JP2009110221A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor enabling a user to easily select a desired option. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor 1 displays options stepwise on a screen and prompts the user to select any of them. The information processor includes a screen 12 with a touch panel receiving input of instructions for the screen and outputting information indicating the instructed position from the screen 12 with the touch panel; and a screen control part 10 displaying a second option group next to the first options while displaying the first options when detecting that one of the options in the first option group displayed on the screen is selected. The screen control part 10 displays an option most likely to be selected out of the second option group, on a straight line of the one option selected out of the first option group and an option previous to the first option group. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that presents options and accepts input from a user, and more particularly to a method for presenting options.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an information input interface in an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer or a car navigation apparatus, a method of presenting options to a user and selecting a desired option from the options is known. In addition, when there are a large number of options, a method is also known in which options are classified into categories according to attributes and the like, and after first selecting a category, the options included in the category are displayed. By presenting the options hierarchically in this way, the user can efficiently find a desired option from a large number of options.

Patent Document 1 discloses a menu selection method having a tree-like hierarchy. In the method described in Patent Document 1, when selecting a menu in the same hierarchy, selection of options included in another group is possible without returning to a higher hierarchy.
JP-A-11-126147

  In the menu selection method or the like having a hierarchy as described above, a contrivance is made so that the user can easily select an option. However, when the options are presented, it takes some time to confirm the contents of the presented options and select a desired option from the contents.

  Accordingly, there is room for further improvement in the method of presenting options. In particular, in the case of a device that is used by a driver while the vehicle is running, such as a navigation device, it is desired to shorten the time for viewing the screen of the navigation device as much as possible from the viewpoint of safe driving.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an information processing apparatus that can easily select a desired option.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus that displays options in stages on a screen to prompt the user to select, accepts an input of an instruction to the screen and the screen, and outputs information indicating the instruction position When the selection of one of the first option groups displayed on the screen is detected based on the indication position detection unit to be performed and the information indicating the indication position output from the indication position detection unit A screen control unit that displays a second option group at the next stage of the one option while the one option is displayed, and the screen control unit is included in the second option group. The display position of the most promising option with the highest probability of being selected is the display position of the one option selected from the first option group and the option at the previous stage of the first option group. It is determined based on the display position.

  With this configuration, the options selected before the second option group is displayed (one option selected from the first option group and the option at the previous stage of the first option group) are displayed. The most promising options can be displayed in a place that is easy for the user to find in relation to the position. When the option that the user is looking for is the most powerful option, the desired option can be easily found. In particular, when the user knows what the desired option is, there is no need to check other options after finding the desired option, so that the selection of options can be performed smoothly.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen control unit displays the display position of the one option selected from the first option group and the option at the previous stage of the first option group. A region on a straight line with the position may be determined as the display position of the most powerful option.

  With this configuration, the user can find the most promising option on the extension of the option selected before the second option group is displayed.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen control unit displays the display position of the one option selected from the first option group and the option at the previous stage of the first option group. The display position of the most powerful option may be determined such that the position and the display position of the most powerful option are arranged on a virtual arc.

  In some cases, the trajectory of the movement of a human hand draws a curve, but the configuration of the present invention makes it possible to easily select the most powerful option. This configuration is particularly effective when the designated position is input using the touch panel.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a history storage unit that stores a selection history of each option included in the second option group, and the screen control unit is based on the selection history stored in the history storage unit. The selection probability that each option included in the second option group is selected may be obtained, and the most promising option may be obtained based on the selection probability.

  Thus, by calculating the selection probability based on the selection history of options, the most promising option can be appropriately obtained.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen control unit displays a link connecting the one option selected from the first option group and each option included in the second option group. May be.

  By displaying the link in this way, it is possible to grasp the relationship between a plurality of options displayed on the screen.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, when the screen control unit first detects an instruction to the screen, the screen control unit displays a selection start mark indicating a selection start position at the first instructed position. An option group may be displayed.

  With this configuration, since the display of the option group is started from the position where the instruction to the screen is first detected, the display of the option group can be started from anywhere on the screen. Therefore, selection of options can be started without looking closely at the screen.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen control unit may clear the screen display when detecting the reciprocation of the designated position.

  In general, there is an action of waving as a gesture indicating negative, but the screen can be cleared by a similar movement.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen is a screen with a touch panel capable of detecting a touch state on the screen, and outputs a signal indicating the content of the option selected last before the finger is released from the screen. A signal output unit may be provided.

  With this configuration, the options displayed in stages are sequentially selected by tracing the screen with a finger, and when the finger is removed from the screen, the selection of the option that was instructed last is confirmed. An interface for transmitting a signal indicating the contents to another device can be realized.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen control unit may display the second option group in a display mode according to the attribute of the option.

  With this configuration, it is possible to understand the attribute of the option depending on the display mode, which can be used for determination when selecting the option.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the screen control unit may sequentially display the second option group in a predetermined direction on the screen.

  By determining in advance the direction in which the second option group is displayed, that is, the direction in which the options are expanded, the user can easily grasp the operation direction at the time of selection. For example, it can be understood that the options are subdivided in a predetermined direction, and the options are classified broadly in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

  In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the screen may have a shape whose width becomes wider in the predetermined direction.

  By having a shape whose width becomes wider in a predetermined direction, it is possible to appropriately display options that increase step by step.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the screen control unit displays the second option group in the direction in which the range that can be displayed around the one option selected from the first option group is the widest. May be.

  By displaying options in the direction in which the displayable range is the widest in this way, more options can be displayed.

  In the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the timing at which the screen control unit detects the selection of one of the first option groups and displays the second option group is as follows: (1) the first option group When one of the options is instructed, (2) When one option in the first option group is instructed and confirmation of the instructed option is input, (3) The first option When one option of an option group is instructed and the indicated position deviates from the one option, any of (4) when the indicated position moves toward one option of the first option group . Further, the screen control unit detects (5) selection of the one option when the designated position moves toward one option of the first option group, and movement of the designated position is detected after the detection. When stopped, the one option may be displayed again so as to include the designated position when stopped, and the second option group at the next stage of the option may be displayed.

  Thus, the second option group can be displayed at an appropriate timing by detecting that one of the options in the first option group is selected by any one of the modes (1) to (5). . If the detection is performed in the form of (4), the user does not need to correctly indicate the displayed option, so that the option can be selected without looking at the screen. According to the aspect of (5), the second option group can be selected from the redisplayed option as the starting point by redisplaying the selected option at the place where the movement of the designated position has stopped. .

  An information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a vehicle state detection unit that is mounted on a vehicle and acquires a vehicle state, and the screen control unit changes options included in the second option group according to the vehicle state. Also good.

  With this configuration, options that match the state of the vehicle are displayed, and options that do not match the state of the vehicle are not displayed. Therefore, the options can be selected without being bothered by unnecessary options.

  An option presentation method according to the present invention is an option presentation method that prompts a user to make a selection by displaying options on a screen step by step by a screen control unit that controls the screen. Detecting a selection of one of the first option groups displayed on the screen based on the information indicating the position; and the screen control unit from the option database storing the options A step of reading a second option group of the next stage of one option selected from the one option group, and the screen control unit obtains a probability that each option of the second option group is selected And the screen control unit includes the second option on a straight line between the one option selected from the first option group and the option at the previous stage of the first option group. Selected in the choice group That probability and a step of displaying the second option group in a manner to place the highest choice.

  With this configuration, similarly to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the user can find the most prominent option on the extension of the option selected before the second option group is displayed. Various configurations of the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to the method of presenting options of the present invention.

  The program of the present invention is a program for displaying options on a screen step by step and presenting options for prompting the user to make a selection. The program is displayed on the screen based on information indicating the indicated position on the screen. A step of detecting selection of one option of the displayed first option group, and a step next to the one option selected from the first option group from the option database storing the option A step of reading a second option group, a step of obtaining a probability that each option of the second option group is selected, the one option selected from the first option group, and the first option Displaying the second option group in such a manner that an option having the highest probability of being selected from the second option group is arranged on a straight line with the option of the previous stage of the option group. To row.

  With this configuration, similarly to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the user can find the most prominent option on the extension of the option selected before the second option group is displayed. In addition, various configurations of the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to the option program of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, when displaying the second option group, the display position of the most prominent option in the second option group is set as the display position of the option in the previous stage of the first option group. By determining based on the display position of one option selected from the first option group, it is possible to display the most powerful option in a place where the user can easily find it.

  Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an information processing apparatus used by being mounted on a vehicle will be described as an example. However, the information processing apparatus of the present invention can be applied to various uses other than being mounted on a vehicle.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a screen control unit 10, a screen 12 with a touch panel, an option database (hereinafter referred to as “option DB”) 16, and a selection history database (hereinafter referred to as “selection history DB”). ) 18 and a signal output unit 20. The information processing device 1 is connected to another device (not shown) that executes the process selected by the option. The information processing apparatus 1 transmits information indicating the content of the option selected by the user to another apparatus via the signal output unit 20. The signal indicating the content of the option is a signal for causing another device to execute a process desired by the user. For example, when the option “open window” is selected, it is a signal to instruct the device that controls opening / closing of the window to open the window, and the option “lower temperature” is selected. In this case, the signal instructs the air conditioner to lower the temperature. Thereby, the other apparatus can execute the process selected by the user.

  The screen 12 with a touch panel has a function of displaying information to the user, a function of detecting a touch on the screen, and outputting a touch position and a touch state. That is, the screen 12 with a touch panel also has the function of the indicated position detection unit 14.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the shape of the screen 12 with a touch panel. The screen 12 with a touch panel has a substantially inverted triangular shape whose width becomes wider upward. Options are displayed on the screen 12 as will be described later. Here, the display content of the screen 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the screen 12 displays a selection start mark S indicating the selection start position and options C1 to C8. Hereinafter, the options C1 to C8 are collectively referred to as option C. The choices C and the choice C and the selection start mark S are connected by a link L. Thereby, the relationship between the plurality of options C displayed on the screen 12 can be grasped. Options C1 to C3 constitute an option group G1, options C4 and C5 constitute an option group G2, and options C6 to C8 constitute an option group G3. FIG. 2 shows an example in which option C2 is selected from option group G1 and option group G2 is displayed, and option C5 is selected from option group G2 and option group G3 is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the options C are expanded upward in the screen 12, and the number of options displayed increases as they go upward. Since the screen 12 has a shape that becomes wider in the upward direction, options that increase with each step can be appropriately displayed. In the present embodiment, an example of an inverted triangle is given as an example of the shape of the screen 12, but the screen 12 only needs to have a configuration in which the width becomes wider in the direction in which the options are expanded. Good.

  Next, the option DB 16 will be described. The option DB 16 is a database that stores options to be displayed on the screen 12. The option DB 16 stores options for each option group in which options displayed simultaneously are collected. As will be described below, the option DB 16 stores one option group in one table. The option DB 16 may store a group of options hierarchically or may be stored in a relational database format. In this embodiment, an example in which option groups are stored hierarchically will be described.

  FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a hierarchical structure of option groups stored in the option DB 16, and FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the option DB 16. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the data of the option DB 16, a table corresponding to the option group forms a hierarchical structure. Specifically, there are a table T201 and a table T202 below the table T101, a table T301 and a table T302 below the table T201, and a table T303 and a table T304 below the table T202.

  FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a plurality of tables stored in the option DB 16. FIG. 3B shows an example of the tables T101 to T301, and the description of the tables T302 to T304 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3B, data of “table number”, “option”, and “next table” is stored in each table. “Table number” is a number for identifying a table. “Option” is data indicating options included in the table, and this data is displayed on the screen as options. The “next table” defines the table of the migration destination when an option is selected. For example, in the example of the table T101, when the “in-vehicle device operation” option is selected, the process proceeds to the table T201, and when the “facility search” option is selected, the process proceeds to the table T202. As for the table T301, the data in the next table is “None” because the table T301 is the lowermost table (see FIG. 3A).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the selection history DB 18. The selection history DB 18 stores selection history data for each table shown in FIG. Each table stores data of “table number”, “option”, and “number of selections”. “Number of selections” is the number of times an option has been selected. Thereby, it is possible to obtain the ratio of selection of each option included in the option group. In the present embodiment, the ratio selected by each option in the past is used as the probability that each option is selected.

  Next, the screen control unit 10 will be described. The screen control unit 10 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like as hardware. A program for controlling the screen control unit 10 is stored in the ROM, and the function of the screen control unit 10 is realized by the CPU reading and executing the program. A program for realizing the function of the screen control unit 10 is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The screen control unit 10 has a function of displaying the options read from the option DB 16 on the screen 12. The screen control unit 10 reads a next option group from the option DB 16 according to the option selected by the user, and displays the read option group. That is, when the screen control unit 10 determines that any one of the options displayed on the screen 12 has been selected, the screen control unit 10 refers to the table corresponding to the option and selects the option included in the referenced table. Read from DB16. The screen control unit 10 calculates the probability that each option is selected using the data stored in the selection history DB 18, determines the placement of the option based on the selection probability, and displays the option according to the determined placement. The screen control unit 10 determines a region on the straight line of the display position of the option selected so far (the selected option and the option at the previous stage) as the display position of the most powerful option. For options other than the most powerful option, it may be determined that the options are arranged near the most powerful option in descending order of selection probability. Next, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described, and the detailed operation of the screen control unit 10 will be described together.

  5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus 1, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation of option display by the information processing apparatus 1, and FIGS. 7A to 7D are diagrams showing examples of option display. It is. Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 (a) to 7 (d). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the process starts from a state where nothing is displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the screen 12 with a touch panel of the information processing apparatus 1 transmits detection information indicating the touch position to the screen control unit 10 when detecting a touch on the screen 12. The screen control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a touch on the screen 12 with the touch panel based on the detection information transmitted from the screen 12 with the touch panel (S10). If there is no touch on the screen 12 (NO in S10), the screen control unit 10 repeatedly determines whether or not there is a touch on the screen 12 until a touch on the screen 12 is detected.

  When the screen control unit 10 detects a touch on the screen 12 (YES in S10), the screen control unit 10 displays a selection start mark S in an area including the touch position (S12) as shown in FIG. The options C1 to C3 are displayed (S14). Here, an operation in which the screen control unit 10 displays the next-stage options C1 to C3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the screen control unit 10 first reads the next-stage option group from the option DB 16 (S30). At the start of selection, the screen control unit 10 reads the first option group (table T101).

  Subsequently, the screen control unit 10 calculates the selection probability of each option using the data stored in the selection history DB 18 (S32), and determines the arrangement of the options based on the obtained selection probability (S34). As will be described later, the most probable option is placed on a straight line between the selected option and the option of the previous step, but at the start of the selection, the option of the previous step does not exist yet, so the screen The control unit 10 arranges the most powerful option at the position of the center option C2. For the options with the second selection probability and later, the screen control unit 10 arranges the options with higher selection probabilities closer to the center. This makes it easier for the user to find an option with a high selection probability. Then, the screen control unit 10 displays options according to the determined arrangement (S36).

  With reference to FIG. 5 again, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. The screen control unit 10 of the information processing device 1 continues to acquire detection information from the screen 12 with a touch panel, and determines whether the touch position has moved to any of the options C1 to C3 displayed on the screen 12. (S16). In the present embodiment, an interface that performs selection by tracing the screen 12 with a touch panel with a finger is employed. That is, once the screen 12 is touched, the finger is not released from the screen 12 until the selection is completed, and it is determined that the option that has been instructed last is selected when the finger is released. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the touch position has moved over the option.

  When the touch position moves over the option (YES in S16), the screen control unit 10 determines that the option has been selected, and determines whether there is an option next to the selected option (S18). . If it is determined that there is no next-stage option in the selected option (NO in S18), the screen control unit 10 returns to the determination of whether or not the touch position has moved over the option without performing screen control. (S16).

  If it is determined that there is a next-stage option of the selected option (YES in S18), it is determined whether or not the next-stage option has been displayed on the screen 12 (S20). The information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment continues to display the options once displayed on the screen 12 until the selection of the options is confirmed. For example, if the option C3 is selected after selecting the option C2, and then the option C2 is selected again, the options C4 and C5 at the next stage of the option C2 are already displayed on the screen 12. . As described above, when the next-stage option is already displayed on the screen 12 (YES in S20), the screen control unit 10 determines whether or not the touch position has moved onto the option without performing the screen control. Return to the determination (S16).

  If the next-stage option group is not already displayed on the screen (NO in S20), the screen control unit 10 displays the next-stage option group (S14). FIG. 7C shows an example in which options at the next stage of the option C2 are displayed. When the finger reaches the option C2, the screen controller 10 displays the next-stage options C4 and C5. Here, the arrangement of the options C4 and C5 in the next stage will be described.

  As described with reference to FIG. 6, after reading out the next-stage options C4 and C5 (S30), the screen control unit 10 obtains the selection probabilities of the options C4 and C5 (S32), and based on the selection probabilities The arrangement of the options C4 and C5 is determined (S34). The screen control unit 10 is one before the option group consisting of the option C2 and the options C1 to C3 selected in the option group consisting of the options C1 to C3 (corresponding to the “first option group” in the claims). The most probable option C5 is arranged on the straight line of the selection start mark S (corresponding to “an option in the previous stage of the first option group” in the claims). As a result, the most probable option C5 is arranged on the extended line from which the finger is moved from the selection start mark S toward the option C2, so when the user's desired option is the most promising option, Easily find and select the most powerful options. Note that the options C1 to C3 are a first-level option group from the start of selection, and there are no options in the previous stage. Therefore, as described above, the arrangement of the options C4 and C5 is determined on the assumption that the selection start mark S is an option at the previous stage.

  Next, the case where the options C6 to C8 of the next stage are displayed when the option C4 is selected will be described. FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating a display example when the option C4 is selected. When the option C4 is selected, the screen control unit 10 selects the option C4 selected from the option group (corresponding to the “first option group” in the claims) consisting of the options C4 and C5, and the option The most probable option C6 is arranged on a straight line of the option C2 immediately preceding the option group consisting of C4 and C5 (corresponding to “an option in the previous stage of the first option group” in the claims). Note that the option C2 that is the option at the previous stage is the option that caused the options C4 and C5 to be displayed. As described above, when the option C4 is selected, the most promising option C6 is arranged on the straight lines of the options C2 and C4, so that the most promising is on the extension line in which the finger is moved from the option C2 toward the option C4. Since the option C6 is arranged, the most powerful option C6 can be easily found.

  With reference to FIG. 5 again, the operation of the information processing apparatus 1 will be described. The information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the finger has left the screen 12 (S22). Note that the information processing apparatus 1 may determine that the finger has been released when the finger has been released even a little, but may determine that the finger has been released when the finger has been released for a certain time or longer. If it is determined that the finger is not away from the screen 12 (NO in S22), the information processing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the touch position has moved over the option (S16). If it is determined that the finger has left the screen 12, the information processing apparatus 1 outputs a signal indicating the content of the option selected last from the signal output unit 20 (S24).

  An interface for canceling the selection operation, that is, an interface that terminates without selecting any option when the finger is released from the screen 12 may be provided. As the simplest configuration, a configuration in which a cancel button is provided can be considered. In addition, when the screen control unit 10 detects the reciprocation of the touch position, a configuration in which all the options and selection start marks displayed on the screen 12 are deleted may be employed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which in-vehicle devices are selected and operated by the information processing apparatus 1. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the option C2 is selected from the options C1 to C3, the option C5 is selected from the options C4 and C5 in the next stage, and the option C6 is selected from the options C6 to C8 in the next stage. Shows the state. By selecting the option C6, an icon i1 for setting the temperature of the air conditioner in the driver's seat is displayed. The icon i2 displays a set temperature and a slider for changing the set temperature. With this slider B, the set temperature can be changed with a simple interface.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of selecting another option C8 after selecting the option C6 once. As shown in FIG. 9, when the finger is moved from the option C6 to the option C8 via the option C5, an icon i2 for setting the temperature of the air conditioner in the rear seat is displayed corresponding to the option C8. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, the icon i1 for setting the air conditioner for the driver's seat remains displayed. In FIG. 9, after setting the temperature of the rear seat air conditioner, when the user lifts his / her finger from the screen 12, the information processing apparatus 1 determines the set temperature of the rear seat air conditioner set by the user, The set temperature data is transmitted to the rear seat air conditioner via the signal output unit 20.

In the present embodiment, since the configuration in which the data indicated by the last selected option is output is adopted, the information processing apparatus 1 is information on the set temperature of the rear seat air conditioner that is operated later. However, it is also possible to transmit the data on the set temperature of the air conditioner in the driver's seat to the air conditioner in the driver's seat via the signal output unit 20. In this case, the information operated by the user is stored, and the operation information is confirmed collectively when the finger leaves the screen 12.
Heretofore, the configuration and operation of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment have been described.

  In the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the most probable option is arranged on a straight line between the selected option and the option before the option group, so that the user can easily find the most promising option.

  In the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, since the selection start mark S is displayed at the position where the screen is first touched, the selection can be started from anywhere on the screen. Thereby, the user can start selection without looking closely at the screen. For example, even when making a selection during driving, it does not hinder driving.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the selected option is focused and displayed in a mode different from the unselected option. As a result, the history selected by the user can be listed on the screen, and it is possible to grasp how the option currently instructed has been reached.

  In the first embodiment described above, when the touch position is moved onto the option displayed on the screen, the configuration in which the next option of the option is displayed is adopted. However, the selection of the option is detected. The timing is not limited to the timing at which the option is instructed. For example, when the user makes an intention to confirm with the touch position moved over the option, the selection of the option may be detected and the next-stage option displayed. As a configuration for receiving an intention display of confirmation by the user, for example, a voice or a hardware switch may be used. As another example of the timing for detecting the selection of an option, after the touch position has moved over the option, the touch position has moved in the opposite direction to the one with the option at the previous stage and moved off the option. In this case, the next-stage options may be displayed.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The basic configuration of the information processing apparatus of the second embodiment is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). In the first embodiment, selection of an option is detected when the touch position moves over the option. However, in the second embodiment, the selection of the option is detected before the touch position moves over the option. Different.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating examples of options displayed in the second embodiment. The screen control unit 10 of the information processing apparatus determines whether or not there is a touch on the screen 12 with the touch panel based on the detection information from the screen 12 with the touch panel (S40). If there is no touch on the screen 12 (NO in S40), the screen control unit 10 repeatedly determines whether or not there is a touch on the screen 12 until a touch on the screen 12 is detected.

  When detecting a touch on the screen 12 (YES in S40), the screen control unit 10 displays a selection start mark S in an area including the touch position (S42) as shown in FIG. Options C1 to C3 are displayed (S44). The operation in which the screen control unit 10 displays the next-stage options C1 to C3 is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The screen control unit 10 of the information processing apparatus 1 continues to acquire detection information from the screen 12 with a touch panel, and determines whether or not the touch position has moved in any direction of the options C1 to C3 displayed on the screen. (S46). When it is determined that the touch position has moved in any direction of the options C1 to C3 (YES in S46), the screen control unit 10 detects an option in the moving direction (S48). Various methods are conceivable as a method for detecting an option in the moving direction. For example, the option can be detected when the distance between the touch position and the option is equal to or less than a predetermined interval. .

  When the screen control unit 10 detects an option in the moving direction, the screen control unit 10 determines whether there is an option next to the option (S50). When it is determined that there is no next-stage option in the detected option C2 (NO in S50), the screen control unit 10 does not perform screen control, and whether or not the touch position has moved in the direction of any option Return to the determination (S46).

  If it is determined that there is a next-stage option of the detected option C2 (YES in S50), it is determined whether or not the next-stage option has been displayed on the screen 12 (S52). If the next stage option is already displayed on the screen 12 (YES in S52), the screen control unit 10 does not perform screen control, and whether or not the touch position has moved in the direction of any option. Return to the determination (S46).

  If the next-stage option group has not been displayed on the screen (NO in S52), the screen control unit 10 displays the next-stage option group (S44). FIG. 11B illustrates an example in which options at the next stage of the option C2 are displayed. When the finger moves in the direction of the option C2, the screen control unit 10 detects the selection of the option C2, and displays the next-stage options C4 and C5. The arrangement of the options C4 and C5 is the same as that of the information processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the next-stage option is displayed even if the touch position does not reach any of the options C1 to C3. For example, when it is detected that the touch position is directed to the option C2, the screen control unit 10 determines that the option C2 in the moving direction of the touch position has been selected, and displays the next-stage options C4 and C5. . Therefore, the option C2 can be selected without actually touching the area where the option C2 is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to select an option even if the user does not look at the screen.

In the above-described second embodiment, the following modifications are possible.
FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C are diagrams illustrating a method for displaying options of the information processing apparatus according to the modification of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12A, when the touch position moves in the direction of the option C2, the screen control unit 10 detects selection of the option C2. Up to this point, the information processing apparatus is the same as that of the second embodiment. Here, when the movement of the touch position stops, in the information processing apparatus according to the modified example, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the screen control unit 10 selects the option C2 ′ in the area including the stopped touch position. Redisplay. That is, as shown by the arrow A, the option C2 moves to the position of the option C2 ′. Subsequently, the screen control unit 10 displays the most probable option C5 on the straight line between the option C2 ′ and the selection start mark S.

  By aligning the position of the option C2 ′ with the touch position of the user in this way, it is possible to instruct the option C2 ′ without looking at the screen. Then, it is possible to select one of the next-stage options C4 and C5 by moving the finger from the position where the finger is stopped (option C2 ′).

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, an example in which the information processing device is applied to a navigation device will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the navigation device 3 according to the third embodiment. The navigation device 3 includes a GPS receiver 24 that acquires the current position of the vehicle, a speed sensor 26 that measures the traveling speed of the vehicle, and a map DB 28 that stores road and facility data. Here, the GPS receiver 24 and the speed sensor 26 constitute a vehicle state detection unit 22 that detects the state of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the GPS receiver 24 and the speed sensor 26 are given as examples of the vehicle state detection unit 22, but the vehicle state detection unit 22 is not limited to the example given here. For example, a remaining fuel sensor that measures remaining fuel, a sensor that detects lighting of a headlight, or the like may be used as the vehicle state detection unit 22.

  The method of displaying options by the navigation device 3 of the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment, but in the third embodiment, the options to be displayed are displayed. Is different in that it is selected based on the vehicle state. In order to perform such processing, in the third embodiment, data different from that of the first embodiment is stored in the option DB 16.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the option DB 16. In the option DB 16, “condition” data is stored in addition to the same “table number”, “option”, and “next table” data as in the first embodiment. The condition is a condition indicating whether the option can be displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the option of “in-vehicle device operation” can be displayed while the vehicle is traveling, but the option of “facility search” cannot be displayed while the vehicle is traveling. Show.

  Next, the operation of the navigation device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. The operation of the navigation device 3 of the third embodiment is basically the same as that of the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). However, in the navigation device 3 of the third embodiment, the next-stage option display process (FIG. 5, S14) is different from the information processing device 1 of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an option display process performed by the navigation device 3 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the navigation apparatus 3 first acquires the state of the vehicle (S60). That is, the current position of the vehicle is acquired by the GPS receiver 24, and the traveling speed of the vehicle is acquired by the speed sensor 26. Next, the screen control unit 10 of the navigation device 3 reads out the next stage option from the option DB 16, and extracts an option suitable for the vehicle state from the list (S62). For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, when the vehicle is stopped, the options “in-vehicle device operation” and “facility search” are extracted, and only the “in-vehicle device operation” option is extracted while the vehicle is running. . Hereinafter, as in the first embodiment, the screen control unit 10 calculates the selection probability of each option using the data stored in the selection history DB 18 (S64), and selects the option according to the calculated selection probability. The arrangement is determined (S66), and the next-stage option group is displayed according to the determined arrangement (S68).

  In the navigation apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment, the option that matches the vehicle state is displayed, and the option that does not match the vehicle state is not displayed. Therefore, the option can be quickly selected without being bothered by unnecessary options. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the example of controlling the display of options using the traveling speed has been described. However, the example of controlling the display of options according to the vehicle state is not limited to the above. For example, when the remaining fuel is detected as the vehicle state and the remaining fuel is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is possible not to display “gas station” as an option for facility search.

  In addition, since the navigation apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment includes the map DB 28 and the GPS receiver 24, when the facility search result is displayed, the result display using the location information of the facility is performed. It is possible.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a facility search result using the navigation device 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 shows a display example when a restaurant is searched by selecting the facility search option C1 and then selecting the restaurant option C5. As shown in FIG. 16, the search result restaurant is displayed on the screen 12 as options C6 to C8. When any one of the options C6 to C8 is selected, the navigation device 3 provides route guidance to the selected restaurant.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the navigation apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment does not simply display the search result restaurants side by side, but arranges the options C6 to C8 according to the actual position. Thereby, the driver can select a restaurant using the positional relationship of the restaurant as a search result as a determination material. In FIG. 16, the sizes of the options C6 to C8 are changed according to the degree of recommendation of the restaurant as a search result. Thereby, the driver can grasp at a glance which restaurant recommendation degree is large. Various methods can be considered as a method for obtaining the degree of recommendation. For example, even if information on the popularity of a restaurant is obtained from the website and the degree of recommendation is determined according to the popularity, the attributes of the restaurant (whether Japanese or Western food, luxury or casual), and the driver's preference The attribute may be compared, and the degree of recommendation may be determined according to the degree of coincidence.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the size of the option is changed according to the recommendation level, but various modes for displaying the recommendation level are conceivable. For example, a highly recommended option may be displayed blinking, or the font may be enlarged. In addition, a highly recommended option may be displayed in a conspicuous color or moved.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the option indicating the restaurant is displayed according to the positional relationship of the facility, but the option is displayed according to the estimated required time from the current position to the facility, not the positional relationship of the facility. It is good as well. That is, the navigation device 3 obtains the estimated required time to the facility based on the distance to the found facility or the traffic information acquired by the VICS receiver, and arranges the options according to the obtained expected required time. Also good.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the information indicating the contents of the options is displayed on the left side of the options. However, the display position of the contents of the options is changed according to the direction in which the operator of the navigation device 3 is located. Also good. For example, it is detected whether a camera is mounted in the vehicle and the navigation device 3 is operated by a driver or a passenger sitting in the passenger seat. Here, a right-hand drive vehicle is assumed, and it is assumed that a driver sits on the right side of the navigation device 3 and a passenger sits on the left side. As a result of detecting the operator by the camera, when it is determined that the operator of the navigation device 3 is a passenger, the contents of the option are displayed on the left side of the option, and when the operator is determined to be a driver, the option is selected. The contents of the option are displayed on the right side of. As a result, when the operator instructs the option, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the operator's own hand gets in the way and the contents of the option cannot be seen.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the strongest option is displayed on the straight line between the selected option and the option at the previous stage has been described. However, the display position of the strongest option is not limited to the above-described arrangement. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the most probable option C7 may be arranged at a position where the option C2, the option C5, and the most probable option C7 are arranged on an arc. Here, the arc in which the three options C2, C5, and C7 are arranged has a concave portion on the side where the user is located on the screen of the information processing apparatus. For example, when the user is operating from the right side of the information processing apparatus, the right side is an arc of a recess as shown in FIG. By arranging the most likely choice C7 on the arc close to the locus of the finger drawn when the user moves the finger, it is easy to extend on the extension line of the finger movement following the choice C2 and the choice C5. It becomes possible to select the most powerful option C7.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example using the screen 12 with a touch panel has been described. However, a screen other than the screen with a touch panel may be used. In this case, various devices such as a mouse, a touch pad, a cross controller, a joystick, and a haptic device are conceivable as devices for inputting an instruction position on the screen. Moreover, the structure which detects a user's eyes | visual_axis and detects the position which the user is looking at as an input position is also possible. Further, an instruction to the screen may be given by voice or the like. For example, by acquiring a user's voice using a microphone and analyzing the voice, information on an instruction such as “middle”, “right”, and “left” may be acquired and the position may be specified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the option once displayed on the screen is continuously displayed until the selection is completed. At this time, the option other than the vicinity of the option instructed by the user is displayed. It is good also as reducing and displaying. This makes it possible to display more options in the screen.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which options are expanded toward a certain direction on the screen has been described. However, the next-stage options are displayed in a direction in which a wide space is available around the options, and the options are displayed. It is good also as a structure which expands. In this case, a circular or rectangular screen can be used.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example of calculating based on the selection history is given as an example of a method for calculating the selection probability of the option. For example, data indicating the user's preference may be stored in advance, and the probability of selection by the user may be obtained by comparing the attribute of the option with the user's preference. Further, for example, the selection probability can be obtained according to the situation such as the day of the week, the weather, the brightness of the surroundings, the degree of congestion on the road, and the like.

  The information processing apparatus of the present invention has an excellent effect that the most powerful option can be easily found, and is useful as, for example, a user interface in a navigation apparatus or the like.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the information processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shape of the screen with a touchscreen. (A) It is a figure which shows the hierarchical structure of the option group memorize | stored in option DB. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of the data of the option group memorize | stored in option DB. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in selection log | history DB. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the option group display by the information processing apparatus of 1st Embodiment. (A) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice by information processing apparatus. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice by information processing apparatus. (C) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice by information processing apparatus. (D) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice by information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of the in-vehicle apparatus by information processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of operation of the in-vehicle apparatus by information processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the information processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. (A) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice in 2nd Embodiment. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice in 2nd Embodiment. (A) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. (B) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. (C) It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the choice in the modification of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the navigation apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the data memorize | stored in choice DB. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the option group display by the information processing apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the result of the facility search using the navigation apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows another example of arrangement | positioning of the strongest choice.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 3 Navigation apparatus 10 Screen control part 12 Screen with a touch panel 14 Pointed position detection part 16 Choice database 18 Selection history database 20 Signal output part 22 Vehicle state detection part 24 GPS receiver 26 Speed sensor 28 Map database

Claims (20)

An information processing apparatus that displays options in stages on a screen to prompt the user to make a selection,
Screen,
An instruction position detection unit that receives an instruction input to the screen and outputs information indicating the instruction position;
When the selection of one option of the first option group displayed on the screen is detected based on the information indicating the indicated position output from the indicated position detection unit, the one option is selected. A screen control unit that displays a second option group of the next stage of the one option while being displayed;
With
The screen control unit sets the display position of the most probable option with the highest probability of being selected in the second option group as the display position of the one option selected from the first option group. An information processing apparatus that makes a determination based on a display position of an option at a stage immediately before the first option group.   The screen control unit is an area on a straight line between a display position of the one option selected from the first option group and an option display position of the previous stage of the first option group. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display position of the most powerful option is determined.   The screen control unit displays the display position of the one option selected from the first option group, the display position of the option at the previous stage of the first option group, and the display of the most powerful option. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display position of the most powerful option is determined so that the position is aligned on a virtual arc. A history storage unit storing a selection history of each option included in the second option group;
The screen control unit obtains a selection probability that each option included in the second option group is selected based on the selection history stored in the history storage unit, and based on the selection probability, the most probable The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an option is obtained.   5. The screen control unit according to claim 1, wherein the screen control unit displays a link connecting the one option selected from the first option group and each option included in the second option group. The information processing apparatus described in 1.   2. The screen control unit displays a selection start mark indicating a selection start position at a position first designated and also displays a first option group when an instruction to the screen is first detected. Information processing apparatus in any one of -5.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen control unit clears the screen display when detecting a reciprocation of the designated position. The screen is a screen with a touch panel capable of detecting a touch state on the screen,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a signal output unit that outputs a signal indicating the content of an option selected last before the finger is released from the screen.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen control unit displays the second option group in a display mode according to the attribute of the option.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen control unit sequentially displays the second option group in a predetermined direction on the screen.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the screen has a shape whose width becomes wider in the predetermined direction.   The said screen control part displays the said 2nd choice group in the direction where the range which can be displayed around the said one choice selected from the said 1st choice group is the widest. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   13. The screen control unit according to claim 1, wherein when one option of the first option group is instructed, the screen control unit detects the selection of the one option and displays the second option group. The information processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The screen control unit detects selection of the one option when one option of the first option group is instructed and confirmation of the instructed option is input, and the second option The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus displays a group.   The screen control unit detects the selection of the one option when one option of the first option group is instructed and the designated position deviates from the one option, and the second option group The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.   The said screen control part detects selection of the said one option when the said indication position moves toward one option of the said 1st option group, and displays the said 2nd option group. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 12.   The screen control unit detects selection of the one option when the designated position moves toward one option of the first option group, and when the movement of the designated position stops after the detection. The information processing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the one option is redisplayed so as to include the designated position when stopped, and the second option group at the next stage of the option is displayed. apparatus. The information processing apparatus is mounted on a vehicle,
A vehicle state detection unit for acquiring the vehicle state;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the screen control unit changes options to be included in the second option group according to the vehicle state. An option presentation method that prompts the user to select by displaying options on the screen step by step by a screen control unit that controls the screen,
The screen control unit detecting a selection of one of the first option groups displayed on the screen based on information indicating an indicated position on the screen;
The screen control unit reading a second option group of the next stage of one option selected from the first option group from an option database storing options;
The screen control unit obtaining a probability that each option of the second option group is selected;
The display position of the most probable option with the highest probability that the screen control unit is selected in the second option group is the display position of the one option selected from the first option group. Determining based on the display position of the option in the previous stage of the first option group;
Displaying the second option group in a manner to arrange the most powerful options at the determined display position;
An option presentation method comprising: A program for displaying options on a screen step by step and presenting options to prompt the user to make a selection.
Detecting the selection of one of the options in the first option group displayed on the screen based on information indicating the indicated position on the screen;
Reading a second option group of the next stage of the one option selected from the first option group from the option database storing the options;
Obtaining a probability that each option of the second option group is selected;
The display position of the most probable option with the highest probability of being selected in the second option group is the display position of the one option selected from the first option group and the first option group. Determining based on the display position of the option of the previous stage of
Displaying the second option group in a manner to arrange the most powerful options at the determined display position;
A program that executes