JP2010211576A - Interface device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an interface device and a program for increasing the operability of a GUI. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 14 stores item range information showing a display range on a monitor 6 of an item in a work area 31, and displays the item on the monitor 6. The CPU 14 receives pointer position information showing the moving direction or moving amount of a pointer from a mouse 8, and stores it in a work area 31, and displays a pointer on the monitor 6. The CPU 14 determines whether or not there exists a pointer in the display range of the item. The CPU 14 transmits a change instruction to change the mouse height of the mouse 8 between a period when the pointer exists in the display range of the item and a period when the pointer does not exist to a mouse control part 41 of the mouse 8. A mouse control part 41 makes the motor 42 operate according to the received change instruction. The height of a movable section 43 is changed according to the amount of operation of the motor 42. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program and an interface device that cause a computer to function as interface means.

  In recent computers, GUI (Graphical User Interface) is often used. In the GUI, the user can perform a desired process by moving the pointer using a pointing device such as a mouse and clicking a button of the pointing device on an item displayed on the screen. Examples of items include application programs displayed as windows and icons.

JP-A-5-233188

  In the GUI, in order to select a window, an icon, or the like displayed on the screen using a pointer, it is necessary to visually grasp and operate these display positional relationships. Then, when it is difficult to visually grasp the display positional relationship, such as when a visually impaired person uses a computer or when it is necessary to work without looking at the screen, various operations using the pointer are performed. There is inconvenience that it becomes difficult. The present specification provides a technique that is highly convenient and can improve the operability of the GUI.

  The computer and the interface device according to the present invention include item display means and pointer display means. The item display means stores in the storage means item range information representing the display range of the items displayed on the screen. Examples of items include application programs, icons, menus, and the like displayed as windows. The item display range includes a range surrounded by a window frame, a range where icons are displayed, and the like. The item display means displays an item having a display range corresponding to the item range information on the screen. The pointer display means receives pointer position information indicating the movement direction and amount of the pointer from the pointing device and stores it in the storage means. Examples of pointing devices include a mouse and a pen tablet. An example of the pointer is an arrow displayed on the screen. The pointer display means displays a pointer on the screen according to the pointer position information.

  The program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as first determination means and shape control means. The interface device according to the present invention includes first determination means and shape control means. The first determination means determines whether or not the display position of the pointer exists within the item display range. For example, when a window item is used, it is determined whether or not the pointer is within the window frame. In response to the determination result of the first determination unit, the shape control unit transmits a command for changing the device shape of the pointing device to the pointing device. The command for changing the device shape is a command for changing the device shape between a period in which the display position of the pointer is present in the item display range and a period in which the pointer is not present. The device shape is an external shape of the pointing device, and can be represented by various parameters such as height, size, width, and thickness. Examples of changes in the device shape include a case where the height and width of the mouse change, and a case where the pen thickness of the pen tablet changes. Further, the pointing device receives an instruction to change the device shape and changes the shape.

  Thereby, the shape of the pointing device can be made different depending on whether the pointer displayed on the screen overlaps the item or not. Then, the user can recognize whether or not the pointer points to the item by recognizing the change in the shape of the pointing device. Therefore, even when it is difficult to visually grasp the display positions of items and pointers, the operability of the GUI can be improved.

  Further, the computer may function as a storage control unit and an item identification unit. The storage control means stores a unique device shape for each item content in association with each item. At this time, the items may be grouped according to the content of the item, and a unique device shape may be associated with each group. The item identifying means identifies the content of the item for which the pointer display position exists within the item display range. As an example of the content of the item, when the item is an application program, the type of the item is listed. In addition, when the item is a menu having a hierarchical structure, the depth of the hierarchy can be cited. In addition, the shape control unit may transmit a command for changing to the device shape associated with the content of the item identified by the item identifying unit to the pointing device.

  Thereby, the user can recognize the content of the item by recognizing the difference in device shape. Therefore, the discriminability of the content of the item can be improved, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, the shape control means may transmit a command for changing the device shape in a plurality of change stages to the pointing device. As an example of changing at a plurality of changing steps, for example, the size of the pointing device increases stepwise. In addition, the storage control unit may store the item rank representing the rank between items for each item and store the correspondence between the item rank and the change stage. As an example of the item ranking, in the case where the item is a menu having a hierarchical structure, there is a form in which the item ranking increases as the hierarchy becomes deeper. In addition, as an example of the correspondence relationship between the item ranking and the change stage, there is a form in which the size of the pointing device increases as the item ranking increases. In addition, the item identification unit may identify the item rank of an item having a pointer display position within the item display range. In addition, the shape control unit may transmit a command for changing the device shape to the pointing device at a change stage associated with the item rank identified by the item identification unit.

  Thereby, the user can recognize the item ranking by recognizing the difference in device shape. Therefore, the discriminability of items can be improved, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, the computer may include an application execution unit and an application selection unit. The application execution means executes a plurality of types of application programs displayed as windows on the screen. Examples of application programs include word processing software, spreadsheet software, and photo processing software. The application selection means receives an input from the pointing device and selects an operation target application program. As an example of input from the pointing device, there is an input operation in which the pointer is moved on the window of the application program displayed on the screen and the button of the pointing device is clicked. An example of an application program that is an operation target is an application program that has been made into an active window. Further, the storage control means may increase the item rank of items related to the application program selected as the operation target. An example of an item related to the application program is an icon or menu displayed in the application program window.

  Thereby, the user can easily find an item related to the application selected as the operation target by searching for an item having a high item rank. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  The item may be a hierarchical menu that displays a plurality of menus that can be selected with a pointer in a hierarchical structure. The hierarchical structure is a structure in which when a menu is selected, a plurality of menus are present therein, and an organized menu can be selected step by step. The storage control means increases the item rank in accordance with the deeper menu hierarchy. Thereby, the user can recognize the depth of the hierarchical structure by recognizing the difference in device shape.

2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an input device 1. FIG. It is a flowchart of a change process of mouse height. It is a figure which shows the example of the mouse | mouth which has various movable parts. It is a display example (the 1) of the item on a monitor, and a pointer. It is a display example (the 2) of the item on a monitor, and a pointer.

  A first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 1 includes a control unit 10, a keyboard 2, a speaker 4, a monitor 6, and a mouse 8. An example of the input device 1 is a personal computer (PC). The keyboard 2 is provided with various input keys. The speaker 4 outputs audio information generated by the audio output program 26. The monitor 6 displays items, pointers, and the like which will be described later.

  The mouse 8 includes a mouse control unit 41, a motor 42, a movable unit 43, and an input button 44. The mouse control unit 41 is communicably connected to the interface 13 of the control unit 10. The mouse control unit 41 is connected to the input button 44 and the motor 42. The motor 42 is connected to the movable part 43. The mouse control unit 41 transmits pointer position information, which will be described later, and information related to the pressing operation of the input button 44 to the interface 13. Further, a change command for changing the mouse height of the mouse 8 is received from the interface 13. The mouse control unit 41 operates the motor 42 according to the received change command. Then, the height of the movable portion 43 is changed according to the operation amount of the motor 42.

  Examples of the mice 8a to 8d having various movable parts will be described with reference to FIGS. The mouse 8a in FIG. 3A has a mouse wheel as the movable portion 43a. In the mouse 8a, the jumping height of the wheel is increased in response to a change command for increasing the mouse height. In addition, in the mouse 8b in FIG. 3B, a portion of the upper surface of the mouse where the palm of the user hits is a movable portion 43b. In the mouse 8b, the pop-out height of the movable portion 43b is increased in response to a change command for increasing the mouse height. In the mouse 8b, the mouse height when the upper surface of the movable portion 43b and the upper surface of the mouse are aligned and the entire upper surface of the mouse is flat may be used as the reference height of the mouse height. Further, in the mouse 8c in FIG. 3C, the entire lower part of the mouse is the movable portion 43c. In the mouse 8c, the height of the entire mouse is increased in response to a change command for increasing the mouse height. In the mouse 8c, the height of the entire mouse can be changed while the mutual distance between the mouse pad surface and the mouse bottom surface is kept constant. In the mouse 8d shown in FIG. 3D, the height changing leg provided at the lower part of the mouse is the movable part 43d. In the mouse 8d, the height of the entire mouse is increased in response to a change command for increasing the mouse height. In the mouse 8d, the mutual distance between the mouse pad surface and the mouse bottom surface is changed. Therefore, it is preferable to use a sensor that is not affected by a change in the mutual distance as a sensor for acquiring pointer position information provided on the bottom surface of the mouse 8d.

  The control unit 10 (FIG. 1) is connected to the CPU 14, the storage device 20, the RAM 30, and the interface 13 via the bus 12. The storage device 20 is a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk, NVRAM, or EEPROM. The storage device 20 stores a control program 21, an audio output program 26, a parameter storage unit 27, and the like. The control program 21 is a program for controlling the entire input device 1 such as power management, input / output management, and control of each program. The voice output program 26 is a program that converts an item name or the like into voice information and reads it out. Examples of the audio output program 26 include well-known software such as a voice over function provided in an OS (Operating System).

  The RAM 30 is a volatile readable / writable memory, and is an area for temporarily storing various information in the selective input process. The work area 31 is a storage area for storing various information such as item range information, pointer position information, current mouse height HA, and item content information. The current mouse height HA is an absolute value at the current time of the mouse height that is changed every moment. The item content information is information including information such as the types of items and item names.

  A display form of items and pointers on the monitor 6 will be described. The CPU 14 stores item range information representing the display range of various items on the monitor 6 in the work area 31. The item range information is information including coordinates on the item monitor 6. Examples of the various items include application programs displayed as windows, icons, menus, and the like. Examples of application programs include drawing software, word processing software, spreadsheet software, and the like. Further, the icon represents the contents and object of the process on the monitor 6 with a small picture or symbol. Then, the CPU 14 displays an item having a display range according to the item range information on the monitor 6.

  Further, the CPU 14 receives pointer position information indicating the moving direction and moving amount of the pointer from the mouse 8 and stores it in the work area 31. Further, the CPU 14 displays a pointer on the monitor 6 according to the pointer position information. The display form of the pointer changes depending on the state of the input device 1 and the position of the pointer, and is displayed in an arrow shape or a pencil shape, for example.

  A display example of items and pointers in the first embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 4A, windows W1 and W2 of application A are displayed. Further, a window W3 of the application B is displayed. The “OK” button 201 and the “CANCEL” button 202 displayed in the window W1 correspond to examples of icons. Further, the range enclosed by the frames of the windows W1 to W3, the display range of the icon I1, and the like correspond to the display range of the item. In addition, arrow-shaped pointers P 1 to P 5 are displayed on the monitor 6. Note that the pointers P1 to P5 are shown as examples when the pointers are located at the respective locations. Actually, only one pointer is displayed on the monitor 6.

  FIG. 4A illustrates a case where the window W1 is selected as the window having the input focus when the application A is selected as the operation target. In this case, the window W1 is an active window, and is highlighted by being placed at the forefront. Further, the frame of the activated window W1 is highlighted by being displayed darker than the frames of the inactive windows W2 and W3. An example of a method for selecting the application A as an operation target is a method of clicking the input button 44 of the mouse 8 when the pointer is positioned on an item related to the application A.

  The item table stored in the parameter storage unit 27 will be described. The item table is a table that stores an item-specific mouse height in association with each item. FIG. 4B shows an item table T1, which is an example of an item table. Item rankings R1 to R5 are stored in the item table T1. The item ranking increases as the number increases. The item table 102 stores the item content 102 and the mouse height. The height of the mouse increases as it goes from -H1 to H3. The mouse height H0 is set as the reference height. That is, in the item table T1, the two are associated with each other so that the mouse height increases as the item rank increases. The item content 102 stored in the item table T1 may be determined in advance by a user or the like.

  Item ranking 102 is associated with item content 102 = “non-selected application” and mouse height-H1. In the example of FIG. 4A, the window W3 of the application B that is not the operation target and exists under the pointer P2 corresponds to the “non-selected application”.

  In addition, the item order R2 is associated with the item content 102 = “desktop” and the mouse height H0. “Desktop” corresponds to an area where no item exists under the pointer. In the example of FIG. 4A, the area existing under the pointer P1 corresponds to “desktop”.

  In addition, item content 102 = “selected application / back window” and mouse height H1 are associated with the item rank R3. The “selected application / back window” is a window (back window) that is not activated among a plurality of windows related to the application selected as the operation target. In the example of FIG. 4A, the window W2 of the application A existing under the pointer P3 corresponds.

  In addition, item content 102 = “selected application / frontmost window” and mouse height H2 are associated with the item rank R4. The “selected application / frontmost window” is an active window among a plurality of windows related to the application selected as the operation target. In the example of FIG. 4A, the window W1 of the application A existing under the pointer P4 corresponds.

  Further, item content 102 = “selected application / front-most window / icon” and mouse height H3 are associated with the item rank R5. The “selected application / frontmost window / icon” is an icon or the like displayed in the active window of the application selected as the operation target. In the example of FIG. 4A, the “OK” button 201 and the “CANCEL” button 202 displayed in the window W1 are applicable.

  The operation of the input device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. A process of changing the mouse height of the mouse 8 will be described with reference to FIG. This change process is started when the power of the input apparatus 1 is turned on, and continues to be executed until the power is turned off. The case where the current mouse height HA is the mouse height H0 (reference height) will be described as an example.

  In S <b> 11, the CPU 14 determines whether an item exists under the pointer displayed on the monitor 6. Specifically, the CPU 14 reads item range information and pointer position information from the work area 31, and determines whether the coordinates of the pointer exist within the item display range. When it is determined that there is no item under the pointer (S11: NO), the process proceeds to S13.

  In S13, the CPU 14 acquires the set mouse height HT when no item exists under the pointer. Further, the CPU 14 acquires the current mouse height HA from the work area 31 and calculates a difference value DH between the current mouse height HA and the set mouse height HT. In the example of FIG. 4A, when the pointer exists at the position of the pointer P1 (in the desktop area), it is determined that no item exists under the pointer. Therefore, the mouse height H0 corresponding to the item content 102 = “desktop” in the item rank R2 is acquired from the item table T1 (FIG. 4B). Also, the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0 is acquired from the work area 31. Therefore, the difference value DH = 0 stage is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to S29.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that an item exists under the pointer (S11: YES), the process proceeds to S15. In S15, the CPU 14 determines whether or not the item existing under the pointer is an item related to the application selected as the operation target. When it is determined that the item is not related to the application selected as the operation target (that is, when it is determined that the item is related to the non-selected application) (S15: NO), the process proceeds to S17.

  In S <b> 17, the CPU 14 acquires the set mouse height HT of the non-selected application. Further, the CPU 14 calculates a difference value DH between the current mouse height HA acquired from the work area 31 and the set mouse height HT. In the example of FIG. 4A, it is determined that the item (window W3 of application B) existing under the pointer P2 is an item related to the non-selected application. Therefore, the mouse height −H1 corresponding to the item content 102 = “non-selected application” of the item rank R1 is acquired from the item table T1 (FIG. 4B). Also, the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0 is acquired from the work area 31. Therefore, the difference value DH = −1 stage is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to S29.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the item existing under the pointer is an item related to the application selected as the operation target (S15: YES), the process proceeds to S19. In S19, the CPU 14 determines whether the item existing under the pointer is a menu or an icon. Specifically, the CPU 14 reads the item content information regarding the item under the pointer from the work area 31 to identify the type of menu or item. If it is determined that the item is a menu or an icon (S19: YES), the process proceeds to S21.

  In S <b> 21, the CPU 14 acquires a menu or icon setting mouse height HT. Further, the CPU 14 calculates a difference value DH between the current mouse height HA acquired from the work area 31 and the set mouse height HT. In the example of FIG. 4A, the item (the “OK” button 201 in the window W1 of the application A) existing under the pointer P5 is determined to be an icon. Therefore, the mouse height H3 corresponding to the item content 102 = “selected application / frontmost window / icon” in the item order R5 is acquired from the item table T1 (FIG. 4B). Also, the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0 is acquired from the work area 31. Therefore, the difference value DH = + 3 stages is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to S29.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the item existing under the pointer is not a menu or an icon (S19: NO), the process proceeds to S23. In S23, the CPU 14 determines whether or not the item existing under the pointer is an item related to the frontmost window. Here, the foreground window is a window that is activated as an input target window (a window having an input focus). When it is determined that the item is not related to the frontmost window (that is, when it is determined that the item is related to the back window) (S23: NO), the process proceeds to S27.

  In S27, the CPU 14 acquires the setting mouse height HT of the rear window. Further, the CPU 14 calculates a difference value DH between the current mouse height HA acquired from the work area 31 and the set mouse height HT. In the example of FIG. 4A, it is determined that the item (the window W2 of the application A) existing under the pointer P3 is an item related to the back window. Therefore, the mouse height H1 corresponding to the item content 102 of the item rank R3 = “selected application / back window” is acquired from the item table T1 (FIG. 4B). Also, the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0 is acquired from the work area 31. Therefore, the difference value DH = + 1 stage is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to S29.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S23 that the item existing under the pointer is an item related to the frontmost window (S23: YES), the process proceeds to S25. In S25, the CPU 14 acquires the set mouse height HT of the foreground window. Further, the CPU 14 calculates a difference value DH between the current mouse height HA acquired from the work area 31 and the set mouse height HT. In the example of FIG. 4A, it is determined that the item (the window W1 of the application A) existing under the pointer P4 is an item related to the foreground window. Therefore, the mouse height H2 corresponding to the item content 102 of the item rank R4 = “selected application / front-most window” is acquired from the item table T1 (FIG. 4B). Also, the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0 is acquired from the work area 31. Therefore, the difference value DH = + 2 stages is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to S29.

  In S29, the CPU 14 transmits to the mouse control unit 41 a change command for changing the mouse height in accordance with the calculated difference value DH. The mouse control unit 41 changes the mouse height in a plurality of stages according to the change command. For example, when a change command of “difference value DH = −1 step” is transmitted when the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0, the mouse height is lowered by one step, and the mouse height after the change is changed. Is -H1. For example, when a change command of “difference value DH = + 3 steps” is transmitted when the current mouse height HA = mouse height H0, the mouse height is increased by three steps, and the mouse height after the change is increased. Is H3. Then, the CPU 14 overwrites and stores the changed mouse height in the work area 31 as the current mouse height HA.

  In S29, the CPU 14 may also provide voice guidance for the item indicated by the pointer. Specifically, the CPU 14 identifies the item type by reading the item content information from the work area 31. Then, the voice output program 26 is executed to perform a process for reading out the identified item. In the example of FIG. 4A, when the pointer is at the position of the pointer P5, voice guidance that the item under the pointer is the “OK” button 201 is output from the speaker 4.

  When S29 ends, the process returns to S11. And by repeating S11 thru | or S29, the item kind under a pointer is always monitored and control which changes a mouse height in real time is performed.

  As described above in detail, in the input device 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to associate the mouse height with each item displayed on the monitor 6. Then, it is possible to perform control to change the mouse height according to the type of the item pointed to by the pointer. Thereby, the user can recognize the content of the item by recognizing the difference in mouse height. Therefore, even when it is difficult to visually grasp the display positions of items and pointers, it is possible to improve the discriminability of the contents of the items and improve the convenience for the user.

  A second embodiment will be described. 1st Embodiment demonstrated the form which changes mouse | mouth height according to the kind of item. In the second embodiment, a mode in which the mouse height is changed according to the menu hierarchy depth will be described.

  A display example of items and pointers in the second embodiment is shown in FIG. A case where the window W1a of the application A is active and the window W3a of the application B is inactive will be described. FIG. 5A shows an example in which a hierarchical menu is displayed. The hierarchical menu has a structure in which, when a menu is selected, a plurality of menus are present, and the arranged menu can be selected step by step. In FIG. 5A, “Menu 2” is displayed as the first hierarchy menu. Also, “Menu 2-1” to “Menu 2-5” are displayed as the second hierarchy menu. Further, “Menu 2-2-1” to “Menu 2-2-5” are displayed as the third hierarchy menu.

  FIG. 5B shows an item table T1a as an example of the item table according to the second embodiment. Item rankings R1 to R6 are stored in the item table T1a. Item content 102a = “first hierarchical menu” and mouse height H2 are associated with the item rank R4. In the example of FIG. 5A, “Menu 2” present under the pointer P4a corresponds to the “first hierarchical menu”. Further, the item content 102a = “second hierarchical menu” and the mouse height H3 are associated with the item rank R5. In the example of FIG. 5A, “Menu 2-2” present under the pointer P5a corresponds to the “second hierarchical menu”. In addition, item content 102 = “third layer menu” and mouse height H4 are associated with the item rank R6. In the example of FIG. 5A, “Menu 2-2-3” present under the pointer P6a corresponds to the “third layer menu”. Thus, in the item table T1a, higher item rankings are associated with the deeper menu hierarchical structure. In addition, since the other structure of item table T1a is the same as that of item table T1 (FIG. 4 (B)) which concerns on 1st Embodiment, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The operation of the input device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 2, detailed description of portions that perform the same operations as in the first embodiment is omitted. If it is determined in S19 that the item existing under the pointer is a menu or an icon (S19: YES), the process proceeds to S21. In S <b> 21, the CPU 14 acquires a menu or icon setting mouse height HT. At this time, when the item existing under the pointer is a hierarchical menu, the set mouse height HT corresponding to the hierarchical depth is acquired.

  In the example of FIG. 5A, when the pointer is present at the position of the pointer P4a, it is determined that “Menu 2” existing under the pointer is the menu of the first hierarchy of the item rank R4. Therefore, the set mouse height HT = mouse height H2 is acquired, and the difference value DH is calculated. When the pointer is present at the position of the pointer P5a, it is determined that “Menu 2-2” existing under the pointer is the menu in the second hierarchy of the item rank R5. Therefore, the set mouse height HT = mouse height H3 is acquired, and the difference value DH is calculated. Further, when the pointer is present at the position of the pointer P6a, it is determined that “Menu 2-2-3” present under the pointer is the menu in the third hierarchy of the item rank R6. Therefore, the set mouse height HT = mouse height H4 is acquired, and the difference value DH is calculated. Then, in S29 (FIG. 2), the CPU 14 transmits a change command for changing the mouse height according to the calculated difference value DH to the mouse control unit 41.

  As described above in detail, the input device 1 according to the second embodiment can perform control to change the mouse height in accordance with the depth of the hierarchical menu pointed to by the pointer. Thereby, the user can recognize the depth of the hierarchical menu by recognizing the difference in mouse height. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

  In this embodiment, although the form which changes mouse | mouth height according to the kind of item pointed by the pointer was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this form. It goes without saying that the effect of the present invention can be obtained if the mouse shape (mouse size, width, length, etc.) is changed according to the type of item.

  In the present embodiment, the mouse 8 has been described as an example of a pointing device, but the present invention is not limited to this form. Another example of the pointing device is a pen tablet. In this case, the effect of the present invention can be obtained by changing the pen shape (pen thickness, length, etc.).

  In the present embodiment, the form in which the mouse height is changed in a plurality of stages according to the type of the item has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this form. The mouse height may be changed depending on whether or not the pointer points to the item. Thereby, the user can recognize the presence or absence of the item under the pointer by recognizing the difference in mouse height.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where the mouse | mouth has the one movable part 43, it is not restricted to this form, You may have the several movable part 43. FIG. Thereby, for example, the first movable part 43 can be operated according to the item type, and the second movable part 43 can be operated according to the depth of the menu hierarchy. Therefore, it becomes possible to discriminate the content of an item more highly.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

  The windows W1 to W3, the “OK” button 201, the “CANCEL” button 202, the hierarchical menu are examples of items, the work area 31 is an example of storage means, the mouse 8 is an example of a pointing device, and the mouse height is a device shape. An example.

  Moreover, the control part which performs S11 is an example of a 1st judgment means. The control unit that executes S29 is an example of shape control means. The control unit that executes S19 and S21 is an example of an item identification unit.

1 Input device 6 Monitor 8, 8a to 8d Mouse 14 CPU
27 Parameter storage unit 31 Work area 41 Mouse control unit 43 Movable unit R1 to R6 Item ranking -H1 to H4 Mouse height T1, T1a Item table P1 to P5, P4a to P6a Pointer W1 to W3, W1a, W3a Window

Claims (6)

Item display means for storing item range information representing a display range of the item displayed on the screen in the storage means, and displaying the item having the display range corresponding to the item range information on the screen When,
Pointer display means for receiving pointer position information indicating the movement direction and amount of pointer movement from a pointing device, storing the pointer position information in the storage means, and displaying the pointer on the screen according to the pointer position information;
A computer comprising
First determination means for determining whether or not the display position of the pointer exists within the display range of the item;
In response to the determination result of the first determination means, an instruction to change the device shape of the pointing device between a period in which the display position of the pointer exists within the display range of the item and a period in which the display position does not exist. Shape control means for transmitting to the pointing device;
Program to make it function. Storage control means for storing a device shape unique to each item content in association with each of the items;
Item identifying means for identifying the content of the item in which the display position of the pointer exists within the display range of the item;
The computer to function,
The program according to claim 1, wherein the shape control unit transmits an instruction to change the device shape corresponding to the content of the item identified by the item identifying unit to the pointing device. The shape control means transmits an instruction to change the device shape in a plurality of change stages to the pointing device,
The storage control means stores an item rank representing the rank between the items for each item, and stores a correspondence relationship between the item rank and the change stage,
The item identifying means identifies the item rank of the item in which the display position of the pointer exists within the display range of the item;
The said shape control means transmits the command which changes a device shape in the said change step matched with the said item order | rank identified by the said item identification means to the said pointing device. 2. The program according to 2. The computer
Application execution means for executing a plurality of types of application programs displayed as windows on the screen;
Application selection means for receiving an input from the pointing device and selecting the application program to be operated;
With
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage control unit increases the item rank of the item related to the application program selected as an operation target. The item is a hierarchical menu that displays a plurality of menus selectable with the pointer in a hierarchical structure,
The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the storage control unit increases the item ranking in response to the hierarchical structure of the menu becoming deeper. Item display means for storing item range information representing a display range of the item displayed on the screen in the storage means, and displaying the item having the display range corresponding to the item range information on the screen When,
Pointer display means for receiving pointer position information indicating the movement direction and amount of pointer movement from a pointing device, storing the pointer position information in the storage means, and displaying the pointer on the screen according to the pointer position information;
First determination means for determining whether or not the display position of the pointer exists within the display range of the item;
In response to the determination result of the first determination means, an instruction to change the device shape of the pointing device between a period in which the display position of the pointer exists within the display range of the item and a period in which the display position does not exist. Shape control means for transmitting to the pointing device;
An interface device comprising:

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