JP5179171B2 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-window display control device that displays a plurality of windows on a screen of a display device, and more particularly to a related window when switching windows in a scene where editing and operation are performed while referring to the related window. It relates to reference support control.

  In recent personal computers, a multi-window system capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of windows is employed. Under this multi-window system environment, the operator can perform editing operations and the like while referring to a plurality of related windows.

  In such a situation, it is troublesome for the operator to find out the related window of the window being edited from the displayed windows. In addition, it is very burdensome for the operator to perform such work every time the window is switched.

In order to deal with such a problem, Patent Document 1 displays a window associated in advance with respect to the uppermost window at a higher level than an unrelated window, thereby reducing the burden on the operator related to window switching and improving operability. Techniques for improving are disclosed.
JP 2006-139779 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, related windows are displayed at a higher rank than other windows and arranged in order of priority, but the layout and reference position of the related windows are not taken into consideration.

  Therefore, it is not possible to change the reference position of the related window depending on the editing window.

  For example, if the same window is associated with multiple editing windows, and the position of the related window to be referenced differs depending on the editing window, the user adjusts the layout of the related window each time the window is switched, and the page It is necessary to find a position to be referred to by moving or scrolling.

  That is, conventionally, there is a problem that the load on the operator when restoring the window layout and the reference position related to the window switching is high, and the efficiency of the related window reference work is low.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can reduce an operator's load at the time of window switching and can improve the efficiency of related window reference work.

The present invention is an information processing apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of windows for displaying a file, wherein a window associating means for associating a first window serving as a reference and a second window among the plurality of windows, and the first Display state storage means for storing the display state of the second window associated with the second window, and the first window associated with the first window when the first window is activated. the display state of the second window, and a display state restoring means for restoring on the basis of the display state stored in the display condition storage unit, the display state, the second window size, and comprise a display position of the second window, the display status storage means, said plurality of said second windows is changed If the second window is associated with the second window, the second window display state is stored for each second window, and the second display window restoring means stores the second window display state. In the case of being associated with a plurality of different reference windows, one of the plurality of display states stored in the display state storage means corresponds to the reference window that has become active. The display state of the second window is restored based on the display state .

  According to the present invention, in accordance with a change in a situation such as a window being switched, the display state of the window related to the window is restored, thereby reducing the load on the operator when switching the window, and the efficiency of the related window reference work. Can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a multi-window display device showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an OS (Operating System) 101 realizes basic functions as functions of a personal computer such as file input / output, memory management, input / output device management, and application execution management.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes a window control unit that performs general direct window control among the functions included in the OS 101.

  A monitoring unit 103 monitors a window and sends a message according to the situation to the state restoration unit 106, the state storage unit 107, and the association unit 108 while referring to the window information table 104.

  The window information table 104 holds window information being displayed such as a handle of the window being displayed, a file path, a reference pointer of the related window information array 105, and the like.

  The related window information array 105 holds window information related to the active window.

  The window information table 104 and the related window information array 105 are tables created on the RAM 203 shown in FIG. An example of the window information table 104 and the related window information array 105 is shown in FIG.

  The state restoring unit 106 is a part that receives a command from the monitoring unit 103 and restores the state of the window related to the active window.

  The state storage unit 107 is a part that receives a command from the monitoring unit 103 and performs storage processing of a window state related to the active window.

  The association unit 108 is a part that receives an instruction from the monitoring unit 103 and associates windows.

  Note that the monitoring unit 103, the state restoration unit 106, the state storage unit 107, and the association unit 108 have functions realized by the CPU 201 loading a program from the external memory 211 shown in FIG. Correspond.

  Next, the file management DB 109 and the related file management DB 110 will be described. Note that the file management DB 109 and the related file management DB 110 are not used in the description of the first embodiment, but are used in the description of the second embodiment to be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer (information processing apparatus) applicable to the multi-window display apparatus shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary for realizing a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that is a control program of the CPU 201 and functions executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  Reference numeral 203 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like of the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the external memory 211 to the RAM 203 and executing the program.

  An input controller 205 (input C) controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard 209 or a mouse (not shown).

  A video controller (VC) 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. The display device may be a liquid crystal display as well as a CRT. These are used by the administrator as needed. The present invention is not directly related.

  A memory controller (MC) 207 controls access to an external memory 211 that stores a boot program, browser software, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. As an example, the external memory 211 corresponds to a hard disk (HD), a floppy (registered trademark) disk (FD), a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter, or the like.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes a communication I / F controller (communication I / FC), which is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing in the network. As this communication processing, for example, Internet communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  The related window reference support program for realizing the present invention is recorded in the external memory 211 and is executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. That is, the related window reference support program is a program for causing the CPU 201 to function as the monitoring unit 103, the state restoration unit 106, the state storage unit 107, and the association unit 108 illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, the definition file 213 and various information tables 214 used by the related window reference support program are stored in the external memory 211, and detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, basic processing of the related window reference support device will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the first control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the related window reference support processing in the multi-window display device in the first embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the monitoring unit 103, the state restoration unit 106, the state storage unit 107, and the association unit 108 illustrated in FIG. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S301, when the monitoring unit 103 receives an active window switching notification from the window control unit 102, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S302. That is, this notification is a trigger for proceeding to step S302.

  In step S <b> 302, the monitoring unit 103 acquires from the window control unit 102 the handle of the active window (hereinafter referred to as an old active window) before the window is switched.

  In step S303, the monitoring unit 103 searches the window information table 104 (FIG. 4) based on the handle of the old active window acquired in step S302.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the window information table 104 and the related window information array 105. The window information table 104 and the related window information array 105 are information held in the RAM 203 when the program is executed.

  First, the data structure of the window information table 104 will be described.

  The window information table 104 has information on all windows displayed at that time, including those that are minimized. Each item will be described below.

  A window handle 1001 represents the handle of the displayed window. With this handle, it is possible to acquire basic window information from the window control unit 102 and control the window.

  The file path / URL 1002 represents the path of the file displayed in the window. In this example, the file path or URL is used, but any other file used for identifying a file such as an alias can be applied. The same applies to “file path / URL” of each table.

  The related window display function 1003 represents whether or not to display the related window of the window. The status includes “ON” and “OFF”. In the case of “ON”, window association, related window storage, and restoration processing are performed. In the case of “OFF”, the above processing is not performed.

  The user can switch between “ON” and “OFF” of the related window display function 1003 on the related window display function setting screen 1400 (FIG. 14) described later.

  The related window information array pointer 1004 represents a pointer of the related window information array 105.

  The related window information array 105 is an array for storing related window information. Each item will be described below.

  A window handle 1005 represents a handle of a window displaying a file. This handle enables acquisition and control of window information. The file path / URL 1006 represents the path of the file displayed in the window.

  The display order 1007 represents the number of the display from the top on the screen, excluding the association source window. The related source window is displayed at the top, and subsequently, the display order 1007 is displayed at the top from the “1” window.

  A window area 1008 indicates a window position on the display screen, and is in the order of the X coordinate, the Y coordinate, the width, and the height from the left, and the X coordinate and the Y coordinate represent the upper left coordinates of the window. ing. The width and height represent the width and height of the window.

  The reference position (X, Y) 1009 represents which place in the file is displayed in the window. From the left, they are the X coordinate and the Y coordinate, and in this example, the scroll position is indicated.

  The description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, in step S304, the monitoring unit 103 checks the related window display function 1003 of the old active window based on the search result of S303, and if it is “ON”, the process proceeds to S305, If it is “OFF”, the process proceeds to S307.

  In step S305, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the associating unit 108 to perform the associating process. As a result, the associating unit 108 receives the message from the monitoring unit 103 and performs association processing of the old active window. Details of the association processing are shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S <b> 306, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the state storage unit 107 to perform related window storage processing of the active window to be processed. As a result, the state storage unit 107 receives the message and performs a process of storing the state of the related window of the old active window. Details of the related window storage processing are shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S307, the monitoring unit 103 acquires a handle of a window that becomes newly active instead of the old active window (hereinafter referred to as a new active window) from the window control unit 102 by window switching.

  In step S308, the monitoring unit 103 searches the window information table 104 (FIG. 4) using the handle of the new active window acquired in step S307 as a key.

  Next, in step S309, the monitoring unit 103 checks the related window display function 1003 of the new active window. If “ON”, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S310.

  In step S <b> 310, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the state restoration unit 106 so as to perform the related window restoration process of the new active window. As a result, the state restoration unit 106 receives the message and performs restoration processing of the window related to the new active window. Details of the related window restoration processing are shown in FIG. When the process of step S309 ends, the monitoring unit 103 ends the process of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the related window display function 1003 of the new active window is not “ON”, the monitoring unit 103 ends the process of this flowchart.

  Next, the association processing of the old active window shown in step S305 in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the second control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the old active window association processing shown in step S305 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the associating unit 108. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S <b> 401, the associating unit 108 acquires an event of the old active window from the window control unit 102.

  Next, in step S402, when the association unit 108 determines that the event of the old active window is closed or minimized, the process proceeds to step S403. If it is not closed or minimized, no association is performed.

  On the other hand, if the associating unit 108 determines in step S402 that the event of the old active window is not closed and is not minimized, the association process is not performed and the processing of this flowchart is terminated as it is.

  In step S <b> 403, the associating unit 108 acquires a window handle of a window displayed on the screen other than the old active window from the window control unit 102.

  Next, in step S404, the associating unit 108 controls to repeat the processing in steps S405 to S409 for each window acquired in step S403.

  In step S405, the associating unit 108 searches the related window information array 105 (FIG. 4) of the old active window based on the window handle acquired in S403.

  In step S406, if the window handle acquired in step S403 (hereinafter, the window handle to be processed) is present in the related window information array, the associating unit 108 selects the window corresponding to the window handle to be processed (the window to be processed). ) Is associated with the old active window.

  If it is determined in step S406 that the window handle to be processed exists in the related window information array, the associating unit 108 determines that the window to be processed is already associated with the old active window, and associates it. The process is returned to step S405, and the processing target is moved to the next window handle.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S406 that the window handle to be processed does not exist in the related window information array, the associating unit 108 determines that the window to be processed is not associated with the old active window, and step S407. Proceed with the process.

  In step S407, the associating unit 108 displays an association confirmation screen 1300 (FIG. 6) to determine the user's answer in order to determine whether association with the old active window is necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the association confirmation screen 1300.

  In FIG. 6, the name included in the message 1301 represents the title name of the active window whose related window display function is “ON”.

  Reference numeral 1302 denotes a window title name of a related window candidate of the window included in the message 1301.

  Reference numeral 1303 denotes an OK button. When the user presses this button, the window included in the message 1301 and the window indicated by the window title name are associated with each other.

  Reference numeral 1304 denotes a cancel button. When the user presses this button, the window included in the message 1301 is not associated with the window indicated by the window title name.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the associating unit 108 determines in step S407 that the user has pressed the cancel button 1304 on the association confirmation screen, it determines that no association is necessary. Then, the associating unit 108 returns the process to step S405, and moves the processing target to the next window handle.

  On the other hand, if the association unit 108 determines in step S407 that the user has pressed the OK button 1303 on the association confirmation screen, it determines that association is necessary, and the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, the associating unit 108 creates related window information such as a window handle to be processed and a file path corresponding to the window handle to be processed.

  Next, in step S409, the associating unit 108 adds the related window information created in S408 to the related window information array 105 of the old active window. Then, the associating unit 108 returns the process to step S405, and moves the processing target to the next window handle.

  By repeating the processes in steps S403 to S409 for the display window acquired in S403, the display state of the related window of the old active window is added to the related window information array 105.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, in the determination step of S <b> 402, an association method is adopted in which windows displayed other than the window are associated with the window when the window is closed and minimized. However, the association method is not limited to this, and any association method can be applied.

  For example, the timing of association is not limited to closing and minimizing the window, but may be configured to be performed only when the active window is switched. That is, regardless of whether the event of the old active window is “closed” or “minimized”, the association may be performed after the execution of step S401 (the processing of steps S403 to S409 is performed). Good.

  Further, the determination of whether or not each window is associated (S407) is not limited to the user instruction on the association confirmation screen shown in FIG. For example, a user operation history (amount of copying, reference switching frequency, reference time, etc.) for the window may be monitored, stored as association data, and association may be automatically performed based on the association data.

  Furthermore, the window automatically displayed by the application based on the operation on the association source window may be configured to be automatically associated with the association source window.

  Further, a user interface for association editing may be presented to the user so that the user can freely edit the association between windows.

  Further, the associating unit 108 or the like changes the display form (display color, shape, window name display font, etc.) of the window that is the association source or an icon indicating the window (window icon on the task bar, etc.) of the related window. The configuration may be such that the display form is controlled differently.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the third control processing procedure according to the present invention, and corresponds to the related window storage processing of the old active window shown in step S306 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the state storage unit 107. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S501, the state storage unit 107 searches the window information table 104 based on the window handle of the old active window, and acquires the related window information array 105.

  Next, in step S502, the state storage unit 107 repeats the processes in steps S503 to S506 for all the related windows included in the related window information array acquired in S501.

  First, in step S503, the state storage unit 107 acquires information such as the reference position, window region, display order, and the like of the processing target related window from the window control unit 102.

  In step S504, the state storage unit 107 overwrites the related window information array of the related window to be processed with the related window information acquired in step S503.

  Next, in step S505, the state storage unit 107 determines whether or not the event of the old active window has been minimized.

  If it is determined in step S505 that the event of the old active window has been minimized, the state storage unit 107 proceeds to step S506, sends a message to the window control unit 102, and minimizes the related window to be processed. Turn into. Then, the state storage unit 107 returns the process to step S503, and moves the processing target to the next related window.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S505 that the event of the old active window has not been minimized, the state storage unit 107 returns the process to step S503 as it is, and moves the processing target to the next related window.

  By repeating the processes in steps S503 to S506 for all the related windows included in the related window information array of the old active window acquired in S501, all the old active windows stored in the related window information array 105 are stored. The display status of the related window is updated.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the fourth control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the related window restoration processing of the new active window shown in step S310 of FIG. Note that the processing in this flowchart is executed by the state restoration unit 106. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S601, the state restoration unit 106 searches the window information table 104 based on the window handle of the new active window that becomes newly active instead of the old active window, and acquires the related window information array.

  Next, in step S602, the state restoration unit 106 repeats the processes in steps S603 to S604 for all the related windows included in the related window information array acquired in S601.

  First, in step S603, the state restoration unit 106 acquires information (related window information) of the reference position 1009, the window area 1008, and the display order 1007 of the related window to be processed from the related window information array.

  Next, in step S604, the state restoration unit 106 restores the state of the related window to be processed based on the related window information acquired in step S603. Then, the state restoration unit 106 returns the process to step S603 and moves the processing target to the next related window.

  It is possible to restore the state of all the related windows of the new active window by repeating the processes of steps S603 to S604 for all the related windows included in the related window information array of the new active window acquired in S601. it can.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  In this embodiment, the file management DB 109 and the related file management DB 12 shown in FIG. 1 are used.

  The file management DB 109 shown in FIG. 1 is a database that stores information such as the file path and URL of each file corresponding to a window, ON / OFF of a related window reference support function, and a related file ID. The file management DB 109 stores information on a file opened in the window when the active window is closed, and is referred to the next time the file is opened.

  The related file management DB 110 is a database that stores the display state of the related window of the active window when the active window is closed. The related file management DB 110 is referred to when the related window is opened next time.

  The file management DB 109 and the related file management DB 110 are realized on the external memory 211 shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the related window reference support processing of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a fifth control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the related window reference support processing in the multi-window display device in the second embodiment. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the monitoring unit 103, the state restoration unit 106, the state storage unit 107, and the association unit 108 illustrated in FIG. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S701, when the monitoring unit 103 receives an active window switching notification from the window control unit 102, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S702. That is, this notification is a trigger for proceeding to step S702.

  In step S <b> 702, the monitoring unit 103 acquires a handle of an active window (hereinafter referred to as an old active window) before the window is switched from the window control unit 102.

  In step S703, the monitoring unit 103 searches the window information table 104 (FIG. 4) based on the handle of the old active window acquired in step S702.

  Next, in step S704, the monitoring unit 103 checks the related window display function 1003 of the old active window based on the search result of S703, and if it is “ON”, the process proceeds to S705, If it is “OFF”, the process proceeds to S706.

  In step S705, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the associating unit 108 to perform the associating process. As a result, the associating unit 108 receives the message from the monitoring unit 103 and performs association processing of the old active window (FIG. 5). Then, when the process of step S705 ends, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S706.

  In step S <b> 706, the monitoring unit 103 acquires the window event of the old active window from the window control unit 102.

  In step S707, the monitoring unit 103 determines whether the event of the old active window is closed. If the event of the old active window is determined to be closed, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S708.

  In step S708, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the state storage unit 107 to perform processing associated with closing the old active window. As a result, the state storage unit 107 receives the message and performs processing associated with closing the old active window. The details of the process associated with the closing of the window are shown in FIG. Then, when the process of step S708 ends, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S711.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that the event of the old active window is not closed, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S709.

  In step S709, the monitoring unit 103 checks the related window display function 1003 of the old active window based on the search result of S703. If it is “ON”, the process proceeds to S710, while “OFF”. In the case of, the process proceeds to S711.

  In step S <b> 710, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the state storage unit 107 to perform related window storage processing of the active window to be processed. Thereby, the state storage unit 107 receives the message and performs a process of storing the state of the related window of the old active window (FIG. 7). Then, when the process of step S711 ends, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S711.

  In step S711, the monitoring unit 103 acquires, from the window control unit 102, a handle of a window that becomes newly active instead of the old active window (hereinafter referred to as a new active window) by window switching.

  In step S712, the monitoring unit 103 searches the window information table 104 (FIG. 4) using the handle of the new active window acquired in step S711 as a key.

  Next, in step S713, the monitoring unit 103 determines whether or not the window handle of the new active window exists in the window information table 104. If it is determined that the window handle exists, the monitoring unit 103 proceeds to step S714 as it is.

  In step S714, the monitoring unit 103 checks the related window display function 1003 of the new active window. If “ON”, the monitoring unit 103 advances the process to step S715.

  In step S <b> 715, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the state restoration unit 106 to perform the related window restoration process of the new active window. As a result, the state restoration unit 106 receives the message and performs restoration processing of the window related to the new active window (FIG. 8). Then, when the process of step S715 ends, the monitoring unit 103 ends the process of this flowchart.

  On the other hand, if step S714 determines that the related window display function 1003 of the new active window is not “ON”, the monitoring unit 103 ends the process of this flowchart.

  If it is determined in step S713 that the window handle of the new active window does not exist in the window information table 104, the process proceeds to step S716.

  In step S716, the monitoring unit 103 sends a message to the state restoration unit 106 so as to perform processing associated with the opening of the new active window. As a result, the state restoration unit 106 receives the message and performs processing associated with opening the new active window. The details of the process associated with the opening of the window are shown in FIG. Then, when the process of step S716 ends, the monitoring unit 103 ends the process of this flowchart.

  Next, processing associated with the closing of the old active window shown in step S708 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the sixth control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the processing accompanying the closing of the old active window shown in step S708 of FIG. Note that the processing of this flowchart is executed by the state storage unit 107. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S801, the state storage unit 107 searches the window information table 104 using the window handle of the old active window as a key, and determines whether the related window display function of the old active window is “ON”. .

  If it is determined in step S801 that the related window display function of the old active window is not “ON”, the state storage unit 107 proceeds to step S815 as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S801 that the related window display function of the old active window is “ON”, the state storage unit 107 advances the process to step S802.

  In step S802, the state storage unit 107 acquires a related window information array of the old active window.

  In step S803, the state storage unit 107 determines whether there is a related window in the old active window. In this determination, the state storage unit 107 checks the number of elements in the related window information array acquired in S802, and determines that the related window of the old active window exists when the number of elements is greater than zero.

  If it is determined in step S803 that the old active window does not have a related window, the state storage unit 107 proceeds to step S814 as it is.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S803 that the old active window has a related window, the state storage unit 107 advances the process to step S804.

  In step S804, the state storage unit 107 searches the file management DB 109 (FIG. 11) based on the file path of the old active window, and acquires the related file ID 1103. Here, the file management DB 109 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the file management DB 109 recorded in the external memory 211.

  The file path / URL 1101 stores the file path or URL of each file.

  The related window display function 1102 indicates whether or not the related file is automatically displayed. A value when the previous window is closed is set, and is used as a default value at the next activation.

  The related file ID 1103 is an ID for identifying related file information in the related file management DB 110 (FIG. 12).

  FIG. 12 is a table showing the data structure of the related file management DB 110 recorded in the external memory 211 as a table.

  The related file ID 1201 is an ID for identifying a related file. The file that is the source of association in the file management DB 109 has this ID, and the file that matches this ID is used as the related file information of the file.

  The file path / URL 1202 stores the file path or URL of each file. An application 1203 represents an application used to open a file.

  The display order 1204 represents the number of the display from the top on the screen, excluding the association source window. The association source window is displayed at the top, followed by the top one from the top.

  The window area 1205 has an X coordinate, a Y coordinate, a width, and a height in order from the left, and the X coordinate and the Y coordinate represent the upper left coordinates of the window. The width and height represent the width and height of the window.

  The reference position (X, Y) 1206 represents which place in the file is to be displayed. From the left, they are the X and Y coordinates. In this embodiment, the scroll position is shown.

  Hereinafter, the description returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S805, the state storage unit 107 determines whether or not the related file ID can be acquired in step S804. If it is determined that the related file ID cannot be acquired, the process proceeds to step S808.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S805 that the related file ID has been acquired in step S804, the state storage unit 107 advances the process to step S806.

  In step S806, the state storage unit 107 issues a related file ID. At this time, the state storage unit 107 checks the file management DB 109 so that the ID becomes a unique ID that does not overlap with related file IDs of other files.

  In step S807, the state storage unit 107 stores the ID issued in step S806 in the file management DB 109 as the related file ID of the old active window. Then, the process proceeds to step S808.

  In step S808, the state storage unit 107 controls to repeat the processes in steps S809 to S813 for all related windows included in the related window information array acquired in step S801.

  First, in step S809, the state storage unit 107 obtains related window information (information such as a reference position, a region, and a display order) of the related window to be processed from the window control unit 102.

  In step S810, the state storage unit 107 stores the related window information acquired in step S809 in the related file management DB 110. At this time, the ID acquired in S804 or the ID issued in S806 matches the file path, and if it exists, the related window information (information such as reference position, window area, display order, etc.) is overwritten and saved. . On the other hand, if it does not exist, related window information (related file ID, file path, reference position, window area, display order, etc.) is additionally stored in the related file management DB 110.

  Next, in step S811, the state storage unit 107 determines whether the related window to be processed is referenced from other windows. In this determination, the state storage unit 107 searches all other related window information arrays using the handle of the related window to be processed as a key. If the handle of the related window to be processed is not included in the other related window information array, it is determined that the related window to be processed is not referenced from another window.

  If it is determined in step S811 that the processing-related window is not referenced from other windows, the state storage unit 107 advances the process to step S812.

  In step S812, the state storage unit 107 sends a message to the window control unit 102, closes the related window to be processed, and deletes information about the related window to be processed from the window information table 109. Then, the process returns to step S809 to move the processing target to the next window.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S811 that the related window to be processed is referenced from other windows, the state storage unit 107 advances the process to step S813.

  In step S813, the state storage unit 107 sends a message to the window control unit 102 to minimize the related window to be processed without closing it. Then, the process returns to step S809 to move the processing target to the next window.

  When the processing of steps S809 to S813 is completed for all the related windows included in the related window information array acquired in S801, the state storage unit 107 advances the processing to step S814.

  In step S814, the state storage unit 107 discards the related window information array of the old active window from the RAM 203, and the process proceeds to step S815.

  In step S815, the state storage unit 107 deletes the window information of the old active window from the window information table 104, and ends the process of this flowchart.

  Next, the process associated with the opening of the new active window shown in step S716 of FIG. 9 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the seventh control processing procedure in the present invention, and corresponds to the processing associated with the opening of the new active window shown in step S716 of FIG. Note that the processing in this flowchart is executed by the state restoration unit 106. That is, the related window reference support program recorded in the external memory 211 is realized by the CPU 201 loading the RAM 203 and executing it.

  First, in step S901, the state restoration unit 106 acquires a path of a file to be opened in the new active window.

  In step S902, the state restoration unit 106 searches the file management DB 109 using the file path acquired in step S901 as a key.

  Next, in step S903, the state restoration unit 106 determines whether a file corresponding to the file path acquired in S901 is registered in the file management DB 109 as a result of the file management DB search process in S902.

  If it is determined in step S903 that the file corresponding to the file path acquired in S901 is registered in the file management DB 109, the state restoration unit 106 advances the process to step S906.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S903 that the file corresponding to the file path acquired in S901 is not registered in the file management DB 109, the state restoration unit 106 advances the process to step S904.

  In step S904, the state restoration unit 106 displays the related window display function setting screen 1400 (FIG. 14) and asks the user for an answer.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a related window display function setting screen 1400.

  In FIG. 14, reference numerals 1401 and 1402 denote radio buttons, and one of them is always selected.

  Reference numeral 1401 denotes a radio button “Turn on related window display function”. When this button is selected and the OK button 1403 is pressed, the related window display function of the active window is turned on.

  Reference numeral 1402 denotes a radio button “Turn off related window display function”. When this button is selected and the OK button 1403 is pressed, the related window display function of the active window is turned off.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the OK button 1403 is pressed on the related window display function setting screen 1400, the state restoration unit 106 advances the process to step S905.

  In step S905, the state restoration unit 106 registers file information such as the file path of the new active window and the related window display function in the file management DB 109. At this time, when the OK button 1403 is pressed while the “turn on” button 1401 is selected on the related window display function setting screen 1400, the state restoration unit 106 sets the related window display function 1102 to “ON”. sign up. On the other hand, when the “turn off” button 1402 is selected and the OK button 1403 is pressed, the state restoration unit 106 registers the related window display function 1102 to “OFF”.

  When the process of step S905 ends, the state restoration unit 106 advances the process to step S906.

  In step S906, the state restoration unit 106 determines whether the related window display function 1102 of the new active window registered in the file management DB 109 is “ON”. If not “ON”, the process proceeds to step S917.

  On the other hand, if the related window display function 1102 of the new active window registered in the file management DB 109 is “ON” in step S906, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S907, the state restoration unit 106 creates a related window information array of the new active window on the RAM 203.

  Next, in step S908, the state restoration unit 106 determines whether the related file ID of the new active window exists in the file management DB 109. If it is determined that the related file ID does not exist, the process proceeds to step S917.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S908 that the related file ID of the new active window exists in the file management DB 109, the state restoration unit 106 acquires the related file ID of the new active window from the file management DB 109, and the process returns to step S909. Proceed with the process.

  In step S909, the state restoration unit 106 searches the related file management DB 110 using the related file ID acquired in step S909 as a key.

  Next, in step S910, the state restoration unit 106 repeats the processes of steps S911 to S916 for all related files whose related file IDs match in the search process of S909.

  In step S911, the state restoration unit 106 acquires related file information of the related file to be processed from the related file management DB 110.

  Next, in step S912, the state restoration unit 106 searches the window information table 104 using the file path as a key from the related file information acquired in S911. If the file path of the related file information acquired in S911 exists in the window information table 104, it is determined that the window of the file corresponding to the file path has been opened, and the process proceeds to step S914.

  On the other hand, in step S912, if the file path of the related file information acquired in step S911 does not exist in the window information table 104, the state recovery unit 106 selects the file corresponding to the related file information. It is determined that the window has not been opened, and the process proceeds to step S913.

  In step S913, the state restoration unit 106 opens a related file in the file path 1202 by using the related file information application 1203 acquired in step S911, and opens a new window. Then, the window information of the related file is added to the window information table 104. Then, the process proceeds to step S914.

  In step S <b> 914, the state restoration unit 106 acquires a window handle of the window corresponding to the related file information acquired in S <b> 911 from the window information table 104.

  Next, in step S915, the state restoration unit 106 creates the file path, display order, window region, reference position, and window handle acquired in S914 from the related file information acquired in S911, and the related window information generated in S907. Set to an array.

  Next, in step S916, the state restoration unit 106 restores the state of the related window for processing based on the related window information set in the related window information array in S916. Then, the process returns to step S911, and the processing target is moved to the next related file.

  When the state restoration unit 106 finishes the processes of steps S911 to S916 for all the related files whose related file IDs match in the search process of S909, the process proceeds to step S917.

  In step S917, the state restoration unit 106 adds window information such as the window handle, file path, related window display function, and related window information array pointer of the new active window to the window information table 104, and performs the processing of this flowchart. finish.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, a file related image and an active window switching image in the present embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a file related image in the present embodiment.

  “Proposal 1” 1510 and “Proposal 2” 1520 have a role as related source windows whose related window display function is “ON” in this embodiment.

  Each has a related window, and has information on the window state such as a window handle, a file path, a reference position, a window area, and a display order of each related window.

  “Proposal 1” 1510 is associated with “Proposal Sample” 1511 and “Similar Patent 1” 1512.

  “Proposal 2” 1520 is associated with “Proposal Sample” 1521, “Similar Patent 2” 1522, and “Diagram Folder” 1523.

  Note that “Proposal Sample” 1511 and “Proposal Sample” 1521 are the same file, but have different information such as a reference position, a window area, and a display order. That is, “Proposal Sample” is associated with both “Proposal 1” 1510 and “Proposal 2” 1520 and is illustrated as “Proposal Sample” 1511 and “Proposal Sample” 1521, respectively.

  Next, an image on the screen when switching the active window based on the relation in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram specifically showing an image on the screen when the active window is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 16, “Proposal 1.doc”, “Similar Patent 1.doc”, “Proposal Sample.pdf”, “Proposal 2.doc” are displayed on the screen of the multi-window display device. "," Similar Patent 2.doc "," Figure Folder ", and the above windows are opened.

  The user opens “Proposal 1.doc” and “Proposal 2.doc” with the related window display function ON.

  First, in the screen image 1610, the user is editing “Proposal 1.doc”. At this time, “Proposal Sample.doc” and “Similar Patent 1.pdf” are also displayed on the screen as related windows of “Proposal 1.doc”.

  Thereafter, when the user minimizes the “suggestion document 1.doc” and activates the “suggestion document 2.doc”, the multi-window display device performs reference support control of the related window like the screen image 1620.

  That is, by minimizing “Proposal 1.doc”, the window status (display status) of “similar patent 1.pdf” and “Proposal Sample.doc” associated therewith is related window information array. After being stored in 105, it is minimized.

  When “Proposal 2.doc” is activated, “Chart”, “Proposal Sample.pdf”, and “Similar Patent 2.doc” associated therewith are displayed on the screen. Since the active window is different between the screen image 1610 and the screen image 1620, the same “Proposal Sample.pdf” is displayed with different window areas, reference positions, and display orders.

  Again, when the user activates “Proposal 1.doc”, the multi-window display device controls as a screen image 1630.

  That is, since the screen state returns to the window state stored when “Proposal 1.doc” was closed last time, the screen image 1630 and the screen image 1610 are in the same window state.

  Then, the window state of “Proposal Sample.doc” also returns from the state of the screen image 1620 to the state of the screen image 1610.

  As described above, according to the related window reference support control of the multi-window display device of this embodiment, the monitoring unit 103 detects that the active window is switched by monitoring the window. In response to this, when the related window display function of the active window is ON, the associating unit 108 associates the windows. Then, the state of the window previously associated with the active window is set and stored in the related window information array on the internal memory (RAM 203).

  In the case of switching the active window by closing the window, the state storage unit 107 stores the state of the window previously associated with the window in the related file management DB. At this time, if the window is not referenced from other windows, the related window is also closed.

  Then, the state restoring unit 106 restores the state of the window previously associated with the window that is newly activated by the window switching based on the related window information array.

  In the case of switching windows by opening a file, the state of the window previously associated with the newly active window is restored based on the information in the related file management DB.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the display state of a window (file) related thereto can be changed in accordance with the change in the situation such as the window switching.

  As described above, in the embodiment, the related window information including the reference position of the related window is stored in the related window information array 105 or the related file management DB, and the active window is switched or the window is closed. When the window is opened, the reference position of the related window of the newly activated window is restored based on the related window information.

  In addition, as the related window information, the selection state in the related window, the cursor position, the button selection state, etc. are stored, and when the related source window becomes active, the related window information is based on the related window information. The selection state, cursor position, button selection state, etc. may be restored.

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

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

  The configuration of a data processing program that can be read by the multi-window display device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the memory map shown in FIG.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a memory map of a recording medium (storage medium) on which various data processing programs readable by the multi-window display device according to the present invention are recorded.

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

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

  The functions shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 13 in this embodiment may be performed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when an information group including a program is supplied to the output device from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external recording medium via a network. Is.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As described above, according to the multi-window display device of the present embodiment, the display state of a window (file) associated with the change of the situation such as the window switching is changed, so The load on the operator can be reduced, and the efficiency of the related window reference work can be improved.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the multi-window display apparatus which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the computer (information processing apparatus) applicable to the multi-window display apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 1st control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a window information table and a related window information arrangement | sequence. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 2nd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of an association confirmation screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 3rd control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 4th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 5th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 6th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of file management DB. It is a figure which shows the data structure of related file management DB as a table | surface. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the 7th control processing procedure in this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a related window display function setting screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the related image of the file in this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image on the screen at the time of active window switching concretely. It is a figure explaining the memory map of the recording medium (storage medium) which recorded the various data processing program which can be read with the multi-window display apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

101 OS
102 window control unit 103 monitoring unit 104 window information table 105 related window information array 106 state restoration unit 107 state storage unit 108 association unit 109 file management DB
110 Related file management DB
1300 Association confirmation screen 1400 Related window display function setting screen

Claims (13)

An information processing apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of windows for displaying files,
A window associating means for associating a first window serving as a reference and a second window among the plurality of windows;
Display state storage means for storing a display state of the second window associated with the first window;
When the first window is activated state, based on the display state of the second window that is associated with the first window, the display state stored in the display condition storage unit and a display state restoring means for restoring Te,
Wherein the display state, the second window size, and comprise a display position of the second window,
The display state storage means includes
When the second window is associated from a plurality of different reference windows, the display state of the second window is stored for each reference window;
The display state restoring means includes
When the second window is associated from a plurality of different reference windows, the reference state that is in an active state among the plurality of display states stored in the display state storage unit An information processing apparatus that restores the display state of the second window based on the one display state corresponding to the window . The display state storage means corresponds to the first window of the second window associated with the first window at a timing when the active window is switched while the first window is active. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display state to be updated is updated. The display state includes a display position indicating which position of the file displayed in the second window is displayed in the second window,
The display state restoring means sets the display position of the file displayed in the second window to the display position stored in the display state when the first window becomes active. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2. The display state includes a cursor position indicating an editing position of the second window,
The display state restoring means sets the cursor position of the second window to the cursor position stored in the display state when the first window becomes active. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   When the second window closes the first window, if the second window is not associated with the other first window, the second window closes the second window; On the other hand, when said 2nd window is linked | related with the said other 1st window, it has a control means which controls so that the said 2nd window may not be closed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.   The display state includes the file path of the file displayed in the first window and the file path of the file displayed in the second window associated with the first window as related files. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the file is opened, the display state restoration unit opens the related file if the related file of the file to be opened is not already opened.   In accordance with an association instruction from an operator, an operator association unit is provided, in which a specific window is the first window serving as the reference, and another window is the second window associated with the first window. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.   Operation history associating means, based on an operation history between a specific window and another window, the specific window as the first window serving as the reference, and the other window as the associated second window. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: an information processing apparatus according to claim 1;   Display form control means for controlling the display form of the icon indicating the first window or the first window to be different from the display form of the second window associated with the first window; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. An information processing method capable of displaying a plurality of windows for displaying files,
A window associating step associating a first window as a reference and a second window among the plurality of windows;
A display state storage step in which a display state registration unit stores a display state of the second window associated with the first window in a display state storage unit ;
When the first window becomes active, the display state restoring means stores the display state of the second window associated with the first window in the display state storage means. comprising a display state restoration step for restoring on the basis of the display state are the,
The display state includes a size of the second window and a display position of the second window ,
In the display state storing step,
When the second window is associated with a plurality of different reference windows, the display state storage unit stores the display state of the second window for each reference window. There,
The display state restoration step includes:
When the second window is associated from a plurality of different reference windows, the reference state that is in an active state among the plurality of display states stored in the display state storage unit An information processing method comprising: restoring the display state of the second window based on the one display state corresponding to the window . A computer that can display multiple windows for displaying files
A window associating means for associating a first window as a reference and a second window among the plurality of windows;
Display state registration means for storing a display state of the second window associated with the first window in a display state storage means ;
When the first window is activated state, based on the display state of the second window that is associated with the first window, the display state stored in the display condition storage unit a program to function as the display state restoring means for restoring Te,
The display state includes a size of the second window and a display position of the second window ,
The display state registration means includes
When the second window is associated with a plurality of different reference windows, the display state storage unit stores the display state of the second window for each reference window. There,
The display state restoring means includes
When the second window is associated from a plurality of different reference windows, the reference state that is in an active state among the plurality of display states stored in the display state storage unit A program for restoring the display state of the second window based on the one display state corresponding to the window .   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 12 is recorded.

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