Information Processing System

Abstract

To allow a user who does not identify the entire picture of a workspace since only a part of the workspace including an icon is displayed on a display to easily move the icon to a section which is not displayed on the display, compared to the case that the user has no opportunity to obtain information on the section not displayed on the display when moving the icon.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes a processor. When only a part of a workspace including an icon is displayed on a display, the processor reduces display magnification of the workspace when a specific operation to change a position of the icon is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a service that allows you to store documents you are working on together in a virtual space prepared on cloud storage. Hereinafter, this work space will be referred to as a "workspace." A workspace is managed by an application program (hereinafter referred to as an "app" or "program") and can be accessed from multiple devices. In the workspace, icons that are reduced images of the first page of each document (hereafter referred to as "thumbnails") and icons that represent the type of document can be placed in any location or section designated by the user. In this sense, the workspace is sometimes expressed as a virtual work desk. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6217318 Publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user displays a workspace on a display used for work, the entire workspace is not necessarily displayed on the display. In this case, the user may wish to move thumbnails or other items displayed on the display to a position not displayed on the display. In this case, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that identifies the destination group based on the speed in the drag direction of a thumbnail or the like and the distance of movement, assuming that the user has a grasp of the overall picture of the workspace in advance. However, since a user may not always be able to grasp the entire picture of the workspace, the user must first reduce the display size of the workspace to a size where the user can grasp the destination before dragging a thumbnail or the like.

[0005] The present invention aims to facilitate the movement of an icon to a part not displayed on the display when a user who does not have a grasp of the overall picture of a work space in which an icon is placed moves an icon displayed on the display to a part not displayed on the display, compared to a case in which a user is not given an opportunity to grasp information about the part not displayed on the display while the icon is being moved, when only a part of the work space in which the icon is placed is displayed on the display. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system having a processor, the processor reducing the display magnification of the work space when an operation to change the position of an icon is detected in a case where only a part of the work space in which an icon is placed is displayed on a display. The processor gradually reduces the magnification on the display, and the processor speeds up the change in the magnification on the display when the icon is located near the edge of the display compared to when the icon is located near the center of the display. Claim 2 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a magnification of the display of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display, the processor gradually reducing the magnification on the display; The processor reduces the magnification on the display faster than the icon moves. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 3 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a magnification of the display of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a part of a work space in which an icon is placed is displayed on a display, the processor gradually reducing the magnification on the display to switch to a magnification at which the entire work space can be displayed on the display; The processor forces the icon, which is moving, to move closer to the center of the display. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 4 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a display magnification of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a portion of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display, before memorization The operation is that there is another icon not displayed on the display in the direction of the movement of the icon. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 5 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a display magnification of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a portion of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display,When the processor detects an operation to change the position of the icon, it adds an operator to reduce the magnification on the display around the icon. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 6 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a display magnification of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a portion of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display, When the size of the work space after reduction becomes smaller than the size of the display, the processor returns the magnification of the display of the work space to the magnification before reduction, and displays a reduced image of the entire work space by superimposing it on the display. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 7 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a display magnification of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a portion of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display, When the processor detects an operation to change the position of the icon, the processor displays a reduced image of the entire working space on the display in a superimposed manner. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 8 The invention described in an information processing system including a processor, the processor reducing a display magnification of the work space when an operation to change a position of an icon is detected in a case where only a portion of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display, When the movement of the icon stops for a predetermined time or longer, the processor superimposes and displays an image in which only the periphery of the icon is enlarged. 、 It is an information processing system. Claim 9 The invention described in The present invention has a processor, and when an operation to change the position of an icon is detected in a case where only a part of a work space in which an icon is placed is displayed on a display, the processor reduces a display magnification of the work space, and while the operation continues, When the icon movement stops, the display magnification of the work space is returned to the magnification before reduction. 、 It is an information processing system. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1 、 Information about the destination can be presented before the icon reaches the edge of the display. Claim 2 According to the described invention, information regarding the destination of the icon can be presented in accordance with the speed of the icon's movement. Claim 3 According to the described invention, it is possible to easily grasp the layout relationship between the icon to be moved and other icons. Claim 4According to the described invention, the magnification of the display can be reduced only if it is meaningful to present information outside the displayed portion. Claim 5 According to the described invention, the user can specify the timing for reducing the magnification on the display. Claim 6 According to the described invention, it is possible to confirm the positional relationship between the icon being moved and the entire working space. Claim 7 According to the described invention, it is possible to confirm the positional relationship between the icon being moved and the entire working space. Claim 8 The described invention allows icons to be moved precisely to desired locations. Claim 9 The described invention allows you to move icons exactly where you want them 。 [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a cloud system that provides workspace services. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the entire workspace and the work screen, where (A) shows the relationship between the entire workspace and the range displayed on an information terminal, and (B) shows an example of the work screen displayed on the information terminal. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a cloud server used in embodiment 1. (A) shows an example of the hardware configuration, and (B) shows an example of the structure of data stored in an auxiliary storage device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data in a file management database. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a cloud server used in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information terminal used in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation by the cloud server in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when the drag distance L1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance LT1, in which (A) shows the display screen when dragging begins, (B) shows the display screen just before the reduced display begins, and (C) shows the display screen after the reduced display. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when the distance L2 between an icon to be dragged and an edge of the display becomes shorter than a predetermined distance LT2. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, (B) shows the display screen just before the reduced display starts, and (C) shows the display screen after the reduced display. [Figure 10] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when a dragging speed V1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed VT1, where (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, (B) shows the display screen just before the reduced display starts, and (C) shows the display screen after the reduced display. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when there is another icon in the direction of dragging, where (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, and (B) shows the display screen after the reduced display when there is another icon in the direction of dragging. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when there are no other icons in the direction of dragging, where (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, and (B) shows the display screen when there are no other icons in the direction of dragging. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the display magnification of a workspace when an icon being dragged stops at a specific position or when the icon is dropped. (A) shows an example of the display while being dragged, and (B) shows an example of the display when the icon stops at a specific position. [Figure 14]11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating another example of a change in the display magnification of the workspace when an icon being dragged stops at a specific position, where (A) shows an example of the display while being dragged, and (B) shows an example of the display when the icon stops at a specific position. [Figure 15] 11 is an example for explaining another example of a reduced display when dragging an icon corresponds to a specific operation. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, and (B) shows the display screen after the magnification has been switched to display the entire workspace on the display. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation by a cloud server in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which only a shrink symbol is displayed when dragging of an icon is detected, where (A) shows the display screen when dragging begins, and (B) shows how the shrink symbol is displayed on the display as a result of detecting dragging of the icon with the cursor. [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a reduced view of a workspace using a reduction symbol, in which (A) shows an icon overlaid on the reduction symbol, and (B) shows the workspace continuing to be reduced. [Figure 19] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the movement of the shrinking symbol when the icon is dragged away from the shrinking symbol, where (A) shows the dragging of the icon while the shrinking symbol is displayed, and (B) shows the movement of the shrinking symbol in the direction in which the icon is dragged. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example in which both a shrink symbol and an enlargement symbol are displayed when dragging of an icon is detected, where (A) shows the display screen when dragging begins, and (B) shows how the shrink symbol and the enlargement symbol are displayed on the display as a result of detecting dragging of the icon with the cursor. [Figure 21]1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the use of a magnification symbol to enlarge a workspace, where (A) shows an icon overlaid on the magnification symbol, and (B) shows the workspace continuing to be enlarged. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement of the shrink and enlargement symbols when the icon is dragged away from the two symbols, where (A) shows the dragging of the icon while the two symbols are displayed, and (B) shows the movement of the two symbols in the direction in which the icon is dragged. [Figure 23] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation by a cloud server in the third embodiment. [Figure 24] This figure explains an example in which a reduced image showing the entire workspace is superimposed on the display when dragging of an icon is detected. (A) shows the display screen when dragging begins, (B) shows a scene in which the icon enters the reduced image at a speed V2 equal to or greater than a threshold value VT2, and (C) shows the dragging of the icon within the reduced image. [Diagram 25] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating another example in which a reduced image showing the entire workspace is superimposed on the display when dragging of an icon is detected. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, (B) shows the icon entering the reduced image at a speed V2 less than the threshold VT2, and (C) shows the reduced image being moved to a position where the icon is removed. [Figure 26] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the display magnification of a workspace when the displayed size of the workspace becomes smaller than the size of the display. (A) shows an example of a display during dragging, (B) shows a reduced state in which the entire workspace is displayed on the display, and (C) shows a state in which a composite screen of the image at the display magnification before the reduced display begins and the reduced image is displayed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Embodiment 1> <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a cloud system 1 that provides workspace services. The workspace in this embodiment is used for temporarily storing a document being worked on. Cloud system 1 is composed of a cloud server 20 connected to a network 10, and an information terminal used by a user who uses a service to access cloud server 20. Cloud server 20 in this embodiment is an example of an information processing system.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows "User A" and "User B" as individual users, and "Group AA" and "Group BB" as users of a group made up of multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "group users"). A workspace is managed on a per-user or per-group-user basis. In the example of Figure 1, examples of information terminals used by user A to access the cloud server 20 include a desktop computer 30A used in the office, a notebook computer 30B used in a satellite office, a smartphone 30C used outdoors while traveling, and a notebook computer 30D used at home. In the case of FIG. 1, user A uses a different information terminal for each work location, but the same information terminal may be used in all locations.

[0011] <Workspace and display range> 2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the entire workspace and the work screen. (A) shows the relationship between the entire workspace and the range displayed on the information terminal, and (B) shows an example of the work screen displayed on the information terminal. In the workspace shown in FIG. 2(A), the outer edge of the area displayed on the information terminal is indicated by a dashed line. A workspace is used as a virtual desk for a user, and the user is free to use the workspace however he or she likes.

[0012] Icons corresponding to files are arranged on the workspace, such as data files and program files. Icons corresponding to files include thumbnails that are reduced images of the first page or representative page of a document, thumbnails of photos, thumbnails that are reduced images of the first frame or representative frame of a video file, designs or text that indicate the type of document, designs or text that indicate an application, trays or folders that indicate where documents, etc. are stored, etc. In the workspace, icons can be arranged in any location.

[0013] However, users tend to arrange file icons that have related meanings or attributes in a single group. A "group" refers to a state in which a collection of files that can be distinguished from each other is formed. For example, the workspace shown in Figure 2(A) has multiple groups formed. On the workspace shown in Fig. 2(A), the user can place icons at any location specified by the user. For example, it is possible to place one icon on top of another. Here, "overlapping" includes not only partial overlapping, but also full overlapping.

[0014] The work screen shown in FIG. 2(B) displays only the area of ​​the workspace that the user is paying attention to. This is because when a workspace manages a large number of icons, if the entire workspace is displayed on the display of an information terminal, the scale becomes too large, making it difficult to distinguish the contents of the icons. For this reason, the range in which the contents of the icons can be identified is cut out from the workspace and displayed on the work screen of the information terminal. In the present embodiment, the scale that defines the range in which the contents of the icons can be identified is determined in advance by initial setting. However, the display magnification of the workspace displayed on the work screen may be variable according to a user's instruction on the work screen. Nine icons are displayed on the work screen shown in FIG. 2(B).

[0015] <Cloud server configuration> 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of cloud server 20 used in embodiment 1. (A) shows an example of the hardware configuration, and (B) shows an example of the structure of data stored in auxiliary storage device 204. 3A includes a processor 201 that controls the operation of the entire device, a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 202 in which a BIOS (=Basic Input Output System) and the like are stored, a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 203 used as a work area for the processor 201, an auxiliary storage device 204 that stores data such as programs, and a communication IF (=Interface) 205 used for communication with the outside. The processor 201 and each part are connected via a signal line 206 such as a bus.

[0016] The processor 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 function as a so-called computer. The processor 201 realizes various functions through the execution of a program. For example, the processor 201 realizes a service that provides a workspace through the execution of a program. For example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive is used as the auxiliary storage device 204. Data relating to programs and workspaces is stored in the auxiliary storage device 204. The programs here include applications for the operating system and workspaces.

[0017] The auxiliary storage device 204 stores a file management database 211 as data relating to the workspace. In the file management database 211, management data 211A, 211B, 211AA, and 211BB are stored for each user. In the case of FIG. 3(B), management data 211A is for user A, management data 211B is for user B, management data 211AA is for group user AA, and management data 211BB is for group user BB.

[0018] 4 is a diagram showing an example of data in the file management database 211. Some of the items constituting the file management database 211 are shown in FIG. Incidentally, in FIG. 4, the icons represent the files corresponding to the files, i.e., "file identifier," "file name," "file location," and "path of the actual file." The "file location" is given as coordinates on the workspace. In the case of Figure 4, the "file location" is expressed by the X and Y coordinates.

[0019] 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the functional configuration of cloud server 20 used in embodiment 1. The functional configuration shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, an operation detection section 201A, a display control section 201B, and a file management section 201C are shown as functions related to the workspace. The operation detection unit 201A detects an operation to move the position of an icon on a workspace (hereinafter referred to as "drag") through an operation on the work screen of the information terminal. However, instructions from the information terminal operated by the user are not limited to dragging. The operation detection unit 201A also detects, for example, an operation to change the range of the workspace displayed on the work screen or to change the magnification on the display.

[0020] The operation detection unit 201A in this embodiment also obtains the position of the icon being dragged, the drag speed, and the drag direction. The operation detection unit 201A also detects a user's operation on a symbol that changes the scale of the workspace displayed on the work screen. The scale here is an example of the magnification on the display. When an icon being dragged is placed on the symbol, the operation detection unit 201A changes the scale of the workspace. In this embodiment, the symbols include a symbol for reducing and a symbol for enlarging. Note that the symbols here are an example of an "operator" used to change the magnification on the display. Furthermore, operation detection section 201A also detects an operation of ending the dragging of an icon on the workspace (hereinafter referred to as a "drop").

[0021] The display control unit 201B controls the generation of a work screen to be displayed on an information terminal operated by a user. The work screen generated by the display control unit 201B is transmitted to the information terminal of the corresponding user. The display control unit 201B also has a function of changing the scale of the workspace displayed on the work screen according to the position of the icon being dragged, the dragging speed, and the dragging direction. In addition, the display control unit 201B also controls the display of the scale-changing symbol on the work screen and the movement of the symbol on the work screen according to the position of the icon being dragged, the dragging speed, and the dragging direction. The file management section 201C manages the position on the workspace where the icon is dropped as the “file position” in the file management database 211.

[0022] <Information terminal configuration> Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration of an information terminal used in embodiment 1. Fig. 6 shows the hardware configuration of a desktop computer 30A used in an office. 6 includes a processor 301 that controls the operation of the entire device, a ROM 302 that stores a BIOS and the like, a RAM 303 that is used as a work area for the processor 301, an auxiliary storage device 304 that stores data such as programs, an operation reception device 305 that receives user operations, a display 306 that displays workspace information on a work screen, and a communication IF (=InterFace) 307 that is used for communication with the outside. The processor 301 and each part are connected via a signal line 308 such as a bus.

[0023] The processor 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 function as a so-called computer. The processor 301 realizes various functions through the execution of a program. For example, the processor 301 provides a workspace service through the execution of a program. For example, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk drive is used as the auxiliary storage device 304. Programs and the like are stored in the auxiliary storage device 304. The programs here include an operation system. The operation reception device 305 may include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display 306 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and is used to display the workspace.

[0024] <Cloud server processing operations> Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation by cloud server 20 (see Fig. 1) in embodiment 1. The symbol S in Fig. 7 means a step. The processing operation shown in FIG. 7 is started in a state where workspace information is displayed on the information terminal. First, the processor 201 (see FIG. 3) detects the dragging of a specific icon placed on the workspace (step 1). Next, if the dragging of the icon corresponds to a predetermined specific operation, the processor 201 starts to display a reduced version of the workspace (step 2).

[0025] In the case of this embodiment, even if dragging of an icon is detected, unless it corresponds to a specific operation, the workspace is not reduced. Specific operations include, for example, the drag distance being greater than or equal to a predetermined distance, the drag speed being greater than or equal to a predetermined speed, the presence of another icon in the direction of the drag, and the distance between the icon being dragged and the edge of the display being less than a predetermined distance. When processor 201 detects the dropping of an icon on the workspace (step 3), it records information about the position where the icon was dropped in file management database 211 (step 4).

[0026] <Example of work screen display> <Example 1> 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced display of the workspace when the drag distance L1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance LT1. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, (B) shows the display screen just before the reduced display starts, and (C) shows the display screen after the reduced display. Distance L1 starts from the position of the icon before the drag starts, and may be the straight-line distance between the start point and the current position of the icon being dragged, or may be the distance along the path of the drag.

[0027] In FIG. 8(A), cursor 311 is moved onto the icon to be dragged, and dragging begins. In the case of Fig. 8(B), the drag direction is toward the right end side of the display 306. In the case of Fig. 8(B), the drag distance L1 is set to be equal to or greater than a predetermined distance LT1. When the drag distance L1 reaches or exceeds a predetermined distance LT1, the processor 201 determines that a specific operation has been performed, and starts a reduced display. As long as the icon continues to be dragged, the visual magnification of the workspace displayed on display 306 continues to decrease. In FIG. 8C, the reduction in the display magnification is represented by a reduction in the size of the icons displayed on the work screen and an increase in the number of icons displayed.

[0028] In this embodiment, while the dragging of the icon continues, the magnification of the display of the workspace displayed on display 306 also continues to decrease. As a result, the image of the workspace displayed on display 306 gradually becomes smaller. In other words, as the magnification of the display gradually decreases, the range of the workspace displayed on display 306 gradually becomes larger. Therefore, even if the user does not know the layout of the entire workspace at the time when the user starts dragging the icon, the user can find the location where the icon should be dropped while dragging.

[0029] In the example of Fig. 8(C), the image is reduced toward the position on the workspace that was located at the center of display 306 at the time when dragging started. This makes it possible to grasp information about parts that were not displayed before dragging started, not only in the dragging direction but in all directions. This makes it easy to move the icon to a portion that is not displayed on display 306 at the time the drag is started.

[0030] The processor 201 controls the speed at which the displayed size of the workspace displayed on the display 306 is reduced to be faster than the speed at which an icon is dragged on the display 306 . Therefore, the workspace is not reduced in time and the icon does not reach the end of the display 306. In other words, the range of the workspace displayed on the work screen can be controlled according to the dragging speed.

[0031] <Example 2> 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced display of the workspace when the distance L2 between the icon to be dragged and the edge of the display 306 becomes shorter than a predetermined distance LT2. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, (B) shows the display screen just before the reduced display starts, and (C) shows the display screen after the reduced display.

[0032] In Fig. 9(A), cursor 311 is moved onto the icon to be dragged, and dragging begins. In the case of Fig. 9(B), the dragging direction is toward the right edge of display 306. In Fig. 9(B), distance L2 to the right edge, which is the dragging direction, is less than predetermined distance LT2. When the drag distance L2 becomes less than a predetermined distance LT2, the processor 201 determines that a specific operation has been performed, and starts a reduced display. In the case of FIG. 9C as well, the workspace displayed on the display 306 continues to be reduced while the icon continues to be dragged.

[0033] In other words, the processor 201 does not reduce the workspace displayed on the display 306 while the icon being dragged is located near the center of the display 306, and reduces the workspace when the icon being dragged approaches the outer edge of the display 306. Note that the workspace may start shrinking while the icon being dragged is located near the center, provided that the icon is being dragged, although the speed of shrinking when the icon being dragged is located near the center of the display 306 or the work screen may be slower than the speed of shrinking when the icon being dragged is located on the outer edge of the display 306 or the work screen.

[0034] <Example 3> 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when the dragging speed V1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed VT1. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, (B) shows the display screen just before the reduced display starts, and (C) shows the display screen after the reduced display. In FIG. 10(A), cursor 311 is moved onto the icon to be dragged, and dragging begins. In the case of Fig. 10(B), the drag direction is toward the right edge side of the display 306. In Fig. 10(B), the drag speed V1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed VT1.

[0035] The dragging speed V1 here is defined as the speed in the workflow, although it may be defined as the speed on the display 306. When the drag speed V1 reaches or exceeds a predetermined speed VT1, the processor 201 determines that a specific operation has been performed, and starts a reduced display. In FIG. 10C, the workspace displayed on the display 306 continues to be reduced while the dragging speed V1 on the workflow is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed VT1.

[0036] <Example 4> 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when there is another icon in the dragging direction. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, and (B) shows the display screen after the reduced display when there is another icon in the dragging direction. In Fig. 11(A), cursor 311 is moved onto the icon to be dragged, and dragging begins. In the case of Fig. 11(B), since there is another icon on the workspace to the right of display 306, processor 201 determines that a specific operation has been performed, and begins a reduced display.

[0037] 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reduced display of a workspace when there are no other icons in the dragging direction. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, and (B) shows the display screen when there are no other icons in the dragging direction. In the case of FIG. 12(A), since there are no other icons in the direction in which the icon is dragged, including the portion not displayed on display 306, a reduced display of the workspace does not begin. 12(B), when the dragged icon reaches the edge of display 306, the parts that were not displayed before the dragging started appear in sequence. In other words, the range of the workspace that is displayed on display 306 is moved in the direction of the dragging, and the corresponding image is displayed on display 306.

[0038] <Example 5> 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining examples of changes in the display magnification of the workspace when an icon being dragged stops at a specific position or when the icon is dropped. (A) shows an example of the display during dragging, and (B) shows an example of the display when the icon stops at a specific position. The change in display magnification shown in Example 5 is used in combination with Examples 1 to 4. In the display screen shown in FIG. 13(A), as the icon continues to be dragged, the workspace displayed on display 306 continues to shrink. However, when the icon is dropped or approaches the drop location, not only does the zoom out of the workspace stop but the display magnification returns to the magnification level that was there before the dragging began. This makes it easier to identify the location to drop the icon.

[0039] <Example 6> 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of a change in the display magnification of the workspace when an icon being dragged stops at a specific position. (A) shows a display example during dragging, and (B) shows a display example when the icon stops at a specific position. The change in display magnification shown in Example 6 is also used in combination with Examples 1 to 4. 14B, the display magnification of the workspace on display 306 is not restored to the original size for the entire screen, but is applied only to the image portion corresponding to the periphery of the icon. In other words, only the image portion surrounding the icon is enlarged. In FIG. 14(B), a partial image 320 that is an enlarged view of the area around the icon being dragged in the workspace is superimposed.

[0040] <Example 7> 15 is an example for explaining another example of a reduced display when dragging an icon corresponds to a specific operation. (A) shows the display screen when dragging starts, and (B) shows the display screen after the magnification has been switched to display the entire workspace on display 306. In the examples 1 to 4, the workspace displayed on display 306 is gradually reduced in size, but in this example, the magnification of the display is changed all at once.

[0041] 15(B), as soon as dragging an icon corresponds to a specific operation, the entire workspace is displayed on display 306. This allows the user to determine the destination of the dragged icon after grasping the overall layout of the workspace. In the case of FIG. 15B, the icon being dragged and cursor 311 are forcibly moved to near the center of display 306 in conjunction with switching to a state in which the entire workspace is displayed on display 306. The position of cursor 311 is forcibly changed, but since it is now positioned near the center of display 306, the drag distance becomes shorter when dragging the icon in either direction.

[0042] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a symbol for accepting a change in the display magnification of the workspace is displayed on display 306 (see FIG. 6). The configuration of cloud system 1 (see FIG. 1) described in embodiment 2 is the same as that of embodiment 1. Also, the configuration of cloud server 20 (see FIG. 1) that provides workspace services is also the same as that of embodiment 1.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation by cloud server 20 (see FIG. 1) in the second embodiment. In the processing operation shown in FIG. 16, the processor 201 (see FIG. 3) also detects the dragging of a specific icon arranged on the workspace (step 11). Next, if the dragging of the icon corresponds to a predetermined specific operation, the processor 201 displays a symbol for reducing and a symbol for enlarging the workspace on the workspace (step 12).

[0044] Thereafter, the processor 201 loops steps 14 to 18 while the icon is being dragged (step 13). First, the processor 201 determines whether or not an icon is being dragged onto a symbol (step 14). There are three possible results from this determination. If the icon is not dragged onto the symbol, the processor 201 determines whether the distance between the icon being dragged and the symbol is equal to or greater than a threshold (step 15). If the distance between the icon and the symbol is less than the threshold, the processor 201 obtains a negative result in step 15 and returns to step 13 .

[0045] On the other hand, if the distance between the icon and the symbol is equal to or greater than the threshold, the processor 201 obtains a positive result in step 15 and moves the symbol so that the distance is within the threshold (step 18). This movement of the symbol means that the symbol is made to follow the dragging of the icon. During this dragging, the distance between the symbol and the icon is maintained at the threshold in step 15. When it is determined in step 14 that the icon has been dragged onto the shrink symbol, the processor 201 shrinks the entire workspace while the icon is on the shrink symbol (step 16). After that, the processor 201 returns to step 13.

[0046] On the other hand, while the icon is on the symbol for enlarging as determined in step 14, the entire workspace is enlarged (step 17). After that, the processor 201 returns to step 13. When the dropping of the icon is detected, the dropped position is recorded in the file management database 211 (step 19). In this embodiment, the magnification of the workspace displayed on display 306 can be adjusted in response to a user instruction.

[0047] <Example of work screen display> <Example 1> 17 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, when dragging of an icon is detected, only the shrinking symbol 312 is displayed. (A) shows the display screen at the time when dragging begins, and (B) shows how the shrinking symbol 312 is displayed on the display 306 as a result of detecting dragging of the icon by the cursor 311. 17B, ​​only the shrink symbol 312 is displayed. The shrink symbol 312 is displayed in front of the icon dragging direction.

[0048] 18 is a diagram illustrating a reduced display of a workspace using the reduction symbol 312. (A) shows a state in which an icon is superimposed on the reduction symbol 312, and (B) shows a state in which the reduced display of the workspace continues. The shrinking display of the workspace begins when the icon is placed over the shrinking symbol 312. In Fig. 18(B) the workspace is shrinking toward the center of the display 306, and the portion that was not displayed in Fig. 18(A) gradually appears on the display 306. This shrinking display of the workspace continues as long as the icon is placed over the shrinking symbol 312.

[0049] <Example 2> 19 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the shrinking symbol 312 when the icon is dragged in a direction away from the shrinking symbol 312. (A) shows the dragging of the icon while the shrinking symbol 312 is displayed, and (B) shows the movement of the shrinking symbol 312 in the direction in which the icon is dragged. The position of the icon in FIG. 19(B) moves to the lower left of the display 306 relative to the position of the icon in FIG. 19(A).

[0050] In accordance with this movement, the shrinking symbol 312 moves to the lower left of the display 306 while maintaining a certain distance from the icon being dragged. In other words, the shrinking symbol 312 follows the icon being dragged. Since the shrink symbol 312 follows the icon, it is possible to place the icon on top of the shrink symbol 312 by simply moving the icon back slightly in the opposite direction to the drag direction. When the icon is placed on top of the shrink symbol 312, the shrink display of the workspace begins.

[0051] <Example 3> 20 is a diagram illustrating an example in which both a shrink symbol 312 and an enlargement symbol 313 are displayed when dragging of an icon is detected. (A) shows the display screen at the time when dragging begins, and (B) shows how the shrink symbol 312 and the enlargement symbol 313 are displayed on the display 306 as a result of detecting dragging of the icon with the cursor 311. In the case of FIG. 20(B) as well, the shrink symbol 312 and the enlargement symbol 313 are displayed in front of the drag direction of the icon.

[0052] 21 is a diagram illustrating the enlarged display of a workspace using the enlargement symbol 313. (A) shows a state in which an icon is superimposed on the enlargement symbol 313, and (B) shows the state in which the enlarged display of the workspace continues. The enlarged display of the workspace begins when the icon is placed over the enlargement symbol 313. In Fig. 21(B) , the image corresponding to the workspace is enlarged outward from the center of the display 306, making it easier to see the arrangement of other icons around the destination of the icon. This enlarged display of the workspace continues as long as the icon is placed over the enlargement symbol 313.

[0053] <Example 4> 22 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the two symbols 312 and 313 when an icon is dragged in a direction away from the shrinking symbol 312 and the enlarging symbol 313. (A) shows the dragging of the icon while the two symbols 312 and 313 are displayed, and (B) shows the movement of the two symbols 312 and 313 in the direction in which the icon is dragged. The icon in Fig. 22(B) is moving from the position of the icon in Fig. 22(A) to the left on the display 306. In conjunction with this movement, the shrink symbol 312 and the enlargement symbol 313 also follow the icon being dragged, maintaining a certain distance therebetween. Since the shrink symbol 312 and the enlargement symbol 313 follow the icon, it is possible to place the icon on top of the shrink symbol 312 or the enlargement symbol 313 simply by moving the icon back slightly in the opposite direction to the drag direction. When the icon is placed on the enlargement symbol 313, the enlarged display of the workspace begins.

[0054] <Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which, when a drag of an icon is detected, a reduced image of the entire workspace is superimposed on a portion of display 306 (see FIG. 6). The configuration of cloud system 1 (see FIG. 1) described in embodiment 3 is the same as that of embodiment 1. Also, the configuration of cloud server 20 (see FIG. 1) that provides workspace services is also the same as that of embodiment 1.

[0055] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation by cloud server 20 (see FIG. 1) in the third embodiment. In the processing operation shown in FIG. 23, the processor 201 (see FIG. 3) also detects the dragging of a specific icon arranged on the workspace (step 21). Next, if the dragging of the icon corresponds to a predetermined operation, processor 201 displays a reduced image of the entire workspace in a separate frame on display 306 (step 22).

[0056] Thereafter, the processor 201 loops steps 24 to 28 while the icon is being dragged (step 23). First, the processor 201 determines whether or not the icon has passed through the frame of the reduced image (step 24). There are three possible results from this determination. If the icon does not pass through the border of the reduced image, the processor 201 repeats the determination of step 24 . If the icon is to be included in the reduced image, the processor 201 determines whether the drag speed V2 is equal to or greater than a threshold value VT2 (step 25).

[0057] If the drag speed V2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value VT2, the processor 201 obtains a positive result in step 25 and continues dragging the icon on the reduced image (step 26). Note that the icon being dragged is also displayed in a reduced size on the reduced image. After this, the processor 201 returns to step 23. On the other hand, if the drag speed V2 is less than the threshold value VT2, the processor 201 obtains a negative result in step 25, and moves the reduced image to a location other than the drag direction (step 27). After this, the processor 201 returns to step 23.

[0058] If it is determined in step 24 that the icon will leave the reduced image, the processor 201 continues dragging the icon on the workspace outside the reduced image (step 28). The processor 201 returns the size of the icon being dragged to its original size. After this, the processor 201 returns to step 23. When the processor 201 detects the dropping of the icon, it records the dropped position in the file management database 211 (step 29).

[0059] <Example of work screen display> <Example 1> 24 is a diagram illustrating an example in which reduced image 315 representing the entire workspace is superimposed on display 306 (see FIG. 6) when dragging of an icon is detected. (A) shows the display screen at the time when dragging begins, (B) shows a scene in which the icon enters reduced image 315 at a speed V2 equal to or greater than threshold value VT2, and (C) shows the dragging of the icon within reduced image 315.

[0060] In the case of FIG. 24(A), when the dragging of an icon is detected, a reduced image 315 representing the entire workspace is superimposed on the lower right corner of the display 306 . In this embodiment, even if dragging of an icon begins, the magnification of the displayed workspace does not change, in other words, the workspace is not displayed in a reduced size. In FIG. 24A, reduced image 315 representing the entire workspace is displayed in the lower right corner of display 306, but the display position is not limited to the lower right corner.

[0061] The position where the thumbnail image 315 is displayed may be determined in advance. Also, the thumbnail image 315 may be displayed in front of the direction in which the icon is dragged. By processor 201 arranging reduced image 315 in front of the direction in which the icon is dragged, it becomes easy to switch between dragging the icon on the work screen and dragging the icon on reduced image 315. Incidentally, if the position at which thumbnail image 315 is displayed differs from the direction of the drag, the user must change the direction of the drag to move the icon onto thumbnail image 315.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 24(B), when the icon enters reduced image 315 at a speed V2 equal to or greater than threshold value VT2, the icon being dragged and cursor 311 are incorporated into reduced image 315, and the dragging continues on reduced image 315, as shown in FIG. 24(C). The thumbnail 315 is suitable for grasping the entire workspace. Therefore, by dragging an icon on the thumbnail 315, the time required to drag the icon to the desired location is reduced compared to dragging the icon outside the thumbnail 315.

[0063] When the stopping of the dropping of the icon or the dragging of the icon is detected, the superimposed display of the reduced image 315 is stopped. At that time, the display 306 may display information about the area where the icon was dropped or the area where the icon is stopping. However, the content displayed in the current size on the display 306 as the background of the superimposed thumbnail image 315 may be changed by following the dragging of the icon within the thumbnail image 315 .

[0064] <Example 2> 25 is a diagram illustrating another example in which reduced image 315 representing the entire workspace is superimposed on display 306 (see FIG. 6) when dragging of an icon is detected. (A) shows the display screen at the time when dragging begins, (B) shows a scene in which the icon enters reduced image 315 at a speed V2 less than threshold value VT2, and (C) shows a state in which reduced image 315 is moved to a position where the icon is removed.

[0065] The display contents in Figures 25(A) and 25(B) are the same as those in Figures 24(A) and 24(B). The difference is the dragging speed V2 when crossing the frame line of reduced image 315. In the case of Figure 25(B), the dragging speed V2 is less than the threshold value VT2. 25(C), the icon does not enter reduced image 315, and continues to move within the space displayed as the background of reduced image 315. At this time, reduced image 315 is retreated to a location other than the direction in which the icon is being dragged so as not to obstruct the view of the space in which the icon is being dragged.

[0066] 25(C), thumbnail image 315 has been moved to the upper right corner of display 306. Since the upper right corner of display 306 is opposite the direction of the dragging of the icon, thumbnail image 315 after the movement does not interfere with the dragging of the icon. However, the destination of reduced image 315 may be the upper left corner or the lower left corner of display 306, or may be some other location.

[0067] <Other embodiments> (1) Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-mentioned embodiment. It is clear from the claims that the technical scope of the present invention also includes various modifications and improvements to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0068] (2) In the above description of Example 5 in the first embodiment, the case was described where the display magnification of the workspace when an icon being dragged stops at a specific position or when the icon is dropped is returned to the magnification before dragging began. In such a case, the reduced image 315 (see FIG. 24) shown in the third embodiment may be displayed in a superimposed manner. The superimposed display of reduced image 315 may also be performed when the displayed size of the workspace displayed on display 306 becomes smaller than the size of display 306 .

[0069] 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in the display magnification of the workspace when the displayed size of the workspace displayed on display 306 becomes smaller than the size of display 306. (A) shows an example of the display during dragging, (B) shows a reduced state in which the entire workspace is displayed on display 306, and (C) shows a state in which a composite screen of the image at the display magnification before the reduced display began and reduced image 315 is displayed. In the case of Fig. 26(C), the dragging of the icon continues. In the case of Fig. 26(C), while dragging the icon, the user can simultaneously check the position of the icon in the entire workspace and other icons around the icon being dragged.

[0070] (3) In the above-described first embodiment, even if dragging of an icon is detected, if it does not correspond to a specific operation, the workspace is not reduced. However, as in the second and third embodiments, the workspace displayed on the work screen may be reduced on the condition that dragging of an icon is detected.

[0071] (4) In the above embodiment, the workspace service is provided through the cloud server 20 (see FIG. 1), but the workspace service is not limited to the cloud service. The workspace may be provided as a function on a server provided on a LAN (Local Area Network), for example. The functionality of the workspace may be provided as a function of a program that runs on, for example, the computer 30A, 30B, 30D (see FIG. 1) or the smartphone 30C (see FIG. 1) operated by the user. The program here may be any of an operation system, firmware, and application programs. In this case, the computers 30A, 30B, and 30D and the smartphone 30C are examples of an information processing system.

[0072] (5) In the description of the above embodiment, it was explained that icons corresponding to files can be placed anywhere in the workspace and that one icon can be layered on top of another icon, but it may also be possible to place only one icon on one section arranged in a grid pattern, such as a desktop screen or home screen. (6) In the above embodiment, we have described the use of a workspace as a temporary storage location for documents that are being worked on, but the workspace is not limited to being a temporary storage location for documents, and it does not have to be a document that is being worked on.

[0073] (7) The processor in each of the above-described embodiments refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPUs, etc.) as well as dedicated processors (e.g., GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), programmable logic devices, etc.). In addition, the operations of the processor in each of the above-mentioned embodiments may be executed by one processor alone, or may be executed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations in cooperation with each other. Furthermore, the order of execution of each operation in the processor is not limited to the order described in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be changed individually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1...cloud system, 10...network, 20...cloud server, 30A, 30B, 30D...computer, 30C...smartphone, 211...file management database, 311...cursor, 312, 313...symbol, 315...reduced image

Claims

1. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, The processor gradually reduces the magnification on the display; the processor causes the magnification to change more quickly when the icon is located near an edge of the display compared to when the icon is located near a center of the display; Information processing system.

2. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, The processor gradually reduces the magnification on the display; the processor reduces the magnification on the display faster than the icon moves. Information processing system.

3. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, The processor gradually reduces the magnification on the display to switch to a magnification that allows the entire working space to be displayed on the display; the processor constrains the icon being moved to be closer to the center of the display; Information processing system.

4. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, The operation is that there is another icon not displayed on the display in a direction of movement of the icon. Information processing system.

5. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, when the processor detects an operation to change the position of the icon, the processor adds an operator to the periphery of the icon to reduce the magnification on the display. Information processing system.

6. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, when the size of the work space after reduction becomes smaller than the size of the display, the processor returns the display magnification of the work space to the magnification before reduction, and displays a reduced image of the entire work space by superimposing it on the display. Information processing system.

7. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, When the processor detects an operation to change the position of the icon, the processor displays a reduced image of the entire working space on the display in a superimposed manner. Information processing system.

8. A processor, The processor, When only a part of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on the display, and an operation to change the position of the icon is detected, the display magnification of the work space is reduced. An information processing system, When the movement of the icon stops for a predetermined time or longer, the processor superimposes and displays an image in which only the periphery of the icon is enlarged. Information processing system.

9. A processor, The processor, When an operation to change the position of an icon is detected in a case where only a portion of a work space in which an icon is to be placed is displayed on a display, the display magnification of the work space is reduced; If the movement of the icon is stopped while the operation is continuing, returning the magnification of the display of the working space to the magnification before reduction. Information processing system.

Images