Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

The information processing apparatus includes: an input unit that receives a user operation; an output unit that displays an image on a display; and a processing unit. The processing unit performs: a process for calculating a first movement amount in accordance with a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends; and a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount to update the object parameter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and an information processing program. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a case where an arbitrary value is set or changed, in addition to a method of directly inputting a value, a method of operating a slider is a common method. The slider is a user interface component that is also sometimes referred to as a slide bar. By employing the slider, a user is able to input a value through an intuitive operation. With regard to the slider, for example, the following related art is known.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-150678 (Patent Literature 1) discloses a technique capable of appropriately achieving focusing on a sample surface with regard to a microscope system. Specifically, a GUI screen including a GUI component such as a slide bar with which a user is able to change a focus height is disclosed. In the GUI screen, a focus height value is displayed in a column on the right side of the slide bar. The focus height value is a value in a range from a minimum value 0 to a maximum value 65535.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-180538 (Patent Literature 2) discloses a microscope apparatus provided with a function of reproducing an observation position of a specimen. Specifically, a GUI screen including a Z-direction button and a Z-direction slide bar for moving an XYZθ motor-driven stage in the Z direction is disclosed.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-006182 (Patent Literature 3) discloses efficient and accurate interactive control for an imaging device. Specifically, a display screen including a focus icon for moving a fundus focus point to a closer point or a more distant point by a left arrow / right arrow is disclosed.

[0006] Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3021077 (Patent Literature 4) discloses a control device of a wireless communication apparatus that is capable of obtaining a feeling extremely close to that of rotating a dial and also capable of easily designating a magnitude of a frequency change when a frequency of use of the wireless communication apparatus is changed using a mouse or the like.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-501496 (Patent Literature 5) discloses a mechanism for enabling a user to scroll a displayed reader.

[0008] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-090161 (Patent Literature 6) discloses a user interface capable of finely adjusting an input amount of an operation member capable of inputting a variable amount corresponding to an operation amount of one operation without adding a special member for finely adjusting the operation input amount.

[0009] RELATED ART DOCUMENTS

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-150678

[0012] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-180538

[0013] Patent Literature 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-006182

[0014] Patent Literature 4: Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 3021077

[0015] Patent Literature 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-501496

[0016] Patent Literature 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-090161 SUMMARY

[0017] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0018] For example, in the GUI screen disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the movable range of the slide bar corresponds to the range from 0 to 65535. When a case where the slide bar is used to increase the focus height value by only "1" is assumed, the operation amount with respect to the slide bar must be extremely small. Also, depending on the display resolution or the like, it is possible that even if the smallest operation amount is applied to the slide bar, the focus height value does not increase by only "1", but a larger value (for example, "100") is changed.

[0019] An object of the present application is to provide a user interface capable of intuitively setting an arbitrary value regardless of upper and lower limit values of an object parameter.

[0020] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0021] The information processing apparatus of an embodiment of the present application includes: an input section that accepts a user operation; an output section that causes an image to be displayed on a display; and a processing section. The processing section performs a process of calculating a first movement amount in accordance with a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends, and a process of updating an object parameter by a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount.

[0022] It can also be that, during the first user operation is continued, the processing section repeatedly performs the process of calculating the first movement amount and the process of updating the object parameter.

[0023] It can also be that an indicator object is displayed in association with the first user operation. The processing section can set a distance between a position of the indicator object at the start of the first user operation and a current position of the indicator object as the first movement amount.

[0024] The processing section can also display the operated object that can move along the path indicated by the guide object.

[0025] The processing section can also display the operated object at a position corresponding to the pointing object in accordance with a second user operation that moves the pointing object into a predetermined area.

[0026] The processing section can also change the display mode of the operated object during the first user operation to be different from the display mode of the operated object before the start of the first user operation.

[0027] The guide object can have a shape that is longer in a direction in which user operations are effectively accepted.

[0028] The processing section can also perform processing that calculates a second movement amount in accordance with a third user operation associated with a second guide object having two ends, and updates the object parameter by a second change amount corresponding to the second movement amount. In a case where the first movement amount and the second movement amount are the same, the first change amount and the second change amount can be different.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present application, there is provided a computer-executed information processing method that has an input section that accepts user operations and an output section that causes an image to be displayed on a display. The information processing method includes the steps of calculating a first movement amount in accordance with a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends, and updating an object parameter by a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount.

[0030] The information processing program of another embodiment of the present application causes a computer that has an input section that accepts user operations and an output section that causes an image to be displayed on a display to perform the steps of calculating a first movement amount in accordance with a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends, and updating an object parameter by a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount.

[0031] Effects of the Invention

[0032] According to a certain embodiment of the present application, it is possible to provide a user interface that intuitively sets an arbitrary value regardless of upper and lower limit values of an object parameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figures 1A-1C is a schematic view showing an example of an apparatus including a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing an example of a hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Figures 3A-3E is a schematic view showing an example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a process for implementing a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing another process for implementing a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dialog box for confirming an update of an object parameter in a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7A and Figure 7B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8A and Figure 8B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0043] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0044] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0045] Figure 10A and 13B is a diagram for explaining Figure 10B and 12B is a diagram showing an example of a method of calculating a movement amount of a guide object 10 in response to a user operation.

[0046] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a diagram for explaining a scale line in a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11A is a diagram for explaining a limit display in a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11B and Figure 11AThis is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface including a plurality of sliders according to this embodiment.

[0049] Figure 11B This is a diagram for explaining another example of the appearance of a user interface including a plurality of sliders according to the present embodiment.

[0050] Figure 10A This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface capable of changing adjustment sensitivity according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0052] <A.包含用户界面的装置例>

[0053] First, an example of a device including a user interface according to this embodiment will be described.

[0054] Figure 10B Schematic diagram showing an example of a device including a user interface according to this embodiment.

[0055] exist Figure 11A , an information processing device 100 executing an arbitrary application is shown. A user operates on a user interface provided by information processing device 100 to set arbitrary values ​​referenced by the application executed by information processing device 100. Hereinafter, objects whose values ​​are set or changed in response to user operations using the user interface according to this embodiment are also referred to as "object parameters." Object parameters are configured to hold one or more values ​​and can be arbitrary variables or structures.

[0056] exist Figure 11B 2 shows the information processing device 100 connected to the target device 200. The target device 200 sets or changes the value of the target parameter according to the instruction from the information processing device 100.

[0057] The target device 200 is any device that performs processing or actions based on the value of a target parameter. Examples of the target device 200 include a manufacturing device that manufactures products or semi-finished products, a measuring device that measures arbitrary samples, an analyzing device that analyzes arbitrary samples, or an inspection device that inspects arbitrary samples. The target device 200 may also execute processing based on the value of the target parameter set or changed by a user operating the user interface provided by the information processing device 100.

[0058] and, Figure 11AThe object device 200 shown can be an information processing device that executes an arbitrary application program. In this case, the information processing device 100 and the object device 200 can be connected via a network such as the Internet. For example, the object device 200 can be cloud computing. The information processing device 100 accesses an arbitrary application program executed in the cloud computing via the network. In this case, the information processing device 100 transmits an instruction indicating a value corresponding to a user operation to an arbitrary application program executed in the cloud computing by a user operating a user interface provided in the information processing device 100.

[0059] In Figure 11B An example of the operation device 300 mounted on the object device 200 is shown. A user sets or changes a value of an object parameter that defines a process or an action of the object device 200 by operating a user interface provided in the operation device 300.

[0060] The operation device 300 has, for example, a touch panel that receives a touch operation from a user. The operation device 300 can also be integrally configured with the object device 200.

[0061] The embodiment of the user interface according to the present embodiment can be arbitrary and is not limited to Figure 12A the device example shown.

[0062] <B. Hardware Structure Example>

[0063] Next, a hardware structure example of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0064] Figure 12B is a schematic diagram showing a hardware structure example of the information processing device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to Figure 12A , the information processing device 100 is, for example, a computer including a processor 102, a main memory 104, an input 106, an output 108, a storage device 110, a communication interface 120, and a medium drive 122.

[0065] The processor 102 corresponds to a processing section, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or the like. The processor 102 reads out one or more programs stored in the storage 110 into the main memory 104 to execute. The main memory 104 is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like. The main memory 104 functions as a work memory for the processor 102 to execute the programs.

[0066] The input section 106 receives a user operation. The input section 106 can include an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a tablet, a trackball, a touch panel, a touch pad, or the like, or can include only an interface (for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus), or the like) for connecting the input device. That is, the input device itself can be included in the information processing apparatus 100, or can be present outside the information processing apparatus 100.

[0067] The output section 108 causes an image to be displayed on a display. For example, the output section 108 outputs an execution result of the processor 102 executing a program, or the like, to a display or the like. The output section 108 can include the display, or can include only an interface (for example, a DVI (Digital Visual Interface), an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), an analog RGB terminal, or the like) for outputting an image signal or image data to the display. That is, the display itself can be included in the information processing apparatus 100, or can be present outside the information processing apparatus 100.

[0068] The storage 110 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or the like, and is used to store programs and data, or the like. For example, the storage 110 stores an operating system 112 (OS), an application 114, and a user interface program 116.

[0069] The operating system 112 provides an execution environment for running the application 114 and the user interface program 116.

[0070] The application 114 contains computer readable instructions for executing arbitrary processing.

[0071] The user interface program 116 is equivalent to an information processing program, and contains computer readable commands for providing a user interface according to the present embodiment. The user interface program 116 can be incorporated as part of the application program 114. The user interface according to the present embodiment can be provided by the user interface program 116 using libraries provided by the operating system 112 and / or the application program 114.

[0072] The information processing program can include the operating system 112 and / or the application program 114.

[0073] The communication interface 120 is used to exchange data and / or signals between the information processing apparatus 100 and the target apparatus 200.

[0074] The media drive 122 reads out required data from a recording medium 124 (e.g., an optical disc, etc.) that stores programs and data, etc., and saves them in the storage apparatus 110. The application program 114 and / or the user interface program 116 can be installed via the recording medium 124, etc., or downloaded from a server on the Internet.

[0075] At least a part of the functions provided by execution of the programs by the processor 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 can also be implemented by hardwired logic circuits (e.g., FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.).

[0076] The operation apparatus 300 Figure 12B is also of the same hardware structure as the information processing apparatus 100, and thus detailed description will not be repeated. Also, the processes and functions described below can be similarly installed in the operation apparatus 300.

[0077] <C. User Interface>

[0078] Next, an example of a user interface according to the present embodiment will be described. The user interface according to the present embodiment includes a guide object that accepts an operation by a user.

[0079] In the present specification, a "guide object" refers to an object (or an image) that shows or implies at least one of a range in which an operation by a user is accepted and a direction in which an operation by a user is accepted. The "guide object" can also show or imply a range in which an operation by a user is accepted. The "guide object" can also show an input region. The "guide object" can also be at least a part of a slider.

[0080] In the present embodiment, a user interface including a guide object having two ends is mainly used. As an example, the "guide object having two ends" includes a straight line shape, a circular arc, a wavy shape, and the like. By using a guide object having two ends, the user can be explicitly presented with a range in which a user operation can be accepted.

[0081] In the present specification, the "guide object" includes not only a guide object that accepts a user operation of a straight line, but also a guide object that accepts a user operation of a curved line. In the present specification, the "user operation of a curved line" includes any user operation other than a user operation of a straight line.

[0082] The user interface according to the present embodiment calculates an amount of change according to an amount of movement (or an amount of operation) of the user. The calculated amount of change is a relative value, and a value after a user operation (an updated value) can be determined according to a value before the user operation (a current value) and the amount of change. Therefore, the slider according to the present embodiment can also be called a "relative value slider".

[0083] Figure 12A is a schematic view showing an example of a user interface according to the present embodiment.

[0084] Reference Signs List Figure 12B The user interface includes a guide object 10. The guide object 10 accepts a user operation. Basically, a value of an object parameter is updated according to a user operation performed in a region of the guide object 10.

[0085] Figure 12A The guide object 10 shown in the drawing is a straight line shape, and has ends 10E on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0086] In the present specification, the "operated object" refers to an object (or an image) whose position and form (shape or color) are changed according to a user operation. The "operated object" visually represents the operation content of the accepted user operation.

[0087] The user operation can be a user operation using any input device. For example, a method in which a user operates a mouse, a tablet, a trackball, or the like (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as a "mouse operation") can be adopted, and a method in which a user touches any position of a touch panel or a touchpad (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as a "touch operation") can be adopted.

[0088] In the following description, a press of a button (for example, a left button) of a mouse, or a touch of a touch panel or a touchpad such as an operation is collectively referred to as a "press of a button of an input device". That is, the "press of a button of an input device" refers to an operation that causes a certain trigger (or event) to occur. In addition, a state in which a button of an input device is pressed refers to a state in which a button of a mouse is continuously pressed, or a state in which a touch panel or a touchpad is continuously touched.

[0089] In the screen, a cursor 20 as an example of an instruction object may be displayed in association with a user operation.

[0090] When the user operates Figure 12B When the cursor 20 shown in FIG. 1 is moved within the area of ​​the guide object 10, an adjustment block 12 ( FIG. 20 ) as an example of an operated object may be displayed at a position corresponding to the cursor 20 on the guide object 10. Figures 3A-3E The adjustment block 12 is an object whose position can be changed by a user operation. The adjustment block 12 can move along the guide object 10.

[0091] In this manner, the information processing device 100 displays the adjustment block 12 (the operated object) at a position corresponding to the cursor 20 in response to an operation to move the cursor 20 (the pointing object) within the area of ​​the guide object 10. Furthermore, the operation to display the adjustment block 12 may also include an operation to move the cursor 20 within a predetermined area. The information processing device 100 may also display the adjustment block 12 at a position corresponding to the cursor 20 in response to the user's operation. Furthermore, the adjustment block 12 may be initially displayed at a predetermined position other than the position corresponding to the cursor 20.

[0092] Figure 13A The length of the illustrated guide object 10 may not correspond to the entire adjustable range of the object parameter. That is, the ends of the guide object 10 may not correspond to the upper and lower limits of the adjustable range of the object parameter, and the position of the adjustment block 12 may not correspond to the current value of the object parameter. In the user interface according to this embodiment, the amount of movement (change in position) rather than the (absolute) position of the adjustment block 12 is processed as information indicating a user operation. The guide object 10 may also indicate the path along which the adjustment block 12 can move.

[0093] The guide object 10 may be formed to be long in the direction in which the adjustment block 12 is moved so that the user can clearly understand the direction in which the cursor 20 is to be used for the user operation. Figure 12A In the example shown, the adjustment block 12 is designed to move in the lateral direction, so the major axis of the guide object 10 is set to the lateral direction and the minor axis is set to the longitudinal direction.

[0094] As described above, the guide object 10 has a shape that is longer in the direction in which the user operation is effectively received. Figure 13A In the example shown, the amount of movement is determined based on the component of the user's operation (vector) on the cursor 20 (adjustment block 12) along the major axis of the guide object 10. Alternatively, the component along the minor axis of the guide object 10 may not be involved in determining the amount of movement. Furthermore, user operations associated with the guide object 10 may also include movement operations along the major axis of the guide object 10 (the direction in which the adjustment block 12 can be moved).

[0095] When the button of the input device is pressed, an object such as an arrow indicating the direction in which the adjustment block 12 can move can be displayed near the adjustment block 12. The displayed arrow object allows the user to clearly understand in which direction the adjustment block 12 can be moved.

[0096] Alternatively, the shape of the cursor 20 may be changed to indicate the direction in which the adjustment block 12 can move. In this case, the shape of the cursor 20 may be changed by pressing a button on an input device or by entering the area of ​​the guide object 10.

[0097] like Figure 13B As shown, when the user moves the cursor 20 , the adjustment block 12 also moves in conjunction with the cursor 20 .

[0098] Alternatively, the adjustment block 12 may be moved in conjunction with the cursor 20 only when the cursor 20 is moved while the button of the input device is pressed (or the user continues to touch the button). In this case, the operation of moving the adjustment block 12 includes arranging the cursor 20 so as to correspond to the adjustment block 12 and moving the cursor 20 while the button of the input device is pressed.

[0099] Furthermore, the operation of moving the adjustment block 12 may include a dragging operation, or may include an operation of rotating a scroll wheel or a mouse wheel.

[0100] The display mode of the adjustment block 12 may be changed when the adjustment block 12 is moved. In addition, the display mode of the adjustment block 12 may be changed when a button of the input device is pressed (or the user continues to touch the button).

[0101] For example, in Figure 13A In the state shown, the adjustment block 12 can be displayed in a light color. Figure 14A and Figure 14B In the state shown, the adjustment block 12 may be displayed in a dark color.

[0102] In this manner, the information processing apparatus 100 can make the display form of the adjustment block 12 different from the display form of the adjustment block 12 before the start of the user operation while the user operation associated with the guidance object 10 continues.

[0103] By changing the display mode of the adjustment block 12 and moving the adjustment block 12 in conjunction with the cursor 20, the user can provide the same user operation as a typical slider. By changing the display mode of the adjustment block 12, the user can easily recognize that the operation to move the adjustment block 12 has been effectively accepted.

[0104] The user can start operation (e.g., movement of the cursor 20 or the adjustment block 12) from any position of the guide object 10. Based on the movement amount corresponding to the user operation, the value of the object parameter is updated. In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the movement amount in accordance with the user operation associated with the guide object 10. Also, the information processing apparatus 100 updates the object parameter by the change amount corresponding to the calculated movement amount.

[0105] Further, the user operation associated with the guide object 10 includes a series of user operations started in the area of the guide object. However, the user operation associated with the guide object can also include an operation in which the cursor 20 moves outside the area of the guide object before the series of user operations ends.

[0106] The movement amount can also depend on the relative distance (movement amount) from the position where the user operation is started. For example, the movement amount can also be calculated as the distance on a virtual line connecting the position (reference position) at which the button of the input device is pressed down and the current position of the cursor 20 (or the current position of the adjustment block 12). At this time, the current position of the cursor 20 at the time point when the button of the input device is initially pressed down can also be set as the reference position. That is, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the distance between the position of the cursor 20 at the time when the user operation associated with the guide object 10 is started and the current position of the cursor 20 as the movement amount.

[0107] Alternatively, the movement amount can also be calculated using a virtual line extending through the center point of the adjustment block 12 and in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the adjustment block 12 (horizontal direction in the example shown in Figure 14A and in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the adjustment block 12 (vertical direction in the example shown in Figure 14A ).

[0108] The movement amount is a signed value. The sign of the movement amount can be determined in accordance with the moving direction of the user operation. For example, the case where the cursor 20 (or the adjustment block 12 linked with the cursor 20) is moved to the right side can be set as a positive movement amount, and the case where the cursor 20 is moved to the left side can be set as a negative movement amount. Alternatively, the case where the cursor 20 is moved to the right side can be set as a negative movement amount, and the case where the cursor 20 is moved to the left side can be set as a positive movement amount.

[0109] When the movement amount Δd (signed value) is determined, the change amount depending on the movement amount Δd (= f(Δd)) is calculated. As shown in Figure 8A , if the value before the operation (current value) is V0, the updated value V1 corresponding to the movement amount Δd1 is V0 + f(Δd1). As shown in Figure 8B , if the value before the operation (current value) is V0, the updated value V2 corresponding to the movement amount Δd2 is V0 + f(Δd2).

[0110] The function f that calculates the change amount can be a proportional function (linear function) or a multiple function. For example, in the case where the function f is a proportional function, the change amount = coefficient k x movement amount Ad.

[0111] The coefficient k refers to adjustment sensitivity and indicates to what extent the change amount is calculated with respect to the movement amount. The coefficient k can be designed in accordance with the minimum unit of the object parameter (the required minimum resolution) and the display resolution. For example, it is preferable to set such that the change amount calculated in the case where the adjustment block 12 has moved only by 1 pixel (i.e., the minimum movement amount that can be detected) does not exceed the minimum unit of the object parameter.

[0112] By appropriately designing the coefficient k, it is possible to provide a user interface having the required adjustment accuracy even in the case where the upper and lower limit values of the object parameter are distant (i.e., the adjustable range is large). Also, it is possible to provide a user interface having the required adjustment accuracy even in the case where the upper and lower limit values of the object parameter are substantially nonexistent.

[0113] The function f can be a monotonic function. By adopting a monotonic function, it is possible to uniquely determine the correspondence relationship between the movement direction of the cursor 20 (adjustment block 12) and the increase / decrease of the change amount.

[0114] It can be that, when the pressing of the button of the input device is released (or, the touch of the user is released), it is determined that the series of user operations is ended. Alternatively, it can be that, when the cursor 20 moves to the outside of the region of the guide object 10 (or, the cursor 20 moves to the outside of the region of the guide object 10 and the button of the input device is released), it is determined that the series of user operations is ended. Figure 14B

[0115] It can be that the movement amount Ad is sequentially calculated during the movement of the cursor 20, and the value of the object parameter is sequentially updated. The information processing apparatus 100 can also repeat the process of calculating the movement amount and the process of updating the object parameter during the duration of the user operation associated with the guide object 10.

[0116] Alternatively, the object parameter can be updated to the value that reflects the change amount at the point in time when it is determined that the series of user operations is ended. Figure 10A When the user operation illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is performed again, the adjustment block 12 can be displayed again at the position corresponding to the cursor 20 without being affected by the position of the cursor 20 at the point in time when the series of user operations was ended last time.

[0117] Figure 10B Figure 15 When the user operation illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is performed again, the adjustment block 12 can be displayed again at the position corresponding to the cursor 20 without being affected by the position of the cursor 20 at the point in time when the series of user operations was ended last time. Figure 15

[0118] ​​​​As described above, in the user interface according to the present embodiment, the change amount is calculated in accordance with the operation amount (movement amount and movement direction) of the user, and the value of the object parameter is updated in accordance with the calculated change amount. Therefore, it is not necessary to correspond the entire range of the adjustable range of the value to the range in which the adjustment block 12 can move.

[0119] <D. Processing>

[0120] Next, the processing procedure of the user interface according to the present embodiment will be described. Each step of the processing procedure shown below can be realized by the processor 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 executing the user interface program 116.

[0121] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for realizing the user interface according to the present embodiment. With reference to Figure 16A , the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the cursor 20 has entered the region of the guide object 10 by the user operation (step S100). If the cursor 20 has not entered the region of the guide object 10 (NO in step S100), the processing of step S100 is repeated.

[0122] When the cursor 20 has entered the region of the guide object 10 (YES in step S100), the information processing apparatus 100 displays the adjustment block 12 at the position corresponding to the cursor 20 (step S102). In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 displays the adjustment block 12 (the operated object) in accordance with the operation (the second user operation) of moving the cursor 20 (the indicated object) into the region of the guide object 10.

[0123] Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the button of the input device has been pressed (step S104). If the button of the input device has not been pressed (NO in step S104), the processing after step S102 is repeated.

[0124] Further, it can also be that, when the cursor 20 moves outside the region of the guide object 10 before the button of the input device is pressed, the processing is ended.

[0125] If the button of the input device has been pressed (YES in step S104), the information processing apparatus 100 holds the current value of the object parameter as a reference value (step S106), and holds the current position (X coordinate and Y coordinate) of the cursor 20 as a reference position (step S108).

[0126] The information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the button of the input device has been continuously pressed (step S110). If the button of the input device has not been continuously pressed (NO in step S110), the processing is ended.

[0127] If the button of the input device is continuously pressed (YES in step S110), the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a signed movement amount from the reference position to the current position (X coordinate and Y coordinate) of the cursor 20 (step S112), and calculates a change amount from the calculated signed movement amount (step S114). As such, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a movement amount from a user operation associated with the guide object 10.

[0128] The information processing apparatus 100 updates the value of the object parameter by adding the calculated change amount to the reference value (step S116). That is, the information processing apparatus 100 updates the object parameter by the change amount corresponding to the calculated movement amount. Further, the process after step S110 is repeated.

[0129] In the process shown in FIG. 11, the current position of the cursor 20 at the time point when the button of the input device is initially pressed is set as the reference position, and the movement amount is calculated. However, in the case of a user interface that employs a user operation of an acceptance curve as described later, the movement amount of a straight line cannot be calculated, and thus the reference position can be updated sequentially as in the process shown in FIG. 12. Figure 16B

[0130] Figure 16A is a flowchart showing another process for realizing the user interface according to the present embodiment. Referring to Figure 16B , the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the cursor 20 enters the region of the guide object 10 by a user operation (step S200). If the cursor 20 does not enter the region of the guide object 10 (NO in step S200), the process of step S200 is repeated.

[0131] When the cursor 20 enters the region of the guide object 10 (YES in step S200), the information processing apparatus 100 displays the adjustment block 12 at a position corresponding to the cursor 20 (step S202). Next, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the button of the input device is pressed (step S204). If the button of the input device is not pressed (NO in step S204), the process after step S202 is repeated.

[0132] Further, it can also be that, when the cursor 20 moves outside the region of the guide object 10 before the button of the input device is pressed, the process is ended.

[0133] If the button of the input device is pressed (YES in step S204), the information processing apparatus 100 holds the current position (X coordinate and Y coordinate) of the cursor 20 as the reference position (step S206).

[0134] ​The information processing apparatus 100 determines whether the button of the input device is continuously pressed (step S208). If the button of the input device is not continuously pressed (NO in step S208), the process ends.

[0135] If the button of the input device is continuously pressed (YES in step S208), the information processing apparatus 100 calculates a signed movement amount from the reference position to the current position (X coordinate and Y coordinate) of the cursor 20 (step S210), calculates a change amount from the calculated signed movement amount (step S212). Further, the information processing apparatus 100 updates the value of the object parameter by adding the calculated change amount to the current value of the object parameter (step S214), and holds the current position (X coordinate and Y coordinate) of the cursor 20 as a new reference position (step S216). Further, the process after step S208 is repeated.

[0136] In the process illustrated in Figure 16A In the process illustrated in Figure 16B In the process illustrated in

[0137] <E. Modification of the User Interface>

[0138] The user interface according to the present embodiment can be arbitrarily modified as needed. Hereinafter, several modifications will be described. However, the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the modifications described below.

[0139] (e1: Display of the Adjustment Block)

[0140] As described above, the user interface in which the adjustment block is displayed together with the cursor 20 as an object whose position is changed by user operation is exemplified, but the display of the adjustment block can be omitted. By displaying at least the cursor 20, the user can grasp the content of the user's own operation.

[0141] (e2: Timing at which the Value of the Object Parameter is Updated)

[0142] As described above, the value of the object parameter can be sequentially updated in association with the movement of the cursor 20 (or the adjustment block 12 that is linked to the cursor 20), but the value of the object parameter can be updated at the point of time at which it is determined that a series of user operations ends. In this case, the process of step S116 of Figure 16A is executed in the case where NO in step S110 or in the case where NO in step S118.

[0143] In addition, the update scheduled value for the object parameter can be presented to the user after it is determined that the series of user operations has ended, and the value of the object parameter can be updated only when the user's consent is obtained.

[0144] Figures 17A-17C is a schematic view showing an example of a dialog for confirming the update of the object parameter in the user interface according to the present embodiment. When it is determined that the series of user operations has ended, the dialog 50 shown in Figures 17A-17C may be displayed.

[0145] The dialog 50 includes the current value 52 of the object parameter and the update scheduled value 54 of the object parameter. The user presses the OK button 56 when the current value 52 and the update scheduled value 54 are confirmed and the user consents to update the object parameter, and presses the cancel button 58 when the user does not consent.

[0146] When the OK button 56 is pressed by the user, the value of the object parameter is updated to the update scheduled value 54. On the other hand, when the cancel button 58 is pressed, the current value 52 of the object parameter is maintained.

[0147] In this way, by presenting the update scheduled value 54 of the object parameter to the user, the user can confirm in advance whether the setting or change has been made as intended.

[0148] (e3: UNDO processing)

[0149] In the user interface according to the present embodiment, the value of the object parameter is updated in association with the movement of the cursor 20 (adjustment block 12), or the value of the object parameter is updated when it is determined that the series of user operations has ended. A function to restore the value of the object parameter that has been updated (UNDO processing) can also be provided.

[0150] The UNDO processing can be executed by any user operation, can be executed by a keyboard operation, or can be executed by the user selecting an object for executing the UNDO processing.

[0151] By installing the UNDO processing, the user can restore the object parameter in the case where the object parameter has been erroneously updated, and the like.

[0152] (e4: outside the area of the guide object)

[0153] In the case where the cursor 20 (adjustment block 12) is moved outside the area of the guide object 22, the value of the object parameter is not updated. Figure 17A and Figure 17BIn the illustrated processing, if the button of the input device is pressed, even if the cursor 20 moves outside the area of ​​the guidance object 10, the series of user operations can be considered to be continuing. In this case, for example, even if the cursor 20 temporarily moves outside the area of ​​the guidance object 10 and then reenters the area of ​​the guidance object 10, the user operation can be considered valid.

[0154] Furthermore, when the cursor 20 moves outside the area of ​​the guide object 10 , only the component in the moving direction of the cursor 20 (adjustment block 12 ) in the vector from the reference position to the current position of the cursor 20 may be considered as a valid input.

[0155] Alternatively, the movement speed of the cursor 20 immediately before the cursor 20 moves outside the area of ​​the guide object 10 may be considered to remain unchanged, and the calculation (or updating) of the change amount may continue while the button of the input device is pressed. The amount of change per unit time of the change amount may be set to a value corresponding to the previous movement speed of the cursor 20.

[0156] In this manner, the information processing device 100 can display the adjustment block 12 when the cursor 20 moves into the area of ​​the guidance object 10 , and execute a predetermined process or a process arbitrarily selected by the user when the cursor 20 moves out of the area of ​​the guidance object 10 .

[0157] (e5: User interface changes)

[0158] Not limited to Figure 17C The user interface shown may adopt any user interface. Below, changes to the user interface are shown.

[0159] Figures 17A-17C and Figures 17A-17C : is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface according to this embodiment. Figure 18 and Figure 18 An example of a user interface including a representative slider is shown in FIG. Figure 18 and Figure 18 The user interface shown includes a main guide object 14. The main guide object 14 is linear and has ends 14E on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0160] like ​ As shown, a secondary guide object 16 is set around the main guide object 14. The secondary guide object 16 is pre-set as an area for effectively displaying the adjustment block 12. For ease of explanation, the secondary guide object 16 is shown in the figure, but the user may not see the secondary guide object 16.

[0161] when ​When the cursor 20 shown in FIG. 1 is moved into the area of ​​the secondary guide object 16, the adjustment block 12 ( FIG. 10 ) is displayed corresponding to the main guide object 14 at the position of the secondary guide object 16 corresponding to the cursor 20. ​ ).

[0162] As such, a user interface including a representative slider may be employed.

[0163] ​ and ​ FIG is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface according to this embodiment. ​ and ​ An example of a slider designed to move the adjustment block 12 in the longitudinal direction is shown in FIG. ​ and 8B In the user interface shown, the major axis of the guide object 10 is set to the longitudinal direction, and the minor axis is set to the transverse direction. The guide object 10 has ends 10E on the upper side and the lower side, respectively.

[0164] when ​ When the cursor 20 shown in FIG. 1 is moved into the area of ​​the guide object 10, an adjustment block 12 ( FIG. 20 ) is displayed at a position corresponding to the cursor 20 of the guide object 10. ​ ).

[0165] As such, the direction in which the adjustment block 12 is moved can be horizontal or vertical. Furthermore, the direction in which the adjustment block 12 is moved can also be diagonal. Depending on the type of object parameters, etc., a guide object 10 having any shape and an adjustment block 12 having any movement direction can also be used.

[0166] In the moving direction of the adjustment block 12, the relationship between the direction of movement and the sign of the change amount can be arbitrarily designed. ​ and 8B In the slider shown, when the cursor 20 (or the adjustment block 12 linked to the cursor 20) moves upward, a positive change amount is set, and when the cursor 20 moves downward, a negative change amount is set. Alternatively, when the cursor 20 moves upward, a negative change amount is set, and when the cursor 20 moves downward, a positive change amount is set.

[0167] ​ and ​ FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing yet another example of a user interface according to this embodiment. ​ and ​ An example of a slider designed to move the adjustment block 12 linearly is shown in FIG. ​ and ​ The user interface shown includes a trapezoidal or diamond-shaped guide object 10. The guide object 10 has ends 10E on the upper side and the lower side, respectively.

[0168] When the cursor 20 shown in Fig. 10 moves into the area of the guide object 10, the adjustment block 12 is displayed at the position of the guide object 10 corresponding to the cursor 20 (Fig. 11). ​ The adjustment block 12 can move in the up-and-down direction. ​

[0169] ​ ​ are schematic diagrams showing another other example of the user interface according to the present embodiment. In ​ ​ are examples of a slider designed to move the adjustment block 12 curvilinearly. Specifically, ​ ​ the user interface shown in Figs. 12 and 13 contains a guide object 10 in a curvilinear or circular arc shape. The guide object 10 has ends 10E on the upper and lower sides, respectively.

[0170] When the cursor 20 shown in Fig. 14 moves into the area of the guide object 10, the adjustment block 12 is displayed at the position of the guide object 10 corresponding to the cursor 20 (Fig. 15). ​ The adjustment block 12 can move curvilinearly as well. ​

[0171] ​ ​ are schematic diagrams showing another other example of the user interface according to the present embodiment. In ​ ​ are examples of a slider designed to move the adjustment block 12 curvilinearly, as in ​ ​ are examples of a slider designed to move the adjustment block 12 curvilinearly, as in ​ ​ the user interface shown in Figs. 16 and 17 contains a guide object 10 in a curvilinear or circular arc shape. The guide object 10 has ends 10E on the upper and lower sides, respectively.

[0172] When the cursor 20 shown in Fig. 18 moves into the area of the guide object 10, the adjustment block 12 is displayed at the position of the guide object 10 corresponding to the cursor 20 (Fig. 19). ​ The adjustment block 12 can move curvilinearly as well. ​

[0173] ​ ​ are schematic diagrams showing another other example of the user interface according to the present embodiment. In ​ ​ are examples of a slider designed to move the adjustment block 12 curvilinearly, as in ​ ​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​The illustrated user interface contains a wave-like or curved guide object 10. The guide object 10 has ends 10E on the upper side and the lower side, respectively.

[0174] When ​ The illustrated cursor 20 moves into the area of the guide object 10, an adjustment block 12 is displayed at the position of the guide object 10 corresponding to the cursor 20. ​ In this way, the adjustment block 12 can also be moved curvilinearly.

[0175] (e6: Calculation of the movement amount)

[0176] As for the user operation of a straight line, the movement amount corresponding to the user operation can be calculated relatively easily as described above. ​ On the other hand, as for the user operation of a curve, the movement amount corresponding to the user operation can be calculated by any method.

[0177] ​ and 13B are diagrams for explaining an example of the calculation method of the movement amount corresponding to the user operation in the guide object 10 illustrated in ​ and 12B

[0178] Referring to ​ , assume a case where the adjustment block 12 is moved on the guide object 10 by the user operation. The total distance 60 of the movement of the adjustment block 12 along the guide object 10 can also be calculated as the movement amount.

[0179] Referring to ​ , a virtual axis 62 can also be set in association with the guide object 10. When the adjustment block 12 is moved in the guide object 10, the positions before and after the movement of the adjustment block 12 are mapped to the virtual axis 62. The distance 64 along the virtual axis 62 between the mapped positions of the adjustment block 12 can also be calculated as the movement amount.

[0180] The calculation method illustrated in ​ and 13B is not limited to this, and any method can be used to calculate the movement amount corresponding to the user operation.

[0181] (e7: Scale)

[0182] In order to be able to visually grasp the correspondence between the movement amount and the change amount, a scale can also be attached to the guide object 10.

[0183] ​ and ​ are diagrams for explaining the scale in the user interface according to the present embodiment. In ​ and 14B ​, an example of a slider with scale lines 18 added to the guide object 10 is shown. Specifically, ​ Shown in ​ and ​ The example of the slider shown has scale lines 18 added to it. ​ Shown in ​ and ​ The slider is shown with an example of scale lines 18 added.

[0184] Scale lines 18 show the magnitude of the change amount calculated as the cursor 20 (or the adjustment block 12 linked to the cursor 20) moves. The intervals of scale lines 18 may be dynamically changed based on the coefficient of the function f for calculating the change amount.

[0185] (e8: Limit display)

[0186] The slider in this embodiment is a relative value slider, and there are no upper or lower limits on the amount of change that can be input. However, depending on the magnitude of the change calculated as the cursor 20 moves, the value of the object parameter may sometimes reach the upper or lower limit. In such cases, the position where the value of the object parameter reaches the upper or lower limit can be displayed on the guide object 10.

[0187] ​ : is a diagram for explaining the limit display in the user interface according to this embodiment. ​ In the guide object 10, a limit object 24 is displayed in addition to the adjustment block 12. The area beyond the limit object 24 can be set as a non-settable area 26, and its display mode can be different from that of the guide object 10.

[0188] As described above, in the slider according to this embodiment, there is no concept of an upper limit value and a lower limit value, but when it is predicted that the value of the target parameter reaches the upper limit value or the lower limit value, or when the upper limit value or the lower limit value is reached, the user may be notified of the reaching of the upper limit value or the lower limit value. ​ As shown, a limit object 24 may be displayed as a mark indicating that an upper limit value or a lower limit value has been reached.

[0189] By displaying such a limit object 24 , it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between a user's operation and a set value of an object parameter from occurring.

[0190] (e9: multiple sliders)

[0191] The user interface according to this embodiment may also have a plurality of sliders.

[0192] ​ and ​ is a schematic diagram showing an example of a user interface including a plurality of sliders according to this embodiment.​ and ​ An example of a user interface including a slider 40 that contains a value itself representing an object parameter and a relative value slider is shown in FIG. 8.

[0193] Both ends of the slider 40 correspond to upper and lower limit values of the object parameter. That is, the slider 40 is an absolute value slider. A user can set or change a value of the object parameter by operating the slider 40. However, depending on the adjustable range and display resolution, sometimes even if the adjustment block of the slider 40 is moved only by 1 pixel (i.e., the minimum amount of movement that can be detected), the value of the object parameter is greatly changed.

[0194] When the cursor 20 moves into the area of the guide object 10, the adjustment block 12 (relative value slider) is displayed at the position of the guide object 10 corresponding to the cursor 20. ​ ​ The guide object 10 and the adjustment block 12 (relative value slider) can arbitrarily design the amount of change. Therefore, by designing the amount of change of the relative value slider in a manner that supplements the setting made by the slider 40, a user interface with good user convenience can be provided.

[0195] For example, after a user roughly sets a value of an object parameter by operating the slider 40, the user operates the adjustment block 12 to finely set the value of the object parameter. In the case of using two absolute value sliders with different adjustable ranges, when the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the adjustable range is reached, it can not be possible to make a setting or change, but as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, by arranging the absolute value slider and the relative value slider, such a problem does not occur. ​ and 16B Such a combination of an absolute value slider and a relative value slider is effective for cases where both coarse adjustment and fine adjustment are required, such as focus adjustment of a microscope.

[0196] ​ is a schematic diagram showing another example of a user interface including multiple sliders according to the present embodiment. An example of a user interface including two relative value sliders with different adjustment sensitivities is shown in FIG. 10. ​ As shown in FIG. 10, two guide objects 10-1, 10-2 are arranged. When the cursor 20 moves into the area of the guide object 10-1, the adjustment block 12-1 (relative value slider) is displayed at the position of the guide object 10-1 corresponding to the cursor 20.

[0197] ​ As shown in FIG. 10, two guide objects 10-1, 10-2 are arranged. When the cursor 20 moves into the area of the guide object 10-1, the adjustment block 12-1 (relative value slider) is displayed at the position of the guide object 10-1 corresponding to the cursor 20. ​ ​

[0198] ​​​​In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 displays the adjustment block 12-1 (first operated object) in accordance with an operation that moves the cursor 20 (indicated object) into the region of the guide object 10-1. Moreover, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the movement amount in accordance with a user operation (first user operation) associated with the guide object 10-1, and updates the object parameter by the amount of change corresponding to the calculated movement amount.

[0199] In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 displays the adjustment block 12-2 (second operated object) in accordance with an operation (third user operation) that moves the cursor 20 (indicated object) into the region of the guide object 10-2. Moreover, the information processing apparatus 100 calculates the movement amount in accordance with a user operation (third user operation) associated with the guide object 10-2, and updates the object parameter by the amount of change corresponding to the calculated movement amount.

[0200] For example, the adjustment sensitivity of the adjustment block 12-1 that moves along the guide object 10-1 is set high, and the adjustment sensitivity of the adjustment block 12-2 that moves along the guide object 10-2 is set low.

[0201] The user can use the relative value slider composed of the guide object 10-1 and the adjustment block 12-1 to change the value of the object parameter more greatly, and on the other hand, can use the relative value slider composed of the guide object 10-2 and the adjustment block 12-2 to fine-tune the value of the object parameter.

[0202] In this way, in a case where the movement amount of the user operation with respect to the adjustment block 12-1 is the same as the movement amount of the user operation with respect to the adjustment block 12-2, the amount of change calculated in accordance with the movement amount of the user operation with respect to the adjustment block 12-1 is different from the amount of change calculated in accordance with the movement amount of the user operation with respect to the adjustment block 12-2. That is, it is possible to configure a plurality of relative value sliders for which the amount of change calculated in accordance with the user operation is different. The user can perform fine adjustment by operating the adjustment block 12-2 on the basis of the coarse adjustment performed by operating the adjustment block 12-1.

[0203] In ​ , in order to simplify the explanation, a user interface configured with two relative value sliders is exemplified, but more relative value sliders can be configured. In addition, the appearances of a plurality of relative value sliders associated with the same object parameter can be different from each other.

[0204] (e10: Multiple adjustment sensitivities)

[0205] Instead of the configuration of a plurality of relative value sliders with different adjustment sensitivities as shown in ​ , a plurality of adjustment sensitivities can be assigned to one relative value slider.

[0206] ​is a schematic view showing an example of a user interface capable of changing adjustment sensitivity according to the present embodiment. Referring to ​ , the user interface includes a guide object 30. The guide object 30 is linear, and has ends 30E at the left and right sides, respectively.

[0207] When the cursor 20 moves into the area of the guide object 30, an adjustment block 32 is displayed at the position of the guide object 30 corresponding to the cursor 20. The adjustment block 32 is trapezoidal in shape, and the length (width) in the horizontal direction indicates the magnitude of the adjustment sensitivity.

[0208] The guide object 30 has a prescribed width in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the adjustment block 32 (the vertical direction in the example shown in ​ ). Therefore, the user can arbitrarily designate the position at which the cursor 20 crosses the adjustment block 32. ​

[0209] Here, different adjustment sensitivities are assigned in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the adjustment block 32. For example, when the cursor 20 is disposed at the upper portion of the adjustment block 32 and the adjustment block 32 is moved, a larger change amount is calculated. On the other hand, when the cursor 20 is disposed at the lower portion of the adjustment block 32 and the adjustment block 32 is moved, the calculated change amount becomes smaller.

[0210] In this way, by giving the direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the adjustment block 32 the meaning of adjustment sensitivity, coarse adjustment and fine adjustment can be performed by one relative value slider.

[0211] (e11: arbitrary combination)

[0212] For ease of explanation, the characteristic processes and functions are described separately, but the respective processes and functions described can be arbitrarily combined into one user interface.

[0213] (F. Advantages)

[0214] As a user interface for setting or changing an arbitrary value, a slider is widely used. The minimum value that can be adjusted by the slider depends on the number of pixels assigned to the slider. Therefore, in the case of a large adjustable range, in order to be able to adjust the value of the object parameter in the smallest unit, a larger number of pixels (display area) must be ensured. However, due to limitations such as display resolution, it is sometimes not possible to sufficiently ensure the display area of the slider.

[0215] ​The relative-value slider according to the present embodiment solves the above-described problem. That is, a general slider reflects the entire adjustable range, but the slider according to the present embodiment does not consider the entire adjustable range (i.e., the upper limit value and the lower limit value), but accepts a change amount with respect to the target parameter. Thus, it is possible to provide a user interface that has a desired resolution and enables intuitive value designation.

[0216] Further, in a rotary encoder that accepts a physical user operation, it is also possible to set or change the value of the target parameter that does not have an upper limit and a lower limit. However, in a case where a rotary encoder that requires a rotary operation is reproduced in software, the affinity with respect to a mouse operation and a touch operation is low, and it is difficult to intuitively understand the adjustment amount. In contrast, in the user interface according to the present embodiment, the structure of a slider is employed, and the user can intuitively perform an operation.

[0217] The user interface according to the present embodiment is also suitable for a measuring device, an analyzing device, an inspection device, and the like. For example, in focus adjustment of a microscope, it is necessary to secure a large adjustable range, and fine position designation is also required. In such a case, if a slider corresponding to the entire adjustable range is employed, it is not possible to designate a fine position. On the other hand, when the slider is designed in a manner that enables fine position designation, only a part of the entire adjustable range can be effectively adjusted. In contrast, in the user interface according to the present embodiment, a change amount with respect to the target parameter is accepted, and thus it is possible to designate a fine position without being affected by the size of the adjustable range.

[0218] In addition, the user interface according to the present embodiment is realized by display on a display. Thus, it is not necessary to configure a physical input device (e.g., a rotary encoder or the like) in a device, and it is possible to realize a small and low-cost device.

[0219] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the application is not represented by the above description but is represented by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the claims.

[0220] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0221] 10, 30: guide object; 10E, 14E: end; 12, 32: adjustment block; 14: main guide object; 16: sub guide object; 18: scale line; 20: cursor; 24: limit object; 26: non-settable region; 40: slider; 50: dialog box; 52: current value; 54: update scheduled value; 56: OK button; 58: cancel button; 60: total distance; 62: virtual axis; 64: distance; 100: information processing apparatus; 102: processor; 104: main memory; 106: input section; 108: output section; 110: storage device; 112: operating system; 114: application program; 116: user interface program; 120: communication interface; 122: media drive; 124: recording medium; 200: object device; 300: operation device.

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: An input unit that accepts user operations; an output unit that displays the image on a display; and Processing Department, in, The processing unit performs the following processing: calculating a first movement amount according to a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends; and The object parameter is updated by a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein While the first user operation continues, the processing unit repeatedly performs a process of calculating the first movement amount and a process of updating the object parameter.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: displaying an indicator object in association with the first user operation, The processing unit sets the distance between the position of the instruction object when the first user operation is started and the current position of the instruction object as the first movement amount.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein: The processing unit displays an operated object that is movable along a path indicated by the guide object.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The processing unit displays the operated object at a position corresponding to the instruction object in response to a second user operation to move the instruction object into a predetermined area.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: While the first user operation continues, the processing unit makes the display mode of the operated object different from the display mode of the operated object before the first user operation is started.

7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The guide object has a shape that is longer in a direction in which a user operation is effectively received.

8. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The processing unit performs the following processing: calculating a second movement amount according to a third user operation associated with a second guide object having two ends; and updating the object parameter by a second change amount corresponding to the second movement amount, When the first movement amount is the same as the second movement amount, the first change amount is different from the second change amount.

9. An information processing method executed by a computer having an input unit for accepting user operations and an output unit for displaying an image on a display, the information processing method comprising the following steps: calculating a first movement amount according to a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends; as well as The object parameter is updated by a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount.

10. An information processing program causing a computer having an input unit for accepting user operations and an output unit for displaying an image on a display to execute the following steps: calculating a first movement amount according to a first user operation associated with a guide object having two ends; and The object parameter is updated by a first change amount corresponding to the first movement amount.

Images