JP2001067165A - Control for display of subwindow - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it unnecessary to manually operate a window and a subwindow, to speed up operation and to restore the state of the subwindow even when a cursor or a mouse pointer for the original window is stayed in an original subwindow display area without interrupting the display of the working area of the original window by the subwindow. SOLUTION: Before hiding a cursor or a mouse pointer for an original window by a subwindow, subwindow is pushed out to the outside of a client area of the original window. Therefore the subwindow is displayed at first (1), an area A in which the subwindow is overlapped with the original window is extracted (2), the position of the cursor or mouse pointer of the original window is detected (3), whether the cursor or the mouse pointer is entered into the area A or not is discriminated (4), and when the cursor or the pointer enters, the subwindow is controlled (5).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for displaying a sub-window on an information processing apparatus such as a computer, and more particularly to a method for controlling the display of a sub-window which does not require manual operation of the window and the sub-window, thereby speeding up the operation. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, at least a processor, a memory,
In a computer system including a pointing device, a keyboard, and a display device, when a sub window such as a help screen is displayed for an arbitrary application having a window displayed on the computer display device, the sub window is displayed. If you try to continue working on the original window, the subwindow hides part of the original window, and manual operations on the windows and subwindows occur, hindering the tasks you should perform. Was.

A method has been proposed in which the position of a sub-window or a window can be freely set individually (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-289840). That is, when a layout table describing the positions and types of a plurality of windows is changed, a window and a corresponding window management module are generated according to the contents of the layout table. The window management module processes a user input event according to the type and position, and displays predetermined information in a window according to a user's instruction. The user can freely set the position and type of the window by describing the contents of the layout table in an external file, or by specifying layout information using a menu provided by the system when the system is executed. . Also,
A method of changing a plurality of opened windows by changing the size has also been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-1125).
No. 9). This is because, when a focus shift from the first window to the second window is first detected, a window other than the second window is used for each window other than the second window by using the zoom-out size. Are displayed on the screen.

[0004]

As described above, conventionally, when the user tries to continue working on the original window while displaying the sub-window, the sub-window hides a part of the original window, and the original window is hidden. Creating windows was hindered. Therefore, in order to manually reduce the size of the sub-window or change the size or position of the sub-window, an operation such as writing a desired size or position in the layout table or specifying a plurality of windows has been performed. That is, to change the size or position of each window or subwindow, some manual operation or processing is required.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to solve these conventional problems, eliminate the need to manually operate windows and subwindows, and provide a subwindow display control method capable of speeding up work. To provide. A second object of the present invention is to prevent the display of the work area of the original window from being disturbed by the subwindow and to prevent the contents of the subwindow from being referred to by the processing of the present invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display control method of a sub-window which can avoid performing the operation. Further, a third object of the present invention is to provide an operation for re-displaying a sub-window or the like even if the cursor or mouse pointer of the original window remains within the original sub-window display area without being able to refer to the sub-window. To provide a sub-window display control method capable of avoiding the following. A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a display control method of a sub-window which can prevent the sub-window from hindering a work around a cursor or a mouse pointer.
A fifth object of the present invention is to prevent processing from being performed on a subwindow, the positional relationship between the subwindow and the work point when the subwindow is restored, and the processing on the subwindow with respect to the work contents of the original window. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sub-window display control method capable of performing the following. Further, a sixth object of the present invention is to stabilize the display state of the subwindow by giving a certain width to the positional relationship between the subwindow for executing processing to the subwindow and restoring the subwindow and the cursor or the mouse pointer. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sub-window display control method capable of improving efficiency.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, in the display control method of the subwindow of the present invention, the subwindow is automatically moved to the original window before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the subwindow. It is characterized by being pushed out of the client area. Further, before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the sub-window, the sub-window is moved in conjunction with the movement of the cursor or the mouse pointer. Also, the size of the subwindow is automatically changed before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the subwindow. Further, before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the sub-window, the sub-window is temporarily retracted to the back side of the original window. Further, the subwindow is temporarily minimized before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the subwindow.

[0007] Further, at the time of the above subwindow processing, the original display position information of the subwindow is registered in the storage device at the time of activation of the subwindow.
The above processing is characterized in that after the cursor and the mouse pointer of the original window have moved out of the display area of the original sub-window, they are restored again.
In addition, there is provided a means for monitoring the lapse of time after the control processing for the sub-window is performed, and the state of the sub-window is restored after a lapse of a predetermined time after the processing for the sub-window is performed. A means for monitoring the positional relationship between the original position of the subwindow and the cursor and mouse pointer of the original window; and whether or not the positional relationship is greater than a certain value (an interval at which the contents of work around the cursor and the mouse pointer can be grasped). It is characterized in that processing is performed on the subwindow and the subwindow is restored. In addition, depending on the type (use) of the subwindow or the difference between the work point and the cursor or the mouse pointer, the value of the positional relationship for performing the process on the subwindow, the return of the subwindow, and the selection of the process of the above subwindow are individually set. It is characterized by the following. (10) The value of the positional relationship between the subwindow, the cursor, and the mouse pointer for judging the processing to the subwindow and the return of the subwindow is separately set when the processing to the subwindow is executed and when the subwindow is restored.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A and 1B are a block diagram of a computer system to which the sub-window display control method of the present invention is applied and an operation flowchart showing a common part of the sub-window display control method of the present invention. In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 11 denotes a CPU for executing all processes, 12 denotes a memory for storing programs executed by the CPU 11 and results of the execution, and 13 denotes an external memory such as a disk for storing data used by the CPU 11. ,
Reference numeral 14 denotes a display device for displaying images and text on a screen, 15 denotes a keyboard for inputting commands such as characters and execution instructions, and 16 denotes a pointing device such as a mouse.

In FIG. 1B, a sub window such as a help screen is displayed while the original window is displayed (step 1). Next, an area where the subwindow and the window overlap is extracted (step 2).
This area is stored, and the position of the cursor or pointer is constantly monitored while working in the original window (step 3), and it is determined whether or not the cursor or mouse pointer has entered the stored area (step 3). Step 4).
If intrusion is confirmed, the sub-window is controlled (step 5). This control includes various controls as described in FIG. On the other hand, if no intrusion is confirmed (step 4), the position of the cursor or mouse pointer in the original window is monitored again (step 3). Then, this operation is repeated.

FIGS. 2 to 4 show a method of controlling a sub window when a cursor pointer enters an area in which a cursor pointer is stored. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a method of moving a sub window. FIG. 4 is for reducing the size of the subwindow. FIG. 2 shows the first embodiment, and is an operation flowchart showing an example in which the destination of the sub-window is on the right side of the original window. FIG. 5 shows the sub-window before and after the sub-window is moved in that case. It is a figure showing coordinates. First, the x-coordinate (coordinate xa) of the original window is obtained (step 21), and the x-coordinate of the upper left corner of the subwindow is set to the coordinate xa, and the x-coordinate of the lower right corner is set.
The coordinates are obtained by adding the width of the subwindow to the coordinates xa (step 22), and the subwindow is moved to the newly set coordinates (step 23). As shown in FIG. 5, the subwindow in this case is the upper left corner (x1,
y1) and the upper left end (x2) after moving from the lower right end (x2, y2)
a, y1) and the lower right end (xa + (x2-x1), y2), which means that the coordinates of the original window have been horizontally moved to the position where the coordinates of the original window are the right ends of the subwindows at the same height.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is an operation flowchart showing an example in which the sub window is moved to the right side of the original window, and FIG.
It is a figure showing the coordinates before and after movement of the subwindow in that case. First, the x-coordinate of the left end of the sub-window (coordinate x1) and the x-coordinate of the right end (coordinate x2) are obtained (step 31).
The coordinates are set to the coordinates x1 plus the movement amount a, and the lower right x-coordinates are the coordinates x2 plus the movement amount a (step 32), and then the subwindow is moved to the newly set coordinates. (Step 33). As shown in FIG. 6, the subwindow in this case is the upper left corner (x1,
y1) and the upper left end (x2) after moving from the lower right end (x2, y2)
1 + a, y1) and the lower right corner (x2 + a, y2), which means that they are horizontally moved to the right by the movement amount a at the same height.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is an operation flowchart showing an example in which the sub window is moved to the right side of the original window. FIG.
It is a figure showing the coordinates before and after movement of the subwindow in that case. First, the x coordinate of the left end of the subwindow (coordinate x1) is obtained (step 41), and the x coordinate of the upper left corner of the subwindow is changed to the coordinate x1 by the change amount a (step 42). Is set again (step 43), and the position and size of the subwindow are changed based on the newly set coordinates and the width of the subwindow (step 44). In this case, the sub-window is located at the upper left corner (x
1, y1) and the lower left corner (x2, y2) after moving from the lower right corner (x2, y2). In other words, the lower right corner of the subwindow is the same position before and after the movement, and only the upper left corner has moved to the right by a at the same height, and the screen area of the subwindow has been reduced in the horizontal direction. Become.

Although a specific example is omitted, as a fourth embodiment of the subwindow control method of the present invention, the subwindow is automatically moved to the client of the original window before the cursor or mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the subwindow. It is also possible to extrude outside the area. As this method, in addition to the method of resetting the coordinates of the upper left end and the lower right end of the subwindow as in the first to third embodiments, there is also a method of automatically pushing out of the frame. Further, as a fifth embodiment, it is possible to temporarily retreat the subwindow to the back side of the original window before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the subwindow. Further, as a modification of the third embodiment, it is possible to temporarily minimize the sub-window before the cursor or mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the sub-window. This method
The minimum size among the size reduction methods in the third embodiment is set in advance, and the size is reduced to the minimum set value when it is detected that the image is hidden.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a sub-window control operation according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the screen of the original window and the subwindow in that case. When the sub window is displayed in the active application window (step 13)
1) First, display position information of the sub-window is acquired and the information is stored (step 132). Next, confirm that the subwindow is displayed (step 13).
3) Obtain display position information of the cursor or mouse pointer of the original application window (step 134). Next, the obtained display position information of the sub-window is compared with the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window (step 135), and it is checked whether the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the sub-window display area. (Step 136). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the upper left end (x1, y1) and the lower right end (x2, y2) of the subwindow 82
In contrast, when the coordinates (xm, yn) of the cursor position 81 move to the left, (x1 <xm <x2) and (y1 <y
It can be seen that the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the sub-window display area in accordance with the condition of n <y2). In step 136, if the cursor or mouse pointer overlaps the original sub-window display area, the sub-window control has already been performed (ie,
It is confirmed whether or not the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments is performed (step 139).

In step 139, if "sub-window control" (that is, the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments) has not been performed, "sub-window control" is performed, and the process returns to step 133 (step 14).
0). Also, in step 136, even if the cursor or the mouse pointer does not overlap the original sub-window display area, whether "sub-window control" (that is, the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments) has already been performed. It is confirmed whether or not it is (step 137). If the "sub-window control" has already been performed, the "sub-window control" is canceled, the sub-window is displayed at the original position, and the process returns to step 153 (step 138). If “sub window control” has not been performed, the process returns to step 133 without doing anything (step 137). The above processing is repeated until the subwindow is cleared. The effects of this embodiment are as follows.
In the above-described first to fifth embodiments, when processing such as moving or reducing a sub-window is performed, a similar problem occurs at the destination of the sub-window or a problem occurs such that the contents of the sub-window cannot be referred to. However, according to the present embodiment, since these problems can be solved, work efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subwindow control operation according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory view of the screen of the original window and the subwindow in that case, and FIG. 18 is a screen display diagram of the subwindow control processing setting. In the present embodiment, after the sub-window control processing, the automatic return to the original position and size is performed. The time until the automatic return of the sub-window control processing is determined by the setting of the reference screen shown in FIG. , Hard disk, etc.). First, when a sub-window is displayed in the active application window (step 141), display position information of the sub-window is acquired and the information is stored (step 142). Next, it is confirmed that the sub-window is displayed (step 143). Next, the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window is obtained (step 144). Next, the obtained display position information of the sub-window is compared with the display position information of the original application window cursor or mouse pointer (step 145), and it is confirmed whether the cursor or mouse pointer overlaps the sub-window display area (step 145). 146). In the example shown in FIG. 9, it is clear that the cursor position 91 overlaps the area of the sub-window 92 in the original window, and the condition at that time is (x1 <xm <x2).
And (y1 <yn <y2). In this case, as the sub-window control, the sub-window 92 is retracted behind the original window (93).

In step 146, if the cursor or mouse pointer overlaps the original subwindow display area, it is checked whether "subwindow control" (that is, the subwindow control according to the first to fifth embodiments) has already been performed. (Step 149). If "sub-window control" has not been performed in step 149, "sub-window control" is performed (step 153), and the execution start time is stored (step 15).
4) Return to step 143. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 149 that "sub-window control" has already been performed, the difference between the execution start time and the current time is calculated (step 150), and the difference is compared with the set time for automatic return. That is, it is determined whether or not the difference time has passed the set sub-window return time (step 151).
If the value of the difference is equal to or greater than the set value, the "sub-window control" is canceled, the sub-window is displayed at the original position (step 152), and the process returns to step 143. On the other hand, if it is equal to or smaller than the set value (step 151), the process returns to step 143 without doing anything.

In step 146, even if the cursor or mouse pointer does not overlap the original sub-window display area, "sub-window control" (that is, the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments) has already been performed. (Step 14
7). If “sub-window control” has already been performed in step 147, “sub-window control” is canceled, the sub-window is displayed at the original position (step 148), and the process returns to step 143. Also,
If “sub-window control” has not been performed (step 1
47), and returns to step 143 without doing anything. The above processing is repeatedly executed. The effects of this embodiment are as follows.
In the fifth and sixth embodiments, when the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window stays in the original sub-window display area, the sub-window does not return to its original state. Alternatively, the mouse pointer must be moved, but according to the present embodiment, these problems can be solved, and work efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of subwindow control according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a screen in that case, and FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a subwindow control processing setting screen. The execution area setting of the sub-window control process is performed by setting the reference screen shown in FIG.
Registered in. First, when a sub-window is displayed in the active application window (step 151), display position information of the sub-window is acquired and the information is stored (step 152). Step 152
From the display position information of the sub-window acquired in step 2 and the area information registered in the “sub-window control processing setting screen” shown in FIG. 10, a “range for executing the sub-window control processing (referred to as area B for convenience)” is calculated. The position information is stored (step 153). Next, confirm that the sub-window is displayed (step 15).
4). Next, the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window is obtained (step 155). Next, the calculated position information of the area B is compared with the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window (step 156), and it is confirmed whether the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area of the area B. (Step 15
7). As shown in FIG. 10, in this example, (x3 <xm
Since <x4) and (y3 <yn <y4) are satisfied, in this case, the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area B.

In step 157, if the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area B, "sub window control" (that is, the first to fifth
It is confirmed whether or not the sub-window control according to the embodiment is performed (step 160). In step 160, if “sub-window control” has not been performed,
Perform “sub window control” (step 16
1) Return to step 154. On the other hand, even when the cursor or the mouse pointer does not overlap the area B in step 157, it is determined whether the "sub-window control" (that is, the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments) has already been performed. Confirm (step 158). In step 158, if "sub-window control" has already been performed, "sub-window control" is canceled, the sub-window is displayed at the original position (step 159), and the process returns to step 154. On the other hand,
If “sub-window control” has not been performed (step 1
58) Do nothing and return to step 154. Then, the above processing is repeatedly executed.

As shown in FIG. 18, the subwindow control processing setting screen includes a subwindow control processing execution area (up, down, left, and right positions), a subwindow control processing release area (up, down, left, and right positions), and automatic return of the subwindow control processing. Come and return time, and sub window processing method (any of client area, interlocking movement, resizing, back, minimizing) are set.
According to the effects of the present embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the first to first effects are obtained.
In the fifth embodiment, when the position of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window moves out of the display area of the original subwindow, the subwindow is immediately restored. Therefore, the operation performed immediately before the return of the subwindow is performed. There is a problem that the sub-window is redisplayed on the area and "the context (contents) of the work cannot be grasped". According to this embodiment, the sub-window is less likely to hinder the work around the cursor and the mouse pointer, so that the work can be sped up.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of subwindow control according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
Is an explanatory diagram of a screen in that case. In the present embodiment, a description will be given of an example in which the setting of an area for determining the execution of the control processing of the sub-window and the selection of the type of the sub-window control processing are set for each work type (for example, word processing, figure movement, etc.). The default value is set for the execution area setting of the sub-window control processing and the method selection of the control processing. However, in the case of resetting, the key input or the button click is performed in a state where the operation is selected.
Can be set and registered in a storage medium (memory, hard disk, etc.). First, when a sub-window is displayed in an active application window (step 161), display position information of the sub-window is acquired and the information is stored (step 16).
2). It confirms what active work is currently being performed and knows that it is figure movement (step 163). Next, for the currently active work, the display position information of the subwindow acquired in step 162,
Based on the area information registered in the “sub-window control processing setting screen” shown in FIG. 18, a “range in which the sub-window control processing is executed (referred to as area C for convenience)” is calculated, and the position information is stored (step 164). ). In this example, it is assumed that graphic work is being performed. Next, it is confirmed that the sub-window is displayed (step 165). Next, display position information of the figure undergoing the movement process is obtained (step 166). Next, the calculated position information of the area C is compared with the display position information of the figure undergoing the movement processing (step 167), and it is confirmed whether the figure undergoing the movement processing overlaps the area of the area C. (Step 168).

In the example shown in FIG. 11, ｛(x5 <xp <x
6) and (y5 <yq <y6)} or {(x5 <xp
<X6) and (y5 <ys <y6)} or {(x5 <
xr <x6) and (y5 <yq <y6)} or {(x
5 <xr <x6) and (y5 <ys <y6)},
The figure being moved is overlapped with the area C. Here, the active figure 115 is indicated by a broken line 114.
Represents an area C for the moving operation, and a dotted line 113 represents an area for the character inputting operation. 11 indicates a cursor position, and 112 indicates a subwindow. Step 1
In 68, if the figure being moved is overlapped with the area of area C, it is checked whether "sub-window control" (that is, the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments) has already been performed. (Step 17
1). If "sub-window control" has not been performed in step 171, "sub-window control" registered in the "sub-window control process setting screen" is performed (step 172), and it is confirmed whether the active work type has changed (step 172). 173). On the other hand, if “sub-window control” has already been performed (step 17
1) Without doing anything, it is confirmed whether or not the active work type has changed (step 173).

In step 168, even if the figure being moved does not overlap the area C, the "sub-window control" (that is, the sub-window control according to the first to fifth embodiments) is already performed. It is checked whether the process has been performed (step 169). In step 169, if the "sub-window control" has already been performed, the "sub-window control" is canceled and the sub-window is displayed at the original position (step 170), and it is confirmed whether the active work type has changed (step 17).
3). On the other hand, if “sub-window control” has not been performed (step 169), it is checked whether or not the active work type has changed (step 173). If the type of work has changed in step 173, and if "sub window control" is to be executed, the sub window is returned to the original display position (step 174), and step 163 is executed.
Return to If the type of work has not changed in step 173, the process returns to step 165. The above processing is repeatedly executed. According to the eighth embodiment, in the eighth embodiment, a value serving as a criterion for executing control processing for a sub-window and returning to a sub-window is fixed, and processing contents for a sub-window are determined. Therefore, processing and restoration of the subwindow are performed regardless of the contents of work on the original window and the role of the subwindow. The positional relationship and the method of processing the contents of the work in the original window to the sub-window are not always appropriate, which hinders the work. " However, according to the present embodiment, since there is no hindrance to these, the work efficiency can be improved.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of subwindow control according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a screen in that case. The execution area setting for the sub-window control processing and the execution area setting for the cancellation of the sub-window control processing are registered in a storage medium (memory, hard disk, or the like) by setting the reference screen shown in FIG. First, when a subwindow is displayed in the active application window (step 17).
5) Acquire the display position information of the sub-window and save the information (step 176). From the display position information of the subwindow acquired in step 175 and the area information registered in the “subwindow control processing setting screen”,
“Sub window control processing execution range (for convenience, area D
) Is calculated and the position information is stored (step 177). Similarly to step 177, the sub-window control processing release range (for convenience, , Area E), and saves the position information (step 178). It is confirmed that the sub-window is displayed (step 179). Next, the cursor or mouse of the original application window is used. The display position information of the pointer is obtained (step 180).
Next, the calculated position information of the area D is compared with the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window (step 181), and it is confirmed whether the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area of the area D. (Step 182). In the example shown in FIG. 12, when (x3 <xm <x4) and (y3 <yn <y4), the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area of the area D. That is, in this case, 123 indicates the “sub window control processing execution range”, and 121 indicates the position of the cursor or mouse pointer. Reference numeral 124 denotes a “sub-window control processing release range”, and reference numeral 122 denotes a sub-window.

In step 182, if the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area D, the "sub window control" (that is, the first to fifth
It is confirmed whether or not the sub-window control according to this embodiment is performed (step 183). In step 183, if “sub-window control” has not been performed,
Perform "sub window control" (step 18)
4). Here, the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window is obtained again (step 189). Next, the calculated position information of the area E is compared with the display position information of the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window (step 185), and it is checked whether the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area of the area E (step 185). Step 18
6). In the example shown in FIG. 12, when (x5 <xm <x6) and (y5 <yn <y6), the cursor or the mouse pointer overlaps the area of the area e.

In step 186, if the cursor or mouse pointer overlaps the area E, it is confirmed that the sub-window is displayed (step 188), and the process returns to step 189. On the other hand, if the cursor or the mouse pointer does not overlap the area E in step 186, the "sub window control" is canceled, the sub window is displayed at the original position (step 187), and the process returns to step 179. . On the other hand, if the cursor or the mouse pointer does not overlap the area D in step 182, the process returns to step 179. The above processing is repeatedly executed until the subwindow is cleared. According to the ninth embodiment, the effect of the present embodiment is that the value for determining whether to return to the sub-window and the return of the sub-window is equal.
Since the boundary area is frequently moved, the display state of the sub-window changes rapidly, and it is difficult to perform the operation. " According to this embodiment, since the display state of the sub-window is stabilized, the above-mentioned problem is solved, and work efficiency can be improved.

In the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, before the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the sub-window, the sub-window is pushed or moved out of the area of the original application window, or the size is changed. Since it is changed or retracted to the back of the original window, there is no need to manually operate the window or subwindow, and the work can be speeded up. In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, when the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original window moves out of the display area of the original sub-window after performing the processing on the sub-window in the first to fifth embodiments,
Since the subwindow is restored to its original state, the display of the work area of the original window is not obstructed by the subwindow, and the contents of the subwindow cannot be referred to, so that there is no problem that the user performs an operation such as redisplaying the subwindow. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved. In the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the state of the subwindow is restored after a lapse of a predetermined time from the processing on the subwindow, so that the cursor or the mouse pointer of the original application window remains in the original subwindow display area. In this case, the state of the sub-window is restored, and the operation of the user for re-displaying the sub-window which can no longer be referred to by the processing on the sub-window can be avoided, so that work efficiency can be improved.

In the eighth embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether the positional relationship between the subwindow and the cursor or the mouse pointer is greater than or equal to the interval at which the contents of the work around the cursor or the mouse pointer can be grasped. Since the processing and the return of the sub-window are performed, the sub-window does not hinder the work around the cursor or the mouse pointer, and the work can be sped up. In the ninth embodiment of the present invention, the processing for the subwindow, the value of the positional relationship between the subwindow and the cursor or the mouse pointer for determining the return of the subwindow, and the processing for the subwindow in the first to fifth embodiments are described. The contents can be individually set and selected according to the type of sub-window or the work point by the difference of the cursor or mouse pointer, etc., so that the processing to the sub-window and the processing to the sub-window when returning from the sub-window do not hinder the work. Efficiency can be improved. In the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the value of the positional relationship between the subwindow and the cursor or the mouse pointer for determining the processing to the subwindow and the return of the subwindow is separately set when the processing to the subwindow is executed and when the subwindow is returned. Since the setting is made, the positional relationship between the sub-window for executing processing to the sub-window and returning the sub-window and the cursor or the mouse pointer is widened. As a result, the display state of the sub-window is stabilized, and work efficiency can be improved.

[0030]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Eliminates the need to manually manipulate windows and subwindows, speeding up work,
If the subwindow does not hinder the display of the work area of the original window and the cursor or mouse pointer of the original window stays in the original subwindow display area, the subwindow is restored and the subwindow can be referenced. In addition, the subwindow does not hinder the work around the cursor or the mouse pointer, and the processing to the subwindow, the positional relationship between the subwindow and the work point when the subwindow is restored, and the subwindow to the original window's work contents Processing does not hinder the work,
In addition, the positional relationship between the subwindow and the cursor or the mouse pointer for executing the process for returning to the subwindow and for returning the subwindow is widened, and the display state of the subwindow is stabilized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a computer system to which a sub-window display control method of the present invention is applied, and a common operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing coordinates before and after movement of a subwindow according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating coordinates before and after movement of a subwindow according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating coordinates before and after movement of a subwindow according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a display screen diagram for explaining a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a display screen diagram for explaining a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a display screen diagram for explaining an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a display screen diagram for explaining a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a display screen diagram for explaining a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart of a sub-window display control method according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of a subwindow display control method according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a subwindow control processing setting screen according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU, 12 memory, 13 external memory, 14
... display device, 15 keyboard, 16 pointing device, 82, 92, 102, 112, 122 ... sub-window, 81, 91, 101, 111, 121 ... cursor position, 93 ... retreat to the back side of the original window, 103
.. Area B (range in which sub-window control processing is performed) 114 area C (range in which sub-window control processing is performed) 113 area for character input work
115 ... active figure, 124 ... area E (sub-window control processing cancellation range), 123 ... area D (sub-window control processing execution range).

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. At least a processor, a memory, a pointing device, a keyboard and a display device,
A display control method for a sub-window by an arbitrary application having a window displayed on the display device, comprising: displaying a sub-window on the display device; and hiding a cursor or a mouse pointer of an original window by the application by the sub-window. Extruding the subwindow out of the client area of the original window as the subwindow control process before the subwindow is displayed. 2. At least a processor, a memory, a pointing device, a keyboard and a display device,
In a display control method of a sub-window by an arbitrary application having a window displayed on the display device, a step of displaying a sub-window on the display device; a step of acquiring coordinate information of an original window of the application; Setting the acquired coordinate information of the original window at the left end coordinate of the subwindow, newly setting a value obtained by adding the width of the subwindow to the left end coordinate to the right end coordinate, before the cursor or the mouse pointer is hidden by the subwindow, Moving the sub-window to the newly set coordinates as the sub-window control processing. 3. At least a processor, a memory, a pointing device, a keyboard and a display device,
A display control method of a sub-window by an arbitrary application having a window displayed on the display device, comprising: displaying a sub-window on the display device; acquiring coordinate information of one end of the sub-window; Setting a value obtained by adding a predetermined amount of change to the acquired coordinate information to the coordinate information at one end and to a value obtained by reducing the width of the sub-window, respectively; Changing the position and size of the subwindow by changing the newly set coordinates and the width of the subwindow as control processing of the subwindow before being hidden by the subwindow. Control method. 4. At least a processor, a memory, a pointing device, a keyboard and a display device,
In a display control method of a sub window by an arbitrary application having a window displayed on the display device, a step of displaying a sub window on the display device, the coordinate information of the sub window and the coordinate information of a source window of the application And a step of temporarily retracting the subwindow to the back side of the original window as the subwindow control process before the cursor or mouse pointer of the original window is hidden by the subwindow. Display control method of the subwindow to be performed. 5. At least a processor, a memory, a pointing device, a keyboard and a display device,
A display control method of a sub-window by an arbitrary application having a window displayed on the display device, comprising: displaying a sub-window on the display device; acquiring coordinate information of one end of the sub-window; Setting the width of the sub-window to a predetermined reduced value based on the acquired coordinate information of the sub-window; and setting the reduced value set as the control processing of the sub-window before the cursor or the mouse pointer is hidden by the sub-window. Changing the width of the sub-window. 6. The display control method for a sub-window according to claim 1, further comprising a step of returning the sub-window to an original display position after the sub-window control processing is executed. Display control method of the subwindow to be performed. 7. The display control method for a sub-window according to claim 1, further comprising: a step of monitoring a lapse of time after the execution of the sub-window control processing, wherein the monitored lapse of time is a predetermined value. Returning the subwindow to its original display position when the subwindow has been reached. 8. The sub-window display control method according to claim 1, wherein the sub-window control process is executed under the following conditions:
By determining whether or not the original display position of the subwindow and the positional relationship between the cursor and the mouse pointer of the original window are longer than an interval at which the work contents around the cursor or the mouse pointer can be grasped, the control processing of the subwindow and the subwindow A display control method of a sub-window. 9. The sub-window display control method according to claim 1, wherein the type, use, or work point of the sub-window is different depending on whether a cursor or a mouse pointer is used. A sub-window display control method, characterized by adding a step of calculating a value of a positional relationship of the return processing and a step of individually setting selection of the sub-window control processing according to claim 1. . 10. The sub-window display control method according to claim 1, further comprising: calculating an area on a source window for determining execution of the sub-window control process; A step of calculating an area on the original window for which execution is to be determined; and a step of separately determining the control processing time of the sub-window and the determination of the sub-window returning processing based on the area calculated above. And a display control method for a sub-window.