JP4341298B2 - Information processing apparatus and method, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and method, and a program, and more particularly, to an information processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program that can display more icons on a screen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Usually, a plurality of programs are installed in a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), etc., and a user selectively activates a desired program as necessary.
[0003]
In the following, consider switching an installed program in a PDA running PalmOS5 (trademark), which is a type of operation system.
[0004]
As a user operation on the PDA, a method of touching a touch panel provided on the screen with a pen or a finger is widely used. On the touch panel, taps and strokes corresponding to clicking and dragging of mouse operations on the personal computer are possible. There is a technique for displaying a predetermined setting screen corresponding to the length of a stroke by drawing a stroke as if drawing a straight line on the touch panel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-7023
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, as a method of starting a desired program with a single operation, there is a method in which icons corresponding to installed programs are provided on the screen and the user taps them. However, when this method is used with a PDA having a relatively small display, there is a problem that the number of icons that can be displayed simultaneously is reduced.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to display more icons on a screen.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a setting unit configured to set a curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged in a pseudo continuous manner to an arbitrary value, and a set curvature Based on the calculation means for calculating the coordinates when a plurality of icons are arranged on a virtual surface, and the calculated coordinatesAIconArrangementGenerating means for generating a placed screen,The generation unit generates a screen in which the icons arranged in the center row are arranged at the calculated coordinates without being reduced in size..
[0010]
  In response to the curvature being changed by a user operation on the setting means, the generating meansArrangementThe placed screen can be updated.
[0011]
  The information processing method according to the present invention includes a setting step of setting a curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged in a pseudo continuous manner to an arbitrary value, and a set curvature Based on the calculation step of calculating the coordinates when a plurality of icons are arranged on a virtual surface, and the calculated coordinatesAIconArrangementGenerating a placed screen, andThe generation step generates a screen in which the icons arranged in the center column are arranged at the calculated coordinates without being reduced in size..
[0012]
  The program of the present invention is based on a setting step for setting a curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged in a pseudo continuous manner to an arbitrary value, and the set curvature. A calculation step for calculating coordinates when a plurality of icons are arranged on a virtual surface, and the calculated coordinatesAIconArrangementGenerating a placed screen, andThe generation step generates a screen in which the icons arranged in the center column are arranged at the calculated coordinates without being reduced in size.The processing is executed by the computer of the information processing apparatus.
[0013]
  In the present invention, the curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged is set to a pseudo-continuous arbitrary value, and based on the set curvature, a virtual The coordinates when multiple icons are arranged on the surface are calculated, and the calculated coordinates areAA screen with icons is generated. In addition,As for the icons arranged in the center column, a screen is generated in which the size is not reduced in the calculated coordinates.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below..
[0019]
The appearance of a PDA according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views of the main body, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are rear views of the main body.
[0020]
The PDA 1 is divided into a display portion 11 and a main body portion 13 with a central hinge portion 12 as a boundary, and is formed to be foldable via the hinge portion 12.
[0021]
A liquid crystal display (LCD) 28 and a transparent touch panel 36 laminated on the surface of the LCD 28 are provided on almost the entire surface 11-1 of the display unit 11. That is, when the user brings the fingertip or pen 2 into contact with an arbitrary position on the LCD 28, the coordinates are detected by the touch panel 36, and predetermined processing corresponding to the detected coordinates is performed.
[0022]
The hinge portion 12 is provided with a camera portion 21 made of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like.
[0023]
When the PDA 1 is folded, an application program (for example, a schedule management program or a phone book management program) installed in the PDA 1 is displayed on the upper surface 13-1 of the main body 13 opposite to the display unit 11 in the figure. Buttons 32 on which symbols representing the respective programs are printed are provided, and when the user presses the button 32, an application program corresponding to the button 32 is started.
[0024]
In addition, a scroll button 32 for scrolling the image displayed on the LCD 28 is provided at the center of the area where the button 32 on the surface 13-1 is arranged. Further, a keyboard 34 for inputting characters, symbols, numbers, and the like is provided below the button 32 on the surface 13-1.
[0025]
The right side surface 13-2 of the main body 13 is provided with an MS slot 41 into which a Memory Stick (trademark) 3 (hereinafter referred to as MS3) which is a kind of nonvolatile semiconductor memory can be mounted. Note that a function expansion module (for example, IOMS, which is a communication function expansion module based on Bluetooth (trademark)) having the same shape as the memory stick can be mounted in the MS slot 41.
[0026]
The left side surface 13-3 of the main body 13 is provided with a battery lid 26 that opens and closes when a removable battery 162 (FIG. 5) made of a lithium ion battery that supplies power to the main body 13 is attached or detached. A jog dial 25 that can be pressed and rotated is provided on the left side surface 13-3 so as to slightly protrude from the side surface.
[0027]
The back surface 13-4 of the main body 13 is provided with a CF slot 42 into which a CompactFlash (registered trademark) 4 (hereinafter referred to as CF4), which is a kind of nonvolatile semiconductor memory, can be mounted. As shown in FIG. 4, the CF slot 42 pops up from the back when the CF 4 is mounted. Note that a function expansion module (for example, a communication function expansion module based on PHS) having the same shape as the memory stick can be mounted in the CF slot 42.
[0028]
A connector 67 for connecting an accessory device such as a cradle 91 (FIG. 5) for charging the removable battery 162 is provided on the lower end surface 13-5 of the main body 13.
[0029]
Next, an example of the internal configuration of the PDA 1 will be described with reference to FIG. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131 performs various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132 or an application program or silk plug-in loaded from a storage unit 139 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 133. Execute. The RAM 133 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 131 to execute various processes.
[0030]
The CPU 131, the ROM 132, and the RAM 133 are connected to each other via the CPU interface 135. Also connected to the CPU interface 135 is a display control unit 136 for controlling an image to be displayed on the LCD 28.
[0031]
Based on the control of the CPU 131, the display control unit 136 is connected to the camera unit 21 and the LCD 28 described above and a VRAM 138. The display control unit 136 stores an image captured by the camera unit 21 in the VRAM 138, an image stored in the VRAM 138, and an image stored in another memory (MS3, CF4, RAM 133, storage unit 139). Is displayed on the LCD 28. In addition to the image captured by the camera unit 21, the VRAM 138 can also store an image to be displayed on the LCD 28.
[0032]
Further, the CPU interface 135 includes an input unit 137 including the jog dial 25, various buttons 32 and 33, and the keyboard 34 described above, a touch panel 36, an infrared communication port 62, a slot I / F 64 corresponding to the MS slot 41 and the CF 42, A connector 67 to which the removable main battery 162 and the backup battery 163 are charged and a cradle 91 or the like as a relay device for communication with other external devices 152 is connected, and an audio output to be connected to the remote controller 101 or the headphones 153 A headphone jack 24 as a unit is connected.
[0033]
The coordinates detected by the touch panel 36 are provided to the CPU 131 via the CPU interface 135 and the bus 134, and the CPU 131 acquires predetermined information corresponding to the provided coordinates.
[0034]
The CPU interface 135 is also connected to a storage unit 139 composed of an EEPROM or a hard disk as necessary. Further, the CPU interface 135 includes an interface (I / O) for a wireless communication unit 146 that performs wireless communication according to Bluetooth or the like, and a contactless IC card that reads and writes data without contact with an IC card such as FeliCa (trademark). F) 147 is connected.
[0035]
An application program or silk plug-in read from a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like that is appropriately attached to the external device 152 is infrared communication via the infrared port 62 or wireless communication via the wireless communication unit 146. Alternatively, it is supplied to the PDA 1 as necessary by means such as wired communication via the cradle 91 and installed in the storage unit 139. Alternatively, application programs and silk plug-ins read from the MS 3 and the CF 4 that are appropriately installed in the slot I / F 64 are also installed in the storage unit 139 as necessary.
[0036]
Further, the CPU interface 135 is an LCD that is turned on when the display unit 11 is closed with respect to the main body 13 and is turned off when the display unit 11 is open with respect to the main body 13. An opening / closing switch 144 and an LCD rotation switch 145 that is turned on when the display unit 11 is rotated by a predetermined angle or more are provided.
[0037]
Further, the CPU interface 135 is connected with a main battery mounting portion 161 to which the removable main battery 162 is mounted, and a backup battery 163 composed of a rechargeable button battery or the like as a backup power source when the removable main battery 162 is removed. Has been.
[0038]
The CPU 131 is installed in the program stored in the ROM 132 or the storage unit 19, and executes various processes according to application programs, silk plug-ins, and the like loaded from the storage unit 139 to the RAM 133.
[0039]
Next, the screen of the LCD 28 will be described with reference to FIG. On the screen of the LCD 28, a standard display area 201, a silk plug-in area 202, and a status area 203 are provided.
[0040]
In the standard display area 201, a screen of the application program is displayed when the application program is being executed. When the application program is not executed, application icons 204 corresponding to the installed application programs are displayed as shown in FIG. 6 (however, strictly speaking, the application program is also displayed at this time. It is not not executed at all, and an application program for displaying the application icon 204 and causing the user to select it is executed).
[0041]
The silk plug-in area 202 displays a user interface (an area for user input) corresponding to the silk plug-in being executed (loading). In the status area 203, a status icon 205 indicating the state of predetermined items of the PDA 1 (for example, battery capacity, presence / absence of installation of the MS 3 etc. in the MS slot 41 or CF slot 42, volume setting, etc.), time, etc. are displayed. .
[0042]
Next, two types of user operation methods for switching silk plug-ins will be described.
[0043]
In the first operation method, a silk plug-in switching screen showing a list of installed silk plug-ins and an OK button 214 as shown in FIG. In this method, the silk plug-in after switching is selected by tapping, and then the OK button 214 is tapped.
[0044]
In the case of FIG. 7, PDA1 has three types of silk plug-ins (Decuma Japanese (trademark) 211 that realizes handwriting input function, MiniCalc212 that realizes calculator function, and handwriting input function that is installed as standard in PalmOS5. Standard input (Graffiti) 213) is installed and Decuma Japanese 211 is loaded, and the silk plug-in area 202 displays a user interface corresponding to Decuma Japanese 211.
[0045]
For example, when the user taps and selects the MiniCalc 212 in the standard display area 201 of FIG. 7 and taps the OK button 214, the currently loaded Decuma Japanese 211 is unloaded (finished) and the MiniCalc 212 is loaded. Accordingly, a user interface corresponding to the MiniCalc 212 is displayed in the silk plug-in area 202.
[0046]
A second operation method for switching the silk plug-in is a method in which the pen 2 (which can be a fingertip) is used to stroke the status area 203 in the horizontal direction. As a premise for explaining the second operation method, it is assumed that the order is set in advance for the installed silk plug-ins. For example, the order may be set in the order of installation, the names of the silk plug-ins may be arranged in alphabetical order, or the user may arbitrarily set the order.
[0047]
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the status area 203 is stroked from the left side to the right side, the silk plug-in area 202 corresponding to this operation is loaded into the silk plug-in area 202 as shown in order in FIGS. 9A to 9C. The next screen of silk plug-in A appears from the left side so as to cover the screen of silk plug-in.
[0048]
On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the status area 203 is stroked from the right side to the left side, the silk plug-in area 202 corresponds to this operation in the current state as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C in order. The screen of the silk plug-in B in the previous order appears from the right side so as to cover the screen of the silk plug-in being loaded.
[0049]
Therefore, the user can switch the silk plug-in by an intuitive operation of performing a stroke operation on the status area 203 and cause the screen of the switched silk plug-in to appear in the same direction as the direction of the stroke operation. it can.
[0050]
Processing of the CPU 131 that executes the second operation method for switching the silk plug-in described above (hereinafter referred to as silk plug-in switching processing) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Hereinafter, as shown in FIG. 13, the size of the status area 203 is assumed to be in the x direction 320 and the y direction 30.
[0051]
This silk plug-in switching process is continuously executed while the PDA 1 is activated.
[0052]
In step S <b> 1, the CPU 131 waits until a stroke for the status area 203 is detected by the touch panel 36. If a stroke for the status area 203 is detected, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the CPU 131 acquires the coordinates S (Sx, Sy) of the start point of the stroke and the coordinates E (Ex, Ey) of the end point, and coordinates M (Mx, My) = (Ex−Sx, Ey) of the intermediate point. -Sy) is calculated.
[0053]
The touch panel 36 may detect not only the start point coordinate S and the end point coordinate E but also the intermediate point coordinate M. If the touch panel 36 detects the coordinate M of the intermediate point, it is possible to recognize a trajectory that is not a straight line.
[0054]
In step S3, the CPU 131 calculates an x-direction movement vector (Ex-Sx) at the end point, an x-direction movement vector (Mx-Sx) at the intermediate point, and a y-direction movement vector (My-Sy) at the intermediate point. To do.
[0055]
In step S4, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the stroke detected in step S1 is a rightward stroke. Specifically, when the following four conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the stroke is to the right.
End point y-coordinate Ey 0 <Ey <30,
Movement vector in the x direction at the end point Ex−Sx <100
Movement vector in the x direction at the intermediate point 50 <Mx−Sx
Movement vector in the y direction at the midpoint −30 <My−Sy <30
[0056]
If it is determined in step S4 that the stroke is to the right, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the CPU 131 unloads the currently loaded silk plug-in, and in step S6 loads the next set silk plug-in.
[0057]
In step S7, the CPU 131 displays the screen of the silk plug-in next to the silk plug-in loaded in the process of step S6 so that the screen of the silk plug-in unloaded in the process of step S5 is covered, The display of the silk plug-in area 202 is switched.
[0058]
If it is determined in step S4 that the stroke is not rightward, the process proceeds to step S8.
[0059]
In step S8, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the stroke detected in step S1 is a leftward stroke. Specifically, when the following four conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the stroke is to the left.
End point y-coordinate Ey 0 <Ey <30,
Movement vector in the x direction at the end point Ex−Sx <−100
Movement vector in the x direction at the midpoint Mx−Sx <−50
Movement vector in the y direction at the midpoint −30 <My−Sy <30
[0060]
If it is determined in step S8 that the stroke is to the left, the process proceeds to step S9. In step S9, the PCU 131 unloads the currently loaded silk plug-in, and in step S10 loads the previous set silk plug-in. The process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the CPU 131 stores the silk plug-ins in the order before loading in the process of step S10 so that the silk plug-in screen unloaded in the process of step S9 is covered. The screen is displayed and the display of the silk plug-in area 202 is switched.
[0061]
This process returns to step S1, and the subsequent processes are repeated. This is the end of the description of the silk plug-in switching process.
[0062]
According to the silk plug-in switching process described above, the stroke in the right or left direction in the silk region 203 is determined by the movement vector at the intermediate point, so there is no need to provide a restriction on the position of the start point. Further, as described above, since the determination conditions in steps S4 and S8 have a wide range, the silk plug-in can be easily switched by one sensuous operation called a stroke while suppressing erroneous recognition. It becomes possible.
[0063]
Next, password input support processing of the PDA 1 will be described. In general, in a personal computer, a PDA, or the like, in order to suppress an operation by a person other than the user, it can be set to require the operator to input a password at startup. Similarly, this PDA 1 can be set to require the operator to input a password.
[0064]
By the way, it is not a problem for a personal computer having a keyboard as hardware, but it is possible that a conventional PDA may not have a keyboard as hardware. However, since the silk plug-in that realizes the computer function was loaded at the end of the previous time, the silk plug-in that realizes the computer function also started up this time, and the password can not be entered, and it can not be used as it is There was a situation that fell into a state.
[0065]
In order to prevent such problems, in the PDA 1, when a password input request is generated at startup, the CPU 131 loads a silk plug-in for character input in response to the request (password input support). Process). However, although the PDA 1 includes a keyboard 34 as hardware, this password input support process is performed assuming that the keyboard 34 cannot be used for some reason.
[0066]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining password input support processing. This password input support process is started when a display requesting the operator to input a password is made when the PDA 1 is activated.
[0067]
In step S <b> 11, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the user can input characters and the like. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a silk plug-in (for example, Decuma Japanese 211, standard input (Graffiti) 213, etc.) that realizes a handwriting input function is loaded. If it is determined that the user is not in a state where characters or the like can be input, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the CPU 131 unloads the currently loaded silk plug-in, loads the silk plug-in that realizes the handwriting input function, and transitions to a state in which the user can input characters and the like.
[0068]
If it is determined in step S11 that the user can input characters or the like, the process in step S12 is skipped.
[0069]
This is the end of the description of the password input support process. According to this password input support process, it is possible to load a silk plug-in that realizes a handwriting input function without intentional operation by the user, so that a password can be input promptly at the time of startup. Become.
[0070]
Also, if this password input support process is executed on a PDA or the like that does not have a keyboard as hardware, it will not be possible to input the password and the situation that it will become unusable as it is will occur. Can be deterred.
[0071]
Next, among the status icons 205 displayed in the status area 203 of the LCD 28, a status icon (hereinafter referred to as a memory status icon 205) indicating whether or not the MS 3 or the like is attached to the MS slot 41 or the CF slot 42 will be described. .
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 15, the display of the memory status icon 205 is changed in 16 ways. Due to the change in the display, the MS slot 41 is not mounted, being recognized, unknown, normal MS, lock 6 states of status, or IOMS (module equipped with IO function such as communication function, GPS wave reception function) can be shown. On the other hand, the CF slot 42 can indicate four types of states: non-attached, being recognized, attached, or unknown.
[0073]
When the memory status icon 205 is tapped, information such as the MS 3 attached to the MS slot 41 is displayed in the attachment standard display area 201.
[0074]
A process for switching the display of the memory status icon 205 (hereinafter referred to as a memory status icon display process) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0075]
This memory status icon display process is continuously executed while the PDA 1 is activated.
[0076]
In step S21, the CPU 131 sets the display of the memory status icon 205 to the non-attached state for the MS3 as shown in FIG. In step S22, the CPU 131 stands by until the MS 3 is attached to the MS slot 41. When the MS 3 is attached, the CPU 131 proceeds to step S23 and recognizes the attached MS 3. While this recognition is being performed, the display of the memory status icon 205 is in a state of being recognized for the MS 3 as shown in FIG.
[0077]
When the recognition of the attached MS3 is completed, in step S25, the CPU 131 changes the display of the memory status icon 205 for MS3 in accordance with the recognition result of step S23. Specifically, when the attached MS 3 cannot be recognized due to a failure or the like, it is displayed as unknown, and when it is recognized as a normal semiconductor memory, it is displayed as a normal MS and can be recognized as a normal semiconductor memory. When data recording is prohibited, the lock state is displayed, and when the module is equipped with an IO function such as an MS-shaped communication function or a GPS wave reception function, the display is IOMS.
[0078]
In step S25, the CPU 131 waits until the MS3 is removed from the MS slot 41. If the MS3 is removed, the CPU 131 returns to step S23 and repeats the subsequent processing. This is the end of the description of the memory status icon display process.
[0079]
Note that the same processing is executed in parallel for attaching / detaching the CF 4 to / from the CF slot 42.
[0080]
As described above, when the memory status icon display process is executed, the display change of the memory status icon 205 changes as shown in FIG.
[0081]
In addition to the example shown in FIG. 15, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the change in the display of the memory status icon 205 may not be displayed even when the MS 3 or CF 4 is not attached. . For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the outline may be displayed even when the MS 3 or the CF 4 is not attached.
[0082]
As described above, the memory status icon 205 indicates 16 states for two items (MS slot 41 and CF slot 42) with one icon, but three or more items with one icon. You may make it show more states about.
[0083]
Next, FIG. 20 shows a display example of a media information dialog 241 indicating information such as MS3 mounted in the MS slot 41 displayed in the standard display area 201 in response to the memory status icon 205 being tapped. Show.
[0084]
The media information dialog 241 displays information such as the device name, the device type, label, and capacity. When the display area 242 indicating the device name in the media information dialog 241 is tapped, a pop-up list of devices that can be attached to the PDA 1 is displayed. This pop-up list includes, for example, MS, CF, main body memory, HDD, and the like. When one of the devices included in the pop-up list is tapped to be selected, the display of the media information dialog 241 is changed to information on the selected device.
[0085]
The end button 243 is provided to close the media information dialog 241. The detail button 244 is provided to display more detailed information of the device.
[0086]
In the example of FIG. 20, “MS” is selected as the device, “MG memory stick” is displayed as the type, “SAMPLE MS” is displayed as the label, and “30.9 MB (12.9 MB available)” is displayed as the capacity. .
[0087]
In the example of FIG. 21, “CF” is selected as the device, “CF memory (ATA)” is displayed as the type, “CAMERA” is displayed as the label, and “30.9 MB (12.9 MB available)” is displayed as the capacity. ing.
[0088]
In this way, by tapping the memory status icon 205, the media information dialog 241 that can switch and present information on devices that can be attached to the PDA 1 can be displayed, so that the user is aware of the type of device. Device information can be easily acquired.
[0089]
However, in response to the tapping of the memory status icon 205, a plurality of dialogs (for example, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21) showing information of each mounted device may be displayed at the same time.
[0090]
Next, a device details dialog 261 displayed when the details button 244 of the media information dialog 241 is tapped will be described. FIG. 23 shows a device details dialog displayed when “CF” is selected in the pop-up list displayed when the display area 242 of the media information dialog 241 is tapped, and the details button 244 is tapped in that state. 261 is a display example of the function expansion module installed in the CF slot 42. The product number “PEGA-WL100”, the manufacturer “Sony Corporation”, the type “CF network adapter”, the category “network”, and the description “Operation is possible using a dedicated driver” is displayed.
[0091]
Note that the display timing of the device details dialog 261 other than when the details button 244 of the media information dialog 241 is tapped is set by the setting dialog 251 shown in FIG. 22 displayed corresponding to a predetermined operation. Can do. In the setting dialog 251, a check box 252 can be used to set whether or not to display the device details dialog 261 when the MS 3 or CF 4 is inserted.
[0092]
In addition, the check boxes 253 and 254 that are valid when the check box 252 is checked can be used to check the device details dialog when an abnormal device (such as MS3) is attached or when a normal device is attached. 261 can be set to be displayed.
[0093]
By providing such a setting dialog 251, it is possible to confirm that the user is a normal device, and thus it is possible to give the user a sense of security.
[0094]
As described above, in the PDA 1 to which the present invention is applied, the media information dialog 241 is displayed only by tapping the memory status icon 205, and the device details dialog 261 is further displayed by tapping the details button 244 of the media information dialog 241. Can be displayed.
[0095]
Next, display of the application icon 204 in the standard display area 201 will be described.
[0096]
FIG. 24 shows a display example when the LCD 28 is used in the landscape orientation. The silk plug-in area 202 is not provided on the LCD 28 but a standard display area 201 and a status area 203 are provided.
[0097]
In the application icon 204 displayed in the standard display area 201, a rectangular 3D polygon (hereinafter referred to as an object) having a slight thickness is arranged at a predetermined coordinate, and a design (hereinafter referred to as an application icon 204) on the upper surface of the object. , Described as texture) is displayed on the LCD 28. Since the bottom surface of the object is slightly wider than the top surface, the side surface 275 is visible to the user.
[0098]
When one application icon 204 is selected by tapping in the standard display area 201, the selected application icon 204 (“HotSync” icon in the case of FIG. 24) is highlighted and displayed together with the selected application icon 204. A side surface 275 of another application icon 204 (in the case of FIG. 24, “environment setting”, “data protection”, “card information”, and “initial setting” icons) in the same type) is highlighted.
[0099]
The standard display area 201 is provided with a curvature slider 271 and a scroll bar 272 in addition to the application icon 204.
[0100]
The curvature slider 271 slides in response to the user making a stroke with the pen 2 and, as the user slides from the left side to the right side, the curvature k of the virtual surface 281 (FIG. 25) on which the application icon 204 is arranged, From 0.0 to 1.0, for example, it is changed pseudo-continuously in increments of 0.01. Accordingly, as shown in the conceptual diagrams of FIGS. 25 and 26, the virtual plane 281 of the application icon 204 is shown in FIG. 26 from the plane (curvature k = 0.0) shown in FIG. It continuously changes to a curved surface (curvature k = 1.0) state. Therefore, the display of the application icon 204 in the standard display area 201 continuously changes to the state of FIG. 24, the state of FIG. 27, FIG. 28, and FIG.
[0101]
As apparent from comparison between FIG. 24 and FIGS. 27 to 29, as the curvature slider 271 is slid to the right, the application icon 204 is simultaneously displayed in the standard display area 201 without reducing the size of the application icon 204. The number of 204 can be increased. Accordingly, it becomes easy for the user to find the application icon 204 corresponding to the desired application, so that the desired application can be activated promptly.
[0102]
Returning to FIG. The scroll bar 272 is provided to scroll the display of the standard display area 201 up and down. In the scroll bar 272, a dividing line 273 indicating the types of the plurality of application icons 204 in the standard display area 201 is written. Since the dividing line 273 is provided in the scroll bar 272, the user can easily grasp the approximate number of application icons 204 belonging to each type and the display position in the standard display area 201.
[0103]
Next, a procedure for displaying the application icon 204 in the standard display area 201 will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0104]
FIG. 30 shows the order in which the application icons 204 are drawn in the image buffer (for example, the VRAM 138 in FIG. 5) before being displayed on the LCD 28. That is, as shown by (1), the application icon 204 is the center of the standard display area 201 in the vertical direction and the left application icon 204 (hereinafter referred to as object A. The same applies to others). The objects A, B, C, and D in the center column are drawn in order, and then the objects E, F, G, and H in the upper row of the center column are drawn in order, as shown by (2). After the upper column of the center column is drawn, the objects I, J, K, and L in the lower column of the center column are drawn in order as shown by (3).
[0105]
The process of drawing the application icon 204 in the center column indicated as (1) in FIG. 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S31, the CPU 131 initializes the parameter i to 0. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the coordinates of the left end of the center column where the object A is drawn are set to the origin (X₀, Y₀) Is set as the local coordinate system.
[0106]
In step S32, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the parameter i is smaller than the number L of objects in the center row (for example, L = 4 in the case of FIG. 29). If it is determined that the parameter i is smaller than the number L of objects in the center row, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S33, the CPU 131 determines the coordinates (X₀+ I · ΔX, Y₀) Place object A on However, ΔX is a preset interval between horizontal objects.
[0107]
In step S34, the CPU 131 attaches a texture corresponding to the upper surface of the object A arranged in step S33 and draws it in the image buffer. In step S35, the CPU 131 increments the parameter i by 1 and returns to step S32.
[0108]
Thereafter, the processing in steps S32 to S35 is repeated until it is determined in step S32 that the parameter i is not smaller than the number L of objects in the central row, and all applications in the central row are stored in the image buffer. The icon 204 is drawn.
[0109]
If it is determined in step S32 that the parameter i is not smaller than the number L of objects in the center column, the process of drawing the application icon 204 in the center column is ended.
[0110]
Next, a process of drawing the upper application icon 204 in the center column shown as (2) in FIG. 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step S41, the CPU 131 initializes the parameter m to 0. Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the coordinates of the left end of the center column where the object A is drawn are set to the origin (X₀, Y₀) Is set as the local coordinate system.
[0111]
In step S42, the CPU 131 determines whether or not the parameter i is equal to or less than the number M of columns on the upper side of the center column (for example, M = 2 in the case of FIG. 29). If it is determined that the parameter i is equal to or less than the number of columns M, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, the CPU 131 rotates the Y and Z axes by θ while the X axis of the local coordinate system is fixed. Where θ = k · θ_MAXIt is. The curvature k is a value set by the curvature slider 271 and θ_MAXIndicates the slope at the maximum value of curvature k = 1.
[0112]
In step S44, the CPU 131 determines the origin of the local coordinate axis (X₀, Y₀) Is translated to the Y axis of the local coordinate axis by a direction ΔY. However, ΔY is a predetermined interval between the objects in the vertical direction.
[0113]
  By the process so far, the local coordinate axis is one column above the center column.MoveIt will be done. In step S45, the CPU 131 performs a new origin of the local coordinate axes (XX) as in the process of drawing the application icon 204 in the center column described above with reference to FIG.₀, Y₀Draw an object in the horizontal direction with) at the left edge.
[0114]
In step S46, the CPU 131 increments the parameter m by 1 and returns to step S42. Thereafter, until it is determined in step S42 that the parameter m is not equal to or less than the number of columns M, the processing in steps S42 to S46 is repeated, and all application icons in the upper column in the center column are stored in the image buffer. 204 is drawn.
[0115]
If it is determined in step S42 that the parameter m is not less than or equal to the number M of columns, the process of drawing the application icon 204 in the upper column is terminated.
[0116]
Next, a process of drawing the lower application icon 204 in the center column shown as (3) in FIG. 30 is executed. This process is the same as the process of drawing the upper application icon 204 described above. It is. The difference is that in step S43, the Y and Z axes are rotated by −θ, and in step S44, the origin of the local coordinate axes (X₀, Y₀) In parallel to the Y axis of the local coordinate axis by a direction of -ΔY. Since the processing of the other steps is the same, the description thereof is omitted.
[0117]
By executing the process of drawing the application icons 204 in the center column, the upper column, and the lower column described above, all applications in the center column, the upper column, and the lower column are stored in the image buffer. The icon 204 is drawn. Thereafter, the display controller 136 displays the image drawn on the image buffer in the standard display area 201 of the LCD 28.
[0118]
Note that the present invention can be applied not only to a PDA as in this embodiment, but also to a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a mobile phone, and the like.
[0119]
In this specification, the steps for describing the control program recorded on the recording medium are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes performed in time series according to the described order. The processing to be performed is also included.
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, more icons can be displayed on the screen.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is an external view of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 4 is an external view of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a standard display area, a silk plug-in area, and a status area provided on the LCD screen.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a first operation method for switching a silk plug-in.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a second operation method for switching a silk plug-in.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a change in screen display corresponding to a second operation method for switching a silk plug-in.
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second operation method for switching a silk plug-in.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a change in screen display corresponding to a second operation method for switching a silk plug-in.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining silk plug-in switching processing;
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a coordinate system of a status area.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a password input support process.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a memory status icon.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a memory status icon display process.
FIG. 17 is a display transition diagram of a memory status icon.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another display example of the memory status icon.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing another display example of the memory status icon.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a media information dialog.
FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a media information dialog.
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a setting dialog regarding the display of the media information dialog.
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a device details dialog.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display example of application icons in a standard display area.
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the use of the curvature slider of FIG. 24;
26 is a diagram for explaining an application of the curvature slider of FIG. 24. FIG.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a display example of application icons in a standard display area.
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a display example of application icons in a standard display area.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a display example of application icons in a standard display area.
FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a drawing order of application icons in a standard display area.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating an application icon drawing process in the center column of the standard display area.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart for describing application icon drawing processing for the upper column in the center column of the standard display area.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 PDA, 2 pen, 28 LCD, 36 patch panel, 41 MS slot, 42 CF slot, 131 CPU, 136 display controller, 205 status icon, 271 curvature slider, 272 scroll bar

Claims (4)

In an information processing apparatus that displays an icon to be selected on a screen when a user instructs execution of a predetermined process,
Setting means for setting a curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of the icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged in a pseudo continuous manner to an arbitrary value;
Calculation means for calculating coordinates when a plurality of the icons are arranged on the virtual surface based on the set curvature;
Before Symbol icon on the calculated coordinates comprises generating means for generating a placement has been screen,
The information processing apparatus that generates a screen in which the generation unit arranges the icons arranged in a central row without reducing the size of the calculated coordinates . It said generating means in response to said curvature is changed by user operation on the setting means, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 for updating the screen the icon is placed. In an information processing method of an information processing apparatus for displaying an icon to be selected on a screen when a user instructs execution of a predetermined process,
A setting step in which the curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of the icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged is set pseudo-continuously to an arbitrary value;
A calculation step of calculating coordinates when a plurality of the icons are arranged on the virtual surface based on the set curvature;
Before Symbol icon on the calculated coordinates and a generation step of generating placed the current screen,
The generating step is an information processing method for generating a screen in which the size of the icons arranged in a central row is arranged at the calculated coordinates without being reduced in size . A program for controlling an information processing apparatus that displays on a screen an icon to be selected when a user instructs execution of a predetermined process,
A setting step in which the curvature of a virtual surface on which a plurality of the icons whose sizes are fixed in advance are arranged is set pseudo-continuously to an arbitrary value;
A calculation step of calculating coordinates when a plurality of the icons are arranged on the virtual surface based on the set curvature;
Before Symbol icon on the calculated coordinates and a generation step of generating placed the current screen,
The generation step is a program that causes the computer of the information processing apparatus to execute a process of generating a screen in which the size of the icons arranged in the central row is arranged without being reduced in size in the calculated coordinates .

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