JPH07210356A - Icon menu display method, system thereof, and information processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] To provide an icon menu display device capable of improving operability by providing a table for associating a background image with an icon and realizing an icon menu screen adapted to each user. [Structure] The user designates a menu change, and the source icon is a general document with icon number "01" in the first background image 101. Then, select the drawer icon. As a result, the drawer in FIG. 7B is displayed on the screen. Here, if the user further designates the blank of the icon number “09” in the second background image 102 as the destination icon, the screen is shown in FIG.
Switch to the menu screen as shown in.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an icon menu display, and more particularly, to an icon menu display method and system for displaying selectable functions constituting a menu by icons, and an information processing apparatus equipped with the system. Regarding

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional icon menu display system, there is known a display device which shows a function by using an animated icon and opens an object represented by the icon (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-2).
22033 gazette: title of invention "method of accessing data by video").

This conventional apparatus displays a background image of a menu and an image of a perspective view of a room including a desk, a cabinet, etc. on the background image, an icon indicating that the table is being created on the desk, and various kinds of cabinets. Icons indicating files and databases are displayed in association with each other. And
You can operate the icon with the image of the real world by selecting the desired icon with the cursor operated by the mouse and moving the cursor. The purpose is to improve operability.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In the above-mentioned conventional technique, by associating the background image with the icon, the interface between the user and the computer is given a realistic feeling, the intimacy of the user with respect to the computer is increased, and The operability of can be improved to some extent.
However, the relationship between the background image and the icon is fixed. For example, the drawer of the desk and the drawer of the cabinet are applied to the icon.

By the way, associating a background image with an icon gives the user a feeling of intimacy, but on the other hand, if it does not match the user's preference, it may rather impair the operability. Further, in the related art, since the background image and the icon are fixed, each user cannot change to suit his or her style if the style of the user's work does not match, and the operability is low. There is a problem that can not be improved.

An object of the present invention is to provide an icon which allows a user to select a background image and which symbolizes a selectable function,
To provide an icon menu display method and system that can change the correspondence with each background image, increase the degree of freedom to match the taste and style of the user, and improve the operability. is there.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus equipped with the above icon menu display system.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, an icon displaying a menu screen including a plurality of icons each indicating a function to be selected and a background image. In the menu display method, for each of the plurality of types of background images and each of the plurality of icons, there is at least a plurality of types of icon data that is data that needs to be displayed and that defines the form of the icon for displaying the icon. Pre-stored icon display information having icon display information including, and icon data designation information for designating which of a plurality of types of icon data is used for display, and when displaying a menu, the previously stored background Decide which of the images will be used for display, and An icon menu display method is provided, which refers to data designation information to determine icon data to be used for display in the background image, and displays the determined background image and icon data on a display screen. To be done.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in an icon menu display system for displaying a menu screen including a plurality of icons each indicating a function to be selected and a background image, a plurality of types of the background images are provided. First storage means for storing, and icon display information including at least a plurality of types of icon data that is information necessary for displaying the icon and that defines the form of the icon for displaying the icon, Of the plurality of types of icon data stored in the second storage means for each of the second storage means for storing each icon and the plurality of background images stored in the first holding means, Third, storing icon data designation information that designates which is used for display
Of the background image stored in the first storage unit and the input unit for receiving an instruction input to the system, and stored in the third storage unit. Display target determining means for determining icon data to be used for display in the background image, and the determined background image and icon data by referring to the icon data specifying information stored in the first storage means and the second storage means. An icon menu display system is provided, which has a display unit that reads out from each of the storage units and displays on a display screen.

Each of the plurality of icon display information stored in the second storage means may further include an icon name indicating the name of the icon and display position data indicating the display position of the icon. Display position data is
The icon can have information designating a background image to be displayed and display coordinates in the background image.

The icon data designation information stored in the third storage means is at least one of the background images.
It is possible to divide the background of the seed into a plurality of areas, and have information for designating icon data used for display for each area. Further, the second
The display position data of each icon display information stored in the storage means may further include area designating information of which area of the plurality of areas defined in the background image the icon is displayed. .

In this case, when the background image to be displayed is determined, the display object determining means searches the display position data included in the icon display information stored in the second storage means and determines the display position data. An icon including information specifying a background image is detected, and for each detected icon, the area to be displayed is obtained by referring to the area specifying information, and the area stored in the third storage means is detected. The icon data to be used for display can be determined according to the icon data specifying information of.

Further, edit processing means for changing the display state of the menu can be further provided. The input means can receive an instruction to change the display state of the menu and a designation of the change.

Further, in order to achieve another object of the present invention,
According to still another aspect of the present invention, in an information processing device capable of displaying a menu screen including a plurality of icons each indicating a function to be selected and a background image, an arithmetic processing device performing arithmetic processing. A storage device that stores a program and data of the arithmetic processing device, an input device that receives an instruction, and a display device that displays, the storage device including a plurality of types of data that realizes the background image, and the icon. Information required to display the icon, which includes at least a plurality of types of icon data defining the form of the icon for displaying the icon, and icon display information including at least a plurality of background images for each of the background images. Icon that specifies which of multiple types of icon data to use for display At least data designation information is stored as the data, and the arithmetic processing unit determines which one of the background images stored in the storage device is used for display, and the icon stored in the storage device. The icon data to be used for display in the background image is determined by referring to the data designation information, and the determined background image and icon data are read from the first storage means and the second storage means, respectively. An information processing apparatus is provided, which is characterized in that it is sent to the display device and displayed.

[0015]

According to the present invention, a plurality of types of background images are stored in advance by the storage means. Thus, the menu display can be performed using the selected background image. The system determines which background image to use. The decision can be made by accepting a selection instruction from the user.

Further, for each of the plurality of icons, the icon data that is required to be displayed and that defines the form of the icon for displaying the icon,
The icon display information having icon display information including at least a plurality of types of the icon is stored in advance by the storage means. Further, the icon data designating information designating which one of the plurality of types of icon data is used for display is stored in advance by the storage means. Therefore, it is possible to display an icon having an expression form corresponding to the background on the background image.

Which of a plurality of types of icon data is to be used for an icon to be displayed in a certain background is determined by referring to the icon data designation information.

To determine the icon data to be displayed on a certain background, more specifically, first, the icon included in each icon display information stored in the second storage means is displayed. Refer to the information that specifies the background image that should be displayed. Also, the display position of the icon is similarly determined based on the display coordinates in the background image included in each icon display information.

The icon data designation information stored in the third storage means is at least one of the background images.
It is possible to divide the background of the seed into a plurality of areas, and have information for designating icon data used for display for each area. In this case, in the display position data of each icon display information stored in the second storage means, which area of the plurality of areas defined in the background image the area display information indicates whether the icon is displayed. By further including the, it is possible to determine the icon data for each area.

In this case, when the background image to be displayed is determined, the display target determining means searches the display position data included in the icon display information stored in the second storage means and determines the display position data. An icon including information specifying a background image is detected, and for each detected icon, the area to be displayed is obtained by referring to the area specifying information, and the area stored in the third storage means is detected. The icon data to be used for display can be determined according to the icon data specifying information of.

If there is an edit processing means for changing the display state of the menu, for example, the display position of the icon is changed to
Can be exchanged for each other. That is, the input means receives an instruction to change the display state of the menu and a designation of the change. Then, the designation of the source icon and the destination icon is accepted. As a result, the display position data of the source icon and the display position data of the destination icon are exchanged. As a result, the display position of each icon is changed. When the background is different, the icon data to be used is changed and the expression form of the icon is changed accordingly.

[0022]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the data structure of the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system of the present embodiment uses the background image 1 as the information to be displayed on the screen.
01 and 102, and background image display icon tables 103 and 104 corresponding to these background images, respectively, and a plurality of icon display information 10
Has 0. These are respectively stored in an internal storage device and / or an external storage device of the information processing device described later. That is, these storage devices have the background image 1
01 and 102, a first storage means, a second storage means for storing background image display icon tables 103 and 104, and a plurality of icon display information 100.
Functions as a third storage unit.

Background images 101 and 102 are graphic data for expressing the background. For example, it is graphic data that gives a background as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B described later. The background image is not limited to dot data, but may be vector data, for example.

The background image 102 and / or 102 may be used as a background image by taking in other graphic data from the outside and registering the data. For example, graphic data created by the user can be used. Also, image data used in other media can be used.

The icon display information 100 is provided for each icon. The icon names 105 and 10 respectively
,, icon display positions 106, 109, ... And icon data 107, 110 ,.

The icon name is a name for specifying the icon. For example, general documents, updates / prints, address books, dictionaries, images, etc. This icon name is also displayed on the icon name display section 72 provided at the position where the icon is displayed (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). In addition, the data of the icon name includes a character code indicating the character of the name and a code corresponding to the content of the function. This code is for executing the function indicated by the icon when the icon is selected. Further, the correspondence relationship between the code and the operation program to be executed when each icon is selected is predetermined. Therefore, when the icon is selected to execute the function, the operation program corresponding to the code of the icon is started, and the intended processing is performed.

The icon display position includes designation of a background image on which the icon is to be displayed, and coordinates indicating the display position on the designated background image. Further, in the present embodiment, the icon display position is shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B).
As shown in, the number "00" for menu selection-
“19” is provided in correspondence with the coordinates indicating the display position.

The icon data is composed of graphic data for displaying the icon. Icon data is
For one icon, a plurality of types of graphic data having different expression forms are prepared in advance. In the present embodiment, two types of data having expression forms corresponding to 101 and 102 are provided in the background image. That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), a graphic I1 expressed in a perspective view so as to match the state of the desk which is three-dimensionally expressed and FIG. 7 (B).
As shown in, data of two types of expression forms, that is, a figure I2 expressed in a plan view, is prepared so as to fit inside the drawer expressed in a plane. These graphic data are not limited to dot data, but may be vector data, for example.

In the present embodiment, the icon data has a number, which is an area for showing the numbers "00"-"19" for menu selection, as shown in FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B). Data for displaying the display unit 71 and the icon name display unit 72 that is an area for displaying the names of the icons displayed as the menu are included. These data are provided so as to be displayed according to the two types of expression forms.

The first icon display information comprises icon name data 105, icon display position data 106, and icon data 107-1 and 107-2. Also,
The second icon display information is the icon name data 10
8, icon display position data 109, icon data 1
It consists of 10-1 and 110-2.

The icon name data 105 and 108 indicate the name of the icon as described above. The icon display position data 106 and 109 indicate display coordinates in the background image to which they belong. Therefore, when the background images are different, the display position may be different even for the same icon.
Also, the icon data 107-1, 107-2, 110
-1 and 110-2 are graphic data describing the shape of the icon. As described above, in this embodiment, the first icon data 107-1 and 110-1 indicate a perspective graphic. The second icon data 107-2 and 110-2 indicate plane figures.

The icon data also includes a blank I3 as shown in FIG. 7 (B). This blank I3 is a state in which only the outer shape is defined, and other areas are not defined. That is, it can be considered that a transparent frame is defined. Further, no name is defined in the blank I3. This blank icon can be moved not only in FIG. 7 (B) but also in FIG. 7 (A). At that time, since it is blank, for example, the pattern on the surface of the desk will appear as it is. Then, in the vicinity thereof, a number display portion 71 in which the number attached to the position is written and an icon name display portion 72 in which the name is not written are placed.
In addition, in this embodiment, the frame itself is also transparent, so that its presence cannot be visually recognized. Therefore, the frame itself may be made opaque and the frame may be displayed.

The background image display icon tables 103 and 104 are tables for designating which of a plurality of types of icon data in the icon information is used for display. This table holds information for specifying the correspondence between the background image and the form of the icon to be displayed therein. In this embodiment, an icon is displayed in one type for each background image. That is, the background image 1 shown in FIG.
In the case of 01, the perspective view form is specified, and in the case of the background image 102 shown in FIG. 7B, the plan view form is specified.

The system prepares each data of the background images 101 and 102 and the icon display information 100 in advance. Thereby, the user can select the background image 10
It is possible to escape from the troublesome work of creating and / or registering 1 and 102, defining the icon display information 100, and the like. Therefore, it is kind to busy users, beginners, and users who are not good at handling information processing devices,
It is preferable because it is easy to use. On the other hand, for a user who is good at handling the information processing device, a user who likes to set various environment by himself, etc., the user can change a part or all of the data included in the icon display information. You may allow it. Thereby, a wide range of users can be accommodated.

Specifically, the display position coordinates in the background image at the icon display position, the icon data, etc. may be changed. In addition, the background image 101 and / or 102 is obtained by importing other graphic data from the outside,
This may be registered and used as a background image. For example, graphic data created by the user can be used. Also, image data used in other media can be used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware system configuration of an information processing apparatus to which the system of the present invention can be applied. In the figure, the information processing apparatus includes an arithmetic processing unit 13 for performing arithmetic processing, a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (R).
An internal storage device 14 such as an OM). Further, the arithmetic processing device 13 is connected to the input device 11 that receives an input, the output device 14 that displays, and the external storage device 15.

The input device 11 is composed of, for example, a keyboard. A position indicator such as a mouse may be added to this. As will be described later, the keyboard is provided with keys for inputting characters, ten keys and the like, as well as function keys for selecting and / or instructing various functions.

The output device 14 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD). Besides LCD,
A cathode ray tube (CRT) can also be used. The processing result of the arithmetic processing device 13 is displayed on the output device 14. The displayed content includes at least an icon menu. The external storage device 15 is connected to, for example, a magnetic storage device such as a floppy disk drive.

The arithmetic processing unit 13 follows the program stored in the internal storage device 14 and the data structure shown in FIG. 1 or 4 stored in the internal storage device 14 or the external storage device 15 according to the input device. Output device 1 displays the desired icon menu display in response to input from 11
Let 2 do it. That is, the arithmetic processing unit 13 functions as a display target determining unit that determines the background image and the icon to be displayed. In addition, the selected function is executed according to the program according to the selection of the menu. Further, an edit process for changing the display state of the menu is executed. Specific processing performed by this information processing apparatus is, for example, word processing.

FIG. 6 shows an external perspective view of an example of an information processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, the device body 2
1 includes the arithmetic processing unit 13 and the internal storage unit 14 described above. A keyboard 23 corresponding to the input device 11 is provided on the upper surface of the device body 21. A liquid crystal display unit 22 corresponding to the output device 14 is provided on the lid 21 a side of the device body 21. Further, a floppy deck 24, on which a floppy disk as an example of the external storage device 15 is mounted, is provided at a predetermined position on the side edge portion of the device body 21. The liquid crystal display unit 22 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the apparatus main body 21, and displays an image in which a plurality of icons are displayed on a background image and the like.

The keyboard 23 has a character key portion 23a for inputting characters and the like, a cursor movement key portion 23b for moving a cursor, a ten key portion 20c for inputting numbers, and selection / selection of various functions. At least a function key portion 23d for giving an instruction and an execution key 23e for giving an instruction for execution are arranged.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the data structure shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the arithmetic processing unit 13 determines a background image to be displayed (step 301). As described above, two types of background images are prepared. Therefore, it is necessary to select either one. This selection can be accepted by the input device 11. By the way, in the present embodiment, when there is no selection instruction, the background image 1
01 is preferentially displayed. Therefore, when there is no particular selection instruction, or when the background image 101 is selected, the arithmetic processing unit 13 first sets the first image in FIG.
Background image 101 is displayed. And
The arithmetic processing unit 13 displays the first background image 101 on the screen of the output unit 12 (step 302). Of course, when another background image 102 is selected and designated, it is determined to be the background image to be displayed and is displayed.

When the background currently displayed is changed, the numbers "00 drawer" or "19 desks" shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B are designated,
You can change to each background image.

After that, the icon is displayed. Information necessary for displaying the icon is referred to, for example, the icon display information 100 and the first background image display icon table 103 stored in the internal storage device 14. Icon display position 100 of icon display information 100
, 109, ... Are searched for an icon to be displayed on the background image 1. Then, by referring to the designation of the icon data held in the background image display icon table 103, the icon data used for the display of the corresponding icon is determined (step 303).
Then, for each icon arranged in the background image 101, the determined icon data is read and displayed at the coordinate position designated by the display position. At this time, the icon names stored in the icon names 105 ... Are read and displayed on the icon name display section 72. further,
The numbers stored in the display positions 106 ... Are read and written in the number display section 71. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, each icon I1 is displayed on the background image 101 (step 304). In the example of FIG. 1, the icon data 107-1 having the name of the first icon name data 105 designated by the first background image display icon table 103 is displayed at the display position designated by the display position data 106. To be done.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 301 of FIG. 3 that the second background image 102 of FIG. 1 is to be displayed, the arithmetic processing unit 13 displays the second background image 102 on the screen of the output device 12 ( Step 305). After this,
The arithmetic processing unit 13 searches the display position data of the icon display information for an icon whose display is designated as the background image 102. Then, the second background image display icon table 104 is used, and it is determined that the icon data designated by the second background image display icon table 104 is used for display (step 306). That is, in the example of FIG. 1, the icon data 110-2 having the name of the second icon name data 105 is determined as the display icon data (step 306), and is instructed by the data 109 of FIG. 1 on the display screen of the output device 12. It is displayed at the displayed position (step 307).

In this way, all the icons to be displayed are displayed together with the background image. For example,
When the display screen is the first background image 101, which is a perspective view of the desk, as shown in FIG.
At the display position of the icon number shown in "08", icons of the name, drawer, general document, update / print, postcard creation, dictionary, address book, learning, sample, and label are displayed.

After displaying the background and the icon, one selected icon is determined, and the icon is reversed in black and white on the screen.
In addition, the number of the position where the determined icon exists is displayed on a part of the screen together with the operation guidance (not shown) (step 308). The reason for doing this is to select the icon by moving the cursor movement key portion 23b and the ten-key portion 23.
This is for guiding the selection operation to the user because it can be performed in both c. That is, the icon currently selected is shown to the user, and when the up key of the cursor key is pressed, the black / white inversion of the icon moves up, and when the down key of the cursor key is pressed, the black / white inversion of the icon is performed. Indicates that the black-white inversion of the icon moves to the right when the right key of the cursor key is pressed, and the black-white inversion of the icon moves to the left when the left key of the cursor key is pressed. This is because. In addition, the user is informed that selection can be performed by inputting a number with the ten-key pad 23c. The selection icon is determined in advance. However, the last selected icon may be the selected icon. The black-and-white reversal may be performed on the number and / or the name together with the icon or instead of reversing the icon.

Next, the input from the user is received from the input device 11 (step 309). It is determined whether this input from the user is a menu change (step 31).
0). This determination is made by checking which key of the function key portion 23d shown in FIG. 6 is pressed.
When the menu is changed, the guidance message is changed to notify the user that the movement source icon designation processing has been entered, and the movement source designation icon processing is performed (step 311). On the other hand, when it is determined that the above input is an input other than the menu change, processing corresponding to the input is performed (step 312).

When the movement source designation icon process is performed in step 311, the input from the user through the input device 11 is accepted (step 313), and the input from the user is designated by the execution key 23e. It is determined whether or not it is "(step 314). If the input is not "confirmed", input processing corresponding to the input is performed (step 3).
16). If the input is "confirm", the source icon is determined and the source icon number is displayed on the guidance (step 315). In addition, highlighted display such as black and white inversion processing and blinking processing may be performed instead of or together with the guidance.

After the move source icon is determined, a move destination icon designation process is performed (step 317). This is a process that indicates that the guidance message has been changed to enter the destination icon designating process. Then, the input from the user through the input device 11 is accepted (step 318), and it is determined whether or not the input from the user is "confirmed" (step 319). If the input is not "confirmed", input processing corresponding to the input is performed (step 32).
1). If the input is "confirm", the data of the display positions of the source icon and the destination icon are exchanged (step 320).

That is, the display position data of the icon name of the move destination is written in the item of the display position of the icon name of the move source, and the display position of the icon name of the move source is written in the item of the display position of the icon name of the move destination. Data is written. Thereby, for example, when the first icon in FIG. 1 is designated as the movement source and the second icon is designated as the movement destination, the icon display positions 106 and 109 are exchanged. After the display position is exchanged, the menu is displayed again.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 (A), the display screen displays the icon positions of "00" to "08" of the first background image 101. In addition, when each icon is displayed, the menu can be changed as follows. First, the user specifies menu change, and the source icon
The general document with the icon number “01” in the background image 101 of FIG. Then, select the drawer icon. As a result, the drawer in FIG. 7B is displayed on the screen. Here, further, as a destination icon, the user blanks the icon number “09” in the second background image 102 (note that FIG. 7B shows the state after the movement, but before the movement, If it is specified that "09" is blank, the screen is switched to the menu screen as shown in FIG.

FIG. 9B shows "09" of the background image (second background image 102) for pulling out the selection icon.
The menu screen (here, displayed at the display positions of "09" to "13") in which each icon is displayed is displayed at the display positions indicated by "~ 19", and the icon number "09" is moved. At the display position of the destination icon, the plane figure of the icon of the general document is moved and displayed. On the other hand, the first
In the background image 101, the blank icon is present at the display position “01”. As described above, the blank icon has only the transparent frame defined, so that the icon is not displayed but the background desk surface is displayed. However, the number display section and the blank icon name display section are displayed. This is because it is necessary to specify the destination when exchanging the icons.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to change the arrangement of icons in the same background by exchanging and rewriting the display position.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can select an icon in the background image and further move the icon desired by the user into the background image of the selected icon. The optimal icon menu display can be displayed. Further, since the relation with the background image is associated with the operation in the real world, it is effective for the user who is not accustomed to the regular menu screen to improve the operability.

By setting the minimum required functions in the background image 101 in advance by the system, even if the user is busy or unscrupulous,
The information processing device can be used easily. Also,
You can build your favorite icon menu with a simple operation.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structure of the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the background image 2
It has background image display position icon tables 203 and 204 corresponding to 01 and 202, respectively, and also has a plurality of icon display information. Each of the plurality of icon display information includes an icon name, an icon display position, and a plurality of icon data as in the first embodiment.

The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the background image is divided into a plurality of (specifically, two) areas, and the form of icon data can be designated for each area. In point. Therefore, first, the background image display position icon tables 203 and 204 hold information for designating icon data for each area. Further, in the icon display information 200, information for designating a region is further added in addition to designation of a background image and display coordinates. Further, icon data in a form suitable for each area is prepared. In this embodiment, three types of icon data for two areas for the background image 201 and one icon data for the background image 202 are prepared. Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, as the icon data for each area of the background image display position icon table 204, the same icon data is designated for all areas.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The first background image is divided into a first area I1a in which vertical graphic icons are arranged and a second area I1b in which horizontal graphic icons are arranged. It should be noted that the second background image does not change the expression form depending on the area, and as a result, the display is the same as that shown in FIG. 7B.

Specifically, for example, the first icon display information is the icon name data 205, the icon display position data 206, and the icon data 207-1 to 207-3.
Consists of. The second icon display information includes icon name data 208, icon display position data 209, and icon data 210-1 to 210-3.

The background image display position icon table 203 is stored in the display position storage areas 203-1 to 203-
2 and their display position storage areas 203-1 to 20-20
Information for designating icon data having a display form to be used in each area from among a plurality of types of icon data is stored in 3-2.

Similarly, the background image display position icon table 204 is displayed in the display position storage areas 204-1 to 204-4.
-2 and their display position storage areas 204-1 and 204-2
In 04-2, information designating icon data having a display form to be used in each area is stored from a plurality of types of icon data. However, in the present embodiment, the background image 202 is configured to display icons in the same form regardless of the area. Therefore, in the background image 202, the icon data of the same form is designated for any area.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the data structure shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The hardware configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG.

First, the arithmetic processing unit 13 includes the input unit 11
The background image to be displayed is determined according to the presence / absence of input from (step 501 in FIG. 5). When it is determined that the first background image 201 of FIG. 4 is displayed, the arithmetic processing device 13 outputs the first background image 201 to the output device 12.
Is displayed on the screen (step 502). This is the same as in the first embodiment.

The data necessary for displaying the icons are the icon name, the display position, and the icon data. Of these, as shown in FIG. 4, there is only one icon name and display position, so there is only one icon, so that is the same. use. But,
Since a plurality of icon data exists for one icon, it is necessary to determine the icon data to be used. Therefore, when the background image 201 is displayed on the screen of the output device 12, for example, the first background image display position icon table 203 stored in the internal storage device 14 is used to display the icons in each area. The icon data to be rendered is determined (step 503).

That is, the arithmetic processing unit 13 searches the display position data 206 in the icon display information to find out whether the icon belongs to the first background image or the second background image and To see which area it belongs to. Then, for example, if the icon belongs to the first background image and belongs to the first area, the icon data stored in the area 203-1 of the corresponding first background image display position icon table 203 is displayed. Check the specified information. Then, the icon data to be displayed is determined according to the information (step 503 in FIG. 5). Then, according to the display position data, the icon is displayed at the specified position of the background image (step 504 in FIG. 5).

Similarly, in the arithmetic processing unit 13, the display position data 209 in the icon display information indicates that the icon is
If there is information that belongs to the second area of the first background image, the background image display position icon table 2
Check the information that specifies the icon data stored in the area 203-2 of No. 03. Then, the icon data to be displayed is determined according to the information (step 503 in FIG. 5). Then, according to the display position data, the icon is displayed at the specified position of the background image (step 504 in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the arithmetic processing unit 13 determines in step 501 of FIG. 5 that the background image to be displayed is the second background image 202, it displays the second background image (step 503). After that, similarly to the above, the arithmetic processing unit 13 determines the icon data to be displayed (step 506) and displays the icon (step 507).

After the background and icons are displayed, one selected icon is determined, the icon is reversed in black and white on the screen, and the number is displayed together with the guidance, as in the first embodiment (step 508).

Next, the input from the user is received from the input device 11 (step 509). It is determined whether this input from the user is a menu change (step 51).
0). This determination is made by checking the function defined in the function key portion 23d operated by the user in the input device 11. When the input is a menu change,
A move source designation icon process is performed to notify the user that the guidance message has been changed to enter the move source icon designation process (step 511). On the other hand, the above input is
When it is determined that the input is other than the menu change, the process corresponding to the input is performed (step 512). In addition,
The function key portion 23d includes one that is expandedly defined by software (the same applies to the first embodiment).

When the movement source designation icon process is performed in the above step 511, the input from the user through the input device 11 is accepted (step 513) and it is determined whether or not the input from the user is "confirmed". (Step 51
4). If the input is not "confirmed", input processing corresponding to the input is performed (step 516). On the other hand, if the input is "confirm", the source icon is determined and the source icon number is displayed in the guidance (step 51).
5).

After the move source icon is determined, the move destination icon designation process is performed (step 517). This is a process that indicates that the guidance message has been changed and that the process has begun to specify the destination icon. Then, the input from the user through the input device 11 is accepted (step 518). Then, it is determined whether or not the input from the user is "confirm" (step 519). Input is “confirmed”
If not, input processing corresponding to the input is performed (step 521). If the input is "confirm", the data of the display positions of the source icon and the destination icon are exchanged (step 520). As a result, when the first icon in FIG. 4 is designated as the movement source and the second icon is designated as the movement destination, the icon display positions 206 and 209 are exchanged. After the display position is exchanged, the menu is displayed again. At that time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the region I1b
The appropriate icon is moved to the area I1a and is displayed as a vertical type graphic. On the other hand, the icon in the area I1a is moved to the area I1b and is displayed as a horizontal type graphic.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by storing the display position data of the plurality of icon display information in the plurality of areas of the background image display position icon tables 203 and 204 respectively, the plurality of icons are displayed in the background. It can be displayed at the optimum position according to the image.

For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the display screen shows the first background image 201 of the first background image 201 which is a perspective view of the desk.
As the icon I1a of the area of, the icons of “dictionary”, “address book”, “learning”, “sample”, and “label” are displayed in this order at positions “04”-“08”. Each of these is represented by a graphic with the binder placed vertically. Also, the icon I1b in the second area
, "General document" at the position of "01"-"03",
“Update / print” and “postcard creation” are displayed in this order. These show a state of being stacked flat on a desk.

Here, it is assumed that the user selects the "update / print" icon in the area 203-2 as the source icon and specifies the "dictionary" in the area 203-2 as the destination icon. When such a choice is made,
The screen is switched to the menu screen as shown in FIG. 7 (B).

In the menu screen shown in FIG. 9B, the destination icon is displayed at the display position of the source icon indicated by "02" in the perspective view of the desk which is the background image for updating / printing the selected icon. The dictionary icon is displayed, and the update / print icon, which is the source icon, is displayed in exchange at the display position of the destination icon dictionary with the icon number “04”.

In this case, since the icon data used differs depending on the areas 203-1 to 203-2 of the background image display position icon table 203, the icon data corresponding to the area included in the exchanged display position is used. To be That is, icon data that represents a dictionary in a flat stacked perspective view shape is used at the display position of the source icon, and update / printing is performed at the display position of the destination icon. Icon data expressed in a shape is used.

In this embodiment, of course, as shown in the first embodiment, it is possible to exchange a menu with a different background image. Further, in the same background, the arrangement of icons can be changed by exchanging and rewriting the display position.

Also in this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, it is possible to exchange the display position with a blank.
Since the space can be exchanged in this way, only the necessary icons can be left in the target background image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operation instruction from being confused due to the large number of icons being displayed, and to reduce the occurrence of erroneous selection. This also applies to the first embodiment.

As in the second embodiment, by dividing the same background image into a plurality of areas and changing the expression form of the icons in those areas, the following advantageous effects are obtained. You can expect an effect. That is, in the background image, an icon that is selected relatively often can be arranged at a position where it is easier to operate than other icons and at a position where erroneous selection does not easily occur. Thereby, operability can be improved. Moreover, this arrangement can be performed by the user himself. Therefore, it is possible to realize the arrangement of the icons according to the user's preference and to secure the operability suitable for each user.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the data structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the number of background data, the number of background image display icon tables and the number of background image display position icon tables, and the number of icon data are limited to two, respectively. Not something. Further, the background image can be changed and set by an external storage device. Furthermore, the background images shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be multi-windowed and displayed simultaneously.

Further, it is possible to provide a copy function for displaying icon data having the same icon name in different background images. Thereby, the copied icon can be selected in any background image.

[0085]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of complementary background images can be selected to configure a menu screen, and each icon can be displayed in an expression form suitable for each background image.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to change the display position of the icon between different background images or within the same background image as needed. Therefore, it is possible to easily configure the menu screen according to the user's preference. As a result, operability can be improved.

Furthermore, the menu can be easily changed regardless of the level of the operator. In addition, even when nothing is changed, a system-configured menu can be used in advance.

It is particularly suitable for an unfamiliar user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure according to a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure according to a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an external perspective view of an example of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 ... Input device, 12 ... Output device, 13 ... Arithmetic processing device, 14 ... Internal storage device, 15 ... External storage device, 10
1, 201 ... First background image, 102, 202 ... Second background image, 103, 104 ... Background image display icon table, 105, 205 ... No. 1 icon name, 106, 206 ... No. 1 icon display Position data, 107-1, 107-2, 207-1 to 207-3
... No. 1 icon data, 108, 208 ... No. 2 icon name, 109, 209 ... No. 2 icon display position data, 110-1, 110-2, 210-1 to 210
-3 ... No. 2 icon data, 203, 204 ... Background image display position icon table, 203-1 to 203
-2, 204-1 to 204-2 ... Area of the background image display position icon table.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tsukasa Hasegawa 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Inside Video Media Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd. (72) Inventor Akira Naito 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Incorporated company Hitachi Media & Video Research Laboratories (72) Inventor Tomoko Tsuchiya 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture Incorporated Hitachi Video & Media Research Laboratories (72) Inventor Hajime Asuka Yoshida-machi, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 292 Hitachi, Ltd. Visual Media Research Center

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An icon menu display system for displaying a menu screen including a plurality of icons each indicating a function to be selected and a background image, wherein a first storage unit stores a plurality of types of the background images, A second information storing information for displaying each icon, which is information necessary for displaying the icon, and which includes, for each icon, icon display information including at least plural types of icon data defining the form of the icon for displaying the icon.
Of the plurality of types of icon data stored in the second storage unit for each of the plurality of storage images stored in the first storage unit and the plurality of background images stored in the first storage unit. Third storage means for storing icon data designation information, input means for receiving an instruction input to the system, and which of the background images stored in the first storage means is to be used for display is determined. Together with the third
With reference to the icon data designation information stored in the storage means, display target determining means for determining icon data to be used for display in the background image, and the determined background image and icon data,
An icon menu display system, comprising: a display unit that reads out from the first storage unit and the second storage unit and displays the display screen. 2. The icon display information according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of icon display information items stored in the second storage unit respectively include an icon name for specifying an icon and display position data indicating a display position of the icon. The icon menu display system, wherein the display position data further includes information designating a background image on which the icon is to be displayed, and display coordinates within the background image. 3. The background image stored in the first storage means according to claim 2, wherein the input means receives a selection of a background image, and the display target determining means stores the background image according to the selection received by the input means. An icon menu display system that determines the background image used for display. 4. The display target determining means according to claim 3, wherein the selected background image is selected when the selection is accepted by the input means, and is determined in advance when the selection is not accepted. An icon menu display system that determines the background image as the background image to be displayed. 5. The display object determining means according to claim 2, wherein when the background image to be displayed is determined, the second object is displayed.
The display position data included in the icon display information stored in the storage means is searched to detect an icon including information that specifies the determined background image, and the detected storage icon is stored in the third storage means. An icon menu display system that determines icon data to be used for display according to the icon data specification information stored in. 6. The display means according to claim 5, wherein the display means displays the determined background image, and displays the detected icon with display coordinates included in the icon display information based on the determined icon data. Icon menu display system to display in position. 7. The icon data designation information stored in the third storage means according to claim 2, wherein the background is divided into a plurality of areas for at least one kind of background image, and each area is divided into a plurality of areas. In addition, the display position data of each icon display information stored in the second storage means has information for designating icon data used for display, and any one of a plurality of areas defined in the background image is displayed. In addition, the icon menu display system further including area designation information as to whether the icon is displayed. 8. The display object determining means according to claim 7, wherein when the background image to be displayed is determined, the second object is displayed.
The display position data included in the icon display information stored in the storage means is searched to detect an icon including the information specifying the determined background image, and the area specifying information is referred to for each detected icon. Then, the icon menu display system for obtaining the area to be displayed and determining the icon data to be used for the display according to the icon data designation information for the area stored in the third storage means. 9. The edit processing means according to claim 2, further comprising edit processing means for changing the display state of the menu, wherein the input means receives an instruction for changing the display state of the menu and a designation of the change, and the edit processing means. Change at least the display position of the icon as the change of the display state of the menu, and when the display position change of the icon is instructed, the display position data of each of the source and destination icons is exchanged, The means is an icon menu display system for displaying each icon based on the exchanged display position data. 10. An information processing device capable of displaying a menu screen including a plurality of icons each indicating a function to be selected and a background image, an arithmetic processing device for performing arithmetic processing, and a program for the arithmetic processing device. And a storage device that stores data, an input device that receives an instruction, and a display device that displays, the storage device is a plurality of types of data that realizes the background image, and information necessary for displaying the icon. That is, icon data defining the form of the icon for displaying the icon, icon display information including at least a plurality of types for the icon, and for each of the plurality of background images, a plurality of types of icons for each icon Icon data specification that specifies which of the data is used for display And at least the information as the data, the arithmetic processing unit determines which of the background images stored in the storage device is used for display, and specifies the icon data stored in the storage device. The icon data to be used for display in the background image is determined with reference to the information, and the determined background image and icon data are read from the first storage means and the second storage means, respectively, An information processing device characterized by being sent to a display device for display. 11. An icon menu display method for displaying a menu screen including a plurality of icons each indicating a function to be selected and a background image, wherein a plurality of types of background images and a plurality of icons need to be displayed. Of the icon data for defining the form of the icon for displaying the icon, the icon display information having the icon display information including at least a plurality of types of the icon and the icon data of a plurality of types. Icon data designating information for designating which is to be used in advance, when displaying a menu, it is determined which one of the background images stored in advance is used for display, and the icon data stored in advance is stored. Refer to the specified information and use it for display in the background image. Determine the icon data to and icon menu display method and displaying the background image and icon data the determined on the display screen.