JP2000298542A - Window arrangement management system corresponding to constitution of plural displays - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize optimum window arrangement corresponding to the variation of using frequency and to improve user's operability. SOLUTION: A using history monitor 2b measures the using frequency of all windows to be managed. A window arrangement means 2a successively allocates suitable windows to optimum displays and arranges them. When a group of windows set up so as to be displayed on the same display are adjacently arranged in the order of using frequency, these windows are displayed on the same display. It is also available to automatically scroll torus-like virtual pictures so that a window having high using frequency is displayed on a display having high operation efficiency while holding positional relation between windows or set up windows on previously defined window arrangement in accordance with the using frequency of windows.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a computer system having a plurality of displays, and more particularly, to a window arrangement management in a general window environment as a user interface of an operating system as basic software of a personal computer or a workstation. It is about the system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, a plurality of displays (display devices such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal projector, and a head mounted display) are connected to one computer (workstation, personal computer).
The simultaneous use of them has facilitated the construction of a large-screen, high-resolution display system.
The system is connected to a common window environment (Microsoft Wi-Fi
ndows (registered trademark) or X-Window, etc.), the software that realizes the environment is designed in consideration of a large screen and high resolution display (usually horizontally long due to installation restrictions). The following problems arise because of the absence.

(1) In order to use the display area provided by the display system without waste, when a plurality of windows are arranged so as not to overlap, a window displayed on a display (front of the user) near a keyboard or a mouse. Is easy to operate, but the window displayed on a distant display is difficult to operate (it is painful to bend the neck for a long time) (2) To operate any window easily When the windows are concentrated on the display in front, the problem (1) is solved, but the remote display is not used and the system resources are not effectively used. In this case, it is necessary to perform a complicated window switching operation as in the case where a plurality of displays are not used.

The above problems (1) and (2) are mutually contradictory, and it is necessary to solve both problems in a well-balanced manner in order to improve the operability of the system. For this purpose, the following measures should be taken during operation. In other words, place infrequently used windows (such as a drawing editor for editing drawings for reference) on a distant display, and place frequently used windows (such as word processing software for editing reports) on a nearby display. To place. The problem is almost eliminated by this operation if it is a simple material creation work. However, in actual work, particularly when the unit time of frequency measurement is set to be short, the frequency of use of a specific window dynamically fluctuates greatly. For example, in the preparation of a report, the use of a word processor is very high when preparing sentences, but the use of a drawing editor is very high when correcting or adding drawings. That is, a new problem arises here.

(3) If the reconstruction operation is performed so as to always provide the optimum window arrangement in accordance with the fluctuation of the use frequency, the above problems (1) and (2) are solved in a well-balanced manner, but the reconstruction is necessary. Additional costs are incurred for the user, which reduces the operability of the system. This operation cost increases as the number of displays constituting the display system and the number of windows handled by the user increase.
The recent decline in computer hardware prices and the sophistication of hardware processing performance and operating systems are driving this increase in operating costs, and the problem is becoming more serious.

[0006] A window-based operating system and a tool for improving operability provide the following methods for roughly solving these problems. (A) Task switching In Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), the order relation based on the access (keyboard focus movement) history between windows is managed. For example, by Alt + Tab key,
The two most recently accessed windows can be brought to the foreground alternately. This feature is excellent in that frequently used windows can be accessed with a low cost operation in a limited display area. However, the window state changed by the operation is only related to the overlap between the front and the rear, and does not affect the window arrangement itself. This function can mainly solve the above problem (2). Similar function is X-Window
It also exists in the tool fvwm on the system.

(B) Keyboard Shortcut With the tool fvwm on the X-Window system, a previously set window can be displayed in the foreground by pressing a specific keyboard. It has the same advantages and disadvantages as (A), except for the following. That is, since various types of windows corresponding to a large number of keyboard combinations can be instantaneously accessed, high-speed switching as intended can be performed when a large number of windows are used together. However, the setting file is complicated and the setting is costly. In addition, the effect is weak unless you have mastered the set of keyboards.

(C) Virtual screen switching pseudo-twm, fvwm, and Sola operating on the X-Window system
In the common desktop environment attached to the ris (registered trademark) operating system, etc., and the free software Virtual Desktop, which runs on Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), the virtual display several times larger than the actual physical display screen that the display can display A screen is provided, and multiple virtual screens in which windows are arranged in advance can be instantaneously switched with a mouse or keyboard operation. Usually, it is used together with the methods (A) and (B). By taking into account the frequency of use when arranging windows, it is possible to easily reproduce a well-balanced arrangement, and partly solve the above problem (3). However, these tools are limited to two-dimensional expansion of the physical window to the last, and cannot cope with dynamic fluctuations in the frequency of use. That is, on the virtual display screen, it is not possible to arrange a plurality of the same windows,
It is not possible to realize various window arrangements corresponding to the dynamic fluctuation of the use frequency. The basic technique of this method is described in, for example, "Method for Displaying Open Application on Display Screen and Virtual Desktop System" (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-55002).

[0009]

The above-mentioned (A)-
The three methods (C) are partially effective solutions for the problems (1) and (2), but are not methods (techniques) for fundamentally solving the problem (3). The present invention provides a method for solving the problem (3) not solved by (A) to (C). That is, an object of the present invention is to realize an optimum window arrangement according to a change in use frequency without increasing the setting cost, and to improve user operability.

Here, the definition of the operation cost differs depending on the user and the situation. The present invention assumes the following situation,
Try to solve problem (3) in each situation. (C-1) I want to minimize the setting cost. Existing window layout can be changed, optimizing screen usage efficiency. (C-2) I want to minimize the setting cost. The existing window arrangement may have a slightly lower storage / screen utilization efficiency. (C-3) The setting cost may be high to some extent. Existing window layouts can be saved. Optimize screen usage efficiency.

[0011]

Means for Solving the Problems The above-mentioned problems are solved in the present invention as follows. This solves the problem of "occurring an operation cost for reconfiguring an optimum window arrangement according to the change in the frequency of use" described in the above (3). (M-1) Automatic Window Rearrangement According to Usage Frequency (Claims 1 and 4) FIG. 1 is a principle diagram of the inventions according to claims 1 and 4 of the present invention. In the figure, d1 to dn are displays, 1 is a window management system, and Microsoft Windows (registered trademark).
This is an existing window management system in the OS such as OS. Reference numeral 2 denotes a window arrangement management unit according to the present invention, which includes a window arrangement unit 2a, a usage history monitor 2b for monitoring a window usage history, and a display d1.
The storage unit 2c stores a display priority indicating a priority of ~ dn, an overlap permission list holding window numbers that can be displayed on the same display, a management target window number, and the like.

The window arranging means 2a receives data relating to the position / size of the window from the window management system 1, and performs the above operation based on the display priority held by the storage means 2c and the window number which can be displayed on the same display. The window arrangement is determined by sequentially allocating appropriate windows to optimal displays in accordance with the operation frequency of the windows monitored by the history monitor 2b, and is passed to the window management system 1. The window management system 1 arranges windows on the displays d1 to dn based on the window arrangement outputted by the window arrangement means 2a.

The functions of the above-mentioned window arrangement management means 2 can be broadly divided into a function for performing settings required for management and a function for constantly rearranging windows by constantly monitoring the operation of the user while operating. Two minutes. In advance, a display on which the user can work most efficiently (usually, a display installed in front of the user, which is closest to the keyboard and mouse) is set according to the system default or the user's preference. Similarly, the display that can work efficiently next to the next
・ ・, And set the order in which all displays can work efficiently. Also, in advance, display conditions such as which window is to be managed and which set of windows may be displayed on the same display are set in advance according to the system default or the user's preference. These pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 2c.

The usage history monitor 2b monitors the usage history of the window that has been activated by the user as an operation target, and measures the order of the usage frequency of all the managed windows. Note that this function is, for example, the above-mentioned prior art (A)
Has been realized. The window arranging unit 2a displays the most frequently used window on the display with the highest operation efficiency based on the monitoring result of the operation history monitor 2b, and displays the next most frequently used window on the next highest operation efficiency. Window arrangement such as displaying on a display is performed. At this time, when a set of windows for which display permission to the same display is set is adjacent in the use frequency order, the display is performed on the same display. If the number of windows is large and surplus, they are displayed on the display with the lowest operation efficiency.

In the first and fourth aspects of the present invention,
Since the windows that are frequently used are automatically rearranged in order from the most frequently used windows to the display with the highest operation efficiency, the window rearrangement operation cost can be reduced. For example, in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the frequency of use of each window at time t1 (A in FIG. 4) is as follows. Here, f1 to f4
Is the frequency of use, and f1>f2>f3> f4. d
1 to d3 are displays, and the priority of the displays in this case is d2>d1> d3. Window a: f3 Window b: f1 Window c: f2 Window d: f4

Here, it is assumed that the user who has used the window b mainly uses the window a at the time t2, and the frequency of use at the time t2 is as follows. Window a: f1 Window b: f2 Window c: f3 Window d: f4 When the usage frequency fluctuates as described above, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. B, window a is displayed on display d2. Move. Similarly, window b is automatically moved from display d2 to display d1, and window c is automatically moved from display d2 to display d3.

With the above arrangement, there is no need to set the window layout in advance and the setting cost is low. However, the positional relationship between windows is not maintained. This is because the management target windows are automatically arranged independently. In addition, windows that are frequently used are sequentially displayed on the display with the highest usage efficiency, and windows with the lowest usage frequency are collected on the display with the lowest usage efficiency. As described above, according to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem (C-1) can be solved.

(M-2) Automatic scrolling of the torus-shaped virtual screen according to the frequency of use (claims 2 and 5) FIG. 2 is a principle diagram of the invention according to claims 2 and 5 of the present invention. In the figure, d1 to dn are displays, 1 is a window management system, and Microsoft Windows (registered trademark).
This is an existing window management system in the OS such as OS. Reference numeral 2 denotes a window arrangement management unit according to the present invention, which includes a window arrangement unit 2a, a usage history monitor 2b for monitoring a window usage history, and a display d1.
To dn are stored.

The window arranging means 2a receives data relating to the position / size of the window from the window management system 1, and maintains the positional relationship between the windows based on the frequency of use of the window monitored by the use history monitor 2b. While arranging an appropriate window, an optimum display arrangement is determined, and the window arrangement is passed to the window management system 1. The window management system 1 arranges windows on the displays d1 to dn based on the window arrangement outputted by the window arrangement means 2a.

The functions of the above-mentioned window arrangement management means 2 can be broadly divided into a function for making settings necessary for management and a function for constantly rearranging windows by always monitoring the operation of the user while operating. Two minutes. In advance, a display on which the user can work most efficiently (usually, a display installed in front of the user, which is closest to the keyboard and mouse) is set according to the system default or the user's preference. Also, which window is to be managed is set in advance according to the system default or the user's preference. These pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 2c.

The usage history monitor 2b measures the most frequently used window by monitoring the usage history to be operated by the user by activating the window.
This function is realized by, for example, the conventional technology (A). The window arranging means 2a scrolls all managed windows in a torus shape so that the most frequently used window is displayed on the display with the highest operating efficiency.

According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention,
Window movement is automatically performed so that the most frequently used window is displayed on the display with the highest operation efficiency, so that operation costs can be reduced. For example, in FIG. 5, when the frequency of use fluctuates and the frequency of use of the window displayed on the display d1 becomes the highest, the window to be managed displayed on the display d1 is displayed on the display d4 and similarly on the display d2. The displayed window is d5, the window displayed on the display d3 is d6, the window displayed on the display d4 is d7, the window displayed on the display d5 is d1, and the window displayed on the display d6 is d5. d2, the window displayed on the display d7 is automatically moved to d3.

As described above, there is no need to consider and set the window arrangement in advance, and the setting cost is low. Furthermore, since the window arrangement projected on the torus plane is unchanged, the positional relationship between the windows is preserved. However, since a window having a relatively high use frequency is not always displayed on a display having a relatively high operation efficiency, the screen use efficiency is not as good as the first and fourth aspects of the present invention. As described above, according to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem (C-2) can be solved.

(M-1) Virtual Screen Management that Can Manage Multiple Arrangements Considering Usage Frequency (Claims 3 and 6) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the principle of the invention according to claims 3 and 6 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, d1 to dn are displays, and 1 is a window management system, which is an existing window management system in an OS such as Microsoft Windows (registered trademark). Reference numeral 2 denotes a window arrangement management unit according to the present invention, which includes a window arrangement unit 2a, a usage history monitor 2b for monitoring a window usage history, and a display d.
It comprises a storage unit 2c storing display priorities of 1 to dn, a layout definition defining window layout in advance, and an operation monitor 2d for monitoring operations of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

The window arrangement means 2a receives data on the position / size of the window from the window management system 1 and selects a predefined window arrangement based on the window usage frequency monitored by the use history monitor 2b. Handover to the window management system 1. In addition, when a user instruction is given, a window arrangement defined in advance is selected according to the user instruction and passed to the window management system 1. The window management system 1 arranges windows on the displays d1 to dn based on the window arrangement outputted by the window arrangement means 2a.

The functions of the window arrangement management means 2 of the present invention can be broadly divided into a function for setting necessary for management and a function for rearranging windows which are always operating.
I can do it. In advance, a display on which the user can work most efficiently (usually, a display installed in front of the user, which is closest to the keyboard and mouse) is set according to the system default or the user's preference. Similarly, the order in which the work can be efficiently performed next, and the order in which the work can be efficiently performed are set for all the displays next to. Also, in advance,
Some window arrangements that are most easily operated according to the job are set according to the user's preference. At this time, there may be a plurality of settings in which the same window is arranged at different positions.

According to the third and sixth aspects of the present invention, automatic arrangement is performed in the following two cases. The most frequently used window is measured by monitoring the activity history that the user activates the window and operates. This function is realized by the above-mentioned conventional technology (A). Then, a search is made for a set arrangement that displays the most frequently used window on the display with the highest operation efficiency, and the managed window is moved to that arrangement. If not found,
A search is made for an arrangement that causes the window to be displayed next on the display with the highest work efficiency. If no further items are found, the search is repeated in the same manner. If nothing is found, do nothing. (There is no conventional technology having such an arrangement function.)

A window layout definition is designated by pressing a preset keyboard, and the managed window is moved to the layout. In an actual operation environment, all of the functions provided by the above-described technique and the existing technology (C) are mounted, and appropriate functions can be selectively used and used in accordance with the user's preference and work situation.

In the third and sixth aspects of the present invention,
Since the windows are automatically rearranged always in an optimal state for the operation, the operation cost can be reduced. For example, in FIG. 6, the optimal arrangement for the preset work j1 is FIG. A, and the work is changed to j2 from the state where the windows b and c are mainly used as shown in FIG. When f is mainly used, a search is made for a predefined arrangement such that those windows are displayed on the display with the highest operation efficiency, and the optimal arrangement in the preset work j2 shown in FIG. Move the managed window so that This movement is switched by an operation using a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, or by a change in the use frequency as described above.

As described above, it is necessary to set an optimum window arrangement for a specific job in advance. However, since an arbitrary window arrangement can be set, an existing window arrangement can be reproduced as needed. Since the user calls a window in which only necessary windows are appropriately arranged, the screen utilization efficiency is high. As described above, according to the third and sixth aspects of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem (C-3) can be solved.

[0031]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a system to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, 11 is C
A bus 10 is connected to the CPU 11. The bus 10 is connected to the memory 12, an external storage device 13, a communication interface 14, an input device 15 including input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, a CD-ROM, an FD, and the like. A medium reading device 17 for reading data and programs from is connected, and a plurality of displays d1 to dn are connected via display control devices 16-1 to 16-n. Programs and the like for performing the processing of the present invention are stored in the external storage device 13, and these programs and the like are read into the memory 12 and executed by the CPU 11. Also, via the communication line by the communication interface 14,
You can also exchange data and programs.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. (1) Embodiment 1: Automatic Rearrangement of Windows According to Usage Frequency Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The window arrangement management means 2 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by software, and this software continuously operates (in the background) while the user operates the window system. Usually, when the computer is turned on and the window system or the operating system starts up, the software is started at the same time. This software retains necessary setting information by a user's instruction after startup or by reading a file saved in the past at startup.

FIG. 8 shows a processing flow in the window arrangement management means 2 of this embodiment. When the process is started, the window usage frequency is monitored by the operation history monitor 2b shown in FIG. 1 and it is checked whether the window usage frequency has changed. If there is no change in the frequency of use, the process returns to the monitor of the frequency of use of the window, and this process is repeated. This loop is stationary (background) as described above.
The operation is shown. Note that the use frequency is an order relationship between windows set as management targets, and is the same information as that realized by the existing method (A) described above. A change in the frequency of use is a change in the order relationship, and is detected by a change in the active window due to a mouse click on a keyboard, a window, or a window icon. This detection function can use what is usually provided by the window system.

If the window usage frequency changes, the following processing is performed. (S-1-1) Initialization of the processing target window and the processing target display The highest used window is set in the variable CurWin storing the processing target window, and the highest priority display is set in the variable CurDsp storing the processing target display. (S-1-2) Initialization of next use frequency window and layout algorithm CurWin is stored in the variable NxtWin that stores the next use frequency window.
And a variable that stores the layout algorithm used when arranging multiple windows on the same display.
Set the label "Place as is" on LayAlg. Here, “place as it is” means that the relative position occupied by the window in the display before the movement is maintained in the display after the movement.

(S-1-3) Initialization of Arrangement Target Window List The contents of CurWin (1) are stored in a list type variable DspWins that holds a set of windows to be simultaneously arranged in the display.
Window) as an element (at this stage, and at the beginning of the loop from S-1-2 to S-1-9,
Since CurWin stores the most frequently used window, the list type variable DspWins stores the most frequently used window.) (S-1-4) Update of next-point use frequency window NxtWin is set to the next most frequently used window after the window currently stored in NxtWin. If there is no such window, set NxtWin to a null value (NULL) and skip to step (S-1-7).

(S-1-5) Judgment of Overlap Permission It is checked whether (@CurWin, NxtWin, @CurDsp, LayAlg) is set in a preset overlap permission list. Here, LayAlg may be an arbitrary set value, and is set at the time of this determination. If the above condition is satisfied, the process jumps to step (S-1-6); otherwise, the process jumps to step (S-1-7). The overlap permission list is a collection of conditions under which a certain combination of windows may be displayed on the same display. It is a list of the triplet structure as described above, and the triplet structure has the following format. (Window list, display conditions, layout algorithm)

Here, the window list is a list of windows for which simultaneous display is allowed in consideration of the order relation.
Assume that the length is 2. The display condition indicates which display the specified window should be displayed simultaneously as a display priority condition. Further, the layout algorithm indicates how to determine the arrangement position in the display when the specified window is simultaneously displayed on the specified display. The layout algorithm can include "Ia: diagonal right diagonal display", "Ib: diagonal left diagonal display", "II: cascade display", etc., including the "allocation as described" already described. Ia is a method of arranging two windows at the upper right and lower left of the display, respectively, Ib is the same as Ia but at the upper left and lower right,
II means a method of arranging windows while shifting the windows little by little from any of the four corners.

An example of the overlap permission list is shown below. <Overlap permission list> {({a, c}, "3-", "Ia"}), ({b, c}, "1", "II"}), ({c, d}, " 3 "," Ia "{)} The first element of the list in this example can be displayed simultaneously on a display whose windows a and c have a display priority of 3 or higher ("-"in" 3- "means above). This indicates that the arrangement method is Ia described above.
Similarly, the following element indicates that windows b and c can be simultaneously displayed on the display with the display priority 1 and the arrangement method is II. Similarly, the last element can be simultaneously displayed on the display in which the windows c and d have the display priority 3, and the arrangement method is Ia
Is shown.

Note that simultaneous placement of windows on the same display that is not permitted in the overlap permission list cannot be performed except for the display with the lowest operation efficiency. The window arrangement shown in FIG. 4 is an arrangement based on the overlap permission condition, and is a window arrangement.
wb and c are simultaneously arranged on the display d2, and Windows d and c are simultaneously arranged on the display d3.

(S-1-6) Addition of Arrangement Target Window List The next use frequency window NxtWin is added to the list of the list type variable DspWins, and the process jumps to (S-1-4). Hereinafter, (S-1
-4) Repeat the processes of (S-1-6) until the conditions of the overlap permission list are not satisfied. Thus, the window to be displayed on the same display is set in the list type variable DspWins. (S-1-7) Arrangement of windows The windows included in the list type variable DspWins are
lg (Details are explained in (S-1-5)).

(S-1-8) Updating of the Window to be Processed and the Display to be Processed As described above, when the windows are arranged on the highest priority display, the variable CurWin for storing the window to be processed is stored in the variable CurWin. NxtWin is also set to the variable CurDsp storing the display to be processed to the display having the next highest priority after CurDsp. If CurDsp is the display with the lowest priority, the value is kept as it is. (S-1-9) Judgment of Window Processing End If CurWin is null (NULL), the process returns to the window usage frequency monitoring processing. Otherwise, if the window is set, the process jumps to step (S-1-2) and repeats the above processing. Thereby, a window is arranged on each display. The above processing is performed every time the window usage frequency is changed, and an optimal window is arranged on each display according to the window usage frequency.

FIG. 9 shows an operation example of this embodiment. In this example, in a display system in which three displays of the same size are arranged side by side, the display d2 is the highest priority display. The upper row shows the state before the execution of the automatic rearrangement, and the usage frequencies are f3, f1, f2, and f4 in order from the left window. Here, the order of use frequency is f1>f2>f3> f
4 is assumed. To explain each window in detail, from left to right, they are application windows for word processing, mail processing, text editor, and diagram editor. In the upper state, the user performs mail processing while referring to related text, word processing documents, and presentation materials.

Next, it is assumed that the user has started the work of correcting the deficiency of the word processing document from the contents of the pointed out written in the mail. Therefore, the frequency of use of the word processor window is f1
, Mail processing to f2, text editor to f3,
Each has been changed. Here, the display priority is d2
>D1> d3. This assumes a situation in which the setting reflects the preference that the user happens to see the window on the left hand more easily.

At this time, the above-mentioned conventional method (A),
In (B), the word processing window is still arranged on the display d1 and is separated from the display d2 on which a keyboard and a mouse are installed, so that the work efficiency deteriorates. In order to improve this, it is necessary to use the mouse to move to the center, but if this is done, the mail processing window referred to will be hidden, and it will be necessary to move it to an empty display d1. The operation becomes complicated. Further, in the above-described conventional method (C), although the arrangement of another application can be reproduced, as described above, a plurality of the same windows cannot be arranged on the virtual display screen. Since other arrangements of windows cannot be handled, no support can be made as in the above (A) and (B). On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 9, it is possible to automatically perform the arrangement in which the display priority d2>d1> d3 accurately reflects the window use frequency f1>f2> f3. It is possible to prepare an efficient operation environment with minimum operations.

(2) Second Embodiment: Automatic scrolling of a torus-shaped virtual screen in accordance with the frequency of use Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The window arrangement management means 2 shown in FIG. 2 can be realized by software similarly to the first embodiment, and this software is used while the user operates the window system.
Continue to work constantly (in the background). Normal,
When the computer is turned on and the window system or the operating system starts up, the software is started at the same time. This software retains necessary setting information by a user's instruction after startup or by reading a file saved in the past at startup.

FIG. 10 shows a processing flow in the window arrangement management means 2 of this embodiment. When the process is started, the window use frequency is monitored by the operation history monitor 2b shown in FIG. 2, and it is checked whether the window use frequency has changed. If there is no change in the frequency of use, the process returns to the monitor of the frequency of use of the window, and this process is repeated. This loop shows the stationary (background) operation described above. If window usage changes,
The following processing is performed. (S-2-1) Initialize each variable Set the most frequently used window in CurWin. Set the total number of displays to TotalDspNum. Set CurWinDsp to the number of the display on which the most frequently used window (after change) is displayed. Also, the number of the highest priority display set in advance is set in BestDsp. Here, the numbers of the displays are 1, 2, 3,. . . It is assumed that it is shaken.

(S-2-2) Display Number Judgment The number CurWinDsp of the display on which the highest usage frequency window is displayed and the number BestDsp of the highest priority display
Are compared, and if they are the same, there is no need to change the window arrangement, and the process returns to the window use frequency monitoring process. If the value of CurWinDsp is smaller than the value of BestDsp, step to rotate the window to the right
Jump to (S-2-3). If the value of CurWinDsp is larger than the value of BestDsp, jump to step (S-2-5) to rotate the window to the left. (S-2-3) Setting the number of rotations When rotating all managed windows, BestDsp (the number of the highest priority display) is stored in the variable RotNum that stores the number of rotations in units of the display width.
Set the value obtained by subtracting CurWinDsp (the number of the display on which the most frequently used window is displayed). This value is always 1 or more from the judgment result of (S-2-2), TotalDsp
Less than Num.

(S-2-4) Right rotation All managed windows are rearranged as follows. The number of the display on which the window is displayed is DspN
When um is set, the process moves to NewDspNum calculated by the following expression (1) or (1) and (2). Note that if NewDspN
When the condition of um> = TotalDspNum is satisfied, NewDspNum is calculated by Expressions (1) and (2), and otherwise, NewDspNum is calculated only by Expression (1). NewDspNum = DspNum + RotNum (1) NewDspNum = NewDspNum−TotalDspNum (2) (if NewDspNum> = TotalDspNum) At this time, the method of arranging the relevant window in the display of the movement destination is “place as it is”. Thereafter, the process returns to the window use frequency monitoring process.

(S-2-5) Setting of Number of Rotations The value obtained by subtracting BestDsp from CurWinDsp is set to a variable RotNum that stores the number of rotations in units of the display width when all managed windows are rotated. This value is always 1 or more and less than TotalDspNum from the determination result of (S-2-2).

(S-2-6) Left Rotation All windows to be managed are rearranged as follows. The number of the display on which the window is displayed is DspN
When um is set, the processing moves to NewDspNum calculated by the following equation (3) or equations (3) and (4). Note that if NewDspN
When the condition of um <= 0 is satisfied, N is calculated by the equations (3) and (4).
ewDspNum is calculated, otherwise, N
ewDspNum is calculated. NewDspNum = DspNum−RotNum (3) NewDspNum = NewDspNum + TotalDspNum (4) (if NewDspNum <= 0) At this time, the method of arranging the window in the display of the movement destination is “place as it is”. Thereafter, the process returns to the window use frequency monitoring process. The above process is performed every time the window usage frequency is changed.

FIG. 11 shows an operation example of this embodiment. This example shows a display system in which three displays of the same size are arranged side by side and the display d2 is the highest priority display. The upper part of FIG. 11 shows a state before the execution of the automatic relocation, and the frequency of use f3,
f1, f2, and f4. Here, the order of use frequency is f1>f2>f3> f4. To explain each window concretely, from left, word processor,
It is an application window for mail processing, text editor, and figure editor. In the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 11, the user performs mail processing while referring to related texts, word processing documents, and presentation materials.

Next, it is assumed that the user has started the work of correcting the deficiency of the word processing document from the contents of the pointed out written in the mail. Therefore, the frequency of use of the word processor window is f1
, Mail processing to f2, text editor to f3,
Each has been changed. At this time, in the above-mentioned conventional methods (A) and (B), the word processing window is still arranged on the display d1 and is separated from the display d2 on which a keyboard and a mouse are installed, so that the work efficiency deteriorates. In order to improve this, it is necessary to use the mouse to move to the center, but if this is done, the mail processing window referred to will be hidden, and it will be necessary to move it to an empty display d1. The operation becomes complicated.

Further, in the above-mentioned conventional method (C), although the arrangement of another application can be reproduced, another arrangement of the currently displayed window cannot be handled. Therefore, the same as (A) and (B). , No support. On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 11, all windows are automatically rotated to the right by one screen so that the highest use frequency window f1 is displayed on the highest priority display d2. It is possible to prepare an appropriate operation environment at the operation cost.

This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that other windows do not always satisfy the display priority, but they are equivalent in the sense that there is no overlapping of windows. Further, in the upper part of FIG.
The window arrangements arranged at 1 and d2 come to the lower displays d2 and d3 as they are, and have a feature of maintaining the positional relationship between the left and right windows. The property of maintaining the existing arrangement as much as possible when automatically arranging windows is important for the purpose of reducing the chance that the user loses a necessary window due to automatic arrangement. This purpose is effective for improving the operability of the user, and is superior to the first embodiment in this aspect.

(3) Third Embodiment: Virtual Screen Management Which Can Manage Multiple Arrangements Considering Usage Frequency A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The window arrangement management means 2 shown in FIG. 3 can be realized by software similarly to the first and second embodiments, and this software is constantly (in the background) while the user operates the window system. ) Keep working. Usually, when the computer is turned on and the window system or the operating system starts up, the software is started at the same time. This software retains necessary setting information by a user's instruction after startup or by reading a file saved in the past at startup.

FIG. 12 shows a processing flow of this embodiment. When the processing is started, the operation history monitor 2 shown in FIG.
With b, the window usage frequency is monitored, and it is checked whether the window usage frequency has changed. If there is no change in the frequency of use, it is checked whether or not the layout has been specified with the keyboard or mouse. If the layout has not been specified with the keyboard or mouse, the process returns to the window frequency monitor and repeats this process. This loop shows the stationary (background) operation described above. If the layout is specified by keyboard or mouse, step (S-3-6)
Fly to. On the other hand, if the frequency of use of the window changes, the process from step (S-3-1) is performed.
The processing from 6) is performed.

(S-3-1) Initialization The highest usage frequency window (after change) is set to CurWin, CurWin
CurWinDsp the number of the display currently being displayed
And set the number of the highest priority display set in advance to BestDsp. (S-3-2) Display Number Judgment CurWinDsp and BestDsp are compared, and if they are the same, the process returns to the window usage frequency monitoring process. CurWinDsp value is Be
If it is smaller or larger than the value of stDsp, go to the next step.

(S-3-3) Search for optimal layout definition The most frequently used window CurWin is the highest priority display Be
If the layout definition to be displayed in stDsp has been set in advance, the process jumps to step (S-3-5). If not, go to the next step. (S-3-4) Search for a layout definition that is not bad If CurWin is not BestDsp, but a layout definition to be displayed on some display has been set in advance, go to step (S-3-5). jump. If not, the process returns to the window use frequency monitoring process.

(S-3-5) Selection of arrangement One of the most recently used arrangement definitions is selected from the defined arrangements searched. (S-3-6) Apply layout Rearrange managed windows to the specified layout. Thereafter, the process returns to the window use frequency monitoring process. The above processing is performed every time the window usage frequency is changed, or each time an arrangement instruction is issued by a keyboard or a mouse.

FIG. 13 shows an operation example of this embodiment. In this example, in a display system in which three displays of the same size are arranged side by side, the display d2 is the highest priority display. The upper part of FIG. 13 shows the state before the execution of the automatic rearrangement, and the usage frequencies f3, f1, f2, f4 in order from the left window.
It has become. Here, the order of use frequency is f1>f2> f
3> f4. To explain each window in detail, from left to right, they are application windows for word processing, mail processing, text editor, and diagram editor. In the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 13, the user performs the mail processing on the related text, word processing document,
We go while referring to presentation materials.

Next, it is assumed that the user has started the work of correcting the deficiency of the word processing document based on the pointed out contents written in the mail. Therefore, the frequency of use of the word processor window is f1
, Mail processing to f2, text editor to f3,
Each has been changed. At this time, in the above-mentioned conventional methods (A) and (B), the word processing window is still arranged on the display d1 and is separated from the display d2 on which a keyboard and a mouse are installed, so that the work efficiency deteriorates. In order to improve this, it is necessary to use the mouse to move to the center, but if this is done, the mail processing window referred to will be hidden, and it will be necessary to move it to an empty display d1. The operation becomes complicated. Further, in the conventional method (C), although the arrangement of another application can be reproduced, another arrangement of the currently displayed window cannot be handled, so that no support is provided as in (A) and (B). Can not.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in the lower part, when editing a word processing document, the arrangement can be automatically changed to the defined arrangement most recently used, and an appropriate operation environment can be arranged with minimum operation cost. The layout at the bottom is designed to synchronize the word processing document with the related presentation materials, and perform mail processing and related system operations as necessary. This embodiment is superior to the first embodiment and the second embodiment in that the arrangement can be made most suitable for the user's preference. However, it is necessary to set the arrangement according to the work in advance, and there is a problem that a complicated operation of manually arranging and setting is performed until the setting is made to some extent.

[0063]

As described above, in the present invention, it is possible to realize a window arrangement according to the frequency of use, and to improve the operability of the user. In particular, by arranging appropriate windows in sequence according to the operation frequency of the windows monitored by the operation history monitor and arranging them on the optimum display based on the display priority and the window display condition, the display priority is increased. It is possible to automatically perform the arrangement that accurately reflects the window usage frequency each time. For this reason,
An efficient operation environment can be prepared with a minimum number of operations.

Further, by arranging appropriate windows on an optimal display in accordance with the frequency of window operations while maintaining the positional relationship between windows, there is an opportunity to lose necessary windows by automatic arrangement. Thus, the operability of the user can be improved. Furthermore, by selecting a predefined window arrangement based on the frequency of window operations and displaying it on the display, it is possible to make the window arrangement most suitable for the user's preference.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle diagram (1) of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a principle diagram (2) of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a principle view (3) of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating window arrangement by the window arrangement management system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a window arrangement by the window arrangement management system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a window arrangement by the window arrangement management system shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a system to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of a processing flow in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when the first embodiment is executed.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a processing flow in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when the second embodiment is executed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of a processing flow in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen when the third embodiment is executed.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Window management system 2 Window arrangement management means 2a Window arrangement means 2b Usage history monitor 2c Storage means d1-dn Display

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A window arrangement management system in a multi-window system corresponding to a plurality of display configurations, comprising: an operation history monitor for monitoring a window operation history; a priority of a display; and a display condition of a window. Means, and a window arranging means for arranging a window on a display, wherein the window arranging means is monitored by the operation history monitor based on a display priority stored in the storage means and a display condition of the window. A window arrangement management system characterized by sequentially arranging and arranging appropriate windows on an optimal display in accordance with the frequency of window operation. 2. A window arrangement management system in a multi-window system corresponding to a plurality of display configurations, comprising: an operation history monitor for monitoring a window operation history; storage means for storing a highest priority display; Window arranging means for arranging, wherein the window arranging means arranges an appropriate window on an optimal display in accordance with the frequency of window operation monitored by the operation history monitor while maintaining the positional relationship between the windows. A window arrangement management system characterized by: 3. A window arrangement management system in a multi-window system corresponding to a plurality of display configurations, wherein an operation history monitor for monitoring a window operation history, a display priority, and a predefined window arrangement are stored. Storage means, and a window arranging means for arranging a window on a display, wherein the window arranging means is defined in advance based on a priority of the display and an operation frequency of a window monitored by the operation history monitor. A window arrangement management system, wherein a window arrangement is selected and displayed on a display, and when there is a user instruction, a predefined window arrangement is selected and displayed on the display according to the user instruction. . 4. A recording medium recording a program for managing a window arrangement in a multi-window system corresponding to a plurality of display configurations, wherein the program monitors a window operation frequency, and displays a display priority and a window display condition. Based on
A recording medium in which a program for managing a window arrangement is recorded, wherein an appropriate window is sequentially allocated to an optimal display in accordance with the operation frequency and arranged. 5. A recording medium recording a program for managing a window arrangement in a multi-window system corresponding to a plurality of display configurations, wherein the program monitors a frequency of window operation and maintains a positional relationship between windows. A recording medium recording a program for managing a window arrangement characterized by arranging an appropriate window in an optimal display according to an operation history. 6. A recording medium recording a program for managing a window arrangement in a multi-window system corresponding to a plurality of display configurations, wherein the program monitors a window operation frequency, and displays the window operation frequency and the display priority. A predetermined window arrangement is selected and displayed on the display based on the user's instruction, and a predefined window arrangement is selected and displayed on the display in response to a user instruction. A recording medium that stores a program for managing the window arrangement.