JPH04328626A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an information processor which can easily set the display position and the size as desired for a subject window in response to each working situation. CONSTITUTION:Plural sets of display positions and sizes of windows are previously registered in an information processor 30 (60) which contains a multi- window control mechanism 38. Then those stored sets of positions and sizes are selected so that a window is shown at a desired position and in a desired size. The display state of the window can be changed for each window and also the display can be totally changed as a combination of windows.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an information processing device that displays data on a display device in a multi-window format, and in particular an information processing device that is devised to change the position and size of windows displayed on the display. Regarding equipment.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, information processing systems such as personal computers and workstations have been rapidly developed. Along with this, the display format of display devices (displays) has also progressed, and the adoption of multi-window systems has become widespread. Here, a multi-window system is a system in which multiple windows are arranged on the screen of a display device, and each window is used as a virtual display screen, making it possible to run multiple applications on one display device. can.

[0003] Multi-window displays mainly have the following advantages.

(1) Since a plurality of windows can be displayed simultaneously, necessary data can be quoted from a window other than the one currently being worked on.

(2) Similarly, without completely finishing the work in one window, that is, without interrupting your thinking, move to another window and temporarily perform another simple task, and then restart it again. You can return to the original window and resume your previous work.

(3) When multiple windows are running some program at the same time apart from the main work,
You can perform your main tasks while checking their progress.

(4) When one application uses a plurality of windows, these windows enable multidimensional or multifaceted expression.

FIG. 14 shows an overview of such multi-window management. The multi-window management mechanism 21 allows a plurality of application programs (AP1 to APn) 241 to 24n to use display output resources 22 and data input resources 23 specific to the information processing system without depending much on hardware characteristics. It is designed to manage multiple windows.

[0008] This multi-window management mechanism 21 has respective application programs 241 to 24n.
You can allocate windows one by one to control the overlapping of these windows, move the window itself, enlarge or reduce the display area, clip the drawing within the window display area, assign input events, etc. Is going. Multi window management mechanism 2
1, the application program 24 using the window is notified of a redraw request due to destruction of a display image, a message transmission request, an input event, etc. from the related application program 24, etc.

[0009]

By the way, in such an information processing apparatus, when a plurality of application programs are executed to perform a certain task, a plurality of windows are opened on the display device. However,
Since the screen area of a display device is limited, the display state of windows must frequently be changed during work, such as opening a window, enlarging a necessary window, or reducing an unnecessary window. Therefore, in conventional information processing apparatuses, a large amount of time is spent changing the display state of such windows, making it impossible to improve work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus that can easily set the display position and size of a target window to a desired value depending on the work situation.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problem] The invention according to claim 1 includes a processing device, a main memory for storing programs and data, a display device, and data to be displayed on the display device that is drawn and developed as a dot image. Bitmap memory, a multi-window management mechanism that manages multiple windows that can be displayed on the screen of a display device so that they can be overlapped, and controls the position of the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device. An input device for inputting various data or commands, a display state storage means for storing information regarding the display state of a window inputted from the input device, and a desired state among the display states stored in the display state storage means. The information processing apparatus is provided with a selection means for selecting a window, and a window display state management mechanism for changing the display state of the corresponding window based on the selection result.

In other words, in the invention as claimed in claim 1, the operator stores in advance several variations regarding the display position and size of the target window in the display state storage means, and uses the selection means according to the work situation. Allow you to select the desired one. Then, the display position and size of the corresponding window are set as desired, thereby achieving the above-mentioned purpose.

[0013] In the invention according to claim 2, a processing device, a main memory for storing programs and data, a display device,
A bitmap memory that draws and develops data to be displayed on the display device as a dot image, and a multi-window management mechanism that manages multiple windows that can be displayed on the screen of the display device so that they can be overlapped.
An input device that controls the position of the cursor displayed on the screen of the display device and inputs various data or commands, and a multi-window environment information that stores the display status of all windows input from this input device. a window environment information storage means; a selection means for selecting a desired state from among the display states stored in the multi-window environment information storage means; and a multi-window for changing the display state of all applicable windows based on the selection result. The information processing device is equipped with an environmental management mechanism.

That is, in the invention described in claim 2, the operator stores several variations regarding the display positions and sizes of all windows in the multi-window environment information storage means in advance, and selects them according to the situation of the work. Allow you to select the desired one. Then, set the display position and size of all windows to the desired one,
Achieve the above objectives.

[0015]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be explained in detail with reference to Examples below.

(First embodiment)

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This information processing device 30 includes a processing device 31 consisting of a microprocessor or the like. The processing device 31 is connected to each part of the device through a bus 32 such as a data bus. Among these, the main memory 33 is a memory that stores programs and various data that control the operation of the information processing device 30. Drawing section 34
A bitmap memory 35 is connected to the bitmap memory 35, and a dot image consisting of a two-dimensional line of points can be written to this bitmap memory 35 as a display of various data, and a free display image can be created by transferring this. This is the part to do. A display control circuit 36 is connected to this bitmap memory 35. The display control circuit 36 periodically reads out the display image stored in the bitmap memory 35 and supplies it to the display device 37. Here, the display device 37 is, for example, a CRT (Cathode).
Ray Tube).

The bus 32 includes a multi-window management mechanism 3.
8, an event input mechanism 39, and a window display state management mechanism 41 are also connected. Here, the multi-window management mechanism 38 manages input/output resources during multi-window display based on the contents of the window management database 42. The window management database 42 is a database for managing multiple windows. The event input mechanism 39 is connected to an input device 44 including a keyboard, a mouse as a pointing device, and the like. And input device 44
Events input from the screen are distributed to a specified window among multiple windows on the screen. The window display state management mechanism 41 is a mechanism that manages several window display states specified in advance for each window, and allows one of the states to be selected.

This window display state management mechanism 41 is as follows:
It is composed of automatic window operation means 45 and window display state storage means 46. Here, the window display state storage means 46 is a storage means that stores a plurality of display states for each window. In addition, the automatic window operation means 45 updates the window management database 42 by referring to the information stored in the window display state storage means 46 based on a command instructing automatic window operation from the event input mechanism 39, and performs multi-window management. This is a means for causing the mechanism 38 to manage the information.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a multi-window display. The operation of the information processing device 30 shown in FIG. 1 will be explained using this diagram. In FIG. 2(A), three windows A, B, and C are displayed in an overlapping state.
In the upper right portion of the display screen 48, two icons (pictograms) D and E are displayed.

From this display state, window A is made smaller and moved to the lower right of the display screen 48, and the other window B is made as large as possible and used while referring to window A. In this case, in the conventional information processing apparatus, the window A is first reduced by operating as indicated by the symbol ■, and then moved to the lower right of the display screen 48 as indicated by the symbol ■. Thereafter, the window B is moved to the upper left of the display screen 48 as indicated by the symbol ■, and the window B is enlarged as indicated by the symbol ■. As a result of this, Figure 2
The arrangement will be as shown in (B).

FIG. 3 shows the contents of the window management database for windows A to C and icons D and E in each state shown in FIG. Of these, FIG. 3(A) corresponds to FIG. 2(A), and FIG. 3(B) corresponds to FIG. 2(B). For example, window A in the window management database 42 in FIG. 3(A) has origin coordinates (
20, 40), and the width and height of the window are 450 and 600, respectively. However, in the window management database 42 of FIG. The width and height of (
350,400). In addition to window coordinates and size data, the window management database 42 stores information such as whether a window is a window or an icon, and the state of overlapping relationship based on designation of a front window and a rear window.

FIG. 4 shows the contents of data stored in the window display state storage means in the window display state management mechanism shown in FIG. The window display state storage means 46 stores the window number. A correspondence table between (number) and each pointer, and each table pointed to by the pointer are stored. Here, for example, window No. For window A with "1", table-1 is pointed to by the pointer. Table-1 defines the origin coordinates, width, and height for each of the full size of the window and three types of window display states, designation-1 and designation-2. Here, the full-size window display state corresponds to window A in FIG. 2(A), and the designation-1 window display state corresponds to window A in FIG. 2(B).

FIG. 5 shows an example of a multi-window display having a function selection menu that uses the functions of the window display state management mechanism. At the left corner of window A, an icon 51 is displayed that is used to close the window in an icon state in a normal case. However, in the case of the information processing device of this embodiment, this icon 5
When 1 is clicked, a function selection menu 52 is displayed.

[0025] The function selection menu includes "close" and "
"Full Size", "Specification-1", and "Specification-23" columns are provided, and these can be selected using the mouse. When the "Close" column is selected, window A is closed in the same manner as before. On the other hand, when "designation-1" is selected, for example, the automatic window operation means stores the origin coordinates and size data corresponding to "designation-1" of window A in the window display state storage means 46 of FIG. 45 reads. Then, it sets this in the window management database 42 and instructs the multi-window management mechanism 38 to reconfigure. As a result, window A is instantly changed to the same position and size as in FIG. 2(B).

Similarly, if the origin coordinates and size data corresponding to "Full Size" have been set for Window B, simply select the "Full Size" column in the function selection menu (not shown) for Window B. Then, window B is instantly changed to the same position and size as shown in FIG. 2(B).

(Second example)

In the first embodiment described above, by specifying the changed position and size of each window, these windows can be easily rearranged. In the second embodiment, the types, display positions, and sizes of all windows required by the operator are processed as information for the entire multi-window environment at once. For this reason, in the information processing apparatus of the second embodiment, several variations are set in advance, and the state can be changed to any one of these depending on the work situation simply by selecting the variation.

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This information processing device 60 includes a processing device 31 consisting of a microprocessor or the like. The processing device 31 is connected to each part of the device through a bus 32 such as a data bus. Among these, the main memory 33 is a memory that stores programs and various data that control the operation of the information processing device 30. Drawing section 34
A bitmap memory 35 is connected to the bitmap memory 35, and a dot image consisting of a two-dimensional line of points can be written to this bitmap memory 35 as a display of various data, and a free display image can be created by transferring this. This is the part to do. A display control circuit 36 is connected to this bitmap memory 35. The display control circuit 36 periodically reads out the display image stored in the bitmap memory 35 and supplies it to the display device 37. Here, the display device 37 is constituted by, for example, a CRT.

The bus 32 includes a multi-window management mechanism 3.
8, an event input mechanism 39, and a multi-window environment management mechanism 61 are also connected. Here, the multi-window management mechanism 38 manages input/output resources during multi-window display based on the contents of the window management database 42. The window management database 42 is a database for managing multiple windows. The event input mechanism 39 is connected to an input device 44 including a keyboard, a mouse as a pointing device, and the like. And input device 4
Events input from 4 are distributed to a designated window among multiple windows on the screen. The multi-window environment management mechanism 61 is a mechanism that manages a plurality of types of multi-window environment information regarding the on-screen arrangement status of all windows designated in advance, and allows selection of one status among them.

The multi-window environment management mechanism 61 is composed of automatic multi-window environment operation means 62 and multi-window environment information storage means 63. Here, the multi-window environment information storage means 63 is a storage means that stores the display states of all windows managed by the multi-window management mechanism 38 at a certain point in time. Further, the automatic multi-window environment operation means 62
Means for updating the window management database 42 by referring to information stored in the multi-window environment information storage means 63 based on a command instructing multi-window environment setting from the event input mechanism 39, and causing the multi-window management mechanism 38 to manage the database. be.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a multi-window display. The operation of the information processing device 60 shown in FIG. 6 will be explained using this diagram. In Figure 7, there are three windows A
, B, and C are displayed without overlapping each other, and two icons D, B, and C are displayed in the upper right part of the display screen 48.
E is displayed. In this display state, the operator mainly works on window A while referring to windows B and C.

From this display state, as shown in FIG.
Close two windows A and C, and close two windows A and C.
Assume that windows D and E, which are in the icon state in FIG. 7, are opened after being displayed in a large size. In this case, the user will mainly work in window B while referring to the two windows D and E.

Generally, in such a case, first ① Window A is closed, and ② Window C is also closed. Then, (1) move window B to the left, and (2) enlarge window B. After that, (1) window D is opened, and (2) this window D is moved to an appropriate position in the blank area on the right side of the display screen 48. Then, (1) Enlarge or reduce window D to an appropriate size. Next, 1) open window E, and 2) move this window E to an appropriate position. Then, it was necessary to perform a series of operations such as (1) enlarging or reducing window E to an appropriate size. FIG. 8 shows the display state of the display screen 48 as a result of such processing.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show windows A to C and icons D and E in each state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
This shows the contents of the window management database for . 9 corresponds to FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 8. For example, the origin coordinates of window A in the window management database 42 in FIG. 9 are (20, 30), and the width and height of the window are 590 and 780, respectively. has been moved to the right (1020, 240), the width and height are now (0, 0), and the window has been changed to an icon. In addition to window coordinates and size data, the window management database 42 stores information such as whether a window is a window or an icon, and the state of overlapping relationship based on designation of a front window and a rear window.

FIG. 11 shows the contents of data stored in the multi-window environment information storage means in the multi-window environment management mechanism shown in FIG. The multi-window environment information storage means 63 stores environment-1 to
Main table 7 showing environment-N and their pointers
1, and multi-window environment information tables 72-1 to 72-1 respectively indicated by these pointers are stored. Each multi-window environment information table 72 holds position data and size data for each window name necessary for that environment. Also, the window number of the multi-window environment information table 72. are numbered in ascending order in the window database, that is, in ascending order when windows overlap.

When using this information, if a window that is not set in the multi-window environment information table 72 is already displayed on the screen, it may be possible to display it as an old window in the database. There is also a way to forcefully close this.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a multi-window display having a function selection menu that uses the functions of the multi-window environment management mechanism. 81
is displayed. Here, for example, if the item "Environment-1" is clicked with a mouse, the display state can be immediately shifted to the state shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a setting operation method for a multi-window environment. When the display screen 48 is in the display state shown in FIG.
) while pressing the "Shift" key (not shown) on the keyboard and clicking on the "Environment-1" item with the mouse,
An environmental data setting window 82 is opened. In the initial state displayed, currently set data is displayed. Therefore, select the "Cancel" or "Confirm" item in the environmental data setting window 82 to return to the original screen. When directly inputting data such as coordinate data, width, height, etc. in numerical values, the values are directly input into the table in this environmental data setting window 82, and the item "Confirm" is selected. If you want to store the multi-window environment currently displayed on the screen as is, select the item "Current environment" and then select the item "Confirm." As a result, new environmental data will be selected.

[0040]

As described above, according to the invention set forth in claim 1, by providing a window display state management mechanism having an automatic window operation means and a window state storage means, the window display state can be adjusted to a frequently used position and size as desired. You can change the state of the window. therefore,
This has the effect of omitting complicated window operations and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, since the window display state management mechanism is independent of the application program, there is an advantage that conventional application program assets can be used as is.

Further, according to the invention as claimed in claim 2, by providing a multi-window environment management mechanism having an automatic multi-window environment operation means and a multi-window environment information storage means, each of the frequently used multi-window environments can be You can change the state of the window. Therefore, complicated window operations can be omitted, and work efficiency is improved. Also,
Since the window display state management mechanism is independent of the application program, there is an advantage that conventional application program assets can be used as is.

[Detailed explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device in a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a change in a conventional multi-window display.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a window management database corresponding to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of data stored in window display state storage means in the window display state management mechanism shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a display example of a multi-window having a function selection menu that uses the functions of a window display state management mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device in a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of a multi-window display.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a display example of a multi-window after changing the display state.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a window management database corresponding to FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of a window management database corresponding to FIG. 8;

11 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of data stored in a multi-window environment information storage means in the multi-window environment management mechanism shown in FIG. 6; FIG.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a display example of a multi-window having a function selection menu that uses the functions of a multi-window environment management mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a display screen for explaining a setting operation method for a multi-window environment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an overview of a conventional multi-window management mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

30, 60 Information processing equipment 31 Processing equipment 33 Main memory 35 Bitmap memory 36 Display control circuit 37 Display device 38 Multi-window management mechanism 39 Event input mechanism 41 Window display state management mechanism 42 Window management database 44 Input device 45 Automatic window operation means 46 Window display state storage means

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A processing device, a main memory for storing programs and data, a display device, a bitmap memory for drawing and developing data to be displayed on the display device as a dot image, and a main memory for storing programs and data on the screen of the display device. A multi-window management mechanism that manages multiple windows that can be displayed in a superimposed manner, and an input device that controls the position of a cursor displayed on the screen of the display device and inputs various data or commands. a display state storage means for storing information regarding the display state of the window input from the input device; a selection means for selecting a desired state from among the display states stored in the display state storage means; and a selection result. An information processing apparatus comprising: a window display state management mechanism that changes the display state of a corresponding window based on the above. 2. A processing device, a main memory for storing programs and data, a display device, a bitmap memory for drawing and developing data to be displayed on the display device as a dot image, and a main memory for storing programs and data on the screen of the display device. A multi-window management mechanism that manages multiple windows that can be displayed in a superimposed manner, and an input device that controls the position of a cursor displayed on the screen of the display device and inputs various data or commands. , a multi-window environment information storage means for storing multi-window environment information consisting of the display states of all windows inputted from the input device, and a desired state among the display states stored in the multi-window environment information storage means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a selection means for making a selection; and a multi-window environment management mechanism for changing the display state of all applicable windows based on the selection result. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information regarding the display state of the window is information including the position of the window, its size, and the like. 4. Window display state storage means for storing a window display state consisting of information representing the position and size of each window on the screen specified in advance; 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising automatic window operation means for changing the display state including the position and size of the information processing apparatus. 5. Multi-window environment information storage means for storing multi-window environment information consisting of information representing the positions and sizes of all windows on the screen specified in advance; 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising automatic multi-window environment operating means for opening and closing all applicable windows and changing the display state consisting of their positions and sizes.