JP2011221915A - Information processing unit, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To activate an operation auxiliary function with timing corresponding to each application program.SOLUTION: An information processing unit comprises: an input receiving unit that receives a menu operation by a user; a storage unit that stores, in association with each application program, an operation pattern of the menu operation when each application program is executed; a determination unit that determines whether or not the operation pattern of the menu operation, which is received by the input receiving unit when the application program is being executed, matches to the operation pattern stored in the storage unit in association with the application program; and an activation unit that activates the operation auxiliary function of the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed if the determination unit determines that the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input receiving unit matches to the operation pattern stored in the storage unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  When the input operation performed by the user is analyzed and it is determined that the user is lost, the counter value is increased. When the counter value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the operation assist function is activated. A technique for automatically displaying a help screen has been devised (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-171067 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, although the menu operation is an application program that is complicated, the help screen is not displayed or the menu operation is simple. The help screen cannot be displayed at an appropriate timing for each application program, for example, the help screen is frequently displayed.

  An object of the present invention is to activate an operation assisting function at a timing according to each application program.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention provides an input reception unit that receives a menu operation of a user and an operation pattern of menu operation when each application program is executed to each application program. An operation in which an operation pattern of a menu operation received by the input receiving unit when the application program is executed is stored in the storage unit in association with the application program. A determination unit that determines whether or not the pattern matches, and the determination unit determines that the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input reception unit matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit, The application that is being executed when the menu operation is performed Characterized in that it comprises a starting unit that starts the operation support functions publication program.

  Preferably, the storage unit stores the operation pattern in which the same menu operation is repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time.

  Preferably, a plurality of menu operations when each application program is being executed are divided into one or a plurality of groups for each application program, and the storage unit is assigned to the same group within a predetermined time. The operation pattern in which the menu operation to which it belongs is repeated a predetermined number of times may be stored.

  Preferably, for each application program, the operation support function activated by the activation unit includes a history storage unit that stores information on a usage frequency used by a user, and the activation unit is stored in the history storage unit. If it is determined that the usage frequency of the operation assistance function of the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed is lower than a predetermined reference value, the operation assistance function of the application is It is better not to start.

  Preferably, for each application program, the operation assisting function activated by the activation unit includes a history storage unit that stores information on a usage frequency used by a user, and the activation unit is configured to match the operation pattern. In addition to activating the operation assistance function, the operation assistance function of other application programs other than the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed based on the contents stored in the history storage unit. When it is determined that the usage frequency is higher than a predetermined reference value, the operation assist function of the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed may be activated.

  Preferably, the activation unit activates the operation assist function when the operation pattern matches, and in addition, when a new application program is activated, based on the contents stored in the history storage unit When it is determined that the usage frequency of the operation assistance function of other application programs other than the new application program is higher than a predetermined reference value, the new application program is activated when the new application program is started. The operation assist function may be activated.

  Preferably, each application program includes an operation history storage unit that stores an operation history including an operation time of the menu operation, and the activation unit activates the operation assist function when the operation pattern is matched. When it is determined that the operation interval of each menu operation is larger than the reference value determined from the operation interval of the past menu operation based on the operation history stored in the history storage unit, You may activate the operation assistance function of the application program currently performed when menu operation is performed.

  Further, the information processing method according to the present invention is an information processing method by an information processing device, wherein an input reception process for receiving a menu operation of a user and an operation pattern of the menu operation received in the input reception process are respectively A determination process for determining whether or not the operation pattern of the menu operation when the application program is executed matches the stored contents of the storage unit stored in association with each application program, and received in the input receiving process An operation assistance function of an application program executed when the menu operation is performed when it is determined in the determination step that the operation pattern of the menu operation performed matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit And an activation process for activating.

  The program according to the present invention stores a computer in association with input receiving means for receiving a menu operation of a user and an operation pattern of menu operation when each application program is executed in association with each application program. And the operation pattern of the menu operation accepted by the input accepting unit when the application program is executed matches the operation pattern stored in the storage means in association with the application program. If the determination means determines that the operation pattern of the menu operation accepted by the input acceptance means matches the operation pattern stored in the storage means, the menu operation is performed. Run when And it has to function as an activation means for activating the operation support functions of the application program.

  According to the present invention, the operation assisting function can be activated at a timing according to each application program.

1 shows an appearance of a mobile phone 100 according to a first embodiment. An example of the menu screen displayed on the display 120 of the mobile phone 100 is shown. 2 shows a functional configuration of the mobile phone 100. An example of the operation pattern stored in the storage unit 300 is shown. The procedure of the process by the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment is shown. An example of menu operation is shown. Another example of menu operation is shown. An example of an auxiliary operation function is shown. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of a mobile phone 100. The function structure of the mobile telephone 100 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is shown. An example of the information stored in the history storage unit 1000 is shown. The procedure of the process by the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment is shown. The function structure of the mobile telephone 100 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is shown. An example of the operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 1300 is shown. The procedure of the process by the mobile telephone 100 which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is shown. 6 shows another example of information stored in the history storage unit 1000.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. The mobile phone 100 is a terminal device that has a call function and can execute various application programs (hereinafter simply referred to as applications). The mobile phone 100 is an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  The mobile phone 100 includes a housing 110, a display 120, and various input buttons 130. The housing 110 accommodates various hardware included in the mobile phone 100 such as a power source, a CPU, a memory, a display 120, various input buttons 130, a microphone, a speaker, and a communication antenna. In addition, the mobile phone 100 stores a plurality of applications in a storage medium such as a memory. As an application that the mobile phone 100 has, a program that realizes a call, e-mail, the Internet, a game, a music player, a video player, a management tool, and the like can be cited as an example.

  The display 120 is a display device in which a display surface is exposed from an opening on the surface of the housing 110 and various information is displayed on the display surface. For example, the display 120 displays characters, graphics, images, management information, buttons, icons, and the like. Examples of the display 120 include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display.

  Various input buttons 130 are exposed from openings on the surface of the housing 110 and are input devices that accept input of various operations. Examples of the input device included in the mobile phone 100 include a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display 120 in addition to the various input buttons 130.

  For such a mobile phone 100, the user operates various input buttons 130 to select a desired application from among a plurality of applications of the mobile phone 100, and activates the selected application on the mobile phone 100. Can be made. In addition, many of the plurality of applications included in the mobile phone 100 have a plurality of functions. The user operates the various input buttons 130 while performing the menu operation while viewing the menu screen displayed on the display 120 with respect to the activated application, so that a desired function is selected from a plurality of functions of the application. And the selected function can be activated in the mobile phone 100. Here, the menu screen is a screen in which menu items (for example, names of functions and function groups) corresponding to each function or each function group provided by the application are listed, and the menu operation is a menu screen. An operation in which the user selects or designates one of the included menu items.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a menu screen displayed on the display 120 of the mobile phone 100. A screen 200 is a menu screen of the e-mail application, and shows a plurality of functions that the e-mail application has. For example, a plurality of functions or function groups (hereinafter simply referred to as functions) of the e-mail application are displayed on the screen 200 as “inbox” function, “outbox” function, “new mail inquiry” function, “various settings”. Each of the functions is shown. When the user has a desired function to be executed by the mobile phone 100, the user selects a desired function by operating the various input buttons 130, and the selected function is stored in the mobile phone 100. Can be executed.

  The cellular phone 100 activates the selected function when the function selected by the user has no further sub-function, but this sub-function is indicated when the selected function has a further sub-function. Display the menu screen. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, when the “various settings” function is selected on the screen 200, the display 120 displays a screen 210 on which a plurality of sub functions included in the “various settings” function are displayed. Yes. For example, on the screen 210, as a plurality of sub-functions included in the “various settings” function, a “reject call setting” function, a “reception permission setting” function, a “password setting” function, and a “mail center” function are shown. ing. The user can select a desired subfunction by operating the various input buttons 130 when there is a desired subfunction to be executed by the mobile phone 100 among these subfunctions.

  The cellular phone 100 activates the selected sub-function when the sub-function selected by the user has no further sub-function, but this additional sub-function when the selected sub-function has the additional sub-function. A menu screen with a mark is further displayed. As described above, in many applications of the mobile phone 100, the menu screen is hierarchically configured. For this reason, the user has to perform a number of menu operations until a desired function is used, which is a cause of erroneous operations.

  Therefore, the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment considers that the user is at a loss of operation when a predetermined pattern menu operation is performed, and automatically activates the operation assist function of the application. did. Thereby, it is possible to provide an operation assistance function to beginners at an appropriate timing. Further, since the operation assistance function is not easily activated for the skilled person, it is possible to prevent annoyance that the operation assistance function is activated frequently.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the mobile phone 100. The mobile phone 100 includes a storage unit 300, an input reception unit 302, a determination unit 304, and an activation unit 306.

  The storage unit 300 stores the operation pattern of the menu operation when each application of the mobile phone 100 is being executed in association with each application. This operation pattern is an operation pattern that allows the user to determine that he / she is at a loss, and includes, for example, the type of operation, the order or number of operations, and the time required for the operation. For example, the storage unit 300 stores an operation pattern in which the same menu operation is repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. This is because when the same menu operation is frequently repeated, it can be considered that the user is at a loss. Further, the storage unit 300 stores an operation pattern in which different menu operations are repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time. This is because even when different menu operations are repeated, it may be considered that the user is at a loss for the operation. However, even when the user is operating without hesitation, different menu operations may be performed multiple times in a short period of time, so in such a case, the user is not mistakenly confused about the operation. It is necessary to do so. Therefore, a plurality of menu operations when each application program is being executed are preliminarily divided into one or a plurality of groups for each application program, and the storage unit 300 can be assigned to the same group within a predetermined time. Stores an operation pattern in which the menu operation to which it belongs is repeated a predetermined number of times. For example, when different menus are selected one after another from a plurality of menus included in a certain menu screen, it may be determined that the user is at a loss in operation. For this reason, a plurality of menus included in the same menu screen are grouped into one group, and the storage unit 300 stores the same menu within a predetermined time in preparation for a case where menus belonging to this group are frequently selected. An operation pattern in which menu operations belonging to the group are repeated a predetermined number of times is stored. Since the operation pattern stored in the storage unit 300 may be different for each application program, it is associated with the application program. Each application describes a procedure for realizing a function for the user to intentionally call the operation assistance function itself, such as selecting a help button. In the present embodiment, since the operation assist function can be activated without performing an operation for intentionally calling the operation assist function itself, the operation pattern stored in the storage unit 300 includes this operation pattern. Such an operation pattern for calling the operation assistance function itself is excluded.

  The input accepting unit 302 accepts an input of a user's menu operation by various input buttons 130. The determination unit 304 refers to the storage unit 300, and the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input reception unit 302 when the application is being executed is stored in the storage unit 300 in association with the application. It is determined whether or not the operation pattern matches. Here, the determination unit 304 may determine that the content stored in the storage unit 300 completely matches the content stored in the storage unit 300 and that falls within the similar permitted range in advance. However, when the storage content of the storage unit 300 is expressed in such a content as to include a pre-allowed similar range, the determination unit 304 determines that the storage content of the storage unit 300 is completely identical to “ It just needs to be determined as “match”.

  When the determination unit 304 determines that the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input reception unit 302 matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit 300, the activation unit 306 is executed when the menu operation is performed. Start the operation assist function of the application that is running. The operation assist function here is a function that assists the user's operation. For example, a so-called help screen is displayed to answer a question from the user, or information that assists the operation is presented, or the user This includes all functions that can assist the operation, such as guiding to a site or telephone center that accepts questions from, or performing an operation on behalf of the user by determining a user's request.

  For example, when an operation pattern “repeated the same menu operation a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time” is associated with the application in which the menu operation has been performed, the menu operation by the various input buttons 130 is performed. Is the “repeating the same menu operation a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time”, the activation unit 306 activates the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed.

  Further, when an operation pattern “repeated a predetermined number of menu operations belonging to the same group within a predetermined time” is associated with the application in which the menu operation has been performed, various input buttons 130 are used. When the operation pattern of the menu operation is such that “menu operation belonging to the same group is repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time”, the activation unit 306 has an operation assist function for the application in which the menu operation is performed Start up.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of operation patterns stored in the storage unit 300. A table 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 is a database table stored in the storage unit 300. The table 400 includes an item “application” and an item “operation pattern”.

  The item “application” stores application identification information of the mobile phone 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the application name is stored in the table 400 as the identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an application ID or the like may be stored. In the item “operation pattern”, an operation pattern by the input device is stored in association with the application stored in the item “application”. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the item “operation pattern” includes an item “operation”, an item “repetition count”, and an item “determination time”.

  For example, in the table 400, the item “operation” of the application “E-mail” is “reciprocation of the menu screen by the same menu operation”, the item “repetition count” is “3 times”, and the item “determination time” "Is stored in association with" 10 seconds ". In the application “Internet”, the item “operation” includes “reciprocating menu screen by menu operation belonging to the same group”, the item “repetition count” indicates “3 times”, and the item “judgment time”. Is stored in association with “15 seconds”.

  When the table 400 is set as described above, the mobile phone 100 determines that the “same menu operation” is “3 seconds” within “10 seconds” as the input operation for the application “E-mail” based on this setting. If it is repeatedly executed, the operation assist function of the application “E-mail” is activated. When the “menu operation of the same group” is repeatedly performed “three times” within “15 seconds” as an input operation for the application “Internet”, the operation assist function of the application “Internet” is activated.

  FIG. 5 shows a processing procedure by the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. First, the mobile phone 100 activates one application from among a plurality of applications provided in the mobile phone 100 in accordance with operations performed by the various input buttons 130 (step S502). Then, the input receiving unit 302 starts receiving input of menu operations using the various input buttons 130 (step S504).

  Thereafter, a menu operation is performed using the various input buttons 130, and when the input reception unit 302 receives the menu operation (step S506), the mobile phone 100 displays the application that the menu operation received in step S506 is activated in step S502. It is determined whether it is for termination (step S508).

  In step S508, when it is determined that “the menu operation received in step S506 is for ending the application started in step S502” (step S508: Yes), the mobile phone 100 ends a series of processes. To do. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S508 that “the menu operation received in step S506 is not for ending the application activated in step S502” (step S508: No), the mobile phone 100 performs processing. Proceed to S510.

  In step S510, the mobile phone 100 determines whether or not activation of any function is instructed by the menu operation received in step S506 (step S510). In step S510, when it is determined that “the activation of some function is instructed by the menu operation accepted in step S506” (step S510: Yes), the mobile phone 100 is instructed by the menu operation accepted in step S506. The function is activated (step S512), and the process returns to step S506. On the other hand, in step S510, when it is determined that “the activation of some function is not instructed by the menu operation accepted in step S506” (step S510: No), the cellular phone 100 advances the process to step S514.

  In step S514, the determination unit 304 refers to the storage unit 300, so that the operation pattern of the menu operation received in step S506 matches the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502. Is determined (step S514).

  If it is determined in step S514 that "the operation pattern of the menu operation accepted in step S506 matches the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502" (step S514: Yes), the activation unit 306 However, the operation assist function of the application activated in step S502 is activated (step S516), and the process returns to step S506. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that “the operation pattern of the menu operation accepted in step S506 does not match the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502” (step S514: No), the mobile phone The telephone 100 returns the process to step S506.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the menu operation. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, when the “various settings” function is selected on the screen 200 that is the menu screen of the application “E-mail”, the display 120 has a plurality of sub-functions included in the selected “various settings” function. A screen 210 showing the functions is displayed. Then, the “return” button is selected on the screen 210 because, for example, a desired function is not included in these sub-functions, so that the screen 200 is displayed again on the display 120. Further, for the mobile phone 100, the menu screen is reciprocated by the same menu operation of selecting “various settings”, such as selecting the “various settings” function and selecting the “return” button. It is performed 3 times within 10 seconds.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, as a menu operation for the application “E-mail”, “reciprocating movement of the menu screen by the same menu operation” was repeated “3 times” within “10 seconds”. In this case, when the condition for starting the operation assist function of the application “E-mail” is set for the storage unit 300, the above-described menu operation matches this condition. For this reason, when the above-described menu operation is performed, the mobile phone 100 automatically activates the operation assist function of the application “E-mail”.

  FIG. 7 shows another example of the menu operation. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, when the “favorite” function is selected on the screen 700 which is a menu screen of the application “Internet”, the display 120 shows a plurality of sub-functions included in the selected “favorite” function. The displayed screen 710 is displayed. Then, because there is no desired function among these sub-functions, the “return” button is selected on the screen 710, whereby the screen 700 is displayed again on the display 120. Further, for the cellular phone 100, similarly to the above, the menu operation of selecting the “return” button on the screen 720 after selecting the “URL input” function on the screen 700, and the “history” function on the screen 700 are performed. After the selection, the menu operation of selecting the “return” button on the screen 730, that is, “the reciprocating movement of the menu screen by the menu operation belonging to the same group” is continuously performed, and the reciprocating movement of the menu screen is repeated. It is. Here, it is assumed that “favorite”, “URL input”, and “history” included in the menu screen 700 of the application “Internet” belong to the same group.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, as the menu operation for the application “Internet”, the operation of “reciprocating the menu screen by the menu operation belonging to the same group” is performed “3 times” within “15 seconds”. When repeated, if the condition for starting the operation assist function of the application “Internet” is set for the storage unit 300, the above-described menu operation matches this condition. For this reason, when the above-described menu operation is performed, the mobile phone 100 automatically activates the operation assist function of the application “Internet”.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of contents displayed on the mobile phone 100 by the auxiliary operation function. In the example of FIG. 8, in the cellular phone 100, as described above, the auxiliary operation function is automatically activated by performing a menu operation with a predetermined operation pattern. As a result, an image 800 that functions as a UI (User Interface) for the auxiliary operation function is displayed on the display 120. When using the auxiliary operation function that is automatically activated, the user can use the auxiliary operation function by operating various input buttons and inputting some instruction to the image 800. On the other hand, when the user does not use the automatically activated auxiliary operation function, the user operates various input buttons and inputs an instruction to end the auxiliary operation function to the image 800 or the image 800 The auxiliary operation function can be terminated by not giving the instruction for a predetermined time.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile phone 100. The mobile phone 100 includes a CPU 1505, a ROM 1510, a RAM 1520, an HD (hard disk) drive 1525, a communication interface 1530, an external memory drive 1540, an external memory 1542, and a speaker 1570 in addition to the various input buttons 130 and the display 120 described so far. Prepare.

  The ROM 1510, the RAM 1520, and the HD drive 1525 store various data and various programs. The CPU 1505 performs various data processing and various hardware controls by executing programs stored in the ROM 1510, the RAM 1520, or the HD drive 1525.

  The communication interface 1530 is connected to a communication network and communicates with the outside through the communication network. The external memory drive 1540 is connected to the external memory 1542 and transmits / receives data to / from the external memory 1542. An example of the external memory 1542 is a memory card. The speaker 1570 emits sound according to various audio data.

  The program executed by the CPU 1505 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium, provided to the mobile phone 100, and stored in the mobile phone 100, for example. A program executed by the CPU 1505 may be stored in the mobile phone 100 in advance. Further, the program executed by the CPU 1505 may be provided from the external device to the mobile phone 100 via the communication network and stored in the mobile phone 100.

  For example, the mobile phone 100 functions as the storage unit 300 by the ROM 1510, the RAM 1520, the HD drive 1525, or the external memory 1542 provided in the mobile phone 100. In addition, the CPU 1505 included in the mobile phone 100 executes a program stored in the ROM 1510, the RAM 1520, the HD drive 1525, or the external memory 1542, so that the mobile phone 100 includes the input reception unit 302, the determination unit 304, and the activation It functions as the unit 306.

  As described above, the cellular phone 100 according to the present embodiment stores an operation pattern in association with each application in advance, and the menu operation performed by the various input buttons 130 is performed according to the menu operation. When the operation pattern associated with the selected application is matched, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed is activated. Thereby, an operation assistance function can be provided to a beginner who repeats the same type of operation at an appropriate timing. In addition, since the operation assistance function is not easily activated for a skilled person who is not confident in operation, it is possible to prevent annoyance that the operation assistance function is frequently activated.

  In particular, since the mobile phone 100 of the present embodiment stores operation patterns in association with each application in advance, for example, by storing an appropriate operation pattern according to the complexity of the menu operation, For applications that are complicated to operate, start the help screen frequently, or for applications with simple menu operations, start the help screen at a more appropriate timing for each application. Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the operation assist function is not activated even if the operation pattern matches the stored content of the storage unit 300 as in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 shows a functional configuration of the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment. The mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a history storage unit 1000. The following description will focus on differences from the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The history storage unit 1000 stores, for each application, information related to the frequency of use of the operation assistance function activated by the activation unit 306 by the user. For example, in the present embodiment, the history storage unit 1000 includes, for each application, the number of activations when the operation assisting function is activated by the activation unit 306 and the number of times the operation assisting function activated by the activation unit 306 is used by the user. Is stored. When the number of times of use is divided by the number of times of activation, the frequency of use of the operation assistance function by the user can be obtained. That is, it can be said that the history storage unit 1000 stores information on the usage frequency of the operation assisting function used by the user. The activation unit 306 uses the frequency of use of the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed based on the number of activations and the number of usages of the application in which the menu operation is performed, which is stored in the history storage unit 1000. If it is determined that the value is lower than the predetermined reference value, even if the operation pattern matches the stored content of the storage unit 300 as in the first embodiment, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed is performed. It does not start. For example, if the activation unit 306 determines that the ratio of the number of uses to the number of activations is lower than a predetermined reference value, the activation unit 306 does not activate the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of information stored in the history storage unit 1000. A table 1100 illustrated in FIG. 11 is a database table stored in the history storage unit 1000. The table 1100 includes an item “application”, an item “startup count”, and an item “use count”.

  The item “application” stores application identification information of the mobile phone 100. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the application name is stored in the table 1100 as the identification information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an application ID or the like may be stored. The item “number of activations” stores the number of activations when the operation assisting function is activated by the activation unit 306. The number of times of activation stored in the item “number of times of activation” increases by “1” every time the operation assisting function is activated by the activation unit 306. The item “number of uses” stores the number of times the operation assisting function activated by the activation unit 306 has been used. The use count stored in the item “use count” increases by “1” every time the operation assist function activated by the activation unit 306 is used.

  For example, in the table 1100, “100 times” is stored in the item “number of activations” and “50 times” is stored in the item “number of times of use” of the application “E-mail”. In the application “Internet”, “100 times” is stored in the item “number of activations”, and “25 times” is stored in the item “number of uses”.

  When the table 1100 is set in this way, the activation unit 306 determines whether to activate the operation assist function based on this setting. For example, if the usage frequency of the operation assistance function is 30% or more as the activation condition for the operation assistance function, the activation unit 306 uses the operation assistance function usage frequency “50%” for the application “E-mail”. (50/100) ", the operation assistance function is activated. On the other hand, for the application “Internet”, the activation unit 306 does not activate the operation assistance function because the usage frequency of the operation assistance function is “25% (25/100)”.

  In the present embodiment, the activation unit 306 determines whether the usage frequency of the operation assist function of the application is lower than the predetermined reference value depending on whether the ratio of the usage frequency to the activation frequency is lower than the predetermined reference value. It was decided to judge whether or not. Not limited to this, the activation unit 306 may determine whether or not the usage frequency of the operation assist function of the application is lower than a predetermined reference value by other methods.

  For example, when the ratio of the number of times of use to the number of times of activation is other than 100%, that is, when the operation assistance function is not used even once, the activation unit 306 activates the operation assistance function of the application in which the menu operation is performed. It may not be activated. In addition, when the activation unit 306 determines that the number of times of non-use (number of times of activation-number of times of use) is higher than a predetermined reference value, the activation unit 306 does not activate the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed. It may be. As another example, the activation unit 306 may be configured not to activate the operation assist function of the application for which the menu operation has been performed when it is determined that the activation unit 306 has not been used continuously for a predetermined number of times. In any case, additional conditions such as “within a predetermined period” and “about a predetermined number of activations” may be added.

  FIG. 12 shows a processing procedure by the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment. The procedure of the process by the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment is that the process of step S1200 described below is provided between step S514 and step S516, and thus the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. It is different from the processing procedure by The following description will focus on differences from the processing procedure performed by the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In step S514, the determination unit 304 refers to the storage unit 300, so that the operation pattern of the menu operation received in step S506 matches the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502. Is determined (step S514).

  In step S514, when it is determined that “the operation pattern of the menu operation received in step S506 matches the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502” (step S514: Yes), the mobile phone 100 Advances the process to step S1200. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that “the operation pattern of the menu operation accepted in step S506 does not match the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502” (step S514: No), the mobile phone The telephone 100 returns the process to step S506.

  In step S1200, the activation unit 306 uses the frequency of use of the operation assistance function of the application activated in step S502 based on the activation count and usage count of the application activated in step S502 stored in the history storage unit 1000. Is lower than a predetermined reference value (step S1200).

  In step S1200, when it is determined that “the usage frequency of the operation assist function of the application activated in step S502 is lower than a predetermined reference value” (step S1200: Yes), the mobile phone 100 proceeds to step S506. return. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1200 that “the usage frequency of the operation assist function of the application activated in step S502 is not lower than a predetermined reference value” (step S1200: No), the activation unit 306 determines in step S502. In step S516, the mobile phone 100 returns the processing to step S506.

  As described above, the mobile phone 100 according to the second embodiment stores the information related to the usage frequency of the operation assistance function in the history storage unit 1000 for each application, and operates based on the information stored in the history storage unit 1000. It is decided to control whether or not to activate the operation assisting function according to the usage frequency of the assisting function. Thereby, the operation assistance function can be provided at an appropriate timing for beginners who frequently use the operation assistance function provided in the past. In addition, since the operation assistance function is not easily activated for an expert who uses the operation assistance function provided in the past in a low frequency, it is possible to prevent annoyance that the operation assistance function is activated frequently.

  In particular, since the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment stores information related to the usage frequency of the operation assistance function in the history storage unit 1000 for each application, for example, the usage frequency of the operation assistance function for the same user. For applications with a high number of applications, the help screen is activated at a more appropriate timing for each application, such as frequently starting the help screen or for applications where the frequency of using the assist function is low. can do.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this third embodiment, in addition to activating the operation assistance function when the operation pattern matches the stored contents of the storage unit 300 as in the first embodiment, the operation assistance function is activated at other times. Will be described.

  FIG. 13 shows a functional configuration of the mobile phone 100 according to the third embodiment. The mobile phone 100 according to the third embodiment is different from the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment in that an operation history storage unit 1300 is further provided. The following description will focus on differences from the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The operation history storage unit 1300 stores an operation history including operation times of menu operations performed by the various input buttons 130 for each application. In addition to activating the operation assist function when the operation pattern matches, the activation unit 306 determines the operation interval of each menu operation based on the operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 1300. If it is determined that the value is larger than the reference value determined from the operation interval of the menu operation, the operation assist function of the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed is activated.

  For example, the activation unit 306 obtains an average value of operation intervals of past menu operations and uses the obtained average value as a reference value, or adds or multiplies a predetermined weight value to the obtained average value as a reference. When the operation interval of the menu operation is larger than the reference value, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed is activated. As another example, the activation unit 306 obtains a maximum value of operation intervals of past menu operations, and uses the obtained maximum value as a reference value, or adds or multiplies a predetermined weight value to the obtained maximum value. Thus, the reference value is obtained, and when the operation interval of the menu operation is larger than the reference value, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed is activated.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of an operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 1300. A table 1400 illustrated in FIG. 14 is a database table stored in the operation history storage unit 1300. The table 1400 includes an item “application” and an item “operation history”. The item “operation history” includes an item “operation” and an item “operation time”.

  The item “application” stores application identification information of the mobile phone 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the application name is stored as the identification information in the table 1400, but not limited to this, an application ID or the like may be stored. In the item “operation”, menu operations performed by the various input buttons 130 are stored for each operation, and in the item “operation time”, the time at which the operation was performed is stored. Every time one menu operation is performed with the various input buttons 130, an operation history is added to the table 1400 line by line.

  For example, in the table 1400, for the item “operation” of the application “E-mail”, “various settings” selection, “return” selection, “various settings” selection, “return” selection are sequentially selected. "," Various settings "selection", "" return "selection", ... are stored. In addition, in the item “operation time”, “10:00:00”, “10:00:01”, “10:00:03”, “10:00:04”, “10:00:06” are sequentially set. , “10:00:07”,... Are stored. From these stored values, it can be seen that the average value of the operation interval of the application “E-mail” is “1.4 seconds” and the maximum value is “2 seconds”.

  For example, the activation unit 306 obtains the reference value by using the average value “1.4 seconds” as a reference value, or by adding or multiplying the average value “1.4 seconds” by a predetermined weight value. When the operation interval of the menu operation is larger than the reference value, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed is activated. As another example, the activation unit 306 obtains a reference value by using the maximum value “2 seconds” as a reference value, or adding or multiplying the maximum value “2 seconds” by a predetermined weight value, and When the operation interval of the operation is larger than the reference value, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed is activated.

  FIG. 15 shows a processing procedure by the mobile phone 100 according to the third embodiment. The procedure of the processing by the mobile phone 100 according to the third embodiment is that the processing of step S1500 described below is provided between step S514 and step S516, and thus the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. It is different from the procedure of processing by. The following description will focus on differences from the processing procedure performed by the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment.

  In step S514, the determination unit 304 refers to the storage unit 300, so that the operation pattern of the menu operation received in step S506 matches the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502. Is determined (step S514).

  In step S514, when it is determined that “the operation pattern of the menu operation received in step S506 matches the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502” (step S514: Yes), the mobile phone 100 Advances the process to step S1500. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S514 that “the operation pattern of the menu operation accepted in step S506 does not match the operation pattern associated with the application activated in step S502” (step S514: No), the mobile phone The telephone 100 returns the process to step S506.

  In step S1500, based on the operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 1300, the activation unit 306 determines that the operation interval of the menu operation accepted in step S506 is based on a reference value based on the operation interval of the past menu operation. Is also larger (step S1500).

  If it is determined in step S1500 that “the operation interval of the menu operation accepted in step S506 is smaller than a reference value based on the operation interval of the past menu operation” (step S1500: No), the mobile phone 100 performs processing. Is returned to step S506. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1500 that “the operation interval of the menu operation accepted in step S506 is larger than a reference value based on the operation interval of the past menu operation” (step S1500: Yes), the activation unit 306 Then, the operation assist function of the application activated in step S502 is activated (step S516), and the cellular phone 100 returns the process to step S506.

  As described above, the mobile phone 100 according to the third embodiment stores the operation history in the operation history storage unit 1300 for each application, and operates the menu operation based on the operation history stored in the operation history storage unit 1300. It was decided to control whether or not to activate the operation assistance function according to the interval. As a result, if the operation interval of the menu operation is larger than the operation interval of the past menu operation, that is, if the menu operation takes longer than usual, it is considered that the user is lost in the menu operation. Thus, an operation assistance function can be provided to the user at an appropriate timing.

  In particular, since the mobile phone 100 of the present embodiment stores the operation history in the operation history storage unit 1300 for each application, the operation interval of the menu operation is the same for the same user, for example. Even if there is an application that always has a large menu operation interval, the operation assist function is not activated, and for an application that always has a small menu operation interval, the operation assist function is activated. The auxiliary operation function can be activated at an appropriate timing.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and may be modified as follows. Further, the following modifications may be combined.

(Modification 1)
In the second embodiment, the activation unit 306 performs the menu operation based on the activation count and usage count of an application other than the application for which the menu operation is performed, which is stored in the history storage unit 1000. When it is determined that the usage frequency of the operation assist function of the application other than the application is higher than a predetermined reference value, the operation assist function of the application in which the menu operation is performed may be activated. .

  For example, when a new application is activated, the activation unit 306 has an operation assist function of an application other than the new application based on the activation count and usage count of the application other than the new application. When it is determined that the usage frequency is higher than a predetermined reference value, the operation assist function for the new application may be activated when the new application is activated. The new application may be an application that is activated for the first time, or may be an application that is activated less than a predetermined value.

  FIG. 16 shows another example of information stored in the history storage unit 1000. For example, in the table 1100 shown in FIG. 16, “100 times” is stored in the item “number of activations” and “80 times” is stored in the item “number of uses” of the application “E-mail”. In the application “Internet”, “100 times” is stored in the item “number of activations”, and “75 times” is stored in the item “number of uses”. From these stored values, it can be seen that the usage frequency of the operation assistance function of the application “E-mail” is “80%” and the usage frequency of the operation assistance function of the application “Internet” is “75%”.

  For example, when the above-mentioned predetermined reference value is set to “70%”, any use frequency is higher than this reference value. Therefore, when a new application is activated, the activation unit 306 operates the operation assist function at the activation. Start up. In addition, when the predetermined reference value is “77%”, the usage frequency of the operation assistance function of the application “Internet” is lower than the reference value. Therefore, the activation unit 306 activates a new application. In this case, the operation assist function is not activated at the time of activation.

  For users who often use operation assistance functions, new applications tend to require operation assistance functions. On the other hand, for users who do not use the operation assistance function very much, even if it is a new application, the operation assistance function is not required, and the new application tends to be used well. Since there is no information about usage frequency and history information for a new application, it is impossible to determine whether or not the operation assist function is frequently used based on such information. Therefore, the cellular phone 100 according to the present embodiment is classified into whether or not the user frequently uses the operation assistance function as an application in general by referring to the usage frequency of the operation assistance function of another application. Accordingly, it is decided to control whether or not to provide an operation assist function for a newly started application. As a result, for users who often use the operation assistance function as a whole application, the operation assistance function is provided at an appropriate timing such as providing the operation assistance function every time a new application is started. For users who do not often use it, it is possible to eliminate the annoyance of providing an operation assistance function each time a new application is activated.

(Modification 2)
In the second embodiment, for each application, information indicating that the operation assistance function is used when the application is started for the first time (hereinafter referred to as “first use flag”) is stored in the history storage unit 1000. It may be. In this case, when the new application is activated, the activation unit 306 determines the total number or ratio of initial use flags stored in the history storage unit 1000 (total number of initial use flags / total number of applications) as a predetermined criterion. When it is determined that there are more than the values, the operation assist function of the new application may be activated when the new application is activated.

(Modification 3)
In each embodiment, an example in which the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied to a mobile phone has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing apparatus of the present invention may be a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable music player, a portable video. The present invention can also be applied to a playback device, a portable navigation device, a personal computer, and the like. The information processing apparatus of the present invention may be any apparatus that has at least a menu operation function and an operation assist function, and can be applied to home appliances such as a television and a video deck.

(Modification 4)
In each embodiment, the storage unit 300 stores one operation pattern associated with one application. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of operation patterns are stored for one application. It may be stored in association with each other. A plurality of applications may be stored in association with one operation pattern.

(Modification 5)
In each embodiment, the operation pattern is stored in the storage unit 300 in units of applications. However, the operation patterns may be stored in units of functions of the application. In this case, in each embodiment, “application” is read as “function”, and the operation pattern of the menu operation performed by the various input buttons 130 is changed to the operation pattern associated with the function in which the menu operation is performed. If they match, the operation assist function of the function for which the menu operation has been performed may be activated. However, even in this case, the operation pattern is stored in association with the application.

(Modification 6)
In the third embodiment, the history of menu operations is stored in the storage unit 300, and the operation interval of menu operations performed by the various input buttons 130 is larger than a reference value based on the operation interval of past menu operations. Then, the operation assist function of the function in which the menu operation is performed is activated. Not limited to this, the history of other operations (for example, character input operations) other than the menu operation is stored in the storage unit 300, and the operation interval of other operations performed by the various input buttons 130 is the other operations in the past. When the operation interval is larger than a reference value based on the operation interval, the operation assist function of the function in which the other operation operation is performed may be activated.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Mobile phone, 110 ... Housing | casing, 120 ... Display, 130 ... Various input buttons, 300 ... Storage part, 302 ... Input reception part, 304 ... Judgment part, 306 ... Starting part, 400 ... Table

Claims (9)

An input reception unit for receiving user menu operations;
A storage unit for storing an operation pattern of menu operation when each application program is executed in association with each application program;
Determine whether the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input receiving unit when the application program is being executed matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit in association with the application program A determination unit to
An application program executed when the menu operation is performed when the determination unit determines that the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input reception unit matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit An information processing apparatus comprising: an activation unit that activates the operation assist function. The storage unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation pattern for repeatedly performing the same menu operation a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time is stored. A plurality of menu operations when each application program is executed are divided into one or a plurality of groups for each application program,
The storage unit
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation pattern in which menu operations belonging to the same group are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time is stored. For each application program, the operation support function activated by the activation unit includes a history storage unit that stores information on the usage frequency used by the user,
The activation unit is
Based on the content stored in the history storage unit, when it is determined that the use frequency of the operation assistance function of the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed is lower than a predetermined reference value, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation assist function of the application is not activated. For each application program, the operation support function activated by the activation unit includes a history storage unit that stores information on the usage frequency used by the user,
The activation unit is
In addition to activating the operation assist function when the operation pattern matches,
Based on the content stored in the history storage unit, when the frequency of use of the operation assistance function of an application program other than the application program being executed when the menu operation is performed is higher than a predetermined reference value 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the determination is made, an operation assist function of an application program that is being executed when the menu operation is performed is activated. 5. The activation unit is
In addition to activating the operation assist function when the operation pattern matches,
When a new application program is activated, based on the contents stored in the history storage unit, the frequency of use of the operation assistance function of other application programs other than the new application program is higher than a predetermined reference value. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, when it is determined that the value is high, an operation assist function of the new application program is activated when the new application program is activated. For each application program, an operation history storage unit that stores an operation history including the operation time of the menu operation is provided.
The activation unit is
In addition to activating the operation assist function when the operation pattern matches,
When it is determined that the operation interval of each menu operation is larger than the reference value determined from the operation interval of the past menu operation based on the operation history stored in the history storage unit, the menu operation The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an operation assist function of an application program that is being executed is activated. An information processing method by an information processing apparatus,
An input acceptance process for accepting user menu operations;
The operation pattern of the menu operation received in the input receiving step matches the stored content of the storage unit that stores the operation pattern of the menu operation when each application program is executed in association with each application program. A determination step for determining whether or not,
When it is determined in the determination step that the operation pattern of the menu operation received in the input reception step matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit, it is executed when the menu operation is performed. An information processing method comprising: an activation step of activating an operation assistance function of an application program. Computer
Input receiving means for receiving user menu operations;
Storage means for storing an operation pattern of menu operation when each application program is executed in association with each application program;
Determining whether the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input receiving unit when the application program is being executed matches the operation pattern stored in the storage means in association with the application program A judgment means to
An application program executed when the menu operation is performed when the determination unit determines that the operation pattern of the menu operation received by the input reception unit matches the operation pattern stored in the storage unit A program to make it function as an activation means to activate the operation assistance function.

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