JPH11353086A - Window control method and apparatus, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To improve the operability on a screen by making it possible to give an instruction by a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on the screen by a simple operation. A window control method for giving an instruction by a cursor CU to a portion hidden under a window WD displayed on a screen, wherein the operation of the cursor CU indicates that the window WD is unnecessary. Then, the window WD is temporarily evacuated from its display position, and an instruction by the cursor CU to a displayed portion of the window WD is enabled.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a window control method and apparatus for giving an instruction by a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on a screen, and a recording medium.

[0002] With the development of the computer user interface, various windows, tool boxes, icons, and the like (all of which may be referred to as "windows") have been displayed on the screen. Operability has been dramatically improved by these windows.

On the other hand, since the screen has a finite size, these windows overlap each other, and other windows or original display images are hidden under them. It is necessary to improve operability in consideration of such points as a whole.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art A created drawing, text, graphics, or the like is displayed on a drawing screen or an editing screen by CAD. In addition, various windows such as a tool box, a bar, a button, a menu, and a box are displayed on the screen in accordance with the operation of the operator.

[0005] In such a case, the windows may be displayed on the drawing displayed on the screen so as to overlap. In that case, it is impossible to directly give an instruction to the screen hidden below by using the cursor.

[0006] In such a case, conventionally, the window which is obstructed is moved to another place or deleted by the operation of the mouse.

[0007]

That is, in the prior art, an operation for moving or deleting a window that is in the way was required.

To move the window, for example,
Move the cursor to the title bar of the window, press the left mouse button there, move the cursor in that state, move the window to the desired position, and restore the left mouse button.

In order to delete a window, for example, a cursor is placed on a delete button provided at the upper right of the window, and the left mouse button is pressed there.
Alternatively, the user positions the cursor on the reduction button provided at the upper right of the window, and presses the left mouse button there. In order to redisplay the deleted window, the display operation is restarted from the beginning, or the cursor is placed on the bar displayed by the reduction and the left mouse button is pressed.

As described above, conventionally, cumbersome operations are required to move or delete windows that are in the way, and cumbersome operations are required to redisplay them.

Also, instead of retracting the window,
It is also possible to move the drawing (drawing window) displayed below, but in this case, the operation for the movement is troublesome, and part of the drawing is hidden by the movement. This approach is often not adequately addressed, either because of the size or range of movement.

As described above, the presence of a large number of windows makes it troublesome to specify a location hidden under the windows, which interrupts the thinking and lowers the work efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to give an instruction with a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on a screen by a simple operation, It is intended to improve the operability in.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a window for giving an instruction by a cursor CU to a location hidden under a window WD displayed on a screen. When it is instructed by the operation of the cursor CU that the window WD is unnecessary, the window WD is temporarily evacuated from its display position, and the cursor CU is moved to the displayed position of the window WD by the cursor CU. Enables instructions.

An apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control device for giving an instruction by a cursor CU to a portion hidden under a window WD displayed on a screen, wherein the operation of the cursor CU causes the operation of the cursor CU. A determination unit configured to determine whether the window WD is unnecessary; and a retraction unit configured to retreat the window WD from its display position when the window WD is determined to be unnecessary. .

A recording medium according to a third aspect of the present invention is a recording medium storing a program for giving an instruction by a cursor CU to a location hidden under a window WD displayed on a screen, A determination function for determining whether or not the window WD is unnecessary by the operation of the CU; and a retreat for retreating the window WD from its display position when the window WD is determined to be unnecessary. The present invention is a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for realizing the functions on a computer is recorded.

In the present invention, the term "temporarily evacuating" includes temporarily erasing or non-displaying, and moving to another location. In the present invention, the cursor is used to indicate a position on a screen, is moved by operating a keyboard or various pointing devices, or is used for inputting to the position. Absent.

The control device according to the present invention is realized in, for example, a personal computer or a workstation. A program for executing the method according to the present invention includes a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a CD-ROM,
It is stored in a recording medium such as a floppy disk or a magneto-optical disk. The program stored on the recording medium is
It is loaded into the main memory at appropriate times and executed by the processing unit. At that time, a drive device such as a CD-ROM drive, a floppy disk drive, or a magneto-optical disk drive is used as necessary. When the recording medium is provided in a server connected by a communication line such as a network, the program is read or downloaded from the server through the communication line. When the program is transferred to the processing device via a communication line, the communication line itself also corresponds to a recording medium. The programs can be supplied to operate under various OSs, platforms, system environments, or network environments.

[0019]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer system 1 including a window control device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of functions of a processing device 2.

In FIG. 1, a computer system 1
Are a processing device 10, a display device 11, a keyboard 12, a mouse 13, a magnetic disk device 14, a floppy disk device 15, a CD-ROM device 16, and a printer device 1.
7 and the like.

Various drawings, characters, graphics, and the like are displayed on the display surface HG of the display device 11, and various windows such as tool boxes, bars, buttons, menus, boxes, icons, and worksheets are displayed. Is displayed. Various commands or data from the operator are input via the keyboard 12. By operating the mouse 13, the cursor displayed on the display surface HG moves, and various instructions are given by pressing the buttons of the mouse 13. Other pointing devices can be used with or instead of the mouse 13.

The magnetic disk device 14 stores various OSs, various device drivers, various application programs, programs for realizing the window control function according to the present invention, and other various programs and data. Those programs or data are
It is loaded into the main memory 101 of the processing device 10 as appropriate.

Floppy disk drive 15 and CD-R
The OM device 16 reads and writes a program or data by accessing the recording media by setting the corresponding recording media. Printer device 17
Thus, the content displayed on the display surface HG and other various data can be printed.

The main memory 101 of the processing device 10
Various programs or data are stored. When the program stored in the main memory 101 is executed by the CPU, the application 21 having the window control function according to the present invention is realized, and various other functions are realized.

In FIG. 2, the application 21 includes an application processing unit 211 for realizing the original function of the application 21, window control processing units 212a, b, c... For assisting the processing of the application processing unit 211, and redisplay. A processing unit 21D and a memory area 21E used as a work area are provided. The window control processing units 212a, 212b, and 212c display windows having different shapes and contents on the display surface HG, but have the same display function. I will explain only. Further, all or a part of the window control processing units 212a, 212b,...

The window control processing section 212 is provided with a window display processing section 21A, an erasing processing section 21B, and a timer section 21C. Window display processing unit 21A
Performs a process for creating a window of a predetermined shape having a predetermined function and displaying the window at a predetermined position on the display surface HG.

The erasure processing unit 21B, the timer unit 21C, and the redisplay processing unit 21D switch the window when the operation of the mouse 13 indicates that the window displayed by the window display processing unit 21A is unnecessary. This is for temporarily retreating from the display position and enabling the cursor to indicate the position where the window was displayed, and corresponds to the window control device of the present invention.

That is, the deletion processing unit 21B detects a mouse event in the window displayed by the window display processing unit 21A, and thereby deletes the window display to the window display processing unit 21A (turns off the window display). Give instructions for). Timer section 21C
Is set or reset in response to an instruction from the erasure processing unit 21B, and when the time is up due to the elapse of time, the fact is notified to the erasure processing unit 21B.

The re-display processing unit 21D includes the application processing unit 21
The mouse event in the window (parent window) displayed by 1 is detected, and thereby an instruction to redisplay the window is given to the window display processing unit 21A.

The application 21 includes an API (Application Program In) provided by the operating system 22.
terface) 221 and a signal from the mouse 13 via the device driver 222.

Next, a method of controlling a window on a screen will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen HG1 displayed on the display surface HG, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a detection state of a mouse event in the redisplay processing.

In FIG. 3, a drawing window WD1 is displayed on a screen HG1, on which a tool box W is displayed.
D2 and WD3 are displayed. Drawing window WD1
In the drawing, a drawing DW1 by a line drawing is drawn. here,
I want to extend the drawing DW1 to the position where the tool box WD2 is displayed. However, since the drawing window WD1 is hidden below the tool box WD2, it is impossible to draw at the position of the tool box WD2 as it is. is there. Therefore, conventionally, the tool box WD2
A complicated operation for moving or extinguishing is performed. In the present embodiment, an instruction to the drawing window WD1 can be made by the following simple operation.

That is, the mouse CU is operated to bring the cursor CU into the area of the tool box WD2. After a while, the tool box WD2 is automatically deleted. That is, the erasing processing unit 21B detects that the cursor CU is stationary in the tool box WD2, and issues a timing command to the timer unit 21C. Timer part 2
If there is a notification from 1C that the time is up, the deletion processing unit 21B issues a command for deleting the tool box WD2 to the window display processing unit 21A. The residence time of the cursor CU for deleting the tool box WD2 is, for example, about 1 second, or about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

As a result, the tool box W shown in FIG.
The screen is in a state where D2 is deleted. Then, the drawing window WD1 hidden under the tool box WD2 is displayed.
Appears, the cursor CU may be moved to a desired position to indicate an input.

When the instruction for the drawing window WD1 is completed, the cursor CU is moved so as to leave the surrounding area AE1 where the tool box WD2 was displayed.
Then, the tool box WD2 is displayed again at the original position. That is, the re-display processing unit 21D detects that the cursor CU has moved out of the area AE1 of the tool box WD2, and issues a command for re-displaying the tool box WD2 to the window display processing unit 21A.

If the user wants to erase the tool box WD2 again, the operation can be performed in the same manner as at the beginning. As shown in FIG. 4, the area AE1 includes an area where the tool box WD2 is displayed and an area set around the area. As the surrounding area, for example, an R dot range is set outside the entire area of the tool box WD2. R
Are 50, 100, 150, 200...
Are used.

However, the cursor CU is moved to the tool box WD
If the button of the mouse 13 is pressed at least once in the area of the tool box WD2 until the tool box WD2 is erased after being brought into the area of No. 2, the time elapses. Also, the tool box WD2 is not erased.
In this case, if the user wants to delete the tool box WD2, the cursor CU may be once moved out of the tool box WD2 and then re-entered into the area of the tool box WD2.

Next, the above-described processing will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing in the erasing processing unit 21B, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing in the redisplay processing unit 21D.

In FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the cursor CU is stationary in the window (# 1).
1). In such a case, if the button of the mouse 13 has not been pressed (Yes in # 12) and the set time has elapsed (Yes in # 13), a delete command is issued (#
14).

In FIG. 6, the cursor CU is moved to the area AE1
It is determined whether the user has gone outside (# 21). If so, a redisplay instruction is issued (# 22). FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed example of the window control function in the application 21.

In FIG. 7, a function B1 for detecting the movement of the cursor CU one by one and a mouse 13
Function B2 for detecting the pressing of a button of the user and the timer unit 2
A function B3 for detecting a notification from 1C is provided.

The redisplay processing section 21D is provided with a function D1 for detecting the position of the cursor CU on the parent window one by one. In the memory area 21E, an area E1 for storing the display / non-display of the window, an area E2 for storing the coordinate position of the cursor CU, an area E3 for storing the position and size of the window, and a depression of a mouse 13 button in the window. An area E4 for storing and an area E5 for identifying a non-displayed window are provided.

These operations will be described separately for steps K1 to K4. (K1) When the cursor CU comes over the window (tool box WD2), the function B1 is notified of the coordinates. The function B1 sets the timer of the timer section 21C and sets the position of the cursor CU at that time in the area E.
Stored in 2. (K2) When the mouse 13 is operated on the window, for example, by clicking an icon in the window, the operation is notified to the function B2, and the fact that the button is pressed is stored in the area E4. (K3) When the cursor CU is moved, the setting of the timer in the timer unit 21C by the function B1 is repeated, so that the timer is reset each time. If the cursor CU has not moved, the timer unit 21C notifies the function B3 after the set time has elapsed.

In the function B3, the current position of the cursor CU and the position of the cursor CU stored in the area E2 are the same, no mouse button press is stored in the area E4, and the window is being displayed. In some cases, the window is hidden and the timer unit 21C is stopped.

At the same time, the area of the window at this time is stored in the area E3, the fact that the window has been hidden is stored in the area E1, and the identifier of the window is stored in the area E5.

When the current position of the cursor CU is outside the area AE1 set around the window,
The timer 21C is stopped. (K4) Cursor CU after hiding the window
Is moved to the function D1 of the parent window (drawing window WD1). In the function D1, when the window state of the area E1 is being hidden and the current position of the cursor CU is outside the area stored in the area E3, the hidden window is displayed again. The state is stored in the area E1.

Although the above-described function is provided for each window WD, the window WD temporarily hidden is not displayed.
Is only one, and a plurality of windows WD are not simultaneously displayed. This point has no problem due to the nature of the window WD. However, multiple windows WD
May be hidden at the same time. In particular, when a plurality of windows WD overlap, the windows WD may be sequentially deleted from the upper window WD.

Next, another example of saving the window will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a window WD4 provided with a specific area SE1 for determining that the window WD4 is unnecessary.

In FIG. 8, the window WD4 has a specific area SE1 around the icon area RE1. When the button of the mouse 13 is pressed in a state where the cursor CU exists in the specific area SE1, it is determined that the window WD4 is unnecessary. That is, when the cursor CU is positioned on the specific area SE1 and clicked, the window WD4 is temporarily deleted. The window W
When the cursor CU comes out of the area AE1 set in D4, the window WD4 is displayed again.

Using such a window WD4,
The operation for erasing (non-displaying) the window WD4 is simple, the intention of the operator is reliably reflected, and the operation for redisplaying the window WD4 is unnecessary.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of moving the window WD5. In FIG. 9, window W
D5 is not erased by operating the mouse 13, but is moved to another position away from the original display position. In this case, the window WD5 moves in the original direction in which the cursor CU has entered the window WD5.

When the window WD is moved, the operation after step K3 in the description of FIG. 7 is as in the next K3 '. (K3 ') When the cursor CU is moved, the operation of K1 is repeated, so that the timer unit 21C is reset each time. However, when the cursor CU does not move, the timer unit 21C is reset after the set time has elapsed. The function B3 is notified.

In the function B3, the current position of the cursor CU is the same as the position of the cursor CU stored in the area E2, and no mouse button press is stored in the area E4.
When the window is being displayed, the window is moved and the timer 21C is stopped.

When the current position of the cursor CU is outside the window, the timer 21C is stopped. In this case, step K4 after the movement of the window becomes unnecessary, and it is not necessary to check the position of the cursor CU in the parent window. Therefore, when moving the window, the areas E1 and E3 are unnecessary.

The following method can be used to determine whether the window WD is unnecessary. It is determined whether an operation other than the operation defined in the window WD has been performed on the window WD. For example, in order to select an icon displayed in the window WD, the left button of the mouse 13 is normally pressed. Therefore, when the right button is pressed, it is regarded that the operation is not an operation for the window WD, and Judge as unnecessary. When the cursor CU moves, the cursor C
When U completely crosses the window WD, it is determined that the window WD is unnecessary.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a form of a recording medium ST of a program for executing the method according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, a storage device STA such as a main memory, a RAM, a ROM, or a hard disk provided in the processing device PS, a portable medium STB such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, or a magneto-optical disk, a network, or a communication device. A line destination medium STC such as a server or DASD connected by a line STD, or a communication line STD
As such, it can be used as the recording medium ST.

If the recording medium ST is a portable medium STB, the program is read by a drive device corresponding to the type of the portable medium STB and stored in the storage device STA of the processing device PS or stored in the main memory. Loaded and executed. When the recording medium ST is the line destination medium STC, the program is downloaded to the storage device STA via the communication line STD, or is transferred and executed at appropriate times. The programs can be supplied to operate under various OSs, platforms, system environments, or network environments.

In the above embodiment, the window WD
Has been described below when the drawing window WD1 is hidden under the window WD.
Is also applicable to the case where is hidden. Also,
When a plurality of windows WD overlap,
The above processing is performed on the uppermost window WD, and after the uppermost window WD is deleted, the same processing can be sequentially performed on the lower windows WD. Therefore, in that case, a plurality of windows W
Any window W, even if D overlaps
An instruction with the cursor CU can be easily given to D or the lowest screen.

In the above embodiment, the form of the cursor CU may be arbitrary. Whether to erase or move the window WD can be set according to the type or size of the window WD. The structure, configuration, contents, processing contents and order of the application 21, the contents of the screen HG1, the shape, size, display position, etc. of the window WD or the tool box WD can be variously changed. The configuration, structure, and the like of the processing device 10 or the computer system 1 can be appropriately changed in accordance with the gist of the present invention.

[0060]

According to the present invention, it is possible to give an instruction with a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on a screen by a simple operation, thereby improving operability on the screen. Can be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a computer system including a window control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the function of the processing device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on a display surface.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a detection state of a mouse event in a redisplay process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in an erasing processing unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a re-display processing unit.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a more detailed example of a window control function.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window provided with a specific area for determining that the area is unnecessary.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of moving a window.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a form of a program recording medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 computer system 21 application 21A window display processing unit 21B deletion processing unit 21C timer unit 21D redisplay processing unit 21E memory area HG1 screen CU cursor WD1 drawing window (window) WD2, WD3 tool box (window) WD4, WD5 window STA, STB , STC, STD recording media

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A window control method for giving an instruction by a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on a screen, wherein the operation of the cursor indicates that the window is unnecessary. The window is temporarily evacuated from its display position, and the cursor can be used to indicate the displayed position of the window. 2. A control device for giving an instruction by a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on a screen, wherein whether or not the operation of the cursor indicates that the window is unnecessary is provided. A window control device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the window is unnecessary; and a retraction unit that retreats the window from its display position when the window is determined to be unnecessary. 3. A recording medium on which a program for giving an instruction by a cursor to a portion hidden under a window displayed on a screen is recorded, wherein the window is not required by operating the cursor. A program for realizing, on a computer, a determination function of determining whether or not an instruction has been given, and a retreat function of retreating the window from its display position when the window is determined to be unnecessary. Computer readable recording medium.