WO2005064441A1

WO2005064441A1 - Electronic device, menu display control method in electronic device, and mobile terminal device

Info

Publication number: WO2005064441A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/018173
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Lee; Madori Kuroda
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2003-12-25
Filing date: 2004-12-07
Publication date: 2005-07-14

Abstract

As an initial screen of the menu selection screen, menu icons (character icons A to E) and a position-fixed selection frame (102) are displayed on a display unit (100) (state 1). Here, when a user operates a shift key (110) which can be operated in one direction or two, the positions of the five menu icons are shifted by one in one direction (downward in this example) and state 2 is set in. Hereinafter, each time the shift key (110) is operated, the menu icons are shifted to set state 3, state 4, state 5, and then back to state 1. That is, the menu icons are cyclically shifted while successively passing through the fixed selection frame (102). When a desired menu icon is positioned in the selection frame (102), the user operates a selection key (112) to select the menu item (function) corresponding to the menu icon.

Description

Specification

Electronic device, menu display control method in electronic device, and portable terminal device

The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a portable terminal device capable of displaying a menu selection screen on a display unit to select a menu item, and a menu display control method in the electronic device. Background art

[0002] As a method of selecting one menu from among a plurality of menus in electronic devices, a list of menu icons is displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel, and a desired icon is operated by operating a cursor or an arrow. There is a way to specify.

[0003] A mobile phone adopting such a menu selection method is described in JP-A-2002-261918. In the mobile phone described in the above publication, nine icons (3 rows × 3 columns) are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, the cursor is moved to a desired icon, and the icon is selected. Then, when an icon is selected, the selected icon is greatly enlarged and displayed. However, in order to avoid a situation in which the other icons are not visible due to the enlarged display of the icons, the other icons are displayed in a small size so that all the icons can be viewed.

In the method of selecting a plurality of icons arranged on a display screen with a cursor or the like as in the above-described conventional example, it is necessary to operate the cursor on a two-dimensional surface (for example, to operate up, down, left, and right). The operation is not always easy.

[0005] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned publication, icons are displayed in an enlarged manner so as to make them easy to see! Is considered, the magnification of the enlarged display is considered to be, for example, about 1.5 times. Here, if the magnification is increased and the icon is enlarged too much, the space for displaying other icons is reduced correspondingly, the icon becomes too small, and it is inconvenient to operate the icon next time. Inconvenience may also occur.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device and a menu display control method in the electronic device, which can easily confirm an icon at the time of selection, enhance operability, and reduce a burden on a user.

[0007] An electronic device of the present invention includes a display unit, and an operation unit having a first operation key for performing an operation input for shifting a plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit, and A function of displaying at least a part of a plurality of menu icons and a selection frame whose position on the display unit is fixed, and enabling a virtual cyclic shift of the plurality of menu icons. Arranging and, when the first operation key is operated, shifting the plurality of menu icons on the display unit while circulating the menu icons in such a manner that each menu icon sequentially passes through the selection frame. And an image display control unit having the following.

[0008] With this configuration, a plurality of menu icons, which do not move the cursor or the like to the desired icon, are sequentially shifted through the selection frame while being circulated, and the desired menu icon is selected. Once in the frame, the menu item can be selected by selecting the menu icon. In this case, it is easy to grasp the mutual relationship between the icons, so that a menu selection screen that is easy for the user to see is realized. In addition, the operation for shifting the menu icon is basically only required to be shifted in one direction, and is a one-dimensional (linear) shift operation, so that the burden on the user is small. In this way, menu selection can be performed intuitively and more easily, and the burden on the user when selecting a menu is reduced.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, a second operation key for performing an operation input for selecting one of a plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit; An operation control unit having a function of selecting a menu item corresponding to a menu icon located at the position of the selection frame displayed on the display unit when a second operation key is operated. .

[0010] With this configuration, after performing a cyclic shift operation of the menu icon, when a desired menu icon is positioned within the selection frame, a menu item corresponding to the menu icon is selected and executed by the selection operation. It is possible to do. [0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the image display control unit displays at least a part of the plurality of menu icons and the selection frame on the display unit. And those having a function of displaying a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon at the position of the selection frame.

[0012] With this configuration, not only the menu icons but also the detailed images corresponding to the menu icons are displayed, so that the visibility of the menu icons to the user can be improved, and the operability is further improved.

[0013] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the image display control unit is configured to display the detailed image in a menu located before and after the selection frame among the plurality of menu icons. Some icons are displayed larger than each menu icon so as to overlap at least a part of at least one other menu icon other than the icon.

[0014] With this configuration, by displaying the detailed image so as to overlap a part of the menu icon, it is possible to reduce the display space while improving the visibility of the menu icon, which is effective for miniaturization of the device. It is.

[0015] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the image display control unit may include a menu icon other than the menu icons located before and after the selection frame, among the plurality of menu icons. That hides at least one of the menu icons.

With this configuration, the display space of the menu icons can be minimized by deleting the display of other menu icons except for the menu icons before and after the selection frame. In the present invention, basically, menu selection can be performed as long as only icons (one or two) before and after the selection frame are displayed. The number of icons can be reduced.

[0017] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the image display control unit may include a menu icon in the vicinity of the position of the selection frame among the plurality of menu icons. May be displayed larger than other menu icons.

[0018] With this configuration, the menu icons located farther than the selection frame are displayed in a small size, so that the display space for the menu icons can be reduced. In addition, the display can be performed with a sense of perspective, and the visibility of the menu icon group can be improved. [0019] According to an aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the image display control unit cyclically shifts the plurality of menu icons in response to an operation of the first operation key. In the meantime, there may be a case where the detailed image is not displayed while the menu icon is being displaced.

[0020] With this configuration, while the menu icons are being circulated, the display of the detailed image is deleted, so that the user can concentrate on grasping the entire image of the menu icon group and confirming the desired menu icon. can do. Further, when the detailed image is not displayed, the space for displaying the menu icons is increased correspondingly, and there is an advantage that all the menu icons can be displayed even when the display portion is narrow.

[0021] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the image display control unit, when an arbitrary menu icon is located in the selection frame and the displacement of the menu icon is stopped, The one that displays a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon located in this selection frame larger than this menu icon is also included.

[0022] With this configuration, it is possible to confirm the details of the menu icon currently in the selection frame, and it is possible to easily confirm the contents of the desired menu icon to be selected.

[0023] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, the electronic device described above includes the electronic device in which the image display control unit can change an arrangement of the plurality of menu icons.

[0024] With this configuration, the array of menu icons can be changed according to the selection frequency of each menu, selection history, or the like, or according to the setting by the user. Since it can be arranged in the vicinity, operability can be further improved.

[0025] Further, as one aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the first operation key issues a two-way shift operation instruction including one direction or a direction opposite to the one direction. Some are included.

[0026] With this configuration, the user can intuitively perform a menu icon shift operation by a simple and simple operation, and operability at the time of menu selection can be improved.

[0027] A menu display control method in an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit and a first operation key for performing an operation input for shifting a plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit. A menu display control method for an electronic device, comprising: an operation unit that performs at least a part of a plurality of menu icons on the display unit and a selection frame whose position on the display unit is fixed. And displaying the plurality of menu icons on the display unit when the first operation key is operated, wherein the plurality of menu icons are arranged so as to be virtually and cyclically shiftable. Is shifted while circulating in such a manner that each menu icon sequentially passes through the selection frame.

According to this procedure, menu selection can be performed intuitively and more easily. Therefore, when selecting a menu using a menu icon, the operability can be enhanced and the burden on the user can be reduced while the icon can be easily checked.

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided the menu display control method in the electronic device described above, wherein when displaying the menu icon and the selection frame on the display unit, the menu icon is larger than the menu icon. , A window that displays a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon at the position of the selection frame.

[0030] According to this procedure, by displaying the detailed image corresponding to the menu icon, the contents of the menu icon selected by the user can be easily checked, and the visibility of the menu icon can be improved. .

[0031] Also, the portable terminal device of the present invention includes a window that is displayed large on the display unit, a group of menu icons that are displayed in the vicinity of the window and have a small menu icon power, and that are fixed on the display unit. A portable terminal device that allows a user to select a desired menu using a selection frame displayed at a position, wherein the plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit are shifted. An operation unit having a shift key for performing an operation input to be operated and a selection key for performing an operation input for selecting one of the plurality of menu icons; and a plurality of menu icons of the menu icon group in the menu selection mode. Are arranged in such a way that they can be cyclically shifted, and the window is superimposed on a part of the menu icon group. A function of generating an image obtained by synthesizing a detailed image corresponding to a certain menu icon, and displaying the synthesized image as a menu selection screen for menu selection on the display unit; and The menu icons are displayed in a form in which each menu icon sequentially passes through the selection frame. A function of generating and displaying an image shifted while rotating, and, when the selection key is operated, executing a menu item corresponding to a menu icon at the position of the selection frame at that time. And an image display control unit having a function of displaying a corresponding function screen.

With this configuration, menu selection can be performed intuitively and with a simpler operation, and visibility and operability at the time of menu selection can be improved, and the burden on the user can be reduced. Further, since the area of the display area of the display unit and the functions of the operation unit can be minimized, the size of the device can be reduced.

As described above, according to the present invention, when selecting a menu using a menu icon, it is possible to enhance the operability and reduce the burden on the user while easily confirming the icon. Electronic device and a menu display control method in the electronic device. Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining features of a menu display control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a mode in which all menu icons and a window for displaying a detailed image are displayed on a menu selection screen of a display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .

[FIG. 2B] FIG. 2B is a view showing a menu selection screen of the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which some menu icons and a window for displaying a detailed image overlap, and some menu icons are displayed. It is a figure showing an aspect when an icon is partially hidden.

[FIG. 2C] FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a menu selection screen of the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which some menu icons and a window for displaying a detailed image overlap, and some menus are displayed. It is a figure showing a mode when all the icons are hidden.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an initial screen of display control accompanying a shift of a menu icon in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a screen in the middle of the shift of the display control accompanying the shift of the menu icon in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 3C] FIG. 3C is a table according to the menu icon shift according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing a screen at the time of a shift stop of indication control.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another mode of displaying the menu icons in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram before an arrangement change in an example in which the arrangement of a plurality of menu icons according to the first embodiment of the present invention is changeable.

[5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram after an arrangement change in an example in which the arrangement of a plurality of menu icons is changeable in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an external configuration of a mobile phone device according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the contents of a menu selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a menu selection screen extracted and enlarged in the mobile phone device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first modification of the menu selection screen in the mobile phone device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second modification of the menu selection screen in the mobile phone device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a mobile phone device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a more specific configuration of hardware in a mobile phone device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for realizing a cyclic shift of icons according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the shift key is intermittently pressed and the menu icon is continuously cyclically shifted according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of symbols

100 Display

102 Selection frame

103 Menu Icon

104 windows 106 Soft keys indicating the operation functions of the selection keys

108 numeric keypad

110 Shift key

111 speaker

112 Selection key

115 receiver (microphone)

200 Cellular Phone Device

310 Memory section

320 control unit

330 operation unit

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the present embodiment, as an example of an electronic device, a case where the present invention is applied to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone device will be described, and an example of an operation related to menu selection and the like in such an electronic device will be described.

(First Embodiment)

First, as a first embodiment of the present invention, an overview of a menu display control method in an electronic device according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the features of the menu display control method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. When the menu selection screen is displayed, a plurality of menu icons are displayed on the display unit 100 of the electronic device. Here, five simple icons A, B, C, D and E are shown as simple examples of menu icons. Each of the menu icons corresponds to one menu item (for example, a function of an electronic device). A selection frame 102 (indicated by a thick square in the figure) is displayed in the center part on the right side of the menu selection screen. The position of the selection frame 102 is fixed.

[0039] These menu icons are cyclically shifted on the menu selection screen of the display unit 100 in accordance with a user operation. Here, the “circular shift” refers to a shift operation in which the position of the icon shifts sequentially, but as the shift continues, the icon eventually makes a round and returns to the original position. Means [0040] The electronic device is provided with, as operation keys, a shift key 110 for cyclically shifting a menu icon and a selection key 112 for selecting a desired icon. The shift key 110 desirably has a function of shifting a menu icon in two directions, up and down, but basically may have only a function of shifting in one direction (for example, downward).

As shown in FIG. 1, on the menu selection screen of the present embodiment, five states (state 1-state 5) can be classified according to the positions (arrangements) of the five menu icons.

[0042] Each time the shift key 110 is pressed once, five menu icon forces are moved, for example, in a downward direction (clockwise), and by repeating this, the state 2, the state 3, the state 4, and the state 5 are changed. It transitions in order, loops, and returns to state 1 again.

When performing menu selection, the user presses the selection key 112 when the desired menu is located within the selection frame 102. As a result, the menu item corresponding to the menu icon is selected, and the display shifts to the display of the corresponding function screen for executing the menu item (not shown in FIG. 1).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the menu icons themselves are cyclically shifted according to one key operation, so that the desired menu icons are guided to the selection frame and moved, and the desired menu icons are moved. Items are selected. By adopting such a menu display control method, the user can intuitively select a menu with a simpler operation, and the burden on the user when selecting the menu is reduced.

In this case, since the selection frame is fixed, the user does not need to move the viewpoint.

In addition, since the menu icons shift cyclically, an icon selection screen that is easy for the user to see can be realized, which makes it easy for the user to grasp the mutual relationship between the icons.

In addition, since the menu icons basically need only be shifted in one direction, the burden on the user when operating is small. The menu icons can be shifted in both directions. In this case, desired menu items can be quickly selected. In addition, the user can use the menu icons to perform intuitive operations. Furthermore, by arranging a plurality of menu icons in a circulating manner, it is easy to grasp the arrangement of the menu icons and the overall image. This allows the user to quickly reach the desired menu icon in the selection frame. It feels as if it is worn, and also in this regard, the psychological burden on the user is reduced.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are diagrams showing examples of a display mode when a menu icon and a window for displaying a detailed image are displayed on the menu selection screen of the display unit. Figure 2A shows the first mode in which both the window and menu icons are separated and all menu icons are displayed, and Figure 2B shows the second mode in which the window partially overlaps some menu icons. FIG. 2C shows a mode in which both the window and the menu icon are separated and a part of the menu icon is not displayed.

In the example of FIG. 1, an example is shown in which only menu icons are displayed on the menu selection screen of the display unit 100. However, in the examples of FIG. 2A, FIG. A window 104 displaying a detailed image of the menu item corresponding to the menu icon is displayed.

[0049] This window 104 is larger in size than the menu icon. In the window ゥ 104, the detailed image of the menu icon is displayed. The detailed icon indicating the content of the menu item selected in the selection frame 102 is displayed, and the menu icon located in the selection frame 102 is enlarged. This is done by displaying. At this time, characters or the like explaining the contents of the menu item corresponding to the icon may be added to the detailed image. By displaying the menu icons in detail in the window 104, the visibility of the icons is improved.

In the first mode of FIG. 2A, window 104 and all of a plurality of menu icons are displayed. In the second mode of FIG. 2B, a part of the menu icons and the window 104 overlap, and the menu icons are partially hidden. As a result, the display space can be reduced.

As in the second embodiment, even if the menu icons are partially hidden, the presence of those icons can be recognized, and the visibility of the icons is maintained. Also, in the menu selection method by cyclically shifting the menu icons, if the menu icons are shifted in one direction, there is a sense of security that the desired menu icons always arrive at the selection frame 102. Even if part of one icon is hidden, there is no problem in menu selection.

[0052] The third mode of FIG. 2C is an example in which a plurality of menu icons are virtually arranged in a ring so as to be cyclically shiftable, and only some of the menu icons are displayed. this In such a case, without displaying all menu icons, only the menu icon at the position of the selection frame 102 and one icon before and after it are displayed, that is, a total of three icons, and other icons are not displayed. In addition, the display space is further reduced.

FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C are diagrams illustrating an example of display control accompanying a shift of a menu icon. Fig. 3A shows the initial screen, Fig. 3B shows the screen during the shift, and Fig. 3C shows the screen when the shift is stopped. In the menu selection mode, the initial menu selection screen as shown in Fig. 3A is displayed first. Here, the display in which the window and a part of the menu icon overlap (FIG. 2B) is adopted.

Next, when the user presses the shift key 102, each menu icon shifts downward (clockwise) (FIG. 2B). This shift state, that is, the window 104 for displaying a detailed image is deleted until the shift of the force is completed after the menu icon starts shifting, so that the user can concentrate on the operation of the menu icon. Further, since all of the plurality of menu icons can be completely displayed, the visibility of the icons is improved.

When the shift of the menu icon is completed (that is, when the user stops pressing the shift key), the display returns to the display as shown in FIG. 3C. In the window 104, the menu icon "B" at the position of the selection frame 102 is displayed in an enlarged manner. In this state, when the selection key 112 is pressed, the menu corresponding to the menu icon “B” is selected, and the display shifts to a display for executing the menu (not shown).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another mode of displaying a menu icon. In the example of FIG. 4, the menu icons (II, 12, 17) near the selection frame 102 are displayed large, and the other (13-16) are displayed small, thereby reducing the display space. In addition, the size of the window 104 can be increased by an amount corresponding to the reduction in the display space of the icon group, and the visibility of the icons displayed in detail can be improved.

In this case, by changing the size of the menu icons in accordance with the position of each icon, a group of menu icons virtually arranged in a ring can be expressed, and a three-dimensional perception can be provided with perspective. Can be. In addition, the icon display that shows the sense of perspective is visually and novelly reflected, so it can be expected to have a design effect.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an example in which the arrangement of a plurality of menu icons can be changed. FIG. FIG. 5A shows a display mode before the sequence is changed, and B shows a display mode after the sequence is changed.

[0059] The arrangement of the menu icons can be arbitrarily changed by a user's setting operation, or the electronic device automatically changes the arrangement of the menu icons according to the selection frequency of the menu item, the recent selection history, and the like. It may be possible to change it. By changing the arrangement of the menu icons, the operability can be further improved. In the example of FIG. 5B, in the initial state of the menu selection screen, for example, by placing the frequently used menu icons “B”, “D”, and “配置” near the selection frame 102, the usability is improved. I have.

(Second Embodiment)

Next, as a second embodiment of the present invention, an example of a configuration and an operation when applied to a mobile phone device will be described. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the external configuration of the mobile phone device according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the contents of a menu selection screen. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to parts common to the above-described figures.

The mobile phone device 200 according to the second embodiment is configured by a straight-type housing, and includes an antenna AN, a display unit (here, a liquid crystal display) 100, a speaker 111, and a numeric keypad 108. And a shift key 110 for cyclically shifting icons, a selection key 112, and a receiver (microphone) 115.

[0062] In the display unit 100, a selection frame 102 having a fixed display position, an icon group including nine menu icons 103, and a detailed image of the menu icon 103 selected in the selection frame 102 are displayed as a menu selection screen. A display window 104 and a soft key 106 that also has the English character of “select” for indicating that the upper left key in the figure functions as the selection key 112 are displayed. The menu icon 103 is provided corresponding to various functions in the mobile phone device 200 such as a camera function, a memory card function, various setting functions, a sound setting function, a browser function, a mail function, a telephone directory function, and a data folder function.

In this example, since the display space of the display unit 100 is limited and not all icons can be completely displayed, a mode in which the window 100 for displaying a detailed image is displayed over a plurality of icons (FIG. 2B Display mode) is adopted.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged and extracted menu selection screen in the mobile phone device of FIG. FIG. On the menu selection screen of the display unit 100, part of the nineteen menu icons II-19 is hidden under the window 104 for displaying the detailed image, and the nine icons II-19 are provided with nine icons. All existence can be confirmed. This makes it possible to reduce the display space while maintaining the visibility of the menu icons. That is, even when there is not enough display space because the display unit 100 is small, it is possible to flexibly cope with it.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first modification of the menu selection screen in the mobile phone device of the present embodiment. The example in FIG. 8 is a display screen assuming that the display unit 100 has a large display space and a sufficient display space is secured, in which all nine menu icons II-19 are completely displayed. . Thereby, the visibility of the icon is improved.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second modification of the menu selection screen in the mobile phone device of the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 7, where the size of the display unit 100 is small, even if the window 104 for displaying a detailed image is superimposed on the menu icon 103, sufficient display space cannot be secured. 4 shows a display screen. In this case, of the nine menu icons II-19, only some II-16 are displayed, and 17-19 are not displayed.

[0067] In the conventional method of moving the selection cursor over the icon, such a mode in which some icons are not displayed is not allowed, and display scrolling is required. Is difficult to remove. On the other hand, in the method according to the present embodiment, each menu icon 103 shifts cyclically and always comes to the position of the selection frame 102, so that even if some icons are not displayed, the user can grasp each menu item. Menu selection. Further, in the display screen of FIG. 9, since the two icons before and after the selection frame 102 are always displayed, a situation in which the icons suddenly appear at the position of the selection frame 102 does not occur, and no operability problem occurs.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

The mobile phone device 200 includes an antenna AN, a display unit 100, a wireless transmission / reception unit 300, a memory unit 310, a control unit 320, and an operation unit 330 (a numeric keypad 108, a shift key 110, a selection key 112, a voice input / output unit 340, a calling signal output unit 350, a microphone 345, a speaker 346, 351, a noise generator 352, and an LED 353.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a more specific configuration of the hardware shown in FIG. The radio transmitting / receiving unit 300 includes a duplexer 301, a radio frequency amplifier (RF) 302 for reception, an A / D converter 303, a modem 304, = 3—dec 305, a D / A converter 306, and a radio frequency for transmission. And an amplifier (TF) 307. The audio input / output unit 340 includes a DZA converter 341, audio signal amplifiers 342 and 343, and an AZD converter 344. The display unit 100 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 101.

[0071] The control unit 320 includes a CPU 321 that comprehensively controls the operation of the entire system, a RAM 322, a ROM 323, an image controller 324 that controls display on the display unit 100, an image synthesizing unit 325,

Here, each of the CPU 321 and the modem 304, the codec 305, the audio input / output unit 340, the RAM 322, the ROM 323, and the image controller 324 are connected via a bus (BUS). Signals can be exchanged.

[0073] The memory unit 310 includes an icon memory 311 storing image data of menu icons, a graphic memory 312 storing image data of background images such as window frames and selection frames, and the like. A detailed display memory 313 for storing image data of an image or performing an enlargement process of an icon image is provided.

Hereinafter, an operation for realizing the display of the menu selection screen as shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 (the menu icons are circulated or the detailed image of the selected menu icon is displayed in the detailed image display window) (Including operation).

An image (still image) displayed on the display unit 100 (the liquid crystal display 101) is synthesized by the image synthesizing unit 325 to create display screen data. Therefore, in order to cyclically shift the menu icons by the operation of the operation unit 330, it is only necessary to sequentially combine and output images in which the position of each menu icon is shifted little by little.

At this time, an image of a plurality of menu icons 103 (II-19) is output from the image controller 324 power icon memory 311, and a background including a selection frame 102 ゃゥ window 104 frame from the graphic memory 312. Output an image. Then, in the image synthesizing unit 325, the menu When synthesizing the image of one icon and the background image, the position of the image of the menu icon is displaced little by little according to the operation of the operation unit 330 (shift key 110). Thus, each of the menu icons (II-119) can be cyclically moved on the display unit 110 (the liquid crystal display 101).

Further, the memory 313 for displaying details is used to display the details of the menu item corresponding to the menu icon 103 located in the selection frame 102. For example, the detailed display memory 313 stores image data of a detailed icon indicating the content of each menu item. Alternatively, the image data of the menu icon stored in the icon memory 311 is read, and the image is enlarged on the detailed display memory 313. For example, when the menu icon image is enlarged twice, the data of one pixel of the icon image read from the icon memory 311 is reduced to four pixels (2 pixels × 2 pixels) of the detailed display memory 313. Write it! /.

Then, the icon image data for the detailed image is output from the detailed display memory 313, and the image data is synthesized and output by the image synthesizing unit 325 so as to fit in the frame at the position of the window 104. This allows the window 104 to display the details of the selected menu icon.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the window 104 is deleted while the menu icons are cyclically shifted, a background image without a window frame is deleted from the graphic memory 312. At the same time, the output of the icon image for the detailed image from the detailed display memory 313 is stopped. As a result, the window 104 is deleted from the image synthesized by the image synthesis unit 325.

As described above, the image controller 324 receiving the instruction from the CPU 321 outputs the image data from the three memories 311-313 included in the memory unit 310 and performs the synthesizing operation (that is, the synthesizing operation in the image synthesizing unit 325) And the writing address in the image memory when the images are combined. As a result, images with cyclically shifted menu icons, images with the window for displaying detailed images deleted, images with overlapping windows and some menu icons, images with some menu icons not displayed, etc. Can be freely created and displayed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure for realizing a cyclic shift of an icon. The The operation according to this flowchart is executed by the processing of the CPU 321, the image controller 324, the image synthesizing unit 325, and the like based on the software program stored in the ROM 323 or the like in the control unit 320.

A menu selection screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 100 in response to a menu key operation or the like from the initial screen or the standby screen after the power is turned on. The user can select each function corresponding to the menu item on this menu selection screen.

[0083] When the shift key 110 is operated (S400) while the menu icon 103 and the window 104 for displaying a detailed image are displayed (the initial screen of the menu selection screen shown in Fig. 3A), As shown in FIG. 3B, the window 104 is hidden (S401). However, step S401 may be omitted in some cases.

Next, the operation instruction direction of the cyclic shift of the menu icon by the shift key 110 is determined (S402). If the shift operation instruction direction is downward, the menu icon 103 is shifted by one clockwise (S403), and if it is upward, the menu icon 103 is shifted by one counterclockwise (S403). S404). Then, the detailed image icon of the menu item corresponding to the menu icon 103 at the position of the selection frame 102 is enlarged and displayed in the window 104 (S405).

Here, if the selection key 112 is not pressed (S406), the process returns to step S400. If the selection key 112 is pressed (S406), the display shifts to the display of the corresponding function screen of the next layer related to the menu item (function) corresponding to the selected menu icon (S407). Then, the function of the corresponding menu item is executed according to the user operation. After executing the function of the selected menu item, it is possible to return to the display of the menu selection screen according to the operation of the knock key by the user or the like. In this case, the menu icon selected last time is in the position of the selection frame 102.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the shift key is intermittently pressed and the menu icon is continuously cyclically shifted. In FIG. 13, steps S400, S401, S406, and S407 in FIG. 12 described above are omitted.

When the shift key 110 is operated, after the processing of S400 and S401 in FIG. The operation instruction direction of the cyclic shift of the menu icon according to 10 is determined (S500). Here, if the shift operation instruction direction is downward, it is determined whether or not the operation by the shift key 110 is being continued (S501). When the shift key 110 is continuously depressed or the shift key 110 is continuously depressed and the shift operation is continued, the menu icon 103 is continuously shifted clockwise (S502). Then, when the operation of the shift key 110 is released (S504), the cyclic shift of the menu icon 103 is stopped (S505). On the other hand, in step S501, if the shift key 110 is operated only once and the shift operation is not continued, the menu icon 103 is shifted by one clockwise (S503).

[0088] Also, in step S500, similarly, when the shift operation instruction direction is the upward direction, it is determined whether the operation by shift key 110 is ongoing (S506), and whether the shift operation is ongoing is determined. At this time, the menu icon 103 is continuously shifted counterclockwise (S507). Then, when the operation of the shift key 110 is released (S509), the cyclic shift of the menu icon 103 is stopped (S510). On the other hand, if the shift operation has not been continued in step S506, the menu icon 103 is shifted by one counterclockwise (S508).

Then, the detailed image icon of the menu item corresponding to the menu icon 103 at the position of the selection frame 102 is enlarged and displayed in the window 104 (S405). Thereafter, S406 and S407 in FIG. 12 are executed.

[0090] The arrangement of the menu icons 103 can be arbitrarily changed by a user's setting operation, as shown in Fig. 5, or according to the selection frequency of the menu icons 103, the recent selection history, and the like. It is also possible to automatically change the arrangement of electronic device icons. When changing the arrangement of the menu icons 103 according to the selection frequency or the like, the menu icon 103 at the position of the selection frame 102 is selected by the selection key 112, and before or after executing the function of the corresponding menu item, the selection is made. The number of selected menu items, the selection history, and the like are stored, and are stored as statistical information on menu selection. Then, on the initial screen of the menu selection screen, depending on the number of selections of the menu item, the selection history, and the like, the frequency of selection, the thing or the most recently selected one, etc. are placed at or near the position of the selection frame 102. Change the arrangement of the menu icons 103 so that they are arranged.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a menu is selected without using a special technique, The operability and visibility in the system can be significantly improved, and the burden on the user can be reduced.

[0092] As described above, according to the menu display control method of the present embodiment, menu selection can be intuitively and easily performed, and the burden on the user when selecting a menu is reduced. You. In the present embodiment, since the selection frame is fixed, the user is not required to move the viewpoint, and the icons are cyclically shifted. Therefore, for the user who can easily grasp the mutual relationship of the icons, An easy-to-see icon selection screen is realized.

[0093] Further, since the icons only need to be basically shifted in one direction, the burden on the user is reduced as compared with the conventional method in which the cursor or the like needs to be moved on a two-dimensional plane. In this case, even if the desired menu icon has accidentally passed the selection frame, if the shift operation is continued, the menu icon that has been cycled comes to the selection frame, or the passed menu icon is moved in the reverse direction. Operation efficiency is good because only a small amount needs to be returned. In addition, since the intuitive operation of the icons is sufficient, the psychological burden on the user is reduced. In addition, since it is easy to grasp the entire image of the icon, the user who shifts the icon feels that the desired icon arrives at the selection frame earlier, and in this respect, the user's psychological burden is also increased. It is reduced.

[0094] Basically, menu selection can be performed as long as only (one or two) icons before and after the selection frame are displayed. Can be reduced. Even if the number of icons is reduced, the icons are displayed cyclically, so that the types of icons and the relationship between the icons can be easily grasped. In addition, it is easy to adopt a variety of correlations, such as a display in which the size of the icons near the selection frame is large and the size of the other icons is small (that is, a display that is conscious of perspective).

[0095] In addition, not only the menu icons but also a window which is a display area different from the menu icons is provided on the display unit, and a detailed image of the icon at the position of the selection frame is displayed in this window. The visibility of the user's icon can be improved. In this case, the icon display space is reduced by the amount of the window. Some icons are not displayed, some icons are reduced in size, or windows and some icons are displayed in a superimposed manner. The display area is narrow by taking measures such as it can.

[0096] The electronic device such as the mobile phone device of the present embodiment that employs the above-described menu display control method can easily select a menu and reduce the burden on the user. Can be effectively dealt with. In particular, in mobile terminal devices that are becoming smaller and more multifunctional, the limited display space is effectively used, and the intuitive and simple operation allows the user to select the desired functions efficiently. This makes it possible to improve the usability of the user.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select a desired menu (function) comfortably while effectively using the limited display space and reducing the burden on the user. It is possible to improve the usability of electronic devices such as power devices and, consequently, increase the commercial value.

Industrial applicability

[0098] The present invention has an effect that, when selecting a menu using a menu icon, the icon can be easily checked, the operability is enhanced, and the burden on the user can be reduced. This is useful as a display control technique for a menu selection screen in an electronic device such as a portable terminal device capable of displaying a menu selection screen in a section and selecting a menu item.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a display unit,

An operation unit having a first operation key for performing an operation input for shifting a plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit,

A function of displaying at least a part of the plurality of menu icons and a selection frame whose position on the display unit is fixed on the display unit; The plurality of menu icons are circulated on the display unit in such a manner that the menu icons sequentially pass through the selection frame when the first operation keys are operated so that the menu icons can be shifted. Image display control unit having a function of shifting while

Electronic equipment provided with.

[2] a second operation key for performing an operation input for selecting one of the plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit,

An operation control unit having a function of selecting a menu item corresponding to a menu icon at a position of the selection frame displayed on the display unit when the second operation key is operated;

The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising:

[3] The image display control unit displays at least a part of the plurality of menu icons and the selection frame on the display unit, and displays a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon at the position of the selection frame. Have a function

The electronic device according to claim 1.

[4] The image display control unit stores the detailed image in at least a part of at least one of the plurality of menu icons other than the menu icons located before and after the selection frame. 4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the electronic device is displayed larger than each menu icon so as to overlap.

[5] The image display control unit hides at least one of the plurality of menu icons other than the menu icons located before and after the selection frame. The electronic device according to claim 3.

[6] The image display control unit displays, among the plurality of menu icons, the menu icon located at and near the position of the selection frame, larger than the other menu icons.

The electronic device according to claim 3.

[7] The image display control unit cyclically shifts the plurality of menu icons in response to the operation of the first operation key, so that the detailed image is displayed while the menu icons are being displaced. Hide

The electronic device according to claim 3.

[8] The image display control unit, when an arbitrary menu icon is positioned in the selection frame and the displacement of the menu icon stops, displays a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon positioned in the selection frame. Display larger than this menu icon

The electronic device according to claim 7.

[9] The image display control unit can change an arrangement of the plurality of menu icons.

The electronic device according to claim 1.

[10] The first operation key is for instructing a shift operation in two directions including one direction or a direction opposite to the one direction.

The electronic device according to claim 1.

[11] a display unit,

An operation unit having a first operation key for performing an operation input for shifting a plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit;

A menu display control method in an electronic device comprising:

V, displaying a selection frame, and arranging the plurality of menu icons so as to be able to virtually and cyclically shift, and when the first operation key is operated, on the display unit, Shifting the plurality of menu icons while circulating them so that each menu icon sequentially passes through the selection frame;

A menu display control method in an electronic device having the same.

[12] When displaying the menu icon and the selection frame on the display unit, a window larger than the menu icon is displayed, and a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon at the position of the selection frame is displayed in this window. indicate

A menu display control method in the electronic device according to claim 11.

[13] A display unit that displays a large window, a menu icon group including a plurality of small menu icons displayed near the window, and a selection frame displayed at a fixed position. ,

A shift key for performing an operation input for shifting the plurality of menu icons displayed on the display unit;

An operation unit having a selection key for performing an operation input for selecting one of the plurality of menu icons;

In the menu selection mode, a plurality of menu icons of the menu icon group are arranged so as to be virtually cyclically shiftable, and the window is superimposed on a part of the menu icon group. A function for generating an image obtained by synthesizing a detailed image corresponding to the menu icon at the position of the selection frame, displaying the synthesized image on the display unit as a menu selection screen for menu selection, and operating the shift key. In this case, a function for generating and displaying an image shifted while circulating the menu icons in a form in which each menu icon sequentially passes through the selection frame, and a function for operating the selection key Displays a corresponding function screen for executing the menu item corresponding to the menu icon at the position of the selection frame at that time. Image Display control unit and a function,

A mobile terminal device comprising: