Acoustic device and GUI control program

WO2025243477A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-27ALPHATHETA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2024/019077
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-23
Publication Date
2025-11-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The operability of cursor movement on a GUI screen using a rotary encoder is reduced when GUI elements are arranged two-dimensionally, as the rotary encoder can only move the cursor in one direction, making it difficult to navigate perpendicular to the encoder's rotation direction.

Method used

An audio device and GUI control program that switches between a first operation mode for vertical cursor movement and a second operation mode for horizontal movement based on the detection of a switch operator, allowing the cursor to move in both directions using a rotary operator.

Benefits of technology

Improves the operability of cursor movement by approximating the shortest path when navigating two-dimensional GUI elements, enhancing user experience and reducing the need for complex operations like rapid tapping or long presses.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An acoustic device according to the present invention comprises: a rotation operator for receiving a rotation operation; a switch operator for receiving an ON operation; and a GUI control unit for, if a rotation operation to the rotation operator is detected when an ON operation to the switch operator is detected, causing a display position of a cursor to move in a first direction from among the first direction and a second direction that respectively correspond to the axes of a two-dimensional coordinate system, the cursor indicating an input position of a two-dimensional array in which GUI elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a GUI screen.
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Description

Sound device and GUI control program

[0001] The present invention relates to an audio device and a GUI control program.

[0002] A GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen displayed by DJ (Disc Jockey) software may be operated via a rotary operator such as a rotary encoder provided in an audio device such as a DJ player or controller.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-199124

[0004] However, the rotation of the rotary encoder can only move the cursor displayed on the GUI screen in one direction, either up or down or left or right. Therefore, when GUI elements are arranged two-dimensionally on the GUI screen, it is difficult to move the cursor in a direction perpendicular to the cursor movement direction corresponding to the rotation of the rotary encoder, which reduces the operability of cursor movement.

[0005] In one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an audio device and a GUI control program that can improve the operability of cursor movement using a rotary operator.

[0006] The audio device according to one aspect has a rotation operator that accepts a rotation operation, a switch operator that accepts an ON operation, and a GUI control unit that, when a rotation operation on the rotation operator is detected when an ON operation on the switch operator is detected, moves the display position of a cursor that indicates an input position of a two-dimensional array in which GUI elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a GUI screen to the first direction out of a first direction and a second direction corresponding to each axis of the two-dimensional coordinate system.

[0007] According to one embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability of moving a cursor using a rotary operator.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a playback system. FIG. 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a GUI screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a GUI screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram (3) showing an example of a GUI screen. FIG. 5 is a diagram (4) showing an example of a GUI screen. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an audio device. FIG. 7 is a diagram (5) showing an example of a GUI screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a cursor position. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for accepting an instruction input command. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a mode setting process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first GUI control process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a second GUI control process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration.

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out an audio device and a GUI control program according to the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that this embodiment merely illustrates one example or aspect, and the structure, action, function, properties, characteristics, methods, uses, etc. according to the present disclosure are not limited by such an example.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <System Configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a playback system. Fig. 1 shows an example of a playback system 1 in which performance functions provided by DJ software running on a user terminal 30, such as music management and DJ play, are controlled by an audio device 10.

[0011] 1, the playback system 1 may include an audio device 10 and a user terminal 30. The audio device and the user terminal 30 may be connected by any communication method, whether wired or wireless.

[0012] The acoustic device 10 is a device having a function for playing or controlling music for DJs. For example, the acoustic device 10 may be realized as a music player for DJs, a so-called DJ player. Alternatively, the acoustic device 10 may be realized as a DJ system in which multiple DJ players are connected to a DJ mixer via multiple channels.

[0013] The user terminal 30 is a terminal device used by a user of the DJ software. For example, the user terminal 30 may be realized by any computer, including a desktop or laptop personal computer, as well as mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and wearable terminals.

[0014] The term "user" here refers to a person who has an account for a service provided by the DJ software. Naturally, the above user is not limited to professional DJs, and may include a wide range of users, from light users to heavy users.

[0015] <Example of GUI Screen> As an example, the GUI screen displayed by the DJ software has a display area for a track list for selecting songs. Many models of audio devices such as players and controllers for DJs are available on the market and are equipped with a rotary encoder for moving a cursor on the track list.

[0016] The rotary control moves the cursor up and down in the track list when rotated, and generally pressing the rotary control vertically will select the list item the cursor is over.

[0017] One of the reasons why rotary controls are used to operate GUI screens in this way is that rotary controls are superior in operability compared to controls such as directional pads and joysticks, in that they provide a stress-free operation feel that does not require rapid tapping or long presses.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram (1) showing an example of a GUI screen, in which a collection screen 200 listing a collection of songs imported by the DJ software is displayed as part of the song management function provided by the DJ software.

[0019] 2, the collection screen 200 includes a tree view 210 and a track list 220. For example, the tree view 210 displays a hierarchical structure of folders that classify the songs included in the collection. Furthermore, the track list 220 displays a list of tracks included in a folder selected in the tree view 210.

[0020] 2 is a schematic diagram of an operation unit 11 included in the acoustic device 10. For example, the operation unit 11 may be located at any position on the horizontal plane (XY plane) of the housing of a DJ controller or the like.

[0021] A jog wheel 11A may be included as an example of a rotary operator in the operation unit 11. For example, the jog wheel 11A can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis corresponding to the vertical direction (Z-axis).

[0022] The operation unit 11 includes, as examples of switch operators, a PUSH button 11B1 and a BACK button 11B2. Both the PUSH button 11B1 and the BACK button 11B2 can be pressed downward in the vertical direction (Z axis). Note that, while Fig. 2 shows an example in which the circular PUSH button 11B1 and the entire rotary operator act as the PUSH button 11A1, the two do not necessarily need to be integrated.

[0023] A situation where an operation to select one track from the tracks included in the track list 220 is accepted via the operation unit 11 will be described.

[0024] For example, in the track list 220, list items are arranged vertically as an example of GUI elements in rows corresponding to tracks included in the collection, which is the root folder of the tree view 210. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the cursor focuses on the list item in the fourth row. This cursor can be moved vertically (vertically) by rotating the rotary operator 11A. For example, when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise, the cursor moves upward, while when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise, the cursor moves downward. By rotating the rotary operator 11A in this way, the display position of the cursor is aligned with the target list item, and then the PUSH button 11B1 is pressed to select the target list item. The BACK button 11B2 can be used to move the focus (the target of operation) from the track list to the tree view.

[0025] Even when moving such a cursor away from its current position, the speed of the cursor movement can be increased by increasing the rotation speed of the rotary control 11A, which eliminates the need for repeated taps or long presses as with controls such as a cross key or joystick.

[0026] <One aspect of the issue> In recent years, track lists have come to display rectangular artworks arranged two-dimensionally, top and bottom, left and right, for visual effect.

[0027] However, the rotation of the rotary encoder can only move the cursor displayed on the GUI screen in one direction, either up or down or left or right. Therefore, when GUI elements are arranged two-dimensionally on the GUI screen, the movement of the cursor corresponding to the rotation of the rotary encoder must be performed in order to align the items one-dimensionally by connecting the last (rightmost) item in one row with the first (leftmost) item in the next row, which reduces operability when selecting an item.

[0028] That is, GUI elements are not necessarily arranged in a one-dimensional array on a GUI screen, but may be arranged two-dimensionally. For example, by logging in to a music streaming service or a video distribution service, music files provided by the various services can be browsed using a track list. In this case, GUI elements corresponding to music files may be arranged two-dimensionally according to an HTML file provided by the various services.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a diagram (2) showing an example of a GUI screen. Fig. 3 illustrates a collection screen 300 that displays a tree view 310 including folders of songs provided by a music streaming service and a track list 320 in which a plurality of items are arranged two-dimensionally as an example of a GUI element including artwork corresponding to songs included in the folder selected in the tree view 310. Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows the current cursor display position indicated by a thick solid frame, and the target item selected by the user indicated by a thick dashed frame.

[0030] 3 illustrates an example in which the cursor is moved left and right (horizontally) by rotating the rotary operator 11A. In this case, when moving the cursor from the third row, second column to the eighth row, second column, the cursor moves to the target item along a circuitous path, like a zigzag scan. That is, three items are lost for each row of movement, so moving the cursor from the current item to the target item over a distance of five rows results in a loss of 15 items. When the cursor is moved along a path far from the shortest path, the time required for the operation increases and the stress it places on the user increases, significantly deteriorating operability.

[0031] <One aspect of the problem-solving approach> In order to solve this problem, this embodiment provides a GUI control function that switches between a first operation mode in which the cursor is moved in an up-down direction and a second operation mode in which the cursor is moved in a left-right direction, depending on whether or not an ON operation of a specific switch operator is being detected.

[0032] Below, as just one example, we will take the case where the operation mode is set to the first operation mode when an on operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is not detected, and the operation mode is set to the second operation mode when an on operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected.

[0033] 4 and 5 are diagrams (3) and (4) showing examples of GUI screens. A collection screen 300 similar to that shown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Furthermore, while FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of cursor movement in the first operation mode, FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of cursor movement in the second operation mode. In the following description, it is assumed that when an ON operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected, the PUSH button 11B1 is displayed in reverse video.

[0034] 4, in the first operation mode, the cursor is moved up and down (vertically) by rotating the rotary operator 11A. For example, when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise, the cursor is moved up, and when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise, the cursor is moved down.

[0035] 5, in the second operation mode, the cursor is moved left and right (horizontally) by rotating the rotary operator 11A. For example, when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise, the cursor is moved leftward, and when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise, the cursor is moved rightward.

[0036] For example, when moving the cursor from row 3, column 2 to row 8, column 2, by rotating the rotary control 11A clockwise without turning on the PUSH button 11B1, the cursor can be moved to the target item by moving five rows of items. Also, when moving from row 8, column 2 to row 8, column 3, for example, by turning on the PUSH button 11B1 and rotating the rotary control 11A, the cursor can be easily moved left and right, i.e., in the column direction. In this way, the GUI control function according to this embodiment can approximate the shortest path of cursor movement.

[0037] Therefore, the GUI control function according to this embodiment can improve the operability of moving the cursor using the rotary operator.

[0038] For example, the GUI control function according to this embodiment is superior to the use of controls such as a cross key or a joystick in the following respects.

[0039] First, while using a cross-key pad or joystick allows for two-dimensional cursor movement, it requires operations such as rapid tapping or long presses, making them less user-friendly than a rotary encoder. For example, moving the cursor several lines away using a cross-key pad requires multiple rapid button presses. Furthermore, while long button presses allow for fast cursor movement to distant locations, the cursor may overshoot, making accurate control difficult. On the other hand, with a rotary encoder, when the rotation speed falls within the low-speed range, the number of GUI elements set for the cursor movement amount is set to one. When the rotation speed exceeds the low-speed range, the number of GUI elements set for the cursor movement amount can be increased as the rotation speed increases. Meanwhile, with a cross-key pad or joystick, the cursor movement amount can only be increased based on the number of cursor operations and duration, requiring rapid tapping or long presses, making it difficult to provide the same level of user-friendliness as a rotary encoder.

[0040] Second, the technology described in Patent Document 1 discloses a controller equipped with both a cross key and a rotary controller. To address the above-mentioned issues, a possible operation method for the controller described in Patent Document 1 is to control the cursor movement direction with the cross key and the amount of movement with the rotary controller. However, when using this operation method, for example, to move the cursor downward, it is difficult to rotate the rotary controller with one hand while pressing the down button on the cross key. Even if the rotary controller itself is a joystick that tilts in the direction of the cross key, if you rotate the rotary controller while tilting it downward, you must release your hand when your wrist reaches the limit of its range of motion. When you release your hand, the rotary controller may return to its center, resulting in poor operability. Furthermore, this controller equipped with both a cross key and a rotary controller has the disadvantage of being more expensive to manufacture than conventional rotary controllers.

[0041] Third, DJ equipment faces the issue of how to accommodate a large number of controls in a limited space, leaving no room for new components such as cross keys or joysticks. In other words, DJ controllers often have numerous controls for each deck, numerous controls related to the mixer, and even numerous controls related to DJ editing such as cue points. In situations where numerous controls are arranged, it is difficult to accommodate controls unfamiliar to DJ performances, such as cross keys or joysticks. On the other hand, rotary controls such as rotary encoders are familiar to DJ performances and are often included as default components on DJ controllers. If such existing components can be reused, no hardware modifications are required, further lowering the hurdle for implementing the GUI control function described above.

[0042] <Configuration of the Acoustic Device 10> Next, the functional configuration of the acoustic device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the acoustic device 10. For example, Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of blocks related to functions related to the GUI control function of the acoustic device 10.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 6, the audio device 10 has an operation unit 11, a rotation detection unit 13, an open / close detection unit 15, a mode setting unit 17, and a GUI control unit 19. Note that Fig. 6 only shows an excerpt of functional units related to the functions corresponding to the GUI control functions described above, and the audio device 10 may also be provided with functional units other than those shown, such as a display unit.

[0044] The operation unit 11 is a functional unit that accepts various input instructions. The operation unit 11 may include various operators related to a deck, a mixer, DJ editing, etc., but here, as one aspect, an example of an operator related to control of a GUI screen will be given.

[0045] For example, the operation unit 11 may include a jog wheel 11A shown in Fig. 2 etc. as an example of a rotary operator. For example, the jog wheel 11A can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise around a rotation axis corresponding to the vertical direction (Z axis).

[0046] In addition, a PUSH button 11B1 and a BACK button 11B2 may be included as examples of switch operators in the operation unit 11. Both the PUSH button 11B1 and the BACK button 11B2 can be pressed downward in the vertical direction (Z axis).

[0047] The rotation detector 13 is a functional unit that detects the rotation operation of the rotary operator 11A. In one embodiment, the rotation detector 13 can detect the rotation direction, rotation angle, rotation position, and rotation speed of the rotary operator 11A as the amount of displacement of the rotary operator 11A. For example, the rotation detector 13 may be implemented by a rotary encoder of any of the following types: mechanical, optical, magnetic, and electromagnetic induction.

[0048] The open / close detection unit 15 is a functional unit that detects an ON operation of the switch operator 11B. In one aspect, the open / close detection unit 15 can detect an ON operation from the closed state of the switch operator 11B. In another aspect, the open / close detection unit 15 can detect an OFF operation from the open state of the switch operator 11B.

[0049] The mode setting unit 17 is a processing unit that sets the operation mode. In one aspect, the mode setting unit 17 sets either the first operation mode or the second operation mode depending on whether an ON operation of the switch operator is being detected. In one aspect, the mode setting unit 17 transitions the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when the open / close detection unit 15 detects an ON operation of the PUSH button 11B1. In another aspect, the mode setting unit 17 transitions the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode when the open / close detection unit 15 detects an OFF operation of the PUSH button 11B1.

[0050] The GUI control unit 19 is a processing unit that executes control related to the GUI. In one aspect, the GUI control unit 19 controls a GUI screen that is displayed on the display unit 31 by DJ software executed by a DJ software execution unit 32 of the user terminal 30.

[0051] In one aspect, when the operation mode is the first operation mode, the GUI control unit 19 moves the cursor up and down (vertically) by rotating the rotary operator 11A, as described with reference to Fig. 4. For example, when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise, the cursor moves up, whereas when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise, the cursor moves down.

[0052] In another aspect, when the operation mode is the second operation mode, the GUI control unit 19 moves the cursor left and right (horizontally) by rotating the rotary operator 11A, as described with reference to Fig. 5. For example, when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise, the cursor moves left, and when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise, the cursor moves right.

[0053] Here, the GUI control unit 19 can highlight a one-dimensional array of items from the two-dimensional array that corresponds to the direction of cursor movement in the currently set operating mode and corresponds to the row or column to which the currently displayed cursor belongs.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagram (5) showing an example of a GUI screen. Similar to FIG. 5, FIG. 7 also shows a schematic representation of cursor movement in the second operation mode. For example, in the second operation mode, the row direction (left and right) is defined as the cursor movement direction, and the cursor display position belongs to the third row, as shown by the thick solid frame in FIG. 7. In this case, in the two-dimensional array of items included in the track list 320, the display form is differentiated between the third row and the rows other than the third row. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the items belonging to the third row are highlighted, while the items belonging to the rows other than the third row are grayed out.

[0055] 7 shows an example of highlighting by highlighting or graying out, but highlighting may also be achieved by displaying a sign that guides the movement direction of the row or column to which the cursor belongs, or by distinguishing fonts. Also, while FIG. 7 shows an example of highlighting in the second operation mode, it goes without saying that highlighting can be similarly implemented in the first operation mode.

[0056] Such highlighting can provide guidance on the current position and movement direction of the cursor.

[0057] As a further aspect, the GUI control unit 19 can also impose restrictions on part of the horizontal or vertical movement of the display position of the cursor. For example, the GUI control unit 19 can prohibit the cursor from moving from the first item to the last item in the row or column where the cursor is moving, or from the last item to the first item in the row or column where the cursor is moving.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of cursor position transition. Fig. 8 shows an excerpt of a portion of the track list 320 shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 also shows a schematic time series of cursor movement from time t1 to time t3 in the second operation mode. Note that in Fig. 8, it is assumed that a clockwise rotation operation of the jog wheel 11A is detected at any time from time t1 to time t3.

[0059] 8, at time t1, the cursor is positioned on the item in the second row and third column in the figure, and at time t2, the cursor moves from the item in the second row and third column to the item in the second row and fourth column, i.e., the last item in the second row. After that, at time t3, even if a clockwise rotation operation of the jog wheel 11A is detected, the cursor is stopped at the last item in the second row and movement to the item in the first row and first column, i.e., the first item in the second row, is prohibited. This makes it possible to prohibit the cursor from moving in a loop.

[0060] Although an example in which loop movement of the cursor is prohibited is shown in FIG. 8, whether or not loop movement of the cursor is prohibited can be customized by user settings.

[0061] As another aspect, the GUI control unit 19 can accept not only the movement of the cursor display position but also the input command for selecting an item. For example, when the push button 11B1 is switched from an on operation to an off operation, the GUI control unit 19 can accept the input command for selecting the item that was aligned with the cursor display position when the push button 11B1 was switched from the on operation to the off operation. When an item is selected in this manner, a processing command corresponding to the item, such as playing a song or moving to a folder one level lower, can be issued. Note that, as an example, item selection can be limited to only when there has been no movement in the column direction.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a method for accepting an instruction input command. FIG. 9 shows an excerpt of a portion of the track list 320 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 9, at time t1, an ON operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is being detected, and therefore the device operates in the second operation mode. When the second operation mode is set, the cursor can be moved left or right when the jog wheel 11A is rotated. Thereafter, as shown by the bold solid frame in FIG. 9, if an OFF operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected at time t2 while the cursor remains focused on the item in the second row and second column, an instruction input command for selecting the item in the second row and second column where the cursor is positioned can be accepted.

[0063] <Processing Flow> Next, a processing flow of the acoustic device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Here, (1) mode setting processing, (2) first GUI control processing, and (3) second GUI control processing executed by the acoustic device 10 will be described.

[0064] (1) Mode Setting Process Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the mode setting process. This process may be repeated while the power of the audio device 10 is in an ON state.

[0065] 10 , when an ON operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected (Yes in step S101), the mode setting unit 17 transitions the operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode (step S102).Then, the second operation mode continues until an OFF operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected (No in step S103).

[0066] Thereafter, if an OFF operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected (Yes in step S103), the GUI control unit 19 accepts an instruction input command to select an item that was positioned at the display position of the cursor when the PUSH button 11B1 was switched from an ON operation to an OFF operation (step S104). Then, the mode setting unit 17 transitions the operation mode from the second operation mode to the first operation mode (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S101.

[0067] (2) First GUI Control Processing Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first GUI control processing. This processing may be executed when the operation mode is set to the first operation mode.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 11, when a rotation operation of the jog wheel 11A is detected (Yes in step S301), the GUI control unit 19 determines whether the rotation direction of the jog wheel 11A is clockwise (step S302).

[0069] At this time, if the rotation direction of the jog wheel 11A is clockwise (Yes in step S302), the GUI control unit 19 determines the moving direction of the cursor to be downward (step S303D).

[0070] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines the destination item based on the current cursor display position, the cursor movement direction determined in step S303D, and the rotational displacement amount of the jog wheel 11A (step S304D).

[0071] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines whether the destination item determined in step S304D exceeds the last (bottom) item in the row to which the cursor is moving (step S305D).

[0072] At this time, if the destination item exceeds the last item in the row through which the cursor is moving (Yes in step S305D), the GUI control unit 19 resets the destination to the last item in the row through which the cursor is moving (step S306D).

[0073] If the destination item does not exceed the last item in the row to which the cursor is being moved (No in step S305D), the process in step S306D is skipped.

[0074] Thereafter, the GUI control unit 19 moves the display position of the cursor to the destination item determined in step S304D or the destination item reset in step S306D (step S307D), and ends the process.

[0075] On the other hand, if the rotation direction of the jog wheel 11A is counterclockwise (No in step S302), the GUI control unit 19 determines the moving direction of the cursor to be upward (step S303U).

[0076] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines the destination item based on the current cursor display position, the cursor movement direction determined in step S303U, and the rotational displacement amount of the jog wheel 11A (step S304U).

[0077] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines whether the destination item determined in step S304U exceeds the first (top) item in the row to which the cursor is moving (step S305U).

[0078] At this time, if the destination item exceeds the top item in the row where the cursor is moving (Yes in step S305U), the GUI control unit 19 resets the destination to the top item in the row where the cursor is moving (step S306U).

[0079] If the destination item does not exceed the top item in the row to which the cursor is being moved (No in step S305U), the process in step S306U is skipped.

[0080] Thereafter, the GUI control unit 19 moves the display position of the cursor to the destination item determined in step S304U or the destination item reset in step S306U (step S307U), and ends the process.

[0081] (3) Second GUI Control Processing Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second GUI control processing. This processing may be executed when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 12, when a rotation operation of the jog wheel 11A is detected (Yes in step S501), the GUI control unit 19 determines whether the rotation direction of the jog wheel 11A is clockwise (step S502).

[0083] At this time, if the rotation direction of the jog wheel 11A is clockwise (Yes in step S502), the GUI control unit 19 determines the moving direction of the cursor to be rightward (step S503R).

[0084] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines the destination item based on the current cursor display position, the cursor movement direction determined in step S503R, and the rotational displacement amount of the jog wheel 11A (step S504R).

[0085] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines whether the destination item determined in step S504R exceeds the last (rightmost) item on the line to which the cursor is being moved (step S505R).

[0086] At this time, if the destination item exceeds the last item on the line on which the cursor is moving (Yes in step S505R), the GUI control unit 19 resets the destination to the last item on the line on which the cursor is moving (step S506R).

[0087] If the destination item does not exceed the last item on the line to which the cursor is being moved (No in step S505R), the process in step S506R is skipped.

[0088] Thereafter, the GUI control unit 19 moves the display position of the cursor to the destination item determined in step S504R or the destination item reset in step S506R (step S507R), and ends the process.

[0089] On the other hand, if the rotation direction of the jog wheel 11A is counterclockwise (No in step S502), the GUI control unit 19 determines the moving direction of the cursor to be leftward (step S504L).

[0090] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines the destination item based on the current cursor display position, the cursor movement direction determined in step S503L, and the rotational displacement amount of the jog wheel 11A (step S504L).

[0091] Then, the GUI control unit 19 determines whether the destination item determined in step S504L exceeds the first (leftmost) item on the line to which the cursor is being moved (step S505L).

[0092] At this time, if the destination item exceeds the top item of the line on which the cursor is moving (Yes in step S505L), the GUI control unit 19 resets the destination to the top item of the line on which the cursor is moving (step S506L).

[0093] If the destination item does not exceed the top item of the line to which the cursor is being moved (No in step S505L), the process in step S506L is skipped.

[0094] Thereafter, the GUI control unit 19 moves the display position of the cursor to the destination item determined in step S504L or the destination item reset in step S506L (step S507L), and ends the process.

[0095] Summary of First Embodiment As described above, the audio device 10 according to this embodiment switches between a first operation mode in which the cursor is moved up and down and a second operation mode in which the cursor is moved left and right, depending on whether an ON operation of a specific switch operator is being detected. This allows the cursor movement path to approach the shortest path. Therefore, the audio device 10 according to this embodiment can improve the operability of cursor movement using a rotary operator.

[0096] Second Embodiment Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various applications are possible, and further, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0097] <Exercise of Creativity> The matters described in the above embodiment, such as the criteria for switching between operation modes, the arrangement of the jog wheel 11A and the push button 11B1, and specific examples of the structure of the jog wheel 11A and the push button 11B1, are merely examples and can be changed. In addition, the order of processing in the flowchart described in the above embodiment 1 can also be changed within a consistent range.

[0098] <Application Example of Mode Switching> For example, in the above-described first embodiment, an example was given in which the first operation mode and the second operation mode were switched depending on whether an ON operation of the PUSH button 11B1 was being detected. However, the mode switching method is not limited to this. For example, the operation mode could be switched between the first operation mode and the second operation mode each time an ON operation of the PUSH button 11B1 is detected. Furthermore, a separate operator for accepting item selection and a separate operator for selecting an operation mode could be provided. For example, a Shift button (not shown) for switching between the first operation mode and the second operation mode and the PUSH button 11B1 for accepting item selection could be provided separately.

[0099] <Examples of application of usage scenarios> For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, an example was given in which the GUI screen displayed on the display unit 31 of the user terminal 30 is controlled, but it goes without saying that the processes shown in Figures 10 to 12 can also be applied in the same way when controlling the GUI screen displayed on the audio device 10.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, an example was given in which the cursor is moved upward when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise while the first operation mode is in effect, and the cursor is moved downward when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise while the first operation mode is in effect, but the cursor movement corresponding to the rotation direction is not limited to this. For example, the cursor can be moved downward when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise while the first operation mode is in effect, and the cursor can be moved upward when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise while the first operation mode is in effect.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the cursor is moved to the left when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise while in the second operation mode, and the cursor is moved to the right when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise while in the second operation mode. However, the cursor movement corresponding to the rotation direction is not limited to this. For example, the cursor can be moved to the right when the rotary operator 11A is rotated counterclockwise while in the second operation mode, and the cursor can be moved to the left when the rotary operator 11A is rotated clockwise while in the second operation mode.

[0102] In addition, in the first embodiment, an example in which items are arranged in a matrix on the GUI screen has been given, but this is not limiting, and the above-described GUI control function can also be applied to a case in which items are arranged in concentric circles on the GUI screen. In this case, when the push button 11B1 is turned on, an angle operation (circumferential movement) can be accepted as the first direction, and a distance operation from the center (radial movement) can be accepted as the second direction.

[0103] <System> The information, including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings, may be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, one or more of the mode setting unit 17 and GUI control unit 19 of the audio device 10 may be configured as separate devices. In other words, the mode setting unit 17 and GUI control unit 19 may be realized as functions provided by DJ software.

[0104] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are functional concepts and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown. In other words, all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that each configuration may also be a physical configuration.

[0105] Furthermore, each processing function performed by each device can be realized, in whole or in part, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0106] <Hardware> Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the computer described in the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration. As shown in Fig. 13, the acoustic device 10 has a communication device 10a, a storage device 10b, a memory 10c, and a processor 10d. Note that the components shown in Fig. 13 may be connected to each other via a bus or the like.

[0107] The communication device 10a is a network interface card, etc. The storage device 10b is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). For example, the storage device 10b stores programs and databases that operate the functions shown in FIG. 6.

[0108] The processor 10d reads out a program that executes the same processing as the processing unit shown in FIG. 6 from the storage device 10b or the like and loads it into the memory 10c, thereby operating a process that executes the functions described in FIG.

[0109] Such a process realizes the same functions as the processing units of the acoustic device 10. For example, the processor 10d reads a program having the same functions as the mode setting unit 17, the GUI control unit 19, etc. from the storage device 10b, etc. Then, the processor 10d executes a process that executes the same processing as the mode setting unit 17, the GUI control unit 19, etc.

[0110] In this way, the acoustic device 10 operates as an information processing device that executes a GUI control method by reading and executing a program. The acoustic device 10 can also realize the same functions as those of the first embodiment by reading the program from a recording medium using a media reader and executing the read program. Note that the program in this embodiment is not limited to being executed by the acoustic device 10. For example, the processes shown in Figures 10 to 12 can also be applied when another computer or server executes the program, or when these computers cooperate to execute the program.

[0111] The above program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The above program can also be recorded on any recording medium and executed by a computer by reading it from the recording medium. For example, the recording medium can be a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or the like.

[0112] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Reproduction system 10 Sound device 11 Operation unit 11A Rotation operator 11B1 Switch operator 11B2 Switch operator 13 Rotation detection unit 15 Open / close detection unit 17 Mode setting unit 19 GUI control unit 30 User terminal 31 Display unit 32 DJ software execution unit

Claims

1. An audio device comprising: a rotation operator that accepts a rotation operation; a switch operator that accepts an ON operation; and a GUI control unit that, when a rotation operation on the rotation operator is detected when an ON operation on the switch operator is detected, moves the display position of a cursor that indicates an input position of a two-dimensional array in which GUI elements are arranged two-dimensionally on a GUI screen in the first direction out of a first direction and a second direction corresponding to each axis of the two-dimensional coordinate system.

2. The acoustic device described in claim 1, characterized in that the GUI control unit moves the display position of the cursor in the second direction when a rotation operation on the rotation operator is detected while an on operation on the switch operator is not detected.

3. The audio device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the GUI control unit moves the display position of the cursor in the first direction or the second direction in accordance with the rotation direction of the rotary operator.

4. The audio device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the GUI control unit highlights a one-dimensional array of the two-dimensional array that corresponds to the direction in which the cursor is moved and to the display position of the cursor.

5. An audio device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the GUI control unit prohibits the cursor from moving from the first GUI element in the one-dimensional array through which the cursor is moving to the last GUI element, or prohibits the cursor from moving from the last GUI element in the one-dimensional array through which the cursor is moving to the first GUI element.

6. An audio device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the GUI control unit selects a GUI element corresponding to the display position of the cursor when the switch operator is switched from an on operation to an off operation.

7. An acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

8. The acoustic device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first direction corresponds to the left-right, horizontal or width direction of the GUI screen, and the second direction corresponds to the up-down, vertical or height direction of the GUI screen.

9. The acoustic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotary operator is realized by a rotary encoder.

10. The audio device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the GUI screen is a screen displayed by DJ software.

11. A GUI control program that causes a computer to execute a process in which, when a rotation operation on a rotation operator is detected when an ON operation on a switch operator is detected, the display position of a cursor that indicates an input position of a two-dimensional array in which GUI elements are two-dimensionally arranged on a GUI screen is moved in the first direction out of a first direction and a second direction corresponding to each axis of the two-dimensional coordinate system.

Citation Information

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