JP5260760B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable cursor control or function selection operation suitable to a displayed screen situation without changing an input device. <P>SOLUTION: A menu screen identification number, a menu screen arrangement coordinate, and information recorded in a cursor control system are read from a menu screen arrangement information recording table and displayed on a monitor. A processing operation for determining an optimal cursor control system is executed on the basis of the read information. If, as a result of determination, a free cursor mode is determined as the optimal cursor control system, free cursor control is executed so as to respond to action information, such as a moving direction and a moving amount when a remote control main body is moved, and such as operation information on an operating key. Meanwhile, if the free cursor mode is not determined as the optimal cursor control system, block cursor control is executed so as to respond to the action information, such as the moving direction and the moving amount when the remote control main body is moved, and such as the operation information on an operating key. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that can alternatively execute a plurality of information processing functions.

  In recent years, proposals have been made with the aim of making it easy for a cursor to easily hit a plurality of individual commands displayed simultaneously in a menu area displayed on a display unit of an information processing apparatus. In the above proposal, the menu area is enlarged and displayed by moving the cursor to the menu area, and the menu area is restored to the original size when the cursor moves out of the menu area (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-4-243422

  Below, the background to which the technique currently disclosed by the said patent document 1 was proposed is demonstrated.

  In recent years, information processing devices capable of handling various types of information such as characters, moving images, and voices have become widespread. The information processing device allows a user to operate an attached remote controller while viewing a menu screen on which a plurality of function buttons are arranged or a multi-layered menu screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing device. Thus, any one of a plurality of functions included in the information processing device (a function desired by the user) is selected.

  In the function selection, for example, “block cursor mode” is adopted. The block cursor mode is a method in which a cursor (so-called “block cursor”) that sequentially moves to a function button placement location is moved to a function button desired by the user and selected in accordance with a command signal from the remote controller. .

  By the way, in the function selection method, the user has to perform an operation of searching for a menu screen, an operation of moving the cursor to a desired function button, and the like. Therefore, when the user selects a desired function button, the user must frequently operate the buttons on the remote controller, which is inconvenient.

  Therefore, information processing devices that allow users to call functions desired by the user without frequent button operations have become widespread.

  In the information processing device, the remote controller is provided with a plurality of function selection / determination buttons corresponding to various functions of the device. However, the information processing device is not convenient for the user because the number of function selection / decision buttons provided on the remote controller increases due to the multi-functionality of the device.

  Therefore, in recent years, an information processing device has been proposed in which the attached remote controller is not provided with a plurality of function selection / determination buttons as described above.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the proposal, for example, “free cursor mode” is adopted as the function selection. This free cursor mode is a method in which a cursor (so-called “free cursor”) that can be freely moved on the menu screen is moved to a function button desired by the user and selected in accordance with a command signal from the remote controller. is there.

  In the information processing device, the attached remote controller is provided with a so-called touchpad device that detects the movement of the user's finger, an acceleration sensor that detects the operation of the remote control body (for example, back and forth, left and right, and vertical movement). The information processing apparatus moves the cursor according to the detection result.

  Therefore, when the user selects a desired function, for example, the user holds the cursor on the desired function button on the function selection screen currently displayed on the display unit, and operates a decision button such as a remote control on the spot. Work etc. are necessary.

  However, the above operation is extremely inoperable for the user.

  In view of the above, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

  In the above technique, a menu screen that can be used in any one of the two function selection modes (block cursor mode and free cursor mode) is output, and the menu is displayed by the user using a remote controller. A method of selecting a desired function button by a selection method suitable for the screen status of the screen is employed.

  However, in such a method, for example, when selecting in the block cursor mode, the up / down / left / right buttons or numeric keys of the remote control are used, and when selecting in the free cursor mode, the touch pad device is used. There is a problem that it is troublesome for the user because different input devices must be used depending on the function selection method.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of performing cursor control and function selection operation suitable for a displayed screen situation without changing an input device.

  An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention can selectively execute a plurality of information processing functions, and screen information indicating the plurality of information processing functions is arranged on the display unit and the display unit. A menu screen output unit for outputting the displayed menu screen, a storage unit for storing information related to a cursor control method suitable for each of the plurality of menu screens that can be displayed on the display unit, and a display unit A cursor selection / output unit that selects a cursor suitable for the menu selection screen with reference to information related to the cursor control method stored in the storage unit and outputs the selected cursor to the display unit.

  The function of the menu screen output unit is realized, for example, by executing an application program related to the processing operation by an arithmetic processing unit built in the information processing apparatus.

  Similarly, the function of the cursor selection / output unit is realized, for example, by executing an application program related to the processing operation by an arithmetic processing unit built in the information processing apparatus.

  In a preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the information relating to the cursor control method includes both information relating to a free cursor and information relating to a block cursor.

  In an embodiment different from the above, the cursor output to the display unit by the cursor selection / output unit is replaced with a cursor input from the user to the information processing device via an input device attached to the information processing device. A cursor moving unit that moves to a function selection screen desired by the user in accordance with a movement command signal is further provided.

  The function of the cursor moving unit is realized, for example, by executing an application program related to the processing operation by an arithmetic processing unit built in the information processing apparatus.

  In another embodiment different from the above, the menu screen output unit further includes a screen control unit that pops up a function selection screen of the movement destination where the cursor is moved.

  The function of the screen control unit is realized, for example, by executing an application program related to the processing operation by an arithmetic processing unit built in the information processing apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention can selectively execute a plurality of information processing functions, and is a cursor suitable for each of a display unit and a plurality of menu screens that can be displayed on the display unit. A storage unit that stores information related to the control method, and outputs a menu screen in which screen information indicating the plurality of information processing functions is arranged on the display unit as a cursor selection output method in the information processing apparatus A first step for selecting a cursor suitable for a menu selection screen displayed on the display unit with reference to information relating to a cursor control method stored in the storage unit; And a third step of outputting the cursor selected in the second step to the display unit.

  An information processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention can alternatively execute a plurality of information processing functions, and screen information indicating the plurality of information processing functions is arranged on the display unit and the display unit. A menu screen output unit for outputting the displayed menu screen, a first storage unit for storing information relating to a cursor control method suitable for each of the plurality of menu screens that can be displayed on the display unit, and the display unit Threshold information on the size of the menu screen displayed on the screen, information on the cursor control method applied when the size of the menu screen is larger than the threshold value, and when the size of the menu screen is equal to or smaller than the threshold value A second storage unit for storing information related to the cursor control method and a cursor suitable for the menu selection screen displayed on the display unit are stored in the first storage unit. A first cursor selection / output unit that selects and outputs information to the display unit with reference to information relating to the sol control method, and a size of the menu screen based on an externally given menu screen enlargement / reduction command signal The menu screen size threshold value information stored in the second storage unit is compared, a cursor control method suitable for the menu screen size related to the command signal is selected based on the comparison result, and the selected A second cursor selection / output unit for outputting the selected cursor to the display unit by changing the cursor related to the cursor control method from the first cursor selection / output unit to a cursor being output to the display unit; .

  In a preferred embodiment according to the third aspect of the present invention, the information related to the cursor control method includes both information related to the free cursor and information related to the block cursor.

  In an embodiment different from the above, the cursor output to the display unit by the cursor selection / output unit is replaced with a cursor input from the user to the information processing device via an input device attached to the information processing device. A cursor moving unit that moves to a function selection screen desired by the user in accordance with a movement command signal is further provided.

  In another embodiment different from the above, the menu screen output unit further includes a screen control unit that pops up a function selection screen of the movement destination where the cursor is moved.

  An information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention can alternatively execute a plurality of information processing functions, and screen information indicating the plurality of information processing functions is arranged on the display unit and the display unit. A menu screen output unit for outputting the displayed menu screen, a first storage unit for storing information relating to a cursor control method suitable for each of the plurality of menu screens that can be displayed on the display unit, and the display unit Threshold information on the size of the menu screen displayed on the screen, information on the cursor control method applied when the size of the menu screen is larger than the threshold value, and when the size of the menu screen is equal to or smaller than the threshold value A second storage unit that stores information relating to the cursor control method, and a menu displayed on the display unit as a cursor selection output method in the information processing apparatus A first step of selecting a cursor suitable for the selection screen with reference to the information related to the cursor control method stored in the first storage unit, and outputting the cursor to the display unit; and a menu given from the outside A second step of comparing the size of the menu screen based on the screen enlargement / reduction command signal and the menu screen size threshold information stored in the second storage unit, and comparison in the second step Based on the result, a third step of selecting a cursor control method suitable for the menu screen size related to the command signal, and a change to the cursor selected in the first step and being displayed on the display unit, And a fourth step of outputting the cursor selected in the step to the display unit.

  The functions of the menu screen output unit, cursor selection / output unit, cursor movement unit, and screen control unit described above are realized by executing the application program related to the processing operation by the arithmetic processing unit as described above. However, instead of these application programs, hardware having the respective functions may be installed in the information processing apparatus.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the information processing apparatus which can perform cursor control suitable for the displayed screen condition and a function selection operation | movement can be provided, without changing an input device.

The functional block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information processing system based on one Embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the menu screen arrangement | positioning information recording table of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the function selection screen arrangement | positioning information recording table of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a screen structure of the menu screen displayed on the monitor 3 of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the data structure of the selected function selection screen arrangement | positioning information recording table of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the function button arrangement | positioning information recording table of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the function selection screen displayed on a monitor, when the function selection screen of FIG. 4 is selected. Explanatory drawing which shows the state which designated the function button in the function selection screen of FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operations of each unit constituting the information processing system illustrated in FIG. 1 when determining a cursor control method for a menu screen. The functional block diagram which shows the whole structure of the information processing system based on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of the remote controller shown in FIG. 10. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of a data structure of the menu screen size threshold value recording table of FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation of each unit constituting the information processing system shown in FIG. 10 when determining a cursor control method when the menu screen is enlarged / reduced. FIG. 11 is a modified plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged plan view in which a part of the configuration of the remote control shown in FIG. 10 is changed.

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

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system includes an information processing device 1 and a monitor 3, and the information processing device 1 includes an information processing device main body (hereinafter abbreviated as “device main body”) 10 and a remote controller. (Remote controller) 5. The apparatus main body 10 and the monitor 3 are connected to each other through, for example, the communication cable 4 so as to be able to exchange information.

  The apparatus main body 10 reads information from, for example, a DVD that is one of information recording media, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) that is one of information recording apparatuses, and writes information to the DVD or the HDD. It is a computer having a DVD / HDD recorder, a mouse, a keyboard, etc. The apparatus main body 10 includes an image output unit 7, a receiving unit 9, a storage unit 11, and a control unit 20. These units (reference numerals 7, 9, 11, and 20) can exchange information with each other through a bus line 16 built in the apparatus main body 10.

  When the image output unit 7 receives a data output command signal from the control unit 20 through the bus line 16 under the control of the control unit 20, the image output unit 7 controls the cursor (that is, pointer) information and the apparatus body 10 based on the command signal. Information indicating various functions installed, image information, or the like is output to the monitor 3 as visible information.

  In the present embodiment, the monitor 3 employs a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display (both not shown). The monitor 3 is connected to the image output unit 7 via an I / O interface (not shown). The monitor 3 displays image information output from the image output unit 7 through an I / O interface (not shown).

  When receiving a command signal for operating the apparatus main body 10 wirelessly transmitted from the remote controller 5 under the control of the control unit 20, the receiving unit 9 outputs the command signal to the control unit 20 through the bus line 16. .

  Here, the remote controller 5 is a device for operating the apparatus main body 10 and includes, for example, up / down / left / right buttons and numeric keys (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as “operation keys”). When the user operates the operation key, the remote controller 5 wirelessly transmits a command signal corresponding to the operation to the receiving unit 9. The remote controller 5 also includes a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor) that acquires operation information such as a moving direction and a moving amount when the user moves the main body of the remote controller 5 in all directions (up, down, left and right directions, etc.). When the user moves the main body of the remote controller 5, a command signal corresponding to the operation is wirelessly transmitted to the receiving unit 9.

  The storage unit 11 is a memory for storing various application programs and various data that define arithmetic processing operations executed by the control unit 20, and for example, a hard disk or a semiconductor memory is used. In the storage unit 11, for example, one or a plurality of application programs 13 (only one is shown for convenience of illustration and description), a menu screen arrangement information recording table 14, a plurality of function selection screen arrangement information recording tables 15, selected Along with the function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17 and the plurality of function button arrangement information recording tables 18, various data (not shown) are stored. Various information recorded in the menu screen layout information recording table 14, the function selection screen layout information recording table 15, the selected function selection screen layout information recording table 17, the function button layout information recording table 18, etc. It is written based on the information write command signal output from the control unit 20 through the line 16, and is output to the control unit 20 through the bus line 16 based on the information read command signal output from the control unit 20 through the bus line 16. .

  The application program 13 includes, for example, a control program for controlling each unit of the apparatus main body 10 executed by the control unit 20, a menu screen for displaying information indicating various functions of the apparatus main body 10, and the menu screen A menu screen generation control program for generating / controlling function selection screens, function buttons, and the like displayed when selecting the above information is included. The application program 13 defines the control operation of the control unit 20 based on command information input from the user through an operation unit (not shown) of the apparatus body 10 or various buttons of the remote controller 5.

  In the menu screen arrangement information recording table 14, one or a plurality of menu screens generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program) under the control of the control unit 20 are arranged at predetermined positions on the monitor 3 ( Information for display) is recorded. The menu screen arrangement information recording table 14 also records information such as a cursor control method suitable for the user to select information indicating various functions arranged in the menu screen. Selection of information indicating the function is performed by the user operating the remote controller 5 while observing the monitor 3 by displaying the menu screen on the monitor 3.

  In the function selection screen arrangement information recording table 15, one or a plurality of function selection screens generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program) under the control of the control unit 20 are stored in a predetermined area in the menu screen. Information for arranging (displaying) the position is stored. In the function selection screen arrangement information recording table 15, for example, when the cursor (pointer) is on the function selection screen, or the user selects a part of the function selection screen using the remote controller 5. In this case, information such as processing operations performed by the apparatus main body 10 is also stored in association with each other for each of one or a plurality of function selection screens.

  The selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17 includes one or a plurality of user-selected function selection screens generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program) under the control of the control unit 20. Information for arranging (displaying) at a predetermined position on the menu screen of the monitor 3 is recorded. The selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17 also includes information such as a cursor control method suitable for the user to select information indicating various functions arranged in the selected function selection screen. Is also recorded.

  In the function button arrangement information recording table 18, one or more function buttons generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program) under the control of the control unit 20 are displayed at predetermined positions in the function selection screen. Information for arrangement (display) is stored. The function button arrangement information recording table 18 also includes, for example, the apparatus main body 10 when the cursor (pointer) is on the function button or when the user selects the function button using the remote controller 5. Also, information such as processing operations performed is stored in association with each of one or a plurality of function buttons.

  Configuration examples of the menu screen arrangement information recording table 14, the function selection screen arrangement information recording table 15, the selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17, and the function button arrangement information recording table 18 will be described in detail later.

  The control unit 20 executes the application program 13, and uses each information read from each of the tables while referring to various data stored in the storage unit 11 as necessary. Performs the arithmetic processing operation requested by the program. In addition, when executing the menu screen generation control program, the control unit 20 executes a calculation processing operation according to a flowchart shown in FIG. 9 described later.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the menu screen arrangement information recording table 14 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the menu screen arrangement information recording table 14 includes a menu screen identification number recording area 21, a menu screen arrangement coordinate recording area 23, and a cursor control method recording area 25.

  The menu screen identification number recording area 21 is an area for individually recording a plurality of pieces of identification number information for identifying one or a plurality of menu screens generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program). is there.

  In the menu screen arrangement coordinate recording area 23, a plurality of pieces of plane coordinate information for arranging (displaying) the generated menu screen at a predetermined position of the monitor 3 are stored in the one or more menu screen identification number information. This is an area for recording in correspondence with each other.

  The cursor control method recording area 25 is an area for recording cursor control method information suitable for the selection when a desired function is selected from a plurality of functions displayed on the generated menu screen. is there. In the cursor control method recording area 25, cursor control method information suitable for the selection is recorded in association with each other for each plane coordinate information recorded in the menu screen arrangement coordinate recording area 23.

  In the present embodiment, for example, “(X1, Y1) = (0, 0)”, “(X2, Y2) = (650) as the menu screen arrangement coordinate information for the menu screen identification number information“ M0 (41) ”. , 450) ”, and“ free cursor ”as the cursor control method information is associated with the menu screen arrangement coordinate information.

  In the following, for example, numbers shown in parentheses () such as “M0 (41)” are numbers for identifying a menu screen, a function selection screen, a function button, and the like, which will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the function selection screen arrangement information recording table 15 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the function selection screen arrangement information recording table 15 includes a function selection screen identification number recording area 31, a function selection screen arrangement coordinate recording area 33, and a related process identification number recording area 35.

  The function selection screen identification number recording area 31 is used for individually recording a plurality of pieces of identification number information for identifying one or a plurality of function selection screens generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program). It is an area.

  The function selection screen arrangement coordinate recording area 33 includes a plurality of pieces of plane coordinate information for arranging (displaying) the generated function selection screen at a predetermined position in the menu screen, and the one or more function selection screens. This is an area for recording in correspondence with the identification number information.

  The related process identification number recording area 35 is, for example, a device when the cursor (pointer) is on the generated function selection screen or when the user selects the function button using the remote controller 5. This is an area for recording information defining processing operations performed by the main body 10. In the related process identification number recording area 35, information defining the processing operation performed by the apparatus main body 10 when the function button is selected is displayed for each plane coordinate information recorded in the function selection screen arrangement coordinate recording area 33. Are recorded in association with each other.

  In the present embodiment, for example, for the function selection screen identification number information “G1 (43)”, “(X1, Y1) = (50, 50)”, “(X2, Y2) as the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information. ) = (200, 200) ”, and“ M1 ”is associated with the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Similarly, “(X1, Y1) = (250, 50)” and “(X2, Y2) = (400, 200)” are associated with “G2 (45)” as the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information. “M2” is associated with the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Also, “(X1, Y1) = (450, 50)” and “(X2, Y2) = (600, 200)” are associated with “G3 (47)” as the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information. “M3” is associated with the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Further, “(X1, Y1) = (50, 250)” and “(X2, Y2) = (200, 400)” are associated with “G4 (49)” as the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information. “M4” is associated with the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Further, “(X1, Y1) = (250, 250)” and “(X2, Y2) = (400, 400)” are associated with “G5 (51)” as the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information. “M5” is associated with the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Furthermore, “(X1, Y1) = (450, 250)” and “(X2, Y2) = (600, 400)” are associated with “G6 (53)” as the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information. “M6” is associated with the function selection screen arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the screen configuration of the menu screen displayed on the monitor 3 shown in FIG.

  The menu screen 41 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program) under the control of the control unit 20 when the user performs the menu screen output operation using the remote controller 5, for example. And generated based on the information recorded in the menu screen layout information recording table 14 and the function selection screen layout information recording table 15.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the menu screen 41 includes a total of six function selection screens denoted by reference numerals 43 to 53.

  In the menu screen 41, a function selection screen denoted by reference numeral 43 is a screen for setting various functions of the apparatus main body 10, for example. Next, a function selection screen denoted by reference numeral 45 is a screen for setting various information necessary for viewing a TV program, which is one of the functions of the apparatus main body 10, for example.

  Next, the function selection screen denoted by reference numeral 47 sets various information necessary for recording, for example, image information and / or audio information, which is one of the functions of the apparatus main body 10, on a predetermined recording medium. It is a screen to do. Next, the function selection screen denoted by reference numeral 49 is a screen for setting various information necessary for reproducing image information and / or audio information, which is one of the functions of the apparatus body 10, for example. .

  Next, on the function selection screen denoted by reference numeral 51, for example, image information and / or audio information, which is one of the functions of the apparatus body 10, is set and various information necessary for recording is set. It is a screen to do. Next, the function selection screen denoted by reference numeral 53 is, for example, one of the functions of the apparatus body 10, for example, a function as an information processing device such as a computer, and information communication using the function. It is a screen for setting necessary information.

  The rectangular areas shown in the reference numerals 43 to 53 are function buttons for performing various function setting processes of the apparatus main body 10.

  The black star shape 55 shown on the function selection screen 51 is a cursor (pointer) for selecting the above-described function button, menu screen, and function selection screen.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data structure of the selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17 includes a selected function selection screen identification number recording area 22, a selected function selection screen arrangement coordinate recording area 24, and a cursor control method recording area 26. including.

  The identification number recording area 22 records individually a plurality of pieces of identification number information for identifying one or a plurality of selected function selection screens generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program). It is an area.

  The arrangement coordinate recording area 24 includes a plurality of pieces of plane coordinate information for arranging (displaying) the generated selected function selection screen at a predetermined position on the menu screen of the monitor 3. This is an area for recording in association with the selected function selection screen identification number information.

  The cursor control method recording area 26 is an area for recording cursor control method information suitable for the selection when a desired function is selected from a plurality of functions displayed on the function selection screen. In the cursor control method recording area 26, cursor control method information suitable for the selection is recorded in association with each plane coordinate information recorded in the arrangement coordinate recording area 24.

  In the present embodiment, for example, with respect to the identification number information “M5 (61)”, the arrangement coordinate information is “(X1, Y1) = (150, 80)”, “(X2, Y2) = (500, 400). ) ”And“ block cursor ”as the cursor control method information is associated with the screen arrangement coordinate information.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the function button arrangement information recording table 18 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the function button arrangement information recording table 18 includes a function button identification number recording area 32, a function button arrangement coordinate recording area 34, and a related process identification number recording area 36.

  The function button identification number recording area 32 is an area for individually recording a plurality of pieces of identification number information for identifying one or a plurality of function buttons generated by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program). is there.

  The function button arrangement coordinate recording area 34 includes plane coordinate information for arranging (displaying) the generated function button at a predetermined position in the menu screen as one or more function button identification number information. This is an area for recording in correspondence with each other.

  The related process identification number recording area 36 is an apparatus when the cursor (pointer) is on the generated function selection screen or when the user selects the function button using the remote controller 5, for example. This is an area for recording information that defines the processing operation performed by 10.

  In the present embodiment, for example, for the function button identification number information “A11 (63)”, “(X1, Y1) = (200, 100)”, “(X2, Y2) = (250, 130) ”is associated, and“ R1 ”is associated with the function button arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Similarly, “(X1, Y1) = (300, 100)” and “(X2, Y2) = (450, 130)” are associated with “B12 (65)” as the function button arrangement coordinate information. “R2” is associated with the function button arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  “C13 (67)” is associated with “(X1, Y1) = (200, 180)” and “(X2, Y2) = (250, 210)” as the function button arrangement coordinate information. In addition, “R3” is associated with the function button arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  “D14 (69)” is associated with “(X1, Y1) = (300, 180)” and “(X2, Y2) = (450, 210)” as the function button arrangement coordinate information. In addition, “R4” is associated with the function button arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Also, “(X1, Y1) = (200, 260)” and “(X2, Y2) = (250, 290)” are associated with “E15 (71)” as the function button arrangement coordinate information. In addition, “R5” is associated with the function button arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  Furthermore, “(X1, Y1) = (300, 260)” and “(X2, Y2) = (450, 290)” are associated with “F16 (73)” as the function button arrangement coordinate information. In addition, “R6” is associated with the function button arrangement coordinate information as the related process identification number information.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a function selection screen 61 displayed on the monitor 3 when the function selection screen 51 shown in FIG. 4 is selected.

  The function selection screen 61 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table 17 and the function button arrangement information by the application program 13 (menu screen generation control program) under the control of the control unit 20, for example. It is generated based on information recorded in the recording table 18. The function selection screen 61 is, for example, under the control of the control unit 20 when the cursor (pointer) is on the function selection screen 51 or when the user selects the function button using the remote controller 5. Are displayed (popped up) on the menu screen 41.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the function selection screen 61 includes a total of six function buttons denoted by reference numerals 63 to 73.

  In the function selection screen 61, a function button denoted by reference numeral 63 has a function of recording and / or recording a TV program currently being viewed, which is one of recording and / or recording functions of the apparatus body 10, for example. It is a button to execute.

  Next, a function button denoted by reference numeral 65 is used when, for example, recording of the apparatus main body 10 and / or reservation setting for recording a TV program (so-called recording reservation), which is one of recording functions, is performed. This is a button for inputting various information necessary for making a recording reservation using a program guide (Electric Program Guide, hereinafter abbreviated as “EPG”).

  Next, a function button denoted by reference numeral 67 is used, for example, when recording a TV program, which is one of recording and / or recording functions of the apparatus body 10, without using the EPG (that is, the remote controller 5). This is a button for inputting various information necessary to make a recording reservation (by operating the operation keys). Next, a function button denoted by reference numeral 69 can record, for example, a TV program scheduled to be recorded on a predetermined recording medium, which is one of recording and / or recording functions of the apparatus body 10, on the recording medium. It is a button for inputting various information necessary for recording so as to be within the recording area.

  Next, the function button denoted by reference numeral 71 records, and / or records, for example, image information and / or audio information from an external device, which is one of the recording and / or recording functions of the apparatus body 10. It is a button to execute. Next, a function button denoted by reference numeral 73 is, for example, various information necessary for recording another program while reproducing the recorded program, which is one of the recording and / or recording functions of the apparatus body 10. It is a button for inputting.

  A rectangular area indicated by a broken line 63 indicates the position of the cursor (pointer) immediately after the function selection screen 61 is displayed on the menu screen 41.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the function button 65 is designated on the function selection screen 61 shown in FIG.

  Selection of the function button 65 on the function selection screen 61 is performed by the user operating the remote controller 5 and moving the cursor (pointer) by a cursor control method (block cursor mode in the present embodiment) corresponding to the function selection screen 61. It is selected by. When the function button 65 is selected, the apparatus body 10 executes a processing operation corresponding to the function button 65 recorded in advance.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of each part constituting the information processing system shown in FIG. 1 when determining the cursor control method of the menu screen.

  In FIG. 9, when the user operates the remote controller 5 and transmits a menu screen display command to the apparatus main body 10, a menu screen display request is input to the apparatus main body 10 through the receiving unit 9 and the bus line 16. (Step S11). When the above-described menu screen display request is input to the control unit 20 through the reception unit 9 and the bus line 16, the control unit 20 is involved in controlling the cursor (pointer) recorded in the storage unit 11. A process for initializing information and the like is executed (step S12).

  Next, the control unit 20 calls the information recorded in the menu screen identification number 21, the menu screen arrangement coordinates 23, and the cursor control method 25 from the menu screen arrangement information recording table 14 (step S13). Information is displayed and output on the monitor 3 through the bus line 16, the image output unit 7, and the communication cable 4 (step S14). Thereby, for example, the menu screen 41 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the monitor 3.

  Next, the control unit 20 executes a processing operation for selecting an optimum cursor control method on the menu screen 41 based on the information called in step S14 (for example, the cursor control method information etc.) (step S14). S15). That is, it is determined whether the optimum cursor control method for moving the cursor (pointer) on the menu screen 41 is the free cursor mode or the block cursor mode (step S16).

  As a result of the determination, if the control unit 20 determines that the free cursor mode is the optimal cursor control method (Yes in step S16), the control unit 20 transmits the remote control 5 main body transmitted from the remote control 5. The free cursor control is executed in accordance with the operation information such as the movement direction and the movement amount, the operation information of the operation keys, and the like (step S17). When the control unit 20 receives a new command signal from the remote controller 5, for example, while the free cursor control is being executed, the control unit 20 proceeds to the processing operation shown in step S13 (step S18).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the control unit 20 determines that the free cursor mode is not the optimal cursor control method (No in step S16), the control unit 20 moves the remote control 5 main body transmitted from the remote control 5. The block cursor control is executed so as to correspond to the operation information such as the movement direction and movement amount at the time, the operation information of the operation keys, and the like (step S19). When the control unit 20 receives a new command signal from the remote controller 5, for example, while the free cursor control is being executed, the control unit 20 proceeds to the processing operation shown in step S13 (step S20).

  As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, cursor control suitable for the displayed screen situation and function selection operation can be performed without changing the input device itself such as a remote control or a touch pad. It is possible to realize a significant improvement in operability.

  FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  In the information processing system shown in FIG. 10, the menu screen size threshold recording table 19 is newly stored in the storage unit 11, and the remote controller 81 has a command for enlarging / reducing the menu screen shown in FIG. 4. The configuration is different from the information processing system shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those described in FIG. 1, and therefore, in FIG. 10, the same components as those described in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the menu screen size threshold value recording table 19, the threshold value of the size of the menu screen, which is a reference for the control unit 20 to select whether the cursor control method is the free cursor control method or the block cursor control method. Information is recorded. Note that the size of the menu screen is enlarged / reduced by the user operating a remote controller 81 to be described later.

  FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view of the remote controller 81 shown in FIG.

  The remote controller 81 shown in FIG. 11 includes an operation key 83 for reducing a menu screen (for example, the menu screen 41 of FIG. 4) displayed on the monitor 3 and an operation key 85 for expanding the menu screen. The configuration differs from the remote control 5 shown in FIG.

  When the user operates the reduction operation key 83, the size of the menu screen displayed on the monitor 3 is reduced, and when the user operates the enlargement operation key 85, the size of the menu screen is enlarged.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the menu screen size threshold value recording table 19 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the menu screen size threshold recording table 19 includes a menu screen size threshold recording area 87 and a cursor control method recording area 89.

  The menu screen size threshold recording area 87 is an area for recording size information of a menu screen that is a reference when switching the cursor control method.

  The cursor control method recording area 89 is an area for recording cursor control method information corresponding to the size of the generated menu screen.

  In the menu screen size threshold recording area 87, as a reference value when switching the cursor control method, for example, “X2-X1 (horizontal side length)” is “360”, “Y2-Y1 (vertical length). Side length) ”is set to“ 330 ”.

  In the cursor control method recording area 89, for example, when the length of the horizontal side is “360” and the length of the vertical side is larger than “330”, the cursor control method of the menu screen is “ "Free cursor mode" is set to be adopted. Further, for example, when the length of the horizontal side is “360” and the length of the vertical side is smaller than or equal to “330”, the cursor control method of the menu screen is set to “block cursor mode”. It is set to adopt.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of each part of the information processing system shown in FIG. 10 when determining the cursor control method when the menu screen is enlarged / reduced.

  In FIG. 13, when the user operates the remote controller 81, the control unit 20 displays the information recorded in the menu screen identification number 21, the menu screen arrangement coordinates 23, and the cursor control method 25 as the menu screen arrangement information recording table. 14 and displays the output information on the monitor 3 through the bus line 16, the image output unit 7 and the communication cable 4 (step S31). Thereby, for example, the menu screen 41 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the monitor 3.

  Next, when the control unit 20 inputs the transmitted menu screen size enlargement / reduction command signal from the remote controller 81 through the receiving unit 9 and the bus line 16 (step S32), the menu screen displayed on the monitor 3 is displayed. Information obtained as a result of the arithmetic processing is performed by referring to the layout information recorded in the menu screen layout information recording table 14 or the like so that the size matches the size related to the command signal. Is output to the monitor 3 through the bus line 16, the image output unit 7, and the communication cable 4 (step S33).

  Next, the control unit 20 refers to the information recorded in the menu screen size threshold recording table 19 stored in the storage unit 11, and the size of the menu screen being displayed is the menu screen size threshold recording table. It is determined whether or not the menu screen size threshold value recorded in 19 is exceeded (step S34).

  As a result of the determination, if the control unit 20 determines that the size of the menu screen exceeds a predetermined threshold (Yes in step S35), the control unit 20 changes the cursor control method for the enlarged / reduced menu screen. The processing operation for this is executed (step S36). And the control part 20 respond | corresponds to operation information, such as a moving direction and moving amount when moving the remote control 81 main body, the operation information of an operation key, etc. which are transmitted from the remote control 81 using an applicable cursor control system. Thus, a predetermined processing operation is executed (step S37).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, if the control unit 20 determines that the size of the menu screen does not exceed the predetermined threshold (No in step S35), the size of the menu screen is enlarged / reduced. The previous cursor control method is maintained (step S38), and the process proceeds to step S37.

  As described above, according to another embodiment of the present invention, for example, cursor control suitable for a displayed screen situation and function selection operation can be performed without changing an input device itself such as a remote controller or a touchpad. It is possible to realize a significant improvement in operability.

  14 is a modified example of another embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged plan view in which a part of the configuration of the remote control 81 shown in FIG. 10 is changed.

  The remote controller 91 shown in FIG. 14 includes an operation key 93 for selectively setting one of the block cursor mode and the free cursor mode, which is one of the methods for moving the cursor described above. 10 differs from the remote control 81 described in FIG. When the user operates a key for selecting the block cursor mode, the remote controller 91 wirelessly transmits a command signal corresponding to the key operation to the receiving unit 9. In addition, when the user operates a key for selecting the free cursor mode, the remote controller 91 wirelessly transmits a command signal corresponding to the key operation to the receiving unit 9.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, this is an example for explaining the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the menu screen is mainly exemplified as the cursor control method switching process. However, the above-described embodiment is not limited only to the above contents, and the function selection screen or the like can be used. The present invention can also be applied to all images displayed on a monitor.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus, 3 ... Monitor, 4 ... Communication cable, 5 ... Remote control, 7 ... Image output part, 9 ... Reception part, 10 ... Apparatus main body, 11 ... Memory | storage part, 13 ... Application program, 14 ... Menu screen arrangement | positioning Information recording table, 15 ... function selection screen arrangement information recording table, 17 ... selected function selection screen arrangement information recording table, 18 ... function button arrangement information recording table, 19 ... menu screen size threshold recording table, 20 ... control unit, 41 ... Menu screen, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 61 ... Function selection screen, 63, 65, 67, 69, 71, 73 ... Function buttons, 81, 91 ... Remote control.

Claims (10)

The information for displaying the first menu screen having a plurality of first choice and a display output unit for outputting to the monitor,
A receiving unit for receiving an input signal from a user;
An information processing unit for processing information;
A control unit that controls the display output unit and the information processing unit in accordance with an input signal received by the receiving unit;
In each of the plurality of first menu screens, a first cursor control method for selecting one of selection items by a predetermined method, and a method different from the first cursor control method. A storage unit in which any one of the second cursor control methods for selecting one of the selection items is stored in association with each other;
Have
The controller is
Referring to the storage unit, specify the control method corresponding to the first menu screen displayed by the display output unit,
Based on the input signal received by the receiving unit according to the specified control method, one of the plurality of first selection items is selected,
The information processing apparatus , wherein a second menu screen corresponding to the selected first selection item is displayed on the display output unit .   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
  The storage unit further stores a control method of any one of the first cursor control method and the second cursor control method in association with each of the plurality of second menu screens. Have been
  The second menu screen includes a plurality of second selection items,
  The controller is
  With reference to the storage unit, the control method corresponding to the second menu screen displayed by the selection of the first selection item is specified,
  Based on the input signal received by the receiving unit according to the specified control method, one of a plurality of second selection items is selected,
  Causes the information processing unit to execute a processing operation assigned to the selected one second selection item
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The first cursor control method is a cursor control method using a free cursor,
The controller is
When the display output unit displays the first or second menu screen, the cursor is displayed and the cursor is moved based on the input signal received by the receiving unit, and the cursor is positioned. An information processing apparatus that selects one item from among the first or second selection items arranged at coordinates on the screen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 ,
The second cursor control method is a cursor control method using a block cursor,
The controller is
When the display output unit displays the first or second menu screen, it is possible to identify a selected item among the first or second selection items displayed on the menu screen. Display a unique identification,
An information processing apparatus that moves the identification display based on an input signal received by the receiving unit and selects one of these selection items. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second menu screen, when the display output unit is displaying the first menu screen is displayed by one item of said first selection item selected pops up An information processing apparatus characterized by the above. The information for displaying the first menu screen having a plurality of first choice in the first display output step of outputting to the monitor,
A first receiving step of receiving an input signal from a user when the first menu screen is displayed in the first display output step;
When one of the first selection items is selected by the input signal received in the first reception step, a predetermined method stored in association with each of the plurality of first menu screens is used. A first cursor control method for selecting one of the selection items, or a second cursor control method for selecting one of the selection items in a method different from the first cursor control method, A first selection step of performing the selection by a cursor control method associated with a displayed first menu screen ;
In the first selection step, when one of the plurality of first selection items is selected, the selected one of the plurality of second menu screens having the plurality of second selection items is selected. A second display output step of causing the display output unit to display a second menu screen corresponding to the first selection item . An information processing method, comprising:   The information processing method according to claim 6,
  A second receiving step of receiving an input signal from a user when the second menu screen is displayed in the second display output step;
  When one of the second selection items is selected by the input signal received in the second reception step, the first menu stored in association with each of the plurality of second menu screens. A second selection step of performing the selection by a cursor control method associated with the second menu screen to be displayed among the cursor control method or the second cursor control method;
  An execution step of executing a processing operation assigned to the second selection item selected in the second selection step.
An information processing method characterized by the above. The information processing method according to claim 7 ,
The first cursor control method is a cursor control method using a free cursor,
When the first or second menu screen is displayed in the first display output step, a cursor is displayed,
Moving the cursor based on the input signal received in the first or second receiving step;
Information that selects one of the first or second selection items arranged at the coordinates on the screen where the cursor is located in the first or second selection step. Processing method. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 ,
The second cursor control method is a cursor control method using a block cursor,
If it is to display the first or second menu screen in the first or second display output step, selected among the first or second selection item displayed on the menu screen Display the identification display that can identify the item
Moving the identification display based on the input signal received in the first or second receiving step;
An information processing method comprising: selecting one of the first or second selection items in the first or second selection step. The information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 9 ,
In the second display output step, when the first menu screen is displayed in the first display output step, of the first selection items selected in the first selection step an information processing method according to claim Rukoto the second menu screen is displayed by pop-up one item.

Images