JP2011170401A - Input selection device using pointing device or the like and computer program for constructing the input selection device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input selection device capable of performing selection with a few operations, and capable of setting many input selection items by using a pointing device or a touch panel. <P>SOLUTION: When a selecting operation is performed with one selection item in a large item input selection image 1011, a small item input selection image 1012 is pop-up displayed in a circular region with the pointing position (reference position) as a center. When an operator moves a pointer 102 to one selection item in the small item input selection image, and releases the operation of a pointing device, the selected small item is determined based on a distance and/or direction from a reference position to the movement final position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an input selection device for characters or menus using a pointing device or the like (hereinafter simply referred to as “input selection device”) and a computer program for constructing the input selection device, and more particularly to a personal computer or video game. It can be used suitably for a machine, etc., and using a normal pointing device such as a mouse or a touchpad, or a touch panel, a desired selection item can be quickly selected with a small number of operations. The present invention relates to an input selection device that can set selection items and can effectively use a display screen, and a computer program for constructing the input selection device.

When selecting work contents on a personal computer (hereinafter also referred to as a “computer”) or selecting a play scene on a video game machine, the small menu is gradually reduced in order to reach the target scene. The work of repeating the selection operation for narrowing down to items is frequently performed every day.
For example, on a normal desktop computer, move the mouse to position the pointer on the desired item on the display screen and click the left mouse button. Or a menu of the next selection item is displayed. When a menu of a new selection item is displayed, the mouse is moved to move the pointer to one desired item in the new menu, and when the pointer is moved, the left button of the mouse is clicked again. The operation is repeated.
With such an input selection method, it is necessary to move the mouse and perform a click operation each time a new menu is displayed, which is troublesome.

Moreover, in one type of commercially available mobile phone, a touch panel keyboard that also serves as a display screen as shown in FIG. 7 is employed.
When inputting characters with this mobile phone, the characters “A”, “K”, whose vowel is “A” at the beginning of each line of the 50-sound table as shown in FIG. ”,“ Sa ”,“ ta ”,“ na ”,“ ha ”,“ ma ”,“ ya ”,“ ra ”,“ wa ”keyboards can be displayed. .
Here, for example, to input the character “ke”, when the “ka” key on the keyboard is pressed with a finger, as shown in FIG. The “Ki”, “Ku”, “Ke”, and “Ko” keys are displayed on the “Ka” line. Slide your finger in the direction of the character “Ke” that you want to input, and at the “Ke” position. When the finger is removed from the keyboard (touch panel display screen), the character to be entered is confirmed as “Ke”. When the finger is released from the keyboard while in the “ka” position, the character to be input is determined as “ka”.
In such an input selection device, only a maximum of 5 characters including the central character can be selected, and even if the number of options is further increased, it is not possible to arrange two or more options side by side in the area of the area occupied by the fingertip. There is a problem that the number of devices is reduced and the application is limited.

Further, in Patent Document 1 below, simultaneous display of menu items in which display items change sequentially with time, sounds of different scales are generated for each item, and the selected items can be understood only by listening to the sound. An input selection device is disclosed that allows a selection operation without having to look at a screen if the user gets used to it.
In order to be able to perform a quick selection operation only by listening to the sound with the device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to memorize the relationship between the scale and the selection item, and the person with excellent sound feeling If not, the number of musical scales that can be distinguished is limited to about ten, so that in this case as well, there is a problem that the number of choices is limited and the use is limited.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-149517

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the object of the present invention is to use a normal pointing device such as a mouse, a touch pad, and a pen tablet, or a touch panel with a small number of operations. To provide an input selection device that can quickly select an input selection item, can set a large number of input selection items, and can effectively use a display screen, and a computer program for constructing the input selection device. is there.

The above purpose is
A display device capable of displaying an input selection image and a pointer formed by arranging a plurality of selection items on a display screen, a pointing device, and a display in response to an input signal from the pointing device according to a predetermined program An input selection device provided in an information processing device having an arithmetic device that generates image data to be displayed on the device and an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for a display device There,
A large item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying a large item input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen via the image processing circuit;
When the operator operates the pointing device and moves the pointer on the display screen to one selected item in the large item input selection image on the display screen, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter, A reference position recording circuit for recording coordinates of "reference position"),
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the sub-item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. A small item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying the small item input selection image on the display screen through the image processing circuit,
When the operator operates the pointing device to move the pointer on the display screen to one selected item in the small item input selection image and cancels the pointing device operation at the final movement position, the movement from the reference position is performed. A small item determination circuit for determining a small item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction to the final position;
It can be achieved by an input selection device characterized by comprising:

The above purpose is
A display device capable of displaying an input selection image and a pointer formed by arranging a plurality of selection items on a display screen, a pointing device, and a display in response to an input signal from the pointing device according to a predetermined program An input selection device provided in an information processing device having an arithmetic device that generates image data to be displayed on the device and an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for a display device There,
A first stage input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying a first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by an operator on the display screen via the image processing circuit; ,
When the operator operates the pointing device and moves the pointer on the display screen to one selected item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as the pointing position) , Referred to as “first position”), a first position recording circuit for recording coordinates,
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are arranged at substantially the same angle on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. A second stage input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying second stage input selection images arranged at intervals on the display screen via the image processing circuit;
The operator operates the pointing device to move the pointer on the display screen to a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”), and the second position. A second position recording circuit that records the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when stopped for a predetermined period of time,
Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selection items belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third stage in which a third stage input selection image arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit. An input selection image data transmission circuit;
In the same manner, the (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] and the (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit sequentially provided,
When the operator cancels the operation with the pointing device, the (3 + n) stage selection item selected by the operator is determined based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position (3 + n) A stage selection item determination circuit;
It can also be achieved by an input selection device characterized by comprising

The above purpose is
A touch panel that has a display function and can display an input selection image consisting of a plurality of selection items arranged on the display screen, and generates image data to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program An input selection device provided in an information processing apparatus having an arithmetic device that performs an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for display,
A large item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying a large item input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit;
When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the large item input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel, the coordinates of the pointing position (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”) on the display screen are displayed. A reference position recording circuit for recording;
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the sub-item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. A small item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying the small item input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit,
When the operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the reference position to one selection item in the small item input selection image and stops touching the touch panel at the final movement position, the operator moves from the reference position to the final movement position. A small item determination circuit for determining a small item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction;
It can also be achieved by an input selection device characterized by comprising

The above purpose is
A touch panel that has a display function and can display an input selection image consisting of a plurality of selection items arranged on the display screen, and generates image data to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program An input selection device provided in an information processing apparatus having an arithmetic device that performs an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for display,
First-stage input selection image data transmission for displaying a first-stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first-stage level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit. Circuit,
When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position (hereinafter referred to as “first position”) on the display screen. A first position recording circuit for recording coordinates;
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are arranged at substantially the same angle on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. A second-stage input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying second-stage input selection images arranged at intervals on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit;
The operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the first position to a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”), and is determined in advance as the second position. A second position recording circuit for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when the touch is continued for a certain period of time;
Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selection items belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third stage input selection image arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in the circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit. A three-stage input selection image data transmission circuit;
In the same manner, the (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] and the (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit sequentially provided,
Step (3 + n) for determining the (3 + n) step selection item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position when the operator stops touching the touch panel A selection item determination circuit;
It can also be achieved by an input selection device characterized by comprising

  As the pointing device, various types of devices such as a mouse, a touch pad, a pen tablet, a joystick, a trackball, and a light pen can be used.

  The circular area is divided into a plurality of annular areas having different radii, and the plurality of selection items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in each annular area. Can be arranged.

The information processing apparatus may be a personal computer or a video game apparatus.
That is, the input selection device according to the present invention is suitably used for a personal computer or a video game device.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to
A display device capable of displaying an input selection image and a pointer formed by arranging a plurality of selection items on a display screen, a pointing device, and a display in response to an input signal from the pointing device according to a predetermined program Installed in the arithmetic device of the information processing apparatus having an arithmetic device that generates image data to be displayed on the device and an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for a display device , By causing the arithmetic device to execute the steps described in the following items [a] to [d] by cooperating with hardware configuring the arithmetic device,
[A] A large item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying a large item input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen via the image processing circuit. Building steps,
[B] When the operator operates the pointing device and performs a pointing operation with the pointer on the display screen set to one selected item in the large item input selection image on the display screen, the pointing position on the display screen A step of constructing a reference position recording circuit for recording the coordinates (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”);
[C] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the small item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. Constructing a small item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying a small item input selection image arranged on the display screen via the image processing circuit;
[D] The operator operates the pointing device, moves the pointer on the display screen to one selected item in the small item input selection image, and cancels the pointing device operation at the final movement position (from the left mouse button). When you release your finger, it is not a right click, your finger is released from the touchpad, etc.), a small item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction from the reference position to the final movement position Constructing a sub-item determination circuit for determining
It can also be achieved by a computer program for constructing an input selection device characterized by causing each of the steps to be executed.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to
A display device capable of displaying an input selection image and a pointer formed by arranging a plurality of selection items on a display screen, a pointing device, and a display in response to an input signal from the pointing device according to a predetermined program Installed in the arithmetic device of the information processing apparatus having an arithmetic device that generates image data to be displayed on the device and an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for a display device , By cooperating with hardware constituting the arithmetic device, causing the arithmetic device to execute the steps described in the following items [e] to [k]:
[E] First stage input selection image data for displaying a first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen via the image processing circuit. Building a transmission circuit;
[F] When the operator operates the pointing device and performs a pointing operation with the pointer on the display screen set to one selection item in the first stage input selection image on the display screen, the pointing on the display screen is performed. Constructing a first position recording circuit for recording coordinates of a position (hereinafter referred to as “first position”);
[G] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are approximately on the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. Constructing a second stage input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying second stage input selection images arranged at the same angular intervals on the display screen via the image processing circuit;
[H] The operator operates the pointing device to move the pointer on the display screen to a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”). Constructing a second position recording circuit for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when the second position is stopped for a predetermined time or longer; and
[I] Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selections belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third stage input selection image in which items are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit. Building a third stage input selection image data transmission circuit;
[J] Similarly, constructing a (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is 0 or a positive integer] and a (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit that are sequentially provided;
[K] When the operator cancels the operation with the pointing device, the (3 + n) stage selection item selected by the operator is determined based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position. Building a (3 + n) stage selection item determination circuit;
It can also be achieved by a computer program for constructing an input selection device characterized by causing each of the steps to be executed.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to
A touch panel that has a display function and can display an input selection image consisting of a plurality of selection items arranged on the display screen, and generates image data to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program Hardware that is installed in the arithmetic device of the information processing device, and that constitutes the arithmetic device, and an arithmetic processing device that converts the image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for display. By cooperating, the arithmetic unit is caused to execute the steps described in the following items [a] to [d]:
[A] Large item input selection image data transmission in which a large item input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit. Building a circuit;
[B] When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the large item input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”). Constructing a reference position recording circuit for recording the coordinates of
[C] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the small item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. Constructing a small item input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying the small item input selection image arranged in the above on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit;
[D] When the operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the reference position to one selection item in the small item input selection image and stops touching the touch panel at the final movement position, the movement final position is reached from the reference position. Constructing a small item determination circuit for determining a small item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction to the position;
It can also be achieved by a computer program for constructing an input selection device characterized by causing each of the steps to be executed.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to
A touch panel that has a display function and can display an input selection image consisting of a plurality of selection items arranged on the display screen, and generates image data to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program Hardware that is installed in the arithmetic device of the information processing apparatus having an arithmetic device that performs processing and an image processing circuit that converts image data output from the arithmetic device into an image signal for a display device, and constitutes the arithmetic device In cooperation with, the arithmetic unit is caused to execute the steps described in the following items [e] to [k]:
[E] First stage input selection in which a first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by the operator is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit. Building an image data transmission circuit; and
[F] When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “first position”). .)) Building a first position recording circuit for recording the coordinates of
[G] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are approximately on the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. Constructing a second stage input selection image data transmission circuit for displaying second stage input selection images arranged at the same angular interval on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit;
[H] The operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the first position to a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”). Constructing a second position recording circuit for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when the touch is continued for more than a predetermined time;
[I] Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selections belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third-stage input selection image in which items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit. Constructing a third stage input selection image data transmission circuit to be displayed;
[J] Similarly, constructing a (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is 0 or a positive integer] and a (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit that are sequentially provided;
[K] When the operator stops touching the touch panel, the (3 + n) step selection item selected by the operator is determined based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position ( 3 + n) constructing a stage selection item determination circuit;
It can also be achieved by a computer program for constructing an input selection device characterized by causing each of the steps to be executed.

  The circular area is divided into a plurality of annular areas having different radii, and the plurality of selection items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in each annular area. Can be arranged.

  The computer program according to the present invention can be suitably used by installing it in a personal computer or a video game device.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to the present invention, a pointer to a selection item in a circular input selection image displayed on the display screen without repeatedly clicking a pointing device such as a mouse or the like. You can select the item you want by simply aligning them, or you can select the item you want by simply moving your fingertip to the selection item in the circular input selection image displayed on the touch panel screen. Can quickly select a desired selection item, and can arrange a large number of selection items at relatively small angular intervals such as 60 °, 45 °, etc. in the circular region, and further, the circular region can be double or triple. It is also possible to divide the ring area into a plurality of selection items and arrange more selection items in the ring region. Therefore, it is possible to set a large number of selection items within a limited area range. Thus, it is possible to provide an input selection device and a computer program for constructing the input selection device that can effectively use the display screen.

It is explanatory drawing which shows 1st Example of the input selection apparatus which concerns on this invention, and the input selection image and selection operation which are displayed on the display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows 2nd Example of the input selection apparatus which concerns on this invention, and the input selection image and selection operation which are displayed on the display screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd Example which provided the input selection apparatus based on this invention in the video game machine, and the input selection image displayed on the display screen, and selection operation. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of selection operation in the input selection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the example of the circuit structure of the 1st-3rd Example of the input selection apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the input selection apparatus 4th Example based on this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the input selection image displayed on the display screen in an example of a conventionally well-known mobile phone, and selection operation.

The configuration of the input selection device according to the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.
First, the circuit configuration of the input selection device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 5 will be briefly described.
In FIG. 5, 1 is an information processing device such as a personal computer or video game machine, 10 is its display device, 100 is a display screen, 11 is an image processing device, 12 is a pointing device (in the illustrated embodiment, a mouse), 13 Is an arithmetic unit, 14 is a sound circuit, 15 is a speaker, and 16 is a data bus.
In the arithmetic unit 13, 13a is a CPU, 13b is a storage device (hard disk drive), 13c is a work RAM, 13d is a ROM, and 13e is a clock circuit.

Among various functions necessary for a personal computer or a video game machine as the information processing apparatus 1, a computer program is installed in the storage device 13 b of the arithmetic device 13, and the program is downloaded. Various functions necessary for a personal computer and a video game machine are realized by executing in cooperation with the CPU 13a, work RAM 13c and other hardware.
Similarly, the function as an input selection device according to the present invention is also installed with a computer program for realizing the function in the storage device 13b of the arithmetic device 13, and the program is stored in the CPU 13a, the work RAM 13c and other hardware. The function as an input selection device is realized by executing in cooperation with the above.
That is, as necessary components of the input selection device according to the present invention, a large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1301, a reference position recording circuit 1302, and a small item input indicated by a broken line within the frame of the arithmetic unit 13 in FIG. The selection image data transmission circuit 1303 and the small item determination circuit 1304 are circuits that are constructed by the cooperation of the hardware of the arithmetic unit 13 and the computer program for construction of the input selection device of the present invention installed therein. .

When a selection operation by an operator or a player is necessary during work with a personal computer or game play with a video game machine, the input selection program according to the present invention installed in the information processing apparatus 1 is started. The input selection operation according to the present invention is performed.
That is, at the time of input selection, as shown in FIG. 5, an input selection image 101 and a pointer 102 are displayed on a part of the display screen 100 of the display apparatus 10, and an operator or the like uses a pointing device 12 such as a mouse. Then, a desired selection operation is performed by moving the pointer 102 on the screen.
Note that the configuration of the input selection device according to the present invention used in an information processing apparatus having a touch panel instead of a pointing device will be described later.

Hereinafter, a procedure for selecting a desired selection item using the pointing device 12 by the input selection apparatus according to the present invention shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 together.
An input selection image 101 is displayed in a partial area of the display screen 100 of the display device 10. In this case, first, as shown in FIG. A large item input selection image 1011 formed by arranging items is displayed.
The large item input selection image 1011 is displayed when the image data transmitted from the large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1301 in FIG. 5 is supplied to the display device 10 via the image processing circuit 11. .
The large item input selection image 1011 is an image in which four large item frames including four selection items 1011-1 to 1011-4 are arranged in the vertical direction. The alphabetical characters shown in each major item describe the contents of the minor items belonging to that major item.

When the operator operates the mouse (pointing device) 12 to align the pointer 102 on the screen with the top item 1011-1 at the top, and left-clicks the mouse there, the pointer pointing position at that time (hereinafter referred to as “reference”). A circular small item input selection image 1012 as shown in FIG. 1B is displayed centering on “position”.
The reference position on the display screen at this time (coordinate Po on the display screen) is recorded by the reference position recording circuit 1302 in FIG. Since the coordinates of the reference position are pointing positions by a normal pointing device, they are known by the calculation device 13 by normal means.

The circular small item input selection image 1012 displayed with the reference position as the center includes five small items A, B, C, D, and E included in one large item selected in the large item selection menu. They are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position.
The small item input selection image 1012 is displayed when the image data transmitted from the small item input selection image data transmission circuit 1303 in FIG. 5 is supplied to the display device 10 via the image processing circuit 11. .

As described above, the top large item 1011-1 in FIG. 1A is selected by left clicking the mouse, and when the circular small item input selection image 1012 is displayed, the operator left clicks. The small item B is selected by moving the mouse in the state where it is held and moving the pointer 102 on the screen to the position of “B” in the circular small item input selection image 1012 (at this time, the circular small item is selected). In the center of the item input selection image 1012, as shown in the drawing, it is displayed that the selected small item is B.) The left click of the mouse is released at the final movement position. That is, the operation of pressing the left mouse button with a finger is stopped there.
In that case, the small item determination circuit 1304 shown in FIG. 5 is activated, and the operator has selected based on the moving direction (angle) of the pointer from the reference position Po to the final moving position to the small item B. It is determined that the small item is B.
As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the selection item in the small item selection menu is detected and determined only by the moving direction (angle) of the pointer from the reference position.
As described above, the input selection operation is completed, and the personal computer work associated with the confirmed option is started and the game scene is developed.
Note that “cancellation of pointing device operation” means that when the pointing device is a mouse, it stops clicking and moving the button, and when it is a touchpad, it stops touching the pad surface. In the case of a joystick, the lever is automatically returned to the neutral position, in the case of a trackball, the hand is released from the trackball, and so on. It is what you point to.

  As described above, the selection operation by the operator in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes the left click of the mouse when selecting a large item, the movement of the mouse with the left click when selecting a small item, and the release of the left click. It is. Therefore, the selection operation in the present invention is simplified compared to the conventional method in which the mouse is clicked and moved each time an item is selected.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, as described above, the determination operation of the small item by the small item determination circuit 1304 is determined only by the moving direction of the pointer from the reference position Po. In the second embodiment, the small item determining operation by the small item determining circuit 1304 is determined based on the moving direction and moving distance of the pointer from the reference position Po. By doing so, even if the display area of the small item input selection image 1012 is the same, the number of selectable small items can be increased.
Next, a second embodiment of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 together.

Also in the second embodiment of the input selection device according to the present invention, a large item input selection image 1011 comprising a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator is displayed as shown in FIG. Is done.
As in the case of the first embodiment, the large item input selection image 1011 is supplied to the display device 10 through the image processing circuit 11 with the image data transmitted from the large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1301 in FIG. Is displayed.
The large item input selection image 1011 is obtained by arranging two large item frames including two selection items 1011-1 and 1011-2 in the vertical direction.

When the operator operates the mouse (pointing device) 12 to align the pointer 102 on the screen with the upper large item 1011-1 and left-clicks the mouse there, the pointer pointing position (reference position) at that time is the center. A circular small item input selection image 1012 as shown in FIG.
The reference position Po on the display screen at this time is recorded by the reference position recording circuit 1302 in FIG.

The circular small item input selection image 1012 displayed centering on the reference position is the double of ten small items A to J included in the upper large item 1011-1 selected in the large item selection menu. It is arranged in an annular region.
That is, five selection items A, B, C, D, and E are arranged on substantially the same radius at substantially the same angular interval in the outer large radius annular region, and in the inner small radius annular region. Shows another five selection items F, G, H, I, and J arranged on substantially the same radius at substantially the same angular interval.
With such an arrangement, it is possible to arrange more selection items.
The small item input selection image 1012 is displayed when the image data transmitted from the small item input selection image data transmission circuit 1303 in FIG. 5 is supplied to the display device 10 via the image processing circuit 11. .

Next, the operator moves the mouse while left-clicking and moves the pointer 102 on the screen to the position “H” in the small item input selection image 1012 as shown in FIG. The item H is selected (at this time, it is displayed in the center of the circular small item input selection image 1012 that the selected small item is H as shown in the figure), and the mouse is moved at the final position of the movement. Cancel the left click.
At that time, the small item determination circuit 1304 shown in FIG. 5 is activated, and the operator moves the pointer based on the moving direction (angle) and distance of the pointer from the reference position Po to the final moving position to the small item B. It is determined that the selected small item is H.
As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the selection item in the small item selection menu is detected and determined by the moving direction (angle) and distance of the pointer from the reference position.
Note that if the user right-clicks during the small item selection operation, the selection is canceled as shown in FIG.
As described above, the input selection operation is completed, and the personal computer work or the like associated with the selected selection item is started.
As described above, the display operation of the small item input selection image 1012 is configured by determining that the small item determination operation by the small item determination circuit 1304 is determined by the moving direction and the moving distance of the pointer from the reference position Po. Even if they are equivalent, the number of selectable small items can be increased.

Next, a third embodiment of the input selection device according to the present invention shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
This third embodiment shows a case where the input selection device of the present invention is provided in a video game machine. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), a large item input selection image 1011 displayed on the display screen. Is a state in which three major items “offline”, “online”, and “option” are arranged vertically.
When the player operates the pointing device and moves the pointer 102 to, for example, a large item “option” and performs a pointing operation (clicking, etc.), as shown in FIG. A small item input selection image 1012 is displayed. These operations are realized by the image processing circuit 11, the large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1301, the reference position recording circuit 1302, the small item input selection image data transmission circuit 1303, etc. shown in FIG.
Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, when the player drags the pointer 102 to the position of a small item “sound”, for example, and releases the pointing operation (such as releasing the clicked finger), the player moves from the reference position. It is determined that the sub-item “Sound” has been selected based on the moving direction of the pointer. This operation is executed by the small item determination circuit 1304 shown in FIG.

In each of the first to third embodiments described above, the selection menu is composed of two levels of a large item and a small item. However, the present invention further performs input selection that performs selection operations in multiple levels. It can also be configured as a device.
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of an input selection device capable of performing such a multi-stage selection operation.
In this apparatus, a first stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1311, a first position recording circuit 1312, a second stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1313, a second position recording circuit 1314, and a third stage input selection image. Similarly to the data transmission circuit 1315, the 2 + n position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] 1315 + n and the third + n stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1316 + n, and the (3 + n) stage selection item determination circuit 1317 + n are sequentially provided. And are provided.
These circuits are constructed by the cooperation of the hardware of the arithmetic unit 13 (CPU 13a, etc.) and the computer program for constructing the input selection device of the present invention installed therein, as described in FIG. Circuit.

The first-stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1311 is a first-stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first-stage level selection items to be selected by the operator (“1” in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2). Large item input selection image 1011 ") is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit 11.
The first position recording circuit 1312 is operated when the operator operates the pointing device 12 and performs a pointing operation by setting the pointer 102 on the display screen to one selection item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen. The coordinates of the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “first position”; corresponding to “reference position Po” in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) are recorded.

The second stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1313 arranges a plurality of second stage level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position when the pointing operation is performed. (Corresponding to “small item input selection image 1012” in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2) is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit 11.
In the second position recording circuit 1314, the operator operates the pointing device 12, and the pointer 102 on the display screen is moved to a position on one selection item in the second stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”). .), And when the second position is stopped for a predetermined time or longer, the coordinates of the second position on the display screen are recorded. Here, the “certain time” is preferably in the range of 0.2 seconds to 1.5 seconds. If it is less than 0.2 seconds, it is not enough to give the player time to change to other items, and if it exceeds 1.5 seconds, the selection operation time will be shortened. is there.

  The third stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1315 determines the second stage selection item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, and sets the second stage selection item as the second stage selection item. A third stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of selection items at the third stage level (a plurality of selection items at a lower level than the selection items at the second stage level) is provided in the image processing circuit 11. It is displayed on the display screen via

Similarly, a (2 + n) -th position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] 1315 + n and a (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1316 + n are sequentially provided.
The (3 + n) -th stage selection item determination circuit 1317 + n is the one selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position when the operator cancels the operation by the pointing device. 3 + n) A step selection item is determined.

As described above, all of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 use the pointing device 12 such as a mouse and move the pointer 102 on the display screen by the operation to select a selection item displayed on the screen. It was something like that.
However, the present invention can also be applied to an information processing apparatus using a touch panel.
A mouse, touchpad, pen tablet, joystick, trackball, light pen, etc. all belong to a pointing device, whereas a touch panel (also called a touch screen or touch screen) belongs to a category different from that of a pointing device. It is an electronic component.
In other words, the touch panel is an electronic component in which a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and a pressure-sensitive film are superimposed, and unlike a pointing device, a pointer is not displayed on the display screen, but the display on the display screen can be displayed with a finger or the like. It is an electronic component that can be input by touching it directly.

Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the input selection device according to the present invention using a touch panel will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5.
However, in the input selection device using the touch panel, the pointer 102 is not displayed on the display screen, and the pointing device 12 is not provided. In addition, “display device 10” is paraphrased as “touch panel 10”.
An input selection image 101 is displayed in a partial area of the display screen 100 of the touch panel 10. First, in this case, a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator as shown in FIG. A large item input selection image 1011 formed by arrangement is displayed.
The large item input selection image 1011 is displayed when the image data transmitted from the large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1301 in FIG. 5 is supplied to the display device 10 via the image processing circuit 11. .
The large item input selection image 1011 is an image in which four large item frames including four selection items 1011-1 to 1011-4 are arranged in the vertical direction. The alphabetical characters shown in each major item describe the contents of the minor items belonging to that major item.

When the operator touches the top large item 1011-1 with a finger, the circular small item input as shown in FIG. 1 (b) centering on the pointing position at that time (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”). A selected image 1012 is displayed.
The reference position on the display screen at this time (coordinate Po on the display screen) is recorded by the reference position recording circuit 1302 in FIG.

The circular small item input selection image 1012 displayed with the reference position as the center includes five small items A, B, C, D, and E included in one large item selected in the large item selection menu. They are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position.
The small item input selection image 1012 is displayed when the image data transmitted from the small item input selection image data transmission circuit 1303 in FIG. 5 is supplied to the display device 10 via the image processing circuit 11. .

As described above, when the top large item 1011-1 in FIG. 1 (a) is touched with a finger and the circular small item input selection image 1012 is displayed, the operator remains touching the screen with the fingertip. In this state, the small item B is selected by moving it to the position of “B” in the circular small item input selection image 1012 (at this time, in the center of the circular small item input selection image 1012, as shown in the figure). , It is displayed that the selected small item is B.) The finger is released from the screen at the final position of the movement.
In this case, the small item determination circuit 1304 shown in FIG. 5 is activated, and the operator determines the movement direction (angle) of the fingertip of the player from the reference position Po to the final movement position to the small item B. It is determined that the selected small item is B.
As described above, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the selection item in the small item selection menu is detected and determined only by the moving direction (angle) of the pointer from the reference position.
As described above, the input selection operation is completed, and the personal computer work associated with the confirmed option is started and the game scene is developed.

In the input selection device of the present invention using a touch panel, the selection items of the small item input selection image 1012 are arranged in a double annular region as shown in FIG. 2, and the selected item is in the direction and distance from the reference position. In such a case, the player moves the finger from the reference position to a desired selection item while touching the display screen, and then releases the finger from the screen at the selection item. The selected item is confirmed.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case of an input selection device that performs a selection operation in multiple stages, while sequentially moving the fingertip while touching the display screen to the selection items in the input selection image at each stage, When the user touches a desired selection item for a certain period of time, the selection of the selection item is confirmed.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a computer program for constructing the input selection device as described above.
The computer program is installed in the arithmetic device 13 of the input selection device (including the one using a touch panel) according to the present invention shown in FIG. 5 or 6, and hardware (CPU 13 a, storage) constituting the arithmetic device Device 13b, work RAM 13c, ROM 13d, clock circuit 13e, etc.), the arithmetic device is made to operate as the large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1301, reference position recording circuit 1302, small item in FIG. The input selection image data transmission circuit 1303 and the small item determination circuit 1304 are constructed. Alternatively, the first stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1311, the first position recording circuit 1312, and the second stage input selection image data transmission in FIG. Circuit 1313, second position recording circuit 1314, third stage input selection image data transmission circuit 13 5. In the same manner, a 2 + n position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] 1315 + n, a 3 + n stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1316 + n, and a (3 + n) stage selection item determination circuit 1317 + n are sequentially provided. is there.

Here, the function of the main hardware which comprises the arithmetic unit 13 is demonstrated easily.
The computing device 13 is installed with the computer program for constructing the input selection device according to the present invention, and responds to a signal output from a pointing device operated by a player or an output signal from a touch panel. The required input selection function is fulfilled.

The CPU 13a in the game calculation device 13 executes a computer program recorded in a storage device 13b such as a hard disk drive, and performs calculation processing necessary for executing an input selection operation according to the program.
The work RAM 13c exchanges data necessary for the operation of the CPU 13a, and temporarily records and holds data.
The ROM 13d stores various data and programs of relatively small size necessary for backing up the operation of the CPU 13a, in addition to basic character data, image data, audio data, and the like used for input selection. If the storage device 13b is a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive, character data, image data, etc. may be recorded there.
The clock circuit 13e oscillates a clock pulse necessary for the operation of the entire apparatus, and the oscillation pulse of the clock circuit 13e is also used as an operation pulse that is a basis for counting the stop time of the pointer.
Note that the image processing circuit 11 converts the image data output from the image data transmission circuit in the arithmetic device 13 into a display device image signal, and supplies the image signal to the display device 10.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, as the pointing device 12, various known devices such as a touch pad, a pen tablet, a joystick, a trackball, and a light pen are used in addition to a mouse. Therefore, the present invention includes within its scope all modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art from the above description.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to the present invention, a pointer to a selection item in a circular input selection image displayed on the display screen without repeatedly clicking a pointing device such as a mouse or the like. You can select the item you want by simply aligning them, or you can select the item you want by simply moving your fingertip to the selection item in the circular input selection image displayed on the touch panel screen. Can quickly select a desired selection item, and can arrange a large number of selection items at relatively small angular intervals such as 60 °, 45 °, etc. in the circular region, and further, the circular region can be double or triple. It is also possible to divide the ring area into a plurality of selection items and arrange more selection items in the ring region. Therefore, it is possible to set a large number of selection items within a limited area range. Thus, the present invention can provide an input selection device and a computer program for constructing the input selection device that can also effectively use the display screen, and thus has great industrial utility value.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing apparatus 10 Display apparatus 100 Display screen 101 Input selection image 1011 Large item input selection image 1012 Small item input selection image 102 Pointer 11 Image processing device 12 Pointing device 13 Arithmetic device 13a CPU
13b Storage device (hard disk drive)
13c Work RAM
13d ROM
13e Clock circuit 1301 Large item input selection image data transmission circuit 1302 Reference position recording circuit 1303 Small item input selection image data transmission circuit 1304 Small item determination circuit 1311 First stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1312 First position recording circuit 1313 Second Stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1314 Second position recording circuit 1315 Third stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1315 + n (2 + n) position recording circuit 1316 + n Stage (3 + n) stage input selection image data transmission circuit 1317 + n Stage (3 + n) stage selection Item determination circuit 14 Sound circuit 15 Speaker 16 Data bus

Claims (15)

A display device (10) capable of displaying an input selection image (101) formed by arranging a plurality of selection items and a pointer (102) on a display screen (100), and a pointing device (12) are predetermined. The arithmetic device (13) for generating image data to be displayed on the display device (10) in response to the input signal from the pointing device (12) according to the program, and the image data output from the arithmetic device (13) And an image processing circuit (11) for converting the image signal into an image signal for a display device, and an input selection device provided in the information processing device (1),
Large item input selection image data in which a large item input selection image (1011) formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11). A transmission circuit (1301);
When the operator operates the pointing device (12) and performs a pointing operation with the pointer (102) on the display screen aligned with one selected item in the large item input selection image (1011) on the display screen, A reference position recording circuit (1302) for recording the coordinates of the pointing position on the screen (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”);
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the sub-item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. A small item input selection image data transmission circuit (1303) for displaying a small item input selection image (1012) on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11),
The operator operates the pointing device (12), moves the pointer (102) on the display screen to one selected item in the small item input selection image (1012), and cancels the pointing device operation at the final position of the movement. A small item determination circuit (1304) for determining a small item selected by the operator based on a distance and / or direction from the reference position to the final movement position.
An input selection device characterized by comprising: A display device (10) capable of displaying an input selection image (101) formed by arranging a plurality of selection items and a pointer (102) on a display screen (100), and a pointing device (12) are predetermined. The arithmetic device (13) for generating image data to be displayed on the display device (10) in response to the input signal from the pointing device (12) according to the program, and the image data output from the arithmetic device (13) And an image processing circuit (11) for converting the image signal into an image signal for a display device, and an input selection device provided in the information processing device (1),
First stage input selection image data for displaying a first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11). A transmission circuit (1311);
When the operator operates the pointing device (12) and moves the pointer (102) on the display screen to one selection item in the first stage input selection image on the display screen, A first position recording circuit (1312) for recording the coordinates of the pointing position (hereinafter referred to as “first position”) at
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are arranged at substantially the same angle on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. A second stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1313) for displaying second stage input selection images arranged at intervals on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11);
The operator operates the pointing device (12) to move the pointer (102) on the display screen to a position on one selection item (hereinafter referred to as “second position”) in the second-stage input selection image. A second position recording circuit (1314) for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when the second position is stopped for a predetermined time or longer.
Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selection items belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. Third stage input selection images arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in the circular area centered on the second position are displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11). A third stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1315);
In the same manner, the (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] (1315 + n) and the (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1316 + n), which are sequentially provided,
When the operator cancels the operation with the pointing device, the (3 + n) stage selection item selected by the operator is determined based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position (3 + n) A stage selection item determination circuit (1317 + n);
An input selection device characterized by comprising: A touch panel having a display function and capable of displaying an input selection image (101) in which a plurality of selection items are arranged on the display screen, and an image to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program Provided in an information processing device (1) having an arithmetic device (13) that generates data and an image processing circuit (11) that converts image data output from the arithmetic device (13) into an image signal for display An input selection device,
Large item input selection in which a large item input selection image (1011) formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by an operator is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11). An image data transmission circuit (1301);
When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the large item input selection image (1011) on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”). A reference position recording circuit (1302) for recording the coordinates of
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the sub-item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. A small item input selection image data transmission circuit (1303) for displaying a small item input selection image (1012) on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11),
When the operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the reference position to one selection item in the small item input selection image (1012) and stops touching the touch panel at the final movement position, the movement final is performed from the reference position. A small item determination circuit (1304) for determining a small item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction to the position;
An input selection device characterized by comprising: A touch panel having a display function and capable of displaying an input selection image (101) in which a plurality of selection items are arranged on the display screen, and an image to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program Provided in an information processing device (1) having an arithmetic device (13) that generates data and an image processing circuit (11) that converts image data output from the arithmetic device (13) into an image signal for display An input selection device,
First stage input selection in which a first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by an operator is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11). An image data transmission circuit (1311);
When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position (hereinafter referred to as “first position”) on the display screen. A first position recording circuit (1312) for recording coordinates;
When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are arranged at substantially the same angle on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. A second stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1313) for displaying a second stage input selection image arranged at intervals on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11);
The operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the first position to a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”), and is determined in advance as the second position. A second position recording circuit (1314) for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when the touch is continued for a certain period of time;
Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selection items belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third stage input selection image arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11). A third stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1315) to be displayed;
In the same manner, the (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is a positive integer] (1315 + n) and the (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1316 + n), which are sequentially provided,
Step (3 + n) for determining the (3 + n) step selection item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position when the operator stops touching the touch panel A selection item determination circuit (1317 + n);
An input selection device characterized by comprising:   The input selection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pointing device (12) is any one device selected from a mouse, a touch pad, a pen tablet, a joystick, a trackball, and a light pen.   The circular area is divided into a plurality of annular areas having different radii, and the plurality of selection items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in each annular area. The input selection device according to any one of 5.   The input selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information processing device (1) is a personal computer.   The input selection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the information processing device (1) is a video game device. A display device (10) capable of displaying an input selection image (101) formed by arranging a plurality of selection items and a pointer (102) on a display screen (100), and a pointing device (12) are predetermined. The arithmetic device (13) for generating image data to be displayed on the display device (10) in response to the input signal from the pointing device (12) according to the program, and the image data output from the arithmetic device (13) Is installed in the arithmetic device (13) of the information processing device (1) having an image processing circuit (11) for converting the image signal to an image signal for a display device, and cooperates with hardware constituting the arithmetic device To cause the arithmetic device to execute the steps described in the following items [a] to [d], Computer programs for building the force selection device.
[A] Large item input selection image data in which a large item input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by the operator is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11). Building a transmission circuit (1301);
[B] The operator operates the pointing device (12), and the pointer (102) on the display screen is set to one selection item in the large item input selection image (1011) on the display screen, and the pointing operation is performed. A step of constructing a reference position recording circuit (1302) for recording the coordinates of the pointing position (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”) on the display screen.
[C] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the small item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. A step of constructing a small item input selection image data transmission circuit (1303) for displaying the small item input selection image (1012) arranged in the above on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11).
[D] The operator operates the pointing device (12) to move the pointer (102) on the display screen to one selection item in the small item input selection image (1012), and at the final position of the movement of the pointing device The distance and / or direction from the reference position to the final movement position when the operation is released (the finger is released from the left mouse button, not the right click, the finger is released from the touch pad, etc.) And constructing a small item determination circuit (1304) for determining the small item selected by the operator. A display device (10) capable of displaying an input selection image (101) formed by arranging a plurality of selection items and a pointer (102) on a display screen (100), and a pointing device (12) are predetermined. The arithmetic device (13) for generating image data to be displayed on the display device (10) in response to the input signal from the pointing device (12) according to the program, and the image data output from the arithmetic device (13) Is installed in the arithmetic device (13) of the information processing apparatus having an image processing circuit (11) for converting the image signal into an image signal for a display device, and by cooperating with the hardware constituting the arithmetic device, An input device characterized by having an arithmetic unit execute the steps described in the following items [e] to [k]. Computer programs for building equipment.
[E] First stage input for displaying a first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by the operator on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11). Building a selection image data transmission circuit (1311);
[F] When the operator operates the pointing device (12) and performs a pointing operation by setting the pointer (102) on the display screen to one selection item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen, Building a first position recording circuit (1312) for recording the coordinates of the pointing position (hereinafter referred to as “first position”) on the display screen;
[G] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are approximately on the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. Constructing a second stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1313) for displaying second stage input selection images arranged at the same angular interval on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11);
[H] The operator operates the pointing device (12), and the pointer (102) on the display screen is referred to as a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”). And a second position recording circuit (1314) for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when the second position is stopped at the second position for a predetermined time or more.
[I] Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selections belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third-stage input selection image in which items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the display screen via the image processing circuit (11). A step of constructing a third stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1315) to be displayed on the screen.
[J] Similarly, a step of constructing a (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is 0 or a positive integer] and a (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1316) that are sequentially provided.
[K] When the operator cancels the operation with the pointing device, the (3 + n) stage selection item selected by the operator is determined based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position. (3 + n) Step of constructing a stage selection item determination circuit (1317). A touch panel having a display function and capable of displaying an input selection image (101) in which a plurality of selection items are arranged on the display screen (100), and a display on the touch panel display screen according to a predetermined program An information processing apparatus (1) having an arithmetic device (13) that generates image data to be processed and an image processing circuit (11) that converts image data output from the arithmetic device (13) into an image signal for display ) In the above arithmetic unit (13) and cooperate with the hardware constituting the arithmetic unit to cause the arithmetic unit to execute the steps described in the following items [a] to [d]. A computer program for constructing an input selection device.
[A] Large item input selection in which a large item input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of large item level selection items to be selected by an operator is displayed on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11). Building an image data transmission circuit (1301);
[B] When an operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the large item input selection image (1011) on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “reference position”). A step of constructing a reference position recording circuit (1302) for recording the coordinates of.
[C] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of selection items at the small item level belonging to the selection item of the reference position are arranged at substantially the same angular interval on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the reference position. A step of constructing a small item input selection image data transmission circuit (1303) for displaying the small item input selection image (1012) arranged in the above on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11).
[D] When the operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the reference position to one selection item in the small item input selection image (1012) and stops touching the touch panel at the final movement position, A step of constructing a small item determination circuit (1304) for determining the small item selected by the operator based on the distance and / or direction to the final movement position. A touch panel having a display function and capable of displaying an input selection image (101) in which a plurality of selection items are arranged on the display screen, and an image to be displayed on the display screen of the touch panel according to a predetermined program The arithmetic device of the information processing apparatus, comprising: an arithmetic device (13) that generates data; and an image processing circuit (11) that converts image data output from the arithmetic device (13) into an image signal for a display device Installed in (13), and cooperates with the hardware constituting the arithmetic device to cause the arithmetic device to execute the steps described in the following items [e] to [k]. A computer program for building an input selection device.
[E] A first stage input selection image formed by arranging a plurality of first stage level selection items to be selected by the operator is displayed on the touch panel display screen via the image processing circuit (11). Building a step input selection image data transmission circuit (1311);
[F] When the operator performs a pointing operation by touching one selection item in the first-stage input selection image on the display screen of the touch panel, the pointing position on the display screen (hereinafter referred to as “first position”). A first position recording circuit (1312) for recording the coordinates of.
[G] When the pointing operation is performed, a plurality of second-level selection items belonging to the selection item at the first position are approximately on the same radius in a circular area centered on the first position. Step of constructing a second stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1313) for displaying second stage input selection images arranged at the same angular interval on the display screen of the touch panel via the image processing circuit (11). .
[H] The operator traces on the display screen of the touch panel from the first position to a position on one selection item in the second-stage input selection image (hereinafter referred to as “second position”). A step of constructing a second position recording circuit (1314) for recording the coordinates of the second position on the display screen when touching is continued for a predetermined time or more.
[I] Based on the distance and / or direction from the first position to the second position, the second stage selection item selected by the operator is confirmed, and a plurality of third stage level selections belonging to the second stage selection item are selected. A third stage input selection image in which items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in a circular area centered on the second position is displayed on the touch panel display via the image processing circuit (11). A step of constructing a third stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1315) to be displayed on the screen.
[J] Similarly, a step of constructing a (2 + n) position recording circuit [n is 0 or a positive integer] and a (3 + n) -stage input selection image data transmission circuit (1316) that are sequentially provided.
[K] When the operator stops touching the touch panel, the (3 + n) step selection item selected by the operator is determined based on the distance and / or direction from the (2 + n) position to the (3 + n) position ( 3 + n) A step of constructing a stage selection item determination circuit (1317).   The circular area is divided into a plurality of annular areas having different radii, and the plurality of selection items are arranged at substantially the same angular intervals on substantially the same radius in each annular area. The computer program according to any one of 12 above.   The computer program according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the information processing apparatus (1) is a personal computer.   The computer program according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the information processing device (1) is a video game device.

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