Method for operating an information device

Abstract

A method for operating an information device (20) having at least one display unit (22), wherein the method comprises: displaying a menu (24) having at least one sub-item (26, 28) at a first position on the display unit (22), receiving a first user input, wherein one of the sub-items (26, 28) of the menu (24) is selected by means of the first user input, and based on the selection of the sub-item (26, 28) of the menu (24), identifying a menu having one or more control elements (32, 66, 70, 72) A window (30) is provided, wherein the control element is selectable by a second further user input, and the identified window (30) having one or more control elements (32, 66, 70, 72) is displayed on the display unit (22) on one side of the first menu or adjacent to one side of the first menu and / or instead of the menu (24), and a third user input is received, wherein the window (30) is positioned on the display unit (22) independently of the menu (24) at a first position on the display unit (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a computer system. Background Art

[0002] A method for controlling the operation of a display device as a function of a user input is known from EP 2 490 113 B1.

[0003] An interface method for controlling a menu on an electronic device is known from EP 2 442 221 B1. Summary of the invention

[0004] A method for operating an information device having at least one display unit is proposed, wherein the method comprises:

[0005] A menu with at least one sub-item is displayed at a first position on the display unit,

[0006] receiving a first user input, wherein one of the sub-items of the menu is selected by means of the first user input,

[0007] Based on the selection of a sub-item of the menu, identifying a window having one or more control elements that can be selected by a further second user input,

[0008] showing the identified window with one or more control elements on the display unit on one side of the first menu or adjacent to one side of the first menu and / or as an alternative to the menu,

[0009] A third user input is received, wherein the window is positioned on the display unit independently of the first position of the menu on the display unit by means of the third user input.

[0010] An information device may be understood as a device that is used to display or present information to an observer or user. In addition, the user can make user inputs on the information device. A display unit may be understood as a unit for displaying or presenting data and / or information (e.g. menus), wherein in particular the displayed information and / or data (e.g. menus) can be perceived by the observer. The display unit may be designed, for example, as a display (e.g. LCD display).

[0011] The advantage of this method is that menus and windows can be run more quickly and more simply by the user. The user can advantageously move, position and / or fix windows on the display unit. Thus, an operator, user or user can position windows on the display unit by means of user input, thereby enabling the surface of the display unit to be individually configured.

[0012] In an extension, a path is predefined on the display unit by means of a third user input, wherein the window is moved on the display unit along the predefined path independently of the first position of the menu. In an advantageous embodiment, the window is moved along the predefined path from the first position of the window to the second position of the window. Thus, the user can advantageously move the window on the display unit or position and / or fix the window at a desired position. Advantageously, the user can thereby personalize the display unit, thereby making the operation of the information device simpler and faster for the user.

[0013] Advantageously, a first point is selected on the display unit by means of the first user input, wherein the first point on the display unit is located within one of the subitems of the menu and / or on one of the subitems of the menu. This ensures that the associated window is identified, which the user selected by means of the first user input. This preferably simplifies the operation or control of the display unit for the user.

[0014] In one embodiment, the size of a window positioned on the display unit independently of the first position of the menu can be changed by means of a fourth user input. This allows the user to advantageously personalize the surface of the display unit. This ensures a fast, simple and safe operation of the information device. The size of the window can be changed independently of the first menu by means of a fourth user input.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second window can be positioned on the display unit independently of the first position of the first menu and independently of the second position of the first window. This ensures that the user can position a plurality of windows independently of one another on the display unit. This ensures that the display unit can be personalized, so that the user can operate the information device quickly and easily.

[0016] Preferably, the menu and / or window is displayed as a pop-up menu (Dropout-Menü). This ensures that the window is displayed to the user quickly and reliably. A pop-up menu can also be called a fly-out menu (Fly-Out-Menü) or an folding menu (Aufklapp-Menü).

[0017] In addition advantageously, one or more sub-items and / or contents of a menu can be shown in a window. Thus, an observer or user can, for example, identify which menu it is related to or infer a menu or a sub-item of a menu.

[0018] In one specific embodiment, a fifth user input is received, wherein a control element of the window is selected by means of the fifth user input, wherein an action is triggered based on the selection of the control element of the window. This ensures a simple and fast operation of the display unit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the user input is applied by means of a computer mouse and / or keyboard and / or touching the display unit and / or sliding on the display unit. This ensures fast and simple operation of the display unit or the information device.

[0020] Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, wherein a method for operating the computer program product can be carried out on the computer program product.

[0021] The information device advantageously has at least one display unit for displaying a menu with at least one sub-item and for displaying a window with one or more control elements. This ensures that the menu and / or window are displayed on the display unit to an observer of the display unit.

[0022] In one embodiment, the information device has at least one input device for detecting at least one user input, thereby ensuring that the user input of the observer or user is recognized, thereby simplifying the operation of the information device for the user.

[0023] Furthermore, the display unit is advantageously designed as a touch display. This has the advantage that the user can enter user inputs via the touch display (eg with his finger). This ensures simple and fast operation of the display unit or the information device.

[0024] Furthermore, a computer program is proposed, which comprises instructions which, when executed by an information device, cause the information device to execute a method for operating an information device. This ensures simple and fast operation of the display unit or the information device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and are further explained in the following description. The same reference numerals are used for elements shown in different drawings and having the same function, wherein a repeated description of these elements is omitted. The drawings show:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a method for operating an information device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of an information device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a display unit having a menu and a window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] FIG4 is a schematic diagram showing a display unit having a menu and a window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a display unit having a menu and a window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a display unit having a menu and a window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a display unit having a first menu and a window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a display unit having a menu, a window and a second window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing a display unit having a menu, a window and a second window according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a method 100 for operating an information device is shown. Preferably, the information device has at least one display unit. In a first step 102 of the method 100, a menu with at least one sub-item is displayed at a first position on the display unit. Displaying the menu at the first position on the display unit can be triggered by a user input or user input. As an alternative, in one embodiment, the menu can already be displayed on the display unit.

[0036] In a second step 104, a first user input is received, wherein one of the subitems of the menu is selected by means of the first user input or user input. In other words, the user can select one of the subitems of the menu by means of the first user input (for example by a mouse click and / or by touching with a finger if the display unit is designed as a touch display). Alternatively, the user input can be realized in that the user moves a cursor through one of the subitems of the menu. In order to obtain the user input, the information device can have an input unit and / or a display unit designed as a touch display.

[0037] In one embodiment, a first point can be selected on the display unit by means of a first user input, wherein the first point on the display unit is located within a subitem of a menu and / or on a subitem of a menu. In other words, a subitem of a menu can be selected when a user places a cursor and / or a mouse or a computer mouse, for example, on the display unit or moves the cursor or mouse to the first point on the display unit, wherein the first point on the display unit is located within a subitem of a first menu and / or on a subitem of a menu.

[0038] In a third step 106, a window with one or more control elements is identified based on the selection of a sub-item of the menu. The one or more control elements of the window can be selected in particular by means of a further second user input.

[0039] In a fourth step 108, the identified window with one or more control elements is displayed on the display unit on one side of the first menu or adjacent to one side of the first menu and / or instead of the first menu. In one embodiment, the window can be displayed directly adjacent to the menu and / or spaced apart from the menu. In an extension, the window can be displayed at a first position on the display unit.

[0040] In one embodiment, the window is closed again as soon as the user switches to another different sub-item of the first menu and / or (when the display unit is implemented as a touch display) as soon as the user, for example, moves the cursor or finger from the first sub-item of the first menu and / or from the first menu. In the case where the display unit is implemented as a touch display, in particular, another third menu can be opened if the user's cursor or finger switches to another sub-item of the first menu and thus selects another different sub-item of the first menu. Thus, the third menu is identified based on the selection of another different sub-item of the first menu.

[0041] In the fifth step 110, a third user input is received, wherein the window is positioned and / or fixed on the display unit independently of the first position of the menu on the display unit by means of the third user input. Advantageously, the window can be positioned at a second position on the display unit independently of the first position of the menu on the display unit by means of the third user input. In other words, the user can position and / or move the window on the display unit independently of the menu on the display unit by means of the third user input. Thus, the window advantageously remains fixed on the user interface and no longer closes automatically. In addition, the window can be embedded (English: embedded) in the user interface, whereby the window belongs to the relevant user interface and can change with the user interface. For example, the user input can be implemented by clicking on the mouse and / or (when the display unit is implemented as a touch display) by touching the display unit with a finger. In order to obtain the user input, the information device can have an input unit and / or a display unit (the display unit is implemented as a touch display).

[0042] In an extension, a path can be predefined on the display unit by means of a third user input, wherein the window is moved on the display unit along the predefined path independently of the first position of the menu. Advantageously, the window can be moved along the predefined path from the first position of the window to the second position of the window.

[0043] In one embodiment, the size of a window that is positioned on the display unit independently of the first position of the menu can be changed, in particular, by means of the fourth user input. In other words, the window can be positioned, moved and / or changed as a separate window independently of the menu. For example, the window can be enlarged or reduced as a separate window.

[0044] In one embodiment, a control element of a window can be selected, for example, by means of a fifth user input, wherein an action is triggered based on the selection of the control element of the window. Advantageously, the user can click and / or select and / or drag a control element of the window, thereby triggering an action within or outside the information device. Advantageously, the user can also make inputs in the control elements within the window and / or change values ​​within the window.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, the window can also be closed again by the user.

[0046] In another advantageous embodiment, the window or windows can be embedded and / or integrated into a working area and / or a worksheet on the display unit (preferably embedded at a certain position in the working area and / or the worksheet). Thus, the integrated window can be changed and / or processed together with the working area. Thus, the user can create an individualized or personalized working area and / or worksheet with one or more integrated windows.

[0047] In an extended solution, in addition to the window, a third menu can be positioned on the display unit independently of the first position of the first menu and / or independently of the second position of the window. In other words, the third menu can be positioned on the display unit independently of the first menu and / or independently of the window. To this end, the third menu can be identified based on the selection of a sub-item of the first menu, wherein the identified third menu with one or more control elements is advantageously shown at a third position on the display unit. The third menu can therefore run the method 100 corresponding to the window. Here, the window can advantageously remain positioned on the display unit, or the position of the window can be changed (especially with the help of user input) independently of the position of the first menu and / or the position of the third menu.

[0048] Figure 2An advantageous schematic diagram of a stereoscopic view of an information device 20 is shown. In this advantageous embodiment, the information device 20 has a display unit 22. The display unit 22 of the information device 20 is connected in particular to a computing unit 23 or a control device 23. The computing unit 23 advantageously calculates data or image data to be displayed on the display unit 22. The image data calculated in the computing unit 23 is transmitted to the display unit 22 and is thus displayed on the display unit 22. In this embodiment, a menu 24 is displayed on the display unit 22. The menu 24 is displayed at a first position on the display unit 22. In other words, the menu 24 is displayed on the surface of the display unit. The menu 24 has at least one sub-item 26, 28. In this configuration, the menu 24 has a first sub-item 26 and a second sub-item 28.

[0049] The user or user can make user inputs on the information device 20. For this purpose, the information device 20 advantageously has at least one input device 29, which is used to detect at least one user input. The input device 29 is advantageously connected to the computing unit 23. The input device 29 is implemented as a computer mouse and / or a keyboard, for example. The user input can preferably be implemented with the aid of a computer mouse and / or a keyboard. In an extended solution, the display unit 22 can be configured as a touch display, wherein the user input can therefore be implemented by touching the display unit 22 and / or by sliding on the display unit 22.

[0050] Figure 3 An advantageous schematic diagram of a display unit 22 is shown. A menu 24 with at least one sub-item is shown at a first position on the display unit 22. The display of the menu 24 at the first position on the display unit can be triggered by a user input or a user input.

[0051] Preferably, the menu 24 has a first sub-item 26 and a second sub-item 28, wherein the first sub-item 26 and the second sub-item 28 are arranged one above the other. In this embodiment, one of the two sub-items 26, 28 of the first menu 24 is selected by means of a first user input or user input, wherein in this embodiment the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 is selected. Based on the selection of the first sub-item 26 of the menu 24, a window 30 is identified, for example by means of a computing unit of the information device, and is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0052] A window 30 is shown on one side of the menu 24 and / or in place of the menu and / or adjacent to the first menu 24. In this embodiment, the window 30 is shown on the display unit 22 to the right of the first menu 24, based on the perspective of the observer or user. In an advantageous embodiment, the window 30 is shown as a pop-up menu. A drop-down menu may also be referred to as a fly-out menu or a folding menu.

[0053] The first arrow 34 indicates that the window 30 is identified and displayed based on the selection of the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24. For this purpose, the first arrow 34 preferably starts from the end of the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 and points to the window 30. Preferably, this can also be indicated by extending the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 into the window 30.

[0054] As an alternative, the window 30 may also cover the menu 24 when it is opened, or the menu 24 may be replaced by the window 30. Thus, the menu 24 will no longer be visible to the observer.

[0055] The window 30 has in particular one or more control elements 32, wherein the one or more control elements 32 can be selected by a further second user input. In this embodiment, the window 30 has the control elements 32. The control elements 32 are shown in the window 30 on the display unit 22.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows that according to Figure 3 An advantageous schematic diagram of the display unit 22 of FIG. Figure 3 Differently, in FIG. 4 a , when the window 30 is opened, the menu 24 is covered by the window 30. In other words, the window 30 covers the menu 24 when it is opened. In addition, the menu 24 may be replaced by the window 30. Therefore, the menu 24 will no longer be visible to the observer.

[0057] Figure 4b Show according to Figure 4a An advantageous schematic diagram of a display unit 22 of FIG. A window 30 ′ with a control element 32 ′ is shown on the display unit 22. Figure 4a Different, in Figure 4b , the window 30' is shown fixed at a changed position and / or fixed on the display unit 22 or on the user interface. With the third user input, the window 30' is positioned and / or moved on the display unit 22 independently of the first position of the first menu 24. In other words, the window 30' with the control element 32' is shown and / or positioned at an independent position on the display unit 22 independently of the first menu 24, and in particular, the window is no longer closed automatically. In an extension, the user can make further user inputs (in particular a fourth user input and / or a fifth user input) in the window 30'.

[0058] In another advantageous embodiment, the one or more windows can be embedded and / or integrated into a work area and / or a worksheet on the display unit (preferably embedded at a certain position in the work area and / or worksheet). Thus, the integrated window can be changed and / or processed together with the work area. Thus, the user can create an individualized or personalized work area and / or worksheet with one or more integrated windows.

[0059] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 3 A menu 24 and a window 30' with a control element 32' are shown on the display unit 22. Figure 3 Different, in Figure 5 , the window 30' is shown fixed at a changed position and / or fixed on the display unit 22 or on the user interface. With the third user input, the window 30' is positioned and / or moved on the display unit 22 independently of the first position of the first menu 24. In other words, the window 30' with the control element 32' is shown and / or positioned at an independent position on the display unit 22 independently of the first menu 24, and the window is no longer closed automatically. In an extension, the user can make further user inputs (in particular a fourth user input and / or a fifth user input) in the window 30'.

[0060] In another advantageous embodiment, a window or a plurality of windows can be embedded and / or integrated into a work area and / or a worksheet on the display unit (preferably embedded at a certain position in the work area and / or the worksheet). Thus, the integrated window can be changed and / or processed together with the work area. Thus, the user can create an individual or personalized work area and / or worksheet with one or more integrated windows.

[0061] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 3 A menu 24 and a window 30 are shown on the display unit 22. Figure 3 Different, in Figure 6 6 shows how the window 30 can be moved along a predetermined path (indicated here by the second arrow 64) from the first position of the window 30 to the second position of the window 30'. In other words, the window 30 with the control element 32 is preferably moved along the second arrow 64 on the display unit 22 by means of the third user input. Accordingly, the window 30' with the control element 32' is positioned on the display unit 22. The window 30' can be positioned independently of the menu 24 and / or the window 30' can be positioned independently of the first position of the menu 24.

[0062] As an alternative, the window 30 may also cover the menu 24 when it is opened, or the menu 24 may be replaced by the window 30. Thus, the menu 24 will no longer be visible to the observer.

[0063] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 5A menu 24 and a window 30' are shown on the display unit 22, wherein the window 30' is positioned on the display unit 22 independently of the first position of the menu 24. Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 or the content of the first sub-item 26 is transferred to the window 30'. As a result, the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 is displayed in the window 30' by means of the control element 66'. In other words, the control element 66' corresponding to the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 is displayed in the window 30'. As a result, the user can be informed that the window 30' corresponding to the first sub-item 26 is recognized and / or is recognized as a window 30' by the first user input, wherein the first sub-item 26 of the first menu 24 has been selected by means of the first user input. In an extended solution, the user can make further user inputs (especially the fourth user input and / or the fifth user input) in the window 30'.

[0064] As an alternative, the window 30 may also cover the menu 24 when it is opened, or the menu 24 may be replaced by the window 30. Thus, the menu 24 will no longer be visible to the observer.

[0065] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 5 A menu 24 and a window 30' are shown on the display unit 22, wherein the window 30' is positioned or fixed on the display unit 22 independently of the first position of the first menu 24. Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, one of the two subitems 26, 28 of the menu 24 is selected by means of a first user input, wherein in this embodiment the second subitem 28 of the menu 24 is selected. Based on the selection of the second subitem 28 of the menu 24, the second window 68 is identified and displayed on the display unit 22, for example, by means of a computing unit of the information device.

[0066] The second window 68 is displayed on one side of the first menu 24 and / or adjacent to one side of the first menu and / or in place of the menu 24. In this embodiment, based on the perspective of the observer or user, the third menu 68 is displayed on the display unit 22 to the right of the first menu 24. In an advantageous embodiment, the third menu 68 is displayed as a pop-up menu. A pop-up menu may also be referred to as a fly-out menu or a folding menu.

[0067] The third arrow 71 indicates that the third menu 68 is identified and displayed based on the selection of the second sub-item 28 of the first menu 24. For this purpose, the third arrow 71 preferably starts from the end of the second sub-item 28 of the first menu 24 and points to the third menu 68. Preferably, this can also be indicated by extending the second sub-item 28 of the first menu 24 into the third menu 68.

[0068] As an alternative, the window 30 may also cover the menu 24 when it is opened, or the menu 24 may be replaced by the window 30. Thus, the menu 24 will no longer be visible to the observer.

[0069] The second window 68 has in particular one or more control elements 70 , wherein the one or more control elements 70 can be selected by a further second user input. In this embodiment, the second window 68 has one control element 70 . The control element 70 is shown in the second window 68 on the display unit 22 .

[0070] exist Fig. 9 According to Figure 5 A menu 24 and a window 30' are shown on the display unit 22, wherein the first window 30' is positioned on the display unit 22 independently of the first position of the menu 24. Fig. 9 In this embodiment, the window 68' is positioned on the display unit 22 independently of the first position of the menu 24 and / or independently of the second position of the first window 30'. The second window 68' has one or more control elements 70'. In addition, the second window 68' can be moved and / or positioned on the display unit 22 independently of the menu 24 and / or independently of the first window 30'.

[0071] As an alternative, the window 30 may also cover the menu 24 when it is opened, or the menu 24 may be replaced by the window 30. Thus, the menu 24 will no longer be visible to the observer.

[0072] In another advantageous embodiment, the first window 30' and / or the second window 68' or a plurality of windows can be embedded and / or integrated into the working area and / or the worksheet on the display unit (preferably embedded and / or integrated at a certain position in the working area and / or the worksheet). Thus, the integrated window can be changed and / or processed together with the working area. Thus, the user can create an individualized or personalized working area and / or worksheet with one or more integrated windows.

Claims

1. A method for operating an information device (20), the information device having at least one display unit (22), wherein: The method comprises: displaying a menu (24) having at least one sub-item (26, 28) at a first position on the display unit (22), receiving a first user input, wherein one of the sub-items (26, 28) of the menu (24) is selected by means of the first user input, identifying a window (30) having one or more control elements (32, 66, 70) based on the selection of the sub-item (26, 28) of the menu (24), wherein the one or more control elements are selectable by means of a second user input, wherein the window (30) having one or more control elements (32, 66, 70) is identified by extending the first sub-item (26) of the first menu (24) into the window (30), indicating: based on the selection of the first sub-item (26) of the first menu (24), the window (30) is identified and displayed, and the identified window (30) having one or more control elements is displayed on the display unit (22) on one side of the menu or adjacent to one side of the menu. A window (30) of one or more control elements (32, 66, 70) receives a third user input, wherein the window (30) is positioned on the display unit (22) independently of the menu (24) at a first position on the display unit (22), characterized in that as soon as a user switches to a second sub-item of the menu (24) and the user moves away from the first sub-item (26, 28) of the menu (24), a second window (68) is displayed on the display unit (22) and the identified window (30) is automatically closed again, wherein if the third user input has been received before switching to the second sub-item, the window (30) remains fixed on the user interface and is no longer automatically closed when the second window (68) is displayed on the display unit (22), wherein the window (30) is displayed as a pop-up menu.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that A path is predefined on the display unit (22) by means of the third user input, wherein the window (30) is moved along the predefined path on the display unit (22) independently of the first position of the menu (24).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The window (30) is moved along a predetermined path from a first position of the window (30) to a second position of the window (30).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A first point is selected on the display unit (22) by means of the first user input, wherein the first point on the display unit (22) is located within one of two sub-items (26, 28) of the menu (24) and / or is located on one of the two sub-items (26, 28) of the menu (24).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The size of the window (30) can be changed by means of a fourth user input, the window being positioned on the display unit (22) independently of the first position of the menu (24).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A second window (68) can be positioned on the display unit (22) independently of the first position of the menu (24) and / or independently of the second position of the window (30).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The menu (24) is displayed as a pop-up menu.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that One or more sub-items (26, 28) of the menu (24) and / or the content of the menu can be displayed in the window (30).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A fifth user input is received, wherein a control element of the window (30) is selected by means of the fifth user input, wherein an action is triggered based on the selection of the control element of the window (30).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The user input is applied by means of a computer mouse and / or a keyboard and / or touching the display unit (22) and / or sliding on the display unit (22).

11. An information device, wherein: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 can be carried out on the information device (20).

12. The information device (20) according to claim 11, comprising at least one display unit (22) for displaying a menu (24) having at least one sub-item (26, 28) and for displaying a window (30) having one or more control elements.

13. The information device (20) according to claim 11 or 12, comprising at least one input device for detecting at least one user input.

14. The information device (20) according to claim 12, characterized in that The display unit (22) is configured as a touch display.

15. A machine-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program comprising the following instructions: when the program is executed by an information device (20), the instructions cause the information device to execute the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 10.

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