How to implement a ghost interface.

Abstract

Conventional user interfaces have the drawback of being monotonous, taking up unnecessary screen space, and requiring multiple operations to access desired functions. [Solution] An area called a ghost interface is installed within the software screen or graphical user interface (GUI). This ghost interface can operate software functions by combining the type of user operation and the coordinate information of the operation. This makes it possible to provide multiple functions with a single user operation from the same coordinates without interfering with the visual information and functions of existing GUIs. In addition, ghost marks and ghost guides are used to visually inform the user of the operation status and functions. [Effect] The present invention allows many functions to be implemented in a limited screen space, improving user operability.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer having a graphical user interface, and more particularly to a ghost interface, which is a novel graphical user interface for improving operability. [Background technology]

[0002] The ghost button described in Non-Patent Document 1 is a graphical user interface with a transparent background, and is mainly used on web pages, etc. by overlaying it on a photograph or image. Because it is used as a button, it is not overlaid on another graphical interface with some kind of function, but is simply overlaid on a photograph or image.

[0003] The web browser in Non-Patent Document 2 is equipped with a toolbar for conducting web searches. By entering a search term and executing it, a screen will appear listing web pages related to the search term. This web browser also has functions such as bookmarks, allowing the addresses of a huge number of web pages to be saved.

[0004] The scroll view in Non-Patent Document 3 can accommodate a large amount of content that cannot all fit on the display screen. The displayed content can be switched by user operations such as dragging the scroll view or scrolling the wheel, and content that accepts user operations such as tapping or clicking can also run a program that corresponds to the content.

[0005] The ad blocker described in Non-Patent Document 4 hides advertisements from within the browser for users who find advertisements displayed on web pages or within apps annoying. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] What is a ghost button? A UI trend that combines design and functionality: https: / / ageneralstudio.com / blog / 2518-2 [Non-patent document 2] Web browser Google (registered trademark) Chrome usage guide: https: / / support.google.com / chrome?sjid=6797782709363774397-AP#topic=7439538 [Non-patent document 3] UIScrollView Kit, a user interface tool for iOS development: https: / / www.advancesoft.co.jp / wiki / ?UIScrollView [Non-patent document 4] AdBlock - Block ads on the web: https: / / chromewebstore.google.com / detail / adblock-%E3%82%A6%E3%82%A7%E3%83%96%E4%B8%8A%E3%81%AE%E5%BA%83%E5%91%8A%E3%82%92%E3%83%96%E3%83%AD%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF / gighmmpiobklfepjocnamgkkbiglidom?hl=ja Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Although the ghost button in Non-Patent Document 1 can make the background transparent, there is a problem in that if a graphical user interface is placed in the background, it cannot be operated from above the ghost button.

[0008] In the web browser of Non-Patent Document 2, if the number of addresses saved in bookmarks, etc. becomes enormous, the user has to scroll through the drop-down displaying the addresses from the beginning to the desired location, which takes time and effort to reach the desired address.

[0009] The scroll view in Non-Patent Document 3 simply scrolls the content display area regardless of the position of the user operation such as dragging, even if it occupies a large portion of the display area. Additional functions were generally implemented by adding headers or footers and placing buttons there.

[0010] Placing so many graphical user interfaces on a display can lead to mistakes, especially on small touchscreens like smartphones. To avoid this, if buttons are grouped together in dropdowns or similar, the user has to perform many operations before they can reach the desired function.

[0011] While ad blockers improve the user experience, they prevent businesses from earning necessary advertising revenue, which has negative effects on the advertising industry as a whole.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors have developed a new graphical user interface called the Ghost Interface, which solves the above problems. The Ghost Interface will be described later.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a ghost interface, which is a new graphical user interface, and to provide a method for implementing the ghost interface, which can improve user operability.

[0014] Furthermore, by having the displayed ads act as a GUI for handling app functions, not only can the display space be used more effectively, but by accepting user operations, the visibility of the ads can be improved.Furthermore, in response to the use of ad display blockers that app providers do not want, by removing the ads, which are the GUI for handling app functions, it is possible to make adjustments that prevent access to the app's functions, thereby encouraging users to display ads in a fair manner as desired by the operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method for implementing a ghost interface according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a computer having a display having a display unit on which a graphical user interface is displayed, a user input unit, at least one processor, a memory, and at least one program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, wherein the graphical user interface displayed on the display has a function of accepting user operations from the user input unit in order to execute the program, and the computer, while displaying at least one graphical user interface on the display, displays at least one transparent or semi-transparent graphical user interface having an area that overlaps part or all of the area of ​​at least one graphical user interface displayed on the display, Tsuhoa ghost interface setting step of setting up a "ghost interface" that changes the program to be executed depending on the scroll direction, displaying a "ghost mark" consisting of a line or a dot as a mark indicating the position, shape and size of the ghost interface on the display, and specifying at least one or more graphical user interface groups by the ghost mark; a ghost interface execution program setting step of setting up the program to be executed by the ghost interface on the display to be different from the program executed by the graphical user interface whose area overlaps with the ghost interface in the ghost interface setting step; and setting user operations to be not transmitted to the graphical user interfaces other than the ghost interface for user operations to the ghost interface, A method for implementing a ghost interface, comprising: a ghost interface-exclusive user operation setting step for setting the program set in the ghost interface execution program setting step to be executed by at least one user operation; a ghost interface-transparent user operation setting step for setting at least one user operation other than the user operation set in the ghost interface-exclusive user operation setting step for transmitting the user operation on the ghost interface to the same coordinates on the display ignoring the ghost interface; and a ghost interface-accepted user operation determination step for determining which of the programs executed by the graphical user interface on the display, including the ghost interface, to execute, or whether to execute none.

[0017] No. 2 The method for implementing a ghost interface according to the present invention comprises: In the first invention,The ghost interface implementation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ghost interface acceptance user operation determination step displays a "ghost guide" on the display that pops up a function of the ghost interface at a position corresponding to the ghost mark, and then determines which function to execute or whether to execute nothing.

[0018] In addition to improving operability, the effect of user operations on the computer can be displayed on the display. 2 correspondence).

[0019] In any one of the first to third inventions, the computer determines the coordinates in the ghost interface at which a user operation on the ghost interface was performed, and changes the program executed by the ghost interface depending on the determined coordinates, even if the user operation is the same. (Claim 3 correspondence) [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to implement in a computer more functions than ever before that can be accessed by a single user operation without occupying the display unit.

[0021] Furthermore, because it is transparent or semi-transparent, it can be displayed over a graphical user interface, including advertisements. This allows users to access advertisements with a tap, or run programs with a drag, which is expected to increase the visibility of advertisements.

[0022] Furthermore, by closely linking the programs run by the ghost interface to the app's functions, it is possible to make adjustments such as preventing the app's functions from being accessed when an ad blocker is used, thereby reducing the actual harm caused to advertisers by ad blockers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a computer that implements the ghost interface of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for implementing the ghost interface of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is an example of a text editor, Figure 3(b) is an example of a popup with buttons, and Figure 3(c) is an example of a ghost guide. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a ghost interface implementation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is an example of a toolbar installed in a web browser and used for web searches, etc., and Figure 5(b) is an example of a drop-down that lists the addresses of bookmarked pages saved by the web browser. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a ghost interface implementation method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) shows the screen of a video playback app, and Figure 7(b) shows the ghost guide. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a ghost interface implementation method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is an example of a calendar-type schedule management app, and Figure 9(b) is an example of a ghost guide. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a ghost interface implementation method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the implementation method of the ghost mark of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for implementing the ghost guide of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] <Embodiment 1> <Outline of Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a computer to which the present invention is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, computer 101 has processor 102, memory 103, user input unit 104, and display 105 with a graphical user interface (hereinafter referred to as GUI), and memory 103 has program group 131 storing multiple programs, and ghost interface implementation program 132. Here, program group 131 needs to have at least one program. Computer 101 shows the minimum functions, and may have other configurations.

[0026] The computer 101 processes user operations from the user input unit 104 using the processor 102, executes a group of programs 131 stored in the memory 103 and a ghost interface implementation program 132, and provides this information to the user via the display 105.

[0027] The GUIs 105a, 105b, and 105c also have a function of accepting user operations to execute at least one of the programs 131. For example, the GUIs 105a, 105b, and 105c ...

[0028] A computer 1 equipped with the above functions can be made to execute a method for implementing a ghost interface. Compared to conventional GUIs, such as the ghost button described in Non-Patent Document 1, the ghost interface not only allows the background to be transparent and executes programs 131 in response to user operations, but also allows for flexible setting of user operations to be transmitted to other GUIs 105 at the same coordinates on the display.

[0029] Additionally, when implemented in existing apps, it is possible to increase the number of functions that can be accessed with a single user operation without changing the GUI layout or design, and it can also direct the user's attention to areas that the app wants the user to look at, such as advertisements.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a method for implementing a ghost interface in the computer 101 using the ghost interface implementation program 132.

[0031] First, computer 101 sets up at least one ghost interface, which is a transparent or semi-transparent GUI that overlaps part or all of at least one GUI 105 displayed on display 105 (step 201). Next, when the program executed by the ghost interface set up in step 201 is set to program group 131a among program group 131 (there may be only one program), computer 101 sets program group 131a so that it is a different program from the program executed by GUI 105 whose area overlaps with the ghost interface on display 105.

[0032] For example, if a ghost interface is placed in a part of the area of ​​a scroll view that can execute program 131A that switches display elements by accepting a drag, program 131A is executed when the scroll view is dragged to a part other than the ghost interface area, and program group 131a is executed when the scroll view is dragged to the ghost interface area (step 202).

[0033] Next, for the ghost interface that executes the programs 131a set in step 202, a user operation that executes the programs 131a and that is not transmitted to any GUI other than the ghost interface is set (step 203).

[0034] Next, for the user operations on the ghost interface set up in step 202, at least one user operation that ignores the ghost interface and is transparent is set to the same coordinates on display 105, other than the user operation that executes program group 131a (step 204).

[0035] Next, computer 101 accepts a user operation to the ghost interface through user input unit 104 (step 205). If the user operation accepted in step 205 is set to execute program group 131a in step 203, computer 101 executes program group 131a (step 206). If the user operation accepted in step 205 is not set to execute program group 131a in step 203, computer 101 does nothing (step 207).

[0036] Based on step 205, if the accepted user operation is the one set in step 204, the user operation is transmitted to the same coordinates on the display 105 where the user operation was performed, ignoring the ghost interface (step 208).

[0037] This embodiment explains how to install a ghost interface in an editor with text display and editing functions that can be used on smartphones, etc. Although this embodiment uses a text editor, a ghost interface can be installed in any graphical user interface that switches display elements by dragging up, down, left, or right, and accesses display elements by tapping.

[0038] In this embodiment, the user input unit 104 is assumed to be in a touch panel environment, but it can also be implemented in a pointer environment using a keyboard and mouse.

[0039] <Configuration of Embodiment 1> Figure 3(a) shows an example of how to set up a ghost interface in a text editor used on a smartphone or personal computer. It consists of a scroll view 301 where text can be created and edited, a header 302, a cursor 303, and a footer 304.

[0040] The scroll view 301 allows the text display screen to be scrolled by dragging up, down, left, or right. The header 302 shows the title of the text. Tapping inside the scroll view 301 moves the cursor 303 there. The footer 304 has three buttons, and tapping the "Advertisement Display Column" button displays information about advertisements on the display 105. The display mechanism is not relevant to this embodiment. Tapping the "Paste" button allows the computer 101 to insert text held on the clipboard in the memory 103 at the cursor position. Tapping the "Enter" button causes an electronic keyboard (not shown) to appear adjacent to the bottom of the footer 304, allowing text to be entered at the cursor position. Pressing the "Enter" button again makes the electronic keyboard disappear.

[0041] Furthermore, if you double-tap inside the scroll view 301, it will change from the "normal mode" explained above to "text editing mode," and in this state you can select a range of text by dragging inside the scroll view 301. When you stop dragging and finish selecting the range of text, pop-up 306 shown in Figure 3(b) appears after one second. The "↑Copy," "↓Cut," "→Delete," and "×Cancel" symbols in the pop-up also serve as buttons, and by tapping them you can copy or cut the selected range of text to the clipboard, delete the text, or cancel the range selection. If you double-tap inside scroll view 301 again while in text editing mode, the text editor will return to normal mode.

[0042] In this embodiment, ghost interface 305 is implemented as semi-transparent, allowing the text in scroll view 301 to be visible through it, but it can also be made completely transparent depending on the settings of the text editor. In step 202, two modes, normal mode and text editing mode, of ghost interface 305 are set as program groups 131a, and user operations set in steps 203 and 204 are also set for each of the two modes. For ghost interface 305 in normal mode, program group 131a set in step 202 has the function of moving cursor 303 up, down, left, and right. For ghost interface 305 in normal mode, the user operation set in step 203 is a drag starting from within the area of ​​ghost interface 305, and all other user operations set in step 204.

[0043] In normal mode, when a drag operation is performed with the start point within the range of ghost interface 305, and computer 101 determines that the user's finger in contact with user input unit 104 is located above, below, to the left, or to the right of the start point, the cursor moves in the direction of the finger as seen from the start point until the finger is released, even if the finger is stopped. As long as the start point of the drag is within the range of ghost interface 305, the acceptance of user operations continues until the finger is released, even if the finger goes outside the range of ghost interface 305.

[0044] For ghost interface 305 in text editing mode, program group 131a set in step 202 has the function of copying or cutting the text within the specified range and saving it to the clipboard or deleting it, or canceling a user operation on ghost interface 305. The user operation accepted by ghost interface 305 set in step 203 is a drag starting from within the area of ​​ghost interface 305, and the user operation set in step 204 is all other operations.

[0045] When a drag operation is performed starting from within the range of the ghost interface 305, the computer 101 starts preparations to execute the programs 131a corresponding to the text editing mode, and when released, the programs are executed.

[0046] In the text editing mode, for a drag operation starting from within the range of the ghost interface 305, if the computer 101 determines that the user's finger touching the user input unit 104 is above the starting point when released, the text is copied to the clipboard; if it determines that the finger is below the starting point, the text is cut; if it determines that the finger is to the right, the text is deleted; and if the release is performed at a location that does not exceed the threshold for determining that the finger has moved from the starting point, the selection of the text range is canceled.

[0047] In addition, if a range of text is specified in text edit mode, popup 306 is displayed, and dragging is in progress with the start point being within the area of ​​ghost interface 305, the buttons "↑ Copy," "↓ Cut," "→ Delete," and "× Cancel" can be changed in color to let the user know which group of programs 131a will be executed when the buttons are released. However, even if the buttons are released before the popup appears, the group of programs 131a can still be executed.

[0048] In both normal mode and text editing mode, all user operations other than dragging that start from ghost interface 305, including dragging operations that do not start within the area of ​​ghost interface 305, are transmitted to scroll view 301, header 302, and footer 304, which are located at the same coordinates.

[0049] In this way, even from within the area of ​​ghost interface 305, it is possible to edit the text "Ayama Bko" in scroll view 301, or tap the "advertising display column" in footer 304, making effective use of the display area while also allowing access to the GUI within the area of ​​the ghost interface with a single user operation.

[0050] <Embodiment 1 Functional Description> After the ghost interface 305 is installed, how to process user operations within the area will be explained using FIG.

[0051] First, the text editor is started by the computer 101, and a scroll view 301, a header 302, a cursor 303, and a footer 304 are displayed on the display 105. A ghost interface is also set up at the same time (step 401).

[0052] The ghost interface 305 then accepts user operations (step 402).

[0053] If the user operation is a drag operation starting within the area of ​​ghost interface 305 (step 404), programs 131a are executed. However, in normal mode, they are executed all the time while dragging, and in text editing mode, they are executed at the moment of release (step 406).

[0054] If the user operation is other than a drag operation starting from within the area of ​​the ghost interface 305 (step 403), the user operation is transmitted to the GUI at the same coordinates based on the display 105 (step 405).

[0055] Thereafter, if the text editor is closed or otherwise terminated (step 407), the ghost interface 305 is removed (step 408), otherwise the input wait continues (step 402).

[0056] <Effects of Embodiment 1>

[0057] According to the first embodiment, the ghost interface can be used like a transparent cross key or shortcut keys, and the computer adjusts the GUI in the background or foreground so that the user's operations do not collide with the GUI in the background or foreground, allowing the user to perform operations on the GUI in the background or foreground without any problems. This can be used not only with text editors, but also by overlapping various GUIs, making it possible to make effective use of the display area and increasing the number of computer functions that can be accessed with a single user operation.

[0058] In this embodiment, adjusting the GUI of the footer 304 and replacing the "go back" button with an advertisement increases the chances that the user will see the advertisement when dragging the ghost interface.

[0059] <Embodiment 2> <Outline of Embodiment 2>

[0060] In this embodiment, for the text editor described in embodiment 1, a ghost mark that can be used as a landmark indicating the position and size of a ghost interface that is installed completely transparently on the display 105, and a ghost guide that displays information on the group of programs 131a handled by the ghost interface on the display 105 will be described.

[0061] The specifications of the text editor and ghost interface are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0062] Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining how to use the ghost mark. First, the computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on the display 105 (step 1101).

[0063] Next, a ghost mark consisting of a dot or a line is placed at an appropriate position on the display 105 as a mark indicating the position of the transparent or semi-transparent ghost interface (step 1102).

[0064] Next, the computer 101 sets, for the installed ghost mark, which user operation the corresponding ghost interface should receive to change color, shape, or size (step 1103), and also sets under what circumstances the changed color, shape, or size should be restored to its original state (step 1103).

[0065] Next, when the ghost interface corresponding to the installed ghost mark receives a predetermined user operation from the user input unit 104, the computer 101 changes the color, shape, or size of the installed ghost mark to notify the user that the ghost interface has started accepting user input (step 1104). Also, the computer 101 restores the color, shape, or size of the changed ghost mark according to the situation (step 1104).

[0066] FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining how to operate the ghost guide.

[0067] First, computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on display 105 (step 1201).

[0068] Next, computer 101 sets the conditions for displaying and erasing the ghost guide corresponding to the ghost interface on display 105 (step 1202).

[0069] Next, computer 101 sets information to be provided to the user regarding the ghost guide when it is displayed on display 105 (step 1203).

[0070] Next, Computer 101 asks the ghost guide: When the conditions are met, the item is made to appear on the display 105 or is made to disappear (step 1204).

[0071] <Embodiment 2: Description of the Ghost Mark Configuration> A method for setting a ghost mark corresponding to the ghost interface 305 in Fig. 3 will be described below. Note that the frames of the scroll view 301 and footer 304 in this embodiment are black.

[0072] First, computer 101 displays scroll view 301, header 302, cursor 303, and footer 304, which constitute the text editor shown in Fig. 3, on display 105, and then installs ghost interface 305 (step 1101).

[0073] Next, a ghost mark corresponding to the ghost interface 305 is placed. In this embodiment, the area of ​​the rectangular ghost mark interface 305 overlaps part of the display area of ​​the scroll view 301 and the footer 304, so the ghost mark is placed as a gray dashed line only on the left and bottom edges of the ghost interface 305 so as not to spoil the appearance of the scroll view 301 and the footer 304.

[0074] In addition, to indicate that the ghost interface 305 is a rectangle, a gray rectangle is placed in the lower left corner of the ghost interface 305, which is also used as the ghost mark in this embodiment (step 1102).

[0075] Next, the computer 101 sets the ghost mark to change color to yellow when pressed or when the pointer is hovered over it, to remain yellow as long as the user continues to perform operations such as dragging, and to return to gray when released or the pointer is removed (step 1103).

[0076] Next, the computer 101 changes the placed ghost mark to yellow when the ghost interface corresponding to the placed ghost mark receives a press or pointer hovering from the user input unit 104, and changes it back to gray when it is released or the pointer is removed as described in step 1103 (step 1104).

[0077] <Embodiment 2: Ghost Guide Configuration> The operation method of the ghost guide 307 corresponding to the ghost interface 305 in FIG. 3 will be explained using a flowchart.

[0078] First, computer 101 displays scroll view 301, header 302, cursor 303, and footer 304, which constitute the text editor shown in Fig. 3, on display 105, and then installs ghost interface 305 (step 1201).

[0079] Next, the computer 101 sets the ghost guide 307 corresponding to the ghost interface so that it appears when dragging starts from within the area of ​​the ghost interface 305. It also sets it to disappear when the drag is released (step 1202).

[0080] Next, regarding the processing after the appearance of ghost guide 307, if computer 101 determines that the drag point, which has its starting point within the area, has moved upward from the starting point, computer 101 enlarges the text "Copy" in ghost guide 307, if it determines that the drag point has moved downward, computer 101 enlarges the text "Cut," and if it determines that the drag point has moved right, computer 101 sets the text "Delete" so that the user is informed that the program will be executed upon release. Also, if computer 101 determines that the finger or pointer is near the starting point, computer 101 sets the text "X" in ghost guide 307 to enlarge so that the user is informed that the selection can be canceled (step 1203).

[0081] Next, computer 101 receives a user operation on ghost interface 305, and if it determines that a drag has been received, it displays ghost guide 307 on display 105 to inform the user which program group 131a ghost interface 305 will execute (step 1204).

[0082] <Embodiment 3> <Outline of Embodiment 3> This paper describes how a computer can implement a ghost interface to a toolbar in a web browser that allows users to enter search terms and search web pages.

[0083] The explanation of FIG. 1, which is a functional block diagram of this embodiment, and FIG. 2, which is a flowchart showing a method for a computer to implement a ghost interface, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, the user input unit 104 is exemplified as a pointer environment operated by a mouse or the like, but it can also be implemented in a touch panel environment.

[0085] Toolbar 501 in Figure 5 is installed in a typical web browser, and by entering a search word, web pages related to the search word can be displayed. The frame is a solid black line and is 100 pixels wide. Toolbar 501 has two modes: normal mode, which is the default state when the web browser is opened, and input mode, which allows text to be entered using an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or touch panel.

[0086] In this embodiment, when the toolbar 501 is tapped in normal mode, the input mode is entered, and when a location other than the toolbar 501 is tapped in the web browser in input mode, the toolbar 501 returns to normal mode.

[0087] The web browser used in this embodiment has a function for saving web page addresses as bookmarks or browsing history, and can display either bookmarks or browsing history together in drop-down 504 in Fig. 5. 100 addresses are saved for both bookmarks and browsing history. Drop-down 504 can display 20 addresses at a time, and if there are more bookmarks or browsing history, the displayed addresses can be changed by scrolling.

[0088] The ghost interface used in this embodiment is set up when the toolbar 501 is in normal mode, and is removed in input mode so as not to interfere with character input and editing.

[0089] In this embodiment, first, computer 101 displays a web browser with toolbar 501 on display 105, and when toolbar 501 is in normal mode, executes ghost interface implementation program 132 to place a ghost interface with the same size and position as toolbar 501. The ghost interface in this embodiment is completely transparent (step 201).

[0090] Next, computer 101 implements in the ghost interface a group of programs 131a that open dropdown 504 when a predetermined user operation is received. The ghost interface also has a width of 100 pixels, the same as the toolbar, and with the left edge being the 1-pixel point and the right edge being the 100-pixel point, a function is also implemented in program group 131a that reports to the computer at which pixel point the predetermined user operation was received (step 202).

[0091] Next, the computer 101 sets the ghost interface so that the group of programs 131a set in step 202 is executed by the user's operation of downward dragging or downward wheel scrolling (step 203).

[0092] Next, computer 101 configures the ghost interface to transmit any user actions other than dragging or wheel scrolling to the same coordinates on display 105 (step 204).

[0093] Next, when the computer 101 receives a user operation on the ghost interface (step 205), if it is a downward drag or wheel scroll, it executes the program group 131a group (step 206), if it is a downward drag or wheel scroll, it does nothing (step 207), and if it is a user operation other than a drag or wheel scroll, it transmits it to the same coordinates on the display 105 (step 208).

[0094] In addition, if the page on which toolbar 501 is implemented has a scrolling function, in order to prevent malfunction, the ghost interface can be removed while the page is scrolling and repositioned when the scrolling stops, and the ghost interface can be removed and repositioned as appropriate according to the convenience of computer 101.

[0095] Ghost marks can be displayed on the display 105 as indicators of the ghost interface, which in this embodiment is completely transparent. Ghost guides 503 can also be displayed on the display 105 to indicate the effect that user actions will have on the computer 101.

[0096] In this embodiment, the ghost mark is a gray dashed line surrounding the ghost interface. The ghost interface in this embodiment is the same size and located in the same position as the toolbar 501. Since the toolbar 501 has a solid black border, the gray dashed line overlaps it.

[0097] Additionally, when the pointer 502 hovers over the ghost interface, the ghost guide 503 displays the pointer's position, with the left edge of the toolbar 501 being 1% and the right edge being 100%. In Figure 5, the pointer is hovering 60 pixels from the left, so the position is 60%.

[0098] Also, when the ghost interface receives the downward drag or downward wheel scroll set in step 203, it displays whether bookmarks or browsing history will be displayed in drop-down 504. In FIG. 5, it is bookmarks.

[0099] In the case of a touch panel environment, the ghost guide is not displayed in this embodiment.

[0100] Figure 11 is a flowchart explaining how to use the ghost mark. The ghost mark is displayed on the display 105 when the computer 101 determines it is necessary to inform the user of the position and size of the ghost interface, such as when the ghost interface is implemented in a completely transparent state.

[0101] First, the computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on the display 105 (step 1101).

[0102] Next, a ghost mark consisting of a dot or a line is placed at an appropriate position on the display 105 as a mark indicating the position of the transparent or semi-transparent ghost interface (step 1102).

[0103] Next, the computer 101 sets, for the installed ghost mark, which user operation causes the corresponding ghost interface to change color, shape, or size (step 1103).

[0104] Next, when the ghost interface corresponding to the installed ghost mark receives a predetermined user operation from the user input unit 104, the computer 101 changes the color, shape, or size of the installed ghost mark to notify the user that the ghost interface has started accepting user input (step 1104).

[0105] FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining how to operate the ghost guide. The ghost guide is displayed when the computer 101 determines that the functionality of the ghost interface should be displayed on the display 105 .

[0106] First, computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on display 105 (step 1201).

[0107] Next, the computer 101 sets the conditions for displaying and erasing the ghost guide corresponding to the ghost interface on the display 105 (step 1202).

[0108] Next, computer 101 sets information to be provided to the user regarding the ghost guide when it is displayed on display 105 (step 1203).

[0109] Next, the computer 101 makes the ghost guide appear or disappear on the display 105 when the conditions are met (step 1204).

[0110] <Configuration of Third Embodiment> The computer 101 may be a personal computer, a tablet PC, a smartphone, or the like. The computer 101 is equipped with a web browser, allowing for internet searches and browsing. By installing (implementing) the ghost interface of the present invention, user operability can be improved, enabling quick internet searches and browsing.

[0111] The processor 102 is hardware such as a CPU or GPU that executes programs.

[0112] The memory 103 contains various programs, including a web browser with a graphical user interface function, stored in a program group 131, which are executed on the processor 102. By executing a ghost interface implementation program 132 for various programs with GUI functions, a ghost interface can be implemented.

[0113] The user input unit 104 includes a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and other input devices (not shown). If the computer 1 is a smartphone, it is equipped with a touch panel since it cannot be equipped with a mouse. The display 105 displays a graphical user interface on the display screen. If the user input unit 104 is a mouse, a mouse cursor is displayed on the display screen, and if it is a touch panel, various functions are executed by touch operations such as clicking by the user.

[0114] The numbers 51, 52, 53, . . . 70 arranged vertically on the left side of the drop-down 504 mean that pages 51 through 70 of the 100 bookmarked pages are displayed.

[0115] In this embodiment, pointer 502 is 60 pixels from the left of the ghost interface, that is, when the left edge of toolbar 501, which is the same size and position as the ghost interface, is taken as 1% and the right edge as 100%, the pointer is hovering at the 60% position. For this reason, the number 60% is displayed on ghost guide 503, and when the downward drag and downward wheel scroll set in step 203 are performed in this state, drop-down 504 opens.

[0116] In this case, the drop-down 504 displays the 51st to 70th bookmark addresses out of the 100, with the 60th bookmark address at the center. This is because the drop-down 504 can only display 20 addresses, so if it could display 30 addresses, for example, the bookmark addresses 46th to 75th would be displayed.

[0117] Additionally, the location of the pointer on the ghost interface affects how the dropdown 504 opens: for example, if the pointer is positioned 20 pixels to the right of the left edge, the dropdown 504 will display pages 1 through 20 of the 100 bookmarked pages.

[0118] In this embodiment, the ghost mark is displayed as a gray dashed line overlapping the black border of the toolbar 501 because the ghost interface is the same size and in the same position as the toolbar 501. When the ghost interface receives a pointer hover or press, it changes color to yellow to indicate that it has begun accepting user operations.

[0119] When the pointer leaves the ghost interface or a release user action is received, the ghost mark color returns to gray.

[0120] The ghost guide of this embodiment is displayed when the ghost interface receives pointer hovering. As mentioned above, the ghost guide of this embodiment is not displayed in a touch panel environment.

[0121] In addition to the number 60%, the ghost guide 503 displays (Bookmark). This means that when the ghost interface receives the downward drag or downward wheel scroll set in step 203, the bookmark address will be displayed in the drop-down 504. This is the display when the shift key on the keyboard is not pressed.

[0122] If you display the ghost guide 503 while pressing the shift key on the keyboard, it will display (browsing history) instead of (bookmarks), and when the ghost interface receives a downward drag or downward wheel scroll in this state, the address of the browsing history will be displayed in the drop-down 504.

[0123] The key point of the ghost interface of this embodiment is that it is the same size and in the same position as the toolbar, and is likened to a gauge with the left end at 1% and the right end at 100%, and the coordinates on the display are read to determine what percentage the pointer is touching, and 20 addresses are displayed in drop-down 504 based on this.

[0124] <Embodiment 3 Action> The ghost interface implementation method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0125] First, computer 101 displays a web browser with toolbar 501 on display 105. Since toolbar 501 is initially in normal mode, computer 101 sets up a ghost interface with the same size and position as toolbar 501 (step 601).

[0126] Next, the ghost interface accepts user operations (step 602).

[0127] If the user operation is other than dragging or wheel scrolling (step 604), the user operation is transmitted to the same form on the display 105 (step 607).

[0128] If the user operation performed in step 607 is a tap, the ghost interface transmits the tap to the same coordinates on the display 105, causing the toolbar 501 to receive the tap and switch from normal mode to input mode. This triggers a state in which the ghost interface should be removed (step 608), and the ghost interface of this embodiment is removed until the toolbar next switches to normal mode (step 609).

[0129] If the user operation received in step 602 is a drag or wheel scroll (step 603), and computer 101 does not determine that it is a downward operation (step 605), the programs 131a are not executed, and computer 101 enters a state of waiting for input (step 602).

[0130] If it is determined in step 605 that the drag or wheel scroll is in the downward direction, the drop-down 504 opens adjacent to the bottom of the toolbar (step 606).

[0131] Thereafter, it is determined whether the situation should be ended according to the convenience of the computer 101 (step 608), and if it is to continue, input reception is resumed (step 602), and if it is to end, the ghost interface is removed (step 609).

[0132] The method for implementing a ghost mark in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0133] First, the computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on the display 105 (step 1101).

[0134] Next, computer 101 places a gray dashed line as a ghost mark around the periphery of the ghost interface, which is displayed overlapping the black border of toolbar 501 (step 1102).

[0135] Next, the computer 101 sets the ghost mark color to change from gray to yellow when the ghost interface receives a press or pointer hover (step 1103).

[0136] Next, the computer 101 changes the color of the ghost mark to yellow when the ghost mark interface is pressed or the pointer is hovered over, and when the pointer is removed from the ghost interface or a user operation of release is performed after pressing, the ghost mark returns to gray (step 1104).

[0137] A method for implementing ghost guides in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0138] First, computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on display 105 (step 1201).

[0139] Next, the computer 101 sets the conditions for displaying or erasing the ghost guide 503 so that in a pointer environment, it is displayed when the pointer is hovering over the ghost interface and is erased when the pointer is removed, and in a touch panel environment, it is not displayed (step 1202).

[0140] Next, computer 101 sets the information to be displayed in ghost guide 503 so that it displays the position where the pointer is hovering within a ghost interface 100 pixels wide, with the left edge being 1% and the right edge being 100%. Also, when the ghost interface receives the downward drag or downward wheel scroll set in step 203, it sets it to display (bookmarks) if the shift key on the keyboard is not pressed, and (browsing history) if the shift key is pressed (step 1203).

[0141] Next, computer 101 accepts a user operation of the ghost interface, and causes ghost guide 503 to appear on display 105 in accordance with the settings in step 1202, and then erases it in accordance with the settings in step 1202 (step 1204).

[0142] <Effects of Embodiment 3> The toolbar has a function to open web pages, and the ghost interface placed there has the function to open bookmarked or browsing history web pages, which makes the ghost interface layout easy for users to understand. Also, the coordinates on the display where the user performed the operation and the coordinate information within the GUI can be used to open redundant drop-downs from an approximate position, making it easier to access bookmarks and browsing history than previous web browsers.

[0143] In addition to toolbars, ghost interfaces can also be installed on horizontal GUIs such as tab bars.

[0144] <Embodiment 4> <Outline of Embodiment 4> A method for implementing a ghost interface in a video player application that displays advertisements, which is a fourth embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

[0145] The explanation of FIG. 1, which is a functional block diagram of this embodiment, and FIG. 2, which is a flowchart showing a method for a computer to implement a ghost interface, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0146] The explanations of FIG. 9, which is a flowchart showing a method for implementing a ghost mark in this embodiment, and FIG. 10, which is a flowchart showing a method for implementing a ghost guide, are the same as those in the third embodiment.

[0147] In this embodiment, the user input unit 104 is configured in a touch panel environment, but it can also be implemented in a pointer environment operated by a mouse or the like.

[0148] Figure 7(a) shows the display screen of a video player application used on video posting sites, etc., and the computer 101 displays on the display 105 an application screen 701, a video display area 702, an advertisement display area 703, a play button 704, a playback position 705, and a current playback time 706.

[0149] The advertisement display area 703 is framed by a solid black line, and a ghost interface is installed in the same size and position. In this embodiment, the ghost interface is completely transparent, and the advertisement display area 703 and the ghost interface have a width of 100 pixels.

[0150] Furthermore, the ghost mark of this embodiment surrounds the ghost interface with a dashed line, and since the frame of the advertisement display column 703 is black, it is placed so as to overlap it.

[0151] The ghost guide 707 in FIG. 7(b) corresponds to the ghost interface.

[0152] In this embodiment, the length of the video displayed in the video display field 702 is 10 minutes, and the point in time of the 10-minute video length displayed in the video display field 702 is displayed in the current playback time 706. In Figure 7(a), this is 05:30, which represents 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

[0153] The width of the advertisement display area 703 and the ghost interface is 100 pixels. The ghost interface has a playback position 705, which is a semi-transparent vertical line, which is linked to the current playback time 706 of the video.

[0154] Since the ghost interface is 100 pixels wide, if the current playback time 706 is 6 seconds or less, the playback position 705 moves to a point 1 pixel from the left edge of the ghost interface, and if the current playback time 706 is 10 minutes, or around 600 seconds, the playback position 705 moves to a point 100 pixels from the left edge of the ghost interface.

[0155] In addition to the current playback time advancing over time, the playback position 705 can also be moved by dragging the ghost interface, and the current playback time 706 will change in tandem depending on how many pixels the playback position 705 has moved from the left edge of the ghost interface.

[0156] The video display section 702 has two modes: a playback mode and a pause mode. 、 Tapping the play button 704 switches between play and stop modes of the video display field 702. In the play mode and pause mode of the video display field 702, the video is played, and in the pause mode, the scene of the video that was being played just before is cut out and displayed as a still image in the video display field 702. When the video display field 702 enters the play mode again, the video is played from the scene with the still image.

[0157] When the advertisement display field 703 is tapped, the app screen changes to a page related to the displayed advertisement, and information about the service can be viewed.

[0158] To implement the ghost interface of this embodiment, first, the computer 101 displays the playback screen of the video posting application on the display 105, and places the ghost interface in the advertisement display field 703 (step 201).

[0159] Next, the computer 101 implements in the group of programs 131a executed by the ghost interface installed in step 201 a function to play the video from any position within the video playback time, which in this embodiment is 10 minutes (step 202).

[0160] Next, the computer 101 executes the programs 131a for the ghost interface of this embodiment, and sets dragging and wheel scrolling as user operations that are not transmitted to anything other than the ghost interface (step 203).

[0161] Next, the computer 101 sets all user operations other than dragging and wheel scrolling to be transmitted to the same coordinates on the display 105 while ignoring the ghost interface, with respect to the user operations on the ghost interface of this embodiment (step 204).

[0162] Next, computer 101 accepts a user operation on the ghost interface of this embodiment (step 205), and if it is a drag or wheel scroll, executes program group 131a (206), and transmits a user operation other than a drag or wheel scroll to the same coordinates on display 105 (step 208). For example, if it is a tap, the app screen transitions to a page related to an advertisement displayed in advertisement display field 703.

[0163] <Configuration of Embodiment 4> The configuration of the ghost interface in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the program group 131a group not only moves the playback position 705 by dragging, but also allows the video to be paused or played at will depending on the direction of the point from dragging to releasing, as viewed from the position of the ghost interface.

[0164] If the release point is above the top edge of the ghost interface, the video display field 702 is put into a playback state, and if it is below the bottom edge, the video display field 702 is put into a pause state.

[0165] In this embodiment, if the finger or pointer being dragged is removed from the area of ​​the ghost interface, it is automatically treated as being released.

[0166] <Embodiment 4: Explanation using a flowchart> The operation method of the ghost interface of this embodiment will be explained using the flowchart of FIG.

[0167] First, computer 101 sets up a ghost interface in the same size and position as advertisement display column 703 (step 801).

[0168] Next, computer 101 accepts user operations on the ghost interface through user input unit 104 (step 802).

[0169] If the user operation received in step 802 is something other than a drag (step 804), it is determined whether it is a tap (step 807), and if it is not a tap, the reception of user operations is resumed again (step 802).

[0170] If the determination in step 807 is that the user has tapped, advertising information is displayed (step 812), and if the display of the advertisement is accompanied by a screen transition in the app, a determination is made that the app should be terminated (step 813), and the ghost interface is removed (step 814).

[0171] If it is not determined in step 813 that the process should be terminated, the process starts accepting user operations again (step 802).

[0172] If the user operation accepted in step 802 is a drag (step 803), the playback position 705 is moved to the dragged point, the current playback time 706 is adjusted to the dragged position, the scene in the video display field 702 is adjusted to the time of the current playback time 706, and the screen is paused (step 805).

[0173] Thereafter, when the drag is released, including when the finger or pointer leaves the ghost interface area (step 806), if the point is above the top edge of the ghost interface (step 810), the video is played (step 811), and if the release point is below the bottom edge of the ghost interface (step 808), the video is paused (step 809).

[0174] Then, in both steps 809 and 811, the computer 101 determines whether the ghost interface should be removed, such as by terminating the application (step 813), and if it should be removed, the process ends (step 814), and if it should continue, the process resumes accepting user operations (step 802).

[0175] The handling of ghost marks in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0176] First, the computer 101 sets up the ghost interface of this embodiment on the display 105 (step 1101).

[0177] Next, the computer 101 sets a ghost mark that surrounds the transparently implemented ghost interface with a gray dashed line (step 1102).

[0178] Next, computer 101 sets the color of the installed ghost mark so that the corresponding ghost interface changes color from gray to yellow when a user operation of pointer hovering occurs in a pointer environment or a press occurs in a touch panel environment, and also sets the color of the ghost mark so that the color changes from yellow to gray when a user operation of the pointer is removed from the ghost interface in a pointer environment or a user operation of release occurs in a touch panel environment (step 1103).

[0179] Next, when the installed ghost interface receives a user operation, the computer 101 changes the color of the ghost mark according to the setting in step 1103 (step 1104).

[0180] The handling of ghost guides in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, computer 101 sets up a ghost interface on display 105 (step 1201).

[0181] Next, the computer 101 sets the conditions for displaying and erasing the ghost guide 707 so that, in a pointer environment, it is displayed when the pointer is hovering over the ghost interface and is erased when the pointer is released. In a touch panel environment, it is set so that it is displayed in an easily visible position on the screen the moment a drag is detected and is erased when a release is detected (step 1202).

[0182] Next, computer 101 sets the information displayed by ghost guide 707 so that when dragged upward from the starting point, the word "play" becomes larger, and when dragged downward, the word "stop" becomes larger (step 1203).

[0183] Next, computer 101 accepts a user operation of the ghost interface, and causes ghost guide 707 to appear on display 105 in accordance with the settings in step 1202, and then erases it in accordance with the settings in step 1202 (step 1204).

[0184] <Effects of Embodiment 4> In this embodiment, the function of making the advertisement display column into a GUI by using a ghost interface has been described.

[0185] In recent years, video sharing sites often display a comment section and thumbnails of recommended videos in addition to the video player app on the video playback screen, and video sharing sites that simply display videos full screen are almost nonexistent.

[0186] Even in this situation, the play button and the seek bar that indicates the playback position were placed in the GUI at the bottom of the video playback screen, which resulted in the play button and seek bar overlapping with the video subtitles, making the subtitles unreadable, and other problems.

[0187] However, according to this embodiment, a banner-type advertisement such as that shown in advertisement display area 703 is provided with a function similar to a seek bar for changing the playback position of a video, without interfering with the function of accessing the information provided by the advertisement by tapping, and two types of GUI functions can be adjusted in the same space so that they can be accessed with a single user operation.In addition, since the user does not need to point their finger or pointer at the advertisement, the value of the advertisement can be increased.

[0188] In addition to advertising, the app can also be used to pin sponsored comments to a prominent location on the screen, placing a ghost interface there, depending on the app's needs.

[0189] <Embodiment 5> <Outline of Embodiment 5> This article explains how to implement a ghost interface in a schedule management application with a calendar that can be used on smartphones and personal computers, and also explains how to implement a ghost interface in a GUI with a data table that spans multiple pages.

[0190] The explanations of Figure 1, which is a functional block diagram of a computer to which the present invention is applied, Figure 2, which is a flowchart explaining a method for implementing a ghost interface, Figure 12, which is a flowchart explaining a method for implementing a ghost mark, and Figure 13, which explains a method for implementing a ghost guide, are the same as those of embodiments 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0191] In this embodiment, the user input unit 104 is exemplified as a touch panel environment, but it can also be implemented in a pointer environment using a keyboard and mouse.

[0192] Figure 9(a) shows part of a screen of a schedule management application that displays a calendar.

[0193] The data table 901 is a schedule management application that displays calendar dates in monthly units. The blank spaces are date cells, and the cells representing the days of the week from Monday to Saturday are day cells. The color of the outer frame, date cells, and day cell frames is black.

[0194] For the data table 901, calendar pages can be switched by dragging up and down or by scrolling with the wheel. Also, by tapping on a square corresponding to a date on the calendar, a schedule registration screen for that date appears, but this is not relevant to the explanation of this embodiment.

[0195] Ghost interfaces 902 to 908 are areas surrounded by dashed lines, and have the function of switching the year and month of the calendar displayed in the data table 901. The dashed lines are shifted for convenience, but they should actually be the same size as two calendar squares.

[0196] Ghost interface 902 includes the ability to change the calendar month to January or July, Ghost Interface 903 has the option to change the calendar month to February or August, Ghost interface 904 includes the ability to change the calendar month to March or September, Ghost Interface 905 has the option to change the calendar month to April or October, Ghost interface 906 has the option to change the calendar month to May or November, Ghost Interface 907 has the option to change the calendar month to June or December, The ghost interface 908 is configured to allow the calendar year to be switched to the previous or next year.

[0197] 9(a), a calendar for February 2025 is displayed as described in the header 909. A method for implementing the ghost interface of this embodiment will be described.

[0198] First, the computer 101 displays the data table 901 of the schedule management application on the display 105, and then the ghost interfaces 902 to 908 are set up (step 201).

[0199] Next, computer 101 sets, in ghost interfaces 902 to 908, a group of programs 131a that change the date of the calendar in data table 901 (step 202).

[0200] Next, computer 101 sets dragging as a user operation that is accepted by the ghost interface and is not transmitted to data table 901. Of these, it sets up so that up and down dragging executes program group 131a (step 203).

[0201] Next, the computer 101 sets all user operations received by the ghost interface, except for dragging, as user operations that are to be transmitted to the same coordinates on the display 105 (step 204).

[0202] Next, the computer 101 accepts user operations in the ghost interface through the user input unit 104 (step 205), and if it is an up-down drag, it executes the program group 131a group (step 206), if it is a left-right drag, it does nothing (step 207), and transmits user operations other than dragging, such as tapping, to the data table 901 (step 208).

[0203] In this embodiment, the ghost marks are implemented as dashed lines surrounding the ghost interfaces 902 to 908. Because the outer frame and square frames of the data table 901 are black, the color of the ghost marks is gray, turns yellow when pressed, and returns to gray when released.

[0204] The ghost guide 910 in Figure 9(b), which is the ghost guide of this embodiment, appears when the ghost interfaces 902 to 908 are dragged up or down, and shows the options A, B, and X (cancel).By changing the color and size of the option, the computer 01 notifies the user that the option will be executed when the release operation is performed. The ghost guide 910 in Figure 9(b) appears when the ghost interfaces 902 to 908 are dragged up or down, and shows the options A, B, and X (cancel).When the computer 01 determines that the pointer or finger is above the dragging point, the computer 01 displays option A; when the computer 01 determines that the pointer or finger is below the dragging point, the computer 01 displays option B; and when the computer 01 determines that the finger or pointer is near the starting point, the computer 01 displays option X.

[0205] These options A, B, and x are options set in ghost interfaces 902 to 908, with option A displaying January to June or the previous year, and option B displaying July to December or the next year.

[0206] For example, when ghost interface 902 is dragged up or down, ghost guide 910 displays the options January, July, and X, and when ghost interface 908 is dragged up or down, the options 2024, 2026, and X are displayed.

[0207] The options selected at the time of release are as described above, and in this embodiment, even if the finger or pointer moves outside the area of ​​the ghost interface, the ghost guide 910 remains visible until the user performs a release operation and an option is selected.

[0208] <Embodiment 5: Action> The specific steps of the method for implementing the ghost interface in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 10. In the description of the operation of the fifth embodiment, the drag operation includes the process up to the release.

[0209] First, the computer 101 displays the data table 901 on the display 105 and sets up ghost interfaces 902 to 908 (step 1001).

[0210] Next, ghost interfaces 902 to 908 accept user operations from user input unit 104 (step 1002).

[0211] If it is determined in step 1002 that the user operation is a left-right drag, nothing is done (step 1003), and the user operation continues to be accepted (step 1004).

[0212] If the user operation is determined to be a tap (step 1005) in response to step 1002, the schedule registration screen described in the overview is opened (step 1007). If it is determined that the operation involves a screen transition or the removal of ghost interfaces 902 to 908 (step 1008), the ghost interfaces 902 to 908 are removed (step 1009).

[0213] Following step 1002, if it is determined that the user operation is an up-down drag (step 1004), the year and month on the calendar are switched (step 1006), and if the computer 101 then determines that it should be terminated (step 1008), the ghost interfaces 902 to 908 are removed (step 1009).

[0214] The specific steps of the method for implementing a ghost mark in this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the computer 101 sets up the ghost interfaces 902 to 908 on the display 105 (step 1101).

[0215] Next, computer 101 places a ghost mark around each ghost interface, surrounded by a gray dashed line (step 1102).

[0216] Next, the computer 101 sets each ghost mark so that the color changes from gray to yellow when the corresponding ghost interface is dragged up or down (step 1103).

[0217] Next, the computer 101 changes the color of each ghost mark to yellow when an up / down drag operation is received from the user input unit 104, thereby informing the user that acceptance of the user operation has begun, and changes the color back to gray when a release user operation is performed (step 1104). The method of implementing the ghost guide in this embodiment will be described using the flowchart shown in Fig. 12.

[0218] First, computer 101 sets up ghost interfaces 902 to 908 on display 105 (step 1201).

[0219] Next, the computer 101 sets the ghost guide 910 of this embodiment so that the corresponding ghost interface appears when the user performs an up / down drag operation, and disappears when the user performs a release operation (step 1202).

[0220] Next, the computer 101 configures the ghost guide 910 of this embodiment so that when it is displayed on the display 105, it presents information to the user about the functions of each ghost interface, such as switching the year and month of the calendar displayed in the data table 901, as described in the overview of this embodiment (step 1203).

[0221] Next, the computer 101 causes the ghost guide 910 of this embodiment to appear when each ghost interface is subjected to an up or down drag operation, and to disappear when released (step 1204).

[0222] <Effects of Embodiment 5> In this embodiment, we have introduced an example of placing a ghost interface on a screen where many GUIs are arranged in an orderly fashion, such as a data table. This allows shortcut functions to be provided without taking up screen space, especially in a touch panel environment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 101 Computer 102 processors 103 memory 104 User Input Section 105 Display for displaying a graphical user interface 131 Programs 132 Ghost Interface Implementation Program 201 Ghost Interface Installation Steps 202 Ghost Interface Execution Program Setting Steps 203 Ghost Interface Exclusive User Operation Setting Steps 204 Ghost Interface Transparent User Operation Setting Steps 205, 206, 207, 208 Ghost interface reception user operation judgment step 301 Text Editor 302 header 303 Cursor 304 Footer 305 Ghost Interface 306 Popup 307 Ghost Guide 501 Toolbar 502 Pointer 503 Ghost Guide 504 Dropdown 701 Video player app display screen 702 Video display column 703 Advertising display column 704 Play button 705 Play position 706 Current Play Time 707 Ghost Guide 901 Data Table 901 902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, 908 Ghost Interface 909 Header 910 Ghost Guide 1101 Ghost Interface Installation Steps 1102 Ghost Mark Installation Steps 1103 Ghost mark setting step 1104 Ghost Mark Operation Steps 1201 Ghost Interface Installation Steps 1202 Ghost guide display condition setting step 1203 Ghost guide display information setting step 1204 Ghost Guide Operation Steps

Claims

1. A computer having a display having a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface, a user input unit, at least one processor, a memory, and at least one program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, the graphical user interface displayed on the display has a function of accepting user operations from the user input unit in order to execute the program; The computer a ghost interface setting step in which, while displaying at least one or more of the graphical user interfaces on the display, the computer sets up a "ghost interface," which is a transparent or semi-transparent graphical user interface having an area that overlaps part or all of the area of ​​at least one or more of the graphical user interfaces displayed on the display, and changes the program to be executed depending on the direction of wheel scrolling, and displays a "ghost mark" consisting of a line or a dot on the display as a mark indicating the position, shape, and size of the ghost interface, and specifies at least one or more graphical user interface groups using the ghost mark; a ghost interface execution program setting step for setting the program executed by the ghost interface to be executed on the display in such a way that the program executed by the graphical user interface whose area overlaps with the ghost interface in the ghost interface setting step is different from the program executed by the graphical user interface; a ghost interface exclusive user operation setting step for setting user operations that will not be transmitted to the graphical user interfaces other than the ghost interface with respect to user operations on the ghost interface, and setting such that at least one of the user operations causes the program set in the ghost interface execution program setting step to be executed; a ghost interface transparent user operation setting step for setting at least one user operation other than the user operation set in the ghost interface exclusive user operation setting step, which is a user operation for transmitting the ghost interface to the same coordinates on the display while ignoring the ghost interface; a ghost interface receiving user operation determining step for determining a user operation on the ghost interface and determining which of the programs executed by the graphical user interface on the display, including the ghost interface, should be executed, or whether none should be executed; A method for implementing a ghost interface that is executed by the computer.

2. The ghost interface implementation method according to claim 1, characterized in that the ghost interface acceptance user operation determination step displays a "ghost guide" on the display that pops up a function of the ghost interface at a position corresponding to the ghost mark, and then determines which function to execute or whether to execute nothing.

3. A method in which the computer determines which coordinates within the ghost interface a user operation on the ghost interface described in claim 1 or 2 was performed at, and changes the program executed by the ghost interface based on the determined coordinates, even if the user operation is the same.

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