JP4871366B2 - Display device, display method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device, a display method, and a program that are suitable for presenting items so that the user can easily see them and making it easier for the user to select a desired item.

  There is a user interface that allows a user to select a desired item from a plurality of items prepared in advance by operating an input device such as a mouse or a controller. For example, the user can select a jukebox that can select and play any one of a plurality of music pieces or a game that can be played by selecting a favorite character from a plurality of characters. An item menu for presenting a music list and a character list is displayed on the monitor. For example, the user presses a button on the controller to select a desired music piece, character, or the like.

  In consideration of cases where the number of items that can be selected by the user increases or the hierarchical structure becomes complicated, various methods have been devised in the item menu presentation method. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information output device that makes it easy for a user to grasp which level menu is currently displayed in an item menu having a hierarchical structure.

JP 2008-178486 A

  By the way, if the number of items that can be selected by the user is relatively large or there are restrictions on the screen layout, it may not be possible to display all the items at once, or the item menu may become complicated and difficult to understand. is there. This makes it difficult for the user to understand what items are included in the item menu and where the favorite items are located, which is not convenient. There was a problem of becoming a user interface. In particular, if you make the first and last of multiple items displayed continuously so that they are not interrupted (displayed cyclically), you can determine where the currently displayed item is located. Sometimes it was difficult to grasp.

  The present invention solves such a problem, and provides a display device, a display method, and a program suitable for presenting items so as to be easily seen by the user and making it easy for the user to select a desired item. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

A display device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display position storage unit, an attention item storage unit, and a display unit.
The display position storage unit stores a mark display position associated with each of a plurality of items for which a cyclic order is determined.
The attention item storage unit stores an item that is currently focused on among a plurality of items.
The display unit displays a mark image at a mark display position that is stored in association with the item currently focused on.
Further, the stored mark display position is arranged on a predetermined reciprocating orbit.
Further, in the reciprocating orbit, the mark display position of the item is sandwiched between the mark display position of the item before the item and the mark display position of the item after the item (a). Items (hereinafter referred to as “normal items”),
(B) Items that are not sandwiched (hereinafter referred to as “polar items”);
The number of extreme items is 2.

  The display device of the present invention presents a plurality of items arranged in a cyclic order to the user. The cyclic order is an order in which when there are N items (where N is an integer of at least 3), the first item follows the Nth item. is there. In addition, the order before the first item is the Nth item. For example, in a user interface in which each item is presented side by side in order and the user presses the left and right buttons to scroll the displayed items, the user presses the right button from the location of the first item and continues to the Nth item. Even if it reaches, it will return to the 1st item again.

  Each of the plurality of items is associated with a display position of the mark image. The mark image is, for example, one introduction image or a set of introduction images for introducing the item contents in detail. The introduction image is a still image, a moving image, a preview image, a thumbnail image, or the like. The display position of each mark image is arranged on a predetermined trajectory.

  The trajectory is defined by a straight line (line segment), a curve, an arbitrary figure, or a combination thereof. The trajectory includes two end points. In other words, an arbitrary line connecting the first end point and the second end point is a trajectory. Each end point becomes a turning point of the orbit. The items associated with the display positions indicated by these end points are called “polar items”, and the other items are called “normal items”.

  A typical shape of the trajectory along which the mark image moves is, for example, a single line consisting of a straight line or a curved line. For example, a two-dimensional (XY) coordinate system having one of the rectangular vertices as the origin is defined in a rectangular image area displayed on the monitor. One of the end points of the trajectory is a point where the X coordinate (or Y coordinate) takes the minimum value, and the other is a point where the X coordinate (or Y coordinate) takes the maximum value. The mark image reciprocates (vibrates) between these two points in accordance with changes in the temporarily selected items.

  As a first stage, the display device temporarily selects one of a plurality of items in response to an instruction to “provisionally select” by the user. Then, the display device displays a mark image including the introduction image associated with the temporarily selected item at a display position associated in advance. It can be estimated that the temporarily selected item is attracting more attention than the other items by the user. Thereafter, as a second stage, the display device selects a provisionally selected item in response to an instruction to “select” by the user. For example, the display device starts playback of a music piece that is previously associated with the selected item.

  When the temporarily selected item changes, the display position of the mark image also changes. The mark image moves on the above-described trajectory. Since the trajectory has two end points, the mark image moves back and forth on the trajectory in accordance with changes in the temporarily selected items.

  Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to intuitively grasp the area where the currently focused item is located among the entire items from the display position of the mark image. In addition, the user can easily grasp how far the desired item is from the currently provisionally selected item. According to the present invention, the display device can present items so that the user can easily see them. In addition, the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items.

The display position storage unit may further store a block display position associated with each of the plurality of items.
The stored block display position may be arranged on a predetermined orbit,
The order of the positions where each of the stored block display positions is projected onto a predetermined reference line may match the order of the stored mark display positions.
Moreover, a display part may further display the block image matched with the said item about each of several items in the block display position memorize | stored.
And a display part may emphasize and display the block image matched with the item which attracts attention now among several items.

  Here, the circular trajectory is a trajectory that is drawn with a circle, an ellipse, an arbitrary closed curve, or the like, and can be drawn with one stroke, for example. Each block image is an image associated with each item, for example, an image to which item numbers are assigned. The block images are arranged side by side on the circular orbit. Then, the block image corresponding to the currently temporarily selected item is displayed with higher emphasis than other block images. The method of emphasis is arbitrary, but there are, for example, change of brightness, saturation, and hue, enlargement / reduction, rotation, deformation, blinking, and the like.

  Also in the present invention, it becomes easy for the user to intuitively understand the area where the currently focused item is located among the entire items from the display position of the mark image. The display device can present the items so that the user can easily see them. In addition, the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items.

  The stored mark display positions may be different from each other.

  That is, the display position of the mark image takes a unique value for each item. According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

  The coordinate value indicating the mark display position associated with the normal item in the section between the two extreme items may be monotonously increased or monotonously decreased.

  That is, the display position of the mark image changes smoothly from one extreme item to the other extreme item. It becomes easy for the user to grasp at which position between the extreme items the item currently focused on is located. According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

  The interval between two adjacent mark display positions of a plurality of items may be constant.

  That is, the amount of change in the display position of the mark image is proportional to the number of items to be moved (or the remainder when the number of items to be moved is divided by the total number of items). According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

  The displacement of the stored mark display position from a predetermined reference point on the trajectory may be expressed using a trigonometric function having a phase that increases in proportion to the magnitude of the change in order.

  In other words, the change in the display position of the mark image repeats the reciprocating motion as if the spring expands and contracts. For example, the mark image simply vibrates. According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

  The display unit may display an image representing an item currently focused on as the mark image.

  That is, the mark image includes an image that is associated with an item that is estimated to be most interesting to the user at present. The user can select an item while viewing an image in which the item contents can be known in detail. According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

  The display unit may display, as the mark image, an image representing an item currently focused on and an image representing a predetermined number of other items before and after the currently focused item.

  That is, not only an image associated with an item that is estimated to be the most interesting by the user at present but also an image associated with a predetermined number of items before and after the image are displayed together. The user can select an item while watching what the items before and after the item of interest are. According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

  The display unit may display an image representing an item that is currently focused as a mark image with a higher emphasis than images representing a predetermined number of other items before and after the currently focused item. Good.

  In other words, an image associated with an item that is estimated to be most interesting to the user at present is displayed with emphasis. Various methods can be used as a method of emphasizing, for example, a method of enlarging and displaying only items that are estimated to be the most interesting by the current user, and an estimation that the current user is most interested. There is a method of displaying only the items to be displayed in color or brightly. According to the present invention, the effect that the display device can present an item so that the user can easily see it is increased, and the effect that the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items is increased.

The display method which concerns on the other viewpoint of this invention is a display method performed with the display apparatus which has a memory | storage part and a display part, Comprising: A display step is provided.
The storage unit stores a mark display position associated with each of a plurality of items having a cyclic order, and an item currently focused on among the plurality of items.
In the display step, the display unit displays a mark image at a mark display position stored in association with the item currently focused on.
Further, the stored mark display position is arranged on a predetermined reciprocating orbit.
Further, in the reciprocating orbit, the mark display position of the item is sandwiched between the mark display position of the item before the item and the mark display position of the item after the item (a). Items (hereinafter referred to as “normal items”),
(B) Items that are not sandwiched (hereinafter referred to as “polar items”);
The number of extreme items is 2.

  According to the present invention, it becomes easy for the user to intuitively grasp the area where the currently focused item is located among the entire items from the display position of the mark image. In addition, the user can easily grasp how far the desired item is from the currently provisionally selected item. The display device can present the items so that the user can easily see them. In addition, the user can easily select a desired item from the entire items.

A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display position storage unit, an attention item storage unit, and a display unit.
The display position storage unit stores a mark display position associated with each of a plurality of items for which a cyclic order is determined.
The attention item storage unit stores an item that is currently focused on among a plurality of items.
The display unit displays a mark image at a mark display position that is stored in association with the item currently focused on.
Further, the stored display position is arranged on a predetermined reciprocating orbit.
Further, in the reciprocating orbit, the mark display position of the item is sandwiched between the mark display position of the item before the item and the mark display position of the item after the item (a). Items (hereinafter referred to as “normal items”),
(B) Items that are not sandwiched (hereinafter referred to as “polar items”);
The number of extreme items is 2.

According to the present invention, it is possible to cause a computer to function as a display device that operates as described above.
The program of the present invention can be recorded on a computer-readable information storage medium such as a compact disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, digital video disk, magnetic tape, and semiconductor memory.
The above program can be distributed and sold via a computer communication network independently of the computer on which the program is executed. The information storage medium can be distributed and sold independently from the computer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device, a display method, and a program that are suitable for presenting items so as to be easily seen by the user and making it easier for the user to select a desired item.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the typical information processing apparatus with which the display apparatus of this invention is implement | achieved. It is a figure for demonstrating the functional structure of a display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of matching with an item and item content. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives selection of an item. It is a figure which shows the structural example of display position definition information. (A) It is a figure which shows the example of the function showing the change of the display position of an introduction image or an introduction image group. (B) It is a figure for demonstrating the change of the display position of an introduction image group. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a screen when an attention item shifts 1 on the screen which receives selection of an item. It is a flowchart for demonstrating a display process. In Embodiment 2, it is another example of the function showing the change of the display position of an introduction image or an introduction image group. It is another example of the function showing the change of the display position of an introduction image or an introduction image group. In Embodiment 3, it is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives selection of an item. In Embodiment 4, it is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives selection of an item. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a screen when an attention item shifts one. In Embodiment 5, it is a figure which shows the structural example of the screen which receives selection of the 1st item and selection of the 2nd item. It is a figure for demonstrating the track | orbit of a display position. (A) And (b) is a figure for demonstrating the movement of a display position. It is a figure which shows the structural example of matching with the combination of the 1st item of a temporary selection state, the 2nd item of a temporary selection state, and the combination of an introduction image and a display position. (A) It is a figure which shows the other structural example of the screen which receives selection of an item. (B) It is a figure which shows the relationship between block display positions when the display position of a block is projected on a reference axis. (C) It is a figure which shows the relationship between mark display positions when the display position of an introduction image group is projected on a reference axis.

(Embodiment 1)
An embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, for ease of understanding, an embodiment in which the present invention is realized using an information processing apparatus for games will be described. However, the following embodiment is for explanation, and the scope of the present invention There is no limit. Therefore, those skilled in the art can employ embodiments in which each or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a typical information processing apparatus 100 that performs the function of the display device of the present invention by executing a program. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIG.

  The information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, an interface 104, a controller 105, an external memory 106, a DVD-ROM ( A digital versatile disk-read only memory (107) drive 107, an image processing unit 108, an audio processing unit 109, and a NIC (Network Interface Card) 110 are provided.

  A DVD-ROM storing a game program and data is loaded into the DVD-ROM drive 107 and the information processing apparatus 100 is turned on to execute the program, thereby realizing the display device of the present embodiment. The

  The CPU 101 controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus 100 and is connected to each component to exchange control signals and data. Further, the CPU 101 uses arithmetic operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division, logical sum, logical product, etc. using an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) (not shown) for a storage area called a register (not shown) that can be accessed at high speed. , Logic operations such as logical negation, bit operations such as bit sum, bit product, bit inversion, bit shift, and bit rotation can be performed. In addition, the CPU 101 itself is configured so that saturation operations such as addition / subtraction / multiplication / division for multimedia processing, vector operations such as trigonometric functions, etc. can be performed at a high speed, and those provided with a coprocessor. There is.

  The ROM 102 records an IPL (Initial Program Loader) that is executed immediately after the power is turned on, and when this is executed, the program recorded on the DVD-ROM is read out to the RAM 103 and execution by the CPU 101 is started. The The ROM 102 stores an operating system program and various data necessary for operation control of the entire information processing apparatus 100.

  The RAM 103 is for temporarily storing data and programs, and holds programs and data read from the DVD-ROM and other data necessary for game progress and chat communication. Further, the CPU 101 provides a variable area in the RAM 103 and performs an operation by directly operating the ALU on the value stored in the variable, or temporarily stores the value stored in the RAM 103 in the register. Perform operations such as performing operations on registers and writing back the operation results to memory.

  The controller 105 connected via the interface 104 receives an operation input performed by the player when executing a game such as a dance game or a soccer game. A plurality of controllers 105 may be connected to the interface 104.

  The external memory 106 detachably connected via the interface 104 stores data indicating game play status (past results, etc.), data indicating game progress, and log of game chat communication using the network ( Data) is stored in a rewritable manner. The player can appropriately record these data in the external memory 106 by performing an operation input via the controller 105.

  A DVD-ROM mounted on the DVD-ROM drive 107 stores a program for realizing the game and image data and sound data associated with the game. Under the control of the CPU 101, the DVD-ROM drive 107 performs a reading process on the DVD-ROM loaded therein, reads out necessary programs and data, and these are temporarily stored in the RAM 103 or the like.

  The image processing unit 108 processes the data read from the DVD-ROM by the CPU 101 or an image arithmetic processor (not shown) included in the image processing unit 108, and then processes the processed data on a frame memory ( (Not shown). The image information recorded in the frame memory is converted into a video signal at a predetermined synchronization timing and output to a monitor (not shown) connected to the image processing unit 108. Thereby, various image displays are possible.

  The image calculation processor can execute a two-dimensional image overlay calculation, a transmission calculation such as α blending, and various saturation calculations at high speed.

  Also, polygon information arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space and added with various texture information is rendered by the Z buffer method, and the polygon arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space from the predetermined viewpoint position is determined in the direction of the predetermined line of sight It is also possible to perform high-speed execution of operations for obtaining rendered images.

  Further, the CPU 101 and the image arithmetic processor operate in a coordinated manner, so that a character string can be drawn as a two-dimensional image in a frame memory or drawn on the surface of each polygon according to font information that defines the character shape. is there.

  Further, by preparing information such as game images in a DVD-ROM and expanding the information in a frame memory, the state of the game can be displayed on the screen.

  The audio processing unit 109 converts audio data read from the DVD-ROM into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal from a speaker (not shown) connected thereto. Further, under the control of the CPU 101, sound effects and music data to be generated during the progress of the game are generated, and sound corresponding to this is output from the speaker.

  When the audio data recorded on the DVD-ROM is MIDI data, the audio processing unit 109 refers to the sound source data included in the audio data and converts the MIDI data into PCM data. If the compressed audio data is in ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) format or Ogg Vorbis format, it is expanded and converted to PCM data. The PCM data can be output by performing D / A (Digital / Analog) conversion at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency and outputting it to a speaker.

  The NIC 110 is used to connect the information processing apparatus 100 to a computer communication network (not shown) such as the Internet, and is based on the 10BASE-T / 100BASE-T standard used when configuring a LAN (Local Area Network). To connect to the Internet using an analog modem, ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) modem, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) modem, cable television line A cable modem or the like and an interface (not shown) that mediates between these and the CPU 101 are configured.

  In addition, the information processing apparatus 100 uses a large-capacity external storage device such as a hard disk so as to perform the same function as the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the external memory 106, the DVD-ROM attached to the DVD-ROM drive 107, and the like. You may comprise.

  Next, a functional configuration of the display device 200 of the present embodiment realized by the information processing apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the display device 200. The display device 200 includes a display position storage unit 201, an attention item storage unit 202, and a display unit 203.

  The display device 200 displays each item on the monitor so that the user can select an arbitrary item from among a plurality of items whose arrangement number and arrangement order are predetermined. The user can select any one of a plurality of items given by the display device 200.

  The item indicates each option that the user can select. For example, in a jukebox in which a user can select a desired song from a plurality of songs, the item is one of those songs. The user can select an arbitrary item (musical piece) from a plurality of items (musical group) and instruct reproduction.

  Each of the items is arranged in a predetermined arrangement order. When N items (N is a natural number) are prepared, an array variable AR composed of N elements is defined. Information for designating items is stored in each of the arrays AR [0] to AR [N-1]. The CPU 101 appropriately reads the array variable AR stored in the RAM 103, and acquires the array order of the items.

  For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating items and contents (item contents) associated with the items. The song “AB” is stored in the first array AR [0] of the array variable AR, the song “CD” is stored in the second array AR [1], the song “YZ” is stored in the Nth array AR [N−1], and so on. Each of the arrays AR [i] (i is an integer not smaller than 0 and not larger than N−1) is associated with a music to be reproduced. FIG. 3 is merely an example, and the number of items and the content of the items are not limited by the present invention.

  The CPU 101 displays each item on the monitor using the arrangement order of the items defined by the array variable AR. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the array variable AR is defined, the CPU 101 displays the items side by side so that the second music “CD” follows the first music “AB”. Similarly, the CPU 101 displays the items side by side so that the N-th song “YZ” follows the N−1-th song “WX”.

  The CPU 101 displays the first music “AB” corresponding to the array variable AR [0] as the music next to the Nth music “YZ” corresponding to the array variable AR [N−1]. Further, the CPU 101 displays the Nth music “YZ” as the music immediately before the first music “AB”.

  That is, the arrangement order of items is cyclic (cyclic). Cyclic means that the first array AR [0] and the last array AR [N-1] of the array variable AR are adjacent to each other. Such an array structure is generally called a circular array or a circular buffer.

  In the following description, the direction from the first array AR [0] to the second array AR [1] is referred to as “positive orientation” and the first array from the second array AR [1]. The direction toward AR [0] is referred to as “negative direction”.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described items correspond to music to be played. The display device 200 displays on the monitor a screen for accepting an instruction to select any one from a music group (item group) made up of a plurality of music (a plurality of items) stored in advance. When an item is selected, the music corresponding to the selected item is played.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a screen displayed by the display device 200. On this screen, an annular menu 400 representing a song list and introduction images 420 corresponding to a predetermined number of songs among all the songs (in FIG. 4, 420 _N−1 , 420 _N , 420 ₁ , 420 ₂ , 420 5 ₃₎ are displayed.

  The predetermined number of introduction images 420 displayed on the screen are collectively referred to as “introduction image group 430” or “mark image”.

  The predetermined number may be one or more. When the predetermined number is set to 1, the CPU 101 displays the introduction image 420 associated with the item currently focused on.

  The introduction image 420 is, for example, a preview image that introduces details of music. The content of the introduction image 420 is free. For example, the introduction image 420 includes a title name, an artist name, an image related to music, a promotion, and the like. The introduction image 420 may be a moving image or a still image.

  When the predetermined number is plural, it is desirable that the CPU 101 is arranged so that the introduction image 420 associated with the currently focused item is as close to the center of the screen as possible.

  The item attracting attention is an item that is in a temporarily selected state among all items by the user or based on the judgment of the CPU 101. The CPU 101 displays the introduction image 420 corresponding to the temporarily selected item so that it is emphasized relatively more than other introduction images 420 as seen from the user's standpoint. It can be estimated that the item set in the provisional selection state is the item that the user is most interested in at that time.

For example, in FIG. 4, the item 410 ₁ corresponding to the introduction image 420 ₁ located at the center of the introduction image group 430 is in the temporarily selected state. CPU 101 preferably displays as introduced image 420 ₁ is relatively emphasized over other introduction image _{420 N-1, 420 N,} 420 2, 420 3. Therefore, the introduction image 420 corresponding to the item that is estimated to be most interesting to the user is provided to the user.

The emphasis method is not limited by the present invention and is free. For example, CPU 101 may display an introduction image 420 ₁ corresponding to the item of the provisional selection state relatively large.

The CPU 101, brightening the introduction image 420 ₁ corresponding to the item of the provisional selection state (high luminance) and to display, other introduction image _{420 N-1,} 420 _N, 420 2, 420 ₃ darker (brightness (Lower) may be displayed.

The CPU 101 displays an introduction image 420 ₁ corresponding to the item of the provisional selection state in color, other introduction image _{420 N-1,} 420 _N, 420 2, 420 ₃ may be displayed in black and white.

  The CPU 101 stores a parameter indicating which item is temporarily selected in the RAM 103. When receiving an instruction to change an item in the provisional selection state, the CPU 101 updates this parameter so as to indicate an item in the provisional selection state.

  Note that this parameter does not need to include information indicating which item is in a state (non-selected state) that is neither the selected state nor the temporarily selected state.

  The number of items set in the provisional selection state is one in the present embodiment. However, a plurality of items may be set to the temporary selection state at the same time.

  When an instruction to select an item is received from the user when any item is in the temporary selection state, the CPU 101 changes the item from the “temporary selection state” to the “selection state”. Then, the CPU 101 starts playing the music associated with the item in the selected state (the item that has been instructed to be selected).

The annular menu 400 includes a plurality of blocks 410. In FIG. 4, the menu 400 has N blocks (410 ₁ , 410 ₂ , 410 _N, etc.). Each of the blocks 410 is associated with any piece of music (item). In this embodiment, since there are N pieces of music to be played, there are the same number (N) of blocks 410.

  The arrangement order of the blocks 410 in the menu 400 is the same as the arrangement order of the array AR [0] to the array AR [N-1]. The direction in which the blocks 410 are arranged may be clockwise or counterclockwise.

  The shape of the menu 400 is not limited to an ellipse as shown in FIG. 4, and may be a perfect circle, a polygon, an arbitrary curve, and / or a figure closed by a straight line.

  Next, the display position storage unit 201, the attention item storage unit 202, and the display unit 203 will be described in detail.

  The display position storage unit 201 stores a display position associated with each of a plurality of items for which a cyclic order is determined. The display position is the position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) in the screen displayed on the monitor. The CPU 101 and the external memory 106 cooperate to function as the display position storage unit 201.

  The item-of-interest storage unit 202 stores information that specifies an item that is currently focused on among a plurality of items. The CPU 101 and the RAM 103 cooperate to function as the attention item storage unit 202.

  The display unit 203 displays the introduction image group (mark image) 430 at the display position stored in association with the item currently focused on. The CPU 101 and the image processing unit 108 cooperate to function as the display unit 203.

  The display position is expressed by coordinate values according to a coordinate system defined in advance on the screen. In the present embodiment, the coordinate system is an orthogonal coordinate system (XY coordinate system) whose origin is one of the corners of the screen (typically, the upper left corner when viewed from the user).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of information including a display position (hereinafter referred to as “display position definition information 500”). In the display position definition information 500 of FIG. 5, items that are temporarily selected, information that specifies the introduction image 420, and the display position of the introduction image 420 are associated with each other. In the present embodiment, the display position is specified by the Y coordinate value of a point representing the introduction image 420. As a representative point, a center point, a center of gravity point, a vertex, or the like of image data is used.

  The CPU 101 reads the display position definition information 500 and determines the display position of the introduction image 420. Then, the CPU 101 displays a screen in which the introduction image 420 is arranged at the determined display position. As will be described later, the CPU 101 receives an instruction input for changing the item of the temporary selection state or an instruction input for changing the temporary selection state to the selection state.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 101 receives an instruction input for changing an item in the temporarily selected state from the user. The CPU 101 changes the item of the temporary selection state according to the received instruction input. For example, the user can change the item of the temporary selection state by pressing a left button or a right button included in the controller 105.

  Note that the CPU 101 may change the item in the temporarily selected state without depending on an instruction input from the user. The CPU 101 may newly set one of the items before and after the item to the temporary selection state when a certain time has elapsed after the item has been temporarily selected.

  When the CPU 101 changes the item of the temporary selection state, the CPU 101 reads the introduction image 420 and the display position associated with the changed item of the temporary selection state from the display position definition information 500. The CPU 101 displays the read introduction image 420 at the read display position.

  In the present embodiment, the display position associated with the temporarily selected item is the same as the display position of the introduction image group 430. That is, when the item of the temporary selection state is changed, the display positions of all the introduction images 420 included in the introduction image group 430 are changed.

  The display position of the introduction image 420 or the introduction image group 430 continuously moves on a predetermined trajectory 440. The continuous movement means that the display position moves smoothly up and down (or left and right) like a continuous function instead of jumping like a step function.

  The shape of the trajectory 440 is typically a straight line (line segment) or a curve, but is not limited thereto, and can be arbitrarily defined. In the present embodiment, the track 440 is a line segment connecting the end points 451 and 452.

The position of each block 410 constituting the annular menu 400 is fixed. For example, in FIG. 4, the position of the block 410 _N is Y _N , the position of the block 410 _K is Y _K , the position of the block 410 ₁ is Y ₁ , and the position of the block 410 _K−1 is Y _{K− in} ascending order of the Y coordinate value. ₁ and the position of the block 410 ₂ is Y ₂ .

The magnitude relationship between the display positions stored in the display position definition information 500 is the same as the magnitude relation between the positions of the block 410. That is, in order of increasing Y coordinate value, the display position associated with the item 410 _N-1 is C _N-1 , the display position associated with the item 410 _N is C _N , and the display position associated with the item 410 ₁ is C ₁ , the display position associated with the item 410 ₂ is C ₂ , and the display position associated with the item 410 ₃ is C ₃ .

Minimum value of the display position stored in the display position definition information 500 is the most Y-coordinate value is smaller (i.e. in the uppermost of the screen) display position C _M corresponding to the block 410 _M. The maximum value is the most Y-coordinate value is larger (i.e. located at the bottom of the screen) block 410 _L display position C _L corresponding to the display position of the.

An item corresponding to the display position C _M (item corresponding to the block 410 _M at the top of the screen) and an item corresponding to the display position C _L (item corresponding to the block 410 _L at the bottom of the screen) Each is called an “extreme item”. The pole item is an item corresponding to the end point of the track 440. In the case of the track 440 shown in FIG. 4, the two items corresponding to the two end points 451 and 452 of the line segment representing the track 440 are both pole items.

  On the other hand, other items that are not extreme items are referred to as “normal items”. The normal item is an item corresponding to a position other than the end point of the track 440. In the case of the track 440 shown in FIG. 4, (N−2) other items other than the two items corresponding to the two end points 451 and 452 of the line segment are normal items.

  The display positions stored in the display position definition information 500 are preferably different from each other. In this case, the position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) always moves along the trajectory 440 as the item of the temporarily selected state is changed.

  Further, the interval between the display positions stored in the display position definition information 500 may be constant. For example, in FIG. 4, the interval between the display positions is a constant value ΔC. In this case, when the item in the temporarily selected state is changed to one next, the position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) moves up or down by a certain amount ΔC. When n items (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) are changed adjacently, the position of the introduction image 420 (or introduction image group 430) is increased or decreased by the amount shown in the following [Equation 1]. Move to.

      ΔC × (n mod N) (1)

  However, the operator “mod” is the remainder when n is divided by N. N is the total number of items.

  Further, the function F (P) representing the display position of the Pth item (P is an integer of 1 or more) among the display positions stored in the display position definition information 500 may be expressed by the following [Equation 2]. .

      F (P) = A sin (2πP / N + B) (Equation 2)

  However, A and B are predetermined constants. The constant “A” is a non-zero value. According to [Expression 2], the change amount of the display position is represented by a periodic function using a trigonometric function.

  Alternatively, the function F (P) may be expressed by the following [Equation 3].

F (P) = A · sin (2πP / N + B)
+ C · cos (2πP / N + B) [Equation 3]

  However, A, B, and C are predetermined constants. The constants “A” and “C” are non-zero values. According to [Equation 3], the change amount of the display position is represented by a periodic function obtained by combining a plurality of trigonometric functions.

  In other words, the display position represented by the above [Equation 2] and [Equation 3] is a displacement from a predetermined reference point in the track 440. The predetermined reference point is, for example, a point on the trajectory 440 corresponding to one of the extreme items.

  FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a change in the display position represented by [Equation 2]. The function F (P) has a shape represented by a curve 610, for example. The horizontal axis is a value P representing the order of items, and the vertical axis is the display position of the items (Y coordinate in this embodiment). The function F (P) is a periodic function having N as a period.

  Within the unit period (one cycle), there are two pole items 620 and 630 and normal items 640 (nine 640A to 640I in FIG. 6A).

  The display position of the normal item 640 is sandwiched between the display position of the previous item in the arrangement order and the display position of the next item in the arrangement order. For example, the display position of the normal item 640B is sandwiched between the display position of the normal item 640A in the previous arrangement order and the display position of the normal item 640C in the next arrangement order.

Pole item 620 is an item display position takes the maximum value is that of the item corresponding to the block 410 _L in FIG. The coordinate value representing the display position of the polar item 620 is larger than any of the display position of the normal item 640C in the previous arrangement order and the display position of the normal item 640D in the next arrangement order. That is, the display position of the pole item 620 is not sandwiched between the display position of the item in the previous order of arrangement and the display position of the item in the next order of arrangement.

Pole item 630 is an item display position takes the minimum value is that of the item corresponding to the block 410 _M in FIG 4. The coordinate value representing the display position of the polar item 630 is smaller than any of the display position of the normal item 640G in the previous arrangement order and the display position of the normal item 640H in the next arrangement order. That is, the display position of the pole item 630 is not sandwiched between the display position of the item immediately before the arrangement order and the display position of the item after the arrangement order.

  In FIG. 6A, the change in the display position of the introduction image 420 (or the display position of the introduction image group 430) associated with the item in the temporarily selected state is a simple vibration with a period of “N” and a width of “A”. It is. In other words, referring to FIG. 4, the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) associated with the temporarily selected state item is simply moved up and down on the trajectory 440 as the temporarily selected state item changes. Vibrate.

As described above, the CPU 101 continuously moves the introduction image group 430 on the predetermined trajectory 440. 6 (b) is for example the case of moving from the normal item 640E display position _{C 640E} to the normal item display position _{C 640 f} of 640 f, it is a diagram illustrating a state in which the display position of the introduction image group 430 is moved. Before the start of movement, the introduction image group 430 is stationary in the region 681. When the movement is started, the introduction image group 430 moves smoothly in the positive direction of the Y axis, and finally moves to the area 683 via the intermediate area 682 and stops. The moving speed is arbitrary.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, when the item in the temporarily selected state is an item corresponding to the block 410 ₁ (array AR [0]), the CPU 101 introduces an introduction image 420 of the item corresponding to the array AR [0]. ₁ (Dolphin) is displayed at a position where the X coordinate of the display position is near the center of the introduction image group 430 and the Y coordinate of the display position is C ₁ .

If the item in the temporarily selected state is changed to an item corresponding to the next array AR [1], as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 101 introduces an introduction image 420 of the item corresponding to the array AR [1]. _{2 (dog),} a near center X coordinate of the display position of the introduced image group 430, and, Y coordinates of the display position is displayed by arranging the position is C _2. That is, the introduction images 420 _N (turtles), 420 ₁ (dolphins), 420 ₂ (dogs), 420 ₃ (hedgehogs) move one by one to the left, and the introduction images 420 ₄ (birds) are newly displayed. The introduction image 420 _N-1 (deer) is excluded from the introduction image group 430.

Further, the CPU 101 moves the display position of the introduction image group 430 by the movement amount ΔC in the direction of the arrow 700. That is, the display position from the array AR corresponding to the minimum pole item 410 _M [M], the display position of the ellipse representing between (in other words menu 400 up sequence AR corresponding to pole fields 410 _L [L] In the right half), the introductory image group 430 moves downward when the temporarily selected item is shifted by one in the positive direction. In addition, when the temporarily selected item is shifted by one in the negative direction, the introduction image group 430 moves upward.

Further, from the array AR [L] the display position corresponding to the maximum of the pole fields 410 _L, the display position of the ellipse representing the minimum pole item 410 until the corresponding sequence AR [M] to _M (i.e. menu 400 Invite In the left half), when the item in the temporarily selected state is shifted by one in the positive direction, the introduction image group 430 moves upward. Further, when the item in the temporarily selected state is shifted by one in the negative direction, the introduction image group 430 moves downward.

  Therefore, the entire screen looks like a so-called scroll bar. The introduction image group 430 (mark image) corresponds to an image of the “knob” portion of the scroll bar.

  Next, display processing performed by each of the above components of the display device 200 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The display device 200 displays a screen including a menu 400 that presents all songs (items) that can be reproduced and an introduction image 420 that is associated with the music in advance. The display device 200 receives an instruction input for selecting any one of a plurality of music pieces from the user, and starts playing the music indicated by the instruction input. Hereinafter, the flow of processing from when the display device 200 is turned on until one of the items is first selected will be described as an example.

  First, the CPU 101 reads the display position definition information 500 from the external memory 106, and acquires the display position associated with each item (step S801).

  The CPU 101 acquires, from the RAM 103, information indicating an item that is currently focused (a focused item) among all items (step S802). The item of interest is an item that is set in the provisional selection state. Immediately after the start of the display process, the item of interest is an initial value set in advance.

  The CPU 101 acquires a predetermined number of introduction images 420 including the attention item acquired in step S802 (step S803). In this embodiment, the introduction images 420 associated with all of the music pieces are stored in the external memory 106 in advance, and the CPU 101 assigns the introduction image 420 associated with the attention item and items before and after the attention item. The introduction image 420 to be associated is read from the external memory 106.

For example, when a predetermined number as shown in FIG. 4 is 5, CPU 101 is focused item introduction is associated with (corresponding to block 410 ₁₎ image 420 ₁ and (dolphins), before and after the item adjacent to the noticed item The introduction image 420 ₂ (dog) and the introduction image 420 _N (turtle) associated with each other, the introduction image 420 ₃ (hedgehog) and the introduction image 420 _N− associated with the next item before and after the target item. ₁ (deer).

  The CPU 101 arranges the introduction image 420 associated with the attention item at the display position associated with the attention item acquired in step S802, and displays the introduction image 420 on the monitor (step S804).

  Next, the CPU 101 determines whether or not an instruction to change the attention item has been received (step S805).

  An instruction to change the attention item is given by the user operating the controller 105. Or CPU101 may discriminate | determine by the predetermined | prescribed algorithm which considers that there existed the instruction | indication which changes an attention item, when predetermined time passes after an attention item is set.

  When it is determined that an instruction input for changing the attention item has been received (step S805; YES), the CPU 101 changes the attention item in accordance with the instruction input (step S806), and stores information indicating the newly set attention item in the RAM. 103. The CPU 101 returns to step S803 and repeats the processing of steps S803 to S805.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that an instruction input for changing the attention item is not received (step S805; NO), the CPU 101 determines whether or not there is an instruction to select the attention item (step S807).

  An instruction to select the item of interest is given by the user operating the controller 105. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may make a determination by a predetermined algorithm such that an instruction to select an attention item is given when a predetermined time elapses after the attention item is set. For example, if the user can freely select an item, and a selection instruction is not input even after a predetermined time limit, it is considered that the time is over and the item currently set as the item of interest is forcibly selected. The state may be set.

  When it is determined that the instruction input for selecting the item of interest is not accepted (step S807; NO), the CPU 101 returns to the process of step S805.

  If it is determined that an instruction input for selecting the item of interest has been received (step S807; YES), the CPU 101 changes the item of interest from the temporary selection state to the selection state, and starts playing the music associated with the item of interest ( Step S808).

  According to the present embodiment, the display device 200 can present a plurality of items that can be selected by the user so that the user can easily see the items. The user can easily select a desired item from a plurality of items.

  For example, in a menu screen that includes a plurality of items and displays them cyclically, if the number of items is relatively large, introduction images 420 corresponding to all items are displayed at a time for convenience of screen size and layout. There are times when it cannot be done. In such a case, generally, there is a method of picking up and displaying only the introduction image 420 corresponding to the temporarily selected item and the introduction images 420 of the preceding and succeeding items. If the item order is cyclic, it may be difficult to know the number of items among all items picked up. However, according to the present embodiment, a guide for the order of items picked up is provided to the user by moving the introduction image group 430 (mark image) up and down. Therefore, it becomes easy for the user to grasp the area where the currently provisionally selected item is located in the entire item, and to easily find a desired item.

In the present embodiment, the display position of the block 410 is different from the display position of the introduction image 420 (or introduction image group 430) corresponding to the item of interest. However, these may be the same value. For example, a display position _{Y 1} of the block 410 _1, and the display position _{C 1} associated with the item AR [0] indicating the block 410 ₁ may be matched to. Similarly, for all the blocks 410, the display positions of the blocks may be matched with the display positions associated with the items indicated by the blocks.

  When the display position of the block 410 is matched with the display position of the introduction image 420 (or introduction image group 430) corresponding to the attention item, the block 410 displays the introduction image 420 (or introduction image group corresponding to the attention item). 430). However, by making these coincide, the link between the change of the item of interest and the display position becomes clear, and the user can more easily select the item more intuitively.

  In the present embodiment, an annular menu 400 is displayed. However, the CPU 101 does not necessarily have to display the menu 400. Even when the menu 400 is not displayed, the display position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) corresponding to the attention item moves on the track 400 by a predetermined amount according to the change of the attention item. Therefore, the user can determine from which display position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) corresponding to the item of interest the item in which the currently focused item is located, or the total number of items. It is possible to roughly estimate the situation such as how much.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the display position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) corresponding to the item of interest changes using a periodic function F (P) using a trigonometric function. However, the function F (P) is not limited to the above. This embodiment presents a variation of the function F (P).

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function F (P) (hereinafter referred to as “function 910”). The function 910 has a shape similar to a so-called “sawtooth wave”, and is a periodic function having a period of “N” (N is the total number of items) and an amplitude of “A”.

  The waveform rises in proportion to the arrangement order of the items from the pole item 920 where the display position is the smallest, and takes the maximum value in the other pole item 930. Further, the polar item 930 having the maximum display position is lowered in proportion to the arrangement order of the items to reach the polar item 920. The waveform periodically repeats such changes.

  In FIG. 9, there are five normal items 940 </ b> A to 940 </ b> E while going from the pole item 920 to the pole item 930 in the positive direction. Further, there is one normal item 940F while going from the pole item 930 to the pole item 920 in the positive direction. The number of normal items 940 in the section sandwiched between the pole items 920 and 930 is arbitrary.

  For example, if the normal item 940F is deleted, the display position of the introduction image 420 (or the introduction image group 430) is changed from the maximum value to the minimum value when the attention item is changed from the pole item 930 to the pole item 920 in the positive direction. The screen may become extremely difficult to see for the user. Also, it may be difficult for the user to understand that the item is cyclic. Therefore, it is desirable that the number of normal items 940 in each section sandwiched between the pole items 920 and 930 is not zero.

  In other words, it is desirable that the slope of the function 910 is within a range larger than zero and smaller than a predetermined value that is not infinite.

  In addition, display positions associated with items may take the same value. For example, in FIG. 9, the display position of the normal item 940C and the display position of the normal item 940F are the same.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the function F (P) (hereinafter referred to as “function 1010”). The function 1010 is shaped like the function 910 is smoothed. The function 1010 is also a periodic function with a period of “N” (N is the total number of items) and an amplitude of “A”.

  The waveform rises from the extreme item 1020 having the smallest display position along with the arrangement order of the items, and takes the maximum value in the other extreme item 1030. Further, the extreme item 1030 having the maximum display position is lowered with the arrangement order of the items, and reaches the extreme item 1020. The waveform periodically repeats such changes.

  The function F (P) is not limited to those described in the above embodiment and this embodiment. If the order of items is defined cyclically, there are two extreme items, and if the shape is such that the display position vibrates from the maximum value to the minimum value, repeatedly increasing and decreasing monotonously in the interval between adjacent extreme items Good.

  According to the present embodiment, the display device 200 can present a plurality of items that can be selected by the user so that the user can easily see the items.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the display position of the introduction image group 430 (mark image) including the introduction image 420 corresponding to the attention item is changed, but in this embodiment, the display position of the introduction image 420 corresponding to the attention item is changed. On the other hand, it is different in that the display position of the other introduction image group 430 excluding the introduction image 420 corresponding to the item of interest changes.

  In the present embodiment, the definition of the introduction image group (mark image) is “all of the predetermined number of introduction images 420 displayed on the screen excluding the current attention item”.

FIG. 11 is a configuration example of a screen when the provisional selection state item is changed from the initial state shown in FIG. 4 to an item corresponding to the array AR [1] immediately after the array AR [0]. is there. In FIG. 11, the _four introduction images 420 _N , 420 ₁ , 420 ₃ , and 420 ₄ are collectively referred to as an introduction image group 1100 (mark image).

For example, when the items of provisional selection state is an item corresponding to SEQ AR [0], as shown in FIG. 4, and introduce the image 420 ₁ corresponding to the target item, introduced image group 430, the same display positions C ₁ Placed in.

When an item of temporarily selected state is changed to the item corresponding to SEQ AR [1] from the item corresponding to the array AR [0], as shown in FIG. 11, it is introduced image 420 ₂ corresponding to the new target item It is located at the same display position C1 to the position of introduction image 420 ₁ corresponding to the old target item has been located. On the other hand, introduces image _{420 N, 420 1, 420 3} , 420 introduces image group 1100 composed from four _4, the displacement in the direction of arrow _{1150 ΔC (= C 2 -C 1} ) just moved display position _{C 2} Placed in.

  It can be estimated that the introduction image 420 corresponding to the attention item is most interested in the user. Therefore, by fixing the display position of the introduction image 420 corresponding to the attention item, the introduction image 420 can be made easier to see.

  For example, in a situation where the user selects an item while comparing various introduction images 420, if the introduction image 420 corresponding to the item of interest is moved up and down, the user frequently looks at the introduction image 420 that is most interested. The viewpoint has to be moved up and down, which may result in a screen that is very difficult to see. However, by fixing the display position of the introduction image 420 corresponding to the attention item and moving the other introduction images 420 up and down, the user can select items while browsing the introduction image 420 carefully. .

(Embodiment 4)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In each of the above embodiments, the display position of the introduction image 420 or the introduction image group 430 moves up and down the screen as viewed from the user, but this embodiment is different in that it moves to the left and right of the screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a screen displayed by the display device 200. On this screen, an annular menu 1200 representing a music list and introduction images 1220 corresponding to a predetermined number of songs among all the songs (in FIG. 12, 1220 _N−1 , 1220 _N , 1220 ₁ , 1220 ₂ , 5 of 1220 ₃ ) is displayed. The item of interest is an item corresponding to the introduction image 1220 ₁ (dolphins).

The annular menu 1200 includes a plurality of blocks 1210. In FIG. 12, the menu 1200 has N blocks (1210 ₁ , 1210 ₂ , 1210 _N, etc.). Each of the blocks 1210 is associated with one of the music pieces (items). In this embodiment, since there are N pieces of music to be played, there are the same number (N) of blocks 1210.

  In the present embodiment, the display position is specified by the X coordinate value of a point representing the introduction image 420. As a representative point, a center point, a center of gravity point, a vertex, or the like of image data is used.

  The display position of the introduction image 1220 or the introduction image group 1230 continuously moves on a predetermined trajectory 1240. The trajectory 1240 is a line segment connecting the end points 1251 and 1252. However, the shape of the track 1240 is arbitrary.

The minimum value of the display position is the display position DM corresponding to the block 1210M having the smallest X coordinate value (that is, the leftmost part of the screen). The maximum value is the display position DL corresponding to the display position of the block 1210 _L having the largest X coordinate value (that is, the rightmost part of the screen).

An item corresponding to the display position D _M (item corresponding to the block 1210 _M most to the left of the screen), the item corresponding to the display position D _L (item corresponding to the block 1210 _L most to the right of the screen), Each is an extreme item. There are two extreme items: an item corresponding to the end point 1251 (item corresponding to the block 1210 _M ) and an item corresponding to the end point 1252 (item corresponding to the block 1210 _L ).

  The normal items are items corresponding to positions other than the end points 1251 and 1252, and in the case of FIG. 12, they are all (N-2) other items other than the two items corresponding to the two end points 1251 and 1252. .

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the item in the temporarily selected state is an item corresponding to the block 1210 ₁ (array AR [0]), the CPU 101 introduces the introduction image 1220 of the item corresponding to the array AR [0]. ₁ (Dolphin) is arranged at a position where the Y coordinate of the display position is near the middle of the introduction image group 1230 and the X coordinate of the display position is D ₁ .

If the item in the temporarily selected state is changed to the item corresponding to the next array AR [1], as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 101 introduces the introduction image 420 of the item corresponding to the array AR [1]. _{2 (dog),} Y coordinates of the display position is near the middle of the introduction images 1230, and, X coordinates of the display position is disposed at a position which is D _2. That is, the introduction images 1220 _N (turtle), 1220 ₁ (dolphins), 1220 ₂ (dogs), and 1220 ₃ (hedgehogs) move upward one by one, and the introduction image 1220 ₄ (bird) is newly displayed. The introduction image 1220 _N-1 (deer) is excluded from the introduction image group 1230.

Further, the CPU 101 moves the display position of the introduction image group 1230 by the movement amount ΔD in the direction of the arrow 1300. That is, from the array AR [M] corresponding to the pole item 1210 _M having the smallest display position to the array AR [L] corresponding to the pole item 1210 _L having the largest display position (in other words, an ellipse representing the menu 1200). In the upper half), when the temporarily selected item is shifted by one in the positive direction, the introduction image group 1230 moves to the right. When the item in the temporarily selected state is shifted by one in the negative direction, the introduction image group 1230 moves to the left.

Further, the sequence AR display position corresponding to the maximum of the pole Item 1210 _L [L], the display position of the ellipse representing the menu 1200 in other words between (up minimal sequence AR corresponding to pole item 1210 _M [M] In the lower half), when the temporarily selected item is shifted by one in the positive direction, the introduction image group 1230 moves to the left. When the item in the temporarily selected state is shifted by one in the negative direction, the introduction image group 1230 moves to the right.

  According to the present embodiment, the display device 200 can present a plurality of items that can be selected by the user so that the user can easily see the items. The direction in which the display position is moved may be the horizontal direction of the screen, not the vertical direction of the screen. Further, by combining the present embodiment and the above-described embodiment, the display position can be moved in the diagonal direction of the screen.

(Embodiment 5)
Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In each of the above embodiments, the number of extreme items is two. However, in this embodiment, the number of extreme items can be three or more, which is different from the above embodiments.

  FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16 (a) are diagrams for explaining a configuration example of a screen that accepts item selection and is displayed by the display device 200 of the present embodiment. The screen has two menus, a first menu 1410 and a second menu 1420, which can be operated by the user. FIG. 16B is a diagram for explaining a change in the display position.

  The display device 200 plays the music selected by the user or by the CPU 101 and executes a music game using the selected music. The player can dance to the music to be played by pressing a button in accordance with an object called a footstep. Details of this music game are disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3003851.

  On the game screen, a stationary mark fixed in the screen and a step position indication mark that moves toward the position of the stationary mark in accordance with the music to be played are displayed. The stationary mark is an image of one of the up, down, left, and right arrows, and is a mark that indicates the timing at which the player should press one of the four buttons, up, down, left, or right. The step position indication mark is drawn with up, down, left, and right arrows, which are respectively associated with four buttons, up, down, left, and right. When the stepping position instruction mark moves to the same position as the stationary mark and the player presses the button corresponding to the direction of the arrow drawn on the stationary mark, the player's score is added.

  For example, when the stepping position instruction mark has moved to a position that overlaps the stationary mark, if the player presses the button corresponding to the arrow indicated by the moved stepping position instruction mark with one foot, it matches the music being played. You will be able to take exemplary dance steps. In the display device 200 of the present embodiment, the user can freely select any one of eight types of music. A menu for selecting music is a first menu 1410.

  In this music game, the difficulty level of the game is set based on the arrangement pattern of the step position instruction marks, the number of step position instruction marks, and the like. In the display device 200 of the present embodiment, the user can freely select any one of the eight difficulty levels. A menu for selecting the difficulty level is a second menu 1420.

  That is, the user operates the first menu 1410 and the second menu 1420 to select a free combination of 8 types of music and 8 types of difficulty (in this case, the total number of combinations is 8 × 8 = 64 types). You can choose. Hereinafter, the music may be referred to as “first item”, and the difficulty may be referred to as “second item”.

  The first menu 1410 is composed of eight blocks 1411 to 1418 each associated with a song. The second menu 1420 is composed of eight blocks 1421 to 1428 each associated with a difficulty level.

  The CPU 101 displays the introduction image 1430 at a predetermined display position according to the combination of the music in the temporarily selected state and the difficulty level in the temporarily selected state. For example, FIG. 14 shows a screen when the music in the temporarily selected state is “1” and the difficulty level in the temporarily selected state is “3”.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a correspondence between the combination of the music in the temporarily selected state and the difficulty level in the temporarily selected state, the type of the introduction image 1430, and the display position. In accordance with the combination, the CPU 101 selects any of dolphins, dogs, mice, birds, cats, elephants, deer, and turtles as the introduction image 1430, and X and Y coordinates (in FIG. 17, (C ₁ , D ₁ ) And so on).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a mesh-like trajectory 1500 is set in the screen. The CPU 101 moves the display position of the introduction image 1430 along the trajectory 1500 according to the combination of the music in the temporarily selected state and the difficulty level in the temporarily selected state. The position of the intersection of the line segments on the trajectory 1500 becomes the target point of the display position.

  In FIG. 15, the partial trajectory indicated by the line segment connecting the intersection points 1501 to 1505 in the entire trajectory 1500 is drawn when “the music is fixed first and the difficulty level changes from the first to the eighth”. This is the trajectory of the display position. Two intersections 1501 and 1505 are display positions associated with the pole items, and the other are display positions associated with the normal items. The introduction image 1430 moves so as to vibrate left and right on the partial trajectory according to the selected difficulty level (second item).

  In FIG. 15, the partial trajectory indicated by the line segment connecting the intersection points 1502, 1506 to 1509 in the entire trajectory 1500 is “the music changes from the first to the eighth and the difficulty is second (or eighth). The trajectory of the display position drawn when “fixed to”. Two intersections 1502 and 1509 are display positions associated with the pole items, and the other are display positions associated with the normal items. The introduction image 1430 moves so as to vibrate up and down on the partial trajectory in accordance with the selected music (first item).

  That is, the intersection 1502 can be not only a display position associated with a pole item, but also a display position associated with a normal item. The same applies to the intersection points 1503 and 1504. Of the 25 intersections shown in FIG. 15, the intersection indicated by a black circle can be a display position associated with a polar item, and the intersection indicated by a white circle is always a display position associated with a normal item.

  Note that the trajectory 1500 can be interpreted as a set of partial trajectories having two pole items.

  For example, FIG. 16A shows a state where “the music in the temporarily selected state is the first and the difficulty level in the temporarily selected state is the third” (before the change), “the music in the temporarily selected state is the second, It is a figure for demonstrating the change of a screen when changing to the state (after a change) of the difficulty level of a temporary selection state to 4th.

Before the change, the CPU 101 selects “the introduction image is a dolphin and the display position is (C ₁ , D ₃ )” from the combination table shown in FIG.

On the other hand, after the change, the CPU 101 selects “the introduction image is a dog and the display position is (C ₂ , D ₄ )” from the combination table shown in FIG.

The CPU 101 displaces the display position of the introduction image 1430 in the direction of the arrow 1610 along the trajectory 1500 (D ₄ -D ₃ ) and only the displacement in the direction of the arrow 1620 along the trajectory 1500 (C ₂ -C ₁ ). ,Moving.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 16B, the CPU 101 moves the introduction image 1430 along the locus drawn by the vector 1661 and then moves it along the locus drawn by the vector 1662. Change the image from “Dolphin” to “4 dogs”.

  Note that the CPU 101 may move the introduction image 1430 along a locus drawn by a vector 1663 obtained by combining the vector 1661 and the vector 1662. In this case, the trajectory 1500 is not a mesh-like shape shown in FIG. 15, but a set of line segments connecting any two intersections.

  According to the present embodiment, the display device 200 can present a plurality of items that can be selected by the user so that the user can easily see the items. The user can select an arbitrary item from each of the first item including a plurality of items and the second item including a plurality of items. The user can easily select and combine desired items from the first item and the second item.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Moreover, it is also possible to freely combine the constituent elements of the above-described embodiments.

FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the configuration of the screen displayed by the display device 200. The menu 1800 including blocks 1810 ₁ to 1810 ₈ corresponding to the items of the arrays AR [0] to AR [7] and the introduction image group (mark image) 1830 moving on the track 1840 do not overlap each other. Placed in.

FIG. 18B is a diagram showing positions obtained by projecting display positions (block display positions) Y _{1 to} Y ₈ corresponding to the blocks 1810 _{1 to} 1810 ₈ onto a predetermined reference axis 1850. The block display positions are arranged in the order of {Y ₁ , Y ₈ , Y ₂ , Y ₇ , Y ₃ , Y ₆ , Y ₄ , Y ₅ } from the left of the reference axis 1850.

FIG. 18C is a diagram illustrating positions where the display positions (mark display positions) C _{1 to} C ₈ of the introduction image group 1830 are projected on the reference axis 1850. The mark display positions are arranged in the order of {C ₁ , C ₈ , C ₂ , C ₇ , C ₃ , C ₆ , C ₄ , C ₅ } from the left of the reference axis 1850.

  As shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the order of items when the block display position is projected onto the reference axis 1850 is the same as the order of items when the mark display position is projected onto the reference axis 1850. It is.

If the screen is configured as shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the introduction image group 1830 is hidden regardless of which of the blocks 1810 ₁ to 1810 ₈ is selected (which item is selected). Therefore, it is possible to provide a user-friendly screen.

  The method of defining the reference axis 1850 is arbitrary. The method of projection is arbitrary. The position, length, shape, etc. of the reference axis 1850 may be the same as the position, length, shape, etc. of the track 1840. The track 1840 may be the reference axis 1850.

  A program for operating a computer as all or part of the display device 200 is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, or MO (Magneto Optical disk) and distributed. It may be installed in another computer and operated as the above-described means, or the above-described steps may be executed.

  Furthermore, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a server device on the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device, a display method, and a program suitable for presenting an item so as to be easily seen by the user and making it easy for the user to select a desired item. be able to.

100 Information processing apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Interface 105 Controller 106 External Memory 107 DVD-ROM Drive 108 Image Processing Unit 109 Audio Processing Unit 110 NIC
200 display device 201 display position storage unit 202 attention item storage unit 203 display unit 400 menu 410, 410 ₁ , 410 ₂ , 410 _L , 410 _K , 410 _M , 410 _N block 420, 420 ₁ , 420 ₂ , 420 ₃ , 420 ₄ , 420 _N−1 , 420 _N introduction image 430 introduction image group 440 trajectory 451, 452 end point 500 of trajectory display position definition information 610 curve (curve representing change in display position)
620, 630 Polar items 640, 640A to 640I Normal items 681 to 683 Area (area where introduction image group is displayed)
700 Arrows 910, 1010 indicating directions in which the display position moves (functions representing changes in the display position)
920, 930, 1020, 1030 Polar items 940, 940A to 940F, 1040, 1040A to 1040J Normal item 1100 Introduction image group 1200 Menu 1210, 1210 ₁ , 1210 ₂ , 1210 _L , 1210 _M , 1210 _N block 1220, 1220 ₁ , 1220 ₂ , 1220 ₃ , 1220 ₄ , 1220 _N−1 , 1210 _N introduction image 1230 introduction image group 1240 trajectory 1251, 1252 end point 1300 of the trajectory Arrow 1410 indicating the direction in which the display position is moved 1410 first menu 1411 to 1418 block 1420 first 2 menus 1421-1428 Block 1430 Introduction image 1500 Trajectory 1501-1509 Intersection 1610, 1620 Arrows 1661, 1662, 1663 indicating the direction in which the display position moves Vector 180 0 Menu 1810, 1810 _{1 to} 1280 ₈ blocks 1830 Introduction image group 1840 Trajectory 1850 Reference axis

Claims (8)

An introduction image display position that corresponding to each of the plurality of items cyclical sequence has been determined, a block image display position is arranged at a predetermined annular orbit corresponding to each of the plurality of items, A display position storage unit for storing
A selection item storage unit that stores an item selected by the player among the plurality of items (hereinafter referred to as “ selection item”);
A block image associated with each item is arranged at a block image display position stored in association with each of the plurality of items, and a predetermined number of the plurality of items including the selection item in the cyclic order. A display unit for displaying an image in which an introduction image associated with each of the minute items is arranged ,
Equipped with a,
Each introduction image display position associated with a predetermined number of items including the selection item among the plurality of items is arranged on a line segment orthogonal to a reference line intersecting the ring orbit, and the selection item The introduction image display position associated with is arranged at the intersection of the reference line and the line segment,
The display unit moves and displays the introduction image associated with the selection item on the reference line based on the stored introduction image display position according to the change of the selection item .
A display device characterized by that. The display device according to claim 1 ,
Wherein the plurality of items, on the reference line, introducing the image display position of the item, and introduce the image display position of the previous item of the item, the item introduction image display position after such items in (a ) Multiple items (hereinafter referred to as “normal items”),
(B) Two items that are not sandwiched (hereinafter referred to as “pole items”);
Consists of
A one-dimensional coordinate system having a positive direction from the first pole item to the second pole item is defined on the reference line,
Each of the stored introduction image display positions is a position obtained by projecting each of the block image display positions onto the reference line during the period from the first pole item to the second pole item in the cyclic order. As the coordinate value increases, the coordinate value of the introduction image display position of the selection item increases, and the period from the second pole item to the first pole item in the cyclic order The coordinate value of the introduction image display position of the selection item decreases as the coordinate value of the position where the block image display position is projected onto the reference line decreases.
A display device characterized by that. The display device according to claim 2 ,
The positions at which the stored block image display positions are projected onto the reference line are different from each other.
A display device characterized by that. The display device according to claim 3 ,
The interval between the introduction image display positions when each of two adjacent items among the plurality of items is selected by the player is constant.
A display device characterized by that. The display device according to claim 3 ,
Introducing the image display position to be the storage, displacement from a predetermined reference point on the reference line is represented by using a trigonometric function with a phase that increases in proportion to the magnitude of the change of the order,
A display device characterized by that.   The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
  The display unit moves an introduction image associated with the selection item on the reference line based on the stored introduction image display position according to the change of the selection item, and includes the selection item Change a predetermined number of items before and after, highlight and display the block image and the introduction image associated with the selection item among the plurality of items,
  A display device characterized by that. A display method executed by a display device having a storage unit and a display unit,
In the storage unit is arranged in cyclical and introduce the image display position that is associated with the respective order a plurality of items defined, on a given annular track associated with each of said plurality of items Block image display position is stored,
Wherein the display unit is arranged block image associated with each item in the block image display position stored in association with each of the previous SL plurality of items, the selection in the cyclical order of the plurality of items A display step for displaying an image in which introduction images associated with each of a predetermined number of items including the item are arranged ;
Equipped with a,
Each introduction image display position associated with a predetermined number of items including the selection item among the plurality of items is arranged on a line segment orthogonal to a reference line intersecting the ring orbit, and the selection item The introduction image display position associated with is arranged at the intersection of the reference line and the line segment,
In the display step, the display unit moves and displays the introduction image associated with the selection item on the reference line based on the stored introduction image display position according to the change of the selection item. ,
A display method characterized by that. Computer
An introduction image display position that corresponding to each of the plurality of items cyclical sequence has been determined, a block image display position is arranged at a predetermined annular orbit corresponding to each of the plurality of items, Display position storage unit for storing
A selection item storage unit for storing an item selected by the player (hereinafter referred to as “ selection item”) among the plurality of items;
The block image associated with each item in the block image display position stored in association with each of the previous SL multiple items arranged, a predetermined longitudinal including the selection items in the cyclical order of the plurality of items A display unit for displaying an image in which an introduction image associated with each of the number of items is arranged ;
To function as,
Each introduction image display position associated with a predetermined number of items including the selection item among the plurality of items is arranged on a line segment orthogonal to a reference line intersecting the ring orbit, and the selection item The introduction image display position associated with is arranged at the intersection of the reference line and the line segment,
The display unit moves and displays the introduction image associated with the selection item on the reference line based on the stored introduction image display position according to the change of the selection item .
A program characterized by that.

Images