in the second window according to the selection frequency calculated by the selection frequency calculation unit. The menu selection window display device according to claim 1.   The pointer operation restricting means for restricting the movement range of the pointer within the second window only while the second window display means is operated is provided. Menu selection window display device according to item. Item specification information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer is arranged in a window on the display, and the pointer on the display is moved by a pointing device to perform a selection operation. A menu selection window display program for selecting item specifying information of a processing item to be executed by performing
In the microprocessor of the computer,
A first window display function for displaying a first window on which a list of the item specifying information is arranged on a display;
A second window display function for displaying on the display a second window in which at least a part of the list of item specifying information is arranged;
A selection history registration function for sequentially updating and storing a selection history for each item specifying information in the storage device of the computer,
A selection frequency calculation function for calculating a selection frequency for each item specifying information based on a selection history stored in the storage device;
Pointer current position storage function for sequentially updating and storing the current position of the pointer in the current position storage register of the computer,
Based on the current position of the pointer stored in the current position storage register, the display position and display direction of the second window so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display. Display position specifying function,
A display scale calculation function for obtaining a display scale for each item specifying information according to the selection frequency for each item specifying information calculated by the selection frequency calculating function;
The display position and display direction of the second window obtained by the display position specifying function, the current position of the pointer stored in the current position storage register, and the display for each item specifying information obtained by the display scale calculating function Based on the scale, in accordance with the selection frequency for each item identification information calculated by the selection frequency calculation function, the second item identification information having a high selection frequency is arranged close to the current position of the pointer. A display mode adjustment function for adjusting the display mode of the item specifying information in the window, and
A menu selection window display program for realizing a command reception function for receiving an instruction to turn on / off the display position specifying function, display scale calculation function, display mode adjustment function, and second window display function.   The display mode adjustment function is further configured to selectively arrange item specifying information up to a preset order in the second window according to the selection frequency calculated by the selection frequency calculation function. 5. The menu selection window display program according to claim 4, wherein:   Further, the microprocessor of the computer is further configured to realize a pointer operation restriction function for restricting a movement range of the pointer within the second window only while the second window display function is activated. The menu selection window display program according to any one of claims 4 and 5. Item specifying information for specifying each of a plurality of processing items that can be executed by an application program running on a computer is arranged in a window on the display, and a selection operation is performed by moving a pointer on the display. A menu selection window display method for selecting item specifying information of a processing item to be executed by:
While displaying a first window on which a list of the item identification information is displayed on a display and sequentially updating and storing a selection history for each item identification information,
When displaying a second window for arranging at least a part of the list of item specifying information,
Based on the current position of the pointer on the display, the display position and display direction of the second window are determined so that the second window is close to the current position of the pointer and fits in the display area of the display. Find the display scale for each item specific information according to the selection frequency for each item specific information calculated based on the latest selection history for each specific information,
Based on the obtained second window display position and display direction, the current position of the pointer, and the obtained display scale for each item specifying information, the selection frequency of each item specifying information A method for displaying a menu selection window, comprising: adjusting a display mode of item specifying information in the second window so that high item specifying information is arranged close to a current position of a pointer.   8. The menu selection window display method according to claim 7, wherein item specifying information up to a preset order is selectively arranged in the second window according to the selection frequency.   9. The moving range of the pointer is limited to the second window only while the second window is displayed. Menu selection window display method.

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