JP2004102457A - Information processor and information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate preparation of a convenient short cut. <P>SOLUTION: Items corresponding to a plurality of functions to be executed by predetermined software are displayed on a top screen displayed on a display when the software is started. When drag-and-drop processing is executed to one of those items, it is started, and a short-cut corresponding to the dragged data is prepared in a predetermined folder in a step S12. In a step S13 and following steps, the prepared short cut is defined as the object of drag processing. When the dragged short cut is dropped to a desk top, the short cut is prepared on the desk top. This invention can be applied to a personal computer in which a plurality pieces of software are installed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【００６１】
このような図１４に示したようなＡＰＩ関数１が用いられることにより、所定のフォルダにショートカットが作成される。図１５は、ステップＳ１２における処理により、所定のフォルダ内に作成されたショートカットを確認するために、そのショートカットが作成されたフォルダの中身を表示させたときのウィンド１８１を示す図である。
【００６２】
ウィンドウ１８１の一番下に、ステップＳ１２において作成されたショートカット１９１が表示されている。このショートカット１９１は、図１２において、「はがき」機能１５２の項目が選択されたときに作成されるものを示しており、図１２に示した「はがき」機能１５２の項目と同じ絵柄（類似する絵柄）がショートカットの絵柄として表示されている。さらに、その名称として“はがき”というテキストが表示されている。また、その絵柄には、ショートカットであることを示す矢印が表示されている。
【００６３】
このようなウィンドウ１８１は、ユーザが指示しなければ表示されるわけではないので、換言すれば、図１２に示したようなウィンドウ１１１の表示状態から、「はがき」機能１５２の項目がドラッグされたとしても、図１５に示したようなウィンドウ１８１が表示されるわけではない。従って、ユーザが、所定のフォルダに、一旦、ショートカットが作成されていることを意識することはない。
【００６４】
図１３のフローチャートの説明に戻り、ステップＳ１２において、所定のフォルダ内にショートカットが作成されると、ステップＳ１３において、ドラッグの処理が開始される。ステップＳ１１において、ドラッグが開始されたと判断されなければ、ステップＳ１３に処理が進むことはない。従って、本来、ステップＳ１１において、ドラッグが開始されたと判断された時点で、ドラッグの処理が開始されるのであるが、本実施の形態においては、上述したように、まず、所定のフォルダ内にショートカットが作成される。
【００６５】
そして、そのショートカットに対してドラッグの処理が行われる。ユーザは、図１２に示したようなウィンドウ１１１内に表示されている「はがき」機能１５２に対応する項目自体をドラッグしているように意識していても（ユーザには、そのように意識させるようにしても）、実際には、ステップＳ１２において所定のフォルダ内に作成されたショートカット１９１に対してドラッグの処理が実行される。
【００６６】
このようなドラッグの処理、および、後段のドロップまでに関わる処理（ドラッグアンドドロップに関わる処理）は、ＡＰＩ９２により行われる。図１６は、ドラッグアンドドロップの処理を実行するＡＰＩ関数２を示す図である。
【００６７】
図１４に示したＡＰＩ関数１により作成されたショートカット１９１をドラッグアンドドロップが開始された瞬間に、ＯＳ９１のクリップボード（グローバルメモリ）に用意するという処理が以下の文で実行される。
ＣＯｌｅＤａｔａＳｏｕｒｃｅ＊　ｐＤａｔａＳｏｕｒｃｅ　＝　ｎｅｗ　ＣＯｌｅＤａｔａＳｏｕｒｃｅ；
ＨＧＬＯＢＡＬ　ｈＭｅｍ　＝　ＮＵＬＬ；
ｈＭｅｍ　＝　ｔｈｉｓ−＞ＭａｋｅＧｌｏｂａｌＤａｔａ（ｓｔｒＴｅｍｐＦｉｌｅ）；
【００６８】
次に、そのグローバルメモリに用意されたショートカット１９１に対して、ドラッグアンドドロップの処理が、以下の文で実行される。

【００６９】
最後に、ドロップされた結果として、所定のフォルダ内に一時的に作成されたショートカット１９１のデータが、以下の文が実行されることにより削除される。
ｄｅｌｅｔｅ　ｐＤａｔａＳｏｕｒｃｅ；
【００７０】
図１３のフローチャートの説明に戻り、ステップＳ１３において、ドラッグの処理が、ＡＰＩ関数２により開始されると、ステップＳ１４において、ウィンドウ１１１の外側に（デスクトップ１１０上に）ドロップの操作（マウスのクリック状態が解除）がされたか否かが判断される。
【００７１】
ステップＳ１４において、ドロップの処理はされていないと判断された場合、図１３に示したショートカットの作成処理は終了される。このように判断される場合、ドロップされた場所が、ウィンドウ１１１内や、他のウィンドウ上（ショートカットの作成が許可されていないウィンドウ上）であり、デスクトップ１１０上ではないと判断されたことになる。そのようなときは、ユーザは、ショートカットの作成を意図していなかったと判断できるので、ショートカットの作成処理は終了される。
【００７２】
一方、ステップＳ１４において、ドロップの処理がされたと判断された場合、ステップＳ１５に進み、そのドロップされた位置に、ショートカットのアイコンが表示される。この場合、図１５に示したようなショートカット１９１が、デスクトップ１１０上に、例えば、図１７に示すように表示される。
【００７３】
ユーザは、このデスクトップ１１０上に作成されたショートカット１９１を操作するだけで、はがきを作成するための、図１１に示したようなウィンドウ１７１をディスプレイ１０１上に表示させることができる。
【００７４】
このような処理により作成されたショートカット１９１のプロパティを、ディスプレイ６１上に表示させた場合、図１８に示すようなウィンドウ２０１が表示される。ウィンドウ２０１内に表示されたプロパティの中で、リンク先の情報を参照するに、「Ｃ：￥画像処理ソフトウェア９１．ｅｘｅ”／ｓ　はがき」と表示されている。
【００７５】
図３に示した従来の方法で作成したショートカットのプロファイル中のリンク先の情報と比較する。図３に示したリンク先の情報は、「Ｃ：￥ソフトウェアＡ．ｅｘｅ」となっている。この情報を書き換えると、「Ｃ：￥実行ファイル」という形式になっている。同様に、図１８に示したリンク先の情報を書き換えると、「Ｃ：￥実行ファイル／コマンド」という形式になっている。
【００７６】
このように、本実施の形態において作成されるショートカットは、実行ファイルだけでなく、コマンドまでをリンク先として指定することが可能となる。
【００７７】
また、図１７に示した作成されたショートカット１９１を参照するに、そのショートカット１９１の名称は「はがき」となっており、従来のように「はがきへのショートカット」というような名称にはなっていない。すなわち、本実施の形態を適用して作成されるショートカットの名称には、「〜へのショートカット」という言葉は付加されない。
【００７８】
このように、ショートカットを作成するとき、一旦フォルダ内に実行ファイルだけでなく、コマンドまでを含めたリンク先を有するショートカットを作成し、そのショートカットをドラッグアンドドロップの処理対象とすることにより、ドラッグアンドドロップという簡便な操作で、所定のアプリケーション内の機能に対するショートカットを作成することが可能となる。
【００７９】
本発明を適用することにより、所定のアプリケーションだけでなく、所定のアプリケーション内の所定の機能にまで、対応するショートカットを作成することが可能となる。
【００８０】
また、作成されるショートカットの名称は、「〜へのショートカット」といった言葉がつくことなく、ユーザが直感的にそのショートカットのリンク先（アプリケーションや機能）を理解できる、簡便な名称を付加することができる。
【００８１】
なお、上述した実施の形態においては、所定のアプリケーション内の所定の機能に対してショートカットを作成する場合を例に挙げて説明したが、所定のアプリケーションに対してのショートカットを作成する場合にも、本発明を適用できることは言うまでもない。
【００８２】
上述した一連の処理は、それぞれの機能を有するハードウェアにより実行させることもできるが、ソフトウェアにより実行させることもできる。一連の処理をソフトウェアにより実行させる場合には、そのソフトウェアを構成するプログラムが専用のハードウェアに組み込まれているコンピュータ、または、各種のプログラムをインストールすることで、各種の機能を実行することが可能な、例えば汎用のパーソナルコンピュータなどに、記録媒体からインストールされる。
【００８３】
記録媒体は、図４に示すように、パーソナルコンピュータ（ＰＣ５０）とは別に、ユーザにプログラムを提供するために配布される、プログラムが記録されている磁気ディスク７１（フレキシブルディスクを含む）、光ディスク７２（ＣＤ−ＲＯＭ（Ｃｏｍｐａｃｔ　Ｄｉｓｃ−Ｒｅａｄ　Ｏｎｌｙ　Ｍｅｍｏｒｙ），ＤＶＤ（Ｄｉｇｉｔａｌ　Ｖｅｒｓａｔｉｌｅ　Ｄｉｓｃ）を含む）、光磁気ディスク７３（ＭＤ（Ｍｉｎｉ−Ｄｉｓｃ）（登録商標）を含む）、若しくは半導体メモリ７４などよりなるパッケージメディアにより構成されるだけでなく、コンピュータに予め組み込まれた状態でユーザに提供される、プログラムが記憶されているＲＯＭ５２や記憶部５８が含まれるハードディスクなどで構成される。
【００８４】
なお、本明細書において、媒体により提供されるプログラムを記述するステップは、記載された順序に従って、時系列的に行われる処理は勿論、必ずしも時系列的に処理されなくとも、並列的あるいは個別に実行される処理をも含むものである。
【００８５】
また、本明細書において、システムとは、複数の装置により構成される装置全体を表すものである。
【００８６】
【発明の効果】
本発明の情報処理装置および方法、並びにプログラムによれば、所定のデータのショートカットを作成することができる。
【００８７】
また、本発明の情報処理装置および方法、並びにプログラムによれば、ドラッグアンドドロップにより、ドラッグされたデータに対応するショートカットを、ドロップされた位置に作成することができる。
【００８８】
さらに、作成されたショートカットは、所定のアプリケーション内の所定の機能にパスが設定されたものとすることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】従来のショートカットの作成の仕方について説明するための図である。
【図２】作成されたショートカットについて説明するための図である。
【図３】作成されたショートカットのプロパティについて説明するための図である。
【図４】ＰＣの内部構成例を示す図である。
【図５】ソフトウェアの構成例を示す図である。
【図６】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図７】画像処理ソフトウェアの構成について説明するための図である。
【図８】「プリントスタジオ」アプリケーションの機能について説明する図である。
【図９】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図１０】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図１１】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図１２】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図１３】ショートカットの作成に関わる処理について説明するフローチャートである。
【図１４】ＡＰＩ関数について説明するための図である。
【図１５】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図１６】ＡＰＩ関数について説明するための図である。
【図１７】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【図１８】ディスプレイ上に表示される画面の一例を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
５０　ＰＣ，　９１　ＯＳ，　９２　画像処理ソフトウェア，　９３　ＡＰＩ，　１０１　ディスプレイ，　１１０　デスクトップ，　１１１　ウィンドウ，１３１　カーソル[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program, and in particular, creates an icon called a shortcut, which is used to start installed software such as a personal computer by a simple operation such as double-clicking. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method suitable for use at that time, and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of personal computers, various users have used personal computers for various purposes. In addition, the performance of personal computers has been improved, and various processes can be performed. Under such circumstances, the number of software installed in one personal computer has also increased, which has made it difficult for the user to select desired software.
[0003]
As one method for solving such a problem, there is a method of creating a shortcut (Short Cut). The shortcut means that icons of frequently used software are created on the desktop or in another folder. (For example, see Non-Patent Document 1)
[0004]
The creation of a shortcut will be described. For example, when data management software such as Explorer (trademark) started on an OS (Operating System) called Microsoft Windows (registered trademark) is started on a personal computer, a screen as shown in FIG. 1 is displayed. Is displayed on the display of the personal computer.
[0005]
On the display 1, a desktop 10 is displayed. The desktop 10 is a top screen on which processing such as placing icons such as shortcuts and opening windows of predetermined software is performed in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment such as Windows (registered trademark). . It is simulated on a desk, on which software can be started with the same sensation as opening a book or document, and is thus called a desktop or the like.
[0006]
On this desktop 10, a window 11 of the activated software is displayed. The window 11 is provided with a software display unit 12 for displaying recorded data and names of installed software. The user positions the cursor on the name of the desired software from among the software displayed on the software display unit 12, and double-clicks, for example, the right side of a mouse (not shown).
[0007]
In response to such an operation, a menu screen 13 as shown in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a state where a predetermined operation is performed on the mouse when the cursor is positioned on the name of “software A”.
[0008]
When the item “Send” is selected from the items displayed on the menu screen 13 (when the cursor is positioned), a submenu 14 is further displayed. When “Desktop (Create Shortcut)” is selected (for example, the left mouse button is clicked) in the items displayed on the submenu 14, the software selected from the software display unit 12 is displayed on the desktop 10. A shortcut icon corresponding to is created.
[0009]
Note that the user can cause a shortcut icon to be created by selecting an item “create shortcut” on the menu screen 13. The shortcut icon is created on the software display unit 12, Not on desktop 10.
[0010]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the created shortcut icon 21 is displayed on the desktop 10. The user can activate the software A by operating the icon 21 created on the desktop 10.
[0011]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a window 31 on which the properties of the icon 21 are displayed. Of the information displayed in the window 31, “C: @Software A.exe” is referred to when referring to the information of the link destination, and the link destination of the icon 21 is the same as the exe file (executable file) of the software A. Is shown.
[0012]
[Non-patent document 1]
Hirotaka Hamada, "Learns About Bio C1" Softbank Publishing, December 25, 1998 55,56
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As shown in FIG. 2, the name of the icon 21 created as described above is given a word “shortcut to” as a default, such as “shortcut to software A”. The user only needs to be able to recognize the icon of the software A, and it is considered that the name “software A” alone is sufficient. In addition, the shorter the name, the easier it is to recognize, and if there are many icons “shortcut to” on the desktop 10, it will be hard to see.
[0014]
When the user wants to change the name of the icon 21 in order to solve the above-described problem, the user has to perform a predetermined operation.
[0015]
The software that is started by operating the icon 21 created as described above is the top screen of the software (since the link of the icon 21 is an executable file), and further specifies the software. When it is desired to use the function described above, it is necessary to arrive at a desired function while repeating a predetermined operation. As the software becomes multifunctional, there is a problem that the number of operations required to reach the desired function increases.
[0016]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to make shortcuts easier than ever and to improve the usability of created shortcuts.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A first information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a determination unit configured to determine whether a drag has been started for an icon for activating a predetermined function of a predetermined application; If it is determined that the icon has been started, the execution means for executing the drag process, and if the execution means determines that the icon to be dragged has been dropped, the shortcut icon for the predetermined function of the predetermined application is displayed. And a creating means for creating.
[0018]
A first program of the present invention includes a determining step of determining whether or not a drag has been started for an icon for activating a predetermined function of a predetermined application; If it is determined that the icon has been started, an execution step of executing the drag process, and if it is determined that the icon to be dragged is dropped in the process of the execution step, a shortcut for the predetermined function of the predetermined application is provided. And a creating step of creating an icon.
[0019]
A second information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a determination unit that determines whether a drag has been started and, when the determination unit determines that the drag has been started, the determination unit determines whether the drag has been started. First creating means for creating a shortcut file in a predetermined folder, executing means for executing a drag process by using the file created by the first creating means as a drag target, and a drag target by the executing means And a second creating means for creating an icon corresponding to the shortcut when it is determined that the file is dropped.
[0020]
The first creation unit, the execution unit, and the second creation unit may be performed by an API.
[0021]
The first creating means, when the data to be dragged is data for activating a predetermined function of a predetermined application, replaces a shortcut path with a path composed of an executable file and a command line. You can create a file set in.
[0022]
According to a first information processing method of the present invention, a determination step of determining whether or not a drag has been started, and, if it is determined in the processing of the determination step that the drag has been started, the data to be dragged is added to the data. A first creation step of creating a corresponding shortcut file in a predetermined folder, an execution step of executing a drag process with the file created in the first creation step as a drag target, and an execution step And a second creation step of creating an icon corresponding to the shortcut when it is determined that the file to be dragged is dropped in the processing of (1).
[0023]
A second program according to the present invention provides a computer that controls an information processing apparatus with a determining step of determining whether or not a drag has been started, and, if it is determined in the processing of the determining step that the drag has been started, the drag of the drag is started. A first creation step of creating a shortcut file corresponding to the target data in a predetermined folder, and executing a drag process with the file created in the process of the first creation step as a drag target And executing a second creation step of creating an icon corresponding to the shortcut when it is determined that the file to be dragged is dropped in the processing of the execution step.
[0024]
In the information processing apparatus and method and the program according to the present invention, an icon of a shortcut corresponding to dragged data is created at a position where the data is dropped by dragging and dropping.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of an embodiment of a personal computer (PC) to which the information processing device of the present invention is applied. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51 of the PC 50 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 53 appropriately stores data, programs, and the like necessary for the CPU 51 to execute various processes.
[0026]
The input / output interface 55 is connected to an input unit 56 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a signal input to the input unit 56 to the CPU 51. The input / output interface 55 is also connected to an output unit 57 including a display, a speaker, and the like.
[0027]
Further, the input / output interface 55 is also connected to a storage unit 58 composed of a hard disk and the like, and a communication unit 59 for exchanging data with other devices via a network such as the Internet. The drive 60 is used to read data from or write data to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk 71, an optical disk 72, a magneto-optical disk 73, and a semiconductor memory 74.
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of software stored in the storage unit 58, expanded in the RAM 53 as necessary, and used as a basis when the CPU 51 executes processing. The OS 91 is, for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark). Image processing software 92 for processing an image is installed in the storage unit 58 as software that is activated in the state where the OS 91 is activated, and executes predetermined processing, and the RAM 53 is activated by a user's activation instruction. The following description will be made assuming that this is expanded to.
[0029]
An API (Application Program Interface) 93 is a group of commands for the image processing software 92 to use the basic functions of the OS 91, and serves as an intermediary between the OS 91 and the image processing software 92.
[0030]
FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display as the output unit 57 of the PC 50 when the OS 91 is activated and the image processing software 92 is activated. The desktop 110 is displayed on the display 101 by activating the OS 91. When the image processing software 92 is activated on the desktop 110, a window 111 based on the image processing software 92 is displayed.
[0031]
The image processing software 92 is composed of six applications. In the following description, it is assumed that a plurality of applications that execute different processes exist in one software, and a plurality of functions that execute different processes exist in each application.
[0032]
As shown in detail in FIG. 7, the image processing software 92 includes a “photo import” application 121, a “photo management” application 122, a “photo album” application 123, an “open binder” application 124, and a “print studio”. It is composed of an application 125 and a “how to use this software” application 126.
[0033]
Items corresponding to these applications are displayed on the window 111 as shown in FIG. In the screen example shown in FIG. 6, each item is indicated by a circle, and an application name (the name shown in "" in FIG. 7) and a picture which makes it possible to execute each application are described. ing.
[0034]
The “capture photo” application 121 is activated when capturing image data from a connected digital camera or the like so that the image processing software 92 can process image data captured by the digital camera. The “manage photos” application 122 is activated when performing a process such as naming or classifying an image based on image data captured and stored.
[0035]
The “photo album” application 123 is an application that simulates a paper medium album. When the “photo album” application 123 is used, for example, it is possible to view photos as if turning pages of the album. It is an application that can perform processing for easily creating such an album.
[0036]
The “open binder” application 124 is, for example, an application capable of creating and browsing a page including, for example, a recipe of a dish, a photograph of the dish, ingredients, and text on how to make the page.
[0037]
The “print studio” application 125 is an application activated when printing (printing) a photograph in a desired form. The “how to use this software” application 126 is an application that is started when there is something that cannot be understood, such as what kind of processing can be performed by the image processing software 92 and how to operate it.
[0038]
In the example of the image shown in FIG. 6, the cursor 131 is positioned on an item corresponding to the “photo album” application 123. The application (item) where the cursor 131 is located in this way is displayed so as to be distinguished from other items, and by selecting the selected item (by the selected application) A message describing the executable processing is displayed on the right side of the window 111, for example.
[0039]
Here, paying attention to the “print studio” application 125, the “print studio” application 125 has five functions as shown in FIG. The “sketch book” function 151 is a function relating to printing selected when performing printing other than printing as performed by another function described later. The “postcard” function 152 is a function selected when printing an image on a postcard.
[0040]
The “label” function 153 is a function selected when printing a label such as a spine of a video cassette tape. The “card” function 154 is a function selected when printing on a card type such as a trading card or a business card. The “calendar” function 155 is a function selected when an original calendar to which a desired image is pasted is desired to be created.
[0041]
Items corresponding to these functions are displayed in the window 111, for example, as shown in FIG. In the screen example shown in FIG. 9, the cursor 131 is positioned on the “print studio” application 125. When a plurality of functions exist in the application (item) where the cursor 131 is located, an item corresponding to the function is displayed on the lower right side of the window 111, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0042]
The item corresponding to each function is displayed together with a name and a picture that allows the user to imagine the processing that can be performed when the function is selected. As shown in FIG. 9, when the cursor 131 is positioned on the “print studio” application 125, the user performs an operation indicating a determination intention, for example, double-clicks the left side of a mouse (not shown) as the input unit 56. Then, the display of the window 111 as shown in FIG. 9 is switched to the window 161 as shown in FIG.
[0043]
In the window 161 shown in FIG. 10, functions 151 to 155 that can be performed by the “print studio” application 125 are displayed as selection items. In the screen example shown in FIG. 10, the cursor 131 is positioned on the “postcard” function 152 among the displayed items. When the button “Start creation” displayed in the “postcard” function 152 as an item is operated, the display of the window 161 shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the window 171 shown in FIG. .
[0044]
The window 171 shown in FIG. 11 is a window when the “postcard” function 152 is selected as one of the functions for executing printing. An event selection unit 172 for selecting whether to create a postcard is provided. The window 171 shown in FIG. 11 shows a case where the event “New Year's card” is selected.
[0045]
The design of the postcard corresponding to the event selected by the event selection unit 172 is displayed in the design selection unit 173 on the right side of the event selection unit 172. The user can easily create a postcard of a desired design by selecting a desired design from the designs displayed in the design selection unit 173.
[0046]
The window 171 shown in FIG. 11, that is, the window for creating a postcard, is displayed on the item “postcard” function 152 in the same window as the window 111 shown in FIG. 9 as shown in FIG. It is also displayed when the cursor 131 is positioned and a predetermined operation such as a mouse click is performed.
[0047]
As described above, in the image processing software 92 according to the present embodiment, for example, when a user wants to create a postcard, the user activates the image processing software 92 and the top screen (the screen as shown in FIG. 9). , An application is selected from the application screen displayed as a result (a screen as shown in FIG. 10), and a screen for creating a final postcard (FIG. 11) is selected. This is performed by displaying a screen as shown).
[0048]
Alternatively, the user activates the image processing software 92 and selects a function of the application from the top screen (the screen as shown in FIG. 12), thereby generating a screen for creating a final postcard (FIG. 11). This is performed by displaying a screen as shown in FIG.
[0049]
By the way, for example, there are users who often use a specific function such as the “postcard” function 152. In other words, for example, while the window 111 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, there are some users who select a function other than the “postcard” function 152 only a few times.
[0050]
It is important for such a user to make the “postcard” function 152 easier to use than other functions in order to further improve the usability of the image processing software 92.
[0051]
Therefore, a shortcut corresponding to a predetermined function of a predetermined application such as a “postcard” function 152 can be created on the desktop 110. In addition, processing related to the creation can be easily performed. In the present embodiment, as a method of easily creating a shortcut, a method called drag and drop is used. The drag-and-drop operation is, for example, an operation of dragging a predetermined icon while dragging the mouse (drag), overlapping with another icon, or releasing (dropping: dropping) with the icon positioned on the desktop. It is.
[0052]
As described above, the drag and drop is a simple operation because it can be basically performed only by clicking the mouse.
[0053]
A process for creating a shortcut corresponding to the “postcard” function 152 from the state of the window 111 as shown in FIG. 12 on the desktop 110 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S11, the image processing software 92 determines whether the drag has been started. First, when the window 111 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed, the cursor 131 of the items corresponding to the “sketchbook” function 151 to the “calendar” function 155 in the window 111 is displayed. It is determined whether there is an item in which is located.
[0054]
As a result of the determination, when it is determined that there is an item where the cursor 131 is located, it is determined whether or not the mouse is clicked in that state, and further, whether or not the cursor 131 is moved in that state It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether a drag is instructed.
[0055]
Until it is determined in step S11 that dragging has been started, processing relating to shortcut creation processing is in a standby state. If it is determined in step S11 that the drag has been started, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, a shortcut file is created in a predetermined folder.
[0056]
The timing of creating a shortcut file (hereinafter simply referred to as a shortcut) in the predetermined folder is, for example, when the cursor 131 is positioned on a predetermined item and the mouse is clicked. This is performed when it is determined that the cursor 131 has been moved by the number of pixels.
[0057]
Normally, a shortcut is not created just when a drag is started (when a drop is not being performed) and at that time. Also, a shortcut is created on the place where the user has dropped (for example, the desktop 110), and is not created in a folder not specified by the user. However, in the present embodiment, only when the dragging is started, and at that time, a shortcut corresponding to the data (in this case, for example, the “postcard” function 152) dragged into the predetermined folder is displayed. Created.
[0058]
The creation of the shortcut is performed as a process of the API 93 when an instruction is issued to the API 93 (FIG. 5). FIG. 14 shows an example of the API 93 related to the process of creating a shortcut performed in step S12.
[0059]
The API function 1 for creating a shortcut in a predetermined folder shown in FIG. 14 first sets the path to be shortcutted and the setting of the work folder by setting “psl-> SetPath (m_strArgentent)” in the “if” statement. And "psl-> SetArguments (m_strCommandline)". This statement sets the path to the program and also sets the command line arguments needed at runtime. That is, not only the executable file (exe file) but also the subsequent command (function) is set as the shortcut path.
[0060]
Then, in order to save the shortcut, a setting for extracting an IPersistFile interface from IshellLink and a setting for a folder for temporarily creating a shortcut (a process for saving a link by calling Save of IPersistFile) are described by the following statement. Do.

[0061]
By using such an API function 1 as shown in FIG. 14, a shortcut is created in a predetermined folder. FIG. 15 is a view showing the window 181 when the contents of the folder in which the shortcut is created are displayed in order to confirm the shortcut created in the predetermined folder by the processing in step S12.
[0062]
At the bottom of the window 181, the shortcut 191 created in step S12 is displayed. The shortcut 191 is created when an item of the “postcard” function 152 is selected in FIG. 12, and is the same as the item of the “postcard” function 152 shown in FIG. ) Is displayed as a picture of the shortcut. Further, the text "postcard" is displayed as the name. Also, an arrow indicating that this is a shortcut is displayed on the picture.
[0063]
Since such a window 181 is not displayed unless the user gives an instruction, in other words, the item of the “postcard” function 152 is dragged from the display state of the window 111 as shown in FIG. However, the window 181 as shown in FIG. 15 is not always displayed. Therefore, the user does not notice that the shortcut is once created in the predetermined folder.
[0064]
Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 13, when a shortcut is created in a predetermined folder in step S12, a drag process is started in step S13. If it is not determined in step S11 that the drag has been started, the process does not proceed to step S13. Therefore, the dragging process is started when it is determined in step S11 that the dragging has been started. In the present embodiment, as described above, first, the shortcut is placed in the predetermined folder. Is created.
[0065]
Then, drag processing is performed on the shortcut. Even if the user is conscious that the item itself corresponding to the “postcard” function 152 displayed in the window 111 as shown in FIG. 12 is being dragged (the user is conscious as such). In practice, however, the drag process is executed on the shortcut 191 created in the predetermined folder in step S12.
[0066]
The processing of such dragging and the processing up to the subsequent drop (processing related to drag and drop) are performed by the API 92. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an API function 2 that executes a drag-and-drop process.
[0067]
The process of preparing the shortcut 191 created by the API function 1 shown in FIG. 14 on the clipboard (global memory) of the OS 91 at the moment when the drag and drop is started is executed by the following statement.
ColeDataSource * pDataSource = new ColeDataSource;
HGLOBAL hMem = NULL;
hMem = this-> MakeGlobalData (strTempFile);
[0068]
Next, a drag-and-drop process is executed on the shortcut 191 prepared in the global memory using the following statement.

[0069]
Finally, as a result of the drop, the data of the shortcut 191 temporarily created in the predetermined folder is deleted by executing the following statement.
delete pDataSource;
[0070]
Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the drag process is started by the API function 2 in step S13, in step S14, a drop operation (on the desktop 110) outside the window 111 (mouse click state) Is canceled).
[0071]
If it is determined in step S14 that the drop process has not been performed, the process of creating a shortcut illustrated in FIG. 13 ends. In this case, it is determined that the dropped location is in the window 111 or another window (on a window for which creation of a shortcut is not permitted), and not on the desktop 110. . In such a case, since the user can determine that the user did not intend to create the shortcut, the process of creating the shortcut ends.
[0072]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the drop processing has been performed, the process proceeds to step S15, and a shortcut icon is displayed at the position where the drop was performed. In this case, a shortcut 191 as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the desktop 110, for example, as shown in FIG.
[0073]
By simply operating the shortcut 191 created on the desktop 110, the user can display a window 171 as shown in FIG. 11 on the display 101 for creating a postcard.
[0074]
When the property of the shortcut 191 created by such a process is displayed on the display 61, a window 201 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. In the properties displayed in the window 201, "C: @image processing software 91.exe" / s postcard is displayed to refer to the link destination information.
[0075]
This is compared with the information of the link destination in the profile of the shortcut created by the conventional method shown in FIG. The information of the link destination shown in FIG. 3 is “C: @software A.exe”. When this information is rewritten, the format is "C: \ Executable file". Similarly, when the information of the link destination shown in FIG. 18 is rewritten, the format is “C: \ execution file / command”.
[0076]
As described above, in the shortcut created in the present embodiment, not only an executable file but also a command can be specified as a link destination.
[0077]
Also, referring to the created shortcut 191 shown in FIG. 17, the name of the shortcut 191 is “postcard”, and is not named “shortcut to postcard” as in the related art. . That is, the word “shortcut to” is not added to the name of the shortcut created by applying this embodiment.
[0078]
As described above, when creating a shortcut, not only the executable file but also the shortcut including the link including the command is created in the folder, and the shortcut is set as a target of the drag-and-drop process. By a simple operation of dropping, it is possible to create a shortcut to a function in a predetermined application.
[0079]
By applying the present invention, it is possible to create a shortcut corresponding to not only a predetermined application but also a predetermined function in the predetermined application.
[0080]
Also, the name of the shortcut to be created can be a simple name that allows the user to intuitively understand the link destination (application or function) of the shortcut without adding a word such as “shortcut to”. it can.
[0081]
Note that, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a shortcut is created for a predetermined function in a predetermined application has been described as an example. However, when a shortcut is created for a predetermined application, It goes without saying that the present invention can be applied.
[0082]
The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware having respective functions, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, various functions can be executed by installing a computer in which the programs constituting the software are embedded in dedicated hardware, or by installing various programs For example, it is installed from a recording medium to a general-purpose personal computer or the like.
[0083]
As shown in FIG. 4, the recording medium is a magnetic disk 71 (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded and an optical disk 72, which are distributed to provide the user with the program, separately from the personal computer (PC 50). (Including CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), magneto-optical disk 73 (including MD (Mini-Disc) (registered trademark)), or package including semiconductor memory 74 In addition to being constituted by media, it is constituted by a hard disk including a ROM 52 and a storage unit 58 in which a program is stored and provided to a user in a state of being incorporated in a computer in advance.
[0084]
In this specification, the steps of describing a program provided by a medium are not necessarily performed in chronological order, but may be performed in parallel or individually according to the described order. This includes the processing to be executed.
[0085]
Also, in this specification, a system refers to an entire device including a plurality of devices.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
According to the information processing apparatus and method of the present invention, and a program, a shortcut of predetermined data can be created.
[0087]
Further, according to the information processing apparatus and method and the program of the present invention, a shortcut corresponding to dragged data can be created at a dropped position by drag and drop.
[0088]
Further, the created shortcut may be one in which a path is set for a predetermined function in a predetermined application.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a conventional method of creating a shortcut.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining created shortcuts.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating properties of a created shortcut.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a PC.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of software.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of image processing software.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating functions of a “print studio” application.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing related to creation of a shortcut.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an API function.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing an API function.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display.
[Explanation of symbols]
50 PC, 91 OS, 92 image processing software, 93 API, 101 display, 110 desktop, 111 window, 131 cursor

Claims (7)

In an information processing apparatus that performs a drag-and-drop process on a predetermined operation system,
Determining means for determining whether the drag has been started for an icon for activating a predetermined function of a predetermined application,
An execution unit that executes the drag process when the determination unit determines that the drag is started on the icon;
Creating means for creating an icon of a shortcut for a predetermined function of the predetermined application when the execution means determines that the icon to be dragged has been dropped; apparatus. On a predetermined operation system, a computer that controls an information processing device that executes a drag-and-drop process includes:
A determining step of determining whether or not the drag has been started for an icon for activating a predetermined function of a predetermined application;
An execution step of executing the drag processing when it is determined in the processing of the determination step that the drag has been started for the icon;
When it is determined in the processing of the execution step that the icon that is the target of the dragging is dropped, a creation step of creating a shortcut icon for a predetermined function of the predetermined application is executed. Program to do. In an information processing apparatus that performs a drag-and-drop process on a predetermined operation system,
Determining means for determining whether the drag has been started,
When the determination unit determines that the drag has been started, a first creation unit that creates a shortcut file corresponding to the data to be dragged in a predetermined folder;
Executing means for executing the drag process with the file created by the first creating means as a target of the drag;
An information processing apparatus comprising: a second creation unit that creates an icon corresponding to the shortcut when the execution unit determines that the file to be dragged has been dropped. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first creation unit, the execution unit, and the second creation unit are performed by an API. The first creating means, when the data to be dragged is data for activating a predetermined function of a predetermined application, comprises a path of the shortcut from an executable file and a command line. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the file set to a path to be created is created. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus that performs a drag and drop process on a predetermined operation system,
A determining step of determining whether the drag has been started;
A first creation step of creating, in a predetermined folder, a shortcut file corresponding to the data to be dragged when it is determined that the drag has been started in the processing of the determination step;
An execution step of executing the drag process with the file created in the process of the first creation step as a target of the drag;
And a second creation step of creating an icon corresponding to the shortcut when it is determined in the processing of the execution step that the file to be dragged has been dropped. . On a predetermined operation system, a computer that controls an information processing device that executes a drag-and-drop process includes:
A determining step of determining whether the drag has been started;
A first creation step of creating, in a predetermined folder, a shortcut file corresponding to the data to be dragged when it is determined that the drag has been started in the processing of the determination step;
An execution step of executing the drag process with the file created in the process of the first creation step as a target of the drag;
And a second creation step of creating an icon corresponding to the shortcut when it is determined in the execution step that the file to be dragged has been dropped.

Images