Icon display control device and icon display control program

Abstract

To improve operability when adding and arranging an icon in a display area.SOLUTION: An icon display control device has: a priority setting unit that sets a priority for each of the plurality of areas in a display area capable of arranging a plurality of icons having different display sizes, including a first icon and a second icon having a display size larger than that of the first icon; a reduction display unit that reduces the display size of at least one second icon arranged in the display area based on the priority; and an icon placement unit that places an icon to be added in a region within the display area that has been vacated by reducing the display size of the second icon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an icon display control device and an icon display control program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an icon display control device that can arrange multiple icons within a predetermined display area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Consider a case where a new icon is added to and arranged in the display area using this type of icon display control device. In this case, if there is no space in the display area to add and arrange the new icon, the user must secure the space by deleting one of the icons arranged in the display area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-215650 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a case, the user must perform an operation to switch to a mode for deleting an icon, an operation to delete the icon, an operation to switch to a mode for adding a new icon, an operation to add a new icon, etc. The need for such complicated operations has been pointed out as a problem of low usability.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an icon display control device and an icon display control program that can improve operability when adding and arranging icons in a display area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An icon display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention sets priorities for each of a plurality of partitioned areas within a display area in which a plurality of icons of different display sizes, including a first icon and a second icon having a larger display size than the first icon, can be arranged. Also, set the priority of the second icon placed in the display area. a priority setting unit; A value for determining which of the second icons arranged in the display area is to be reduced is calculated based on the priority set for the area and the priority set for the second icon, and the value is determined based on the calculated value. The display device includes a reduction display unit that reduces the display size of at least one second icon, and an icon placement unit that places an icon to be added in a region in the display area that becomes vacant as a result of reducing the display size of the second icon. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the icon display control device and icon display control program according to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to improve operability when adding and arranging icons in a display area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an icon display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a screen of a touch panel display in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on a screen of a touch panel display in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of an icon display control program executed by a CPU in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a subroutine of step S108 in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the screen in a deletion mode in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a subroutine of step S109 in FIG. 3. [Figure 7A]10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of icon arrangement within a fixed icon display area in a size reduction mode in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of icon arrangement within a fixed icon display area in a size reduction mode in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7C] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of icon arrangement within a fixed icon display area in a size reduction mode in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7D] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of icon arrangement within a fixed icon display area in a size reduction mode in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An icon display control device and an icon display control program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0010] An icon display control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an in-vehicle device such as a car audio device, a navigation device, etc. Note that the icon display control device is not limited to an in-vehicle device, and may be other types of device such as a smartphone, a feature phone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PND (Portable Navigation Device), a portable game console, etc.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an icon display control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the icon display control device 1 includes a control unit 100, a communication interface unit 110, an operation unit 120, a display unit 130, an audio output unit 140, and a vibration unit 150. Note that Fig. 1 shows the main components necessary for explaining this embodiment, and some components, such as a housing that is an essential component of the icon display control device 1, are omitted as appropriate.

[0012] The control unit 100 controls the entire icon display control device 1 and is a microcomputer consisting of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100A, RAM (Random Access Memory) 100B, ROM (Read Only Memory) 100C, input / output ports 100D, and bus lines connecting these ports.

[0013] The CPU 100A reads a program stored in the ROM 100C and, in accordance with the read program, controls the icon display control device 1. The CPU 100A includes, as functional blocks, a display size changing unit 100a, an operator display unit 100b, a priority setting unit 100c, a reduced display unit 100d, and an icon arrangement unit 100e.

[0014] The CPU 100A, which is an example of a processor, is, for example, a single processor or a multi-processor and includes at least one processor. In a configuration including multiple processors, the processor 10 may be packaged as a single device, or may be configured as multiple devices that are physically separated within the icon display control device 1.

[0015] The RAM 100B is a storage unit that temporarily stores programs and data and provides a work area. The RAM 100B is, for example, a dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0016] The RAM 100B stores icon information 104 and icon arrangement information 106. The icon information 104 includes an icon image, display size, shape, and startup information for corresponding content (for example, a music playback application, a radio playback application, a map application, etc.).

[0017] The ROM 100C is a non-volatile memory that stores various programs and data, including the icon display control program 102. The ROM 100C is, for example, a flash memory. The music playback application, radio playback application, and map application, which are given as examples above, are stored in the ROM 100C.

[0018] The icon display control program 102 stored in the ROM 100C causes the CPU 100A, which is a computer, to execute the following steps: a priority setting step for setting priorities for each of a plurality of partitioned regions within a display area in which a plurality of icons of different display sizes, including a first icon and a second icon having a larger display size than the first icon, a reduction display step for reducing the display size of at least one second icon arranged in the display area based on the priority; and an icon arranging step for arranging an icon to be added in a region within the display area that becomes free as a result of reducing the display size of the second icon. Execution of the icon display control program 102 improves operability when adding and arranging icons in the display area. Details of the icon display control program 102 will be described later.

[0019] In this embodiment, each functional block of the CPU 100A is realized by software, that is, an icon display control program 102. Note that each functional block of the CPU 100A may be realized partly or entirely by hardware such as a dedicated logic circuit.

[0020] The input / output port 100D connects the control unit 100 to other components (specifically, the communication interface unit 110, the operation unit 120, the display unit 130, the audio output unit 140, and the vibration unit 150).

[0021] The communication interface unit 110 is an interface that handles communication processing with other terminal devices. The icon display control device 1 is connected to other terminal devices via the communication interface unit 110 so as to be able to communicate with each other via a public line or a communication line of a closed network such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0022] The operation unit 120 is an operation member such as a button or a switch that allows the user to operate the icon display control device 1.

[0023] Display unit 130 has a touch panel display 132 and a display driver 134 that drives touch panel display 132. Touch panel display 132 is configured so that the entire screen can be touch operated. Note that the "touch panel display" may simply be called a "touch panel," or may also be called a "touch screen" or "touch screen."

[0024] The touch panel display 132 is configured using, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence). For example, a resistive film type, a capacitance type, an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave type, an infrared optical imaging type, or an electromagnetic induction type is adopted for the touch panel display 132. The touch panel display 132 has a built-in pressure sensor 136 that detects the pressure of touching the screen (in other words, the touchable area).

[0025] The audio output unit 140 has a speaker 142 and a speaker driver 144 that drives the speaker 142. When the speaker 142 is driven by the speaker driver 144, music and audio stored in, for example, the ROM 100C or a storage medium (such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a removable memory card) not shown in the figure is output from the speaker 142.

[0026] Vibration unit 150 has a vibrator 152 and a vibrator driver 154 that drives vibrator 152. Vibrator 152 is configured using, for example, an Eccentric Rotating Mass (ERM), a Linear Resonant Actuator (LRA), or a piezoelectric element. When vibrator 152 is driven by vibrator driver 154, the screen of touch panel display 132 vibrates.

[0027] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of an image displayed on screen 138 of touch panel display 132. Note that a hand icon is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B to indicate that the user is touching screen 138. The position of the fingertip of this icon is the user's touch position TP on screen 138. The user's touch position TP on screen 138 is acquired as two-dimensional coordinate information of X and Y. The left-right direction of screen 138 corresponds to the X direction, and the up-down direction of screen 138 corresponds to the Y direction.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2A, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen including an icon display area 220 and a fixed icon display area 230 is displayed on the screen 138.

[0029] Icons corresponding to each content are displayed in the icon display area 220 and the fixed icon display area 230. By touching an icon in the icon display area 220 or the fixed icon display area 230, the user can cause the CPU 100A to execute the content associated with the touched icon. For convenience, the icon arranged in the icon display area 220 is given the symbol 222, and the icon arranged in the fixed icon display area 230 is given the symbol 232.

[0030] When the user touches icon 222 or 232, execution of the content associated with the touched icon begins, and window 210 is displayed superimposed on top of icon display area 220, as shown in FIG. 2B. Window 210 displays an image of the content associated with the touched icon (e.g., a music playback application, a radio playback application, a map application, etc.). Illustratively, window 210 for a music playback application displays the jacket image of the music being played, the song title, the artist name, the playback position, etc. The radio playback application displays the broadcast station name, program name, broadcast frequency, etc.

[0031] A button 212 is displayed on the side of the window 210. When the user touches the button 212, the window 210 is dismissed and the screen 138 returns to the screen shown in Fig. 2A. The user may also perform a swipe operation on the window 210 to return the screen 138 to the screen shown in Fig. 2A.

[0032] The display size of the icons 222 and 232 is smaller than that of the window 210. Therefore, the amount of information that can be displayed in the icons 222 and 232 is more limited than in the window 210. For example, the icons 222 and 232 for a music playback application only display an icon image that indicates that it is the application.

[0033] The display sizes of the icons 222 and 232 are set in advance by the icon display control program 102 based on the type of content they correspond to, the amount of information to be displayed, and so on.

[0034] On the other hand, there may be cases where the user wishes to increase or decrease the amount of information that can be displayed individually, so in this embodiment, the user can set the display size of the icons 222 and 232 as desired.

[0035] In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, of the five icons 232 arranged in the fixed icon display area 230, one icon 232b is set to a larger display size than the other four icons 232a.

[0036] For example, the small-sized icon 232a displays only the icon image, whereas the large-sized icon 232b displays the icon image as well as the jacket image of the music being played. The information to be displayed on the icons 222 and 232 may be selectable by the user.

[0037] For example, when a user presses and holds icon 232a, icon 232a is changed to larger icon 232b, and when a user presses and holds icon 232b, icon 232b is changed to smaller icon 232a.

[0038] When a predetermined button provided on operation unit 120 or a predetermined button displayed on screen 138 is pressed by the user, the display may transition to a mode for changing the display size of icons 222 and 232. In this case, the user may be able to freely change the display size of icons 222 and 232 by touching and swiping an edge or vertex of icon 222 or 232.

[0039] The CPU 100A that executes the icon display control program 102 operates as a display size change unit 100a that changes the display size of the icons in response to an operation by the user.

[0040] Furthermore, icon 232a is an example of a first icon. Icon 232b is an example of a second icon that has a larger display size than the first icon. In other words, fixed icon display area 230 is an example of a display area in which multiple icons of different display sizes, including first icons and second icons, can be arranged.

[0041] Moreover, the icon 232b, whose display size has been set in advance to the display size of the second icon by the icon display control program 102, is an example of a 2A icon. The icon 232b, whose display size has been changed to the display size of the second icon by the display size change unit 100a, is an example of a 2B icon.

[0042] The CPU 100A executing the icon display control program 102 manages the fixed icon display area 230 by dividing it into a plurality of regions (six, for example). For convenience, the six divided regions are referred to as regions A1 to A6, respectively. Region A1 is the region located in the upper part of the fixed icon display area 230 and on the most negative side in the X direction. Region A2 is the region adjacent to region A1 on the positive side in the X direction and is located in the center of the upper part of the fixed icon display area 230. Region A3 is the region adjacent to region A2 on the positive side in the X direction and is located in the upper part of the fixed icon display area 230 and on the most positive side in the X direction. Region A4 is the region located in the lower part of the fixed icon display area 230 and on the most negative side in the X direction. Region A5 is the region adjacent to region A4 on the positive side in the X direction and is located in the center of the lower part of the fixed icon display area 230. Area A6 is an area adjacent to area A5 on the positive side in the X direction, and is located at the bottom of the fixed icon display area 230 and on the most positive side in the X direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the display size of the icon 232a is the minimum display size of the icon 232 in the fixed icon display area 230. This display size is a display size that occupies one of the areas A1 to A6. Therefore, at the minimum display size, a maximum of six icons 232 can be arranged in the fixed icon display area 230.

[0044] In this embodiment, the display size of the icon 232 can be set to an integral multiple of the minimum display size. As an example, the icon 232b shown in Fig. 2A has a display size twice that of the icon 232a, and occupies two of the areas A1 to A6.

[0045] It should be noted that the number of icons 232 of the minimum display size that can be arranged in the fixed icon display area 230 is not limited to six. As an example, seven or more icons 232 may be able to be arranged in the fixed icon display area 230. In this case, the fixed icon display area 230 is divided into a number of regions according to the number of icons that can be arranged.

[0046] The icon display control program 102 manages the display size and shape of each icon 222 and 232 in the icon display area 220 and fixed icon display area 230 using display size and shape information included in the icon information 104. When the user changes the display size and shape of an icon 222 or 232, the display size and shape information included in the icon information 104 is updated. The icon display control program 102 also manages the arrangement of each icon 222 and 232 in the icon display area 220 and fixed icon display area 230 using icon arrangement information 106.

[0047] 2B, when the window 210 is displayed, the icon 222 arranged in the icon display area 220 becomes invisible. In other words, the icon 222 is not always visible.

[0048] In contrast, the icons 232 arranged in the fixed icon display area 230 are always visible. Therefore, typically, a user arranges in the fixed icon display area 230 the icons 232 corresponding to frequently used content.

[0049] As described above, there is a limit to the number of icons 232 that can be arranged in the fixed icon display area 230. Therefore, there may be no space left in the fixed icon display area 230 in which a new icon can be arranged. In this case, with the conventional configuration, the user is forced to perform cumbersome operations such as switching to a mode for deleting icons, deleting icons in the fixed icon display area 230, switching to a mode for adding new icons, and adding new icons to the fixed icon display area 230. In situations where the user has limited opportunities to focus on the screen 138 (for example, while the driver is in the car), it is difficult for the user to perform such cumbersome operations.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the CPU 100A executes the icon display control program 102, allowing the user to add and arrange icons in the fixed icon display area 230 with simpler operations.

[0051] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of the icon display control program 102 executed by the CPU 100A in one embodiment of the present invention. For example, when the system of the icon display control device 1 is started, the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 begins to be executed. Also, when the system of the icon display control device 1 is stopped, the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 ends.

[0052] When the system of the icon display control device 1 is started, the icon display control program 102 displays the GUI screen exemplified in FIG. 2A on the screen 138 (step S101).

[0053] The icon display control program 102 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed to add and arrange an icon in the fixed icon display area 230 (step S102).

[0054] For example, when the pressure sensor 136 detects that one of the icons 222 arranged in the icon display area 220 has been touched with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the icon display control program 102 transitions this icon (for convenience, referred to as the "icon to be added") to a mode in which drag-and-drop operations are possible. The predetermined operation is an operation of dragging and dropping the icon to be added into the fixed icon display area 230 in this mode. When the touch on the screen 138 is released (for example, when the user removes his / her finger from the screen 138), this mode ends.

[0055] The predetermined operation may be an operation of touching the bookmark button 210a of the window 210 that displays the content corresponding to the icon to be added.

[0056] The bookmark button 210a is an example of an operator associated with the icon to be added. That is, an example of the predetermined operation is a user's operation on the operator.

[0057] The CPU 100A that executes the icon display control program 102 operates as an operator display unit 100b that displays operators associated with icons.

[0058] When the above-mentioned predetermined operation is performed (step S102: YES), the icon display control program 102 determines whether or not there is an area in which the icon to be added can be placed within the fixed icon display area 230 (step S103). In other words, the icon display control program 102 determines whether or not there is an area among the areas A1 to A6 in which an icon 232 is not placed.

[0059] The number of areas required for placement varies depending on the display size of the icon to be added. Therefore, in step S103, the determination is made taking into consideration the display size of the icon to be added. For example, if the icon to be added is at the minimum display size, the icon display control program 102 determines whether or not there is one area among the areas A1 to A6 in which an icon 232 is not placed. For example, if the icon to be added is twice the minimum display size, the icon display control program 102 determines whether or not there are two areas among the areas A1 to A6 in which an icon 232 is not placed.

[0060] If the fixed icon display area 230 has an area in which the icon to be added can be placed (step S103: YES), the icon display control program 102 determines whether the position of the icon to be added in the fixed icon display area 230 has been specified (step S104).

[0061] When the position of the icon to be added in the fixed icon display area 230 is designated (step S104: YES), the icon display control program 102 places the icon to be added at the designated position (step S105).

[0062] For example, the drop position within the fixed icon display area 230 of the icon to be added that has been dragged from the icon display area 220 (ie, the position where the user releases his / her finger from the screen 138) is the specified position.

[0063] If the position of the addition target icon in the fixed icon display area 230 is not specified (step S104: NO), the icon display control program 102 places the addition target icon at a predetermined position in the fixed icon display area 230 (step S106).

[0064] For example, if the bookmark button 210a is touched, the icon display control program 102 determines that the position of the icon to be added has not been specified.

[0065] The predetermined position indicates, for example, the area closest to area A1 among areas A1 to A6 in which icon 232 is not placed. If icon 232 is not placed in area A1, area A1 corresponds to the predetermined position. Among areas A2 to A6, area A2 indicates the area closest to area A1, and area A6 indicates the area farthest from area A1. In other words, the smaller the number following "area A," the closer the area is to area A1.

[0066] After the processes of steps S105 and S106, the icon display control program 102 returns to the process of step S102 and waits for input of a predetermined operation.

[0067] If there is no area in the fixed icon display area 230 where the icon to be added can be placed (step S103: NO), the icon display control program 102 determines whether or not there is an icon 232 displayed at a size equal to or larger than twice the minimum display size (step S107). For convenience, an icon 232 displayed at a size equal to or larger than twice the minimum display size will be referred to as a "large-size icon 232." In the example of FIG. 2A, icon 232b corresponds to the large-size icon 232.

[0068] If there is no large-sized icon 232 (step S107: NO), the icon display control program 102 transitions to a deletion mode in which the icon 232 can be deleted, and executes the deletion mode (step S108).

[0069] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a subroutine of step S108 in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on screen 138 in the deletion mode.

[0070] 4, the icon display control program 102 displays a temporary placement area 260 adjacent to the fixed icon display area 230, and places an icon to be added in the displayed temporary placement area 260 (step S201). Hereinafter, the icon to be added will be denoted by the reference symbol 262.

[0071] In this embodiment, during the deletion mode, not only the icon 232 but also the addition target icon 262 is set as a deletion target. To make it easier for all of the deletion target icons to fit within the user's field of view, a temporary placement area 260 is displayed in a position adjacent to the fixed icon display area 230, and the addition target icon 262 is placed in the temporary placement area 260.

[0072] The icon display control program 102 displays areas of the screen 138 other than the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary arrangement area 260 at a lower brightness than the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary arrangement area 260 (step S202).

[0073] For example, the icon display control program 102 displays the fixed icon display area 230 at the same brightness as before the transition to the deletion mode, and displays the temporary placement area 260 at the same brightness as the fixed icon display area 230, while lowering the brightness of areas other than the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary placement area 260 compared to before the transition to the deletion mode. As a result, the brightness of areas other than the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary placement area 260 becomes lower than that of the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary placement area 260.

[0074] Since the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary placement area 260 are displayed brightly on the screen 138, the user can easily visually recognize the icons 232 in the fixed icon display area 230 and the icons to be added 262 in the temporary placement area 260.

[0075] The icon display control program 102 enlarges and displays the fixed icon display area 230 compared to before the transition to the deletion mode (step S203).

[0076] Enlarging the display of fixed icon display area 230 increases the display size of icons 232 and also increases the spacing between icons 232. This reduces the likelihood of an operational error in which the user touches an icon 232 other than the icon 232 they want to delete during deletion mode.

[0077] The icon display control program 102 displays a delete button 270 superimposed on the icon 232 in the fixed icon display area 230 and the addition target icon 262 in the temporary placement area 260 (step S204). As a result, the image shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the screen 138. The delete button 270 displayed superimposed on each of the icons 232 and the addition target icon 262 is associated with the icon 232 and the addition target icon 262. By touching the delete button 270, the user can delete the icon 232 or the addition target icon 262 associated with the touched delete button 270.

[0078] The user determines whether or not the delete button 270 has been touched (step S205). If the delete button 270 has not been touched (step S205: NO), the icon display control program 102 determines whether or not an end operation for the delete mode has been performed (step S206). This end operation is, for example, an operation of pressing and holding a low-brightness area other than the fixed icon display area 230 and the temporary placement area 260, or an operation of touching a low-brightness area strongly.

[0079] When an operation to end the deletion mode is performed (step S206: YES), the icon display control program 102 returns the screen 138 to the display that was there immediately before the transition to the deletion mode (step S207), and ends the deletion mode. The icon display control program 102 returns to the processing of step S102 and waits for input of a predetermined operation. In this case, the deletion mode ends without deleting any of the icons 232. In other words, the addition target icon 262 in the temporary placement area 260 is deleted, and the deletion mode ends.

[0080] When the delete button 270 is touched (step S205: YES), the icon display control program 102 deletes the icon 232 or the addition target icon 262 associated with the touched delete button 270 (step S208).

[0081] If the icon 232 has been deleted (step S209: YES), the icon display control program 102 places the addition target icon 262 in the area in the fixed icon display area 230 that has become vacant by deleting the icon 232 (step S210). The icon display control program 102 returns the screen 138 to the display that was there immediately before the transition to the deletion mode (however, the fixed icon display area 230 displays the addition target icon 262 after it has been placed) (step S211), and ends the deletion mode. The icon display control program 102 returns to the processing of step S102 and waits for input of a predetermined operation.

[0082] The amount of space required for placement varies depending on the display size of the addition target icon 262. For example, deleting just one icon 232 may not leave enough space to place the addition target icon 262. In this case, the icon display control program 102 places the addition target icon 262 when two or more icons 232 have been deleted and a sufficient space has become available.

[0083] If there is a large-sized icon 232 (step S107: YES), the icon display control program 102 transitions to the size reduction mode and executes the size reduction mode (step S109).

[0084] The icon display control program 102 may output a sound indicating that the mode has been switched to the reduced size mode from the speaker 142. The icon display control program 102 may also notify the user that the mode has been switched to the reduced size mode by driving the vibrator 152 to vibrate the screen 138 in a predetermined pattern.

[0085] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a subroutine of step S109 in Fig. 3. Figs. 7A to 7D are diagrams showing examples of icon arrangement in fixed icon display area 230 in size reduction mode. In the example of Fig. 7A, icon 232b, which is a large size icon 232, is arranged in areas A1 and A2, icon 232a, which is the minimum display size, is arranged in areas A3 and A6, and icon 232b, which is a large size icon 232, is arranged in areas A4 and A5.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 6, the icon display control program 102 sets priorities for the areas A1 to A6 (step S301).

[0087] A specific example of setting priorities for the areas A1 to A6 will be described. For example, the user can set any of the areas A1 to A6 as the position where the addition target icon 262 is to be placed before transition to the size reduction mode or after transition to the size reduction mode.

[0088] When the position of the icon 262 to be added is specified, the icon display control program 102 sets a priority to each of the areas A1 to A6 based on the specified position. For example, when area A1 is the specified position, the icon display control program 102 sets the lowest priority to area A1 among areas A1 to A6. For areas A2 to A6, the closer to area A1, the lower the priority is set. As an example, the priority is set to areas A2, A4, A5, A3, and A6 in that order. As another example, when area A6 is the specified position, the icon display control program 102 sets the lowest priority to area A6 among areas A1 to A6. For areas A1 to A5, the closer to area A6, the lower the priority is set. As an example, the priority is set to areas A5, A3, A2, A4, and A1 in that order.

[0089] If the position of the addition target icon 262 is not specified, the icon display control program 102 sets a predetermined priority to each of the areas A1 to A6. As an example, the icon display control program 102 sets the priority to the areas A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 in descending order.

[0090] In this way, the CPU 100A that executes the icon display control program 102 operates as a priority setting unit 100c that sets priorities for each of the plurality of partitioned areas A1 to A6 within the fixed icon display area 230.

[0091] The icon display control program 102 reduces the display size of the large icon 232 based on the priority set in step S301 (step S302). Specifically, the icon display control program 102 reduces the display size of the large icon 232 arranged in an area with a lower priority.

[0092] In the examples of FIGS. 7A to 7D, it is assumed that the priority is set to the areas A6, A5, A3, A2, A4, and A1 in descending order. It is also assumed that the display size of the addition target icon 262 is the minimum display size. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7B, the icon display control program 102 reduces the display size of the icons 232b arranged in areas A4 and A5, including area A5, which is set to a lower priority, to the minimum display size, rather than the icons 232b arranged in areas A1 and A2. More specifically, the display size of the icons 232b is reduced so that area A5, which is set to a lower priority, of areas A4 and A5, becomes empty. This ensures an area within the fixed icon display area 230 where the addition target icon 262 can be placed.

[0093] In this way, when a predetermined operation is performed to add and arrange an icon in the fixed icon display area 230, the CPU 100A executing the icon display control program 102 operates as a reduced display unit 100d that reduces the display size of at least one large-sized icon (an example of a second icon) arranged in the fixed icon display area 230 based on priority.

[0094] The icon display control program 102 vacates the area to which the lowest priority is set (step S303). As shown in Fig. 7C, the icon display control program 102 shifts the icon 232a arranged in area A6 to area A5 so that area A6, to which the lowest priority is set, becomes vacant.

[0095] If the display size of the icon 262 to be added is twice the minimum display size, two areas must be freed up. In this case, in step S302, for example, both the icon 232b arranged in areas A1 and A2 and the icon 232b arranged in areas A4 and A5 are reduced in size. The display size of the former icon 232b is reduced so that area A2, which has a lower priority among areas A1 and A2, is freed up. The display size of the latter icon 232b is reduced so that area A5, which has a lower priority among areas A4 and A5, is freed up. In step S303, the icon display control program 102 shifts the icons 232a arranged in areas A3, A4, and A6, respectively, so that areas A5 and A6, including area A6, which has the lowest priority, are freed up.

[0096] The icon display control program 102 places the addition target icon 262 in the area vacated in step S303 (step S304). In the example of Fig. 7D, the icon display control program 102 places the addition target icon 262 in area A6, which is set to the lowest priority (in other words, a position specified by the user or a position determined when there is no user specification).

[0097] In this way, the CPU 100A executing the icon display control program 102 operates as an icon placement unit 100e that places the icon to be added 262 in the area within the fixed icon display area 230 that becomes freed up as a result of reducing the display size of the large-sized icon (an example of a second icon).

[0098] In this embodiment, the user can add and arrange the addition target icon 262 in the fixed icon display area 230 simply by performing a predetermined operation (for example, a drag-and-drop operation on the addition target icon 262 or an operation of touching the bookmark button 210a). In other words, the operability when adding and arranging such icons is improved compared to conventional icon display control devices.

[0099] The above is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the embodiments of the present application also include appropriate combinations of embodiments explicitly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the display size of the large size icon 232 is reduced based on the priority set in areas A1 to A6, but in another embodiment, the display size of the large size icon 232 may also be reduced based on the priority set for the large size icon.

[0101] That is, the CPU 100A operating as the priority setting unit 100c also sets priorities to the large size icons (an example of second icons) arranged in the fixed icon display area 230.

[0102] There are various possible methods for setting priorities for large-sized icons, but one example of this method will be described here with reference to Fig. 7A. In the example of Fig. 7A, consider a case where the icons 232b arranged in areas A1 and A2 are previously set as large-sized icons by the icon display control program 102 (an example of a 2A icon), and the icons 232b arranged in areas A4 and A5 are changed to large-sized icons by a user operation (an example of a 2B icon). In this case, the icon display control program 102 sets the priority of the former icons (an example of a 2A icon) lower than the priority of the latter icons (an example of a 2B icon) so that the former icons (an example of a 2A icon) are reduced in size with priority over the latter icons.

[0103] The latter icon (an example of a 2B icon) is one whose display size has been intentionally enlarged by the user. Therefore, it is desirable for the user to maintain the enlarged display size. Therefore, the icon display control program 102 sets a high priority to the latter icon.

[0104] The icon display control program 102 manages, for example, the priorities set for areas A1 to A6 and the priorities set for large-sized icons by converting them into scores. As an example, scores of 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 0 are assigned to areas in order of decreasing priority. A score of 10 is assigned to the former icon (an example of a 2A icon), and a score of 0 is assigned to the latter icon (an example of a 2B icon). In step S302, the icon display control program 102 reduces the display size of the large-sized icon with the highest total score.

[0105] In the example of FIG. 7A, scores of 0, 4, 2, and 8 are assigned to areas A1, A2, A4, and A5, respectively. A score of 10 is assigned to icon 232b arranged in areas A1 and A2, and a score of 0 is assigned to icon 232b arranged in areas A4 and A5. The total score of icons 232b arranged in areas A1 and A2 is 14, and the total score of icons 232b arranged in areas A4 and A5 is 10. Therefore, in this example, the display size of icons 232b arranged in areas A1 and A2 is reduced.

[0106] In another embodiment, during the size reduction mode, the icon display control program 102 may display areas of the screen 138 other than the fixed icon display area 230 at a lower brightness than the fixed icon display area 230. Because the fixed icon display area 230 is displayed brightly on the screen 138, the user can easily see the process of the addition target icon 262 being placed in the fixed icon display area 230.

[0107] In another embodiment, the icon display control program 102 may enlarge and display the fixed icon display area 230 during the reduced size mode compared to before the transition to the reduced size mode. Enlarging the display of the fixed icon display area 230 makes it easier for the user to visually recognize the process of the addition target icon 262 being arranged in the fixed icon display area 230. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1: Icon display control device 10: Processor 100: Control unit 100A: CPU 100B:RAM 100C:ROM 100D: Input / Output Ports 100a: Display size change section 100b: Control display section 100c:Priority setting section 100d: Reduced display area 100e: Icon placement section 102: Icon display control program 110: Communication interface unit 120:Operation unit 130: Display section 140: Audio output section 150: Vibration part

Claims

1. a priority setting unit that sets priorities for each of a plurality of partitioned areas within a display area in which a plurality of icons of different display sizes, including a first icon and a second icon having a display size larger than that of the first icon, can be arranged, and also sets a priority for the second icon arranged in the display area; a reduction display unit that calculates a value for determining which of the second icons arranged in the display area is to be reduced based on the priority set for the area and the priority set for the second icon, and reduces the display size of at least one of the second icons determined based on the calculated value; an icon placement unit that places the icon to be added in the area in the display area that has become vacant as a result of reducing the display size of the second icon; Icon display control device.

2. a display size changing unit that changes the display size of the icon in response to an operation by a user; an icon whose display size has been set in advance to the display size of the second icon is defined as a second A icon, an icon whose display size has been changed to the display size of the second icon by the display size change unit is defined as a second B icon, and when the second A icon and the second B icon are arranged in the display area as the second icons, the priority setting unit sets the priority of the second A icon to be lower than the priority of the second B icon so that the second B icon is less likely to be targeted for reduction than the second A icon; The icon display control device according to claim 1 .

3. When a predetermined operation is performed to add and arrange the icon in the display area, the display size of the second icon is reduced by the reduced display unit, and the icon to be added is arranged by the icon arrangement unit.

3. The icon display control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising an operator display unit that displays operators associated with the icons; the predetermined operation is a user's operation on the operator; The icon display control device according to claim 3 .

5. a priority setting step of setting a priority for each of a plurality of partitioned areas in a display area in which a plurality of icons of different display sizes, including a first icon and a second icon having a display size larger than that of the first icon, can be arranged, and also setting a priority for the second icon arranged in the display area; a reduction display step of calculating a value for determining which of the second icons arranged in the display area is to be reduced based on the priority set for the area and the priority set for the second icon, and reducing the display size of at least one of the second icons determined based on the calculated value; an icon arranging step of arranging the icon to be added in the area in the display area that has become vacant as a result of reducing the display size of the second icon; Icon display control program.

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