JP2023161711A - Electronic apparatus, method for controlling electronic apparatus, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of applying a different function to a plurality of object with higher operability.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes reception means for receiving a specific operation being an operation to designate a position on a screen, and control means for performing control so as to apply a first function in a function group to a first object located at a first position on the screen designated by the n-th specific operation in response to the n-th specific operation, and performing control so as to apply a second function in the function group to a second element located at a second position on the screen designated by the (n+1)-th specific operation in response to the (n+1)-th specific operation performed next after the n-th specific operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to electronic devices, their control methods, and programs, and particularly relates to object editing.

2. Description of the Related Art In electronic devices, object editing such as copying, pasting, and coloring objects is performed, and there is a need for an object editing method with better operability.

Patent Document 1 proposes setting properties of a selected element using a property dialog when drawing or editing a graphic element in a graphic display area.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-157951

You may want to apply different functions to multiple objects. However, in Patent Document 1, when setting properties of a plurality of objects, it is necessary to open and operate a property dialog for each object, which increases the number of operations. In other words, there was room for improvement in operability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that can apply different functions to a plurality of objects with better operability.

The electronic device of the present invention includes:
a reception means for accepting a specific operation that is an operation for specifying a position on the screen;
In response to the specific operation for the nth time, apply a first function of the group of functions to a first object located at a first position on the screen specified by the specific operation for the nth time. control to
In response to the (n+1)th specific operation performed after the nth time, for the second element at the second position on the screen specified by the (n+1)th specific operation. and a control means for controlling application of the second function of the function group.

According to the present invention, different functions can be applied to a plurality of objects with better operability.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device. It is a flowchart of processing of editing software. This is a display example explaining the continuous copy tool. 12 is a flowchart of continuous application tool processing. It is a flowchart of continuous application setting processing. This is a display example explaining the continuous application tool.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of an electronic device 100 as an example of a device to which the present invention can be applied. The electronic device 100 can be configured using a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) or the like.

In FIG. 1, the internal bus 150 includes a CPU 101, a memory 102, a non-volatile memory 103, an image processing section 104, a display 105, an operation section 106, a recording medium I/F 107, an external I/F 109, a communication I/F 110, and a camera section. 112 is connected. Each unit connected to the internal bus 150 is configured to be able to exchange data with each other via the internal bus 150.

The memory 102 is composed of, for example, a RAM (volatile memory using a semiconductor element, etc.). The CPU 101 controls each part of the electronic device 100 according to a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 103, for example, using the memory 102 as a work memory. The nonvolatile memory 103 stores image data, audio data, other data, various programs for the CPU 101 to operate, and the like. The nonvolatile memory 103 is composed of, for example, a hard disk (HD) or a ROM.

Under the control of the CPU 101, the image processing unit 104 processes image data stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 or the recording medium 108, video signals acquired via the external I/F 109, and image data acquired via the communication I/F 110. Performs various image processing on images, captured images, etc. Image processing performed by the image processing unit 104 includes A/D conversion processing, D/A conversion processing, image data encoding processing, compression processing, decoding processing, enlargement/reduction processing (resizing), noise reduction processing, and color conversion. This includes processing, etc. The image processing unit 104 may be configured with a dedicated circuit block for performing specific image processing. Further, depending on the type of image processing, the CPU 101 may perform image processing according to a program without using the image processing unit 104.

The display 105 displays images, a GUI screen forming a GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. under the control of the CPU 101 . The CPU 101 generates a display control signal according to a program, and controls each part of the electronic device 100 to generate a video signal to be displayed on the display 105 and output it to the display 105. Display 105 displays video based on the output video signal. Note that the electronic device 100 itself includes an interface for outputting a video signal to be displayed on the display 105, and the display 105 may be an external monitor (such as a television).

The operation unit 106 is an input device for receiving user operations, including a character information input device such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse or a touch panel, a button, a dial, a joystick, a touch sensor, a touch pad, and the like. Note that the touch panel is an input device that is configured in a planar manner so as to be superimposed on the display 105, and outputs coordinate information according to a touched position. The CPU 101 acquires a position on the screen (input position) that is input in response to a user's operation on a position input member included in the operation unit 106 . For example, the position of a mouse cursor moved by mouse operation is acquired as the input position. Alternatively, the position where the touch panel is touched is acquired as the input position.

A recording medium 108 such as a memory card, CD, or DVD can be attached to the recording medium I/F 107, and based on the control of the CPU 101, data can be read from the attached recording medium 108 and data can be written to the recording medium 108. I do. The external I/F 109 is an interface for connecting to external equipment via a wired cable or wirelessly, and for inputting and outputting video signals and audio signals. The communication I/F 110 is an interface for communicating with external devices, the Internet 111, etc., and transmitting and receiving various data such as files and commands.

The camera section 112 is a camera unit that includes an image sensor (imaging sensor) that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, such as a CCD or CMOS device. The camera unit 112 includes a lens group (taking lens) including a zoom lens and a focus lens, a shutter with an aperture function, an image sensor, an A/D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor into a digital signal, and an image sensor. Contains a barrier that covers the system to prevent contamination and damage. The image processing unit 104 performs predetermined pixel interpolation, resizing processing such as reduction, and color conversion processing on data captured and acquired by the camera unit 112 . Based on the calculation results obtained by the image processing unit 104, the CPU 101 performs exposure control, distance measurement control, and AWB (auto white balance) processing. Display image data captured by the camera unit 112 and subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 104 is displayed on the display 105. A digital signal captured by the camera unit 112, once A/D converted by the A/D converter, and stored in the memory 102 is converted into an analog signal by the D/A converter, and sequentially transferred to the display 105 for display. , live view display (LV display) can be performed. The camera unit 112 is capable of capturing still images and moving images.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an object editing process executed when editing software (CAD application software, hereinafter simply referred to as CAD software) in the electronic device 100 is started. Each process in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 101 loading a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 into the memory 102 and executing it. When there is an instruction to start CAD software that can execute the process shown in FIG. 2, the process shown in FIG. 2 is started. FIG. 2 shows the processing of the CAD software.

In S201, the CPU 101 controls the display 105 to perform initial display. For example, a window for displaying CAD software as shown in FIG. 3(a) is displayed. A return button 310, an end button 311, a drawing display area 300, and the like are displayed on the window. It is assumed that the display destination for all processes that perform some kind of display in the processes described later is the display 105.

In S202, the CPU 101 determines whether an instruction to open a file has been given in response to the user's operation on the operation unit 106. The file is, for example, a file of a drawing to be displayed in the drawing display area 300 in FIG. 3(a). The drawing recorded in the drawing file is, for example, a CAD drawing created using CAD software. If an instruction to open a file has been given, the process proceeds to S203; if an instruction to open a file has not been given, the process proceeds to S204.

In S<b>203 , the CPU 101 controls to read the designated drawing file from the nonvolatile memory 103 and display the drawing of the read file on the display 105 . In the example of FIG. 3A, a drawing including graphic objects 301a, 302a, 303a, and 304a as elements (components) of the drawing is displayed in the drawing display area 300. It is assumed that the right-click menu 320 in FIG. 3(a) is not displayed at this point.

In S204, the CPU 101 determines whether an object placement operation has been performed in response to the user's operation on the operation unit 106. Object placement operations include new placement (drawing, insertion), movement, and resizing of objects. If the object placement operation has been performed, the process proceeds to S205, and if the object placement operation has not been performed, the process proceeds to S206.

In S205, the CPU 101 controls the display 105 to arrange objects on the drawing in response to the user's operation on the operation unit 106, and to display the drawing in which the objects are arranged on the display 105.

In S206, the CPU 101 determines whether there has been an operation to select a continuous copy tool. More specifically, among the menu items 321 to S325 included in the right-click menu 320 in FIG. Determine whether it has been clicked. Thus, the continuous copy tool is selected from the right-click menu. That is, the mode change operation to the continuous copy mode, which is an operation mode that uses the continuous copy tool, is to select an item from the right-click menu. As a result, the continuous copy tool can be quickly and easily used (activated) with a small amount of mouse movement and without operating any operating member such as a keyboard other than the mouse. If there is an operation to select a continuous copy tool, the process advances to S207; otherwise, the process advances to S219.

In S207, the CPU 101 shifts to continuous copy mode and displays the continuous copy mode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(b), guidance on how to operate in the continuous copy mode is displayed on the information bar 314 as a character string reading "Click on the figure you wish to copy." Further, the display form of the mouse cursor is changed from the normal display form to a display form that corresponds to a state in which objects can be selected. This allows the user to recognize that the continuous copy mode has been entered by selecting the continuous copy tool, and what kind of operation should be performed. Note that although dimensions are shown for the object 301a in FIG. 3(b), this is an illustration for explaining Δ(x, y), which will be described later, and is not displayed. Furthermore, the display example in FIG. 3(b) is not the one immediately after transitioning from the display state of FIG. 3(a) to the continuous copy mode, but after the transition to the continuous copy mode, the object 301a is duplicated and the object 301b is copied. This is an example of the display after placement. Details of the arrangement of the object 301b will be described later.

In S208, the CPU 101 initializes (clears) the variable C held in the memory 102 to 0 and Δ(x, y) to NULL (no data). Variable C is a variable that represents the total number of objects that have been copied after transitioning to continuous copy mode. Δ(x, y) is a relative coordinate value indicating how much the duplicated object is shifted from the original object.

In S209, the CPU 101 determines whether the position of the placed object displayed in the drawing display area 300 has been selected. For example, if the objects 301a to 304a are displayed as shown in FIG. 3A and the transition is made to the continuous copy mode, it is determined whether a click has been made at any position of the objects 301a to 304a. do. That is, a click operation for specifying an object is accepted. If there is an operation to select the position of an already placed object (click operation to specify an object), the process advances to S210; otherwise, the process advances to S214.

In S210, the CPU 101 increments the variable C by one to set C=C+1.

In S211, the CPU 101 determines whether variable C=1. That is, it is determined whether this is the first duplication operation (selection operation of a placed object) after transitioning to continuous copy mode. If C=1 (first duplication operation), the process advances to S212; otherwise (second or subsequent duplication operation), the process advances to S213.

In S212, the CPU 101 calculates (determines) the amount of shift Δ(x, y) based on the size of the placed object (object to be copied) selected in S209, and records it in the memory 102. Δ(x,y) will be explained with reference to FIG. 3(b). When a placed object 301a is clicked as a copy source, Δ(x, y ) is calculated. Specifically, the horizontal width and the vertical width are each multiplied by a predetermined magnification M (value multiplied by a predetermined value). That is, Δ(x, y)=(X1*M, Y1*M). In this embodiment, it is assumed that M=0.10. That is, Δx and Δy are 1/10 of X1 and Y1, respectively. The value of M is a variable that determines how far the duplicated object is placed from the source object, and is set at 0.08, taking into consideration the visibility and operability of the source and destination objects. It is preferable to set the value to between 0.20 and 0.20. If M is too small, the amount of shift will be small and the overlap between the source and destination will be large, making it difficult to select objects beneath the overlap, resulting in poor operability and visibility. Furthermore, if M is too large, the amount of shift is large, making it difficult to understand the relationship between the objects of the replication source and the replication destination (it becomes difficult to understand that the objects are the replication source and the replication destination). In addition, since the amount of overlap with other unrelated objects increases, the operability and visibility of other unrelated objects below the overlap are reduced. Note that Δ(x, y) calculated and stored in S212 is also applied when other objects of different sizes are copied until the continuous copy mode is exited. The reason for this will be explained later.

In S213, the CPU 101 copies the placed object selected in S209, and places it at a position shifted from the original object by a distance of shift amount Δ(x,y) (predetermined distance). The duplicated object is displayed superimposed on the top side of the original object. This makes it easier to recognize the relationship between the copy source object and the copy destination object. Furthermore, the duplicated object is recorded in the memory 102 as the Cth duplicated object.

The process of S213 will be explained using FIG. 3(b). FIG. 3B is a display example when the object 301a is clicked after transitioning to continuous copy mode. An object 301b, which is a duplicate object that duplicates the object 301a, is generated, and is moved upward and right by Δ(x, y) from the reference position (lower left of the figure in this embodiment) of the original object 301a (both x and y are positive directions). The object 301b is arranged (displayed) so that the reference position of the replicated object 301b is located at the shifted position. Furthermore, the destination object 301b is placed in front of the source object 301a. That is, the copy destination object 301b is placed so as to partially overlap the copy source object 301a. Note that there may be a case where a duplicate object that is generated by duplicating the same duplication source object after transitioning to the continuous copy mode is already placed. In this case, a newly duplicated object is placed at a position shifted by Δ(x, y) from the position of the latest (frontmost) duplicated object. That is, if the object 301a is further clicked from the state shown in FIG. 3(b), a further duplicate object 301c (as shown in FIG. 3(c)) is created at a position shifted by Δ(x,y) from the position of the object 301b. ) will be placed.

On the other hand, in S214, the CPU 101 determines whether an undo operation (clicking the return button 310 or pressing the Ctrl key+Z key on the keyboard) has been performed. If there is an undo operation, the process advances to S215; otherwise, the process advances to S216.

In S215, the CPU 101 erases all the 1st to Cth replicated objects. That is, all the multiple duplicate objects that have been duplicated by multiple clicks after the current transition to the continuous copy mode are deleted. By doing this, it is possible to return to the state before the transition to the continuous copy mode with a single operation, without having to delete each duplicated object one by one. Note that instead of erasing all of the 1st to Cth replicated objects, a design may be adopted in which only one of the latest replicated objects (Nth replicated object) is deleted. In this embodiment, the process then proceeds to S216 to cancel the continuous copy mode, but the process may return to S209 without canceling the continuous copy mode.

In S216, the continuous copy mode is canceled. That is, the display of the continuous copy mode displayed in S207 is canceled and the display returns to the normal display.

In S217, the CPU 101 determines whether an area on the drawing (within the drawing display area 300) where no object is placed has been clicked. If a position on the drawing where no object is placed is clicked, the process advances to S216 to cancel the continuous copy mode; otherwise, the process advances to S218. In this way, you can cancel continuous copy mode simply by clicking on an area on the drawing where no objects are placed. That is, after a desired number of copies of the desired object have been placed, the continuous copy mode (a state in which copies can be placed simply by clicking on the object) can be canceled without any keyboard operations and with a small number of operations.

In S218, the CPU 101 determines whether there has been an operation to select a tool other than the continuous copy tool. If there is an operation to select another tool, the process advances to S216 to cancel the continuous P mode, and then perform processing according to the selected another tool. If not, the process advances to S209.

The steps S206 to S218 described above are the processes of the continuous copy tool. The effects of the continuous copy tool will be explained in detail.

In FIG. 3(c), the state in FIG. 3(a) is changed to continuous copy mode, seven copies of the object 301a are placed, eight objects (objects 301a to 301h) are placed in total with the copy source, and then the object 301a is placed in the continuous copy mode. This is a display example in which three copies of 302a are arranged, resulting in a total of four objects (objects 302a to 302d). To achieve this state, the user only needs to transition from the state shown in FIG. 3A to the continuous copy mode, click the object 301a seven times, and click the object 302a three times. That is, a desired object can be quickly duplicated and placed in a desired number by simple and intuitive operations.

Furthermore, in order to further explain the effects of the continuous copy tool, three operating methods will be described for comparison when attempting to perform similar operations without using the continuous copy tool (continuous copy mode).

The first is to copy by pressing the Ctrl and C keys on the keyboard at the same time while selecting the object you want to duplicate (the source object), and then duplicate the paste operation by pressing the Ctrl and V keys on the keyboard at the same time. There is a way to repeat it as many times as you want. However, this requires keyboard operations and is more complicated than copying using a continuous copy tool, which can be completed with only mouse operations. The user may need to operate using only the mouse in some cases. For example, operations may be performed while holding an object in one hand. In such a case, operations using both a keyboard and a mouse require operations using both hands, which is not desirable. According to this embodiment using the continuous copy tool (continuous copy mode), it is possible to specify the duplication source and perform operations equivalent to copy and paste just by operating the mouse, so operations using only one hand holding the mouse are possible. Yes, it is easy to use. Furthermore, in the method of copying by pressing the Ctrl key and C key simultaneously and pasting by pressing the Ctrl key and V key of the keyboard simultaneously, two operations, copy and paste, are required. On the other hand, according to this embodiment using the continuous copy tool (continuous copy mode), copying and pasting is performed with just one click on the object to be copied, so the desired object can be copied with fewer operations. It can be copied and placed.

Second, with the object you want to duplicate (the source object) selected, right-click the mouse to display the right-click menu, and select (left-click) "Copy" from the right-click menu. Then, the user right-clicks the mouse to display a right-click menu, and selects (left-clicks) "Paste" from the right-click menu. This can be completed with just the mouse, but it requires four clicks (two left clicks and two right clicks) to specify the source, duplicate, and place the item. . Even if you want to paste repeatedly, right-click the mouse to display the right-click menu, select "Paste" (left-click) in the right-click menu, and then click twice (once on the left and right). Is required. On the other hand, according to this embodiment using the continuous copy tool (continuous copy mode), copying and pasting can be performed with just one click on the source object (single click operation). A desired object can be duplicated and placed with fewer operations. Even if the difference is only a few clicks in one duplication, when the same object is duplicated three or more times, the difference in the number of operations becomes larger and becomes a great effect.

Thirdly, with the object you want to duplicate (the source object) selected, display a display item that accepts the input of the number of copies you want to make, and then change the number of copies by entering a number on the keyboard or clicking the increase/decrease buttons. This is an operation that accepts input, copies the input number of copies, and places them. However, this operation requires inputting a numerical value for each object you want to duplicate, and is not as intuitive as the continuous copy mode of this embodiment, in which you simply click the object you want to duplicate as many times as you want to duplicate. It's complicated. That is, the operation feeling in the continuous copy mode of this embodiment is more intuitive and simple.

In addition, in any of the first to third methods described above, the shift amount does not become as in the continuous copy mode of this embodiment, and the effect of the shift amount Δ(x, y) of this embodiment is not obtained. I can't do it.

The reason (effect) of applying Δ(x, y) calculated and stored in S212 to the case of duplicating other objects of different sizes until the continuous copy mode is exited will be explained.

The first reason (effect) is that it is easy to compare the number of copies. Even if the duplicate objects are of different types, the amount of shift per one is the same Δ(x, y). Therefore, when multiple objects of the same type are duplicated, the distance from the lowest layer object (replication source object) to the highest layer object (latest duplicate object) is Δ It is proportional to (x, y). In the example of FIG. 3C, since the objects 301a to 301h were first copied, the amount of shift per object 302a to 302d is also the same as that of the objects 301a to 301h. Therefore, the distance from the lower left vertex of object 301a to the lower left vertex of object 301h is Δ(x, y)×7. The distance from the lower left vertex of the object 302a to the lower left vertex of the object 302d is Δ(x, y)×3. By visually observing this difference in distance, it can be seen that the group of objects 302 was approximately half as many copies as the group of objects 301. If you can visually tell that these are the same distance, you know that you have made the same number of copies. It is assumed that the user repeatedly clicks while counting the number of copies they want to make in their head, but by combining this with visual comparison with a group of copies of other objects, it is possible to achieve the desired result without making mistakes. A number of copies can be made.

The second reason (effect) is that the relative positional relationships of a plurality of different objects are maintained. This effect will be explained in detail using FIG. 3(d) and FIG. 3(e). Assume that an arrangement pattern is created that combines four different objects, objects 301a to 304a, as shown in FIG. 3(d). Note that each of the objects 301a to 304a is the same as that described in FIG. 3(b). On the other hand, an example where the continuous copy tool is used to click each of the objects 301a to 304a three times to duplicate them three by one (totaling the original and the number of copies is four) is shown in Figure 3(e). It is. Since all duplicate objects use the same shift amount Δ(x,y), the relative positional relationship (arrangement pattern) of the objects 301d to 304d in the top layer in FIG. 3(e) is as shown in FIG. 3(d). The same relationship is maintained with the objects 301a to 304a. That is, using the continuous copy tool, it is possible to copy a group of objects (objects 301d to 304d) that have the same arrangement pattern (positional relationship) as the original object group (objects 301a to 304a). Using a group of objects having the same layout pattern replicated in this way, it is possible to create a group of objects with the layout shown in FIG. 6(a), for example. This example is an example used for designing the arrangement pattern of tiles or blocks.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2.

In S219, the CPU 101 determines whether there has been an operation to select a continuous application tool. More specifically, among the menu items 321 to S325 included in the right-click menu 320 in FIG. Determine whether it has been clicked. Thus, the continuous application tool is selected from the right-click menu. As a result, the continuous application tool can be quickly and easily used (activated) with a small amount of mouse movement and without operating any operating member such as a keyboard other than the mouse. If there is an operation to select a continuous application tool, the process advances to S220; otherwise, the process advances to S221.

In S220, the CPU 101 performs continuous application tool processing. The continuous application tool process will be described later using FIG. 4.

In S221, the CPU 101 determines whether or not there has been an operation to select a setting tool (continuously applied data set) of the continuously applied tool. More specifically, among the menu items 321 to S325 included in the right-click menu 320 in FIG. It is determined whether menu item 325, which is the menu item of , has been clicked. If there is an operation to select a continuously applied data set, the process advances to S222; otherwise, the process advances to S223.

In S222, the CPU 101 performs continuous application setting processing. The continuous application setting process will be described later using FIG.

In S223, the CPU 101 determines whether any other operation has been performed. If any other operation has been performed, the process advances to S224 and processes corresponding to the other operation are performed. If not, the process advances to S225. Other operations include, for example, deletion processing in a continuous deletion mode in response to an operation of selecting the menu item 321 of the continuous deletion tool. The continuous deletion mode using the continuous deletion tool is a mode in which the clicked object can be deleted by just one click on the object to be deleted. Other operations include, for example, paste processing in a continuous paste mode corresponding to an operation of selecting the menu item 323 of the continuous paste tool. In continuous paste mode using the continuous paste tool, first click to specify (copy) the object to be copied. After that, you can select a mode in which you can place (paste) the duplicated object at each clicked position by simply clicking on multiple positions in the drawing display area 300 where the object is not placed, as the position where you want to place the duplicated object. be.

Further, other operations performed in S224 include processing in response to an operation of clicking on a placed object in a normal mode that is different from either the continuous copy mode or the continuous application mode. In normal mode, when a placed object is clicked, the clicked object is not duplicated and placed in response to the click. Further, in the normal mode, when a placed object is clicked, the function registered in the data set of the continuous application tool is not applied to the clicked object in response to the click. In normal mode, when a placed object is clicked, the clicked object becomes selected, and a selection frame and operation path (operation handle) are displayed for the selected object so that it can be identified that it has been selected. . By operating the operation path (operation handle), the size of the selected object can be changed. Furthermore, by dragging the selected object, the position (display position) of the selected object can be changed. By selecting an object and right-clicking, a copy command will appear in the right-click menu.

In S225, the CPU 101 determines whether there is an operation to save a file. If there is an operation to save a file, the process advances to S226 and the CAD file is saved in the nonvolatile memory 103. This saves drawings that include objects duplicated with the continuous copy tool and objects processed with the continuous apply tool.

In S227, the CPU 101 determines whether there has been an operation to close (end) the CAD file. If there is no operation to close (terminate) the CAD file, return to S202 and repeat the process, and if there is an operation to close (terminate) the CAD file, close the CAD software and terminate the process in FIG. 2. .

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of continuous application tool processing. This flowchart shows details of the process of S220 in FIG. 2 described above.

In S401, the CPU 101 shifts to continuous application mode and displays the continuous application mode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, guidance on how to operate in the continuous application mode is displayed in the information bar 314 as a character string "Please click." Further, the display form of the mouse cursor is changed from the normal display form to a display form that corresponds to a state in which objects can be selected. This allows the user to recognize that the continuous application mode has been entered by selecting the continuous application tool, and what operation to perform. Further, an operation guide for the continuous application tool is displayed in a dialog box (hereinafter simply referred to as a dialog) 610. The dialog 610 displays operation methods 611 to 613. For the operation methods 611 to 613, character strings "Ctrl+Click", "Alt+Click", and "Click" indicating the operation methods are displayed, respectively. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the operation method is expressed by a character string, but the operation method may be expressed by a graphic or symbol such as an icon notation. The operation method 611 indicates an operation method for applying the function (processing) applied two times before. The operation method 612 indicates an operation method for applying the function (processing) applied last time (the same function as the function applied immediately before). The operation method 613 indicates an operation method for applying the next function that is different from the function (processing) applied last time (the same function as the function applied immediately before). In addition, in association with each of the operation methods 611 to 613, application order (#1 to #3), character strings indicating the applied process (brown, red, gray), and samples/samples of the applied process (dialog (the square on the right side) will be displayed. By looking at the dialog 610, the user can recognize what function (processing) will be applied by what kind of operation is performed at the current time, and can perform the operation in the continuous application mode.

In S402, the CPU 101 determines whether the position of the placed object displayed in the drawing display area 300 has been selected (clicked). More specifically, when the mouse cursor is clicked, the position being input by the mouse cursor (input position) is acquired, and it is determined whether the position is the position of an already placed object. If the position of an already placed object has been clicked, the process advances to S403; otherwise, the process advances to S409.

In S403, the CPU 101 refers to the nonvolatile memory 103 and determines whether any function is registered in the continuous application tool. If the function is not registered, the process advances to S404; if the function is registered, the process advances to S405.

In S404, the CPU 101 displays a prompt to register the function. For example, display (notify) a message box saying "There are no datasets available. Please check the settings for continuous application datasets."

In S405, the CPU 101 applies the Nth function to the object clicked in S402. The variable N is a variable for specifying a number (#) indicating the order of a plurality of functions registered in advance in the continuous application data set. It is assumed that the initial value when the CAD software is started is N=1. For example, the situation in the example of FIG. 6(a) is N=1. When the object 304a is clicked in this state, the function #1 is applied to the object 304, and the object 304 is colored brown (filled in). Note that variable N is not initialized even if continuous application mode is canceled, and if continuous application mode is canceled and then transitioned to continuous application mode again without closing the CAD software, the previously held variable N is Use without initialization. This allows you to apply the function from the number (order) that continues from the previous one.

In S406, the CPU 101 increments the variable N and stores it in the memory 102 as N=N+1.

In S407, the CPU 101 calculates Nmax, where the variable N is the maximum number (last order) of the functions registered in the currently selected group among the data groups (function groups) registered in the continuously applied data set. Determine whether or not the limit has been exceeded. If it does not exceed Nmax, the process advances to S409; if it does, the process advances to S408 and sets N=1. That is, it cycles to the first order of functions.

In S409, the CPU 101 determines whether an initialization operation has been performed. If a predetermined key on the keyboard is pressed or a displayed initialization button (not shown) is clicked, it is determined that an initialization operation has been performed, and the process proceeds to S410; otherwise, the process proceeds to S411.

In S410, the CPU 101 initializes the variable N held in the memory 102 to set N=1.

In S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the mouse cursor is located at the position of the placed object displayed in the drawing display area 300, and whether the Alt key on the keyboard is pressed and clicked (or an Alt+Click operation is performed). Determine. If an Alt+Click operation has been performed on the object, the process advances to S412; otherwise, the process advances to S413.

In S412, the CPU 101 applies the N-1st function to the object clicked in S411. When N=1, the function of Nmax is applied. In other words, the same function as the one applied in the previous click is applied. For example, the situation in the example of FIG. 6(b) is N=2. When any object is clicked in this state, function #1 is applied to the clicked object, and the object is colored brown (filled).

In S413, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the mouse cursor is located at the position of the placed object displayed in the drawing display area 300, and whether or not the Ctrl key on the keyboard is pressed and clicked (Ctrl+Click operation was performed). Determine. If a Ctrl+Click operation has been performed on the object, the process advances to S414; otherwise, the process advances to S415.

In S414, the CPU 101 applies the N-2nd function to the object clicked in S413. When N=1, the function of Nmax-1 is applied, and when N=2, the function of Nmax is applied. That is, the function in the order immediately before the function applied in the previous click is applied. For example, the situation in the example of FIG. 6(b) is N=2. When any object is clicked in this state, the function #3 is applied to the clicked object, and the object is colored gray (filled).

In S415, the CPU 101 determines whether there has been an operation to terminate the continuous application tool. If there is no termination operation for the continuous application tool, the process advances to S402, and if there is a termination operation, the continuous application tool processing is terminated and the process advances to S202 in FIG. 2. It is assumed that the terminating operation of the continuous application tool is a click on a position in the drawing display area 300 where no object is placed, or an operation of selecting another tool.

When using the continuous application tool described above, when multiple objects are clicked one after another, the set function group (function group, processing group) is applied to the clicked object (that is, the object at the position arbitrarily selected by the user). Functions can be applied in sequence. For example, from the situation shown in Figure 6(a) (in the continuous application mode, when functions #1 to #3 are registered in the selected continuous application dataset), click objects one after another. Then, the state shown in FIG. 3(b) can be obtained. FIG. 3B is a display example when objects 304a, 301a, 303a, 301c, 302a, 301b, and 303b are clicked in order from the state shown in FIG. 3A. As an example, in this way, it is possible to design a mottled pattern with good operability.

With the continuous application tool, when it is desired to apply different functions to a plurality of objects, it is not necessary to select for each object what function to apply (perform) to each object. Simply click on the objects registered in the function group to which you want to apply the next function. That is, it is possible to improve the operability when applying different functions to a plurality of objects.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of continuous application setting processing. This process is the details of the process of S222 in FIG.

In S501, the CPU 101 displays a continuously applied data set setting dialog. FIG. 6(c) shows a display example of the continuous application data set setting dialog. The area 631 is an area for displaying the currently selected data set (function group, function group), and the registered function names are displayed in association with # and arranged in order. The function name can be set arbitrarily by the user. A cursor 632 indicates the currently selected function from the function group displayed in the area 631. Cursor 632 can be moved to any function. Functions can be added to the area 631 by pressing the add button 631a. Furthermore, by pressing the duplicate button 631b, the function selected by the cursor 632 can be duplicated and added. This makes it possible to register exactly the same function so that the same function can be applied continuously, or to register a function that is slightly different from the original by changing some of the settings of the duplicated function. When the delete button 631c is clicked, the function hidden by the cursor 632 is deleted from the area 631 (from the selected data set).

The area 633 is an area that accepts an operation for setting the content of the function whose name is selected by the cursor 632. One function selected with the cursor 632 includes at least one of the following attributes: color and pattern as attributes of the object's surface, attributes such as the color and thickness of the object's lines, character attributes, and other attributes. It is possible to create a function that applies settings that combine setting items (multiple types of parameters).

Area 634 is an area where the name of the function selected by cursor 632 is set. An arbitrary name can be set by selecting the area 634 and inputting an arbitrary character string.

Area 635 is an area that displays the name of the currently selected data set. Multiple datasets can be registered. By clicking the down symbol on the right side of the area 634, a plurality of registered data sets (a plurality of function groups) are displayed as a pull-down menu, and any data set can be selected. Further, the data set name can also be arbitrarily set by clicking on the character area in the area 634 and inputting an arbitrary character string.

In S502, the CPU 101 determines whether a setting operation has been performed on any of the areas 631, 633, and 634, that is, a function registration or editing operation has been performed on the data set (function group). If there is a setting operation, the process advances to S503; otherwise, the process advances to S504.

In S503, the CPU 101 performs setting processing according to the setting operation for any of the areas 631, 633, and 634.

In S504, the CPU 101 determines whether a group name (data set name) input operation (character input operation into the area 635) has been performed. If there is an operation to input a group name, the process advances to S505 and a group name is input in accordance with the operation; otherwise, the process advances to S506.

In S506, the CPU 101 determines whether there has been an operation to change the selected functional group (data set). The operation of changing a functional group (data set) is an operation of selecting a data set from a pull-down menu displayed by clicking the down symbol on the right side of the area 634. If there is an operation to change the functional group (data set), the process advances to S507 and the function group (data set) is changed to the selected functional group (data set). If not, the process advances to S508.

In S508, the CPU 101 determines whether the OK button 636 has been clicked. If the OK button 636 is clicked, the process advances to S509; otherwise, the process advances to 510.

In S509, the CPU 101 saves (records) the contents set in S501 to S507 in the nonvolatile memory 103, hides the setting dialog, ends the continuous application setting process, and proceeds to S202 in FIG. 2.

In S510, the CPU 101 determines whether the cancel button 637 has been clicked. If the cancel button 637 is clicked, the settings dialog is hidden and the continuous application setting process is ended without saving (recording) the settings set in steps S501 to S507 in the nonvolatile memory 103, and the process shown in FIG. The process proceeds to S202 of step 2. If not, the process returns to S502 and repeats the process.

According to this embodiment described above, it becomes possible to edit objects with better operability.

In addition, although the above-mentioned embodiment was explained using a click operation on a PC, the present invention is also applicable to electronic devices such as touch-operable PCs, tablet terminals, and smartphones. When performing the various processes described above in response to a touch operation, the above-described click can be applied by replacing the above-described click with an operation of touching the screen (operation of giving an instruction, specifying a position, or inputting a position on the display area).

Note that the various controls described above as being performed by the CPU 101 may be performed by a single piece of hardware, or multiple pieces of hardware (for example, multiple processors or circuits) may share the processing to control the entire device. You may do so.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, although the example of the figure which is the element (component) of a drawing was demonstrated as an object, an object is not limited to this. This embodiment can be applied to any object (target) that is an element to be edited, such as text, symbols, tables, table cells, characters, etc.

Further, although the present invention has been described in detail based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and the present invention may be applied to various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention. included. Furthermore, each of the embodiments described above is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is also possible to combine the embodiments as appropriate.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention was explained using an example where the present invention is applied to a CAD application on a PC, but this is not limited to this example, and any device or software that can edit any object can be used. Applicable. For example, it is applicable to various drawing software other than CAD, layout editing software, presentation software, image editing software, graphic design software, document creation software, spreadsheet software, and the like. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the electronic device 100 of FIG. Applicable. That is, the present invention is applicable to personal computers, PDAs, mobile phone terminals, portable image viewers, printer devices with displays, digital photo frames, music players, game machines, electronic book readers, etc.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is also realized by performing the following processing. That is, the software (program) that realizes the functions of the embodiments described above is supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program code. This is the process to be executed. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

100 electronic device, 101 CPU, 102 memory, 103 nonvolatile memory, 104 image processing unit, 105 display, 106 operation unit, 107 recording medium I/F, 108 recording medium, 109 external I/F, 110 communication I/F, 111 Internet, 112 Camera Department, 150 Internal Bus

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-243491

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows application of different functions to a plurality of elements with better operability.

The electronic device of the present invention includes:
a reception means for accepting a specific operation that is an operation for specifying a position on the screen;
In response to the specific operation for the nth time, apply a first function of a group of functions to a first element located at a first position on the screen specified by the specific operation for the nth time. control to
In response to the (n+1)th specific operation performed after the nth time, for the second element at the second position on the screen specified by the (n+1)th specific operation. and a control means for controlling application of the second function of the function group.

According to the present invention, different functions can be applied to multiple elements with better operability.

The electronic device of the present invention includes:
a reception means for accepting a specific operation that is an operation for specifying a position on the screen;
A control means for controlling the functions included in the function group to be sequentially applied each time the specific operation is performed,
In response to the n-th specific operation, the first element in the first position on the screen specified in the n-th specific operation is set in the first order among the functional groups. controlling to apply a first function;
In response to the (n+1)th specific operation performed after the nth time, for the second element at the second position on the screen specified by the (n+1)th specific operation. and a control means for controlling application of a second function in the order following the first order among the group of functions.

Claims (15)

a reception means for accepting a specific operation that is an operation for specifying a position on the screen;
In response to the specific operation for the nth time, apply a first function of the group of functions to a first object located at a first position on the screen specified by the specific operation for the nth time. control to
In response to the (n+1)th specific operation performed after the nth time, for the second element at the second position on the screen specified by the (n+1)th specific operation. and a control means for controlling application of a second function of the group of functions. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the function group includes three or more functions. The control means controls the function to be applied to an element at a position on the screen specified by the specific operation, in response to the specific operation performed next after the last function in the function group is applied. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device is controlled to apply the first order function in the group. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a setting means for setting functions to be included in the function group according to a user operation. The setting means includes a color of an object as a function to be included in the function group. 5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the electronic device is capable of setting a function of applying a setting that is a combination of a plurality of setting items, including at least one of a pattern, an object line color, thickness, and character attribute. device. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls to display a guide indicating which function of the function group is applied when the specific operation is performed. The control means applies the first function in response to the n-th specific operation, and then performs an operation for specifying a position on the screen, the operation method being different from the specific operation. A claim characterized in that, in response to a second operation being performed, the first function is controlled to be applied to an object located at a position on the screen specified by the second operation. The electronic device according to item 1. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the control means controls to display a guide indicating which function from the function group is applied when the second operation is performed. . The control means applies the first function in response to the n-th specific operation, and then performs an operation for specifying a position on the screen, the operation method being different from the specific operation. In response to the third operation being performed, the object located at the position on the screen specified by the third operation is set to an object that is one function before the first function in the function group. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is controlled to apply a function. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the control means controls to display a guide indicating which function of the function group is applied when the third operation is performed. . The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the object is an object included in a CAD drawing. 12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the specific operation is a mouse click. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the specific operation is a touch on a touch panel. a reception step that accepts a specific operation that is an operation that specifies a position on the screen;
In response to the specific operation for the nth time, apply a first function of the group of functions to a first object located at a first position on the screen specified by the specific operation for the nth time. control to
In response to the (n+1)th specific operation performed after the nth time, for the second element at the second position on the screen specified by the (n+1)th specific operation. and a control step of controlling to apply a second function of the function group. A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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