JP2005227951A - Device, method, and program for information processing - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To activate a plurality of application programs through one operation without an operation for correspondence. <P>SOLUTION: A launcher window 171 comprising launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 etc., which are selected by a user to activate corresponding application programs is displayed on a screen 151. A time when one of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 is selected is stored, and on the basis of the stored time, for example, the launcher buttons 201-3 and 201-4 are related to display a group bar 281 showing the relation. The group bar 281 is selected and then application programs corresponding to the launcher buttons 201-3 and 201-4 are activated simultaneously. This invention is applicable to an information processor having, for example, a launcher application program. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program capable of quickly starting an application program desired by a user.

  Conventionally, in a launcher application program that activates a desired program, in order to make the launcher application program easier to use, an activation button (hereinafter referred to as a button or icon as appropriate) that is selected when the desired application program is activated in a window. Or the size of the window displayed by the launcher application program.

  Such a change in the arrangement of buttons and a change in the size of the window are performed by the user's own operation.

  For example, in the start menu of Windows (registered trademark) XP, a command for starting an application program according to the frequency of use of the application program in order to efficiently start the application program with high use frequency. The (menu item) display position moves up.

  Furthermore, the user does not necessarily use only one application program in one work. In practice, a user often uses a plurality of application programs in one operation. However, in the menu displayed on the conventional screen, one command or icon corresponds to one application program. Therefore, when working by using a plurality of application programs at the same time, the user has to start a plurality of application programs by selecting a command or an icon, which is a menu item corresponding to each. For this reason, various methods for enabling the application program to be started efficiently have been proposed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a menu application program window (icon list) is displayed on a display screen of a personal computer or the like, and an icon in the menu application program window is selected by the user, whereby a corresponding application program is displayed. It has been proposed to count up the number of activations (number of selections) and arrange the icons in the order of frequency of use based on the number of activations.

Patent Document 1 discloses that a user performs a predetermined operation to set a plurality of application programs as one set and assign one icon to the set. Thus, it has been proposed that the user can start all of a plurality of application programs corresponding to the icon by selecting the icon, that is, by a single operation.
JP-A-10-97407

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the user himself has to perform an operation (setting) to associate a plurality of desired application programs with one icon. There is a problem that the user has to associate a plurality of desired application programs with each icon one by one, which is inconvenient.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to enable a plurality of application programs to be activated by a single operation without performing an operation for association.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a storage control unit that controls storage of selected time information indicating a selected item and a selected time, and a relationship that correlates items based on the stored selection time information. And attaching means.

  The associating means can relate the items to each other by generating a group of items.

  Display control means for controlling the display of the menu can be further provided so as to display the icon of the group.

  The display control means can control the display of the menu so that a plurality of items belonging to the group indicated by the icon are displayed adjacent to each other in the vicinity of the icon.

  The information processing apparatus may further include execution control means for controlling execution of processing corresponding to each item belonging to the group when the group icon is selected.

  The information processing apparatus can further include display control means for controlling the display of the menu so that when any of the items belonging to the group is selected, the other items belonging to the group are emphasized.

  The associating means includes a first determining means for determining whether or not a time difference between selected times of a plurality of items is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold based on the selected time information; A counting unit that counts the number of times selected with a time difference equal to or less than a first threshold; and a second determination unit that determines whether or not the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. If it is determined that the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the plurality of items can be related to each other.

  The information processing apparatus can further include an association cancellation unit that cancels the association of items based on the number of times the mutually associated items are individually selected.

  The information processing method of the present invention includes a storage control step for controlling storage of selected time information indicating a selected item and a selected time, and a relationship for correlating items with each other based on the stored selected time information. Including an attaching step.

  The program of the present invention includes a storage control step for controlling the storage of selected item and selected time information indicating the selected time, and an associating step for correlating items based on the stored selection time information. It is characterized by including.

  In the present invention, the storage of the selected item and the selected time information indicating the selected time is controlled, and the items are related to each other based on the stored selected time information.

  According to the present invention, an application program can be started. Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of application programs can be activated by one operation without performing an operation for association.

  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The best mode of the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the disclosed invention and the embodiments is exemplified as follows. Although there are embodiments which are described in this specification but are not described here as corresponding to the invention, the embodiments correspond to the invention. It does not mean that it is not a thing. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. Absent.

  Further, this description does not mean all the inventions described in the specification. In other words, this description is for the invention described in the specification and not claimed in this application, i.e., for the invention that will be applied for in the future or that will appear as a result of amendment and added. It does not deny existence.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus (for example, the personal computer 1 in FIG. 1) displays a menu (for example, the launcher window 171 in FIG. 5) including a plurality of items (for example, the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 5). And a predetermined process (for example, any of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 in FIG. 1) corresponding to the item selected from the menu (for example, any of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 5). Is a storage control means (for example, FIG. 2) for controlling the storage of the selected item and the selected time information (for example, the selected time list 111 in FIG. 2) indicating the selected time. Selection time list management unit 105) and an association means (for example, a diagram) for relating items to each other based on the stored selection time information. And a group generator 106).

  In this information processing apparatus, the association unit generates the group of items (for example, step S63 in FIG. 15) so that the items can be associated with each other.

  The information processing apparatus may further include display control means (for example, the display control unit 103 in FIG. 2) for controlling the display of the menu so that a group icon (for example, the group bar 281 in FIG. 7) is displayed. it can.

  In this information processing apparatus, the display control means displays a plurality of items (for example, launcher buttons 201-3 and 201-4 in FIG. 7) adjacent to the icon in the vicinity of the icon (for example, As shown in FIG. 20, step S119), the display of the menu can be controlled.

  This information processing apparatus, when a group icon is selected, executes control means (for example, an application program in FIG. 2) that controls execution of a process (for example, step S144 in FIG. 21) corresponding to each item belonging to the group. An activation unit 104) can be further provided.

  In the information processing apparatus, the association unit determines whether the time difference between the selected times of the plurality of items is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold based on the selection time information. (For example, the time difference determination unit 112 in FIG. 2), counting means (for example, the selection number counting unit 113 in FIG. 2) for counting the number of times a plurality of items are selected with a time difference equal to or less than the first threshold, and the number of times Including a second determination means (for example, step S114 in FIG. 2) for determining whether or not the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value. For example, step S63 in FIG. 15), the plurality of items can be related to each other.

  The information processing apparatus is configured to release an association between the items based on the number of times the items associated with each other are individually selected (for example, the group cancellation unit 109 in FIG. 2). Can do.

  According to the present invention, an information processing method is provided. This information processing method displays a menu (for example, the launcher window 171 in FIG. 5) composed of a plurality of items (for example, the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 5), and selects an item (for example, the launcher in FIG. 5). , An information processing apparatus (for example, one of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 in FIG. 1) corresponding to the launcher button 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 1 is an information processing method of the personal computer 1) in FIG. 1, and is selected time information (for example, FIG. 5) indicating a selected item (for example, launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 5) and a selected time. And a storage control step (for example, step S33 in FIG. 12) for controlling the storage of the second selection time list 111). Based on the-option time information, including the association step of associating the items with each other (for example, step S63 in FIG. 15).

  According to the present invention, a program is provided. This program displays a menu (for example, the launcher window 171 in FIG. 5) composed of a plurality of items (for example, launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 5), and the item selected from the menu (for example, in FIG. Information processing apparatus (for example, one of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 in FIG. 1) corresponding to the five launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 (for example, one of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 in FIG. 1). 1 personal computer 1), and a selected item (for example, launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 in FIG. 5) and selected time information (for example, a selected time in FIG. 2) indicating the selected time. Storage control step (for example, step S33 in FIG. 12) for controlling the storage of the list 111) and the stored selection Based on the time information, and a relationship with a step relating the items with each other (for example, step S63 in FIG. 15).

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 1 to which the present invention is applied. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12 or a program loaded from a storage unit 20 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. The RAM 13 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. An input / output interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14.

  An input unit 16 including a mouse 31 and a keyboard 32 that are pointing devices is connected to the input / output interface 15. The input unit 16 receives an operation input from the user. That is, the input unit 16 outputs operation information corresponding to the operation by the user. Further, the input / output interface 15 outputs a display unit 17 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and the like, an audio output unit 18 such as a speaker, date and current time (data indicating). A real-time clock 19 that is configured, a storage unit 20 that includes a hard disk, and a communication unit 21 that includes a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like are connected. The storage unit 20 includes an OS (Operating System) 41, a launcher program 42, application programs 43-1 to 43-6, and various programs such as application programs 44-1 to 44-13, as well as a file M, a folder N, and the like. Various files and data are also stored. The communication unit 21 communicates with other devices via a network including the Internet.

  A drive 22 is connected to the input / output interface 15 as necessary, and a magnetic disk 51, an optical disk 52, a magneto-optical disk 53, a semiconductor memory 54, or the like is appropriately mounted, and a computer program read from these is loaded. Installed in the storage unit 20 as necessary.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of functions of the launcher program 42 executed by the CPU 11 of FIG. 2 is realized by loading the OS 41 and launcher program 42 stored in the storage unit 20 into the RAM 13, and the CPU 11 executing the OS 41 and launcher program 42 loaded in the RAM 13. The When the launcher program 42 is executed by the CPU 11, the operation information acquisition unit 101, activation control unit 102, display control unit 103, application program activation unit 104, selection time list management unit 105, group generation unit 106, and group release unit 109 Is realized.

  When the launcher program 42 is executed by the CPU 11, the group list 107 and the button list 108 are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 13 or the storage unit 20. Details of the group list 107 will be described later with reference to FIG. Details of the button list 108 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires operation (input) information input by the user operating the input unit 16 including the mouse 31 and the keyboard 32, and supplies the acquired operation information to the activation control unit 102. The activation control unit 102 supplies various control signals according to the supplied operation information to the display control unit 103, the application program activation unit 104, the selection time list management unit 105, the group generation unit 106, and the group release unit 109. To do.

  The display control unit 103 causes the display unit 17 to display various images such as a launcher window 171 described later with reference to FIG. 5 based on the supplied information. The application program activation unit 104 is based on the control signal supplied from the activation control unit 102 or the control signal supplied from the group generation unit 106, and the application programs 43-1 to 43-6 stored in the storage unit 20 Alternatively, the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 are activated.

  Based on the control signal supplied from the activation control signal unit 102, the selection time list management unit 105 provides real time (data indicating) the time when the button for activating the application program 44-1 to 44-13 is operated. The time when the button is selected and the button ID that identifies the selected button are acquired from the clock 19 and recorded in the selection time list 111. The selection time list management unit 105 supplies the group generation unit 106 with the time when the button is selected and the button ID that identifies the selected button recorded in the selection time list 111.

  The group generation unit 106 includes a time difference determination unit 112, a selection number counting unit 113, and a number determination unit 114. The group generation unit 106 records the combination of button IDs and the number of button selections in the combination list 115 based on the control signal supplied from the activation control unit 102 and the selection time list 111.

  The group generation unit 106 relates buttons for starting the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 based on the combination list 115 and the selection time list 111. For example, the group generation unit 106 generates a group of buttons for activating the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 based on the control signal supplied from the activation control unit 102 and the selection time list 111. Associate buttons.

  Further, the group generation unit 106 updates information recorded in the group list 107 and the button list 108.

  More specifically, the time difference determination unit 112 determines whether or not the time difference between the selected times of the plurality of buttons is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold based on the selection time list 111. That is, for example, the time difference determination unit 112 determines whether or not the difference (time difference) in which each of the two buttons is selected by the user is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold based on the selection time list 111. . The selection number counting unit 113 counts the number of times a plurality of buttons are selected with a time difference equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. The selection number counting unit 113 writes the number of times a plurality of buttons are selected with a time difference equal to or less than a predetermined threshold in the combination list 115. The number determination unit 114 determines whether or not the number of times selected with a time difference equal to or less than a predetermined threshold of the plurality of buttons is equal to or greater than another predetermined threshold.

  The group generation unit 106 relates the plurality of buttons when it is determined that the number of times selected with a time difference equal to or less than a predetermined threshold of the plurality of buttons is equal to or less than another predetermined threshold. For example, the group generation unit 106 generates a group of a plurality of buttons when it is determined that the number of times selected with a time difference equal to or less than a predetermined threshold of the plurality of buttons is equal to or more than another predetermined threshold. As described above, information indicating button association is recorded in the group list 107 and the button list 108.

  The group canceling unit 109 cancels the button association based on the number of times the mutually related buttons indicated by the control signal supplied from the activation control unit 102 are selected. For example, the group canceling unit 109 cancels the grouping of buttons by updating information indicating button associations recorded in the group list 107 and the button list 108.

  With reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, program start processing by the launcher program 42 of the PC 1 will be described. Since the launcher program 42 is executed when the PC 1 is activated, the program activation process is started when the power of the PC 1 is turned on. In step S <b> 1, the operation information acquisition unit 101 acquires user operation (input) information to be input when the user operates, for example, the mouse 31 of the input unit 16. The operation information acquisition unit 101 supplies the acquired operation information to the activation control unit 102. In step S2, the activation control unit 102 determines whether display of the launcher window 171 shown in FIG. 5 is instructed based on the operation information. In step S <b> 2, when the activation control unit 102 determines that the display of the launcher window 171 is instructed, the process proceeds to step S <b> 3, and the activation control unit 102 sends a control signal instructing display of the launcher window 171 to the display control unit 103. The display control unit 103 displays the launcher window 171 on the display unit 17.

  The above processing will be described with reference to FIG. That is, in step S1 of FIG. 3, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, after the PC 1 is activated (after the launcher program 42 is activated), the user operates the mouse 31 and the like on the screen 151 of the display unit 17. By selecting the launcher icon 162 in the task tray 161 displayed on the screen, it is determined in step S2 that the display of the launcher window 171 has been instructed, and the launcher window 171 is displayed on the screen 151 in step S3.

  The launcher window 171 is divided into a fixed display area 181 and a customizable area 182. The fixed display area 181 displays icons 191-1 to 191-6 in which an application program to be started or a file or folder to be opened is predetermined by the provider of the launcher program 42. The user can change an application program to be started, a file or folder to be opened, delete the icons 191-1 to 191-6, or display a fixed display area for the icons 191-1 to 191-6. No more icons can be added to 181.

  In the customizable area 182, launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 that can be freely customized by the user are displayed. That is, for the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13, the user changes an application program to be started, a file or folder to be opened, or deletes any of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13. Further, a launcher button can be added to the customizable area 182.

  For example, the fixed display area 181 displays icons 191-1 to 191-6 for starting the application programs 43-1 to 43-6 stored in the storage unit 20, respectively.

  For example, in the customizable area 182, launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-11 for activating any of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 stored in the storage unit 20 are displayed. Also, in the customizable area 182, a launcher button 201-12 for opening the file M and a launcher button 201-13 for opening the folder N are displayed. If any of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 is selected by customizing (changing) the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13, the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 are selected. The desired one can be activated.

  Each of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 displays a predetermined figure (for example, a square shown in FIG. 5), the name of the program to be activated, and the like.

  When the launcher program 42 is activated for the first time, various customizable launcher buttons may be displayed in the customizable area 182.

  Also, on the lower side of the launcher window 171 (below the customizable area 182), a setting button 221 for performing various settings of the launcher program 42 and a close button 222 for closing the launcher window 171 (returning to the task tray 161). Is displayed.

  If it is determined in step S2 that display of the launcher window 171 is not instructed, the process in step S3 is skipped.

  In step S4, the activation control unit 102 displays one of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 displayed in the launcher window 171 (displayed in the customizable area 182) or a group bar (for example, FIG. 8). It is determined whether or not a group bar 281) to be described later has been dragged and dropped with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in step S4 that any of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 displayed on the launcher window 171 or the group bar is not dragged and dropped, the activation control unit 102 in step S5 Then, it is determined whether or not the icons 191-1 to 191-6 displayed in the fixed display area 181 are selected. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, whether or not activation of any of the application programs 43-1 to 43-6 corresponding to the icons 191-1 to 191-6 displayed in the fixed display area 181 is instructed. Determine.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the icons 191-1 to 191-6 displayed in the fixed display area 181 are not selected, the process proceeds to step S6, and the group management process is executed. The details of the group management process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12. As a result, application programs that are frequently used by the user are grouped, and the grouped application programs are started.

  After the group management process is executed, the procedure proceeds to step S7.

  If it is determined in step S4 that one of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 displayed in the launcher window 171 or the group bar has been dragged and dropped, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. 102 determines whether any of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 which are not grouped are dragged and dropped.

  If it is determined in step S7 that any of the ungrouped launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 has been dragged and dropped, the process proceeds to step S8, and the group generation unit 106 is supplied from the activation control unit 102. Based on the control signal, among the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13, grouping of any two of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 subject to the drag-and-drop operation is performed. Details of the process in step S8 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S9, the display control unit 103 displays the group bar corresponding to the group of any two of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 grouped in the process of step S8 on the display unit 17 (the launcher window of the screen 151). 171).

  The above processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 as follows. That is, in step S7 in FIG. 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user operates the mouse 31 or the like (by operating the cursor 271), that is, the user operates the launcher button 201- of the program C. 3, the mouse 31 button is moved down in a frame 272 (indicating the boundary as an object), and the cursor 271 is moved and dragged as it is, so that the cursor 271 is placed on the launcher button 201-4 of the program D. When the mouse 31 is moved up, the mouse 31 is dropped and grouping is performed. Thereby, in step S9, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the group bar 281 is displayed on the launcher window 171. A group bar 281 shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the launcher button 201-3 and the launcher button 201-4 belong to one group.

  In step S <b> 10, the activation control unit 102 determines whether or not the end of the launcher program 42 is instructed. That is, it is determined whether the user has instructed to shut down the PC 1 or a predetermined operation for terminating the launcher program 42 has been performed. In step S10, when it is determined that the end of the launcher program 42 is not instructed, the process returns to step S1, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the end of the launcher program 42 has been instructed, the program activation process ends.

  If it is determined in step S7 that any of the ungrouped launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 is not dragged and dropped, in step S11, the activation control unit 102 drags and drops the group bar. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S11 that the group bar has been dragged and dropped, the process proceeds to step S12, and the activation control unit 102 moves the group bar to the dragged and dropped position. In step S13, the display control unit 103 displays the group bar at the dragged and dropped position, and proceeds to step S10.

  The above processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 as follows. That is, in step S11 of FIG. 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, a group bar 281 indicating that the launcher button 201-3 of the program C and the launcher button 201-4 of the program D are grouped is displayed. If the user operates the mouse 31 or the like (by operating the cursor 271), the group bar 281 is positioned at the position 301 (between the launcher button 201-5 of the program E and the launcher button 201-6 of the program F). ), The group bar 281 is displayed between the launcher button 201-5 of the program E and the launcher button 201-6 of the program F in step S12, for example, as shown in FIG. And grouped Launcher button 201-4 launcher button 201-3 and the program D of the program C is moved (displayed).

  If it is determined in step S11 that the group bar has not been dragged and dropped, the process proceeds to step S14, and the activation control unit 102 determines whether or not the grouped launcher buttons have been moved. If it is determined in step S14 that the grouped launcher buttons have been dragged and dropped, in step S15, the group canceling unit 109 cancels the grouping. In step S16, the display control unit 103 deletes the group bar from the launcher window 171 and proceeds to step S10.

  The above process will be described with reference to FIG. That is, in step S14 of FIG. 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, launcher button 201-3 of program C and launcher button 201-4 of program D are grouped, and group bar 281 is displayed. The launcher button 201-4 of the program D is dragged and moved to a position 332 (between the launcher button 201-4 and the launcher button 201-5) when the user operates the mouse 31 or the like (by operating the cursor 271). By dropping, grouping is canceled in step S15, and in step S16, for example, the group bar 281 of FIG. 10 is deleted, and the launcher window 171 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed.

  If the activation control unit 102 determines in step S14 that the grouped launcher buttons are not dragged and dropped, the process proceeds to step S10.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S5 that the icons 191-1 to 191-6 displayed in the fixed display area 181 are selected, the process proceeds to step S17, and the application program activation unit 104 selects the selected icon. The application program corresponding to 191-1 to 191-6 is activated, and the process proceeds to step S7. That is, for example, when the TV icon 191-1 registered in the fixed display area 181 is selected in step S1 of FIG. 3, the TV icon 191-1 is displayed in step S17 as shown in FIG. One of the application programs 43-1 to 43-6 corresponding to is started, and an image (TV program) 351 of TV (TeleVision) is displayed on the screen 151.

  Hereinafter, the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 are simply referred to as the launcher button 201 when it is not necessary to distinguish them individually.

  Next, details of the group management process in step S6 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S31, the activation control unit 102 determines whether or not automatic grouping is set. That is, for example, when the setting button 221 of FIG. 5 is selected (clicked), a setting dialog window 371 is displayed on the screen 151 as shown in FIG. In the setting dialog window 371, a check box 381 of “automatic grouping”, an OK button 382, a cancel button 383, and a help button 384 are displayed.

  When the user selects (clicks) the OK button 382 by operating the mouse 31 or the like, the content input in the setting dialog window 371 is set. When the cancel button 383 is selected, the settings in the setting dialog window 371 are discarded. Further, when the help button 384 is selected, various explanatory texts regarding the setting dialog window 371 are displayed.

  When the user sets the check box 381 to a check state (a state in which a check is displayed in the check box 381) and selects the OK button 382, automatic grouping is set.

  If it is determined in step S31 that the grouping is automatically set by the user, the process proceeds to step S32, and the activation control unit 102 determines whether a group bar is selected. That is, for example, it is determined whether or not the group bar 281 shown in FIG. 7 has been selected.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the group bar 281 is not selected, the process proceeds to step S33, and the selection time list management unit 105 uses the real-time clock 19 based on the control signal supplied from the activation control unit 102. The time when the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 are selected is detected (the time when the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 are selected from the real-time clock 19), and the selected time and the selected button are detected. An element (selection time, button ID) composed of a button ID (IDentification) for identifying the item is added to the end of the selection time list 111. Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the selection time list 111 includes the time when the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 are selected (clicked) after the PC 1 is started (after the launcher program 42 is started). The button IDs for specifying the launched launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 are elements (selection time, button ID). In the example of the selection time list 111 in FIG. 14, (X: XX, b0), (Y: YY, b1) to (C: CC, b2) are recorded in order. The element on the left side (X: XX, b0) in the example of the selection time list 111 shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the selection of the first launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 after the launcher program 42 is activated. : XX ”and the button ID that identifies the selected launcher button 201-1 to 201-13 that is“ b0 ”. The element (A: AA, b0) on the right side in the example of the selection time list 111 shown in FIG. 14 is “A: AA” corresponding to the selection of the last (latest) launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13. It includes the button ID that identifies the selected (clicked) time and the selected launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 that are “b0”.

  That is, in step S33 of FIG. 13, for example, as the latest information, an element (A: AA, b0) indicating that the time when the button is selected is A: AA and the button ID of the selected button is b0. ) Is added to the end of the selection time list 111 (next to (C: CC, b2)).

  The selection time list 111 is cleared when the launcher program 42 is terminated. As a result, grouping is executed based on the operation after the launcher program 42 is activated, and in step S34, a group pin reflecting the history of recent operations is executed. In step S34, A grouping process reflecting the history of recent operations is performed.

  In step S34, a grouping process is executed. The details thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 15. As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the launcher button 201-3 of program C and the launcher button 201-4 of program D are grouped.

  In step S35, the application program activation unit 104 activates any of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 corresponding to any of the selected launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13.

  In step S36, the activation control unit 102 determines whether or not automatic grouping is set.

  If it is determined in step S36 that automatic grouping is set, the process proceeds to step S37, and the group release processing is executed. The details will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19, but when this satisfies a predetermined condition, the groups of the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 are released.

  In step S38, the display update process is executed, and the group management process ends. The details will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 20. For example, the launcher buttons 201-1 to 201-13 and groups displayed in the customizable area 182 of the launcher window 171 shown in FIG. The display of the bar 281 is updated. Thereafter, the process returns to step S7 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S36 that automatic grouping is not set, the processes in steps S37 and S38 are skipped, the group management process ends, and the process returns to step S7 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S31 that automatic grouping is not set, the process proceeds to step S39, and the activation control unit 102 determines whether or not the group bar is selected (pressed). If it is determined in step S39 that the group bar has not been selected, the procedure proceeds to step S35.

  If it is determined in step S39 that a group bar has been selected, or if it is determined in step S32 that a group bar has been selected, the process proceeds to step S40, where group activation processing is executed. The details thereof will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21. By this, for example, it corresponds to the launcher button 201-3 and the launcher button 201-4 grouped in the group corresponding to the group bar 281 of FIG. Application programs 44-3 and 44-4 are all activated. Thereafter, the processing proceeds to step S36.

Details of the grouping process in step S34 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S51, the group generation unit 106 sets a value obtained by subtracting 2 from the number of elements in the selection time list 111 as a variable i. The number of elements in the selection time list 111 is the number of elements (selection time, button ID) recorded in the selection time list 111 in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the elements of the selection time list 111 are (X: XX, b0) to (A: AA, b0), and (X: XX, b0) to (A: AA, b0) If the number of is _one N, N ₁ -2 it is set to i. In the following processing, the variable i is used as an index for designating elements (selection time, button ID) of the selection time list 111.

In step S52, the time difference determination unit 112 determines that the time difference (time difference) between the time of the element specified by the variable i and the time of the last element in the selection time list 111 is within a preset threshold. It is determined whether or not. For example, in step S52, when i = N ₁ -2 in the selection time list 111 shown in FIG. 14, the time difference determination unit 112 is the N ₁ -2nd element recorded in the selection time list 111 The time difference between the time C: CC and the time A: AA recorded in the N ₁ −1st (the last in the selection time list 111) (the time difference between C: CC and A: AA) is 1 minute. It is determined whether it is within the range.

  In step S52, when it is determined that the time difference is within a preset threshold, for example, within one minute, in step S53, the group generation unit 106 is identified by the button ID of the element specified by the variable i. It is determined whether or not the launcher button 201 and the launcher button 201 specified by the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 are grouped.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the group generation unit 106 adds the button ID of the element specified by the variable i to the end of the selection time list 111 corresponding to one group ID in the group list 107. It is determined whether a combination with the button ID of the recorded element is recorded (whether it is recorded in the element (button ID) of each group ID). For example, whether or not a combination (b0, b2) of b2 which is the button ID of the element specified by the variable i and b0 which is the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 is recorded. Is determined.

  The group list 107 stores information related to the group.

  Here, the group list 107 illustrated in FIG. 16 is an example of a list including group elements indicating one group of the launcher buttons 201. The group element includes a group ID, an element (button ID) for the group ID, and a count value. One group ID specifies one group including a plurality of launcher buttons 201. In the group element, the element (button ID) stored corresponding to one group ID specifies the launcher button 201 belonging to the group specified by the group ID. The count value indicates the number of times the launcher buttons 201 belonging to the group specified by the group ID are individually selected. The count value is used for group cancellation processing, and details thereof will be described later.

  In the group list 107 shown in FIG. 16 and the button list 108 described later, the group ID “G0” does not belong to a group. For example, in the group list 107 shown in FIG. 16, the launcher button 201 specified by the button ID “b0” and the button ID “b3” recorded corresponding to the group ID “G0”. The launcher button 201 identified by the button ID and the launcher button 201 identified by the button ID “b6” do not belong to the group. That is, for example, the first group element of the group list 107 has a group ID “G0” and is used to specify a button ID that does not belong to the group.

  4, a group element including a button ID and a group ID corresponding to the plurality of launcher buttons 201 manually grouped is generated by the user, and the generated group element is added to the group list 107. To be recorded. Conversely, when the grouping is manually canceled by the user in the process of step S15 in FIG. 4, the group element corresponding to the group whose grouping has been canceled is deleted from the group list 107.

  On the other hand, in step S53, the launcher button 201 specified by the button ID of the element specified by the variable i and the launcher button 201 specified by the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 are displayed. Are not grouped, that is, for example, the combination of the button ID of the element specified by the variable i and the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 is a group in the group list 107. When it is determined that the element is not recorded, in step S54, the group generation unit 106 sets 0 to the variable j. Here, the variable j is used as an index for designating an element ((button ID combination), number of selections) of a combination list 115 described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S55, the group generation unit 106 determines that the combination of button IDs included in the element of the combination list 115 specified by the variable j in the combination list 115 is the button ID of the element specified by the variable i of the selection time list 111. And the combination of the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 is determined.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the combination list 115. The combination list 115 stores the number of times (the number of selections) that a combination of a plurality of launcher buttons 201 has been selected with a time difference within a preset threshold. That is, as described above, one element of the combination list 115 includes a combination of button IDs and the number of selections. The combination of the button IDs of one element of the combination list 115 specifies a combination of a plurality of launcher buttons 201 selected with a time difference within a preset threshold. The number of times of selection of one element of the combination list 115 indicates the number of times a combination of a plurality of launcher buttons 201 specified by the combination of button IDs is selected with a time difference within a preset threshold.

  For example, in the example of the combination list 115 shown in FIG. 17, the first element (left side in the figure) is a combination of the button ID “b3” and the button ID “b1” and the number of selections “1”. Therefore, the launcher button 201 identified by the button ID “b3” and the launcher button 201 identified by the button ID “b1” are within a preset threshold (for example, 1 minute). It is shown that the number of times selected by the time difference is 1 time. For example, in the example of the combination list 115 shown in FIG. 17, the second element (second from the left in the figure) is a combination of a button ID “b2” and a button ID “b4” and “2”. Therefore, the launcher button 201 identified by the button ID “b2” and the launcher button 201 identified by the button ID “b4” have a preset threshold value (for example, The number of times selected with a time difference within 1 minute) is 2 times.

  For example, in the combination list 115 shown in FIG. 17, when the variable j is 0, in step S55, the group generation unit 106 specifies the combination of “b3” and “b1” with the variable i in the selection time list 111. It is determined whether or not the combination of the button ID (for example, “b2”) of the element to be selected and the button ID (for example, “b0”) of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 is the same.

  In step S55, the combination of the button IDs included in the elements of the combination list 115 specified by the variable j in the combination list 115 is the button ID of the element specified by the variable i of the selection time list 111 and the selection time list 111. When it is determined that the combination with the button ID of the last recorded element is not the same, the process proceeds to step S56 to execute the above-described determination for the next element in the combination list 115, and the group generation unit 106 Increments the variable j (adds 1 to the variable j).

In step S <b> 57, the group generation unit 106 determines whether the variable j is smaller than the number of elements in the combination list 115. The number of elements in the combination list 115 is, for example, the number of elements ((button ID combinations), number of selections) recorded in the combination list 115 shown in FIG. Now, the combination list 115, ((b3, b1) , 1) to ((b0, b4), 1 ) is recorded, and the number is assumed to be a _two N.

In step S57, when the group generation unit 106 determines that the variable j is smaller than the number of elements in the combination list 115, the process returns to step S55, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. That is, the processes in steps S55 and S56 are repeatedly executed until the variable j becomes larger than the number of elements in the combination list 115 (until the variable j becomes a value larger than N ₂ ).

  If it is determined in step S57 that the variable j is larger than the number of elements in the combination list 115, the element specified by the variable i that identifies the launcher button 201 whose time difference between the selected times is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value Since the same combination as the combination of the button ID of the element and the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 is not included as an element of the combination list 115, the process proceeds to step S58, and the group generation unit 106 At the end of the combination list 115, the combination of the button ID recorded in the element specified by the variable i of the selection time list 111 and the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111, and “1” Add (record) an element consisting of the selected number of times. That is, for example, when ((b0, b4), 1) is recorded at the end of the combination list 115, ((b0, b2), 1) is added thereafter as shown in FIG. Recorded).

  Further, the combination list 115 is stored in the storage unit 20 that is a hard disk, for example, and is not deleted even when the power of the PC 1 is turned off, and the stored state is maintained. Thus, even when the application program is started when the PC 1 is started and the execution of the application program is continued until the PC 1 is shut down, the launcher button 201 for starting the application program based on the history before the PC 1 is started. Can be grouped. Note that, when a predetermined period has elapsed, the information recorded in the combination list 115 may be deleted.

  In step S59, the group generation unit 106 decrements the variable i (subtracts 1 from the variable i). In step S60, the group generation unit 106 determines whether the variable i is 0 or more. That is, whether or not the launcher buttons 201 whose selection time difference is within 1 minute have already been grouped for all the elements (time, button ID) recorded in the selection time list 111 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not a determination and whether or not a combination of button IDs that specify launcher buttons 201 that are not grouped has already been recorded in the combination list 115 have been executed. If it is determined in step S60 that the variable i is greater than or equal to 0, the selection time list 111 includes elements that are not yet subject to the determination process. Therefore, the process returns to step S52, and the subsequent processes are performed. Repeatedly executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S60 that the variable i is not equal to or greater than 0 (the variable i is a negative value), the process has been executed for all elements of the selection time list 111. The grouping process ends, and the process returns to step S35 in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S55, the combination of the button IDs included in the elements of the combination list 115 specified by the variable j in the combination list 115 is selected with the button IDs included in the elements specified by the variable i of the selection time list 111. When it is determined that the combination with the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the time list 111 is the same, the process proceeds to step S61, and the selection count counting unit 113 selects the element specified by the variable j in the combination list 115. Is incremented (add 1 to the number of selections).

  In step S62, the number determination unit 114 determines whether or not the number of selections of the element designated by the variable j in the combination list 115 exceeds a predetermined threshold value of three. If it is determined in step S62 that the number of selections exceeds three, the process proceeds to step S63, and the group generation unit 106 specifies the combination of button IDs included in the element specified by the variable j in the combination list 115. The launcher buttons 201 are grouped. More specifically, combinations of button IDs of elements specified by the variable j in the combination list 115 are recorded in the group list 107 (see FIG. 16) and the button list 108 (see FIG. 18). That is, the launcher buttons 201 that are menu items are associated with each other.

  In step S64, the group generation unit 106 deletes the element specified by the variable j in the combination list 115 from the combination list 115, and the procedure proceeds to step S59.

  Here, FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the button list 108. The button list 108 includes information related to the launcher button 201, for example, information necessary for starting the corresponding application program when the launcher button 201 is selected, and information specifying a group to which the launcher button 201 belongs. Stored. The button list 108 shown in FIG. 18 is identified by the name of an application program, information on shortcuts of the application program (startup path, work folder, icon path, icon index, etc.), and button ID in association with the button ID. The group ID for identifying the group to which the launcher button 201 belongs is recorded.

  For example, in the example of the button list 108 shown in FIG. 18, the name of the program “program A” and the group ID “G0” are recorded corresponding to the button ID “b0”. Further, for example, in the example of the button list 108 shown in FIG. 18, the name of the program “program C” and the group ID “G1” are recorded corresponding to the button ID “b1”. Yes.

  In the process of step S8 in FIG. 4, the launcher button 201 belongs to the button ID corresponding to the launcher button 201 to the button ID corresponding to the plurality of launcher buttons 201 manually grouped by the user. A group ID that identifies the group is recorded in the button list 108. On the contrary, in the process of step S15 in FIG. 4, when the grouping is manually canceled by the user, the group ID “G0” is recorded corresponding to the button ID corresponding to the launcher button 201 whose grouping has been canceled. Is done.

  In step S62, when the number determination unit 114 determines that the number of selections of the element specified by the variable j in the combination list 115 does not exceed three, the process proceeds to step S59.

  If it is determined in step S52 that the time difference is not within a preset threshold, for example, within 1 minute, there are no plurality of launcher buttons 201 selected within the threshold, so steps S53 to S60 This process is skipped, the grouping process ends, and the process returns to step S35 in FIG.

  In step S53, the launcher button 201 specified by the button ID of the element specified by the variable i and the launcher button 201 specified by the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 are grouped. In other words, for example, the combination of the button ID of the element specified by the variable i and the button ID of the element recorded at the end of the selection time list 111 is recorded as the group element of the group list 107. When it is determined that there is no need to further examine the elements of the combination list 115, the processing from step S53 to step S60 is skipped, the grouping processing ends, and the process returns to step S35 in FIG.

Next, the details of the group release processing in step S37 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In step S81, the group cancellation unit 109 sets 0 to the variable k. In step S <b> 82, the group cancellation unit 109 determines whether the variable k is smaller than the number of group elements in the group list 107. Now, the number of group elements in the group list 107 is N ₃ . The variable k is used as an index of the group element.

  In step S83, the group cancellation unit 109 determines whether or not the variable k is 0. As described above, among the group elements of the group list 107, the group element whose group ID is G0 is an element for indicating that grouping is not performed. In the group list 107, a button ID that identifies a launcher button 201 that is not grouped is recorded as an element (button ID) corresponding to the group ID that is G0. For example, since the launcher buttons 201-1, 201-2, 201-5 to 201-13 shown in FIG. 7 are not grouped, the launcher buttons 201-1, 201-2, 201-5 to 201-13 are specified. The button ID to be recorded is recorded in the group list 107 corresponding to the group ID which is G0.

  In this way, since it is not necessary to cancel the group for the group element with the group ID of G0, it is determined whether or not the variable k is 0. Note that if the variable k is set to 1 in the process of step S81, the process of step S83 is not necessary.

  If it is determined in step S83 that the variable k is not 0, the process proceeds to step S84, and the group release unit 109 determines whether or not the count value of the group element specified by the variable k is greater than a preset threshold value. judge. For example, in step S84, it is determined whether or not the count value is greater than 10. If it is determined in step S84 that the count value of the group element specified by the variable k is larger than 10, which is an example of a threshold value, the process proceeds to step S85, and the group cancellation unit 109 sets 0 to the variable x. Here, the variable x is used as an index for designating a button ID recorded as an element (button ID) of each group element.

  In step S86, the group cancellation unit 109 determines whether the number of elements (button IDs) included in the group element specified by the variable k is larger than the variable x.

  When it is determined in step S86 that the number of group element elements (button IDs) specified by the variable k is larger than the variable x, in step S87, the group release unit 109 determines the group element specified by the variable k. Among these, the group ID corresponding to the button ID specified by the variable x is set to G0. That is, for example, among the group elements specified by the variable k, the same button ID as the button ID specified by the variable x is added to the group element of the group ID “G0” in the group list 107, and Corresponding to the same button ID as the button ID specified by the variable x among the group elements specified by the variable k, the group ID recorded in the button list 108 is set to G0.

  In step S88, the group cancellation unit 109 increments the variable x (adds 1 to the variable x). Thereafter, the processing returns to step S86, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed. That is, the processes in steps S86 to S88 are repeatedly executed until the group IDs for all button IDs included in the group element specified by the variable k are updated to G0.

  If it is determined in step S86 that the number of group element elements (button IDs) specified by the variable k is not larger than the variable x, the process proceeds to step S89, and the group cancellation unit 109 sets the variable k from the group list 107. The specified group element is deleted, and the procedure proceeds to step S91.

  In step S91, the group cancellation unit 109 increments the variable k (adds 1 to the variable k). Thereafter, the process returns to step S82, and the processes of steps S82 to S89 are repeatedly executed until the variable k becomes a value not smaller than the number of group elements in the group list 107. That is, the group cancellation is executed for all the group elements in which the group element count value of the group list 107 is greater than 10.

  In step S84, when it is determined that the count value of the group element specified by the variable k is not larger than 10, which is an example of the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S90, and the group release unit 109 determines the group specified by the variable k. Increment the count value of the element (add 1 to the count value). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S91.

  If it is determined in step S83 that the variable k is 0, the process proceeds to step S91.

  If it is determined in step S82 that the variable k is not smaller than the number of group elements in the group list 107, the group release processing ends, and the procedure returns to step S38 in FIG.

  As a result of the above processing, the group bar 281 is selected less frequently, and the group where the launcher button 201 belonging to the group is selected frequently is incremented, so that the group is released. Thus, the user can disclose a group that has become unnecessary without performing an operation to cancel the group.

  Details of the display update process in step S38 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S111, the display control unit 103 sets 0 to the variable m. Here, the variable m is used as an index for designating elements (button ID, name, shortcut information, group ID) of the button list 108. In addition, the display control unit 103 acquires the button list 108 via the group generation unit 106. In step S <b> 112, the display control unit 103 determines whether the variable m is smaller than the number of elements in the button list 108. If it is determined in step S112 that the variable m is smaller than the number of elements in the button list 108, the process advances to step S113, and the display control unit 103 can customize the launcher button 201 corresponding to the button ID specified by the variable m. Draw (display) in the area 182.

  In step S114, the display control unit 103 increments the variable m (adds 1 to the variable m). Thereafter, the process returns to step S112, and the drawing process of the launcher button 201 is repeatedly executed. That is, for example, the processes in steps S112 to S114 are repeatedly executed until all launcher buttons 201 corresponding to the button IDs recorded in the button list 108 shown in FIG. 18 are displayed.

  If it is determined in step S112 that the variable m is not smaller than the number of elements in the button list 108, drawing of the launcher button 201 is completed, and thus the process proceeds to step S115, and the display control unit 103 sets 0 to the variable k. To do. In addition, the display control unit 103 acquires the group list 107 via the group generation unit 106. In step S <b> 116, the display control unit 103 determines whether the variable k is smaller than the number of group elements in the group list 107. If it is determined in step S116 that the variable k is smaller than the number of elements in the group list 107, the process proceeds to step S117, and the group generation unit 106 determines whether the variable k is 0 or not.

  If it is determined in step S117 that the variable k is not 0, the process advances to step S118, and the display control unit 103 determines the number of button IDs included in the group element specified by the variable k and the order of the button IDs. Next, the display position and display order of the launcher button 201 are determined.

  In step S119, the display control unit 103 displays the launcher buttons 201 belonging to one group adjacent to the customizable area 182 based on the display position and display order determined by the processing in step S118. Let

  In step S120, the display control unit 103 determines the display position and the size (for example, the width of the group bar 281) of the group bar 281 based on the display position and display order of the launcher buttons 201 belonging to the group.

  In step S121, the display control unit 103 displays the group bar corresponding to the group element specified by the variable k in the customizable area 182 of the launcher window 171 based on the position and size determined by the process in step S120. To do. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a group bar 281 is displayed at a position corresponding to the launcher button 201 belonging to the group.

  If it is determined in step S117 that the variable k is 0, the first group ID in the group list 107 is set to “G0”, and the button ID that does not belong to the group is specified, so the processing from step S118 to step S121 is performed. Is skipped. Note that if the variable k is set to 1 in the process of step S115, the process of step S117 is not necessary.

  In step S122, the display control unit 103 increments the variable k (adds 1 to the variable k). Thereafter, the process returns to step S116, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. That is, the processes in steps S117 to S122 are repeatedly executed until all the group bars recorded in the group list 107 and corresponding to the group IDs other than G0 are displayed.

  If it is determined in step S116 that the variable k is not smaller than the number of elements in the group list 107, all the group bars are displayed. Therefore, the display update process ends, and the procedure returns to step S7 in FIG. .

  Details of the group activation process in step S40 of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S <b> 141, the activation control unit 102 determines whether a file (its icon) has been dragged and dropped on the group bar 281 based on the operation information from the operation information acquisition unit 101. That is, for example, whether or not the group bar 281 is selected (clicked) by the user's operation of the mouse 31 or the like on the group bar 281 shown in FIG. It is determined whether it has been dropped.

  If it is determined in step S141 that the file is not dragged and dropped on the group bar 281 (when the group bar is selected (clicked)), in step S142, the application program activation unit 104 sets 0 to the variable x. Set. In addition, the application program activation unit 104 acquires the group list 107 and the button list 108 via the group generation unit 106.

  In step S143, the application program activation unit 104 determines whether or not the variable x is greater than the number of group element elements (button IDs) in the group list 107 corresponding to the selected (clicked) group bar 281. . When the group bar 281 is selected or a file is dragged and dropped on the group bar 281, the group ID included in the operation information from the operation information acquisition unit 101 is supplied as a control signal from the activation control unit 102. Therefore, the application program activation unit 104 identifies the group element of the group list 107 based on this group ID. When the file is dragged and dropped on the group bar 281, information (path information or the like) specifying the dragged and dropped file included in the operation information from the operation information acquisition unit 101 is controlled from the activation control unit 102. The signal is supplied to the application program activation unit 104 as a signal.

  If it is determined in step S143 that the number of group element elements (button IDs) in the group list 107 corresponding to the selected group bar is larger than the variable x, the process proceeds to step S144, and the application program activation unit 104 Corresponding to the selected group bar 281 (corresponding to the group ID), application programs 44-1 to 44 corresponding to the button ID of the group element specified by the variable x recorded in the group list 107 are stored. Activate any of -13. For example, in the group list 107 shown in FIG. 16 and the button list 108 shown in FIG. 18, when the group ID of the selected group bar is G1 and the variable x is 1, “b1” is selected from the group list 107. Is read, and shortcut information (start path, work folder, icon path, icon index, etc.) stored corresponding to the button ID “b1” is read from the button list 108. Any one of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 is activated based on the activation path and work folder of the read shortcut information.

  In step S145, the group generation unit 106 increments the variable x (adds 1 to the variable x). Thereafter, the process returns to step S143, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. That is, the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 corresponding to all the launcher buttons 201 belonging to the group corresponding to the selected group bar 281 are activated. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, application programs 44-3 and 44 corresponding to the launcher button 201-3 and the launcher button 201-4 belonging to the group of the selected group bar 281 on the screen 151. -4 is activated, and an entrance window 401 of the application program 44-3 and an entrance window 402 of the application program 44-4 are displayed on the screen 151.

  Thereby, when a user performs a predetermined work using a plurality of application programs, for example, when performing a work using the application programs 44-3 and 44-4, the application programs 44-3 and 44-4 are used. It is not necessary to individually select the launcher button 201 for each of them, and all desired application programs can be activated by a single operation of selecting the group bar 281. Therefore, work efficiency can be improved.

  If it is determined in step S143 that the number of button IDs of the element (button ID) of the group list 107 corresponding to the selected group bar is not larger than the variable x, the process proceeds to step S146, and the selected group bar 281 is selected. The count value of the group list 107 corresponding to the group ID is set to 0, and the group activation process ends. Thereafter, the process returns to step S7 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S141 that the file (its icon) has been dragged and dropped on the group bar 281, the process proceeds to step S147. Since the process of step S147 and step S148 is the same as the process of step S142 and step S143, respectively, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In step S149, similarly to the process of step S144, the application program activation unit 104 corresponds to the selected group bar 281 (corresponding to the group ID), and uses the variable x recorded in the group list 107. One of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 corresponding to the specified group element button ID is started. Actually, in step S149, the application program activation unit 104 supplies a message requesting activation of any of the application programs 44-1 to 44-13 to the OS 41, thereby causing the application system to the OS 41. Any one of 44-1 to 44-13 is activated. In this case, the application program activation unit 104 supplies a message for requesting activation to the OS 41 with information (path information or the like) specifying the dragged and dropped file as an argument.

  In step S150, any of the activated application programs 44-1 to 44-13 opens the file dragged and dropped to the group bar 281 based on the argument of the message from the OS 41.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 23, when the launcher button 201-3 of the program C and the launcher button 201-4 of the program D belong to the group corresponding to the grouping bar 281, the user operates the cursor 271. Then, by dragging and dropping the file icon 421 to the group bar 281, application programs 44-3 and 44-4 corresponding to the program C and the program D are started as shown in FIG. An editing image 451 of the application program 44-3 and an editing image 452 of the application program 44-4 are displayed in a state where the file shown is opened.

  Since the process of step S151 is the same as the process of step S145, the description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, when a user uses a plurality of application programs, for example, it is not necessary to select and start a plurality of application programs individually, and for example, to open a file desired to be edited. All the desired application programs can be started and the file desired to be edited can be opened. Thereby, a user's working efficiency can be improved.

  As described above, the count value of the group element of the group list 107 (see FIG. 17) specified by the group ID corresponding to the operated (used) group bar 281 is updated to zero. Therefore, when the group bar 281 is selected or when a file is dragged and dropped onto the group bar 281, the group is released even if the group release process described above with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The bar is not deleted, and the grouped state is maintained.

  Further, for example, when the group bar (for example, the group bar 281 in FIG. 7) is not displayed, the program C launcher button 201-3, the program D launcher button 201-4, and the program E launcher button 201-5 are grouped. When the program E launcher button 201-5 is selected (clicked), the other grouped launcher buttons (the program C launcher button 201-3 and the program D launcher button 201-4) are displayed. May be emphasized. That is, for example, the launcher button 201-3 of the program C and the launcher button 201-4 of the program D may be larger in character or change in color than the launcher button 201-5 of the program E. .

  Further, in the launcher window 171, it has been described that launcher buttons are grouped (group bar is displayed) only for the customizable area 182, but the fixed display area 181 is also grouped (group bar is displayed). You may be allowed to do so. Further, both the fixed display area 181 and the customizable area 182 may be grouped. That is, by pressing (selecting) a predetermined group bar, the application program displayed in the fixed display area 181 and the application program displayed in the customizable area 182 may be started simultaneously. .

  Note that, as an example of the relationship between the launcher buttons 201, the group of the launcher buttons 201 is generated (grouped). A plurality of launcher buttons 201 are related to each other in order, and a plurality of launcher buttons 201 are related so as to regulate their display positions so that one of the plurality of launcher buttons 201 can be specified. In the present invention, for example, the launcher buttons 201 that are examples of items can be associated with each other.

  For example, when a master-slave relationship is added, when a main launcher button 201 is selected, an application program corresponding to the slave launcher button 201 can be activated. In the case where the order is related, the application program can be activated in that order. In the case where the display positions are related to each other, when the display position of one launcher button 201 is changed, the display position of the other launcher button 201 can be moved.

  As described above, when the group icon is selected, when the activation of the application program corresponding to each item belonging to the group is controlled, the application program can be activated. In addition, when the storage of the selected item and the selected time information indicating the selected time is controlled and the items are related to each other based on the stored selected time information, an operation for association is performed. Since the items are related to each other without having to do, a plurality of application programs can be started by one operation.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software. When a series of processing is executed by software, a program constituting the software may execute various functions by installing a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or various programs. For example, it is installed from a recording medium in a general-purpose personal computer or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this recording medium is distributed to provide a program to a user separately from a computer, and includes a magnetic disk 51 (including a flexible disk) on which the program is recorded, an optical disk 52 (CD- It is composed of a package medium consisting of ROM (compact disk read-only memory), DVD (including digital versatile disc), magneto-optical disk 53 (including MD (mini disc) (trademark)), or semiconductor memory 54. In addition, the program is configured by a ROM 12 in which a program is recorded, a hard disk included in the storage unit 20, and the like provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in a computer in advance.

  The program for executing the series of processes described above is installed in a computer via a wired or wireless communication medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via an interface such as a router or a modem as necessary. You may be made to do.

  In addition, in this specification, the step of describing the program stored in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in time series. Or the process performed separately is included.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the personal computer to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the function of the launcher program of FIG. It is a flowchart explaining a program starting process. It is a flowchart explaining a program starting process. It is a figure explaining the example of a launcher window. It is a figure explaining grouping when a launcher button is dragged and dropped. It is a figure explaining grouping when a launcher button is dragged and dropped. It is a figure explaining operation | movement when a group bar is dragged and dropped. It is a figure explaining operation | movement when a group bar is dragged and dropped. It is a figure explaining cancellation of grouping of a launcher button. It is a figure explaining starting of an application program. It is a follow chart explaining group management processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting dialog window. It is a figure explaining the example of a selection time list. It is a flowchart explaining a grouping process. It is a figure explaining the example of a group list. It is a figure explaining the example of a combination list. It is a figure explaining the example of a button list. It is a flowchart explaining a group cancellation | release process. It is a flowchart explaining a display update process. It is a flowchart explaining a group starting process. It is a figure explaining starting of an application program when a group bar is selected. It is a figure explaining drag and drop of the icon of the file to a group bar. It is a figure explaining the image displayed on the application program which opened the file, when the icon of the file is dragged and dropped on the group bar.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Personal computer, 11 CPU, 12 ROM, 17 Display part, 19 Real time clock, 20 Memory | storage part, 42 Launcher program, 44-1 thru | or 44-13 Application program, 51 Magnetic disk, 52 Optical disk, 53 Magneto-optical disk, 54 Semiconductor Memory, 101 Operation information acquisition unit, 102 Start control unit, 103 Display control unit, 104 Application program start unit, 105 Selected time list management unit, 106 Group generation unit, 107 Group list, 108 Button list, 109 Group release unit, 111 Selection time list, 112 time difference determination unit, 113 selection number counting unit, 114 number determination unit, 171 launcher window, 201-1 to 201-13 launcher button , 281 Group Bar

Claims (10)

In an information processing apparatus that displays a menu including a plurality of items and executes a predetermined process corresponding to the item selected from the menu,
Storage control means for controlling storage of selected time information indicating the selected item and the selected time;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an association unit that associates the items with each other based on the stored selection time information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the association unit associates the items with each other by generating a group of the items. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising display control means for controlling display of the menu so as to display the icon of the group. The display control means controls the display of the menu so that a plurality of the items belonging to the group indicated by the icon are displayed adjacent to each other in the vicinity of the icon. The information processing apparatus described. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising execution control means for controlling execution of the processing corresponding to each of the items belonging to the group when the icon of the group is selected. The display control means for controlling the display of the menu so as to emphasize other items belonging to the group when any of the items belonging to the group is selected. The information processing apparatus described in 1. The association means includes
First determination means for determining whether a time difference between selected times of the plurality of items is equal to or less than a predetermined first threshold based on the selection time information;
Counting means for counting the number of times the plurality of items are selected with a time difference equal to or less than the first threshold;
A second determination means for determining whether or not the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the number of times is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the plurality of items are related to each other. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an association cancellation unit that cancels the association of the items based on the number of times each of the items correlated with each other is selected. An information processing method of an information processing apparatus for displaying a menu including a plurality of items and executing a predetermined process corresponding to the item selected from the menu,
A storage control step for controlling storage of selected time information indicating the selected item and the selected time;
And an associating step for correlating the items with each other based on the stored selection time information. In a program for displaying a menu consisting of a plurality of items and causing a computer to perform information processing for executing a predetermined process corresponding to the item selected from the menu,
A storage control step for controlling storage of selected time information indicating the selected item and the selected time;
And a step of associating the items with each other based on the stored selection time information.

Images