JP2001022492A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To skip a conventional cursor movement operation by displaying selectable items by limiting them into one and switching selectable items with the lapse of the time. SOLUTION: A selection item to which an active marker of a black flame is attached around a button is a item that can be executed by an execution direction of an operation at that point of time. At present, a button A is a selection candidate and, when the execution direction is inputted at this point of time, the system executes the function of the bottom A. When a time defined by a time measurement means has elapsed, the active marker moves to a button B, a next selection item. When the execution direction is inputted at that point of time, the system executes the function of the button B. Similarly, the selection candidate is switched to a button C as a time eelapses, further returns to the button A, then this whole process is repeated. When an operation inputs the execution direction, the system judges what the selection item is from the location information of the active maker at that point of time and executes the function of the item.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input means for instructing selection of an arbitrary one of a plurality of selection items displayed on a display unit of an information processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an information processing apparatus having a display unit and an input device, a plurality of items are displayed on a display screen so that an operator can execute a desired function and set an item. A series of item selection operations for selecting a target item are generally performed by the operation.

Specifically, for example, when ending a program on a personal computer system, the system requests an operator to confirm the end. In this case, the display screen includes an item indicating “end”,
An item indicating "cancel the end process" is displayed,
The operator selects one of the processes and instructs the system. There are many scenes in which such a selection instruction is required in an information processing apparatus, and from the alternative selection such as “Yes”, “No”, “OK”, and “Cancel”,
There are a wide variety of scenes, including a plurality of function selection scenes where “next file”, “previous file”, “page forward”, “page back”, and “end” can be selected simultaneously. Generally, in these scenes, items that can be selected at that time are displayed on the screen, and the operator selects a target item and issues an execution instruction to execute the item. The actual instruction requires two steps as described below.

(Step 1: item selection) An operation of selecting a target item is performed by using a cursor key or a pointing device of a keyboard. Specifically, in the case of a keyboard, the user operates the keyboard cursor to position the keyboard cursor on a corresponding item, and in the case of a pointing device, performs an operation of moving the pointing cursor to the corresponding item. This operation is an operation for the operator to inform the system of the target item among the displayed selection items.

[0005] (Step 2: execution instruction) After the operation of step 1, by pressing an "input key" for a keyboard or a button switch of the pointing device for a pointing device, the selected item is actually set. To the system. With this operation, the system recognizes the execution instruction command of the operator and executes the content of the selected item.

In the above operation, there is the following problem in the operation of "item selection" in step 1. When a keyboard is used, generally, four types of cursor keys for moving a keyboard cursor need to be arranged in four directions, up, down, left, and right. Further, keys for inputting an execution instruction are separately required, so that a total of five types are required. Must be equipped with a key switch. Also, if the target item and the item currently indicated by the keyboard cursor are far from each other, it is necessary to input a plurality of cursor keys to move the keyboard cursor to the target item. In some cases, four types of cursor keys must be used. This requires a space for providing five types of key switches in the device, and it is difficult to operate the device in darkness or in a situation where the device cannot be stably supported. On the other hand, when a pointing device is used, the pointing cursor can be freely moved at a time by a simple operation, so that the operation of selecting the target selection item itself can be relatively easily performed.

However, when a small pointing device is used, a delicate operation is required because a large operation output is obtained with a small operation input. Also,
Even if the pointing device is large, if the effective pointing area for selecting an item is small, the operator is required to perform a delicate operation in order to accurately place the pointing cursor in that area. Therefore,
Even when a pointing device is used, there is a problem that accurate operation is difficult to perform quickly, especially in a small device.

In order to solve the above problem, as a conventional technique, a pointing cursor of a pointing device as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-272580 is previously set to one of the selection items in a selection item. A pointing confirmation method already exists. According to this technology, when the system requests the operator to make a selection instruction, the pointing cursor is previously set to one of the selection items, so that the item desired by the operator is an item that has been selected in advance. In this case, the operator can select the target item only by inputting the execution instruction without performing the operation of moving the pointing cursor.

[0009] However, even when this technique is used, if the items that the system matches in advance are not the ones intended by the operator, the desired items are selected by the same method as in the past. Fixing operation is required.

[0010]

In a system such as a personal computer, when requesting an operator to input a selection instruction, the system displays a plurality of selection items on a screen, and issues a selection instruction to the operator using a keyboard or a pointing device. It is common to have a configuration for inputting.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation example in the case of performing a selection operation using a conventional keyboard. The item to be selected is displayed on the screen as a button, and as a component, in addition to the display screen displaying the item,
Cursor keys indicating four directions, up, down, left, and right, and input keys for determining execution are provided. A plurality of items are displayed on the input screen, and a keyboard cursor is displayed on one of the items. In the example of FIG. 7, a black frame is displayed around the button to be used as a keyboard cursor. The button with the keyboard cursor indicates that the item is currently a selection candidate, and the function of the item is executed by pressing the input key.

In order for the operator to select an arbitrary item,
Use the cursor keys to move the keyboard cursor to any button. In the example of FIG. 7, the keyboard cursor at the beginning of the button C item is moved to the button A item by operating the cursor keys (up, left), and then the input key is pressed to change the function of the button A. The process to be executed is shown. In the above example, the operation of selecting the item is completed by the operation of the two types of cursor keys, such as up and left, and the operation of the input key, three times in total. However, even in this case, the operator must use the three types of keys properly. was there. Generally, four directions of up, down, left, and right are required for the cursor keys. Therefore, in practice, it is necessary to prepare a space for arranging five types of keys in the apparatus and to use five key switch units.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation example when a selection operation is performed using a conventional pointing device. As in the case of the configuration using the keyboard, the items to be selected are displayed on the screen as buttons, and in addition to the display screen for displaying the items, a pointing device with a button switch (mouse or the like) is included as a component. Be prepared. On the input screen, a pointing cursor indicating the current operation position of the pointing device is displayed together with a plurality of selection item buttons. When the pointing cursor is moved to an arbitrary button and a button switch of the pointing device is pressed, the pointing device determines a selection item to be operated from the position information of the pointing cursor, and the function of the selection item is executed. In order for the operator to select and execute any item,
It becomes possible by operating the pointing device, moving the pointing cursor to an arbitrary item button, and pressing the button switch of the pointing device.

FIG. 8 shows a process of moving the pointing cursor near the lower center of the screen on the selection item button A and pressing the button of the pointing device to execute the function of the selection item button A. I have. In the above example, a mouse is used as a pointing device. However, in general, a pointing device including other pointing devices such as a joystick, a trackball, a trackpad, and a touch panel is input by an operation of an operator's finger or hand. Therefore, there is a problem that it is necessary to secure a space range for moving a finger or a hand. For example, when a mouse is used as a pointing device, a space for operating the mouse is required inside and outside the device, and when a trackball is used, a space of the size of a trackball is required for the device. These pointing device devices have a problem that even if an attempt is made to reduce the size of the device, operation becomes difficult because a relatively small operation controls a large amount of movement. is there. The same applies to a case where the target device is not securely fixed or a case where the device is small and has a small working range. There are difficult issues.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and the system displays only one item that can be simultaneously selected by the input control means, and displays the time by the time measuring means (timer). Selectable items are switched in accordance with the transition of, and an arbitrary item is selected by an operation of only giving an execution instruction at a timing at which a target item is displayed without requiring a conventional cursor movement operation,
Make it executable.

[0016]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a keyboard or a pointing device, wherein an operating system or an application program gives an operator an instruction to select one of a plurality of selection items. When requesting, the selection items to be simultaneously displayed on the display screen are limited to one, and the selection items are sequentially switched according to transition of time, and the selection items displayed at the time when the operator performs the input operation are selected input items. And a time measuring means and an input control means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including a keyboard or a pointing device, wherein an operating system or an application program requests an operator to select an arbitrary one of a plurality of selection items from an operator. All selection items are simultaneously displayed on the display screen, and one of them is marked to limit the selection items to one, and the selection items with the marks are sequentially switched over time, and the operator performs an input operation. The selection item displayed at the time of performing
It is provided with a time measuring means, an input control means, and a display control means which are processed as a selection input.

Further, according to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, when a selection item is changed over time, the timing of switching to the display of the next selection item is notified by voice. It is provided with a control means or a display control means for notifying on a display screen.

According to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, further comprising a setting storage unit and a setting control unit which can arbitrarily set an order of displaying the selection items and a time until the selection items are switched. is there.

According to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, if the selected item is selected within a certain period of time after the selection instruction, the selection input operation is again performed continuously to cancel the selection instruction input. It is provided with.

Further, the present invention provides an information processing apparatus according to the present invention, wherein an input signal control means capable of controlling a selection operation not only by a keyboard but also by an analog signal such as a voice input as an input device for giving a selection instruction. It is provided with.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of a selection operation by an information processing apparatus according to the present invention. In the item selection operation system according to the present invention, it is assumed that the selection items are displayed as buttons on the display screen, as in the case of performing a selection operation using a conventional keyboard. Here, as an equivalent to a conventional keyboard cursor, an “active marker” is defined. The active marker is
The input control means and the display control means mark a selection item which is a current selection candidate. In the example of FIG. 1, a black frame is displayed around the button for the item that is the current selection candidate. The selection items to which the active markers are attached are the items that can be executed at that time according to the execution instruction of the operator. In FIG. 1, the button A is currently a selection candidate, and when the operator inputs an execution instruction at this point, the system executes the function of the button A.

When the time determined by the time measuring means elapses, the active marker moves to the next selection item, button B. In this state, the selection item of the button B is a selection candidate, and if the operator inputs an execution instruction at this time, the system executes the function of the button B. Similarly, as time elapses, the selection candidate switches to the button C together with the active marker, and then returns to the button A, and then repeats. When the operator inputs an execution instruction, the system determines what item is selected from the position information of the active marker at that time, and executes the function of the item.

As described above, in the system of the present invention, unlike the conventional configuration, there is no need to operate a keyboard or a pointer of a pointing device (keyboard cursor, pointing cursor) to select a target item. Automatically switches the selection candidates as time elapses, the operator selects an arbitrary item only by performing an operation instruction input at the same time when the target item becomes a selection candidate. be able to.

According to the present invention, there are a plurality of selection items such as buttons on the screen, and when the operator performs selection and execution, the operator does not select an item by using a cursor key or a pointing device.
The system limits the items that can be selected at a certain moment to one type, and has a configuration in which the items are sequentially switched with the transition of time, so that the operator's instruction to execute any item is displayed as a selection candidate for that item. It becomes possible only by inputting an execution instruction at a good timing when it is done. As a result, the input device operated by the operator can be realized not only by one key switch but also by using an audio signal and a vibration detection signal.

Hereinafter, as one embodiment of the present invention, a character / image data display device having a plurality of selection items such as buttons on a screen will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. , A personal computer, a car navigation system, a mobile phone, etc. In this case, as a selection item, a “menu” in an application, a “date” in a calendar or a schedule table, a promise list (ToD)
Needless to say, “priority” in o) may be targeted.

(Embodiment of this Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a selection operation means by the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
This embodiment relates to a character / image data display device. As a basic function, arbitrary data stored in an internal or external storage means is selected and displayed, and a page of a screen is turned according to an operator's request. It is assumed that the apparatus is capable of performing operations such as / return, adjustment of display character size, and end processing. The above-described apparatus includes a computer system as information processing means, a display panel as display means, a cursor key, an execution instruction key, a transparent touch panel (superimposed on the display panel) as input means, and the like. , One-key function keys and a microphone.

(Internal Configuration of the Present Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 is connected to a system memory 3 and a system I via a system controller 2.
/ O4, display controller 5, external storage device 7, external port 8, and keyboard / pointing device controller 9 to read or write data. The display unit 6 performs display on the screen according to the information of the display controller 5, and the keyboard / pointing device controller 9 processes audio signals from the pointing device 10 (touch panel), the keyboard 11, and the microphone 12. The CPU 1 performs various processes by reading a program from the external storage device 7 and controlling the operation of each component configuring the device according to the program.

Specifically, the CPU 1 reads and executes an initial program from a non-volatile memory (ROM) on the system memory 3 in which a program for an initial operation is written, and executes a program or a system on the non-volatile memory (ROM). A program on the external storage device 7 is loaded into the read / write memory (RAM) space on the system memory 3 through the I / O 4, and the loaded program is executed to control each device and display calculation result data and the like on the display controller. 5 and the display controller 5 outputs it to the display unit 6. The data to be handled is the data stored in the external storage device 7 or the external storage device 7 via the external port 8, and the CPU 1 performs various processes on the data and outputs the result to, for example, the display controller 5. By doing so, the operator can confirm the processing result. The keyboard 11 has both a cursor key / execution instruction key used to configure a conventional item selection system and a one-key function key used as a selection key in the present invention. The one-key function key is also provided as one key switch on the main body. In addition, as an alternative input, a voice signal from the microphone 12 is also processed by the keyboard / pointing device controller 9, and when the one-key function key is pressed. The same processing can be performed. The voice signal in this case refers to some voice input to the microphone 12, and is handled in the same manner as when the one-key function key is pressed by the voice input.

The touch panel is mounted on the display unit 6 so that the operator touches an arbitrary position on the display screen with a finger or other object to read the coordinate position and transmit it to the system. The pointing device 10 can perform both coordinate designation and execution instruction input at the same time. In the present invention,
Conventional methods using cursor keys and execution instruction keys,
Since it can be used in combination with a method using a pointing device, this embodiment also includes a cursor key, an execution instruction key, and a touch panel as a pointing device.

(Basic Functions of the Embodiment) In this embodiment, the following system is constructed by software from the above basic configuration. The system stores a plurality of data to be displayed in the external storage device 7, reads the data requested by the operator from the plurality of data into the system memory 3, and transfers the data to the display unit 6 via the display controller 5. Thus, the data is displayed in the data content display area in FIG. In this embodiment, a document is assumed as data. If you want to read another data (document), select button 1 (previous file) on the screen and button 2 (next file) on the screen in FIG. The read data is discarded, and the next newly instructed document is read from the external storage device 7 or the like and displayed in the same manner. If the read document does not fit on the display screen, the document is displayed over a plurality of pages, so that it is necessary to perform a process of sending or returning the page. This process is realized by selecting the button 3 (previous page) and the button 4 (next page) on the screen in FIG.

When the size of the displayed character is changed, the button 5 (large character) on the screen in FIG. 2 or the button 6 (small character) on the screen is selected, and the process is terminated. Button 7 on the screen
The system can be terminated by selecting (end). These functions are conventionally known in the configuration shown in FIG. Here, the item selection operation input of the present invention will be described in detail below.

(Parameters used in this embodiment) Table 1
FIG. 9 shows a list of parameters used in this embodiment.

[0034]

[Table 1]

The operation parameter is a parameter that stores the state as a numerical value in order to manage the internal operation state. The work parameter is a parameter used as a counter of a timer used during operation. The setting parameter is a parameter storing various setting information for determining the operation of the present embodiment. This information is a parameter group that can be set in advance by an operator. Hereinafter, the operation parameters will be sequentially described.

(Operation parameters) Table 2 shows the contents of the operation parameters.

[0037]

[Table 2]

Marker status: MkSt This parameter indicates the display state of the active marker. In the present embodiment, there are four states, a thick black frame is displayed around the selected item in the first step, a black frame is displayed in the second step, a dotted line frame is displayed in the third step, and no frame is displayed in the fourth step. With the marker status parameter, the selection candidate is switched after the display state changes at the fourth stage, so that the operator can perform an operation after sufficiently recognizing the switching timing of the selection item. In this embodiment, as an initial value,
It is assumed that the value 3 (thick black frame) of the first stage is set.

Sequence number: SeqNo SeqNo is a setting parameter storing the transfer order of the selection items, a sequence data array (SeqA
r []). The selection candidate changes within the selection item group over time,
This switching order is stored in a sequence data array (SeqAr []) which is a setting parameter. In the sequence data array (SeqAr []),
The function numbers assigned to the respective selection items are stored in the order arbitrarily set by the operator.
2 for r [1], 5 for SeqAr [2], 5SeqAr
If [3] is set to 3, the order in which the selection candidates are switched is: selection item of function number 2 → selection item of function number 5 → selection item of function number 3. Details will be described in the item of the sequence data array (SeqAr []).

Active function number: Ac
tFno This parameter indicates which selection item is currently in the selected state, and stores a function number assigned to each selection item. This parameter is SeqAr [SeqN
o], which will also be described in the item of the sequence data array (SeqAr []).

(Work Parameters) Table 3 shows the contents of the work parameters.

[0042]

[Table 3]

Main timer counter: MnTmCt This parameter is a work parameter for a timer for managing the time for changing the display state of the active marker. A value is read from the main timer set value set for each selection item, and the operation flow is managed by this parameter.

Pause timer counter: PsTmCt This parameter is a timer work parameter for managing the time of a pause state (described later). The value is read from the pause timer set value set for each selection item,
The operation flow is managed by these parameters.

(Setting parameters) Table 4 shows the contents of the setting parameters, and Table 5 shows the setting values.

[0046]

[Table 4]

[0047]

[Table 5]

Sequence data array: SeqAr
[(Function No.)] This array parameter stores the order of switching the selection candidates. As shown in FIG. 2, there are seven types of selection items in this embodiment, from button 1 (previous file) on the screen to button 7 (end) on the screen.
A function number 7 is assigned, and each selection item is managed by this function number (hereinafter, this function number is referred to as a button number).

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the values shown in Table 5 "Set values of SeqAr" are stored as the set values of the sequence data array. According to this set value, button 1 (previous file) on the screen is set in the first (SeqAr [1]) of the sequence data array.
Data is stored in the order of -2--3--4-7-1-2--3-4-3-4. This is a setting in which the selection candidate switches first to "previous file" of button 1 on the screen, then to "next file" of button 2 on the screen, and then to "previous page" of button 3 on the screen. (See Table 5, the order of moving the selection candidates at the time of the above setting).

To determine the next selection candidate to be switched, the sequence number (SeqNo) indicating the order of the switching order is incremented, and the sequence data array (SeqAr []) specified by the sequence number (SeqNo) This is realized by reading the button number as the next selection candidate from the upper storage position.
The button number read here becomes the current active function number (ActFno).

If 0 has been set, the system determines that the sequence has ended there, and the subsequent operation of the item selection system of the present invention depends on the setting of a repeat enable (RptEn) described later. . There is no limit on the value preset by the operator in the sequence data array (SeqAr []), and the switching order of the selection candidates can be set in any order of the operator. Settings can also be realized. In the above embodiment, the sequence data array (S
eqAr []) includes 1-2-3-4-7 up to the 11th
Since the switching order is set in the order of -1-2-3-4-3-4, the button 1 on the screen and the button 2 on the screen are assigned for each one-key function key operation (one turn). The function is twice, the function of button 3 on the screen and button 4 on the screen is three times, and the function of button 7 on the screen is 1
It is displayed as a selection candidate at the rate of the number of times. Since such a setting is possible, the operator can reduce the frequency at which the buttons of functions that are not normally used are displayed as selection candidates, thereby enabling the operator to perform the operation without waiting for the execution instruction of the frequently used selection items. Is obtained.

Function enable: FuncE
n [(button number)] This parameter is a parameter for setting whether or not to display the item as a selection candidate according to the item selection method of the present invention (item selection in the conventional method is possible regardless of the setting of this parameter). ). For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in the table portion entitled “Setting value of FuncEn [],...” In Table 5, button 5 (large text) on the screen and button 6 (large text) on the screen are displayed. In the item (), the value of the function enable (FuncEn []) is set to false, and the setting is not displayed as a selection candidate according to the present invention. This is the sequence data array (S
eqAr []) button 6 on the screen and button 7 on the screen
Even if it is specified, fals
If e is set, it is ignored and skipped.

In the present embodiment, the functions of the large character of the button 5 on the screen and the small character of the button 6 on the screen are functions that the operator judges not to be frequently necessary functions. [5] (setting of large button) and FuncEn [6] (setting of small button)
Is set to false. Even in this case, it is possible to directly input the execution instruction by the conventional method, and when the operator displays it as a selection candidate of the present invention, at least once in the sequence data array (SeqAr []) Register the button number,
Function enable of that button number (Func
En []) is also set by setting the parameter.

Main timer set value: MnTm [(button number)] In the item selection system of the present invention, this sets the time from when each selection item becomes a selection candidate until switching to the next selection item. A value can be set for each selection item with a parameter. Actually, in the case of the present embodiment, there are four display states of the active marker, and the switching time of the states is set. That is, when the time set by the above set value has passed four times, the selection candidate is switched.
Since this time can be set arbitrarily for each selection item, the switching time for selection candidates for which it is not possible to expect prompt decision by the operator is set to be long, giving the operator a grace time for determination, or one turn. Among them, it is possible to set a shorter selection item for a selection item that is repeatedly selected many times. This value is substituted for MnTmCt of the work parameter, and control is performed.

Pause enable: PsEn [button number] In the item selection system according to the present invention, immediately after the execution instruction is input, the user can cancel the previous selection instruction by performing a re-execution instruction input operation without a pause. Although it is possible, the parameter that sets the validity / invalidity of this function (pause function) is pause enable (PsEn []).
It is. In this embodiment, in Table 5, "..., PsEn"
As shown in the table section entitled “Setting values of [],...”, Only button 4 (next page) on the screen is false
(Disabled). The pause function is a convenient function that makes it possible to cancel an instruction once performed. However, in order to realize this canceling operation, after the first execution instruction is input, until the time set by PsTm [] described later elapses. The operator has to wait for the execution of the actual function. Button 4 (next page) on the screen has no adverse effects even if erroneous input is performed, and is a frequently used item. Therefore, priority is given to realizing quick operation of the function, and the pause function is set to invalid. are doing.

Pause timer setting value: PsTm [(button number)] The pause function also sets a pause time for each selection item. With this parameter, the pause time can be set arbitrarily for each setting item, so that, for example, the operator can set a long pause time for a selection item of an important function. In the present embodiment, for a function that greatly affects the state of the system, such as the button 7 (end) on the screen, an end instruction is given by mistake by setting a pause time that is twice as long as other selection items. In such a case, the setting is made such that cancellation is possible for a long time (see the setting value of PsTm [] in Table 5).

Repeat enable: RptEn Sequence data array (SeqA) in this embodiment
r []) is determined by the sequence number (SeqN
As described above, 0 is set at the end of one turn as described above. When the system reads out 0, the turn ends at that point. It is the repeat enable (RptE) that determines the subsequent control.
n). When the repeat enable (RptEn) is t
If "rue" is set, the process returns to the beginning of the turn sequence, and the operation as the item selection system of the present invention is performed again. If false is set, the operation as the item selection system of the present invention ends at that point,
Only the conventional item selection system becomes effective. To operate as the item selection system of the present invention again, a separate procedure is required, but in the case of this embodiment, it becomes possible again by the operator inputting a one-key function key. In this case, the sequence number is set to the first one, and is displayed as a selection candidate from the first registration content of the sequence data array (SeqAr []).

(Flowchart) FIGS. 4, 5 and 6
5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus of the present invention. The processing operation of the system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. After turning on the power to the system and performing various startup processes, the software sequence of this embodiment starts (step S01), and the system branches to step S02. Here, the system checks whether there is an input instruction from the operator. At this point, the selection system of the present invention has not been operated yet, and if there is no input, the process returns to step S02 again to repeatedly perform the determination processing.

(Steps S02 and S10) Input means voice input from a keyboard (one key function key, cursor key, execution instruction key) of the main body, a touch panel mounted on the display screen and a microphone, If such an input has been made, the system checks what the input is, and if the conventional selection method (item selection with the cursor key / execution instruction key or item selection from the touch panel), the system proceeds to step S70. Then, in step S80, the function of the item is directly executed. This conventional method, which is selected by a cursor key, an execution instruction key, or a touch panel, is hereinafter referred to as direct button input.

On the other hand, in the case of the input using the one-key function key and the input by voice, which are the selection methods in the present invention, the flow branches to step S10, and the selection system of the present invention is operated in step S11. Hereinafter, an input method for selecting an item in the present invention using the one-key function key or voice will be referred to as one-key input.

(Step S11) In step S11,
In order to operate the item selection system of the present invention, parameters are initialized. Here, the marker status (M
kSt) = 3 (thick black frame), sequence number (SeqN
o) = 1 is set, and the routine proceeds to step S12. At this time, the active selection item active function number (ActFno) is the sequence number (SeqN
o) and the value of SeqAr [SeqNo] shown in the sequence data array (SeqAr []).

(Step S12) In step S12,
Updates the display of the active marker and initializes the main timer. The item to be updated is the item of the contents of the sequence data array (SeqAr []) specified by the sequence number parameter (SeqNo), and the button number ActF that is the current selection candidate
No (= SeqAr [SeqNo]). For this item, the display of the active marker is updated by the active marker state value based on the value of the marker status (MkSt). At the time of the first processing, the sequence number (SeqNo) is determined in step S11.
= 1 and the sequence data array (Se
The active marker of the first registered item of qAr []) is displayed. In the present embodiment, SeqAr [1]
As shown in the table section entitled “Set value of SeqAr” in Table 5, the active marker is displayed in the “previous file” item, which is the item of button number 1, since button number 1 is stored I do. The state of the active marker displayed at this time is determined by the marker status parameter (Mk
St). At the first processing,
Since the marker status (MkSt) is set to 3, the image is displayed in a thick black frame.

Next, the main timer is initialized. The main timer manages the time until the selection candidate state is switched as described above, and its value is set by the main timer set value (MnTm []) for each selection item. The number of the button that is currently a selection candidate is the active function number (ActFno =
SeqAr [SeqNo]), so MnTm [A
ctFno] is the set value of the main timer for the current selection candidate. This value is set in a main timer counter (MnTmCt), and the actual time is measured by the system according to this parameter.

In the case of this embodiment, the button number 1 is active at the time of the first processing, so that the button number 1
, MnTm [1] = 750 is set (see the table section entitled “Set values of..., MnTm [],...” In Table 5). In this embodiment, 1000 per unit
Since the operation is performed in a fraction of a second, the time indicated by this timer value is 0.75 seconds. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

(Step S13) In step S13,
The presence or absence of an input from the operator is determined. If there is a direct button input, the process branches to step S30 and then proceeds to step S80 to directly execute the function of the button specified at the time of direct button input, regardless of the position of the active marker. If the input is a one-key input, the process branches to step S40, and the processes after step S41 are performed, which will be described later. If there is no input, the process proceeds to the next step S14.

(Step S14) In step S14,
The above-described main timer counter value is decremented, and the process proceeds to the determination routine of step S15. The amount of decrement is indicated as t in the flowchart,
This t is a value obtained by converting the time required for the loop of the sequence of steps S13 to S15 into 1/1000 second per unit. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S15.

(Step S15) In step S15,
It is determined whether or not the main timer counter (MnTmCt) has exceeded a set time. The main timer counter (MnTmCt) contains, as an initial value, a value indicating the time set from the value of the main timer set value (MnTm [ActFno]).
Is reduced by the elapsed time. When this value becomes 0 or less, it is determined that the set time has been reached, and the process proceeds to step S16. If the set time is not determined, the input determination in step S13 and the decrement processing in step S14 are repeated.

(Step S16) In step S16,
The main timer set value (MnTm [A
ctFno]), the preparation for switching the display state of the active marker is made. In this embodiment,
Since it is assumed that the active marker has four display states, switching of the selection candidate is performed after this active marker state change is performed four times. Therefore, the value to be set as the main timer setting value (MnTm []) needs to be set to a value that is one quarter of the switching time of the selection candidate. The actual operation of step S16 is a parameter indicating the display state of the active marker in preparation for switching the display state of the active marker. The value of the marker status (MkSt) is reduced by one. Thus, at the time of the next display update processing in step S12, the active marker is displayed in the next display state. After the end of this process, the flow shifts to step S17.

(Step S17) Step S17 checks the value of the new marker status (MkSt) changed by the process of step S16. Marker status defines values starting from 3 and up to 0,
The active marker display state is changed depending on what the value is. Previous marker status (MkSt)
Is 0, the value becomes -1 by the processing in step S16. This state means that the previous display state is already the marker status (MkSt) = 0, and the display update of the immediately preceding step S12 displays the state of the active marker in the final state (no frame). I have. In this case, the value of the marker status (MkSt) is reset to the initial value of 3, and the process proceeds to step S18 to prepare for switching the selection candidate to the next selection item. If the marker status (MkSt) is not -1, the active marker is not yet in the final display state, and the processing of the system returns to the update of the active marker display in step S12.

(Step S18) Reaching the processing of step S18 means that the display state of the active marker in the current selection item is final, and the procedure for switching to the next selection candidate has started. The system increments the sequence number (SeqNo), and then reads the selection items for displaying the active marker from the incremented new sequence number (SeqNo) by the sequence data array (SeqAr [SeqNo]). Thereafter, the button number of the new selection item is determined in step S19.

(Step S19) In step S19,
The sequence data array (SeqA) corresponding to the sequence number incremented in step S18
It is determined whether or not the setting content of r [SeqNo]) is a value meaning the last. As described above, at the end of one turn, the sequence data array (SeqAr [Se
qNo]) is set to “0” in the last data, so if the value of the read SeqAr [SeqNo] is 0, the display of the selected item by the one-key input method is processed for one turn. Is determined to have been performed, and step S1
After performing the same initial settings as in 1, the process proceeds to the repeat determination process in step S90. If the value of the sequence data array (SeqAr [SeqNo]) is not 0, the value indicates the button number to be displayed as the next selection candidate, so that the active function number ( ActFno)
The sequence data array (SeqAr [SeqN
o]) is read, and the routine proceeds to the processing in step S20.

(Step S20) In step S20,
It is determined whether or not the selection item designated as the next selection candidate specified in step S18 is permitted to be input by the one-key input method. Function enable (FuncEn [Act] which is a setting parameter
Fno]), it is set in advance whether or not the operator can input a selection item of the button number by a one-key input method. The function enable (FuncEn [A] of the button number of the active function number (ActFno) set in step S19
If (ctFno]) is true, one-key input is possible, so the flow shifts to step S12 to start displaying an active marker at the new active function number (ActFno) button number. If the above value is false, it is a selection item for which one-key input is not permitted, so the process returns to step S18,
The process proceeds to the next sequence number (SeqNo) selection item.

(Step S70) If it is determined in step S02 that the button is a direct button, the flow branches to step S70. This state is a case where an item is directly selected by the direct button in a state in which the one-key input method is not operating, and the process proceeds to step S80 to execute the function.

(Step S80) In step S80,
The actual function is executed according to the instruction to execute the selected item by direct button input from steps S70, S30, and S50, and the instruction to execute the selected item from the one-key function from step S45. After executing the function, repeat determination is performed in the process of step S90.

(Step S90) In step S90,
If the repeat enable (RptEn) is set to true, the process unconditionally proceeds to step S12, and f
If it is set to "alse", the process returns to the loop of step S02. Therefore, regardless of the previous state, when the repeat enable (RptEn) is set to true, the one-key input state is started from step S12, and when the repeat enable (RptEn) is set to false, the one-key input state is set. The input method is temporarily stopped, and the next time is restarted after the one-key input is enabled in step S02.

(Step S30) If it is determined in step S13 that the button is a direct button, the flow branches to step S30. This state is a case where an item is directly selected by the direct button while the processing by the one-key input method is in operation. in this case,
As with the branch from step S70, the process moves to step S80. In this state, since the operator has directly designated the selection item of the target function by the conventional method, the function is directly executed in step S80 regardless of the state of the currently displayed active marker.

(Step S40) If it is determined in step S13 that the input is a one-key input, the pause function is performed by the processing of step S41 and subsequent steps. The pause function is the time of the pause timer set value (PsTm [ActFno]) that is set individually for each selection item, instead of immediately executing the designated function even if it is determined in step S13 that there is a one-key input. During this period, the selection operation is canceled by one-key input again.

(Step S41) In step S41,
First, a parameter indicating the validity / invalidity of the pause function defined for each selection item, a pause enable (PsEn [Ac
tFno]), it is checked whether the pause function of the button number of the current selection candidate indicated by the active function number (ActFno) is valid or invalid. If true is stored, it is valid, and the process proceeds to the next step S42 to perform a pause process. fals
If e is stored, the pause function is invalid, and the process goes directly to the execution of the function in step S80, and executes the function of the selection item of the button number indicated by the active function number (ActFno). The processing operation after step S80 is as described above.

(Step S42) In the process of step S42, the value of the pause timer set value (PsTm [ActFno]) individually set for each selection item is set to a pause timer counter which is a work parameter of the timer for the pause function. (PsTmCt). As described above, the pause timer manages the time during which the cancellation process is possible, and its value is set in the pause timer set value parameter (PsTm []) for each selected item. Since the button number of the current selection item is the active function number (ActFno = SeqAr [SeqNo]), the value of PsTm [ActFno] is set in the pause timer counter (PsTmCt) which is a work parameter, and the actual parameter is set by this parameter. Time is measured by the system.

In the case of the present embodiment, when the button number is 1,
As shown in the “Set value of PsTm []” part of Table 5, MnTm [1] = 1,000 is set as a set value, and it is assumed that the unit operates in 1/1000 second per unit. In this case, the timer has an operation time of one second. This time indicates the time during which the pause function is valid, and within this time, the selection operation is canceled by one-key input again. For this process, the flow shifts to input determination in step S43.

(Steps S43, S50, S60, S6
1) In step S43, it is determined whether or not an input has been made by an operator. First, when there is an input of the direct button, the process proceeds to a branch of step S50. In this case, the process of the one-key input method is in operation, and the direct button is input during the pause function execution process. In this case, as in the other direct button inputs, the process proceeds to step S80 to execute the function. The subsequent processing is the same as in the case of executing other direct buttons. If there is a one-key input, it means an operation for canceling the immediately preceding execution instruction, so the process branches to step S60, and the cancellation process is performed in step S61. Here, the cancellation processing is, for example, processing for displaying “cancelled” on the screen. After the execution of the cancellation process in step S61, the system returns to step S12 and continues the one-key input state again. If there is no input operation, the process moves to the next step S44.

(Step S44) In step S44,
The pause timer counter (Ps) set in step S42
TmCt) is decremented by the value of time t, and the routine goes to the determination routine of step S45. The value of the time t is the time required for the loop processing of steps S43 to S45.

(Step S45) At step S45, the pause timer set value (PsTm) of the current selection item is set.
[ActFno]) determines whether the pause timer counter (PsTmCt) set from the value of [ActFno] has exceeded the set time. This value is reduced by the elapsed time in step S44, but if this value becomes 0 or less, the operator determines that there is no intention to perform the cancellation processing, and shifts to the processing in step S80. To execute the function of the specified button. If not less than 0, the input is determined in step S43, and step S44
Is repeated.

[0084]

According to the present invention, when the system displays a plurality of selection items and selects an item to be displayed on the screen, the item is displayed at the same time instead of using a keyboard or a pointing device. The selection items are limited to one, and the system switches the selection items to be displayed with the passage of time, so that the operator only needs to perform an execution instruction input in accordance with the timing at which the target selection item is displayed, It is possible to provide a system for selecting an arbitrary item. Further, the input device of the present invention may be any input device that can perform a single execution instruction input, and therefore, a complicated input device such as a four-directional cursor key or a pointing device required for a conventional item selection system. Do not need.

Further, according to the present invention, as for the display of the selection items, all the items are displayed, and the display as a selection candidate is provided by means for realizing the expression by marking the item. By enabling the conventional item selection method using a keyboard or a pointing device, it is also possible to limit the number of selection items displayed simultaneously on the display screen to one, and automatically switch the selection items sequentially according to the transition of time. The item can be selected only by an operation of inputting an execution instruction at the timing when the selected item is displayed.

Further, according to the present invention, when the selection items are switched, the voice control means and the display control means provide:
There is a mechanism to notify the operator of the switching timing by voice or display on the screen, and the operator can input an execution instruction while sufficiently recognizing the switching timing with respect to the display of the target selection candidate. Operation becomes possible.

Further, according to the present invention, the order in which option items are switched as selection candidates and the transition time at the time of switching can be arbitrarily determined by the setting storage means and the setting control means, so that the operator can be set according to the purpose of the operator. The optimal switching order can be set, and an efficient selection operation environment can be constructed.

According to the present invention, the provision of the cancellation control means makes it possible to cancel the immediately preceding execution instruction by the re-execution instruction input after the execution instruction input, and to cancel after the execution instruction input. A function of arbitrarily setting the validity / invalidity of the time setting and canceling functions for each item is also realized. With the above function, as a measure to be taken when the operator notices an error in the selection instruction after the item selection instruction, the selection instruction can be canceled by continuously inputting the instruction after the item selection instruction. In addition to providing protection against inadvertent input mistakes, the degree of protection for the operator is adjusted according to the importance of the setting item by setting the presence or absence of a canceling operation and the cancelable time for each item. Becomes possible.

Further, according to the present invention, the execution instruction input can be realized by a single input instruction without requiring a complicated input device such as a plurality of keys or coordinate input devices. Even the input of a signal can be used as an input device by the input control means. Therefore, it is possible to input an execution instruction by giving a voice or vibration to the device at the time when the target selection candidate is displayed, and even in an operation situation where manual operation is difficult,
Selection input can be performed flexibly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation example of a selection operation by an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one mode of a selection operation unit by the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a continuation of the flowchart in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a continuation of the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when performing a selection operation using a keyboard according to the related art.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation example when a selection operation is performed using a conventional pointing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... CPU, 2 ... system controller, 3 ... system memory, 4 ... system I / O, 5 ... display controller,
6 display unit, 7 external storage device, 8 external port, 9 ...
Keyboard / pointing device controller, 1
0 ... pointing device (touch panel), 11 ...
Keyboard, 12 ... microphone.

Claims (6)

[Claims] An information processing apparatus including a keyboard or a pointing device, wherein an operating system or an application program requests an operator to select an arbitrary one of a plurality of selection items from a plurality of selection items. The selection items to be displayed at the same time are limited to one, the selection items are sequentially switched according to the transition of time, and the selection items displayed at the time when the operator performs the input operation are processed as a selection input. An information processing device comprising input control means. 2. An information processing apparatus comprising a keyboard or a pointing device, wherein an operating system or an application program requests an operator to select an arbitrary one of a plurality of selection items from an operator. When all the selection items are displayed at the same time and one of them is marked, the selection items are limited to one, and the selection items with the mark are sequentially switched over time, and the operator performs an input operation. An information processing apparatus comprising: a time measurement unit, an input control unit, and a display control unit in which a selection item displayed in (1) is processed as a selection input. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the selection item is changed over time, the timing of switching to the display of the next selection item is notified by voice. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a display control unit configured to notify a user on a display screen. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting storage unit and a setting control unit that can arbitrarily set an order in which the selection items are displayed and a time until the selection items are switched. Information processing device. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if a selection item is selected within a certain period of time after the selection instruction, the cancellation control means for canceling the selection instruction input by continuously performing the selection input operation again. An information processing apparatus comprising: 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input signal control means capable of controlling a selection operation not only by a keyboard but also by an analog signal such as a voice input as an input device for performing a selection instruction. An information processing apparatus, characterized in that: