JP2003005946A - Icon setting system, icon setting method, information processing device, and icon setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To change an icon by an easy operation. A database stores a plurality of icon files and transmits the stored icon files in response to a request from a server. Position information indicating where the icon image provided by the icon file is displayed on the display screen of the portable information terminal 1 is added to the icon file as a part of the file name. The server 3 transmits the icon file stored in the database 4 to the portable information terminal 1 according to a request of the user of the portable information terminal 1. The portable information terminal 1
An icon image is extracted from the downloaded icon file and displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen according to the position information.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an icon setting system, an icon setting method, an information processing device and an icon setting program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, PHS terminals, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "information processing devices"), screens are becoming larger and menus are often displayed as icons (images) instead of characters. It has become to. Also, there is one that has a function of allowing the user to change the icon to a favorite icon. In this case, there is a method of downloading image data for the icon from a predetermined website via a network such as the Internet. The user had to manually change to the downloaded icon.

[0003]

However, in the conventional information processing apparatus or the icon changing method, as described above, the user has to change the downloaded icon manually, which is complicated. there were. Further, even if there are many icons, the user has to change each icon one by one, which is complicated.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an icon setting system, an icon setting method, an information processing apparatus and an icon setting program which can change an icon by an easy operation.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the icon setting system according to the invention of claim 1 provides an icon image for instructing execution of a function previously assigned to an information processing apparatus via a network. And a download request, which is an icon setting system that provides the icon image and an additional information that directly or indirectly indicates a position on the screen where the icon image is to be arranged, in association with each other. Then, there is a server device that includes a transmission unit that transmits the icon image and the additional information via a network, an access unit that accesses the server device via the network, and the icon image from the server device. Download means for downloading the additional information via a network; The icon images downloaded by de means, characterized by comprising an information processing apparatus and a display means for displaying on the screen a position based on the additional information.

As a preferred mode, for example, as in claim 2, in the icon setting system according to claim 1, the additional information is information for directly instructing a layout position of the icon image on the screen. Good.

As a preferred mode, for example, as in claim 3, in the icon setting system according to claim 1, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected. The function indicated by the function information and the position on the screen of the icon image for executing the function are previously associated with each other, and the position of the icon image on the screen is indirectly instructed. You may

In order to achieve the above object, the icon setting method according to the invention of claim 4 changes the icon image displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance. A method for setting an icon, comprising: capturing the icon image and additional information that directly or indirectly indicates a position on the screen where the icon image is to be arranged, and based on the additional information, displaying on the display screen. It is characterized in that the existing icon image being displayed is changed to the icon image thus fetched.

As a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 5, in the icon setting method according to claim 4, the icon image and the additional information are accumulated in a server device on a network, and The information processing device may acquire the icon image and the additional information by downloading via the network.

As a preferred mode, for example, as in claim 6, in the icon setting method according to claim 4 or 5, the additional information may be information indicating a screen position of the icon image.

In a preferred aspect, for example, as in claim 7, in the icon setting method according to claim 4 or 5, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected. Therefore, the function indicated by the function information and the position on the screen of the icon image for executing the function may be associated with each other in advance.

In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to the invention of claim 8 has a display means for displaying an icon image for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance, the icon image and the icon. Based on the additional information captured from the outside by external means for capturing additional information that directly or indirectly indicates the position on the screen where the image is to be arranged, the display means displays the additional information on the display means. And a changing unit that changes the existing icon image being displayed to the icon image captured by the capturing unit.

As a preferred mode, for example, as in claim 9, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 8, the capturing means stores the icon image and the additional information on a network server. You may make it take in by downloading from a device.

As a preferred mode, for example, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, as in claim 10, the additional information may be information indicating a screen position of the icon image.

As a preferred aspect, for example, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, as in claim 11, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected. Therefore, the function indicated by the function information and the position on the screen of the icon image for executing the function may be associated with each other in advance.

In order to achieve the above object, the icon setting program according to the invention of claim 12 is such that an icon image displayed for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance on the screen of the information processing device and the icon image. Fetching additional information that directly or indirectly indicates the position on the screen where the icon image should be placed, and fetching the existing icon image displayed on the display screen based on the additional information And a step of changing to an icon image by the control unit of the information processing apparatus.

As a preferred aspect, for example, in the icon setting program according to claim 12 as described in claim 13, the additional information may be information indicating a screen position of the icon image.

As a preferred mode, for example, in the icon setting program according to claim 12 as described in claim 14, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected. The function indicated by the function information and the position on the screen of the icon image for executing the function may be associated in advance.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A. Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a mobile information terminal 1 is an information device such as a mobile phone or a PHS terminal used by a user. The portable information terminal 1 has a function of accessing the server 3 via a network (such as a telephone network or the Internet) 5, downloading an icon file stored in the database 4 and setting it as an icon on the menu screen of the terminal itself. Have. The information device used by the user is not limited to the portable information terminal 1 and may be, for example, the illustrated personal computer (laptop, desktop, etc.) 2.

The server 3 is connected to the network 5 and, when accessed from the portable information terminal 1, has a predetermined format (HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language).
ge) or the markup language defined by each carrier), the list of icon files stored in the database 4 is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 1, or the icon file selected by the user of the mobile information terminal 1 is transmitted. Is transmitted to the portable information terminal 1. The database 4 stores a plurality of icon files, and transmits the stored icon files in response to a request from the server 3. Position information indicating directly or indirectly where on the display screen of the portable information terminal 1 the icon image provided by the icon file is displayed is added to the icon file as part of the file name. .

Next, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the portable information terminal. In the figure, 10 is a transmission / reception unit, which is composed of a frequency conversion unit and a modem. Through the antenna ANT, frequency conversion and modulation / demodulation of radio waves are performed for wireless communication with a base station (not shown). Next, the communication control unit 11 performs communication control based on a predetermined communication method (for example, TDMA (time division multiple access), CDMA (code division multiple access), etc.).
Next, the audio processing unit 12 performs encoding / decoding of the audio signal, converts the PCM audio signal from the communication control unit 11 into an analog audio signal by D / A conversion, and causes the speaker 13 to generate sound. On the other hand, the analog voice signal input from the microphone 14 is converted into a PCM signal by A / D conversion and sent to the communication control unit 11.

Next, the key input section 15 is composed of a numeric keypad for inputting the telephone number of the other party, a switch for on-hook / off-hook, a volume switch for changing the voice output, and the like. The control unit 16 controls the entire device according to a predetermined program. Specifically, the control unit 16 controls the CP
It is constituted by U and is adapted to perform a process of downloading an icon file to which additional information (positional information) is added. Further, the control unit 16 is adapted to change the downloaded icon file based on the additional information. The ROM 17 stores programs executed by the control unit 16 (including the download process and change process), various parameters, and the like. The RAM 18 also stores data generated by the control of the control unit 16 and icon files downloaded from the server 3.

Next, the GPS unit 19 has at least about four out of the geodetic satellites (NAVSTAR: 24 currently orbiting the earth) launched by the US Department of Defense (there is less than that, but the accuracy decreases). Radio waves (1.22760G / 1.57542GHz) transmitted from the geodetic satellite
Then, the phase of the radio wave (difference in reception timing) is calculated, and triangulation is performed between the receiver and the artificial satellite to obtain position information consisting of latitude / longitude (/ altitude) information of the current position. The display unit 20 includes a liquid crystal display, and displays a menu screen for instructing the user to execute various functions and various data such as an operation mode, a telephone number, and a call time.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on the display unit. The display unit 20 includes an icon 30 indicating the radio wave reception intensity, an icon 31 indicating the remaining battery level, icons 32 to 40 on the menu screen for instructing execution of various functions, and a function for switching pages. Icons 41 to 43 for instructing are displayed. For each icon 30-43,
Positional information indicating where to display on the screen of the display unit 20 is associated. The control unit 16 refers to the position information associated with each of the icons 30 to 43 when displaying the icons 30 to 43 on the display unit 20,
It is arranged at a predetermined position according to the position information.

B. Operation of Embodiment Next, the operation of the system according to the above-described embodiment will be described. Here, FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the present embodiment. First, the mobile information terminal 1
Thus, the server 3 is accessed via the network 5 (step S10). In the server 3, the portable information terminal 1
When accessed by, a list of icon files (thumbnails, etc.) stored in the database 4 is transmitted to the mobile information terminal 1.

The portable information terminal 1 displays a list of icon files transmitted from the server 3 on the display section 20 (step S12). The user selects a desired icon file from the list of icon files displayed on the display unit 20 (step S14). Mobile information terminal 1
Requests the server 3 to download the icon file selected by the user. Upon receiving a request from the mobile information terminal 1, the server 3 transmits the requested icon file.

The portable information terminal 1 downloads the icon file transmitted from the server 3 (step S1).
6) Cut out the icon (step S1)
8). Here, with regard to the cutout of icons, first, a case of downloading in icon units will be described.

In normal use, the icon (particularly, the icon for the menu screen) is displayed small when the user does not select it, and when the user selects it,
It is supposed to be displayed larger. This is to make it easier for the user to confirm that the icon has been selected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the icon file 50 provided by the server 3 has a small icon image 51a.
And a large icon image 51b are paired. Upon receiving the illustrated icon file 50, the portable information terminal 1 divides it into a small icon image 51a and a large icon image 51b, and takes out two icons.

At this time, when the file name of the original icon file 50 is "group name + identifier + 00.png", the file name of the smaller icon image 51a is "group name + identifier + 01.png", The file name of the larger icon image 51b is “group name + identifier + 02.png”. The group name is information indicating to which category the icon belongs. Further, the identifier is information indicating, for example, an icon of a menu screen, an icon indicating an operation mode, or the like. Also, "01" located after the identifier,
“02” corresponds to position information indicating the position on the screen of the display unit 20 when the icon image is displayed. Alternatively, a plurality of icons may be designated one by one so that they are collectively downloaded.

Next, a case will be described in which downloading is performed in sets rather than in icons. For example, when changing the icons 32 to 40 on the menu screen shown in FIG. 3, instead of downloading each icon individually, all icons on the menu screen are collectively downloaded as one file. The change can reduce the operation load on the user. Therefore, in the database 4 of the server 3, as shown in FIG. 6, small icon images 61a to 61i and large icon images 62a to 62i for a plurality of icons.
And are stored as one icon file 60. In the mobile information terminal 1, the illustrated icon file 6
When 0 is received, it is divided into small icon images 61a to 61i and large icon images 62a to 62i, and a total of 1
Take out 8 icons.

At this time, when the file name of the original icon file 60 is "set name + identifier + 0000.png", the file names of the smaller icon images 61a to 61i are "set name + identifier + 0101.png".
~ "Set name + identifier + 0109.png", and the file names of the larger icon images 62a to 62i are
“Set name + identifier + 0201.png” to “set name + identifier + 0209.png”. The set name indicates a file including a plurality of icons, and is information for identifying each file. Further, the identifier is information indicating, for example, an icon of a menu screen, an icon indicating an operation mode, or the like. In addition, "0101" to "0" located after the identifier
“109” and “0201” to “0209” correspond to position information indicating the position on the screen of the display unit 20 when the icon image is displayed.

Next, the portable information terminal 1 acquires the position information for each of the cut out icons (step S20). Then, the position information is referred to, the icon is arranged and displayed at a predetermined position in accordance with the position information (or the function information), and the icon is registered as a normally used icon (step S22).

In the above embodiment, the position information is described as a part of the file name of the icon file. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the icon information may be attached as separate information of the icon file. It may be embedded in the file.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the icon is pasted on the basis of the positional information.
The present invention is not limited to this, and may be function information (a phonebook icon, a mail icon, etc.) indicating a function executed by icon selection. In this case, it is assumed that the function indicated by the function information and the position of the icon image for executing the function on the screen are associated with each other in advance. The control unit 16 of the mobile information terminal 1 may recognize the attachment position of the icon based on the function information of the icon.

[0036]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the server device, the icon image and the position on the screen where the icon image is to be arranged are directly or indirectly stored in association with the additional instruction information. If a download request is made from the outside by the transmitting means, the icon image and the additional information are transmitted via a network,
In the information processing device, the access device accesses the server device via the network, and the download device downloads the icon image and the additional information from the server device via the network and displays the downloaded icon image. Since it is displayed at the screen position of the display means based on the additional information, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to the second aspect of the invention, since the additional information is the information for directly instructing the arrangement position of the icon image on the screen, the icon can be changed by an easy operation. Benefits are obtained.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the function are executed. Since the position of the icon image on the screen is associated in advance and the arrangement position of the icon image on the screen is indirectly indicated, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation. can get.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the icon image and the additional information that directly or indirectly indicates the position on the screen where the icon image is to be placed are fetched, and the additional information is stored in the additional information. Based on this, the existing icon image displayed on the display screen is changed to the captured icon image, so that there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the icon image and the additional information are accumulated in a server device on a network, and the information processing device causes the icon image to be transmitted via the network. Since the additional information is acquired by downloading it, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to the sixth aspect of the invention, since the additional information is information indicating the screen position of the icon image, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by a simple operation.

According to the invention of claim 7, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the function are executed. Since the position of the icon image on the screen for this purpose is associated in advance, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the capturing means externally supplies the icon image and the additional information for directly or indirectly indicating the position on the screen where the icon image should be arranged. Since the existing icon image displayed on the display means is changed to the icon image based on the additional information by the capturing and changing means, it is possible to change the icon by an easy operation. Is obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, since the capturing means downloads the icon image and the additional information from the server device on the network, the operation is easy. The advantage is that the icon can be changed.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the additional information is information indicating the screen position of the icon image, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the function are executed. Since the position of the icon image on the screen for this purpose is associated in advance, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, an icon image displayed for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance and a screen on which the icon image should be arranged are displayed on the screen of the information processing apparatus. A step of capturing additional information that directly or indirectly indicates the upper position, and a step of changing an existing icon image displayed on the display screen to the captured icon image based on the additional information. Since the control unit of the information processing apparatus is made to execute the operation, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, since the additional information is information indicating the screen position of the icon image, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by a simple operation.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the function are executed. Since the position of the icon image on the screen for this purpose is associated in advance, there is an advantage that the icon can be changed by an easy operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile information terminal.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a menu screen displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of icon cutout.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of icon cutting.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Personal digital assistants (information processing devices) 2 Personal computer (information processing device) 3 servers (server device, transmission means) 4 Database (storage means) 5 network 10 Transmitter / receiver (downloading means) 11 Communication control unit (downloading means) 12 Voice processing unit 13 speakers 14 microphone 15 Key input section 16 Control unit 17 ROM 18 RAM 19 GPS Department 20 Display unit (display means)

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An icon setting system for providing, via a network, an icon image for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance to an information processing apparatus, wherein the icon image and the icon image should be arranged. A storage unit that stores the additional information that directly or indirectly indicates the position on the screen in association with each other, and a transmission unit that transmits the icon image and the additional information via a network when a download request is made. A server device, an access means for accessing the server device via a network, a download device for downloading the icon image and the additional information from the server device via the network, and the download device downloaded by the download device. Display the icon image at the screen position based on the additional information. Icon setting system characterized by comprising an information processing apparatus and a display means for. 2. The icon setting system according to claim 1, wherein the additional information is information that directly indicates a layout position of the icon image on the screen. 3. The additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the position of the icon image on the screen for executing the function. 2. The icon setting system according to claim 1, wherein and are associated with each other in advance, and indirectly indicate an arrangement position of the icon image on the screen. 4. An icon setting method for changing an icon image displayed for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance on a screen of an information processing device, wherein the icon image and the icon image are arranged. Acquiring additional information that directly or indirectly indicates a position on the screen to be changed, and changing the existing icon image displayed on the display screen to the acquired icon image based on the additional information. Icon setting method characterized by. 5. The icon image and the additional information are
The icon setting method according to claim 4, wherein the icon setting method is stored in a server apparatus on a network, and the information processing apparatus acquires the icon image and the additional information by downloading via the network. 6. The icon setting method according to claim 4, wherein the additional information is information indicating a screen position of the icon image. 7. The additional information is function information indicating a function executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the position on the screen of the icon image for executing the function. 6. The icon setting method according to claim 4, wherein and are associated in advance. 8. A display unit for displaying an icon image for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance, and directly or indirectly instructing the icon image and a position on the screen where the icon image is to be arranged. Capturing means for capturing the additional information from the outside, and an icon captured by the capturing means for the existing icon image displayed on the display means, based on the additional information captured by the capturing means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a changing unit for changing to an image. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the icon image and the additional information by downloading them from a server device on a network. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the additional information is information indicating a screen position of the icon image. 11. The additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the position of the icon image on the screen for executing the function. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein and are associated in advance. 12. An icon image displayed for instructing execution of a function assigned in advance on the screen of the information processing apparatus and a position on the screen where the icon image should be arranged, directly or indirectly. Causing the control unit of the information processing device to execute a step of capturing the additional information shown, and a step of changing the existing icon image displayed on the display screen to the captured icon image based on the additional information. An icon setting program characterized in that 13. The additional information is information indicating a screen position of the icon image.
The icon setting program described. 14. The additional information is function information indicating a function to be executed when the icon image is selected, and the function indicated by the function information and the position on the screen of the icon image for executing the function. 13. The icon setting program according to claim 12, wherein and are associated in advance.