JP2011164672A - Selection device, selection control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to select an item desired by the user without troubling the user. <P>SOLUTION: A display unit 301 displays on a screen an item image representing an item that can be selected by a user. A detection unit 302 detects a screen position specified by the user. A determination unit 303 determines an item represented by the item image as a selection result when the item image is displayed in the detected position. When the detected position is not included in a display area with the item image displayed therein, the display unit 301 moves a position for the item image to be displayed such that a position of a predetermined representative point in the display area moves to the detected position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a selection device suitable for causing a user to select an item desired by the user without making the user troublesome, a selection control method, and a program for realizing these by a computer.

  As a selection device that allows a user to select an item desired by a user, a device including a touch panel is widely used. In such a selection device, for example, a touch panel is placed on the front surface of a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and item images representing items that can be selected by the user are displayed on the display unit. It waits for a user's finger or touch pen touch operation (contact etc.). Then, when a region on the touch panel (acceptance region) corresponding to the item image is touched, the selection device determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a selection device that functions as such a selection device. In addition, when such a selection device is incorporated in a small device such as a portable game device or a mobile phone (mobile terminal), the user performs a touch operation with a limited finger while holding the small device. May have to be done. For example, it is conceivable to operate the touch panel with the thumb of the right hand while holding the device with the palm of the right hand.

JP 2009-048245 A

  However, the item image may be displayed near the center of the touch panel from the viewpoint of easy viewing. In this case, the user may be forced to perform troublesome operations such as touching the area where the item image is displayed on the touch panel after changing the small device. Such a problem may also occur when an item in the screen is selected using a mouse. For this reason, there is a strong demand for the user to select an item without forcing the user to perform troublesome operations.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a selection device, a selection control method, and a method suitable for causing a user to select an item desired by the user without causing the user to take trouble. It is an object to provide a program to be realized by a computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, a selection device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit, and is configured as follows.

  First, the display unit displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The item that can be selected by the user can be, for example, “OK” that approves the processing with the presented content. In this case, the item image is, for example, an image representing an “OK button” that is a button to be pressed when the user selects the item “OK”.

  The detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user. For example, when the screen is presented to the user by the touch panel, the coordinates on the screen touched with the touch pen are detected. Further, for example, when a screen is presented to the user by a display device connected to a personal computer, the coordinates on the screen clicked with the mouse are detected.

  Then, when the item image is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit determines the item represented by the item image as the selection result. For example, when an image representing the “OK button” is displayed at the detected position, the item “OK” is determined as the selection result.

  Here, when the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed, the display unit moves the position where the item image is displayed as follows. That is, the display unit moves the position where the item image is displayed so that the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area moves to the detected position. That is, when the detected position is not included in the display area, the display area is displayed so as to approach the detected position.

  Here, for example, when a position away from the item image is designated by the user, the display unit moves so that the item image approaches the designated position. According to such a configuration, for example, the user can bring the button closer to the touch position by touching a position away from the button representing the item to be selected. Thus, even if the button is initially displayed at a position where it is difficult for the user to touch, the user can draw the button to a position where it is easy to touch the button.

  According to the selection device of the present invention, it is possible to cause the user to select an item desired by the user without making the user troublesome.

  In order to achieve the above object, a selection device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a display unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit, and is configured as follows.

  First, the display unit displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The item that can be selected by the user can be, for example, “OK” that approves the processing with the presented content. In this case, the item image is, for example, an image representing an “OK button” that is a button to be pressed when the user selects the item “OK”.

  The detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user. For example, when the screen is presented to the user by the touch panel, the coordinates on the screen touched with the touch pen are detected. Further, for example, when a screen is presented to the user by a display device connected to a personal computer, the coordinates on the screen clicked with the mouse are detected.

  Then, when the item image is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit determines the item represented by the item image as the selection result. For example, when an image representing the “OK button” is displayed at the detected position, the item “OK” is determined as the selection result.

  Here, the display unit displays the item image when the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in the predetermined margin area surrounding the display area. The position to be moved is moved as shown below. Specifically, the display unit moves the position where the item image is displayed so that the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area or the margin area moves to the detected position. That is, when the detected position is not included in either the display area or the margin area, the display area is displayed so as to approach the detected position.

  Here, when the detected position is included in the margin area, there is a high possibility that “the user can touch the display area”. On the other hand, if the detected position is not included in the display area or the margin area, there is a possibility that “the user cannot touch the display area”. Therefore, with the above configuration, the display unit does not move the display area when the user can touch the display area, and moves the display area when the user cannot touch the display area.

  According to such a configuration, for example, the user can bring the button closer to the touch position by touching a position away from the button representing the item to be selected. Thus, even if the button is initially displayed at a position where it is difficult for the user to touch, the user can draw the button to a position where it is easy to touch the button.

  The predetermined representative point that moves to the detected position may be in the display area or in the margin area. In either case, the display area can be brought close to a position where the user can easily touch.

  According to the selection device of the present invention, it is possible to cause the user to select an item desired by the user without making the user troublesome.

  In the selection device of the present invention, the user can select a plurality of items. In this case, among the plurality of item images representing each of the plurality of items, the item image whose position displayed by the display unit moves is set as the item image closest to the detected position.

For example, there are two items that can be selected by the user, “OK” and “Cancel”, and the detected positions include a margin area surrounding the “OK button”, a margin area surrounding the “Cancel button”, and If any of the “OK button” and “Cancel button” is not included, the button closer to the detected position is displayed so as to approach the detected position. According to this configuration, the user can draw the button to the position by designating a position close to the button representing the item to be selected. That is, when the user cannot press the button representing the item to be selected, the user can easily select the item by pulling the button to the position by pressing the position near the button.
According to the selection device of the present invention, the user can easily select a desired item.

  In the selection device of the present invention, a plurality of items that can be selected by the user can be provided, and the margin area can surround all of the plurality of item images representing each of the plurality of items. In this case, for example, the position of the representative point is set as the center of the margin area.

According to such a configuration, for example, when a position outside the margin area surrounding the plurality of buttons representing each of the plurality of items is designated, the margin area is set so that the center of the margin area becomes the designated position. The entire screen is displayed as if it were moving. That is, when a plurality of buttons are displayed at a relatively close position, the user can draw the plurality of buttons together at a designated position.
According to the selection device of the present invention, the user can easily select a desired item.

  In the selection device of the present invention, when the detected position is not included in the margin area, the display unit enlarges and displays the item image to bring the display area closer to the detected position. Can be configured. That is, when the detected position is not included in the margin area, the display area is made closer to the detected position by enlarging the display area in the direction of the detected position.

According to such a configuration, for example, when a button representing an item that the user wants to select is displayed at a position that is difficult for the user to specify, if a position that can be easily specified by the user is specified, the button is specified by the user. It is enlarged and displayed so as to extend to a position where it is easy to do.
According to the selection device of the present invention, the user can easily select a desired item.

  In the selection device of the present invention, the display unit can be configured as follows. That is, when the item representing the item image is confirmed in the selection result, the display unit stores the position at which the item image is displayed, and then displays the item image at the stored position. The item image is displayed.

That is, when an item representing a certain item image is confirmed as a selection result, it can be determined that the position where the item image is displayed is a position that can be specified by the user. Therefore, when the item image is displayed next, the item image is displayed at the stored position. Thus, the user does not have to perform an operation of designating the position in order to draw the item image again.
According to the selection device of the present invention, the user can easily select a desired item.

In the selection device of the present invention, when the detected position is included in the margin area, the display unit may enlarge and display the item image so that the display area includes the detected position. Good. For example, if a button representing an item that the user wants to select is not touched accurately and an area near the button is touched, the button is then expanded to the touched position. According to this configuration, touch mistakes by a user who is not good at fine operations can be reduced.
According to the selection device of the present invention, the user can easily select a desired item.

  In order to achieve the above object, a selection control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a selection control method executed by a selection device including a display unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit, and includes a display step, a detection step, A confirmation step, which is configured as follows.

  First, in the display step, the display unit displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The item that can be selected by the user can be, for example, “OK” that approves the processing with the presented content. In this case, the item image is, for example, an image representing an “OK button” that is a button to be pressed when the user selects the item “OK”.

  In the detection step, the detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user. For example, when the screen is presented to the user by the touch panel, the coordinates on the screen touched with the touch pen are detected. Further, for example, when a screen is presented to the user by a display device connected to a personal computer, the coordinates on the screen clicked with the mouse are detected.

  In the determination step, the determination unit determines the item represented by the item image as the selection result when the item image is displayed at the detected position. For example, when an image representing the “OK button” is displayed at the detected position, the item “OK” is determined as the selection result.

  Here, in the display step, when the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed, the display unit moves the position where the item image is displayed as shown below. To do. Specifically, the display unit moves the position where the item image is displayed so that the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area moves to the detected position. That is, when the detected position is not included in the display area, the display area is displayed so as to approach the detected position.

  According to the selection control method of the present invention, it is possible to cause the user to select an item desired by the user without making the user troublesome.

  In order to achieve the above object, a selection control method according to another aspect of the present invention is a selection control method executed by a selection device including a display unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit, and includes a display step, a detection step, A confirmation step, which is configured as follows.

  First, in the display step, the display unit displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The item that can be selected by the user can be, for example, “OK” that approves the processing with the presented content. In this case, the item image is, for example, an image representing an “OK button” that is a button to be pressed when the user selects the item “OK”.

  In the detection step, the detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user. For example, when the screen is presented to the user by the touch panel, the coordinates on the screen touched with the touch pen are detected. Further, for example, when a screen is presented to the user by a display device connected to a personal computer, the coordinates on the screen clicked with the mouse are detected.

  In the determination step, the determination unit determines the item represented by the item image as the selection result when the item image is displayed at the detected position. For example, when an image representing the “OK button” is displayed at the detected position, the item “OK” is determined as the selection result.

  Here, in the display step, when the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in the predetermined margin area surrounding the display area, The position where the item image is displayed is moved as shown below. Specifically, the display unit moves the position where the item image is displayed so that the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area or the margin area moves to the detected position. That is, when the detected position is not included in either the display area or the margin area, the display area is displayed so as to approach the detected position.

  According to the selection control method of the present invention, it is possible to cause the user to select an item desired by the user without making the user troublesome.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to cause a computer to function as each unit of the selection device described above or to cause the computer to execute each step of the selection control method.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information recording medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory. The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a selection device, a selection control method, and a program for realizing these by a computer that allow the user to select an item desired by the user without causing the user to take time and effort. can do.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an information processing device in which a selection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is realized. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the information processing apparatus with which the selection apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the selection apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the mode before an item image moves. It is a figure showing the mode after the item image moved. It is a flowchart which shows the selection control process which the selection apparatus concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure showing the mode before an item image moves. It is a figure showing the mode after the item image moved. It is a flowchart which shows the selection control process which the selection apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure showing the mode before an item image moves. It is a figure showing the mode after the item image moved. It is a flowchart which shows the selection control process which the selection apparatus concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure showing the mode before an item image expands. It is a figure showing the mode after an item image is expanded. It is a flowchart which shows the selection control process which the selection apparatus concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure showing the mode before expanding so that an item image may include a touch position. It is a figure showing the mode after expanding so that an item image may include a touch position. It is a figure showing the mode before an item image expands to a touch position. It is a figure showing the mode after an item image is expanded to a touch position. It is a flowchart which shows the selection control process which the selection apparatus concerning the 5th Embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure showing the mode before an item image moves. It is a figure showing the mode after the item image moved. It is a flowchart which shows the selection control process which the selection apparatus concerning the 6th Embodiment of this invention performs.

  Hereinafter, a selection device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, an embodiment in which an image representing an item that can be selected is displayed on the touch panel as the selection device, a selection of the item from the user is accepted, and the game proceeds according to the selection result will be described. However, the present invention can be widely applied to an apparatus that presents an image representing an item that can be selected to the user and receives selection of the item from the user. That is, the present invention can be applied to any information processing apparatus such as a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), and a mobile phone. That is, the embodiment described below is for explanation, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing device in which a selection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is realized. FIG. 2 shows an external view of the information processing apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, an input unit 105, a memory cassette 106, and an image processing unit. 107, a touch screen 108, a NIC (Network Interface Card) 109, an audio processing unit 110, a microphone 111, a speaker 112, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 113.

  A memory cassette 106 (details will be described later) in which a game program and data are stored is mounted in a slot (not shown) connected to the interface 104, and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on. The selection apparatus of the present embodiment is realized. It is assumed that a program for executing a selection control process described later is included in the game program.

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. The CPU 101 acquires various types of data from each component, processes the various types of data by various calculations, and provides the data to each component as data and control signals. In the CPU 101, various types of data are temporarily stored in a cache included in the CPU 101, and are further acquired in a register included in the CPU 101, and then various calculations are performed.

The ROM 102 stores an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on. When the CPU 101 executes this IPL, the program recorded in the memory cassette 106 or the like is read out to the RAM 103, and execution by the CPU 101 is started.
The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the memory cassette 106 and the like.

  A memory cassette 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores a read-only ROM area for storing a game program and image data and sound data used in the program, and data such as play results. SRAM area to be used. The CPU 101 performs a reading process on the memory cassette 106 to read out necessary programs and data, and temporarily stores the read data in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The input unit 105 is a control button or the like shown in FIG. 2, and receives an instruction input from the user. The input unit 105 includes a direction button for designating any of upper, upper right, right, lower right, lower, lower left, left, and upper left, a determination button, a cancel button, and the like.

  The image processing unit 107 processes the data read from the memory cassette 106 by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 107, and then processes the processed data in the frame memory included in the image processing unit 107. (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a touch sensor type display (touch screen 108). Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed. In addition, the polygon information arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and a rendering image obtained by overlooking the polygon arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space from a predetermined viewpoint position is obtained. High speed execution of the obtained operation is also possible. In particular, a function for calculating the degree to which a polygon is illuminated by a typical (positive) light source such as a point light source, a parallel light source, or a cone light source is made into a library or hardware so that it can be calculated at high speed.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor cooperate to draw a character string as a two-dimensional image in the frame memory or draw it on the surface of each polygon according to the font information that defines the character shape. Is possible. The font information is recorded in the ROM 102, but it is also possible to use dedicated font information recorded in the memory cassette 106.

  The touch screen 108 is a liquid crystal panel configured by overlapping touch sensors. The touch screen 108 detects position information corresponding to the position pressed by the user with a finger or the touch pen 201 and inputs the position information to the CPU 101. That is, the touch screen 108 accepts an instruction input from the user, like the input unit 105.

  Note that data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 can be appropriately stored in the memory cassette 106 in accordance with an instruction input by the user via the input unit 105 or the touch screen 108.

  The NIC 109 is for connecting the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet. For example, when the information processing apparatus 100 is wirelessly connected to a LAN (Local Area Network), the NIC 109 is configured by an interface (not shown) compliant with a standard such as IEEE 802.11. In addition, when connecting to the LAN by wire, the NIC 109 conforms to the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard, an analog modem for connecting to the Internet using a telephone line, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). It comprises a modem, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, a cable modem for connecting to the Internet using a cable television line, and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101.

  It is also possible to obtain current date and time information by connecting to an SNTP server in the Internet via the NIC 109 and acquiring information therefrom. In addition, various network game server devices may be configured and configured to perform the same functions as the SNTP server.

  The sound processing unit 110 converts the sound data read from the memory cassette 106 into an analog sound signal, and outputs the analog sound signal from the speaker 112 connected to the sound processing unit 110. In addition, the sound processing unit 110 generates sound effects and sound data to be generated during the game control under the control of the CPU 101, and outputs sound corresponding to the sound effects and sound data from the speaker 112.

  When the audio data recorded in the memory cassette 106 is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 110 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data is subjected to D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency, and output to the speaker 112 or the like, thereby enabling voice output.

  The audio processing unit 110 performs A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion on the analog signal input from the microphone 111 at an appropriate sampling frequency to generate a PCM format digital signal.

  The RTC 113 is a timekeeping device including a crystal resonator and an oscillation circuit. The RTC 113 is supplied with power from the built-in battery, and continues to operate even when the information processing apparatus 100 is powered off.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a DVD-ROM drive that reads programs and data from a DVD-ROM instead of the memory cassette 106, and the DVD-ROM has the same function as the memory cassette 106. You may make it let. The interface 104 may be configured to read data from an external memory medium other than the memory cassette 106. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 100 may be configured to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the memory cassette 106, and the like using a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk.

(Configuration of selection device)
Next, the structure of each part of the selection apparatus 300 of this embodiment is demonstrated with reference to drawings. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment. The selection device 300 displays an image representing selectable items on the touch screen, accepts selection of an item from the user, determines the item selected by the user as a selection result, and executes game control processing according to the selection result. Device. Hereinafter, a process from displaying an image representing a selectable item on the touch screen, receiving selection of the item from the user, and confirming the item selected by the user as the selection result will be described.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the selection device 300 includes a display unit 301, a detection unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  The display unit 301 displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The display unit 301 is realized by the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the image processing unit 107, for example.

  The detection unit 302 detects a position in the screen specified by the user. The detection unit 302 is realized by the CPU 101 and the touch screen 108, for example.

  When the item image is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit 303 determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result. The determination unit 303 is realized by the CPU 101, for example.

  Here, when the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in a predetermined margin area surrounding the display area, the display unit 301 will be described below. As described above, the position where the item image is displayed is moved. That is, the display unit 301 moves the position where the item image is displayed so that the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area or the margin area moves to the detected position.

(Description of display screen)
Here, with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the screen 400 displayed on the touch screen 108 while the selection apparatus 300 is performing the selection control process will be described.

  FIG. 4A shows a state where the selection apparatus 300 displays the item image 401 on the touch screen 108. Here, the screen 400 is a screen displayed on the touch screen 108 and is a screen capable of displaying an image having a size of 256 dots in the X-axis direction and a size of 192 dots in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4A, it is assumed that the origin O where the X coordinate is 0 and the Y coordinate is 0 is in the lower left corner of the screen 400. Hereinafter, the X coordinate and the Y coordinate on the screen 400 are collectively referred to as a coordinate as appropriate.

  FIG. 4A shows an example in which an item image 401 representing a save button to be pressed when selecting an item to save the game progress is displayed on the screen 400. The item image 401 is displayed in the display area 411 in the screen 400. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the display area 411 is 40 × 20 in size, and the coordinates of the four vertices are (40, 40), (80, 40), (40, 60), (80, 60). That is, the display area 411 is an area to be touched when the user selects an item represented by the item image 401 displayed in the display area 411.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, a margin area 421 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround the display area 411. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the margin area 421 has a size of 60 × 40, and the coordinates of the four vertices are (30, 30), (90, 30), (30, 70), (90, The display area 411 is excluded from the rectangular area 70).

  Here, the selection device 300 performs different processes as described below depending on which region includes the designated point TP, that is, the point on the touch screen 108 touched by the user. Specifically, (1a) the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, (1b) the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and (1c) the designated point TP is included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421. The process is divided into three cases, which are not included. FIG. 4A shows an example in which the coordinates of the designated point TP are (200, 80).

  In the case of (1a), the item “SAVE” (hereinafter referred to as “save”) represented by the item image 401 is determined as the selection result, and the save process is executed. In the case of (1b), no processing is executed. In the case of (1c), as will be described later, a process of moving the item image 401 and the margin area 421 is executed. FIG. 4B shows a state of the screen 400 after the processing is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, when the processing is executed, the item is set so that the representative point RP1 that is a predetermined point in the display area 411 or the margin area 421 moves to the designated point TP that is the designated point. The image 401 and the margin area 421 move. In the present embodiment, the representative point RP1 is the center point of the margin area 421, the coordinates before movement are (60, 50), and the coordinates after movement are (200, 80). Here, the relative positions of the display area 411, the margin area 421, and the representative point RP1 are assumed to be unchanged. That is, as the representative point RP1 moves, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 move. Specifically, when the representative point RP1 moves 140 dots in the X-axis direction and 30 dots in the Y-axis direction, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 move 140 dots in the X-axis direction and 30 dots in the Y-axis direction. To do.

(Operation of the selection device)
Next, the operation of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a selection control process executed by the selection apparatus 300 according to this embodiment. The selection control process shown in FIG. 5 is a process for presenting the screen 400 shown in FIG. 4 to the user and causing the user to select an item.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a display request for the item image 401 (step S101). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user can select the item “save” based on the progress of the game and the presence or absence of an operation input from the user.

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is no display request for the item image 401 (step S101: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S101. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that there is a display request for the item image 401 (step S101: YES), the CPU 101 initializes the coordinates of the representative point RP1 (step S102). Specifically, the CPU 101 initializes the coordinates of the representative point RP1 stored in the RAM 103 or the like to the initial values of the coordinates of the representative point RP1 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. In the present embodiment, the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP1 is (60, 50) at the start of the selection control process, and will be described as being appropriately updated in step S110 described later.

  When completing the process in step S102, the CPU 101 obtains a display area 411 and a margin area 421 based on the coordinates of the representative point RP1 (step S103). Specifically, the CPU 101 obtains an area having a size of 40 × 20 centered on the representative point RP1 as the display area 411, and starts from the area of size 60 × 40 centered on the representative point RP1. An area excluding 411 is obtained and set as a margin area 421. Thus, in the present embodiment, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP1. Therefore, when the representative point RP1 moves, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 move. Note that information representing the display area 411 and information representing the margin area 421 are stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When completing the process in step S103, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 obtained in step S103 (step S104). For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in a display area 411 centered on the representative point RP1.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S104, it determines whether or not there is a non-display request for the item image 401 (step S105). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to prevent the user from selecting the item “save” based on the progress of the game and the presence or absence of an operation input from the user.

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is a request to hide the item image 401 (step S105: YES), the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to hide the item image 401 (step S106). In this case, the item image 401 representing the button to be pressed by the user for saving is not displayed, and the user cannot save. When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S106, the process returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that there is no non-display request for the item image 401 (step S105: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the position is designated by the user (step S107). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether any position on the touch screen 108 has been touched by the user with the touch pen 201 or the like.

  If the CPU 101 determines that the position is not designated by the user (step S107: NO), the process returns to step S105.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the position is specified by the user (step S107: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the specified point TP is included in the display area 411 (step S108). That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 80) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the display area 411 obtained in step S103.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the display area 411 (step S108: YES), the CPU 101 determines the item (step S109). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines that the item “save” has been designated by the user, and executes the save process.

  When completing the process of step S109, the CPU 101 updates the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP1 (step S110). Specifically, the CPU 101 overwrites the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the initial value of the coordinate of the representative point RP1 with the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinate of the representative point RP1. Note that the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP1 is updated in step S113 described later.

  When the processing of step S110 is completed, the CPU 101 hides the item image 401 (step S111), and then returns the processing to step S101.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the display area 411 (step S108: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421 (step S112). . That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 80) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the margin area 421 obtained in step S103.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421 (step S112: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S105.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the margin area 421 (step S112: NO), the CPU 101 updates the coordinates of the representative point RP1 (step S113). Specifically, the CPU 101 overwrites the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP1 with a value representing the coordinates of the designated point TP touched by the user. Thereby, the display area 411 obtained in step S103 is changed thereafter, and the display area 411 in which the item image 401 is displayed is changed in step S104. That is, when the coordinates of the representative point RP1 are updated in step S113, the item image 401 moves on the screen 400.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S113, the process returns to step S103.

  According to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the designated point TP is not included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421, the position of the representative point RP1 is the position of the designated point TP. Thereby, it can be expected that the display area 411 moves to a position where the user can operate, and the user can easily perform a touch operation on the display area 411. Further, according to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the item represented by the item image 401 is confirmed as the selection result, the position of the designated point TP is set as the initial value of the position of the new representative point RP1. . Thereby, in the subsequent processing, it can be expected that the display area 411 moves to a position where the user can operate, and the user can easily touch the display area 411.

(Second Embodiment)
In the selection apparatus 300 of the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the item that can be selected by the user is one of “save”. However, the present invention can also be applied when there are a plurality of items that can be selected by the user. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which there are three items that can be selected by the user are “save”, “LOAD” (hereinafter referred to as “load”), and “END” (hereinafter referred to as “end”).

(Configuration of selection device)
The configuration of each unit of the selection device 300 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. That is, the selection device 300 includes a display unit 301, a detection unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  The display unit 301 displays a plurality of item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The display unit 301 is realized by the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the image processing unit 107, for example.

  The detection unit 302 detects a position in the screen specified by the user. The detection unit 302 is realized by the CPU 101 and the touch screen 108, for example.

  When any item image of the plurality of item images is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit 303 determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result. The determination unit 303 is realized by the CPU 101, for example.

  Here, the display unit 301 does not include the detected position in any of the plurality of display areas in which the plurality of item images are displayed, and a plurality of predetermined margins surrounding the plurality of display areas. If it is not included in any of the areas, the position where any item image is displayed is moved as shown below. That is, the display unit 301 displays a position where the item image closest to the detected position is displayed among the plurality of item images in a display area for displaying the item image or a margin area surrounding the display area. The position where the item image is displayed is moved so that the position of the predetermined representative point moves to the detected position.

(Description of display screen)
Here, with reference to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the screen 400 displayed on the touch screen 108 while the selection device 300 is executing the selection control process will be described.

  The item image 401 is an image representing a save button to be pressed when saving the progress of the game, and is displayed in the display area 411 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 411 is an area to be touched when the user selects the item “save”. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, a margin area 421 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround the display area 411. Here, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are set based on the position of the representative point RP1. The coordinates of the representative point RP1 are (60, 50).

  The item image 402 is an image representing a load button to be pressed when the game is resumed from the last saved time, and is displayed in the display area 412 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 412 is an area to be touched when the user selects the item “load”. As shown in FIG. 6A, a margin area 422 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround the display area 412. Here, the display area 412 and the margin area 422 are set based on the position of the representative point RP2. The coordinates of the representative point RP2 are (60, 130).

  The item image 403 is an image representing an end button to be pressed when the game is ended, and is displayed in the display area 413 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 413 is an area to be touched when the user selects the item “END”. Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, a margin area 423 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround the display area 413. Here, the display area 413 and the margin area 423 are set based on the position of the representative point RP3. The coordinates of the representative point RP3 are (180, 130).

  Here, the selection device 300 executes different processes as shown below depending on which region the designated point TP is included in. Specifically, (2a) the designated point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413, (2b) the designated point TP is included in any of the margin areas 421 to 423, and (2c) the designated point TP is present. The processing is divided into three cases that are not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin areas 421 to 423. FIG. 6A shows an example in which the coordinates of the designated point TP are (200, 80).

  In the case of (2a), the item represented by the item image displayed in the display area including the designated point TP among the display areas 411 to 413 is determined as the selection result. That is, when the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, the item “save” is confirmed in the selection result, the save process is executed, and when the designated point TP is included in the display area 412, “load” is performed. "Is determined in the selection result, the load process is executed, and when the designated point TP is included in the display area 413, the item" End "is determined in the selection result, and the end process is executed.

  In the case of (2b), no processing is executed.

  In the case of (2c), the position of the representative point closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3 moves to the position of the designated point TP. That is, when the representative point RP1 is closest to the specified point TP, the position of the representative point RP1 moves to the position of the specified point TP, and when the representative point RP2 is closest to the specified point TP, the position of the representative point RP2 is the specified point TP. When the representative point RP3 is closest to the designated point TP, the representative point RP3 is moved to the designated point TP. The display area 401 and the margin image 421 move with the representative point RP1, the display area 412 and the margin image 422 move with the representative point RP2, and the display area 413 and the margin image 423 move with the representative point RP3.

  FIG. 6B shows an example in which the item image 403 and the margin area 423 move so that the representative point RP3 moves to the designated point TP when the representative point RP3 is closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3. Show. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the coordinates before the movement of the representative point RP3 are (180, 130), and the coordinates after the movement of the representative point RP3 are (200, 80). Here, since the relative positions of the display area 413, the margin area 423, and the representative point RP3 are unchanged, the display area 413 and the margin area 423 move as the representative point RP3 moves. Specifically, when the representative point RP3 moves 20 dots in the X-axis direction and −50 dots in the Y-axis direction, the display area 413 and the margin area 423 become 20 dots in the X-axis direction and −50 in the Y-axis direction. Move the dots.

(Operation of the selection device)
Next, the operation of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a selection control process executed by the selection apparatus 300 according to this embodiment. The selection control process illustrated in FIG. 7 is a process of presenting the screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 6A to the user and allowing the user to select one item from a plurality of items.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S201). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user can select the items “save”, “load”, and “end” based on the progress of the game and whether or not there is an operation input from the user. .

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S201: NO), the process returns to step S201. On the other hand, when determining that there is a display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S201: YES), the CPU 101 initializes the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 (step S202). Specifically, the CPU 101 initializes values representing the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 stored in the RAM 103 or the like to initial values of the representative points RP1 to RP3 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. To do. In the present embodiment, the initial values of the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 are (60, 50), (60, 130), and (180, 130) at the start of the selection control process, and are updated as appropriate in step S210 described later. It will be described as being done.

  When completing the process in step S202, the CPU 101 obtains the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin areas 421 to 423 based on the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 (step S203). Specifically, the CPU 101 obtains an area having a size of 40 × 20 centered on the representative point RP1 as the display area 411, and starts from the area of size 60 × 40 centered on the representative point RP1. An area excluding 411 is obtained and set as a margin area 421. Further, the CPU 101 obtains a 40 × 20 size area centered on the representative point RP2 and sets it as the display area 412, and excludes the display area 412 from the 60 × 40 size area centered on the representative point RP2. The obtained area is determined as a margin area 421. Further, the CPU 101 obtains an area with a size of 40 × 20 centered on the representative point RP3 and sets it as a display area 413, and excludes the display area 413 from an area with a size of 60 × 40 centered on the representative point RP3. The obtained area is determined as a margin area 423.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP1, and the display area 412 and the margin area 421 are determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP2. The display area 413 and the margin area 423 are determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP3. Therefore, when the representative point RP1 moves, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 move. When the representative point RP2 moves, the display area 412 and the margin area 421 move. When the representative point RP13 moves, the display area 413 and the margin. The area 423 moves. Note that information representing the display areas 411 to 413 and information representing the margin areas 421 to 423 are stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When completing the process in step S203, the CPU 101 displays the item images 401 to 403 in the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S203 (step S204). For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 centered on the representative point RP1, and displays the item image 402 in the display area 412 centered on the representative point RP2. The item image 403 is displayed in the display area 413 with the representative point RP3 as the center.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S204, it determines whether there is a non-display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S205). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to prevent the user from selecting the items “save”, “load”, and “end” based on the progress of the game and the presence / absence of operation input from the user. .

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is a request to hide each item image 401 to 403 (step S205: YES), it controls the image processing unit 107 to hide each item image 401 to 403 (step S206). ). In this case, an item image 401 representing a button to be pressed by the user to save, an item image 402 representing a button to be pressed by the user to load, and an item representing a button to be pressed by the user to finish Since the image 403 is not displayed, the user cannot perform saving, loading, and termination. When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S206, the process returns to step S201.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that there is no non-display request for each item image 401 (step S205: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the position is designated by the user (step S207). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether any position on the touch screen 108 has been touched by the user with the touch pen 201 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the position is not designated by the user (step S207: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S205.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the position is specified by the user (step S207: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the specified point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S208). . That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 80) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S203.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S208: YES), it determines the item (step S209). That is, the CPU 101 determines that an item represented by the display image displayed in the display area including the designated point TP among the display images 401 to 403 is selected by the user. Specifically, when the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, the item “save” is confirmed in the selection result, the save process is executed, and the designated point TP is included in the display area 412. When the item “Load” is confirmed in the selection result, the load process is executed, and the designated point TP is included in the display area 413, the item “End” is confirmed in the selection result, and the end process is executed. The

  CPU101 will update the initial value of the coordinate of the representative point corresponding to a selection result among representative points RP1-3, if the process of step S209 is completed (step S210). For example, when “save” is confirmed as an item in step S209, the CPU 101 stores the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP1 and the current RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP1. Overwrite with the stored value. Note that the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP1 is updated in step S214 described later.

  When completing the process in step S210, the CPU 101 hides the item images 401 to 403 (step S211), and then returns the process to step S201.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S208: NO), the designated point TP is included in any of the margin areas 421 to 423. It is determined whether or not it is (step S212). That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 80) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in any of the margin areas 421 to 423 obtained in step S203.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in any of the margin areas 421 to 423 (step S212: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S205.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in any of the marginal areas 421 to 423 (step S212: NO), the representative closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3. A point is specified (step S213).

  When completing the process of step S213, the CPU 101 updates the coordinates of the representative point specified in step S213 (step S214). For example, when the representative point RP3 is specified in step S213, the CPU 101 uses the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP3 as a value representing the coordinates of the designated point TP touched by the user. Overwrite. Thereby, thereafter, the display area 413 obtained in step S203 is changed, and in step S204, the display area 413 where the item image 403 is displayed is changed. That is, when the coordinates of the representative point RP3 are updated in step S214, the item image 403 moves on the screen 400.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S214, the process returns to step S203.

  According to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin areas 421 to 423, the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3 is selected. The position of the nearest representative point is the position of the designated point TP. Thereby, it can be expected that the display region of the item image representing the item predicted to be selected by the user moves to a position where the user can operate, and the user can easily perform a touch operation on the display region.

(Third embodiment)
The selection apparatus 300 of the second embodiment has shown an example in which a margin area is set for each item image. However, according to the present invention, when there are a plurality of items that can be selected by the user, it is also possible to set one margin area surrounding a plurality of item images representing the plurality of selectable items. In the following, an embodiment in which there are three items that can be selected by the user are “save”, “load”, and “end”.

(Configuration of selection device)
The configuration of each unit of the selection device 300 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. That is, the selection device 300 includes a display unit 301, a detection unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  The display unit 301 displays a plurality of item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The display unit 301 is realized by the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the image processing unit 107, for example.

  The detection unit 302 detects a position in the screen specified by the user. The detection unit 302 is realized by the CPU 101 and the touch screen 108, for example.

  When any item image of the plurality of item images is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit 303 determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result. The determination unit 303 is realized by the CPU 101, for example.

  Here, the display unit 301 does not include the detected position in any of the plurality of display areas in which the plurality of item images are displayed, and in a margin area surrounding all of the plurality of display areas. If not included, the position where the plurality of item images are displayed is moved as shown below. That is, the display unit 301 displays the plurality of item images so that the position of the representative point that is the center point of the margin area moves to the detected position. Move the displayed position.

(Description of display screen)
Here, with reference to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the screen displayed on the touch screen 108 while the selection apparatus 300 is performing the selection control process will be described.

  The item image 401 is an image representing a save button to be pressed when saving the progress of the game, and is displayed in the display area 411 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 411 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “save”.

  The item image 402 is an image representing a load button to be pressed when the game is resumed from the last saved time, and is displayed in the display area 412 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 412 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “load”.

  The item image 403 is an image representing an end button to be pressed when the game is ended, and is displayed in the display area 413 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 413 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “end”.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8A, a margin area 424 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround all of the display areas 411 to 413. Here, the coordinates of the representative point RP4 that is the center of the margin area 424 are (60, 90). The display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 are all set based on the position of the representative point RP4.

  Here, the selection device 300 executes different processes as shown below depending on which region the designated point TP is included in. Specifically, (3a) the designated point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413, (3b) the designated point TP is included in the margin area 424, and (3c) the designated point TP is included in the display areas 411 to 413. The process is divided into three cases that are not included in any of the margin area 424 and the margin area 424. FIG. 8A shows an example in which the coordinates of the designated point TP are (200, 70).

  In the case of (3a), the item represented by the item image displayed in the display area including the designated point TP among the display areas 411 to 413 is determined as the selection result. That is, when the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, the item “save” is confirmed in the selection result, the save process is executed, and when the designated point TP is included in the display area 412, “load” is performed. "Is determined in the selection result, the load process is executed, and when the designated point TP is included in the display area 413, the item" End "is determined in the selection result, and the end process is executed.

  In the case of (3b), no processing is executed.

  In the case of (3c), the position of the representative point RP4 moves to the position of the designated point TP. The display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 move together with the representative point RP4 so that the relative position with respect to the representative point RP4 does not change.

  FIG. 8B shows an example in which the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 are moved along with the movement of the position of the representative point RP4. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the coordinates before the movement of the representative point RP4 are (60, 90), and the coordinates after the movement of the representative point RP4 are (200, 70). Here, since the relative positions of the display areas 411 to 413, the margin area 424, and the representative point RP4 are not changed, the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 are moved along with the movement of the representative point RP4. Moving. Specifically, when the representative point RP4 moves 140 dots in the X-axis direction and −20 dots in the Y-axis direction, the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 become 140 dots in the X-axis direction and in the Y-axis direction. Move by -20 dots.

(Operation of the selection device)
Next, the operation of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a selection control process executed by the selection apparatus 300 according to this embodiment. The selection control process shown in FIG. 9 is a process for presenting the screen 400 shown in FIG. 8A to the user and allowing the user to select one item from a plurality of items.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S301). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user can select the items “save”, “load”, and “end” based on the progress of the game and whether or not there is an operation input from the user. .

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S301: NO), the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, when determining that there is a display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S301: YES), the CPU 101 initializes the coordinates of the representative point RP4 (step S302). Specifically, the CPU 101 initializes a value representing the coordinates of the representative point RP4 stored in the RAM 103 or the like with the initial value of the representative point RP4 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. In the present embodiment, the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP4 is (60, 90) at the start of the selection control process, and will be described as being appropriately updated in step S310 described later.

  When completing the process in step S302, the CPU 101 obtains each display area 411-413 and margin area 424 based on the coordinates of the representative point RP4 (step S303). Specifically, the CPU 101 obtains an area having a size of 40 × 20 centered on a point obtained by shifting the representative point RP4 by 40 dots in the Y-axis direction and sets it as the display area 411, and sets the representative point RP4 in the Y-axis direction. An area having a size of 40 × 20 centered on a point shifted by 10 dots is obtained as a display region 412, and a size of 40 × 20 centered on a point shifted by −40 dots in the Y-axis direction from the representative point RP4. An area is obtained as a display area 413, and an area obtained by excluding the display areas 411 to 413 from a 60 × 120 area centered on the representative point RP4 is obtained as an allowance area 424.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 are determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP4. Therefore, when the representative point RP4 moves, the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424 move. Note that information representing the display areas 411 to 413 and information representing the margin area 424 are stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When completing the process in step S303, the CPU 101 displays the item images 401 to 403 in the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S303 (step S304). For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 in the margin area 424, displays the item image 402 in the display area 412 in the margin area 424, and displays the item image 403 in the margin. The information is displayed in the display area 413 in the area 424.

  When completing the process in step S304, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a non-display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S305). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to prevent the user from selecting the items “save”, “load”, and “end” based on the progress of the game and whether or not there is an operation input from the user. To do.

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is a request to hide each item image 401 to 403 (step S305: YES), the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to hide each item image 401 to 403 (step S306). ). In this case, an item image 401 representing a button to be pressed by the user to save, an item image 402 representing a button to be pressed by the user to load, and an item representing a button to be pressed by the user to finish Since the image 403 is not displayed, the user cannot perform saving, loading, and termination. When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S306, the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that there is no non-display request for each item image 401 (step S305: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the position is designated by the user (step S307). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether any position on the touch screen 108 has been touched by the user with the touch pen 201 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the position is not designated by the user (step S307: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S305.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the position is specified by the user (step S307: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the specified point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S308). . That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 70) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S303.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S308: YES), it determines the item (step S309). That is, the CPU 101 determines that an item represented by the display image displayed in the display area including the designated point TP among the display images 401 to 403 is selected by the user. Specifically, when the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, the item “save” is confirmed in the selection result, the save process is executed, and the designated point TP is included in the display area 412. When the item “Load” is confirmed in the selection result, the load process is executed, and the designated point TP is included in the display area 413, the item “End” is confirmed in the selection result, and the end process is executed. The

  When completing the process in step S309, the CPU 101 updates the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP4 (step S310). For example, the CPU 101 overwrites the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the initial value of the coordinate of the representative point RP4 with the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinate of the representative point RP4. Note that the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP4 is updated in step S313 described later.

  When completing the process in step S310, the CPU 101 hides the item images 401 to 403 (step S311), and then returns the process to step S301.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S308: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the designated point TP is included in the margin area 424. (Step S312). That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 70) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the margin area 424 obtained in step S303.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the margin area 424 (step S312: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S305.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the margin area 424 (step S312: NO), the CPU 101 updates the coordinates of the representative point RP4 (step S313). For example, the CPU 101 overwrites the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP4 with the coordinates of the designated point TP touched by the user. Thereby, the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S303 are updated thereafter, and the display areas 411 to 413 in which the item images 401 to 403 are displayed are changed in step S304. That is, when the coordinates of the representative point RP4 are updated in step S313, the item images 401 to 403 move on the screen 400.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S313, the process returns to step S303.

  According to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 and the margin area 424, the position of the representative point RP4 is set as the position of the designated point TP. The Thereby, it can be expected that the display region of the item image representing the item predicted to be selected by the user moves to a position where the user can operate, and the user can easily perform a touch operation on the display region.

(Fourth embodiment)
The selection apparatus 300 according to the first embodiment shows an example in which the display image 401 moves to an area near the designated point TP when the designated point TP is not included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421. . However, in the present invention, when the designated point TP is not included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421, the display image 401 can be enlarged so as to approach the designated point TP. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the item that can be selected by the user is “SAVE” will be described.

(Configuration of selection device)
The configuration of each unit of the selection device 300 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. That is, the selection device 300 includes a display unit 301, a detection unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  The display unit 301 displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The display unit 301 is realized by the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the image processing unit 107, for example.

  The detection unit 302 detects a position in the screen specified by the user. The detection unit 302 is realized by the CPU 101 and the touch screen 108, for example.

  When the item image is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit 303 determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result. The determination unit 303 is realized by the CPU 101, for example.

  Here, the display unit 301 enlarges the item image when the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in the margin area surrounding the display area. Then, it is brought close to the detected position.

(Description of display screen)
Here, with reference to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the screen displayed on the touch screen 108 while the selection apparatus 300 is performing the selection control process will be described.

  The item image 401 is an image representing a save button to be pressed when saving the progress of the game, and is displayed in the display area 411 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 411 is an area to be touched when the user selects the item “save”. In addition, a margin area 421 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround the display area 411. Note that both the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are set based on the position (60, 50) of the representative point RP1.

  Here, the selection device 300 executes different processes as shown below depending on which region the designated point TP is included in. Specifically, (4a) the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, (4b) the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and (4c) the designated point TP is included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421. The process is divided into three cases, which are not included. FIG. 10A shows an example in which the coordinates of the designated point TP are (120, 90).

  In the case of (4a), “save”, which is an item represented by the item image 401 displayed in the display area 411, is confirmed as the selection result, and the save process is executed.

  In the case of (4b), no processing is executed.

  In the case of (4c), the position of the representative point RP1 moves to the position of the designated point TP. The display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged with the movement of the representative point RP1 so that the relative position to the representative point RP1 does not change.

  FIG. 10B shows an example in which the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged along with the movement of the position of the representative point RP1. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the coordinates before the movement of the representative point RP1 are (60, 50), and the coordinates after the movement of the representative point RP1 are (120, 90). Here, since the relative positions of the display area 411, the margin area 421, and the representative point RP1 are unchanged, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 become the representative point RP1 as the representative point RP1 moves. Enlarge to get closer. Specifically, when the representative point RP1 moves 60 dots in the X-axis direction and 40 dots in the Y-axis direction, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are farthest from the specified point TP in the margin area 421 (30 , 30) as a reference, the image is enlarged three times so as to extend in the direction of the designated point TP.

(Operation of the selection device)
Next, the operation of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing selection control processing executed by the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment. The selection control process shown in FIG. 11 is a process that presents the screen 400 shown in FIG. 10A to the user and causes the user to select the item “save”.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a display request for the item image 401 (step S401). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user can select the item “save” based on the progress of the game and the presence or absence of an operation input from the user.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no display request for the item image 401 (step S401: NO), it returns the process to step S401. On the other hand, when determining that there is a display request for the item image 401 (step S401: YES), the CPU 101 initializes the coordinates of the representative point RP1 and the sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 (step S402). Specifically, the CPU 101 initializes a value representing the coordinates of the representative point RP1 stored in the RAM 103 or the like to an initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP1 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. Further, the CPU 101 initializes a value representing the size of the display area 411 stored in the RAM 103 or the like to an initial value of the size of the display area 411 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. Then, the CPU 101 initializes a value indicating the size of the margin area 421 stored in the RAM 103 or the like to an initial value of the size of the margin area 421 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. In this embodiment, the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point RP1 is (60, 50), the initial value of the display area size is 40 × 20, and the initial value of the margin area size is 60 × 40. explain.

  When completing the process in step S402, the CPU 101 obtains a display area 411 and a margin area 421 based on the coordinates of the representative point RP1 (step S403). Specifically, the CPU 101 obtains an area having a size of 40 × 20 centered on the representative point RP1 as the display area 411, and starts from the area of size 60 × 40 centered on the representative point RP1. An area excluding 411 is obtained and set as a margin area 421.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP1. Therefore, when the representative point RP1 moves, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged. Note that information representing the display area 411 and information representing the margin area 421 are stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When completing the process in step S403, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 obtained in step S403 (step S404). For example, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 in the margin area 421 as shown in FIG. 10A.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S404, it determines whether or not there is a non-display request for the item image 401 (step S405). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to prevent the user from selecting the item “save” based on the progress of the game and the presence or absence of an operation input from the user.

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is a request to hide the item image 401 (step S405: YES), the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to hide the item image 401 (step S406). In this case, the item image 401 representing the button to be pressed by the user for saving is not displayed, and the user cannot save. When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S406, the process returns to step S401.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that there is no non-display request for the item image 401 (step S405: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the position is designated by the user (step S407). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether any position on the touch screen 108 has been touched by the user with the touch pen 201 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the position is not designated by the user (step S407: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S405.

  On the other hand, when determining that the position has been designated by the user (step S407: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the designated point TP is included in the display area 411 (step S408). That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (120, 90) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the display area 411 obtained in step S403.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the display area 411 (step S408: YES), it determines the item (step S409). That is, the CPU 101 determines that the item represented by the display image 401 has been selected by the user. Specifically, “save” is confirmed as the selection result, and the save process is executed.

  When completing the process in step S409, the CPU 101 hides the item image 401 (step S410), and then returns the process to step S401.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the display area 411 (step S408: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421 (step S411). . That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (120, 90) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the margin area 421 obtained in step S403.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421 (step S411: YES), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S405.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the margin area 421 (step S411: NO), the CPU 101 updates the coordinates of the representative point RP1 and the sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 (step S411). S412). For example, the CPU 101 overwrites the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP1 with a value representing the coordinates of the designated point TP touched by the user. Further, the size of the display area 411 when the display area 411 is enlarged so that the center of the display area 411 coincides with the representative point RP1 is set to the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the size of the display area 411. Overwrite with a value representing. Similarly, the value stored in the RAM 103 as the size of the margin area 421 is the size of the margin area 421 when the margin area 421 is enlarged so that the center of the margin area 421 coincides with the representative point RP1. Overwrite with a value that represents the height. Thereby, thereafter, the display area 411 obtained in step S403 is changed, and in step S404, the display area 411 in which the item image 401 is displayed is changed. That is, when the coordinates of the representative point RP1 are updated and the size of the display area 411 is updated in step S412, the item image 401 is enlarged and displayed so as to extend toward the designated point TP.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S412, the process returns to step S403.

  According to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the designated point TP is not included in the display area 411, the position of the representative point RP1 is set as the position of the designated point TP, and the display area 411 is the representative point RP1. The display area 411 is enlarged so as to approach. Thereby, it can be expected that the user can easily perform a touch operation on the display area 411.

(Fifth embodiment)
The selection apparatus 300 according to the fourth embodiment shows an example in which the display image 401 is enlarged so as to approach the designated point TP when the designated point TP is not included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421. . However, in the present invention, when the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, the display image 401 can be enlarged so as to include the designated point TP. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the item that can be selected by the user is “save” will be described.

(Configuration of selection device)
The configuration of each unit of the selection device 300 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. That is, the selection device 300 includes a display unit 301, a detection unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  The display unit 301 displays item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The display unit 301 is realized by the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the image processing unit 107, for example.

  The detection unit 302 detects a position in the screen specified by the user. The detection unit 302 is realized by the CPU 101 and the touch screen 108, for example.

  When the item image is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit 303 determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result. The determination unit 303 is realized by the CPU 101, for example.

  Here, when the detected position is included in a margin area surrounding the display area where the item image is displayed, the display unit 301 includes the detected position so that the display area includes the detected position. The item image is enlarged and displayed.

(Description of display screen)
Here, with reference to FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 13A, and FIG. 13B, the screen displayed on the touch screen 108 while the selection apparatus 300 is performing the selection control process is demonstrated.

  The item image 401 is an image representing a save button to be pressed when saving the progress of the game, and is displayed in the display area 411 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 411 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “save”. In addition, a margin area 421 is set on the screen 400 so as to surround the display area 411. In the present embodiment, the position and size of the display area 411 are determined by the coordinates of the four vertices, and the position and size of the margin area 421 are determined based on the position and size of the display area 411. Shall be. That is, in the present embodiment, when the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 are determined, the positions and sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are all determined.

  Here, the selection device 300 executes different processes as shown below depending on which region the designated point TP is included in. Specifically, (5a) the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, (5b) the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and (5c) the designated point TP is included in either the display area 411 or the margin area 421. The process is divided into three cases, which are not included.

  In the case of (5a), “save”, which is an item represented by the item image 401 displayed in the display area 411, is confirmed as the selection result, and the save process is executed.

  In the case of (5b), the display area 411 is enlarged so as to include the designated point TP, and accordingly, the margin area 421 is also enlarged.

  In the case of (5c), no processing is executed.

  Hereinafter, the process executed in the case of (5b) will be described in detail.

  First, referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the display area 411 and the margin so that the end on the designated point TP side of the enlarged display area 411 overlaps the end on the designated point TP side of the margin area 421 before enlargement. An example in which the region 421 is enlarged toward the designated point TP will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and the coordinates of the designated point TP are (100, 60). At this time, as shown in FIG. 12B, the display area 411 is enlarged in the + direction of the X axis so as to include the designated point TP, and accordingly, the margin area 421 is also enlarged in the + direction of the X axis. Specifically, the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 are (50, 50), (90, 50), (50, 70), (90, 70) to (50, 50), (110), respectively. , 50), (50, 70), (110, 70). Further, since the position and size of the margin area 421 are determined with reference to the position and size of the display area 411, the margin area 421 is also expanded in the X axis direction as the display area 411 expands in the + direction of the X axis. Enlarge in the + direction. Specifically, the coordinates of the four vertices of the margin area 421 are (30, 30), (110, 30), (30, 90), (110, 90) to (30, 30), (130, respectively. , 30), (30, 90), (130, 90). In this way, the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and the X coordinate of the designated point TP is the X coordinate of the two vertices having the largest X coordinate among the four vertices of the display area 411 (hereinafter, “the right end X coordinate”). If the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are larger than the X axis on the X axis, the X coordinate of the right end of the display area 411 after enlargement matches the X coordinate of the right end of the margin area 421 before enlargement. Enlarged in the direction.

  In FIG. 12B, (a) when the designated point TP is on the right side (X direction + direction side) of the display area 411, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are on the right side (X direction + direction side). An example to be enlarged is shown. (B) When the designated point TP is on the left side (X-direction side of the X axis) of the display area 411, (c) When the designated point TP is on the upper side (Y direction of the Y axis) of the display area 411, (d ) Similarly, when the designated point TP is on the lower side of the display area 411 (on the negative Y-axis side), the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged in the direction of the designated point TP with respect to the display area 411 as well. The

  Next, referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged to the designated point TP side so that the end on the designated point TP side of the enlarged display area 411 overlaps the designated point TP. An example will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and the coordinates of the designated point TP are (70, 80). At this time, as shown in FIG. 13B, the display area 411 is enlarged in the + direction of the Y axis so that the end of the enlarged display area 411 on the designated point TP side overlaps with the designated point TP. The margin area 421 is also enlarged in the + direction of the Y axis. Specifically, the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 are changed from (50, 50), (90, 50), (50, 70), (90, 70) to (50, 50), (90 , 50), (50, 80), (90, 80). In addition, since the position and size of the margin area 421 are determined based on the position and size of the display area 411, the margin area 421 is also expanded in the Y axis as the display area 411 expands in the + direction of the Y axis. Enlarge in the + direction. Specifically, the coordinates of the four vertices of the margin area 421 are (30, 30), (110, 30), (30, 90), (110, 90) to (30, 30), (110, respectively). , 30), (30, 100), (110, 100). In this way, the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, and the Y coordinate of the designated point TP having the larger Y coordinate among the four vertices of the display area 411 (hereinafter referred to as the “upper Y coordinate”). )), The display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged in the + direction of the Y axis so that the Y coordinate of the upper end of the enlarged display area 411 matches the Y coordinate of the designated point TP.

  In FIG. 13B, (e) when the designated point TP is on the upper side of the display area 411 (Y direction + direction side), the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are on the upper side (Y direction + direction side). An example to be enlarged is shown. (F) When the designated point TP is on the lower side of the display area 411 (Y direction minus direction), (g) When the designated point TP is on the right side of the display area 411 (X axis plus direction side), h) Similarly, when the designated point TP is on the left side (X-direction side of the X axis) of the display area 411, the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are enlarged in the direction of the designated point TP with reference to the display area 411. The

(Operation of the selection device)
Next, the operation of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the selection control process executed by the selection apparatus 300 according to this embodiment. The selection control process shown in FIG. 14 is a process that presents the screen 400 shown in FIG. 12A to the user and causes the user to select the item “save”.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a display request for the item image 401 (step S501). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user can select the item “save” based on the progress of the game and the presence or absence of an operation input from the user.

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no display request for the item image 401 (step S501: NO), it returns the process to step S501. On the other hand, when determining that there is a display request for the item image 401 (step S501: YES), the CPU 101 initializes the positions and sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 (step S502). Specifically, the CPU 101 uses values representing the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 stored in the RAM 103 or the like as the display area 411 and the margin area 421 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. Are initialized to initial values representing the coordinates of the four vertices. In the present embodiment, the initial values of the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 are (50, 50), (90, 50), (50, 70), and (90, 70) (that is, the display area). The initial value of the size of 411 is 40 × 20), and the initial values of the coordinates of the four vertices of the margin area 421 are (30, 30), (110, 30), (30, 90), (110, 90) (that is, the initial value of the size of the margin area 421 is 80 × 60).

  In this embodiment, the position and size of the margin area 421 (that is, the coordinates of the four vertices of the margin area 421) are the position and size of the display area 411 (that is, the four vertices of the display area 411). It is determined based on (coordinates). Therefore, when the position and size of the display area 411 are changed, the position and size of the margin area 421 are also changed.

  When completing the process of step S502, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 (step S503). For example, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 in the margin area 421 as shown in FIG. 12A.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S503, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a non-display request for the item image 401 (step S504). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to prevent the user from selecting the item “save” based on the progress of the game and the presence or absence of an operation input from the user.

  When the CPU 101 determines that there is a request for non-display of the item image 401 (step S504: YES), the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to hide the item image 401 (step S505). In this case, the item image 401 representing the button to be pressed by the user for saving is not displayed, and the user cannot save. When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S505, the process returns to step S501.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that there is no non-display request for the item image 401 (step S504: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the position is designated by the user (step S506). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether any position on the touch screen 108 has been touched by the user with the touch pen 201 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the position is not designated by the user (step S506: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S504.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the position is specified by the user (step S506: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the specified point TP is included in the display area 411 (step S507). That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (100, 60) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the display area 411.

  If the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the display area 411 (step S507: YES), it determines the item (step S508). That is, the CPU 101 determines that the item represented by the display image 401 has been selected by the user. Specifically, “save” is confirmed as the selection result, and the save process is executed.

  When completing the process in step S508, the CPU 101 hides the item image 401 (step S509), and then returns the process to step S501.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the display area 411 (step S507: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421 (step S510). . That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (100, 60) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in the margin area 421.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in the margin area 421 (step S510: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S504.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421 (step S510: YES), the CPU 101 updates the positions and sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 (step S511). For example, the CPU 101 enlarges the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as a value representing the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 and the margin area 421, and the end on the designated point TP side of the enlarged display area 411 is enlarged. The display area 411 is overwritten with values representing the coordinates of the four vertices of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 when the display area 411 is enlarged to the designation point TP side so as to overlap the end of the previous margin area 421 on the designated point TP side. . Thereby, the positions and sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are updated, and thereafter the display area 411 in which the item image 401 is displayed is changed in step S503. That is, when the positions and sizes of the display area 411 and the margin area 421 are updated in step S511, the item image 401 is enlarged and displayed so as to extend toward the designated point TP.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S511, the process returns to step S503.

  According to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the designated point TP is included in the margin area 421, the display area 411 is enlarged so that the display area 411 includes the representative point RP1. Thereby, it can be expected that the user can easily perform a touch operation on the display area 411.

(Sixth embodiment)
The selection apparatus 300 of the first to fifth embodiments has shown an example in which a margin area surrounding the display area is set. However, in the present invention, a margin area surrounding the display area may not be set. In the following, an embodiment in which a margin area is not set will be described by taking, as an example, the case where there are three items that can be selected by the user: “save”, “load”, and “end”.

(Configuration of selection device)
The configuration of each unit of the selection device 300 of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration illustrated in FIG. That is, the selection device 300 includes a display unit 301, a detection unit 302, and a determination unit 303.

  The display unit 301 displays a plurality of item images representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen. The display unit 301 is realized by the CPU 101, the RAM 103, and the image processing unit 107, for example.

  The detection unit 302 detects a position in the screen specified by the user. The detection unit 302 is realized by the CPU 101 and the touch screen 108, for example.

  When any item image of the plurality of item images is displayed at the detected position, the determination unit 303 determines the item represented by the item image as a selection result. The determination unit 303 is realized by the CPU 101, for example.

  Here, when the detected position is not included in any of the plurality of display areas in which the plurality of item images are displayed, the display unit 301 displays any item image as described below. Move the position where is displayed. That is, the display unit 301 displays the position where the item image closest to the detected position is displayed among the plurality of item images, and the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area where the item image is displayed. The position where the item image is displayed is moved so as to move to the detected position.

(Description of display screen)
Here, with reference to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the screen 400 displayed on the touch screen 108 while the selection apparatus 300 is performing the selection control process will be described.

  The item image 401 is an image representing a save button to be pressed when saving the progress of the game, and is displayed in the display area 411 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 411 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “save”. Here, the display area 411 is set based on the position of the representative point RP1. The coordinates of the representative point RP1 are (60, 50).

  The item image 402 is an image representing a load button to be pressed when the game is resumed from the last saved time, and is displayed in the display area 412 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 412 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “load”. Here, the display area 412 is set based on the position of the representative point RP2. The coordinates of the representative point RP2 are (60, 130).

  The item image 403 is an image representing an end button to be pressed when the game is ended, and is displayed in the display area 413 in the screen 400. That is, the display area 413 is an area to be touched by the user when the user selects the item “end”. Here, the display area 413 is set based on the position of the representative point RP3. The coordinates of the representative point RP3 are (180, 130).

  Here, the selection device 300 executes different processes as shown below depending on which region the designated point TP is included in. Specifically, there are two cases: (6a) the designated point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413, and (6b) the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413. Is processed. FIG. 15A shows an example in which the coordinates of the designated point TP are (200, 80).

  In the case of (6a), the item represented by the item image displayed in the display area including the designated point TP among the display areas 411 to 413 is determined as the selection result. That is, when the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, the item “save” is confirmed in the selection result, the save process is executed, and when the designated point TP is included in the display area 412, “load” is performed. "Is determined in the selection result, the load process is executed, and when the designated point TP is included in the display area 413, the item" End "is determined in the selection result, and the end process is executed.

  In the case of (6b), the position of the representative point closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3 moves to the position of the designated point TP. That is, when the representative point RP1 is closest to the specified point TP, the position of the representative point RP1 moves to the position of the specified point TP, and when the representative point RP2 is closest to the specified point TP, the position of the representative point RP2 is the specified point TP. When the representative point RP3 is closest to the designated point TP, the representative point RP3 is moved to the designated point TP. The display area 401 moves with the representative point RP1, the display area 412 moves with the representative point RP2, and the display area 413 moves with the representative point RP3.

  FIG. 15B shows an example in which the item image 403 is moved so that the representative point RP3 moves to the designated point TP when the representative point RP3 is closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3. In the example shown in FIG. 15B, the coordinates before the movement of the representative point RP3 are (180, 130), and the coordinates after the movement of the representative point RP3 are (200, 80). Here, since the relative position of the display area 413 and the representative point RP3 is unchanged, the display area 413 moves as the representative point RP3 moves. Specifically, when the representative point RP3 moves 20 dots in the X-axis direction and −50 dots in the Y-axis direction, the display area 413 moves 20 dots in the X-axis direction and −50 dots in the Y-axis direction.

(Operation of the selection device)
Next, the operation of the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing selection control processing executed by the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment. The selection control process illustrated in FIG. 16 is a process of presenting the screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 15A to the user and causing the user to select one item from a plurality of items.

  First, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is a display request for each item image 401 to 403 (step S601). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the user can select the items “save”, “load”, and “end” based on the progress of the game and whether or not there is an operation input from the user. .

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is no display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S601: NO), the process returns to step S601. On the other hand, when determining that there is a display request for each item image 401 to 403 (step S601: YES), the CPU 101 initializes the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 (step S602). Specifically, the CPU 101 initializes values representing the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 stored in the RAM 103 or the like to initial values of the representative points RP1 to RP3 stored in the RAM 103 or the like. To do. In this embodiment, the initial values of the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 are (60, 50), (60, 130), and (180, 130) at the start of the selection control process, and are updated as appropriate in step S610 described later. It will be described as being done.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S602, it obtains the display areas 411 to 413 based on the coordinates of the representative points RP1 to RP3 (step S603). Specifically, the CPU 101 obtains an area having a size of 40 × 20 with the representative point RP1 as the center, and sets it as the display area 411. In addition, the CPU 101 obtains an area having a size of 40 × 20 with the representative point RP2 as the center, and sets it as the display area 412. Further, the CPU 101 obtains a 40 × 20 area centered on the representative point RP3 and sets it as the display area 413.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the display area 411 is determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP1, the display area 412 is determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP2, and the display area 413 is determined based on the coordinates of the representative point RP3. It is determined based on the coordinates. Therefore, when the representative point RP1 moves, the display area 411 moves, when the representative point RP2 moves, the display area 412 moves, and when the representative point RP13 moves, the display area 413 moves. Information representing the display areas 411 to 413 is stored in the RAM 103, for example.

  When completing the process in step S603, the CPU 101 displays the item images 401 to 403 in the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S603 (step S604). For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the CPU 101 displays the item image 401 in the display area 411 centered on the representative point RP1, and displays the item image 402 in the display area 412 centered on the representative point RP2. The item image 403 is displayed in the display area 413 with the representative point RP3 as the center.

  When completing the process in step S604, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a non-display request for each of the item images 401 to 403 (step S605). That is, the CPU 101 determines whether or not to prevent the user from selecting the items “save”, “load”, and “end” based on the progress of the game and the presence / absence of operation input from the user. .

  If the CPU 101 determines that there is a non-display request for each item image 401 to 403 (step S605: YES), the CPU 101 controls the image processing unit 107 to hide each item image 401 to 403 (step S606). ). In this case, an item image 401 representing a button to be pressed by the user to save, an item image 402 representing a button to be pressed by the user to load, and an item representing a button to be pressed by the user to finish Since the image 403 is not displayed, the user cannot perform saving, loading, and termination. When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S606, the process returns to step S601.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that there is no request for non-display of each item image 401 (step S605: NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the position is designated by the user (step S607). Specifically, the CPU 101 determines whether any position on the touch screen 108 has been touched by the user with the touch pen 201 or the like.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the position is not designated by the user (step S607: NO), the CPU 101 returns the process to step S605.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the position is specified by the user (step S607: YES), the CPU 101 determines whether or not the specified point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S608). . That is, it is determined whether or not the coordinates (200, 80) of the designated point TP touched by the user are included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 obtained in step S603.

  When the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S608: YES), the CPU 101 determines the item (step S609). That is, the CPU 101 determines that an item represented by the display image displayed in the display area including the designated point TP among the display images 401 to 403 is selected by the user. Specifically, when the designated point TP is included in the display area 411, the item “save” is confirmed in the selection result, the save process is executed, and the designated point TP is included in the display area 412. When the item “Load” is confirmed in the selection result, the load process is executed, and the designated point TP is included in the display area 413, the item “End” is confirmed in the selection result, and the end process is executed. The

  When completing the process in step S609, the CPU 101 updates the initial value of the coordinates of the representative point corresponding to the selection result among the representative points RP1 to RP3 (step S610). For example, if “save” is confirmed as an item in step S609, the CPU 101 stores the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the initial value of the coordinate of the representative point RP1 and the current RAM 103 as the coordinate of the representative point RP1. Overwrite with the stored value. Note that the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP1 is updated in step S613 described later.

  When completing the process in step S610, the CPU 101 hides the item images 401 to 403 (step S611), and then returns the process to step S601.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413 (step S608: NO), the representative point closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3 is selected. Specify (step S612).

  When completing the process in step S612, the CPU 101 updates the coordinates of the representative point specified in step S612 (step S613). For example, when the representative point RP3 is specified in step S612, the CPU 101 uses the value currently stored in the RAM 103 as the coordinates of the representative point RP3 as a value representing the coordinates of the designated point TP touched by the user. Overwrite. Thereby, thereafter, the display area 413 obtained in step S603 is changed, and the display area 413 in which the item image 403 is displayed is changed in step S604. That is, when the coordinates of the representative point RP3 are updated in step S613, the item image 403 moves on the screen 400.

  When the CPU 101 completes the process of step S613, the process returns to step S603.

  According to the selection device 300 according to the present embodiment, when the designated point TP is not included in any of the display areas 411 to 413, the position of the representative point closest to the designated point TP among the representative points RP1 to RP3. Is the position of the designated point TP. Thereby, it can be expected that the display region of the item image representing the item predicted to be selected by the user moves to a position where the user can operate, and the user can easily perform a touch operation on the display region.

(Modification)
In the first to sixth embodiments, the display area and the margin area are both rectangular areas. However, the display area and the margin area do not have to be rectangular areas, and may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal areas.

  In the first to fourth and sixth embodiments, the example in which the representative point is set at the center of the display area and the margin area is shown. However, the representative point can be set at an arbitrary position within the display area or the margin area.

  In the first to fourth and sixth embodiments, examples have been shown in which the positions of the display area and the margin area are set based on the position of the representative point. However, the position of the representative point and the margin area may be set based on the position of the display area, or the position of the representative point and the display area may be set based on the position of the margin area.

  In the second embodiment, an example in which a margin area is set for each display area is shown, and in the third embodiment, an example in which a margin area surrounding all of the plurality of display areas is set is shown. However, the relationship between the display area and the margin area may not be such a relationship. For example, a plurality of display areas may be classified into a plurality of groups, and a margin area may be set for each classification. In this case, the margin area closest to the position designated by the user and all display areas included in the margin area are brought close to the designated position.

  In the second embodiment, the example in which the display area is not moved when the designated point is included in any of the plurality of margin areas has been described. However, if the specified point is included in any of the multiple margin areas, the display area surrounded by the margin area closest to the specified point among the margin areas not including the specified point is moved so as to be closer to the specified point. You may do it.

  In the third embodiment, an example in which the position of the representative point is the center of the margin area is shown. However, the representative point can be set at an arbitrary position in the margin area or the plurality of display areas.

  In the fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which a representative point is set at the center of the display area and the margin area, and the display area and the margin area are enlarged so that the representative point coincides with the designated point. However, the display area and the margin area may be enlarged in any way as long as they are enlarged so as to approach the designated point.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, examples have been shown in which the display area and the margin area are always moved or enlarged in conjunction with each other. However, the margin area and the display area may be moved or enlarged independently.

  In the first to fifth embodiments, an example in which a margin area exists is shown. However, as shown in the sixth embodiment, there is no need for a margin area. In this case, for example, when the position designated by the user is not included in the display area, the display area is moved or enlarged to the designated position.

  In 1st-6th embodiment, the example which applies this invention to the apparatus provided with a touch screen was shown. However, the present invention can also be applied to a personal computer including a liquid crystal display and a mouse. In this case, for example, the position on the liquid crystal display clicked by the mouse is handled as the position designated by the user.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a selection device, a selection control method, and the like that are suitable for causing a user to select an item desired by the user without requiring time and effort for the user, and these are realized by a computer. A program can be provided.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Input unit 106 Memory cassette 107 Image processing unit 108 Touch screen 109 NIC
110 Audio processing unit 111 Microphone 112 Speaker 113 RTC
201 Touch pen 300 Selection device 301 Display unit 302 Detection unit 303 Determination unit 400 Screen 401, 402, 403 Item image 411, 412, 413 Display area 421, 422, 423, 424 Margin area O Origin TP Specified points RP1, RP2, RP3, RP4 representative point

Claims (11)

A display unit that displays an item image representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen;
A detection unit for detecting a position in the screen designated by the user;
When the item image is displayed at the detected position, a determination unit that determines an item represented by the item image as a selection result,
When the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed, the display unit moves the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area to the detected position. Thus, the position where the item image is displayed is moved. A display unit that displays an item image representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen;
A detection unit for detecting a position in the screen designated by the user;
When the item image is displayed at the detected position, a determination unit that determines an item represented by the item image as a selection result,
When the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in a predetermined margin area surrounding the display area, the display unit displays the display area or the margin. A selection apparatus that moves a position where the item image is displayed so that a position of a predetermined representative point in the region moves to the detected position. The selection device according to claim 1 or 2,
There are a plurality of items that can be selected by the user, and among the plurality of item images representing each of the plurality of items, the item image whose position displayed by the display unit moves is closest to the detected position. A selection device characterized by being an item image. The selection device according to claim 2,
There are a plurality of items that can be selected by the user, the margin area surrounds all the plurality of item images representing each of the plurality of items, and the position of the representative point is the center of the margin area. Selection device. The selection device according to claim 2,
When the detected position is not included in the margin area, the display unit enlarges and displays the item image to bring the display area closer to the detected position. Selection device. The selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the item representing the item image is confirmed in the selection result, the display unit stores the position at which the item image is displayed, and then displays the item image at the stored position. A selection device that displays the item image. The selection device according to claim 2,
When the detected position is included in the margin area, the display unit displays the item image in an enlarged manner so that the display area includes the detected position. Selection device. A selection control method executed by a selection device including a display unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit,
A display step in which the display unit displays an item image representing an item selectable by the user on a screen;
A detection step in which the detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user;
A step of confirming, when the item image is displayed at the detected position, the item represented by the item image as a selection result;
When the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed, the display unit moves the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area to the detected position. Thus, the selection control method characterized by moving the position where the item image is displayed. A selection control method executed by a selection device including a display unit, a detection unit, and a determination unit,
A display step in which the display unit displays an item image representing an item selectable by the user on a screen;
A detection step in which the detection unit detects a position in the screen designated by the user;
A step of confirming, when the item image is displayed at the detected position, the item represented by the item image as a selection result;
When the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in a predetermined margin area surrounding the display area, the display unit displays the display area or the margin. A selection control method, wherein the position where the item image is displayed is moved so that the position of a predetermined representative point in the region moves to the detected position. Computer
A display unit that displays an item image representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen;
A detection unit for detecting a position in the screen designated by the user;
When the item image is displayed at the detected position, a program for functioning as a determination unit that determines an item represented by the item image as a selection result,
When the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed, the display unit moves the position of the predetermined representative point in the display area to the detected position. As described above, the program moves the position where the item image is displayed. Computer
A display unit that displays an item image representing items that can be selected by the user on the screen;
A detection unit for detecting a position in the screen designated by the user;
When the item image is displayed at the detected position, a program for functioning as a determination unit that determines an item represented by the item image as a selection result,
When the detected position is not included in the display area where the item image is displayed and is not included in a predetermined margin area surrounding the display area, the display unit displays the display area or the margin. A program for moving a position where the item image is displayed so that a position of a predetermined representative point in the area moves to the detected position.

Images