JP2002041220A - Information processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing unit, where operability and functionality are enhanced by displaying functions of operation buttons, without wasting a display area of a screen. SOLUTION: When a user does not operate anything over a time limit in a wait status, help indication starts automatically. At first, a help indication 31a of a first button 13a is displayed. When the time limit has passed after the display of the help indication 31a, a help indication 31b of a second button 13b is displayed. Further after this, when the predetermined time limit has passed, a help indication 31c of a third button 13c is displayed. Hereafter, in the same way, the indication changes sequentially. When operating the one of the buttons 13, the help indication ends. Then, predetermined processing of the operated button is performed. Moreover, operation of a help button 14 starts the help indication.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a display section on which various information is displayed and an operation button for receiving an operation from a user, and more particularly to a portable information processing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, with the rapid progress of computer technology and communication technology, portable information processing devices are rapidly developing and spreading. In such a portable information processing apparatus, contradictory characteristics such as multifunctionality and miniaturization are required. In order to increase the number of functions, the size of the apparatus generally tends to increase. On the other hand, in order to reduce the size, some restrictions must be imposed on the function. Heretofore, these contradictory characteristics have been compatible mainly by increasing the density and reducing the size of electronic components.

However, in recent portable information processing apparatuses, in addition to the above two characteristics (small and multifunctional), an excellent user interface (that is, easy operation) has been required. Have been. In view of the conventional portable information processing apparatus from this point of view, the existence of too many functions rather makes the operation difficult. In addition, downsizing of the device (particularly, the display unit and the operation unit) sometimes impairs the operability.

[0004] Until now, portable information processing apparatuses have been widely used mainly by some high-tech merchandise enthusiasts, so that difficulty in operation has not been a problem. However, as such portable information processing devices are becoming widely used as practical products by the general public without technical background, the easiness of operation is a “product” for portable information processing devices. Is becoming an important factor in determining the success or failure.

Various technologies have been developed to meet all of these demands (small size, multifunctionality, and easy operation).

[0006] As one of such techniques, there is one that has been solved from the following viewpoints. In other words, miniaturization is dealt with by reducing the number of operation buttons and making the display unit smaller. For multi-function,
A plurality of operation modes are provided, and a different function is assigned to each operation button for each operation mode. In such a configuration, the function of each operation button is
Since each mode is different, a user (especially a beginner) is likely to be confused. Therefore, such confusion is generally prevented by indicating the function of each operation button. The most common method is to draw a character or the like indicating a function around the operation button in that case, as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 9A, the operation buttons 113
Character strings 125a, b, c, 126a, b and c indicating functions are drawn on the case 111 above and below a, b and c. Such a method has been widely used so far when a plurality of functions are assigned to one operation key.

[0007] When a display device is provided near the operation button, there is a device that displays a function on the display device. For example, FIG.
In the example, the function display character string 127 is displayed on the display screen 112.
a, b, and c are always displayed.

[0008] Hereinafter, in this specification, the display of a character string or the like indicating the function of the operation button or the like may be referred to as "help display".

[0009]

However, the conventional help display is not sufficient, and the confusion of the user has not been completely eliminated.

For example, in the method shown in FIG.
A plurality of function displays have to be drawn for each operation mode for one operation button, which may rather confuse the user. In addition, since a plurality of functions are displayed in a narrow area, the characters have to be reduced in size, making it difficult to see.

In the method shown in FIG. 9B, the help display is always displayed on the display unit. For this reason,
The presence of the help display narrows the area for displaying the essential information on the display screen 112. For example, in the above-described example of FIG. 9A, the date / time display 121 and the telephone number display 122 can be simultaneously displayed on the display screen 112, whereas in the example of FIG. Then, only the date and time display 121 can be displayed. The help display is effective for beginners who cannot operate. However, for a user who is accustomed to the operation, it is merely a matter of narrowing the display screen. For this reason, the user may be frustrated enough to be able to perform the operation. Help display may be performed using pictograms or the like to compensate for the small display area. However, many beginners do not know the meaning of such pictograms themselves.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to provide a portable information processing apparatus having excellent operability.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a plurality of operation buttons for receiving an operation from a user, and a predetermined button prepared for each of the operation buttons. A storage unit in which display information is stored, a processing unit that performs a predetermined process according to the operation content received by the operation button, and a display processing unit including a screen that displays the display information and a processing result of the processing unit And a control unit that controls the display processing unit according to the operation state of the operation button, wherein the control unit transmits the display information to the operation button when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Each time, the information is sequentially displayed on the screen.

According to the present invention, the processing section performs a predetermined process according to the operation content received by the operation button. The display processing unit displays a processing result of the processing unit on a screen. In this state, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the display processing unit to sequentially display the display information on the screen for each operation button.

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus used by being worn on an arm, wherein a plurality of operation buttons for receiving an operation from a user and a predetermined display information prepared for each of the operation buttons are provided. Is stored, a processing unit that performs a predetermined process according to the operation content received by the operation button, a display processing unit including a screen that displays the display information and a processing result of the processing unit, A control unit that controls the display processing unit according to an operation state of the operation button, the storage unit, the processing unit, the display processing unit,
The control unit and the operation button include a housing mounted and / or installed on an arm, and a mounting unit for mounting the housing on the arm, wherein the control unit is determined in advance. When the set conditions are satisfied, the display information is sequentially displayed on the screen for each of the operation buttons.

According to the present invention, the housing of the information processing apparatus is mounted on the arm by the mounting means. In this state, the processing unit performs a predetermined process according to the content of the operation received by the operation button. The display processing unit displays a processing result of the processing unit on a screen. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the display processing unit to sequentially display the display information on the screen for each operation button.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the display information includes a target display indicating one of the operation buttons and a function display indicating a function of the operation button indicated by the target display. It is characterized by that.

According to the present invention, an object display and a function display are displayed on the screen. Therefore, even when the function display is enlarged, it is clear which operation button the function display is for. This is particularly effective when the size of the information processing device is such that it is assumed that the information processing device is worn on an arm.

[0019] The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that the target display and the function display have different display positions on the screen for each of the operation buttons.

According to the present invention, the object display and the function display are displayed at different positions for each operation button. The target display and the function display do not always occupy the same area of the screen.

[0021] In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit has a standby state for waiting for an operation of the operation button, and the predetermined condition is:
In the standby state, a state in which none of the operation buttons is operated has continued for a predetermined time limit or more.

According to the present invention, in the standby state,
When the state in which none of the operation buttons is operated continues for a predetermined time limit or more, the control unit controls the display processing unit to sequentially display the display information on the screen for each operation button. Let it.

The information processing apparatus according to the present invention has a specific operation button for receiving an operation by a user, and the control unit has a standby state capable of receiving an operation of the operation button. The set conditions are
The specific operation button is operated in the standby state or the standby state.

According to the present invention, when a specific operation button is operated in the standby state or the standby state, the control unit controls the display processing unit to sequentially display display information for each operation button on the screen. Let it.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

The portable information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment
Is characterized in that a help display for displaying the function of the button is performed. In particular, the main features are that the help display is automatically started based on time and the form of the help display. The details will be described below.

The portable information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment
Will be described with reference to FIG. The portable information processing device 10 is a type (so-called wristwatch-type information processing device) that is used by being worn on a user's wrist by a belt 15. The overall shape of the case 11 of the portable information processing device 10 is a substantially rectangular shape having a predetermined thickness, and a belt 15 used to attach the portable information processing device 10 to an arm is attached above and below the case. Have been. The size of the case 11 is determined on the assumption that the portable information processing device 10 is used while worn on an arm. Actually, both the length and width are about several cm. The portable information processing device 10 may be a device having portability such as a card size or a notebook size.

The case 11 of the portable information processing device 10
A display screen 12 on which various information is displayed
Is provided. Buttons 13a, 13b and 13c are located on the lower side (in the drawing) and (in the drawing).
A help button 14 is arranged on the upper side.

The first button 13a, the second button 13b, and the third button 13c are for receiving various instruction inputs by the user. By operating these, the user inputs the change of the operation mode, the setting of the condition, and the like. Because the size of the case 11 is limited based on the size of the wrist, the first button 13
The interval between a, the second button 13b, and the third button 13c is smaller than the size of the help display (particularly, the function display 32) described later. Hereinafter, the buttons 13a, b,
When it is not necessary to distinguish each of the characters c, it is simply referred to as a button 13.

The help button 14 is a dedicated button for receiving a help display request from the user. The help button 14 functions in various operation modes. Accordingly, the user can start the help display on the display screen 12 by operating the help button 14.

The display screen 12 is a portion on which various information such as a date and a telephone number are displayed. Like the button 13, the size of the display screen 12 is limited by the size of the case 11. In this embodiment, a help display indicating the function of the button 13 at that time is displayed on the display screen 12. The help display is sequentially performed for each button 13 while automatically switching the display contents, as shown in FIG. 7 described later. This help display is automatically started according to the elapsed time in the standby state. In the standby state, the operation is started in response to the operation of the help button 14.
The help display may be started by operating another button without providing the help button 14.

Here, the "standby state" is a state of waiting for this operation (because some operation from the user is necessary to shift to the next operation or state). For example, this is a state in which time setting is being performed. In this state, unless the user performs an operation to set the time, the current setting contents cannot be determined or the state cannot be shifted to the next state. In this standby state, when the state in which the button 13 or the like is not operated exceeds a predetermined reference time (for example, 10 seconds), the help display is automatically started. In addition, the help display is started in response to the operation of the help button 14.

The "standby state" is a state in which the apparatus is operating autonomously without any operation from the user, and is capable of accepting an operation from the user. is there. For example, this is a state in which normal time display is being performed. In this state, even if there is no operation from the user, the portable information processing apparatus 10 keeps measuring the time and keeps displaying the time, and no operation by the user is necessary as long as this state is maintained. . However, if an operation is performed by the user, the operation is accepted and a process corresponding to the instruction operation is performed. In this standby state, the help display is started when the help button 14 is operated.

Next, the help display will be described with reference to FIG. In the example of FIG. 2, the help display 31 includes a function display 32 indicating the function and meaning of the operation button, and a target display 33 indicating which operation button the function display 32 is for. ing. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the function display 32 is represented by a character string indicating the function of the operation button at that time. The target display 33 is represented by a line (so-called “speech balloon”) surrounding the function display 32 and connected to the target operation button, a lead line, an arrow, and the like.

Data (display contents) of the help display 31
Are prepared for each operation button. Then, while automatically switching the help display 31, the help display is performed one by one for each button 13 in order. By adopting such a display mode, in this embodiment, the function display 32 can be made as large as possible. Therefore, it is easy to confirm the contents of the help display. Since the portable information processing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is assumed to be worn on the arm by the belt 15, its size is limited according to the thickness of the wrist and the like (it must be reduced). Absent). More specifically, the display screen 12 is small, and the buttons 13 are provided close to each other. Therefore, if the function display 32 is simply enlarged, it tends to be unclear which operation button it is for. However, in this embodiment, by performing the target display 33, the adverse effect when such a function display 32 is enlarged is eliminated. In the above embodiment, the help displays are sequentially displayed one by one. However, a plurality of help displays may be displayed simultaneously.

Although not clear in FIG. 2, when the help display 31 is switched for each operation button, there is a state where the help display 31 is not displayed at all. The help display 31 of each operation button is
The display positions of the function display 32 and the target display 33 on the display screen 12 are shifted from each other. Further, in the area other than the area where the help display 31 is displayed, the information that has been displayed so far is displayed as it is (see FIGS. 7 and 8). For this reason, this help display does not hinder the user from confirming the original information that has been displayed on the display screen 12 until then. The manner in which the help display is switched will be described later with reference to FIGS.

Next, the internal configuration of the portable information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. This portable information processing device 1
0 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, a ROM 23, a display device 24, a button 13, and a help button 14.

The button 13 and the help button 14 are as described above. In the drawing, these are collectively drawn as one block.

The display device 24 is for performing a desired display on the display screen 12 based on an instruction from the CPU 21. The display device 24 is configured to include a liquid crystal panel forming the display screen 12 and a driving circuit for driving the liquid crystal panel.

The CPU 21 controls the portable information processing apparatus 1
The control of the whole of 0 is performed. This CPU 21
Implements various functions by executing a program stored in the RAM 22 or the ROM 23.
For example, the portable information processing apparatus 10 has a plurality of operation modes (for example, a time display mode for displaying time and a stopwatch mode for measuring elapsed time). The functions are realized by the CPU 21 changing the control contents.

The above-mentioned help display is also provided by the CPU 2.
1 is realized based on the control by the control unit 1. For example, in the standby state described above, the operation status of the button 13 or the like is monitored, and the help display on the display screen 12 is started based on the monitoring result. Further, as described above, this help display is sequentially performed for each operation button. In this embodiment, the help display is started when no operation has been performed for a predetermined reference time or more. The help display will be described later in further detail in the operation description. Needless to say, the CPU 21 also has an additional function (for example, a timer or a counter function) necessary for realizing these functions.

The RAM 22 and the ROM 23 include the CPU 2
1 stores various control programs, data, and the like necessary for the control by the control unit 1. For example, information on display contents (display data) to be displayed at the time of help display, display order, and the like are stored in the ROM 23 in advance. Further, information on a time limit as a criterion for determining whether to automatically start the help display, a reference time for switching the help display, and the like are also stored in advance here.

Since the contents of the help display vary depending on the operation mode and the like, each control program specifies when and what display contents (display data) are to be displayed. This (correspondence relationship between the scene when the help display is performed and the display data to be used) may be tabulated.

In this embodiment, the "operation button" referred to in the claims is the button 13a,
b, c. The “storage unit” refers to the RAM 22, the RO,
It corresponds to M23. “Display information” corresponds to display data of the help display. The “processing unit” is realized by the CPU 21 or the like. The “display processing unit” is realized by the display device 24 or the like. “Screen” corresponds to the display screen 12. The “control unit” is realized by the CPU 21 and the like. The “housing” corresponds to the case 11. “Attaching means” corresponds to the belt 15. “Function display” corresponds to the function display 32. "Target display"
Corresponds to the target display 33. The “standby state” corresponds to a standby state. The “limit time” is a time until the display is switched in the assist process.
The “standby state” corresponds to a standby state. The “specific operation button” corresponds to the help button 14. However, the above-described units function in close cooperation with each other, and the correspondence described here is not strict.

Next, the operation of the portable information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

First, the outline of the operation of the portable information processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. When the portable information processing device 10 is started, the CPU 21 performs various initial processes (step S51), and thereafter, shifts to a predetermined operation mode, and stands by as it is.

In this standby state, the CPU 21 repeatedly determines whether any one of the operation buttons has been operated (step S52). When the operation is detected in step S52, the content of the operation is determined (step S53). The operation content refers to the type of button operated and the operation mode (for example,
(Two consecutive operations, holding down the button).

As a result of the determination in step S53,
If the operation content at this time is not permitted at this time, the process returns to step S52, and returns to the standby state.

If the result of determination in step S53 is that the operation content at this time is permitted at this time (except for the help button 14), processing corresponding to the operation is performed (step S54). ). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S52 again to repeat the same processing.

If the result of determination in step S53 is that the help button 14 has been operated at this time, the flow proceeds to step S55. In step S55, an assist process is performed. This assist processing is
This is a process of displaying a help and waiting for a user operation. For more details on this assist process,
This will be described with reference to FIG. This assist processing ends when the operation of any of the operation buttons (here, the button 13 or the help button 14) is detected. After step S55, the process proceeds to step S56.

In step S56, the contents of the operation detected in the assist process are determined. This step S5
As a result of the determination in step 6, if the operation content is not permitted at this time, the process returns to step S55,
The assist process is performed again. On the other hand, if the help button 14 has been operated, the process returns to step S52.

If the result of determination in step S56 is that the operation content is permitted at this time,
Proceeding to step S54, a process corresponding to the operation is performed. After the end of this process, the process returns to the step S52 and returns to the standby state. Thereafter, the same processing is repeated.

Next, the processing operation in each mode will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing operation shown in FIG.
Is executed in step S54 in FIG.

First, the CPU 21 executes a predetermined process predetermined according to the operation mode at that time (step S61).

Subsequently, the CPU 21 starts measuring time using its own timer (or counter) function (step S62). This measurement result is used to determine the start condition of the assist process in step S64 described later.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 enters a standby state. In this standby state, the CPU 21 operates any one of the operation buttons (the button 13 or the help button 1).
4) is repeated (step S63), and it is determined whether or not the non-operated state has exceeded a predetermined time limit (step S64).

If the result of determination in step S63 is that an operation has been performed, the flow advances to step S65.

In step S65, the CPU 21
Operation contents at this time (operation button type, operation mode)
At this time is determined. If the result of this determination is that permission has been granted, processing corresponding to the operation is performed (step S68). After that, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S65 is that permission has not been granted, processing returns to step S62, and similar processing is repeated.

Incidentally, in step S64, the CP
U21 determines the measurement result of the timer (or the counter) (that is, the continuation time of a state where no operation is performed). If the result of this determination is that the state in which no operation has been received has continued for a predetermined time limit or more, the flow proceeds to step S66.

In step S66, the CPU 21 performs an assist process for receiving an operation while displaying help. Details of the assist processing will be described later with reference to FIG. This assist processing ends when any operation is detected. This step S6
After 6, the process proceeds to step S67.

In step S67, the CPU 21 determines the contents of the operation at this time. If the result of determination in this step S67 is that the operation is not permitted to be accepted at this time, the flow returns to step S66, and the assist processing is started again.

If the result of determination in step S67 is that the operation is permitted at this time, the flow proceeds to step S68, and the CPU 21 performs processing corresponding to the operation. After that, the process ends. In step S67, the help button 14 is handled in the same manner as the cancel key. That is, when the help button 14 is operated, the process exits this mode or state without setting anything and returns to step S52 in FIG.

Next, the processing operation of the assist processing will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the assist process is a process of displaying a help and waiting for a user operation.

First, the CPU 21 performs a predetermined process according to the situation when the assist process at that time is started (step S71). For example, the data of the help display used at this time is confirmed and called. Subsequently, a timer (or a counter) for measuring the time during which each help display is displayed is started (step S72).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 displays the first help display (step S73). Naturally, the content of the display data is for one of the operation buttons for which the operation is permitted at this time.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the buttons 13 and 14 have been operated (step S74), and repeatedly checks the elapsed time since the display data at that time is displayed on the display screen 12 (step S75).

If an operation is detected in step S74, the CPU 21 stops the help display (step S78), and ends the assist processing. Thereafter, the process returns to the predetermined process according to the state in which the assist process is called. That is, if it is called in step S55 of FIG. 4, step S5 of FIG.
Return to 6. If it is called in step S66 of FIG. 5, the process returns to step S67.

If it is determined in step S75 that the predetermined reference time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, the CPU 21 switches the display data to be displayed on the display screen 12 to that for the next operation button. Thereafter, the CPU 21 resets the timer (step S77), returns to step S74, and repeats the same processing.

Next, how the help display changes in this embodiment will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.

FIG. 7 shows how the help display changes in the time and data bank display mode. In the standby state in this operation mode, initially, only the date and time display 34 and the telephone number display 35 are displayed on the display screen 12 as shown in FIG. If no operation is performed by the user in this state, first, a help display 31a for the first button 13a is displayed. When a predetermined time limit elapses after the help display 31a is displayed, the help display 31a is displayed.
a disappears. Then, a help display 31b for the second button 13b is displayed. After this,
When the predetermined time limit has elapsed, the third button 13
A help display 31c for c is displayed. Similarly, the help display 31c disappears after a predetermined time limit elapses. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG.
The display state is changed in the order of (c) and FIG. 7 (d). Then, when any one of the buttons 13 is operated, the help display is stopped. Thereafter, predetermined processing corresponding to the operated button is performed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the help display changes in the timekeeping mode. In the standby state in this operation mode, initially, only the measurement result 36 is displayed on the display screen 12 as shown in FIG. In this state, when the user operates the help button 14, first,
A help display 37a for the first button 13a is displayed. When a predetermined time limit has elapsed since the display of the help display 37a, the help display 37a disappears.
Then, a help display 37b for the second button 13b is displayed. Thereafter, when a predetermined time limit has elapsed, a help display 37c for the third button 13c is displayed. This help display 37c
Also disappears after a predetermined time limit has elapsed. 8A, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, and FIG.
The display state is changed in the order of (d). And
When any of the buttons 13 or the help button 14 is operated, the help display is stopped. Thereafter, predetermined processing corresponding to the operated button is performed.

As described above, the button function can be displayed without reducing the amount of information that can be displayed on the display unit according to this embodiment, so that the operability is excellent. Such an effect can be obtained by a configuration including the belt 15 for wearing the arm,
That is, the present invention is particularly useful in an arm-mounted information processing apparatus in which the size of the display unit, the interval between operation buttons, and the like are limited by human physical factors. In addition to the above, the user interface part (particularly, the size of the display unit, the operation button interval) naturally depends on the assumed use form and the like.
The present invention is also useful for an information processing apparatus in which the restriction is limited, for example, an information processing apparatus having a hook to be hooked on an upper end of a belt or pants, or the like.

Further, in a scene (standby state) where the operation by the user is always necessary, the help display is automatically started, which is useful even for a complete beginner who does not even know the existence of the help button 14.

Further, in a state where the operation by the user is not indispensable (standby state), the help display is not displayed arbitrarily, so that it is not bothersome. On the other hand, if you want help display,
By operating 4, the help display is started, so that the operation is not lost.

In the above-described embodiment, when the assist process (help display or the like) is started in the standby state,
It was not possible to shift to the next operation stage (state) until one of the operation buttons permitted to operate was operated. However, if the assist process is continued for an excessively long time, the process may be automatically terminated on the assumption that the user does not intend to operate. In this case, the state is returned to a state determined in advance for each situation at the time when the assist process is started.

In the above-described embodiment, the reference time for switching the help display is fixed, but a different value may be set for each operation button.

The specific processing method for realizing the help display and the format of the display data are not particularly limited as long as the display in the above-described form can be realized.

In each of the help displays, the font type, size, thickness, color, and the like may be different from each other. It is also possible to provide the user with additional information by such a difference in the display mode. For example, in a manner similar to the use of colors at a traffic light, a help display for an operation button that requires attention in use may be displayed in red, and a help display for the safest operation button may be displayed in blue. Similar effects can be expected by setting the length of the display time described above.

In the above-described embodiment, the function display 32 is realized by a character string, and the target display 33 is realized by a picture. However, the specific display mode is not limited to this. In any case, it may be realized by either a character string or a pictogram, or by combining both.

In the above-described embodiment, all the help displays are performed on the display screen 12.
It is not always necessary to display all help displays on the display screen 12. For functions that are highly common and frequently used in each operation mode and state, case 11
The operability can be further improved by displaying the information on the screen. For example, in the embodiment described above, the help button 1
For the case 4 only, a function display indicating a “help button” may be drawn on the case 11. This makes it easy to confirm the function of each operation button even in the standby state.

A program for realizing the function of the CPU 21 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read and executed by a computer system.
Here, the “computer system” is an OS
And hardware such as peripheral devices.

The above-mentioned program may be for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be for realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system. Good.

The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a recording device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk built in a computer system.
In addition, a "computer-readable recording medium" means that a program is dynamically stored for a short period of time, such as a communication line for transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In this case, a program that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory in a computer system serving as a server or a client in that case, is included.

[0085]

As described above, the information processing apparatus of the present invention can display the functions of the operation buttons without reducing the effective display area of the screen. In addition, the display information on the operation buttons is displayed automatically or simply by performing a specific operation according to the situation. Therefore, it is excellent in functionality and operability. Further, the size of the apparatus is not increased. The details are as follows.

In the present invention, display information is sequentially displayed for each operation button, so that the display of each operation button can be enlarged on the screen.
Therefore, the display information is easy to see. In addition, when the display is switched, the processing result of the processing means displayed on the screen can be viewed, so that the display of the display information does not hinder the display of the processing result.

In the present invention, the display information is sequentially displayed for each operation button, so that the display of each operation button can be enlarged on the screen.
Therefore, the display information is easy to see. In addition, when the display is switched, the processing result of the processing means displayed on the screen can be viewed, so that the display of the display information does not hinder the display of the processing result. When it is assumed that the case is used while being worn on an arm, the size of the housing is naturally limited. Naturally, the size of the screen is also limited accordingly. Therefore, in an information processing apparatus worn on such an arm, that is, an information processing apparatus in which the screen has to be reduced, such an effect is more remarkably exhibited.

In the present invention, since the function display and the target display are included, the meaning of the display is clear. That is, when the function display is enlarged to make the display easier to see, it tends to be unclear which operation button the function display is for. However, such ambiguity is resolved by the presence of the target display. In such an information processing device that is worn on the arm (that is, an information processing device in which the actual size of the housing is limited to the thickness of the arm or the like), the interval between operation buttons tends to be narrow. Therefore, such an effect is more remarkably exhibited.

In the present invention, the object display and the function display are
It does not always occupy the same position on the screen. Therefore, even when the display information of each operation button is sequentially displayed, it is easy to confirm the processing result of the processing unit displayed on the screen.

According to the present invention, when the user does not operate for more than the time limit in the standby state, that is, when the user does not know how to operate, the display information of each operation button is automatically displayed. It is. In particular, since a special operation for displaying the display information on each operation button is unnecessary, it is effective for a beginner who is unfamiliar with the operation.

In the present invention, by operating a specific operation button, display information on the operation button is displayed in both the standby state and the standby state. Therefore, the operation is easy to understand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a portable information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a help display.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the portable information processing device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a control operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in each mode.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation in an assist state.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how the help display changes in the time and data bank display mode.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how the help display changes in the timekeeping mode.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a conventional portable information processing apparatus;
(A) is an example of drawing a help display on a case, and (b) is an example of displaying a help display on a display screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 portable information processing device 11 case 12 display screen 13a first button 13b second button 13c third button 14 help button 15 belt 21 CPU 22 RAM 23 ROM 24 display device 31 help display 32 function display 33 target display 34 date and time display 35 Phone number display 36 Measurement result 37 Help display

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiya Kanasaka 1-8-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba In-house Iko Instruments Inc. (72) Inventor Toshiyuki Fujiwara 1-8-8, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba Inside Iko Instruments Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Koichi Moriya 1-8-1, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba Inside the SII ARD Center Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Sugiyama 1-8, Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba Address SII ALD Center, Inc. (72) Inventor Kaoru Takano 1-8 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba F-term in SII IR D Center, Inc. 2F002 AA05 AA06 AB06 AC01 AD06 AD07 BA04 BA25 BA26 BD01 EE00 EE01 EH01 5B019 DB01 EA10 HE19 5B020 BB02 CC12 DD02 GG16 GG17

Claims (6)

[Claims] A plurality of operation buttons for receiving an operation from a user; a storage unit storing predetermined display information prepared for each of the operation buttons; and a predetermined unit corresponding to the operation content received by the operation button. A processing unit that performs the processing of, a display processing unit including a screen that displays the display information and a processing result of the processing unit, and a control unit that controls the display processing unit according to an operation state of the operation button. An information processing apparatus, wherein, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit causes the display information to be sequentially displayed on the screen for each of the operation buttons. . 2. An information processing device used by being worn on an arm, comprising: a plurality of operation buttons for receiving an operation from a user; and a storage unit prepared for each of the operation buttons and storing predetermined display information. A processing unit that performs predetermined processing according to the operation content received by the operation button; a display processing unit including a screen that displays the display information and a processing result of the processing unit; A control unit that controls the display processing unit in accordance with the control unit; and a case that is mounted and / or installed on the arm, in which the storage unit, the processing unit, the display processing unit, the control unit, and the operation button are housed and / or installed And a mounting unit for mounting the housing on the arm, wherein the control unit sequentially displays the display information for each of the operation buttons when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is intended to be displayed on the screen, the information processing apparatus according to claim. 3. The display information includes a target display indicating one of the operation buttons and a function display indicating a function of the operation button indicated by the target display. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target display and the function display have different display positions on the screen for each of the operation buttons. 5. The control unit has a standby state for waiting for operation of the operation button, and the predetermined condition is that none of the operation buttons is operated in the standby state. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the state has continued for a predetermined time limit or more. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a specific operation button for receiving an operation by a user; wherein the control unit has a standby state capable of receiving an operation of the operation button; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific operation button is operated in a standby state or the standby state.