JP2006309542A - Information processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability when using menus. <P>SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus has a display instruction receiving part 11, which receives menu display instructions, an item information storage part 14, which stores one or more item information related to menu items that constitute menus, an item information acquisition part 12 which acquires item information from the item information storage part 14 based on the menu display instructions, and a menu display information output part 13 that outputs information to display menus having menu items based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition part 12 in a closed menu format, in which they are arranged so that both ends are closed, or in an opened menu format, in which they are arranged so that both ends are opened. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that displays a menu.

  As an information processing apparatus that displays a conventional menu, there is an apparatus that displays a plurality of menu items arranged in the horizontal direction of the display screen or in the depth direction of the display screen (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In such an information processing apparatus, the display shape of the menu is usually a specific shape, and when the number of menu items increases, only a part of the plurality of menu items is displayed on the screen, and the other menus are displayed. In many cases, scrolling or the like in accordance with an instruction from the user can replace the menu item that has been displayed at any time.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-98431 (first page, FIG. 1 etc.)

  However, in the information processing apparatus as described above, it is intuitive for the user whether all of the menu items constituting each menu are displayed on the screen or only a part of the menu items are displayed. It is difficult to grasp instantly.

  For this reason, there is a problem that the user cannot instantly determine whether or not the currently displayed menu requires an operation for displaying a menu item that is not displayed, and the operability is poor. there were.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention stores a display instruction receiving unit that receives a menu display instruction that is an instruction for displaying a menu, and one or more item information that is information relating to menu items constituting the menu. An item information storage unit, an item information acquisition unit for acquiring item information from the item information storage unit based on the menu display instruction, and a menu having a menu item based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit A menu that outputs information for displaying the menu items in a closed menu shape that is arranged in a shape with both ends closed, and an open menu shape that is a display shape in which menu items are arranged in an open shape at both ends A display information output unit is provided.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp what kind of menu the menu is simply by identifying whether the menu is a closed menu shape or an open menu shape. This makes it possible to improve operability when using the menu.

  The information processing apparatus may further include a display shape determining unit that determines the display shape of the menu as the closed menu shape or the open menu shape, and the menu display information output unit includes the display shape determining unit. The information for displaying the menu is output in the display shape determined by.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp what kind of menu the menu is simply by identifying whether the menu is a closed menu shape or an open menu shape. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the operativity at the time of using a menu, and to provide an intuitive operativity to a user.

  In the information processing apparatus, the display shape determination unit determines a display shape of the menu based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp what kind of menu the menu is simply by identifying whether the menu is a closed menu shape or an open menu shape. This makes it possible to improve operability when using the menu.

  In the information processing apparatus, the display shape determination unit determines the display shape of the menu based on whether or not all menu items can be displayed.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to grasp whether or not all menu items are displayed only by identifying whether the menu has a closed menu shape or an open menu shape. This makes it possible to improve operability when using the menu.

  The information processing apparatus may further include a display area information acquisition unit that acquires display area information that is information about a display area for displaying a menu, and the display shape determination unit includes the display area information and the item information. The display shape is determined based on the above.

  With this configuration, it is possible to select a menu shape according to the display area.

  In the information processing apparatus, the display shape determination unit determines a display shape of the menu according to the number of item information.

  With this configuration, it is possible to select a menu shape according to the number of menu items.

  In the information processing apparatus, the display shape determination unit determines a display shape of the menu according to the menu display instruction.

  With this configuration, it is possible to select a menu shape corresponding to the menu to be displayed.

  In the information processing apparatus, when the menu display instruction is related to a menu in which the number of menu items changes, the display shape determination unit determines the menu display shape to be an open menu shape, and the menu If the display instruction is for a menu whose menu items do not change, the display shape of the menu is determined to be a closed menu shape.

  With this configuration, it is possible to make the user visually and instantaneously determine whether or not the menu to be displayed is a menu in which the number of menu items changes.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus, the menu display information output unit sets the display shape of the menu to an open menu shape for a menu in which the number of menu items changes, and relates to a menu in which the menu display instruction does not change the menu item. Is a closed menu shape.

  With this configuration, it is possible to make the user visually and instantaneously determine whether or not the menu to be displayed is a menu in which the number of menu items changes.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the like according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability when using the menu.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an information processing apparatus and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, since the component and step which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in embodiment perform the same operation | movement, re-explanation may be abbreviate | omitted.

  The information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a display instruction receiving unit 11, an item information acquisition unit 12, a menu display information output unit 13, an item information storage unit 14, a display area information acquisition unit 15, and a display. And a shape determining unit 16.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to this embodiment.

  The display instruction receiving unit 11 receives a menu display instruction that is an instruction for displaying a menu. A menu is a collection of one or more selectable items. Here, items constituting this menu are referred to as menu items. The menu display instruction is an instruction for operation, and includes an instruction to display the menu as a result. The menu display instruction is, for example, a command for displaying a menu, event information, or the like. The data structure of the menu display instruction does not matter. The input received by the display instruction receiving unit 11 may be any input such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a remote control device (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller). The display instruction receiving unit 11 may receive a menu display instruction from another device via a network, a bus, or the like. The display instruction receiving unit 11 may or may not include input means such as a keyboard and a remote controller. The display instruction receiving unit 11 is realized by a device driver of input means such as a remote controller.

  The item information storage unit 14 stores one or more item information, which is information related to menu items constituting the menu. The menu item may indicate, for example, processing to be executed by the information processing apparatus 100, such as “play”, “record”, “duplicate”, “erase”, “volume adjustment”, etc. It may indicate a file, a folder, a directory, or the like stored inside or outside the apparatus 100. The menu item may indicate information such as a title of content processed by the information processing apparatus 100. The content is, for example, a received program, a movie acquired through communication, a movie stored on an optical disc, or the like. The item information specifically includes information for displaying menu items. The information for displaying the menu items may be any information such as text, images, and moving images. The item information may be, for example, processing names to be executed by the information processing apparatus 100 such as “playback” and “recording”, and images such as icons corresponding to these processes. In addition, a file name, a folder name, a directory name, a file thumbnail image, a file, a folder, a directory, and the like for a file accumulated by the information processing apparatus 100, a folder for storing the file, a directory, etc. Etc. Further, it may be one still image or one frame image constituting the content accumulated by the information processing apparatus 100, information such as the content title or performer name, or the content itself and its title or performer. Information including information such as a name may be used. Further, it may be a program name processed by the information processing apparatus 100, information such as a broadcast time, a channel number, or an image corresponding to these. In addition to information for displaying menu items, item information includes commands output by selecting menu items, event information generated by selection, or link information related to these. It may be. The item information may include identification information for identifying each item information, information about the size of the menu item displayed based on the item information, and the like. “Storing” here means temporary storage such as when temporarily storing data received by the receiving unit or when temporarily storing data in a cache or the like during data processing. Including. The item information storage unit 14 is preferably a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk or ROM, but can also be realized by a volatile storage medium.

  The item information acquisition unit 12 acquires item information from the item information storage unit 14 based on the menu display instruction received by the display instruction reception unit 11. It does not matter how the item information acquisition unit 12 acquires item information based on the menu display instruction. Specifically, the item information acquisition unit 12 acquires item information corresponding to menu items constituting a menu to be displayed based on a menu display instruction. For example, by associating the menu display instruction with the item information in the item information storage unit 14 in advance, the item information acquisition unit 12 can acquire the item information associated with the menu display instruction. is there. Further, by associating the menu display instruction with the menu item, and further associating the menu item with the item information, the item information acquisition unit 12 associates the menu display instruction with the menu display instruction. The acquired item information may be acquired. The processing procedure for the item information acquisition unit 12 to acquire item information is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

  The menu display information output unit 13 includes a menu having menu items based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12, a closed menu shape that is a display shape in which the menu items are arranged in a closed shape, and a menu. Outputs information for displaying items in an open menu shape, which is a display shape in which items are arranged in an open shape at both ends. “Closed menu shape” and “open menu shape” described here do not necessarily indicate that the menu is displayed in both the closed menu shape and the open menu shape at the same time. This includes the case of selecting one of the display shapes and displaying the selected display shape. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which any one of the display shapes is selected and displayed. The “shape closed at both ends” is a shape of an outer periphery such as a polygon such as a triangle or a quadrangle, or an ellipse or a circle including a partially uneven circle, where the ends are not cut off. The annular shape is a shape in which both ends are closed. The “closed menu shape” is a menu shape in which menu items are arranged along such a shape. Menu items displayed adjacent to each other may or may not be in contact with each other. It may be displayed. In addition, the menu display information output unit 13 may arrange each menu item so as to be inclined toward the center of the shape where both ends are closed, or may arrange all the menu items in parallel. The menu display information output unit 13 may arrange the menu items in any positional relationship. For example, the menu items may be arranged at almost equal intervals, or may be arranged according to some rule. Moreover, you may arrange at random. Further, the order of the arrangement of menu items is not limited. Further, the “closed menu shape” may be any shape as long as the menu items are arranged along the closed shape. Therefore, it is not necessary to set a shape in which both ends are actually closed and to arrange the shape along this. In addition, in order to show that the menu items are arranged along the shape closed at both ends, the data for displaying the shape closed at both ends along the menu item is displayed. Also good. Moreover, you may make it not display at all. “A shape in which both ends are open” refers to a line-shaped shape such as a straight line or a curved line in which the ends are not in contact with each other. Here, even when a part of the shape closed at both ends is not displayed on the side of a display or the like, the shape is opened at both ends. The “open menu shape” is a menu shape in which menu items are arranged along such a shape, and the menu items displayed adjacent to each other may or may not touch each other. It may be displayed. In addition, the menu display information output unit 13 may individually incline each menu item according to the inclination of the shape in which both ends are open, or may arrange all of them in parallel. Further, the menu items may be arranged in any positional relationship. For example, the menu items may be arranged at almost equal intervals, or may be arranged according to some rule. Moreover, you may arrange at random. Further, the order of the arrangement of menu items is not limited. In addition, the “open menu shape” may be any shape as long as the menu items are arranged along the shape in which both ends are opened. That is, the menu display information output unit 13 does not need to be arranged along an actual shape in which both ends are opened. Also, in order to show that menu items are arranged along the shape with both ends open, the data for displaying the shape with both ends open on the back of the menu item or along the menu item is configured. May be. Moreover, you may make it not display at all. Specifically, the menu display information output unit 13 arranges the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 so as to be one of the menu displays described above, and the menu display is information obtained by arranging the item information. Output information. It does not matter whether the menu display information output unit 13 outputs the menu display information for displaying in the above-described menu display shape. Regarding means and processing for configuring data for displaying menu items using text, images, etc., such as item information, or for configuring data in which these are arranged at desired positions Since it is a well-known technique, a detailed description is omitted. In the present embodiment, a case where the menu display information output unit 13 displays a menu based on the display shape determined by the display shape determination unit 16 will be described. The output described above is mainly a display on a display, but is a concept including sound output, printing on a printer, transmission to an external device, and the like. The menu display information output unit 13 may be considered as including or not including an output device such as a display or a speaker. The menu display information output unit 13 can be realized by software that performs output processing, or software that performs output processing, driver software of an output device, and an output device.

  The display area information acquisition unit 15 acquires display area information that is information about a display area for displaying a menu. Specifically, the display area information is information about the size of an area where a menu can be displayed, such as a display or a window. The display area may be the entire display or window, or a part thereof. The display area information acquisition unit 15 stores information about the display area in a memory or the like in advance when the area where the menu can be displayed is determined by, for example, the performance of the display device or the standard. The display area information acquisition unit 15 acquires this. When the size of the display area can be changed, information on the size of the display area may be acquired from a control unit that performs control related to display of the information processing apparatus 100. The processing procedure for the display area information acquisition unit 15 to acquire the display area information is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

  The display shape determination unit 16 determines the display shape of the menu displayed by the menu display information output unit 13 as an open menu shape or a closed menu shape. The display shape determination unit 16 may determine the display shape in any way. For example, the display shape of the menu may be determined based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12. Specifically, the display shape determination unit 16 may determine the display shape of the menu based on the attribute of the item information. For example, the display shape determination unit 16 may determine the open menu shape if the item information is image information, and may determine the closed menu shape if the item information is other information. Further, the display shape of the menu may be determined based on the number of item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit. For example, a threshold value for the number of item information items for determining the menu display shape is set in advance, and the display shape determination unit 16 closes the menu if the number of item information items acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 is equal to or less than the threshold value. If the number is larger than the threshold value, the menu may be determined to have an open menu shape. Furthermore, the display shape determination unit 16 may determine the display shape of the menu in combination with the attribute of the item information and the number of item information. For example, when the item information is a thumbnail image corresponding to the menu item, the display shape determination unit 16 acquires information about the size of the thumbnail image from the item information, and the menu item is changed according to the size. A threshold value for the number of item information items to be determined is set. If the number of item information items acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 is less than or equal to the threshold value, the menu is determined to be a closed menu shape, and if it is greater than the threshold value, the menu is determined to be an open menu shape. Good. The display shape determination unit 16 may determine the display shape of the menu according to the menu display instruction. For example, if the menu display instruction is an instruction to display a menu in which the number of menu items increases or decreases, the display shape determination unit 16 determines the menu display shape to be an open menu shape, and the menu display instruction However, when the menu item relates to a menu that does not increase or decrease, the display shape of the menu may be determined as a closed menu shape. The display shape determination unit 16 may determine the menu display shape based on whether or not all of the menu items constituting the menu are closed menu shapes and can be displayed on the display area of the screen. . This specific example will be described later in particular when the display shape is determined based on the display area information acquired by the display area information acquisition unit 15. The processing procedure for the display shape determination unit 16 to determine the display shape is usually realized by software, and the software is recorded in a recording medium such as a ROM. However, it may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

  Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  (Step S201) The display instruction receiving unit 11 determines whether a menu display instruction has been received. If accepted, the process proceeds to step S202. If not accepted, the process returns to step S201.

  (Step S202) The item information acquisition unit 12 relates to the menu items constituting the menu that has received the display instruction from the item information stored in the item information storage unit 14 based on the menu display instruction received in Step S201. Acquires the number and size information of item information.

  (Step S203) The display area information acquisition unit 15 acquires display area information that is information about an area in which a menu can be displayed. In addition, the order which processes step S202 and step S203 is not ask | required.

  (Step S204) The display shape determination unit 16 closes the menu in the display area of the menu based on the number and size information of the item information acquired in step S202 and the display area information acquired in step S203. It is determined whether or not the menu can be displayed. If it can be displayed, the process proceeds to step S205, and if it cannot be displayed, the process proceeds to step S209. A specific example of this determination will be described later.

  (Step S205) The display shape determining unit 16 determines the menu display shape to be a closed menu shape.

  (Step S206) The item information acquisition unit 12 acquires the item information of the menu items constituting the menu indicated by the menu display instruction from the item information storage unit 14.

  (Step S207) The menu display information output unit 13 displays the menu by arranging the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 so that the display shape of the menu determined by the display shape determination unit 16 is obtained. The menu display information which is information is configured.

  (Step S208) The menu display information output unit 13 outputs the menu display information configured in step S207 to a display or the like. Then, the process returns to step S201. With this menu display information, a menu is displayed on the display or the like.

  (Step S209) The display shape determination unit 16 determines the menu display shape to be an open menu shape.

  (Step S <b> 210) The item information acquisition unit 12 acquires, from the item information storage unit 14, item information of menu items that can be displayed in the menu display area among the menu items constituting the menu indicated by the menu display instruction. . Such a method of determining menu items that can be displayed in a predetermined area from the size of the menu item, the size of the menu display area, and the like is a known technique, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a specific example of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Here, it is assumed that information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is a hard disk recorder capable of recording video and audio such as a television program. Information output from the menu display information output unit 13 of the information processing apparatus 100 is displayed on the display 200. In addition, an operation on the information processing apparatus 100 is performed by the remote controller 300.

  FIG. 4 is an item information management table for managing the item information stored in the item information storage unit 14. This item information management table is stored in, for example, a memory or the item information storage unit 14. The item information management table has attributes of “item ID”, “display data”, “size (vertical, horizontal)”, “action”, and “corresponding menu”. “Item ID” is information for managing item information. “Display data” is data used when displaying item information. When image data is used, the image file name is stored. When text data is used, the character to be displayed is stored. A column is stored. “Size (vertical, horizontal)” is the size of the display data, and indicates the vertical length, ie, the length in the x-axis direction, and the horizontal length, ie, the length in the y-axis direction. The unit may be any unit, such as a pixel. If the display data is text, this size is calculated from the size of the text and the number of characters, for example. “Action” is an action executed when a menu item is selected. For example, an action “play_m111” is an action of playing a content m111. “Corresponding menu” indicates which menu item information corresponds to. For example, “content” indicates item information corresponding to menu items constituting a menu related to content stored in the information processing apparatus 100. Here, the item information whose “corresponding menu” is “content” is item information corresponding to the menu item for reproducing the predetermined content, and the “action” of the item information reproduces the predetermined content. Indicates the action to be performed. “Display data” is a thumbnail image of the predetermined content. The item information whose “corresponding menu” is “operation” indicates that the item information corresponds to the menu item constituting the menu related to the operation of the information processing apparatus 100. The data structure of “item ID”, “display data”, “size (vertical / horizontal)”, “action”, and “corresponding menu” does not matter.

  Here, the item information of a plurality of menus is managed by one item information management table, but the item information of each menu may be managed by providing an individual item information management table. For example, in this specific example, item information of a content menu and an operation menu may be managed in separate tables.

  First, the user presses a “content list” button 301 for displaying a list of contents on the remote controller 300 in order to view the contents stored in the information processing apparatus 100. As a result, an instruction for displaying the menu “content” is output from the remote controller 300.

  When the display instruction reception unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 100 receives an instruction to display the menu “content” output from the remote controller 300, the item information acquisition unit 12 reads “correspondence from the item information management table shown in FIG. Search for records whose “menu” attribute is “content”. Then, the number of matching records, that is, the number of item information, and the attribute value of the “size (vertical, horizontal)” attribute of the record are acquired. The number of matching records corresponds to the number of menu items constituting the menu. Further, the attribute value of the “size (vertical, horizontal)” attribute corresponds to the size at which each menu item is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the eight item information with content IDs 001 to 008 has an attribute value “content”, and the attribute value of each “size (vertical, horizontal)” attribute is (36, 24). To do.

  Next, the display area information acquisition unit 15 acquires display area information that is information about the size of the area for displaying the menu. Here, it is assumed that the menu can be displayed in the entire display area of the display 200. The display area of the display 200 has a size of 720 pixels in the x-axis direction and 480 pixels in the y-axis direction, for example. Suppose there is. Display area information indicating the size of the display area is stored in advance in a memory or the like, and the display area information acquisition unit 15 acquires the display area information.

  Next, the display shape determination unit 16 predetermines all item information selected based on the menu display instruction from the size information of the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 and the number of item information. It is determined whether or not the menu displayed when arranged so as to have a closed shape fits within the menu display area. Here, as an example, whether or not it fits is determined as follows. Here, the upper left coordinate of the display area of the display 200 is (0, 0), the lower right coordinate is (720, 480), and the center of the menu displayed in the closed menu shape is the center coordinate of the display 200, that is, It is assumed that (360, 240). Further, it is assumed that the open menu shape is a circle. First, assuming that the number of item information selected for use in the menu is n (n is an integer), n ÷ 2 + 1 item information, and the interval between adjacent item information is a predetermined interval m (m is an integer). It is determined whether the length when arranged in the x-axis direction is smaller than the length of the display area of the display 200 in the x-axis direction. The length of n ÷ 2 + 1 item information arranged in the y-axis direction with the interval between adjacent item information as a predetermined interval m (m is an integer) is the y-axis direction of the display area of the display 200 It is determined whether it is smaller than the length of. Then, when both determination results are determination results that are smaller than the display area of the display 200, it is determined that the menu fits within the display area. Here, eight items of information having a length in the x-axis direction of 72 pixels and a length in the y-axis direction of 48 pixels are arranged in a closed menu shape. If the predetermined interval m between item information is, for example, 24 pixels, the length of the item information arranged in the x-axis direction as described above is the length of the item information in the x-axis direction in 8 ÷ 2 + 1 item information. The sum of the value obtained by multiplying 72 pixels and 8/2 × 24, which is the sum of the intervals m between the item information, is shorter than the length of 720 pixels in the x-axis direction of the display area. Similarly, the length of the menu in the y-axis direction is also the sum of 8 ÷ 2 + 1 item information multiplied by 48 pixels of the item information in the y-axis direction and the interval m between the item information 8 ÷ 2 ×. 24, and this value is shorter than the length of the display area in the y-axis direction of 480 pixels. For this reason, the display shape determining unit 16 determines that the menu displayed in the closed menu shape fits in the display area, and determines to display the menu “content” in the closed menu shape.

  In addition, when all the item information selected based on the menu display instruction is displayed in a closed menu shape, the determination as to whether or not the displayed menu fits within the menu display area is any other than the above. It may be performed by processing. For example, the determination may be performed using a calculation other than the above.

  The item information acquisition unit 12 acquires eight item information items having “item IDs” 001 to 008 from the content information management table shown in FIG. 4 based on the determination of the shape of the menu. And the menu display information output part 13 comprises the menu display information for displaying a menu by a closed menu shape based on the item information which this item information acquisition part 12 acquired. Specifically, first, the sum of the value obtained by multiplying the shorter one of the vertical length and the horizontal length of the item information by n ÷ 2 and the value of m × n ÷ 2. Then, find the length of the half value. That is, (48 × 8 ÷ 2 + 24 × 8 ÷ 2) ÷ 2 = 144 is obtained. Then, n coordinates of the other end of the line segment obtained by sequentially rotating one end of the line segment having this value in units of 360 / n degrees with the center of the menu display position as the center of rotation are obtained, Menu display information in which item information, specifically, “display data” of each item information shown in FIG. 4 is arranged so that the center of each item information is located at the n coordinates.

  FIG. 5 is a menu display information management table for managing menu display information. The menu display information management table has attributes of “item ID”, “display data”, “upper left coordinate (x, y)”, and “focus”. “Item ID” and “display data” correspond to “item ID” and “display data” shown in FIG. “Upper left coordinate (x, y)” is the upper left coordinate value of the arranged item information. “Focus” is an attribute indicating whether or not the item information is currently selected. Here, if the attribute value of the “focus” attribute is “1”, the item information is focused. If the attribute value is “0”, it indicates that the camera is not focused. Here, for example, an outer frame is displayed on the menu item corresponding to the focused item information.

  The menu display information output unit 13 configures menu display information as shown in the menu display information management table shown in FIG. Then, the configured menu display information is output to the display 200. Based on this menu display information, the display 200 displays a menu 60 “content” in the display area 201 as shown in FIG.

  In this menu 60, the user operates the remote controller 300 or the like to change the menu item to be focused. For example, as the remote controller 300, a remote controller having a wheel type operation unit (hereinafter referred to as a wheel) 302 that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation by rotating a wheel is used, and the wheel 302 is rotated. Thus, a signal is output from the remote controller 300, and the menu item to be focused is changed in the rotation direction of the wheel in accordance with this signal. By using a remote controller having an operation unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of rotation by rotating, such as the remote controller 300, it is possible to change the focus of the closed menu, thereby operating the menu on the screen. And the correspondence relationship with the operation on the remote controller 300 can be easily understood, and an intuitive operation can be provided to the user. When a button or the like for selecting a focused menu item is pressed, the same “item ID” as the “item ID” of the record whose “focus” attribute is “1” in the menu display management table shown in FIG. The record of the item information management table possessed is searched, and the action of the “action” attribute included in this record is executed. Here, for example, a process of reproducing the content selected in the menu 60 is executed. Note that the process of selecting a menu item and executing an action is a known technique, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, if the menu is displayed in a closed menu shape, the user can instantly grasp that all of the menu items are displayed.

  Here, in the item information management table shown in FIG. 4, there are 50 records whose “corresponding menu” attribute matches “content” with “item ID” from 001 to 050, and each “size ( It is assumed that the attribute value of the “vertical, horizontal)” attribute is (72, 48).

  The display shape determination unit 16 converts all item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 into a predetermined closed shape from the size information of the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit 12 and the number of item information. It is determined whether the menu displayed when arranged so as to fit within the menu display area. Here, as described above, whether or not the length of n ÷ 2 + 1 item information arranged in the x-axis direction with an interval of m is smaller than the length of the display area of the display 200 in the x-axis direction. judge. Also, it is determined whether or not the length of n ÷ 2 + 1 item information arranged in the y-axis direction with an interval of m is smaller than the length of the display area of the display 200 in the y-axis direction. Here, the length when arranged in the x-axis direction as described above is a value obtained by multiplying 50 ÷ 2 + 1 item information by 72 pixels in the x-axis direction of item information, and 50 ÷ 2 × 24. This value is longer than the length of 720 pixels in the x-axis direction of the display area. For this reason, the display shape determination unit 16 determines that the menu displayed in the closed menu shape does not fit in the display area, and determines to display the menu “content” in the open menu shape.

  The item information acquisition unit 12 determines the number of item information that can be displayed in a preset open menu shape in the display area of the display 200 based on the determination of the menu shape. Here, in the menu of the open menu shape, item information is arranged on a curve that crosses the display area of the menu along the x-axis direction in advance, and this curve is defined by a function of y = f (x). Be a curved or straight line. First, in the y-axis direction of the display area, the interval between adjacent item information is set as a predetermined interval, and further, the interval between the upper end of the item information and the upper side of the display area, and the lower end of the item information and the lower side of the display area The number of item information that can be arranged when the interval is a predetermined interval is calculated. For example, if the interval between the item information is set to 32 pixels in advance, and the interval between the item information and the upper and lower sides of the display area is set to 16 pixels in advance, 6 y in the y-axis direction of the display area A result indicating that item information can be arranged is calculated. Next, the y-coordinate value of the center of each item information when each item information is arranged at the intervals as described above between the upper side and the lower side of the display area is obtained, and the y-coordinate value is obtained from the function y described above. = F (x) is substituted, and the substituted y value and the obtained x value are determined as the coordinates of the center position of each item information. And each item information is arrange | positioned to this coordinate, and the menu display information of the menu which arranged 6 item information is comprised. A menu display information management table for managing the configured menu display information is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Then, the menu display information output unit 13 outputs the configured menu display information to the display 200. Based on this menu display information, the display 200 displays a menu 80 “content” in the display area 201 as shown in FIG. Since the process for operating the menu 80 to execute a predetermined action is the same as described above, the description thereof is omitted.

  Thus, if the menu is displayed in an open menu shape, the user can instantly grasp that a part of the menu items is displayed.

  When the menu is displayed in such an open menu shape, the menu may be moved by scrolling or the like to be displayed in response to an operation from the remote controller 300 or the like. Some menu items may be replaced with menu items that are not displayed. Since such processing is a known technique, description thereof is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, it is preferable to use a circle as the closed menu shape and an arc as the open menu shape. Since the arc is a part of a circle, this display shape allows all menu items to be displayed if the menu is displayed in a circle, and the menu is displayed in an arc. If so, it is easy for the user to recognize that only a part of the menu items are displayed, assuming that all the menu items that are originally displayed in a circle are hidden on the extension of the arc. . Therefore, if the menu is displayed in a circle, the operation of “selecting one of the menu items on the circumference” may be performed. If the menu is displayed in an arc, “if the wheel is rotated, another operation is performed. The user can intuitively recognize that “the menu item appears” and can provide an intuitive operation.

  Next, another specific example will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, in the information processing apparatus 100 in which the user is a hard disk recorder, when the user presses a button or the like for displaying an operation menu of the remote controller 300 in order to operate the information processing apparatus 100, an operation menu as shown in FIG. 90 is displayed. The operation menu 90 is displayed in a closed menu shape since it is set in advance as a menu that does not change the operation menu.

  Further, the user operates the operation menu 90 using the remote controller 300 and selects the menu item 91 “view”. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, a content menu 92 that is a menu for displaying viewable content in the information processing apparatus 100 is displayed at a position close to the menu item 91. The content menu 92 is displayed in an open menu shape because it is set in advance as a menu in which the number of menu items, that is, the number of contents changes, is displayed in the open menu shape.

  Further, the user operates content menu 92 using remote controller 300 to select content 93. As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, an option menu 94 that can be selected as processing for the content 93 is displayed at a position close to the content 93. The option menu 94 is displayed in an open menu shape because it is set in advance as a menu in which the number of menu items does not change.

  Since the menu is displayed as described above, the content menu 92 is a menu in which the number of menu items changes, and there is a possibility that a menu item that is currently hidden may exist. Can instantly determine that the number of menu items does not change, and an intuitive operation is possible.

  Here, instead of setting whether to display in a closed menu shape or an open menu shape depending on whether or not the menu item number changes as described above, the menu shape depends on the relationship between the menus. May be set. Specifically, the display shape of the menu is set according to the relationship between the operation menu and the menu indicating the operation target, as in the relationship between the operation menu and the content menu. That is, for the operation menu, the menu is displayed in a closed menu shape, and the content menu for displaying the content to be operated by this operation menu is displayed in the open menu shape. As a result, the same menu as the operation menu 90 and the content menu 92 of FIG. 10 is displayed.

  For example, if the operation menu and the operation target menu are displayed in the same shape, it may be difficult to grasp which is the operation target. However, as shown in FIG. It becomes possible to instantly grasp the relationship between the operation menu and the menu to be operated. Also, since the number of menu items changes or the number of items is usually large in an operation target menu, an intuitive operation can be performed by displaying the operation target in an open menu shape.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to grasp what kind of menu the menu is simply by identifying whether the menu is a closed menu shape or an open menu shape. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from performing unnecessary operations when operating the menu, and it is possible to improve operability when using the menu. For example, if it is a menu displayed in a closed menu shape, it can be seen that all menu items are displayed on the screen, and if it is an open menu, there are menu items that are not displayed on the screen. . For this reason, even if all menu items are displayed, it is possible to prevent the user from performing an operation for using other menu items. In addition, it is possible to prevent the user from performing a sufficient operation without noticing these items even though other menu items are displayed.

  For items with a large number of menu items, by displaying the menu in an open shape at both ends, in addition to the displayed menu items, there are menu items on the extension of the open end of the menu. It is possible to make the user visually grasp this. For items with few menu items, the menu is displayed in a closed shape at both ends, so that the menu is completed within the displayed part, and the menu connected to this menu is displayed in addition to the displayed menu items. Visually grasp that there are no items. Thereby, it becomes possible to make a user grasp the presence or absence of a menu item other than being displayed more visually and intuitively.

  In the present embodiment, the display shape of the menu is set to the closed menu shape or the open menu shape according to the number of menu items constituting the menu, that is, the number of item information. In this case, the display shape of the menu may be determined as either a closed menu shape or an open menu shape depending on whether or not the menu is a menu whose number of menu items changes. Specifically, if the menu is a menu that changes the number of menu items, the display shape is an open menu shape, and if the menu is a menu that does not change the number of menu items, the display shape is determined to be a closed menu shape. To do. In this process, for example, a menu in which the menu item does not change is set in advance, and if the menu display instruction is an instruction to display a menu in which the menu item does not change, the display shape determination unit 16 closes the menu. If the menu shape is determined to be displayed and the menu display instruction is an instruction to display another menu, the display shape determination unit 16 determines to display the menu in a closed menu shape. Can be realized. More specifically, a list of menus to be displayed in the closed menu is created, and if the menu display instruction is in the list, the closed menu shape is determined. The open menu shape may be determined. Also, a table having a relationship between the menu display instruction and the display shape of the menu determined when the display instruction is received is prepared. When the menu display instruction is received, the display shape determining unit 16 displays the table. Based on this, the display shape that matches the received menu display instruction may be determined as the display shape of the menu. With this configuration, for example, in a hard disk recorder, a menu for displaying accumulated content is displayed in an open menu shape because the number of contents increases when recording and decreases when deleted. As for the operation menu for adjusting the volume of the hard disk recorder and recording, the menu items to be operated are not increased or decreased, so that they are displayed in a closed menu shape. By doing this, the user may increase or decrease the menu items displayed in the menu that displays the content simply by looking at the shape of the menu, and the menu items do not increase or decrease for the operation menu. It becomes possible to judge a certain thing instantly. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the contents of the menu based on the shape of the menu.

  In the present embodiment, when all item information selected based on the menu display instruction is displayed in a closed menu shape, it is determined whether or not the displayed menu fits within the menu display area. Thus, the display shape of the menu is determined. However, in the present invention, the display shape of the menu may be determined in any way. For example, the menu display determined in advance when the condition of the size of the menu display area, the condition of the size and number of item information, and the size of the menu display area and item information satisfy these conditions. A correspondence table with the shape is prepared, and from this correspondence table, the display area information of the menu acquired by the display area information acquisition unit 15 and the item information selected based on the menu display instruction satisfy the condition. The shape may be acquired and determined as the display shape of the menu.

  In this embodiment, the menu display shape is determined using the item information size information. However, in the present invention, the item information size information is not used. The display shape of the menu may be determined. By setting it as such a structure, the process which acquires the information of the magnitude | size of item information is omissible. For example, a table in which the size of the display area that can display the menu and the upper limit value of the number of item information that can be displayed in a closed menu shape is prepared in advance, and from this table, the display area information acquisition unit 15 obtains the upper limit value of the number of item information items satisfying the display area information of the menu satisfying the condition, and if the number of item information items selected based on the menu display instruction is less than or equal to the upper limit value of the number of item information items When the number of item information selected based on the menu display instruction is larger than the upper limit value, it may be determined to display in the open menu shape. .

  In the present embodiment, the display shape of the menu is determined using the display area information. However, in the present invention, the display shape of the menu is determined without using the display area information. Also good. With such a configuration, the display area information acquisition unit 15 can be omitted, and the process of acquiring display area information can be omitted. For example, a correspondence table of the size and number conditions of the item information and the menu display shape determined when the item information satisfies this condition is prepared in advance, and the menu display instruction is issued from the correspondence table. A display shape that satisfies the item information selected based on the condition may be acquired and determined as the display shape of the menu.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the display shape of the menu may be determined without using the size information of the item information and the display area information. For example, a threshold for the number of item information is set, and the display shape of the menu is determined based on whether or not the number of item information selected based on the menu display instruction is larger than this threshold. May be. For example, if the number of item information selected based on the menu display instruction is larger than the threshold, it is decided to display in the open menu shape, and the number of item information selected based on the menu display instruction is equal to or less than the threshold. If so, it may be determined to display in a closed menu shape.

  Further, the menu display information output unit 13 may arrange the item information in a closed menu shape or an open menu shape. For example, the position where each item information is arranged may be set by a calculation other than the above. In addition, a table showing the relationship between the number of item information and the position where each item information is arranged in advance is prepared, and from this table, based on the number of item information selected based on the menu display instruction, Information on a position where each item information is arranged may be acquired, and this position may be set as a position where each item information is arranged. In addition, a table indicating the relationship between the number of item information, the size of item information, and the position where each item information is arranged is prepared in advance, and item information selected based on a menu display instruction from this table. Based on the number and size of the items, information on a position where each item information is arranged may be acquired, and this position may be set as a position where each item information is arranged. In addition, since the means and process which comprise the display information for displaying the menu which has arrange | positioned such a menu item in the predetermined position are well-known techniques, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, at least one or more open menu-shaped menus and at least one or more closed menu-shaped menus may be displayed on the same display area. . Further, a closed menu shape menu may be displayed as a submenu of the open menu shape menu, or an open menu shape menu may be displayed as a submenu of the closed menu shape menu.

  In each of the above embodiments, each processing or each function may be realized by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or distributed processing by a plurality of devices or a plurality of systems. May be realized.

  In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, each component can be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

  The software that realizes the information processing apparatus in each of the above embodiments is a program as described below. That is, the program includes a display instruction receiving step for receiving a menu display instruction which is an instruction for causing the computer to display a menu, and information on the menu items constituting the menu stored based on the menu display instruction. Item information acquisition step for acquiring one or more item information, and a menu having menu items based on the item information acquired in the item information acquisition step is a display shape in which the menu items are arranged in a closed shape A program for executing a menu display information output step for outputting information for displaying a closed menu shape and an open menu shape, which is a display shape in which menu items are arranged in an open shape at both ends.

  In the above program, the computer may further execute a display shape determination step for determining the display shape of the menu as the closed menu shape or the open menu shape, and the display information output step of the menu may include the display shape It is a program for outputting information for displaying a menu in the display shape determined in the determination step.

  In the above program, the display shape determination step is a program for determining a display shape of the menu based on the item information acquired in the item information acquisition step.

  In the above program, the display shape determining step is a program for determining the display shape of the menu based on whether or not all menu items can be displayed.

  In the above program, the computer may further execute a display area information acquisition step of acquiring display area information that is information about a display area for displaying a menu, and the display shape determination step includes the display area information and the display area information. This is a program for determining a display shape based on item information.

  In the above program, the display shape determining step is a program for determining a display shape of the menu according to the number of the item information.

  In the above program, the display shape determining step is a program for determining a menu display shape in accordance with the menu display instruction.

  In the above program, the display shape determination step determines the menu display shape to be an open menu shape when the menu display instruction relates to a menu whose number of menu items changes, and the menu display instruction However, if the menu item relates to a menu that does not change, the program determines the menu display shape as a closed menu shape.

  In the program, the menu display information output step may be configured such that the display shape of the menu is an open menu shape for a menu whose number of menu items changes, and a closed menu shape for a menu whose menu items do not change. It is a program to do.

  In the above program, at least a process performed only by hardware in a transmission step for transmitting information, a reception step for receiving information, or the like, for example, a process performed by a modem or an interface card in the transmission step is included. I can't.

  Further, this program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, and a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory is read out. May be executed by

  Further, the computer that executes this program may be singular or plural. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention is suitable as an information processing apparatus that displays a menu, and is particularly useful as an information processing apparatus that displays a menu in which the number of menu items varies.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention Flow chart for explaining the operation of the information processing apparatus Conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus The figure which shows the item information management table of the information processing apparatus The figure which shows the menu display information management table | surface of the same information processing apparatus The figure which shows the example of a display of the same information processing apparatus The figure which shows the menu display information management table | surface of the same information processing apparatus The figure which shows the example of a display of the same information processing apparatus The figure which shows the example of a display of the same information processing apparatus The figure which shows the example of a display of the same information processing apparatus The figure which shows the example of a display of the same information processing apparatus

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Display instruction | indication reception part 12 Item information acquisition part 13 Menu display information output part 14 Item information storage part 15 Display area information acquisition part 16 Display shape determination part 60,80,90,92,94 Menu 91,93, Menu item 100 Information Processing device 200 Display 201 Display area 300 Remote control 301 Button 302 Wheel

Claims (20)

A display instruction receiving unit that receives a menu display instruction that is an instruction for displaying a menu;
An item information storage unit that stores one or more item information that is information on menu items constituting the menu;
Based on the menu display instruction, an item information acquisition unit that acquires item information from the item information storage unit,
A menu having menu items based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit, a closed menu shape that is a display shape in which menu items are arranged in a shape in which both ends are closed, and a shape in which menu items are open at both ends An information processing apparatus including a menu display information output unit that outputs information for display in an open menu shape that is an arrayed display shape. A display shape determining unit for determining the display shape of the menu as the closed menu shape or the open menu shape;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information output unit of the menu outputs information for displaying the menu in the display shape determined by the display shape determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display shape determination unit determines a menu display shape based on the item information acquired by the item information acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display shape determination unit determines a display shape of the menu based on whether or not all menu items can be displayed. A display area information acquisition unit for acquiring display area information, which is information about the display area for displaying the menu,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display shape determination unit determines a display shape based on the display area information and the item information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display shape determination unit determines a display shape of the menu according to the number of the item information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display shape determining unit determines a menu display shape in accordance with the menu display instruction. The display shape determination unit determines the menu display shape to be an open menu shape when the menu display instruction relates to a menu in which the number of menu items changes, and the menu display instruction changes the menu item. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when the menu is not related to the menu, the display shape of the menu is determined to be a closed menu shape. 2. The information according to claim 1, wherein the menu display information output unit has an open menu shape for a menu whose number of menu items changes, and a closed menu shape for a menu whose menu items do not change. Processing equipment. A menu composed of one or more menu items, a closed menu shape in which the menu items are arranged in a shape in which both ends are closed, and an open menu in which the menu items are arranged in a shape in which both ends are opened An information processing apparatus that outputs information for display in a shape. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the display shape of the menu is an open menu shape for a menu in which the number of menu items changes, and a closed menu shape for a menu in which the number of menu items does not change. On the computer,
A display instruction receiving step for receiving a menu display instruction which is an instruction for displaying a menu;
An item information acquisition step of acquiring one or more item information that is information on menu items constituting the stored menu based on the menu display instruction;
A menu having menu items based on the item information acquired in the item information acquisition step, a closed menu shape that is a display shape in which the menu items are arranged in a closed shape at both ends, and a shape in which the menu items are open at both ends A program for executing a menu display information output step for outputting information for display in an open menu shape that is an arrayed display shape. On the computer,
A display shape determination step for determining the display shape of the menu as the closed menu shape or the open menu shape;
13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the display information output step of the menu outputs information for displaying the menu in the display shape determined in the display shape determination step. The program according to claim 13, wherein the display shape determination step determines the display shape of the menu based on the item information acquired in the item information acquisition step. 15. The program according to claim 13, wherein the display shape determination step determines the display shape of the menu based on whether or not all menu items can be displayed. On the computer,
Further executing a display area information acquisition step of acquiring display area information that is information about the display area for displaying the menu,
The program according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the display shape determination step determines a display shape based on the display area information and the item information. The program according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the display shape determination step determines a display shape of the menu according to the number of the item information. The program according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the display shape determining step determines a menu display shape in accordance with the menu display instruction. In the display shape determination step, when the menu display instruction is related to a menu in which the number of menu items changes, the display shape of the menu is determined as an open menu shape, and the menu display instruction changes the menu item. 19. The program according to claim 18, wherein the display shape of the menu is determined to be a closed menu shape when it is related to a menu not to be processed. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein in the menu display information output step, the display shape of the menu is an open menu shape for a menu whose number of menu items changes, and a closed menu shape for a menu whose menu items do not change. .

Images