JP2007179486A - Information processor, control method of information processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange icons or windows on a screen by an easy and intuitive operation. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor 100 including a storage part storing a plurality of files and a display part 10 for displaying an image of a display area 12 in which display elements 14 related to at least a part of a plurality of files are arranged on a screen, comprises a partial area designation part 20 designating a size-variable partial area in the display area 12, a partial area specification part specifying the partial area designated by the designation part 20, and a display control part rearranging a part or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area before change specified by the partial area specification part in the partial area after change. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program, and in particular, includes a unit for storing a plurality of files, and a plurality of icons and / or windows for executing predetermined information processing regarding the files. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including display means for displaying, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a program.

  In an information processing apparatus such as a workstation or personal computer controlled by an operation system employing a GUI (Graphical User Interface), a pointing device such as a mouse is used to perform major file operations via icons, windows, menus, and the like. be able to. Each file includes application programs and data, and is usually displayed in the form of icons or windows. In such a system, icons and windows frequently used for each file are often placed on a virtual screen called a desktop so that the target file can be quickly accessed.

  Usually, the icons and windows arranged on these desktops increase with the use of the information processing apparatus, so that the desktop often overflows with icons and windows. As a result, it often takes time to find a necessary icon from the desktop, and a lot of space on the desktop is occupied by icons and windows, resulting in a shortage of work space. In this case, it is necessary to perform a new work of moving icons or windows that are not necessary for the time being to another place or deleting them, which requires a lot of labor. In addition, in an information processing apparatus that directly touches a touch panel screen to give an operation instruction, it may inadvertently touch an icon or window occupied by the desktop area and instruct an incorrect file operation. .

  Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technique for enhancing the discriminability by dynamically controlling the display form of the icon of the file according to the time attribute of the file, thereby making the size and brightness of the icon different. Is disclosed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a technique for setting parameters such as an icon storage period and controlling the icon display position on the screen according to the parameters in an apparatus that displays applications and data as icons on the screen. It is disclosed.

Patent Document 3 below discloses a technology that enables display information such as images to be selected, held, and organized by a plurality of cursors that move in response to inputs from a plurality of operating devices. ing.
JP-A-6-342361 JP 2004-355199 A JP 2004-355191 A

  However, since the technique of the above-mentioned patent document 1 aims to improve the distinguishability by controlling the display form of the icons, the icons that are not necessary for the time being can be selected one by one to organize the icons. There is a problem in that it takes time and effort to organize.

  Moreover, in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, although it is possible to arrange icons by moving icons that have passed the storage period to an appropriately determined position, the storage period is individually set in advance for each icon to be organized There is a problem that it takes a lot of time to set up. In addition, there is a problem that the moved icon cannot be quickly returned to the state before the movement with little effort.

  Moreover, in the technique of the said patent document 3, there existed a problem that it was necessary to operate a some operating device (pointing device) substantially simultaneously, and operation was difficult. Furthermore, after organizing display information such as images, it was not possible to quickly return to the state before the organization with little effort.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of organizing icons and windows on a screen with a simple and intuitive operation. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention displays, on a screen, an image of a display area in which means for storing a plurality of files and display elements relating to at least some of the plurality of files are arranged. An information processing apparatus comprising a display unit for displaying a partial area designating unit for designating a partial region having a variable size in the display region, and a partial region designating unit for designating a partial region designated by the partial region designating unit And a display control means for rearranging a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means, in the partial area after the change. Features.

  Also, the control method of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention displays on the screen an image of a display area in which means for storing a plurality of files and display elements relating to at least some of the plurality of files are arranged. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus comprising: a partial region specifying step for specifying a partial region having a variable size in the display region; and a partial region specifying step for specifying a partial region specified by the partial region specifying step And a display control step of rearranging a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying step in the partial area after the change. Features.

  Furthermore, the program according to the present invention is an information processing comprising: means for storing a plurality of files; and means for displaying on the screen an image of a display area in which display elements relating to at least some of the plurality of files are arranged. A program for causing a computer to function as an apparatus, a partial area designating unit for designating a partial area of variable size in the display area, a partial area designating unit for designating a partial area designated by the partial area designating unit, To cause the computer to function as display control means for rearranging a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means in the partial area after the change It is a program.

  The program is stored in a computer-readable information storage medium, and examples of the information recording medium include magnetic tape, flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, MD, DVD-ROM, and IC card. Can be used.

  According to the present invention, display elements related to at least some of a plurality of files are arranged in the display area, and an image of the display area in which the display elements are arranged is displayed on the screen. The size of the partial area that is a part changes. Along with the change in the size of the partial area, some or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change are rearranged in the partial area after the change. The display element related to a file is an icon or a window related to the file and used to operate the file. For example, to start the file and open the related window, or to finish starting the file Is. This makes it possible to rearrange the display elements arranged in the partial area by changing the size of the partial area in the display area, and organize icons and windows on the screen with simple and intuitive operations. Will be able to.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display area is a rectangular planar area, and the partial area designating unit includes at least one operation element that is slidable along any side of the planar area. The boundary position of the partial area in the display area is designated by the position of the operation element.

  In this mode, the display area is a rectangular planar area, and the boundary position for specifying the size of the partial area is specified by at least one operator that can slide along any side of the planar area. Is done. That is, the size of the partial area changes according to the change in the position of at least one operation element. In this way, the size of the partial area in the display area is changed by changing the position of at least one operation element that can be slid along any side of the planar area, and is arranged in the partial area. Display elements can be rearranged, and icons and windows on the screen can be arranged with simple and intuitive operations.

  In the aspect of the invention, the display control unit is specified by the partial region specifying unit when the operation element reaches one or a plurality of change start positions set on the side of the planar region. The part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change are rearranged in the partial area after the change.

  In this aspect, when the slidable operation element reaches one or a plurality of change start positions set on the side of the display area which is a rectangular plane area, it is arranged in the partial area before the size changes. A part or all of the display elements thus arranged are rearranged in the changed partial area. In this way, it becomes possible to rearrange the display elements in stages according to the movement of the operation element.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the display control means is configured such that the part or all of the display elements are being rearranged when the operating element being slid is not at the one or more change start positions. A predetermined image indicating this is arranged in the display area.

  In this aspect, when the operation element during the slide movement is not at one or more change start positions, a predetermined image indicating that some or all of the display elements are being rearranged is displayed on the screen. In this way, it is possible to reduce the frequency of redrawing on the screen how the display elements are rearranged according to the movement of the operation element, and to reduce the load of the drawing process.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display control means includes the part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means in accordance with the rearrangement. Change the size of at least some of the display elements.

  In this aspect, with the rearrangement of the display elements, the size of some display elements among the rearranged display elements is changed. In this way, by changing the boundary position, the display elements arranged in the partial area can be rearranged, and at the same time, the size of some of the display elements can be changed. Icons and windows on the screen can be organized with a simple operation.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, the display control unit further includes a display method storage unit that stores a display method of a display element related to each file in association with a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file. Based on the display method stored in the display method storage means, a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means are included in the partial area after the change. Rearrange.

  In this aspect, the predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file is associated with the display method of the display element related to each file, and a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change, The display elements of the file satisfying the predetermined condition are rearranged in the changed partial area based on the display method corresponding to the predetermined condition. In this way, it is possible to control the display method when rearranging display elements depending on whether the file attribute information satisfies a predetermined condition or not. You will be able to organize your windows.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in accordance with a change in the size of the partial area specified by the partial area specifying means, among the part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change It further includes file processing means for executing a predetermined file management process on at least some of the files respectively corresponding to at least some of the display elements.

  In this aspect, along with the change in the size of the partial area, some or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change are rearranged, and respectively correspond to at least some of the display elements. A predetermined file management process is executed for at least some of the files. In this way, icons and windows on the screen can be organized with a simple and intuitive operation. In addition, files corresponding to icons and windows on the screen can be organized with simple and intuitive operations.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, in accordance with a change in the size of the partial area specified by the partial area specifying means, among the part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change File processing means for executing a predetermined file management process on at least some of the files respectively corresponding to at least some of the display elements, wherein the file processing means sets the operation element on a side of the planar area; When the one or more change start positions are reached, a predetermined file management process is performed on the at least some files corresponding to the at least some display elements.

  In this aspect, when the slidable operation element reaches one or a plurality of change start positions set on the side of the display area which is a rectangular plane area, it is arranged in the partial area before the size changes. The displayed part or all of the display elements are rearranged in the changed partial area, and a predetermined file management process is executed for at least a part of the files respectively corresponding to the at least part of the display elements. The In this way, it becomes possible to rearrange the display elements in stages according to the movement of the operation element. Further, the file management process can be executed step by step according to the movement of the operation element.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, it includes a file management method storage unit that stores a file management method of each file in association with a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file, and the file processing unit includes the file management unit Based on the file management method stored in the method storage means, the at least some files corresponding to the at least some display elements are processed.

  In this aspect, a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file is associated with the file management method of each file, and a part or all of the parts arranged in the partial area before change are associated with the rearrangement of display elements. A file corresponding to a display element and satisfying the predetermined condition is processed based on a file management method corresponding to the predetermined condition. This makes it possible to control the method of processing the file according to whether or not the file attribute information satisfies a predetermined condition as the display elements are rearranged. You can organize the icons and windows above. In addition, files corresponding to icons and windows on the screen can be organized with simple and intuitive operations.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the size of the partial area specified by the partial area specifying means is reduced, the area within the partial area before the change and outside the partial area after the change is Alternatively, an area for displaying processing contents related to a plurality of the files is provided.

[First embodiment]
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a display unit 10, a partial region designation unit 20, and an information processing unit 30.

  The information processing unit 30 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a hard disk, and a memory. For example, a workstation or a personal computer main body corresponds to the information processing unit 30. The information processing unit 30 stores a plurality of files on a hard disk or the like and performs various processes on each file. The file includes text data, image data, an application program, or the like.

  The display unit 10 is connected to the information processing unit 30 and includes a screen that displays an image of the display area 12. In the display area 12, display elements 14 relating to at least some of the plurality of files stored in the information processing unit 30 are arranged, and the display unit 10 displays the image on the screen. As shown in the figure, the display element 14 includes an icon 15 and a window 16.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the partial region designation unit 20 is installed on any side of the display region 12 in the display unit 10. The partial area designation unit 20 includes an operation element 22 and a rail 26. The operation element 22 is connected to the information processing unit 30 by a connection method such as a USB cable, a serial cable, an infrared ray, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity). Connected. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the partial area designating unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the operation element 22 includes a roller 24 on the bottom surface for detecting a movement amount, a movement direction, and the like. The operation element 22 and the rail 26 are installed along the vertical side or the horizontal side of the display area 12, and slide on the rail 26 having the same width as each side of the display area 12. The rail 26 is made of, for example, a concave plastic material, and a clasp or the like is added to the bottom surface of the rail to prevent the operation element 22 from falling. When the operating element 22 moves on the rail, information such as the moving amount and moving direction of the operating element 22 detected based on the rotation of the roller 24 is converted into an electric signal and transmitted to the information processing unit 30.

  The information processing unit 30 includes the device driver of the partial area designating unit 20 and acquires information about the movement amount and movement direction of the operation element 22 from the electrical signal received from the operation element 22. Then, the information processing unit 30 specifies the current position of the operator 22 on the side of the display area 12 from information such as the width of the display area 12 and the acquired movement amount and movement direction. For example, when the operation element 22 and the rail 26 are installed on the upper side of the display area 12, the current position of the operation element 22 is specified by the abscissa in the display area 12. When the operation element 22 and the rail 26 are installed on the upper side and the right side of the display area 12, the current position of the operation element 22 is specified by the ordinate and the abscissa in the display area 12.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating how the display elements 14 in the display area 12 are rearranged in accordance with the movement of the operation element 22. Initially, as shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the display area 12 is occupied by a plurality of icons 15 and windows 16 and that the operation element 22 is installed on the upper side of the display area 20. Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the operation element 22 is slid rightward along the rail 26, the icon 15 and the window 16 in the display area 12 are also moved along with the movement of the operation element 22. Moves to the right and simultaneously reduces its size. That is, as the operation element 22 moves to the right, the display element 14 initially arranged in the entire display area 12 enters the display area 12 on the right side of the position (abscissa) of the operation element 22. Will be rearranged. Accordingly, the display element 14 can be rearranged by sliding the operation element 22 along the display area 12, and the icons 15 and the windows 16 on the screen can be arranged by a simple and intuitive operation. become able to.

  When the operating element 22 is moved leftward and returned from the position shown in FIG. 1A to the original position shown in FIG. 1 again, the display element 14 is moved to the original position shown in FIG. Return to size. That is, as the operation element 22 moves to the left end of the display area 12, the display element 14 arranged in the display area 12 on the right side of the position (abscissa) of the operation element 22 is restored to the entire display area 12. Arranged and returns to the state shown in FIG. In this way, the icon 15 and the window 16 on the screen can be returned to the original display state by a simple and intuitive operation of sliding the operation element 22 along the display area 12.

  Hereinafter, the function of each component of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The information processing apparatus 100 includes a display unit 10, a partial region designation unit 20, and an information processing unit 30.

  The information processing unit 30 is connected to the display unit 10 and the partial region designation unit 20 and includes a storage unit 40, a control unit 50, and a memory 60. The storage unit 40 stores a plurality of files 42. The memory 60 is composed of a random access memory and operates as a work memory of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 includes a partial area specifying unit 52 and a display control unit 54, and controls the exchange of information with the display unit 10 and the partial position specifying unit 20 connected to the information processing unit 30, and the like. Various processes for each file stored in the unit 40 are executed.

  The display unit 10 is connected to the information processing unit 30 and displays an image of the display area 12 on the screen. In the display area 12, display elements 14 relating to at least some of the plurality of files 42 stored in the storage unit 40 of the information processing unit 30 are arranged. The arrangement of the display elements 14 in the display area 12, that is, the position, size, and other display modes of the display elements 14 are controlled by the display control unit 54 of the information processing unit 30.

  The partial area designation unit 20 is connected to the information processing unit 30 and designates the boundary position of the partial area whose size is variable in the display area 12. When the partial area designation unit 20 changes the boundary position of the partial area, the size of the partial area in the display area 12 changes. Information regarding the boundary position specified by the partial region specifying unit 20 is transmitted to the information processing unit 30 every time the boundary position changes.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the display area 12 is a rectangular planar area, the partial area designating unit 20 includes at least one operation element 22 that can be slid along any one side of the display area 12. It is good also as a structure. The partial area designating unit 20 may further include a rail 26 for sliding the operating element 22 on any side of the display area 12. As shown in the figure, the partial area designating unit 20 designates the position of the boundary 17 of the partial area 18 in the display area 12 by the position of the operation element 22, and transmits the information to the information processing unit 30. In this way, as shown in the figure, by changing the position of at least one operation element 22 that can be slid along any one side of the display area 12 that is a rectangular plane area, the partial area in the display area 12 is changed. The size of 18 can be freely changed.

  The partial area specifying unit 52 acquires information for specifying the position of the boundary 17 from the partial area specifying unit 20, specifies the coordinate value in the display area 12 of the boundary 17 based on the information, The partial area 18 is specified. The partial area designating unit 20 may directly designate the position of the boundary 17 based on the coordinate value in the display area 12, or indirectly based on the information such as the change amount and the change direction of the boundary 17 and the like. May be specified.

  The display control unit 54 moves part or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 before the change specified by the partial area specifying unit 52 (FIG. 5A) as the operation element 22 moves. Are rearranged in the partial area 18 after the change (FIG. 5B). That is, the display control unit 54 moves the position of the display element 14 so that a part or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 before the change enter the partial area 18 after the change. The size of the display element 14 is reduced. At this time, some display elements 14 are not displayed, some display elements 14 are grouped into one display element 14, iconified display elements 14 are windowed, or windowed display elements 14 are displayed. May be iconified.

  The display control unit 54 rearranges the display elements 14 based on the initial position and initial size of the display elements 14 and the movement amount and movement direction of the operation element 22. For example, when the initial position of the operation element 22 (FIG. 5A) is the left end of the display area 12, the operation element 22 is slid rightward so that the operation element 22 is positioned at the center of the display area 12. When reaching (FIG. 5B), the horizontal width of the display element 14 in the partial area 18 before the change is halved accordingly, and the partial area 18 after the change is maintained while maintaining the initial positional relationship of the display elements 14. It may be moved in. Conversely, when the operator 22 located at the center of the display area 12 is slid leftward and returned to the left end of the display area 12 that is the initial position, the right half of the display area 12 is accordingly accompanied. The display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 may be rearranged at the initial position shown in FIG. 5A with the horizontal width being doubled.

  As described above, the size of the partial area 18 in the display area 12 is changed by changing the position of the operation element 22 that can be slid along any one side of the display area 12 that is a rectangular plane area. In addition, the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 can be rearranged. That is, the icons 15 and the windows 16 on the screen can be organized with a simple and intuitive operation.

  The display control unit 54 also determines the change specified by the partial region specifying unit 52 when the operation element 22 reaches one or more change start positions set on the side of the display region 12 that is a rectangular planar region. A part or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the previous partial area 18 may be rearranged in the changed partial area 18. For example, on the upper side of the display area 12 (assuming the length is assumed to be 1), the change start position is set at a distance of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 (right end) from the left end that is the starting point. deep. In this case, when the operator 22 is slid rightward from the start point and passes through a point 1/4 from the start point, the display element 14 arranged in the partial area 18 is 3/4 times larger than the initial size. In the same way, when the point of 1/2 is passed, it is 1/2 times, when it passes the point of 3/4, it is 1/4 times, and when reaching the right end which is the end point, the icon of the minimum size prepared in advance is displayed. Or hide. In this way, the display elements 14 can be rearranged step by step in accordance with the movement of the operation element 22, and the stage of organizing the display elements 14 can be shown to the user. The display control unit 54 arranges a predetermined image indicating that the display element 14 is being rearranged in the display area 12 when the operating element 22 that is being slid is not at one or more change start positions. You may make it do. In this way, it is possible to reduce the frequency of redrawing the state in which the display element 14 is rearranged in accordance with the movement of the operation element 22 on the screen, and to reduce the drawing processing load.

  In the above description, an example in which one operation element 22 is provided on the upper side of the display area 12 is shown. However, as shown in FIG. 6, an operation element 22 is provided on each of the upper and right sides of the display area 12. Also good. When the operator 22 installed on the upper side is slid in the right direction and the operator 22 installed on the right side is slid upward from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. With the movement, the display element 14 in the display area 12 also moves rightward and upward, and the size thereof is simultaneously reduced. As described above, if the operation elements 22 are respectively arranged on the two sides of the display area 12, the display elements 14 can be rearranged in accordance with the positions of the operation elements 22 by sliding the two operation elements 22. This makes it possible to organize the display elements 14 on the screen with a simple and intuitive operation. Note that the partial area designating unit 20 may include a plurality of operators 22 on any side of the display area 12. When the display area 12 is configured in three dimensions, the partial area designating unit 20 includes three operators 22, and the display controller 54 displays the display area 12 by moving each operator. The element 14 may be rearranged.

[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the component which has a function substantially the same as 1st Embodiment, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. The storage unit 40 stores a plurality of files 42 and includes a display method storage unit 44 and a file management method storage unit 46. The control unit 50 includes a partial area specifying unit 52, a display control unit 54, and a file processing unit 56.

  As the size of the partial area 18 changes, a part or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 before the change are rearranged, and the file processing unit 56 displays at least a part of the display elements 14. A predetermined file management process is executed for at least some of the files 42 corresponding to the elements 14 respectively. The predetermined file management process includes, for example, a process of copying or moving a file corresponding to a part of the rearranged display element 14 to a predetermined folder, and copying or moving to a predetermined folder separately for each file attribute. Or a process of copying or moving to a predetermined folder by distinguishing each predetermined condition for the file attribute. This makes it possible to organize the icons and windows on the screen with a simple and intuitive operation, and organize the files corresponding to the icons and windows on the screen with a simple and intuitive operation. become able to.

  For example, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the display elements 14 in the display area 12 are rearranged and files are organized as the operation element 22 moves. FIG. 10A shows an initial state in which the windows A, B, and C corresponding to the files A, B, and C are arranged in the display area 12, respectively. Here, in order to temporarily arrange the windows on the screen and activate the window D related to the file D to perform work, first, the operator 22 provided on the upper side of the display area 12 is slid to the right. . As the operation element 22 moves, the windows A to C are iconified by the display control unit 54 and moved to the right end of the screen. As the operation element 22 moves, the files A to C corresponding to the iconified windows A to C are stored in the storage unit 40 by the file processing unit 56. FIG. 10B shows a state in which the window D is opened on the screen after the window is iconified and the work space is secured. In order to return the windows A to C to the original display state after the work on the file D is completed, the operator 22 may be slid leftward. Then, as shown in FIG. 10C, with the movement of the operation element 22, the display control unit 54 converts the iconized windows A to C into windows and arranges them at the original positions. D is iconified and moved to the left edge of the screen. As the operation element 22 moves, the file processing unit 56 stores the file D corresponding to the iconified window D in the storage unit 40. As described above, the icons and windows on the screen can be arranged by a simple and intuitive operation of sliding the operation element 22 provided on the upper side of the display area 12 to the left and right, and the files are arranged together. can do.

  In addition, the file processing unit 56 determines the change specified by the partial region specifying unit 52 when the operation element 22 reaches one or a plurality of change start positions set on the side of the display region 12 that is a rectangular planar region. A predetermined file management process may be executed for the files 42 corresponding to at least some of the display elements 14 arranged in the previous partial area 18. In this way, the display elements 14 can be rearranged step by step in accordance with the movement of the operation element 22, and at least some files of the rearranged display elements 14 are stepwise. File management processing can be executed.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display method storage unit 44 and the file management method storage unit 46 in the storage unit 40. As shown in FIG. 9, the display method storage unit 44 stores the display method of the display element 14 related to each file 52 in association with a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file 42. The file management method storage unit 46 stores the file management method of each file 42 in association with a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file 42. In FIG. 9, for convenience, the display method storage unit 44 and the file management method storage unit 46 are shown as the same table, but the tables may be divided.

  Based on the display method stored in the display method storage unit 44, the display control unit 54 stores some or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 before the change specified by the partial area specifying unit 52. , Rearrange in the changed partial area 18. The file processing unit 56 processes at least some of the files 42 respectively corresponding to at least some of the display elements 14 based on the file management method stored in the file management method storage unit 46.

  In the display method storage unit 44, for example, a display method at the time of reduction can be set such that nothing is done in the window related to the file currently being worked on, and the display elements 14 related to other files are iconified. Under this condition, when the operating element 22 is slid rightward from the state shown in FIG. 11A, only the window F in operation is not reduced and displayed as shown in FIG. 11B. Display elements A to E and G to I other than are iconified. As described above, the display control unit 54 can control the arrangement of the display elements 14 based on the file attributes and the display method set in the display method storage unit 44.

  Next, an example in which the rearrangement of the display elements 14 and the arrangement of files are performed at the same time will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12A shows a state in which display elements A to I corresponding to the files A to I are arranged in the display area 12, respectively. Files A to I have the file attributes shown in FIG. When the initial state is the state shown in FIG. 12A, when the operation element 22 at the left end of the upper side of the display area 12 is slid rightward (at the time of reduction), the display control unit 54 displays FIG. The display elements A to I are rearranged based on the display method set in the display method storage unit 44 shown in FIG. The file processing unit 56 processes the files A to I based on the file management method set in the display method storage unit 44 shown in FIG.

  When the file attributes of each file shown in FIG. 13 are applied to the corresponding file identification rule and the display method of the display method storage unit 44 of FIG. 9, the display elements 14 of the files A, B, and H are reduced by 0.5 times. Thus, the display element 14 of the file I has the grouping reduction ratio of the same size, the display elements 14 of the files E and F have the same reduction ratio, and the display elements 14 of the files C, D, and G are iconified, and each of them is displayed again. Will be drawn. Similarly, when the file attributes of each file shown in FIG. 13 are applied to the corresponding file identification rule and its file management method in the display method storage unit 44 shown in FIG. 9, the files A to I are respectively copied to predetermined folders. Will be. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating a result of applying such processing. Next, when the operating element 22 is slid leftward from the state shown in FIG. 12B (when enlarged), the display shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on each of the files A to I and its display element 14 as described above. As a result of applying the method and the file management method, the state changes to the state shown in FIG. In this example, the display elements 14 of the files A and B that are in the icon display state (FIG. 12A) move the operation element 22 in the right direction and move it again in the left direction, thereby displaying the window. The state changes. Some files are also deleted. In this way, it is possible to control the display method of the display element 14 and the method of processing the file 42 based on whether or not the file attribute information satisfies a predetermined condition. In other words, icons and windows on the screen can be organized with simple and intuitive operations, and files can be organized together.

  Hereinafter, the process of rearranging the display elements 14 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. When the operation element 22 starts to slide along any side of the display area 12, the boundary 17 of the partial area 18 designated by the operation element 22 moves accordingly, and the size of the partial area 18 changes. To do. The partial area specifying unit 52 acquires information for specifying the boundary 17 of the partial area 18 from the partial area specifying unit 20 including the operation element 22, and calculates the coordinate value in the display area 12 of the boundary 17 based on the information. Identify. Next, it is determined whether or not the position of the operation element 22, that is, the position of the boundary 17 specified by the operation element 22 coincides with one or a plurality of change start positions set on the sides of the display area 12 ( S200).

  When the position of the boundary 17 coincides with the change start position, the display control unit 54, based on the display method stored in the display method storage unit 44, part or all of the parts arranged in the partial area 18 before the change. The size of the display element 14 is changed (S202), and the display element 14 is moved into the changed partial area 18 (S204). When the position of the boundary 17 does not coincide with the change start position, the display control unit 54 temporarily draws a predetermined image indicating that the display element 14 is being rearranged on the screen (S206). Thereafter, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the operation element 22 has stopped (S212).

  Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the file processing is set to be performed with the movement of the operation element 22 (S208). When the file processing is set to be performed, the file processing unit 56 performs a part or all of the arrangement in the partial area 18 before the change based on the file management method stored in the file management method storage unit 44. The file 42 corresponding to at least a part of the display element 14 is copied or moved to a predetermined folder (S210). The above processing is repeatedly executed until the operation element 22 stops, and ends when the operation element stops.

  According to the information processing apparatus described above, icons and windows on the screen can be arranged with simple and intuitive operations.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the embodiment described above, a part or all of the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 before the change are rearranged in the partial area 18 after the change as the operation element 22 moves. However, for example, it can be said that the display element 14 positioned on the boundary 17 of the partial area 18 specified by the operator 22 belongs to or does not belong to the partial area 18. Therefore, the display elements 14 located across both the partial area 18 and other areas may be rearranged in the changed partial area 18 or may be rearranged in areas other than the partial area 18. Also good.

  Further, the partial area designating unit 20 is not limited to a device in which the operation element slides on the rail shape, and a pointing device such as a mouse may be used. In this case, for example, in order to distinguish whether the mouse is used as a normal pointing device or used for the operation according to the present invention, the mouse is provided with a button for starting the operation according to the present invention. It may be.

  In addition, a partial area 18 having an arbitrary shape is drawn on the screen using a pointing device such as a mouse as the partial area designating unit 20, and a button provided on the pointing device or a GUI (Graphical User Interface) on the screen is used. When the size of the partial area 18 is changed, the display elements 14 arranged in the partial area 18 may be rearranged accordingly.

It is a block diagram of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of the partial area | region designation | designated part which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of an information processor concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that the display element in a display area is rearranged with the movement of an operation element. It is a figure which shows a mode that the display element in a display area is rearranged with the movement of an operation element. It is a block diagram of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that the display element in a display area is rearranged with the movement of an operation element. It is a functional block diagram of the information processing apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display method memory | storage part and a file management method memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display element in a display area is rearranged and a file is arranged with the movement of an operation element. It is a figure which shows a mode that the display element in a display area is rearranged with the movement of an operation element. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display element in a display area is rearranged and a file is arranged with the movement of an operation element. It is a figure which shows the example of a file attribute value. It is a flowchart explaining the process which rearranges a display element.

Explanation of symbols

  10 display area, 12 display area (screen), 14 display elements, 15 icons, 16 windows, 17 boundary of partial area, 18 partial area before change, 19 partial area after change, 20 partial area designation part, 22 operator , 24 rollers, 26 rails, 30 information processing unit, 40 storage unit, 42 files 1 to n, 44 display method storage unit, 46 file management method storage unit, 50 control unit, 52 partial area specifying unit, 54 display control unit, 56 file processing unit, 60 memory, 100 information processing device.

Claims (12)

An information processing apparatus comprising: means for storing a plurality of files; and means for displaying an image of a display area in which display elements relating to at least some of the plurality of files are arranged on a screen,
Partial area designating means for designating a partial area of variable size in the display area;
Partial area specifying means for specifying a partial area specified by the partial area specifying means;
Display control means for rearranging a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means, in the changed partial area;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The display area is a rectangular planar area,
The partial area designating unit includes at least one operation element that is slidable along any side of the planar area, and designates a boundary position of the partial area in the display area according to the position of the operation element.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The display control means is arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means when the operation element reaches one or more change start positions set on the side of the planar area. Repositioning the displayed part or all of the display elements in the changed partial area;
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.
The display control means displays the predetermined image indicating that the part or all of the display elements are being rearranged when the operating element that is being slid is not at the one or more change start positions. Place it in the area,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The display control means, along with the rearrangement, the size of at least some of the display elements of the part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means. Change
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A display method storage means for storing a display element display method for each file in association with a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file;
The display control means, based on the display method stored in the display method storage means, a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means, Rearrange in the changed partial area,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Corresponds to at least some of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change according to a change in the size of the partial area specified by the partial area specifying means. Further includes file processing means for executing predetermined file management processing on at least some of the files.
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
Corresponds to at least some of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change according to a change in the size of the partial area specified by the partial area specifying means. File processing means for executing predetermined file management processing on at least some of the files,
The file processing means, when the operation element reaches one or a plurality of change start positions set on the side of the planar area, the at least some of the files respectively corresponding to the at least some of the display elements. Execute a predetermined file management process
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8,
File management method storage means for storing a file management method of each file in association with a predetermined condition for the attribute information of each file;
The file processing means processes the at least some files respectively corresponding to the at least some display elements based on a file management method stored in the file management method storage means;
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
In the case where the size of the partial area specified by the partial area specifying means is reduced, the processing content relating to one or a plurality of the files is added to an area inside the partial area before the change and outside the partial area after the change. An area to display is provided,
An information processing apparatus characterized by that. A control method for an information processing apparatus comprising: means for storing a plurality of files; and means for displaying on a screen an image of a display area in which display elements relating to at least some of the plurality of files are arranged.
A partial area designating step of designating a variable-size partial area in the display area;
A partial region specifying step for specifying the partial region specified by the partial region specifying step;
A display control step of rearranging a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying step, in the partial area after the change;
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus, comprising: Program for causing a computer to function as an information processing apparatus comprising: means for storing a plurality of files; and means for displaying on a screen an image of a display area in which display elements relating to at least some of the plurality of files are arranged Because
A partial area designating means for designating a variable-size partial area in the display area;
Partial area specifying means for specifying a partial area specified by the partial area specifying means;
Display control means for rearranging a part or all of the display elements arranged in the partial area before the change specified by the partial area specifying means, in the partial area after the change,
A program for causing the computer to function as

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