JP5213676B2 - Selection device, selection method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present application relates to a selection device for selecting a selection target in a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged, a selection method performed using the device, and a computer program for realizing the device.

A three-dimensional image display device such as a three-dimensional CAD system that displays various virtual objects arranged in a virtual space has become widespread. For example, in a three-dimensional CAD system used for facility design, building objects such as buildings, frame symbols such as walls, and facility member symbols such as chairs, desks, and toilets are displayed as virtual objects. An operator of the CAD system can select a displayed virtual object and perform editing operations such as movement and deformation on the selected virtual object (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-179212 A

  However, the conventional system as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the operability is poor when an object beyond the shield is selected. For example, when a building is displayed, a virtual object such as a wall or a door inside the building is selected, or a virtual object such as a chair or a desk beyond the wall is selected.

  When selecting an object, such as a facility symbol, behind a shield, such as a frame symbol, perform an operation to hide the shield, exclude the shield from the selection target, and then select a virtual object to be selected. You have to do the operation. When such an operation is performed, the operability deteriorates as the number of shielding objects increases.

  As another selection method, it is possible to select a virtual object to be selected after performing an operation of changing the viewpoint from the front to the viewpoint from above, but this method is not good operability. .

  The present application has been made in view of such circumstances, and a preset value set for a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position is equal to or less than a preset threshold value. An object of the present invention is to provide a selection device that improves operability by selecting a selection target, a selection method performed using the device, and a computer program for realizing the device.

The present application includes a display processing unit that displays a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged, and an instruction unit that indicates a position in the virtual space, and the transparency set for each selection target A first recording unit that records a threshold value that is set for transparency, a third recording unit that records predetermined processing contents and a predetermined selection object in association with each other, and processing A means for changing the setting of transparency for a selection object associated with the designated processing content when the designation of the content is accepted, and a half extending in a predetermined direction from the designated position designated by the instruction means; Means for comparing the transparency set for the selection target located on the straight line with a threshold value, means for selecting a selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value on the half line from the indicated position, and the selected selection target Against Processing selected and means for executing processing based on the content, selection method performed by using the apparatus, it is disclosed a computer program for realizing the device.

  Thereby, it becomes possible to select the selection target by a simple operation.

  The selection device described in the present application includes display processing means for displaying a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged, and instruction means for instructing a position in the virtual space. In addition, a first recording unit that records the transparency set for each selection target and a second recording unit that records a threshold set for the transparency are prepared in advance. Then, the transparency set in the selection target located on the half line extending in a predetermined direction from the designated position designated by the indication means is compared with a threshold value, and the transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value on the half line from the designated position. Select a selection object that is.

  With this configuration, since the selection target other than the predetermined selection target is not selected in this application, it is possible to select the selection target with a simple operation, and it is possible to improve the operability. Play.

  Hereinafter, the contents of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the selection device of the present application. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a selection device using a computer such as a general-purpose computer or a CAD system computer. The selection device 1 is used as a device that displays a virtual space such as a three-dimensional CAD system. In the virtual space displayed by the selection device 1, a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged. The selection target is a virtual object such as a building object such as a building, a frame symbol such as a wall, and a facility member symbol such as a chair, desk, or toilet. By selecting a selection target, various editing operations such as movement, deformation, and information display on the selected selection target can be performed.

  The selection device 1 includes a control unit 10, an auxiliary storage unit 11, a recording unit 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 14, and an operation unit 15. The control unit 10 is a mechanism such as a CPU that controls the entire apparatus. The auxiliary storage unit 11 is a mechanism such as an optical drive that reads various types of information from a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM that records various types of information such as programs and data such as the computer program 2 for the selection device. The recording unit 12 is a mechanism such as a hard disk that records various information read by the auxiliary storage unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a mechanism such as a RAM that stores information temporarily generated by the processing of the control unit 10. Then, the computer program 2 for the selection device recorded in the recording unit 12 is stored in the storage unit 13 and executed by the control of the control unit 10, whereby the computer operates as the selection device 1 of the present application.

  A part of the recording area of the recording unit 12 of the selection device 1 is used as various tables such as a type table 120, a transparency table 121, a threshold value table 122, and a priority table 123. Each of these tables may be formed in the storage unit 13 or may be formed in a recording area of another device connected to the selection device 1. The contents of each table will be described later.

  The display unit 14 is a mechanism such as a monitor that displays an image. The operation unit 15 is a mechanism such as a mouse or a keyboard that receives an operation of the operator. In the present application, as the operation unit 15, a mouse, a trackball, a digitizer, a tablet that operates a pointer such as a cursor displayed on the image displayed on the display unit 14 to indicate a position in a virtual space described later. A pointing device such as a touch pad is mainly used.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the recorded contents of the type table 120 provided in the selection device 1 of the present application. The type table 120 is a table that records as a record in which a symbol ID that identifies each selection target is associated with the type of the selection target. The type of selection indicates the type of building frame, wall, door, air conditioning piping, duct, valve, joinery, chair, desk, appliance, toilet bowl, and the like. Note that the type of selection target is set with a hierarchical structure. For example, walls and doors are set as subordinate types of the selected housing, ducts and valves are set as subordinate types of air-conditioning piping, chairs and desks are set as subordinate types of fittings, and toilets are set as subordinate types of appliances. FIG. 2 shows an example in which a hierarchical type is associated with a selection target.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of recorded contents of the transparency table 121 provided in the selection device 1 of the present application. The transparency table 121 is a table that records a record in which a type and transparency are associated with each other. Transparency is a set value of a numerical value shown as a real number of 0.0 to 1.0, and indicates the transmittance of light such as visible light. When the transparency is 0.0, the selection target is displayed as a completely opaque virtual object, and therefore a virtual object arranged behind the selection target in the virtual space is not displayed at all. When the transparency is 1.0, the selection target is a completely transparent virtual object, and the selection target is not displayed in the virtual space. When the transparency is greater than 0.0 and less than 1.0, the selection target is a semi-transparent virtual object, and the virtual object arranged behind the selection target in the virtual space can be seen through. . Note that it is possible to appropriately set which level of the selection target is associated with transparency. Further, when different transparency levels are set for the upper hierarchy type and the lower hierarchy type, the transparency set in association with the lower type is given priority.

  By combining the type table 120 shown in FIG. 2 and the transparency table 121 shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to specify the transparency set in advance for each selection target. Note that the type table 120 and the transparency table 121 may not be recorded with transparency, but may be recorded by directly associating symbol IDs with transparency, and the respective transparency to be selected may be set individually.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of recorded contents of the threshold value table 122 provided in the selection device 1 of the present application. In the threshold value table 122, threshold values indicated as real numbers of 0.0 to 1.0, which are set values serving as a reference for comparison with respect to transparency, are recorded. A selection target set with transparency below the threshold can be selected by the process described later, but a selection target set with transparency greater than the threshold cannot be selected. Here, when the threshold value and the transparency are the same value, it is assumed that the selection target can be selected, but the process in the case of the same value can be set as appropriate.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the recorded contents of the priority table 123 provided in the selection device 1 of the present application. The priority table 123 is a table that records the processing content for the selected selection target and the type of the selection target in association with each other. The priority table 123 is used to perform various setting change processes so that the selection target of the associated type is preferentially selected when the processing content indicating the operation for the selection target is selected by the processing described later. It is a table. Specifically, when the processing content is “wall / edit”, the transparency of the selection target having the type “building frame” and “joining tool” is changed to be equal to or less than the threshold value. In addition, it may be possible to record the specific transparency value of the type in association with the processing content, and if the transparency of the corresponding selection target is changed to be equal to or less than the threshold value, the recording content and the recording form Can be set as appropriate. Further, the symbol ID may be recorded in association with the processing content.

  By combining the type table 120 illustrated in FIG. 2 and the priority selection table 123 illustrated in FIG. 5, it is possible to specify a selection target that is preferentially selected for processing contents. In addition, as the type table 120 and the priority selection table 123, the priority selection target is not recorded, but the processing content and the priority selection target are recorded in association with each other, and the priority of each selection target, for example, the processing content is recorded. You may make it set individually the transparency changed according to it.

  Next, processing of the selection device 1 of the present application will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of threshold setting processing of the selection device 1 of the present application. The operator of the selection device 1 uses the operation unit 15 to input a threshold setting value. The selection device 1 receives an input of a threshold value from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, and records the received threshold value in the threshold value table 122 (S101). In this way, the threshold setting process is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the transparency setting process of the selection device 1 of the present application. The operator of the selection device 1 designates the type of each selection target using the operation unit 15 and performs an operation of inputting the transparency for the designated type. Under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, the selection device 1 receives the designation of the type and the input of transparency from the operation unit 15, and records the specified type and transparency in the transparency table 121 in association with each other (S201). ). The transparency can be specified for each selection target. In this case, the transparency is recorded in association with the selection target, that is, the symbol ID of the selection target. In this way, the transparency setting process is executed. Further, the set transparency is not fixed and can be changed for the purpose of preferentially selecting an arbitrary selection target.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a man-machine interface for changing the transparency setting of the selection device 1 of the present application. FIG. 8A conceptually shows the recorded contents of the transparency table 121 before the setting is changed. In FIG. 8A, when the transparency threshold is set to 0.7, the type “duct” is a selection target equal to or less than the threshold. FIG. 8B shows an image displayed when the transparency setting is changed, and the hierarchical structure of the type to be selected is shown as a tree diagram. When the type “valve” is designated here, the transparency setting is changed so that only the type “valve” is equal to or less than the threshold value. FIG. 8C conceptually shows the recorded contents of the transparency table 121 after changing the transparency setting. The transparency of the type “valve” designated by the operation of FIG. 8B is 0.6, which is a value equal to or less than the threshold value of 0.7, and the other types are larger than the threshold value.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the priority selection setting process of the selection device 1 of the present application. The operator of the selection device 1 uses the operation unit 15 to specify processing contents, and performs an operation of inputting a type of a selection target to be preferentially selected when the specified processing contents are selected. Under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, the selection device 1 receives processing content specification and type input from the operation unit 15, and records the specified processing content and type in the priority table 123 in association with each other. (S301). Each selection target can be specified in association with the processing content, and can be set as appropriate, such as recording the changed transparency in association with the processing content. Note that a man-machine interface as shown in FIG. 8 may be used when inputting the type associated with the processing content. In this way, the priority selection setting process is executed.

  Next, basic processing relating to image display will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of image display processing of the selection device 1 of the present application. The selection device 1 causes the display unit 14 to display a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2 (S401). In step S401, each selection target is arranged based on a preset position and shape of each selection target in a virtual space indicated by three-dimensional coordinates. That is, a virtual space in which a plurality of selection targets are arranged is defined. And the process which calculates the three-dimensional image from the designated viewpoint to a gaze point direction and displays it on the display part 14 with respect to the defined virtual space is performed. Further, each displayed selection target is subjected to a transparency process according to the set transparency. In this way, the image display process is executed.

  Next, processing for the displayed image will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the selection process of the selection device 1 of the present application. After displaying the virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged on the display unit 14 by the image display process, the operator of the selection device 1 uses the operation unit 15 on the image displayed on the display unit 14. An indicator such as a cursor to be displayed is moved to perform an operation for indicating a position in the virtual space.

  The selection device 1 receives an operation from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, and indicates the position in the virtual space by drawing an indicator at the specified position in the virtual space. (S501).

  The operator operates the operation unit 15 to perform an operation of selecting a selection target. The operation for selecting a selection target is, for example, an operation of pressing a button arranged on the left side for the operator, that is, a so-called left click when using a mouse of a two-button type, a three-button type or the like as the operation unit 15. Show.

  The selection device 1 receives an operation from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 (S502), and whether or not a selection target exists on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the position instructed in step S501. Is determined (S503). Although the predetermined direction can be set as appropriate, it is assumed here that the direction of the gazing point is set as the predetermined direction. The direction of the gazing point is the depth direction with respect to the screen displayed on the display unit 14 in the three-dimensional virtual space. For example, when the virtual space is displayed as an image using a visual effect such as perspective, This is the direction of the vanishing point at infinity.

  When it is determined in step S503 that there is a selection target (S503: YES), the selection device 1 controls the selection unit 1 to be selected on the half line extending in a predetermined direction from the instructed position under the control of the control unit 10. The set transparency is compared with a threshold value (S504). The transparency set as the selection target is the transparency corresponding to the selection target determined based on the combination of the type table 120 and the transparency table 121. The threshold value is a threshold value recorded in the threshold value table 122.

  Under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 determines the presence / absence of a selection target whose transparency set as the selection target is equal to or less than a threshold by comparison in step S <b> 504 (S <b> 505).

  If it is determined in step S505 that there is a selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value (S505: YES), the selection device 1 controls the control unit 10 to control the most indicated position among the selection targets whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value. A selection target close to is selected (S506). In step S506, the selection of the selection target is confirmed for the operation of selecting the selection target operated by the operator. Then, the selection device 1 stands by in a state of waiting for an operation on a selection target for which selection has been confirmed. The operator appropriately performs the operation, and the selection device 1 executes various processes for the selection target selected based on the operation under the control of the control unit 10 (S507).

  If it is determined in step S503 that there is no selection target (S503: NO), or if it is determined in step S505 that there is no selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold (S505: NO), the selection device 1 Returning to S501, the subsequent processing is repeated. In this way, the selection process is executed.

  The selection process shown in FIG. 11 is merely an example of an infinite number of implementations of the process according to the present application, and is more transparent than the threshold among the selection targets located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position. This can be realized as various processes for selecting a selection target having a low value. For example, the transparency of a selection target positioned on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the designated position is compared with a threshold value in order of proximity from the designated position, and a selection target that is first determined that the transparency is equal to or less than the threshold is selected. It can be realized as a simple process.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the selection device 1 of the present application. FIG. 12A shows a virtual space displayed by the image display process. FIG. 12B shows a state in which, in the selection process, an indicator is drawn to indicate a position in the virtual space. FIG. 12C shows a state where the selection of the selection target is confirmed. In the virtual space displayed in FIG. 12 (a), a plurality of selection targets are shown, and the selection target indicating a wall that is a skeleton symbol is set with a transparency lower than a threshold value, and beyond the wall. Transparency higher than the threshold is set for the selection target indicating the toilet that is the equipment symbol. The wall is displayed with high transparency and semi-transparency, and the toilet over the wall is shown through. When the operator designates a position as shown in FIG. 12B and performs an operation of selecting a selection target, the wall is not selected as shown in FIG. Selected.

  For example, in a conventional CAD system, when selecting a toilet over the wall, an operation for hiding the wall is performed, the wall is excluded from the selection target, and an operation for selecting the toilet bowl to be selected must be performed. I must. When such an operation is performed, it is difficult to determine the positional relationship between the wall and the toilet. On the other hand, in the selection device 1 of the present application, as shown in FIG. 12, since the toilet can be selected without excluding the wall, the next operation can be performed in a state in which the positional relationship is grasped. Has an effect.

  For example, in a conventional CAD system, it is possible to select a toilet over the wall after changing the viewpoint from the front to the viewpoint from above, but in that case, in order to make the work more efficient The adjusted field of view will be changed. On the other hand, the selection device 1 of the present application has an excellent effect that, as shown in FIG. 12, the toilet can be selected without changing the field of view, so that convenience is not impaired.

  As an extended function for the selection process described above, a specific selection target can be preferentially selected. As an example of this, a description will be given of a process in which the content of processing such as an editing operation or the like to be performed on a selection target for which selection has been confirmed is specified first, and the selection target according to the specified processing content is preferentially selected. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the priority selection process of the selection device 1 of the present application. After displaying a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged on the display unit 14 by the image display process, the operator uses the operation unit 15 to perform an operation of specifying the processing content.

  Under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, the selection device 1 accepts an operation for specifying the processing content from the operation unit 15 (S601), and the selection target to be prioritized that is associated with the specified processing content Is read from the priority table 123 (S602). For example, when the priority table 123 shown in FIG. 5 is used, when “wall / edit” is designated as the processing content, “building frame” and “jointing tool” are read as types of selection targets to be prioritized.

  Under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 changes the setting of the transparency of the selection target related to the type to be prioritized read from the priority table 123 to a threshold value or less (S603). Further, under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 changes the transparency setting of the selection target other than the type read from the priority table 123, that is, the selection target that is not prioritized, to a value larger than the threshold (S604). As a method for changing the setting of transparency, it is possible to appropriately set a method such as a change to a preset value or a predetermined calculation.

  And the selection apparatus 1 performs the selection process mentioned above after changing the setting of transparency, and performs the process based on the designated process content with respect to the selected selection object. In addition, since the transparency of the selection target to be prioritized associated with the processing content is changed to be equal to or lower than the threshold value, the selection target to be prioritized is selected in the selection process. Instead of giving priority to the selection target corresponding to the processing content, the direct selection target is specified, and the transparency is changed so that the specified selection target or the same type of selection target as the selection target should be prioritized. Etc., can be set as appropriate. In this way, the priority selection process is executed. Note that the priority selection process shown in FIG. 13 is merely one example of an infinite number of implementations of the process according to the present application, and the present application is not limited to this one, and can be implemented in various forms. It is.

  As an extended function for the selection process described above, it is also possible to visualize a half line extending from the designated position as a selection line. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the selection line display process of the selection device 1 of the present application. After the virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged is displayed on the display unit 14 by the image display process, the operator uses the operation unit 15 to display the virtual space on the image displayed on the display unit 14. An operation for indicating a position in the virtual space is performed by moving an indicator such as a cursor.

  The selection device 1 receives an operation from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, and indicates the position in the virtual space by drawing an indicator at the specified position in the virtual space. (S701).

  The selection device 1 determines whether or not a selection target exists on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the position instructed in step S701 under the control of the control unit 10 (S702).

  If it is determined in step S702 that there is a selection target (S702: YES), the selection device 1 controls the control unit 10 to select a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the instructed position. The set transparency is compared with a threshold value (S703).

  Under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 determines whether there is a selection target whose transparency set as the selection target is equal to or less than a threshold by comparison in step S <b> 703 (S <b> 704).

  If it is determined in step S704 that there is a selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold (S704: YES), the selection device 1 performs a display display process. That is, under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 selects a selection target that is closest to the designated position among the selection targets whose transparency is equal to or less than a threshold value, and displays a line segment from the designated position to the selected selection target. (S705), and the display method of the selected selection object is changed (S706). The line segment from the designated position to the selected selection target is displayed as, for example, a red line by the processing in step S705, and the display processing by visual effects such as change of the color of the selection target and blinking is performed by the processing in step S706. . By performing the display process, the operator can easily visually recognize which selection target can be selected.

  And the selection apparatus 1 will be in the standby state which waits reception of operation which moves an indicator, or operation of another process in the state which maintained display display. The other processing operations are operations such as the selection processing operation and selection operation for selecting the selection target described above.

  The selection device 1 receives an operation from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 (S707), and determines whether the received operation is an operation for moving the indicator (S708).

  If it is determined in step S708 that the operation is to move the indicator (S708: YES), the selection device 1 returns to step S701 and executes the subsequent processing. If the line segment from the pointing position to the selected selection target and the selected selection target are shifted due to the movement of the indicator, the line segment before the movement and the display of the selection target are canceled.

  If it is determined in step S708 that the operation is other than the operation of moving the indicator (S708: NO), the selection device 1 executes processing based on the accepted operation under the control of the control unit 10 (S709). The processing based on the operation accepted in step S709 is processing such as selection processing and termination processing.

  If it is determined in step S702 that there is no selection target (S702: NO), or if it is determined in step S704 that there is no selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold (S704: NO), the selection device 1 selects. Displays that there is no target to be selected. That is, the selection device 1 displays a half line from the indicated position in a predetermined direction on the display unit 14 under the control of the control unit 10 (S710). By the process in step S710, a half line from the designated position in a predetermined direction is displayed as a red line, for example. Note that the process of step S710 may be a process of displaying a line segment from the designated position to the point of gaze.

  Then, the selection device 1 enters a standby state, proceeds to step S707, and executes the subsequent processing. In this way, the selection line display process is executed.

  Note that the selection destination display process shown in FIG. 14 is merely one example of an infinite number of implementations of the process according to the present application, and among the selection targets located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position, It can be realized as various processes for displaying a line segment to a selection target whose transparency is lower than a threshold value. For example, the transparency of a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position is compared with a threshold value in order of proximity from the indicated position, and a line segment to the selection target first determined that the transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value is displayed. This can be realized as various processes.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the selection device 1 of the present application. FIG. 15 shows an image in a state in which the display is displayed by the selection line display process. In the image shown in FIG. 15, a toilet bowl that is an equipment symbol is arranged across a wall that is a cabinet symbol. The wall is displayed with high transparency and semi-transparency, and the toilet over the wall is shown through. Note that virtual objects such as walls, toilets, and pipes displayed in the image are all selection targets. In FIG. 15, the line segment from the indication position indicated by the indicator (mouse cursor) to the selection target located in a predetermined direction is shown as a red line imitating a laser beam, and the color of the selected toilet is It is displayed in a different color from other toilets. Thus, the operator can easily recognize that the toilet is at a position where the toilet can be selected as a selection target. When the operator operates the operation unit 15 to move the indicator, the selection is canceled and the toilet bowl that has been displayed is also restored to the original display.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the selection device 1 of the present application. In the selection line display process described above, the indicator displayed at the indicated position may be close to or overlap with the selected display position of the selection target. FIG. 16 shows image processing in such a case, and shows that it is possible to perform a display for changing the display method of the indicator when the indicator overlaps the selected selection target. It is a thing. When the indicator is located at the position “A” in FIG. 16, the indicator is separated from the selected selection target, and thus the indicator has a shape including an “x” mark. When the indicator is positioned at the position “B” in FIG. 16, the indicator changes to a shape including “◎” because the indicator and the selected selection target overlap. In this way, the operator can easily grasp the relationship between the indicator and the selected selection target.

  As an extended function for the selection process described above, it is also possible to display a virtual space in a plurality of display windows. As an example, processing for displaying a virtual space from one viewpoint displayed on one display window as a virtual space from another viewpoint on another display window will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the multiple image display process of the selection device 1 of the present application. Through the image display process, a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets is arranged is displayed on the display unit 14. A display window that displays the virtual space that is displayed first is referred to as a main window. A display window other than the main window, which will be described later, is referred to as a sub window. Then, the operator uses the operation unit 15 to move an indicator such as a cursor displayed on the image of the main window displayed on the display unit 14 to perform an operation of instructing a position in the virtual space.

  The selection device 1 receives an operation from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 that executes the computer program 2, and reads the designated position indicating the designated position in the virtual space (S801). In step S801, the three-dimensional coordinates of the designated position in the virtual space are read.

  Under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 is formed by a straight line having a vector extending in a predetermined direction, that is, in the direction of the gazing point with the indicated position as a base point, and an upward vector defined in the virtual space. A plane is defined as a cross section (S802).

  The selection device 1 determines whether or not the sub window is displayed under the control of the control unit 10 (S803). If it is determined in step S803 that the sub window is not displayed (S803: NO), the selection device 1 displays the sub window on the display unit 14 under the control of the control unit 10 (S804). The sub window is another display window different from the main window which is one display window as described above. If it is determined in step S803 that the sub window has already been displayed (S803: YES), the process of step S804 is not executed. The main window and the sub window are displayed side by side on the display screen of the display unit 14. However, the main window and the sub window may be superimposed and displayed by appropriately setting.

  Under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 defines the front direction of the main window as the left direction of the sub window and the depth direction of the main window as the right direction of the sub window (S805).

  The selection device 1 displays the virtual space of the viewpoint based on the defined direction on the sub-window on the display unit 14 under the control of the control unit 10 (S806). The virtual space of the viewpoint based on the defined direction is a viewpoint in which the inclination with respect to the screen is determined based on the direction defined in step S805 from the orthogonal direction to the cross section defined in step S802. The virtual space displayed in the sub-window is a virtual space similar to the main window displayed from a different viewpoint from the main window. Accordingly, a plurality of selection targets are also arranged in the virtual space displayed in the subwindow. That is, the display unit 14 displays virtual spaces from different viewpoints in the main window and the subwindow. The viewpoint related to the virtual space displayed in the sub window is a viewpoint from a direction orthogonal to a plane including a half line in a predetermined direction from the designated position in the virtual space displayed in the main window.

  The selection device 1 determines whether or not a selection target exists on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position in the virtual space displayed in the sub-window under the control of the control unit 10 (S807).

  If it is determined in step S807 that there is a selection target (S807: YES), the selection device 1 controls the control unit 10 to select a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the instructed position. The set transparency is compared with a threshold value (S808).

  Under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 determines whether or not there is a selection target whose transparency set as the selection target is equal to or less than a threshold value by comparison in step S <b> 808 (S <b> 809).

  In step S809, when it is determined that there is a selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold (S809: YES), the selection device 1 performs a display display process. That is, under the control of the control unit 10, the selection device 1 selects a selection target that is closest to the designated position among the selection targets whose transparency is equal to or less than a threshold value, and displays a line segment from the designated position to the selected selection target. (S810), and the display method of the selected selection object is changed (S811). The reveal display process in steps S810 and S811 is executed in the virtual space displayed in the subwindow.

  Then, the selection device 1 maintains an indication display, an operation for moving an indicator, a selection processing operation for selecting a selection target, an end operation, an operation for changing the viewpoint or field of view of the virtual space displayed in the sub-window, etc. It will be in the standby state waiting for acceptance of operation.

  The selection device 1 receives an operation from the operation unit 15 under the control of the control unit 10 (S812), and determines whether the received operation is an operation for changing the viewpoint or field of view of the virtual space displayed in the subwindow (S813). ).

  If it is determined in step S813 that the operation is to change the viewpoint or field of view of the virtual space displayed in the sub-window (S813: YES), the selection device 1 controls the change of the viewpoint or field of view under the control of the control unit 10. The virtual space is displayed in the sub window (S814). When the viewpoint or field of view of the virtual space is changed in step S815, the vector difference between the main window and the sub window is stored in the storage unit 13. For example, values such as “X = 0.0, Y = 1.0, Z = 0.0” are stored as vector differences.

  And the selection apparatus 1 will be in the standby state which waits for reception of operation by control of the control part 10, returns to step S812, and repeats subsequent processes.

  If it is determined in step S813 that the operation is other than an operation for changing the viewpoint or field of view of the virtual space displayed in the subwindow (S813: NO), the selection device 1 performs the received operation under the control of the control unit 10. It is determined whether or not the operation is to move the indicator (S815).

  If it is determined in step S815 that the operation is to move the indicator (S815: YES), the selection device 1 returns to step S801 and executes the subsequent processing.

  If it is determined in step S815 that the operation is an operation other than the operation of moving the indicator (S815: NO), the selection device 1 executes processing based on the accepted operation under the control of the control unit 10 (S816). The processing based on the operation accepted in step S816 is processing such as selection processing and termination processing.

  If it is determined in step S807 that there is no selection target (S807: NO), or if it is determined in step S809 that there is no selection target whose transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value (S809: NO), the selection device 1 selects. Displays that there is no target to be selected. That is, the selection device 1 displays a half line from the designated position in a predetermined direction on the display unit 14 under the control of the control unit 10 (S817). The display process in step S817 is executed in the virtual space displayed in the subwindow.

  Then, the selection device 1 enters a standby state where it waits for acceptance of an operation, proceeds to step S812, and executes the subsequent processing.

  The processing after step S807 is processing for executing the above-described selection line display processing within the sub-window, except for processing for changing the viewpoint or field of view of the virtual space. Therefore, when used together with the selection line display process, instead of the process after step S807, a process of converting the viewpoint to the virtual space displayed in the main window is executed, and the virtual space whose viewpoint has been changed is displayed in the sub window. You may make it display.

  In addition, after changing the viewpoint or field of view of the sub window, when the process related to the definition of the sub window in step S805 or the like is executed, the definition related to the sub window is adjusted based on the vector difference between the main window and the sub window stored in the storage unit 13. Use treatment together. In this way, the multiple image display process is executed.

  Note that the multiple image display process shown in FIG. 17 is merely one example of the infinite number of implementations of the process according to the present application, and among the selection targets located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position, It can be realized as various processes for displaying a line segment to a selection target whose transparency is lower than a threshold value. For example, the transparency of a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position is compared with a threshold value in order of proximity from the indicated position, and a line segment to the selection target first determined that the transparency is equal to or less than the threshold value is displayed. This can be realized as various processes.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the selection device 1 of the present application. FIG. 18 shows a main window and a sub window displayed by the multiple image display process. FIG. 18A shows the virtual space displayed in the main window, and FIG. 18B shows the virtual space displayed in the subwindow. In the main window shown in FIG. 18A, selection line display processing is also used. The virtual space displayed in the sub window shown in FIG. 18B is a sectional view in which the virtual space displayed in the main window shown in FIG. By displaying the virtual space of the viewpoint from the side as shown in FIG. 18B, it is possible to select any selection object even when the selection objects are arranged in the direction from the viewpoint to the gazing point, for example. You can easily recognize if there is.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the selection device 1 of the present application. FIG. 19 shows a main window and a sub window displayed by the multiple image display process. FIG. 19A shows the virtual space displayed in the main window, and FIG. 19B shows the virtual space displayed in the subwindow. FIG. 19B shows a state in which the viewpoint of the virtual space displayed in the subwindow is changed. As described above, in the present application, the selection target selected in the virtual space can be easily recognized from various viewpoints, and convenience can be improved.

  The embodiment described above is merely an example of an infinite embodiment of the present application, and the configuration of various hardware, software, and the like can be appropriately designed according to the application, purpose, and the like. For example, the selection device may be designed appropriately so that not all processing is performed by software execution, but part or all processing may be performed as hardware processing incorporated in a circuit such as a VLSI. Is possible.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the form which selects the selection object nearest to an instruction | indication position was shown among the selection objects whose transparency is below a threshold value, this application is not restricted to this, The selection object nearest to the 2nd and the farthest It is possible to set as appropriate, such as selecting a selection target or all selection targets.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the form which applies a selection apparatus to a three-dimensional CAD system was shown, this application is not restricted to this, Various things which display three-dimensional virtual spaces, such as a computer game, a navigation system, a map system, are shown. It can also be realized as a simple device.

  In the above-described embodiment, the selection target is selected in the three-dimensional virtual space. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is realized as a selection device that selects the selection target in the two-dimensional virtual plane. Is also possible.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to define an N-dimensional (N is a natural number of 2 or more) logical space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged, and to apply the selection target selection within the logical space. That is, the setting value set for each selection target and the threshold value set for the setting value are recorded in the recording unit in advance in a table format, for example. Then, the operator performs an operation of instructing a position in the logical space, and the selection device uses a set value set as a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the instructed instruction position as a threshold value. In comparison, a selection target whose set value is equal to or less than the threshold value is selected on a half line from the designated position.

  Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.

(Appendix 1)
Display processing means for displaying a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged;
Instructing means for indicating a position in the virtual space,
A first recording unit that records the transparency set for each selection target;
A second recording unit that records a threshold value set for transparency;
Means for comparing the transparency set to the selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position instructed by the indicating means with a threshold;
A selection device comprising: means for selecting a selection target whose transparency is not more than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position.

(Appendix 2)
The selection device according to appendix 1, wherein the selecting means is configured to select a selection target closest to the indicated position from among selection targets whose transparency is equal to or less than a threshold value.

(Appendix 3)
A third recording unit for recording the selection target and the processing content for the selected selection target in association with each other;
Means for changing the setting of transparency of the selection target associated with the specified processing content when the specification of the processing content is received;
The selection apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, further comprising: means for executing processing based on the designated processing content for the selected selection target.

(Appendix 4)
The selecting device according to supplementary note 3, wherein the means for changing the setting is configured to change the setting of the transparency of the selection target associated with the setting to be equal to or less than a threshold value.

(Appendix 5)
The selection device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 4, further comprising means for displaying a line segment from the designated position designated by the designation means to the selected selection target.

(Appendix 6)
The selection device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 5, further comprising means for changing a display method of a selected selection target.

(Appendix 7)
The selection device according to any one of appendix 1 to appendix 6, wherein the display processing unit displays a plurality of the virtual spaces from different viewpoints.

(Appendix 8)
The display processing means includes
The virtual space from one viewpoint and the virtual space from another viewpoint are displayed side by side,
The selection device according to claim 7, wherein the other viewpoint is a viewpoint from a direction perpendicular to a plane including a half line in a predetermined direction from a designated position designated in the virtual space from the one viewpoint. .

(Appendix 9)
Means for defining an N-dimensional (N is a natural number of 2 or more) logical space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged;
Indicating means for indicating a position in the logical space;
A first recording unit for recording a set value set for each selection target;
A second recording unit for recording a threshold value set for the set value;
Means for comparing a set value set to a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from an instruction position instructed by the instruction means with a threshold;
A selection device comprising: means for selecting a selection target whose set value is equal to or less than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position.

(Appendix 10)
Displays a virtual space in which multiple selectable selection targets are placed,
Indicating a position in the virtual space;
Comparing the transparency set in advance with respect to the selection target located on the half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position, with a preset threshold;
A selection method for selecting a selection target whose transparency is not more than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position.

(Appendix 11)
On the computer,
When a position in an N-dimensional (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) logical space where a plurality of selectable selection targets are specified, the position is on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position A procedure for comparing a preset value for a selection target to be compared with a preset threshold;
A computer program that executes a procedure for selecting a selection target whose set value is equal to or greater than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally an example of the recording content of the classification table with which the selection apparatus of this application is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally an example of the recording content of the transparency table with which the selection apparatus of this application is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally an example of the recording content of the threshold value table with which the selection apparatus of this application is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows notionally an example of the recording content of the priority table with which the selection apparatus of this application is provided. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the threshold value setting process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the transparency setting process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the man-machine interface of the setting change of the transparency of the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the priority selection setting process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the image display process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the selection process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image displayed with the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the priority selection process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the selection line display process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image displayed with the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image displayed with the selection apparatus of this application. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the multiple image display process of the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image displayed with the selection apparatus of this application. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the image displayed with the selection apparatus of this application.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Selection apparatus 10 Control part 11 Auxiliary storage part 12 Recording part 120 Type table 121 Transparency table 122 Threshold value table 123 Priority table 13 Storage part 14 Display part 15 Operation part 2 Computer program

Claims (6)

Display processing means for displaying a virtual space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged;
Instructing means for indicating a position in the virtual space,
A first recording unit that records the transparency set for each selection target;
A second recording unit that records a threshold value set for transparency;
A third recording unit that records predetermined processing contents and predetermined selection targets in association with each other;
Means for changing the transparency setting for the selection target associated with the specified processing content when the processing content specification is received;
Means for comparing the transparency set to the selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position instructed by the indicating means with a threshold;
Means for selecting a selection target whose transparency is not more than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position ;
A selection apparatus comprising: means for executing a process based on a specified process content for a selected selection target . The selection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying a line segment from the designated position designated by the designation means to the selected selection target. The selection device according to claim 1 , wherein the display processing unit displays a plurality of the virtual spaces from different viewpoints. Means for defining an N-dimensional (N is a natural number of 2 or more) logical space in which a plurality of selectable selection targets are arranged;
Indicating means for indicating a position in the logical space;
A first recording unit for recording a set value set for each selection target;
A second recording unit for recording a threshold value set for the set value;
A third recording unit that records predetermined processing contents and predetermined selection targets in association with each other;
Means for changing the setting value for the selection target associated with the specified processing content when the specification of the processing content is received;
Means for comparing a set value set to a selection target located on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from an instruction position instructed by the instruction means with a threshold;
Means for selecting a selection target whose set value is equal to or less than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position ;
A selection apparatus comprising: means for executing a process based on a specified process content for a selected selection target . Displays a virtual space in which multiple selectable selection targets are placed,
When the specification of the processing content is accepted, the transparency set in advance for the selection target is changed for the selection target associated in advance with the specified processing content,
Indicating a position in the virtual space;
The transparency and to select objects located on a half line extending from the indicated indicated position in a predetermined direction is set, compared with a preset threshold value,
Select the selection target whose transparency is below the threshold on the half line from the indicated position ,
A selection method for executing processing based on the specified processing content for a selected selection target . On the computer,
A procedure for changing a setting value set in advance for a selection target that is previously associated with the specified processing content when the specification of the processing content is received;
When a position in an N-dimensional (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) logical space where a plurality of selectable selection targets are specified, the position is on a half line extending in a predetermined direction from the indicated position the settings that are configured in respect to selection of a procedure for comparing the threshold value set in advance,
A procedure for selecting a selection target whose set value is equal to or greater than a threshold value on a half line from the indicated position ;
The computer program which performs the procedure which performs the process based on the designated process content with respect to the selected selection object .

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