JP2003345489A - Method and device for setting operation and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a device operation setting method for easily checking a set content by a help function when setting a device by a device operation setting function. <P>SOLUTION: A setting portion 24 displays a menu page for receiving setting of an operation content of a pointing device from a user, receives a request for a help function on the menu page, and executes the help function exclusive for the content set from the menu page in response to the request for the help function. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus operation setting method and apparatus suitable for setting the operation contents of an apparatus such as a mouse, and to realize the apparatus operation setting apparatus by using a computer. A computer program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, personal computers have
It comprises a main unit consisting of a U and a memory, and various devices such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a display as peripheral devices. It is also possible to connect an external device such as a printer or a scanner. Then, the CPU executes a control program (driver program) for each of these devices to control each device. This driver program includes a process for setting the operation contents of the device, whereby the CPU realizes a setting function of the device operation. With this device operation setting function, the user sets the device so that the device is easy to use. For example, the operation speed of the mouse is set to suit the user.

[0003] Personal computers also have a help function for explaining computer operations.
This help function supports all aspects of computer operation. Therefore, the user can check general computer operations by using the help function. For example, the method of changing the operation speed of the mouse can be checked by the help function.

[0004]

However, since the conventional help function supports the entire computer operation, there is a problem in that it takes time to search for the desired content from the support content. In particular, the support content of the help function has been increasing due to the recent increase in the functions of personal computers, and it has been difficult to find any support content from the support content.

For this reason, when the user sets the device by the device operation setting function by the driver program, if there is any unclear point in the setting contents, it takes time to check the unknown point by the help function. Setting takes time. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the contents of the unknown point cannot be found by the help function and the device setting cannot be performed as desired.

[0006] There is also a demand for a simpler device setting method. For example, a notebook personal computer includes a pointing device that includes a stick-type pointing device and a glide pointer (sometimes called a touch pad). Then, a plurality of setting menus (for example, setting of basic settings and special functions) are prepared for each pointing device. In such a case,
The user needs to set a plurality of menus individually and further for each device, which is difficult.

Further, when an external mouse can be connected, the operation contents of each pointing device must be reset depending on whether or not the mouse is connected. For example, which should be used and which should not be used, and which should be used for mouse cursor operation.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide a device operation which can easily check the setting contents by a help function when the device setting is performed by the device operation setting function. A setting method and an apparatus therefor are provided.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus operation setting method and an apparatus which can easily set the apparatus operation contents.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a computer program for realizing the device operation setting device using a computer.

[0011]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus operation setting method, comprising the steps of: displaying a menu screen for accepting a setting of an operation content of a specific apparatus from a user; Accepting a help function call on the screen, executing the dedicated help function for the content set by the menu screen by calling the help function, and specifying the content according to the content set on the menu screen. Setting the operation content of the device. According to the present invention, a help function dedicated to the setting of the operation content is executed by calling the help function at the time of setting the operation content of the specific device, so that the user can easily check the setting content by the help function. Can be.

Further, in the apparatus operation setting method according to the present invention, the fact that a plurality of operation contents can be set on the menu screen is represented by a lever format. According to the present invention, since the setting of a plurality of operation contents can be represented by the lever type, the user can easily recognize visually that the plurality of settings can be made and easily perform the setting. Can be.

In the apparatus operation setting method according to the present invention, when the setting of the operation content is received by a plurality of the menu screens, the contents set on one of the menu screens are set on another menu screen. The feature is to reflect on the contents. According to the present invention, the contents set in a certain setting menu are automatically reflected on the setting contents of another setting menu, so that the user does not need to individually set a plurality of menus, and the device operation contents Can be set efficiently.

Further, in the apparatus operation setting method of the present invention, when setting of operation contents of a plurality of specific apparatuses is received, the step of retaining the setting contents at the time of using the predetermined specific apparatus; Setting the operation content of the specific device according to the held content when the specific device is used. According to the present invention, when the setting of the operation content of a plurality of specific devices (for example, a pointing device) is received, the set content is held when a predetermined specific device (for example, an external mouse) is used, and the predetermined device is used. The device setting is automatically executed in the next use of the device according to the stored contents, so that the user does not need to reset the operation contents of each device depending on whether or not the predetermined device is used, and the setting of the device operation contents is not performed. Become simple.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the apparatus operation setting apparatus of the present invention displays a menu screen for accepting a setting of operation contents of a specific apparatus from a user, and performs the operation according to the contents set on the menu screen. Setting means for setting the operation content of the specific device; and help means having a dedicated help function for the content set by the menu screen, wherein the setting means receives a help function call on the menu screen The help function is executed by the help means. According to the present invention, the setting means executes a help function dedicated to setting of the operation content by calling the help function at the time of setting the operation content of the specific device, so that the user can easily set the setting content by the help function. You can find out.

Further, in the apparatus operation setting apparatus of the present invention, the menu screen represents that a plurality of operation contents can be set in a lever format. According to the present invention, since the setting of a plurality of operation contents can be represented by the lever type, the user can easily recognize visually that the plurality of settings can be made and easily perform the setting. Can be.

In the apparatus operation setting device of the present invention, when the setting of the operation content is received by a plurality of the menu screens, the setting means may change the content already set on one of the menu screens to another. The setting is reflected on the setting contents of the menu screen. According to the present invention, since the setting means automatically reflects the contents set in a certain setting menu on the setting contents of another setting menu, the user does not need to individually set a plurality of menus. The setting of the device operation content can be performed efficiently.

In the apparatus operation setting apparatus of the present invention, when setting of operation contents of a plurality of specific apparatuses is received, the setting means holds the setting contents at the time of using the specific apparatus. When the specific device is used, the operation content of the specific device is set according to the held content. According to the present invention, the setting means:
When accepting the setting of the operation content of a plurality of specific devices (for example, a pointing device), the setting contents are retained when a predetermined specific device (for example, an external mouse) is used, and the retained content is retained when the predetermined device is used next time. Since the device setting is automatically executed according to the content, the user does not need to reset the operation content of each device depending on whether or not the predetermined device is used, and the setting of the device operation content is simplified.

In order to solve the above problems, a computer program according to the present invention provides a process for displaying a menu screen for accepting a setting of an operation content of a specific device from a user, and calling a help function on the menu screen. Accepting processing, processing for executing a dedicated help function for the content set by the menu screen by calling the help function, and processing for setting the operation content of the specific device according to the content set on the menu screen Are executed by a computer. According to the present invention, by calling the help function at the time of setting the operation content of the specific device, it becomes possible for the computer to execute processing for executing a help function dedicated to setting of the operation content. Thus, the device operation setting device described above can be realized using a computer.

Further, in the computer program of the present invention, the computer is made to execute a process of expressing in a lever format that a plurality of operation contents can be set on the menu screen. According to the present invention, it is possible to execute, by a computer, a process of expressing that a plurality of operation contents can be set in a lever format. Thus, the device operation setting device described above can be realized using a computer.

In the computer program of the present invention, when the setting of the operation content is received by a plurality of menu screens, the content set on one of the menu screens is replaced with the setting content of another menu screen. The present invention is characterized by causing a computer to execute a process for reflection. According to the present invention, it is possible to execute, by a computer, a process of automatically reflecting the contents set in one setting menu to the contents set in another setting menu. Thus, the device operation setting device described above can be realized using a computer.

Further, in the computer program of the present invention, when setting of operation contents of a plurality of specific devices is received, a process of retaining the setting contents when using the predetermined specific device; And a process of setting the operation content of the specific device in accordance with the content held when the device is used. According to the present invention, when accepting the setting of the operation content of a plurality of specific devices (for example, a pointing device), a process of retaining the set content when a predetermined specific device (for example, an external mouse) is used; When the predetermined device is used next time, the process of automatically performing device setting according to the stored contents can be executed by the computer. Thus, the device operation setting device described above can be realized using a computer.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an example in which the apparatus operation setting method of the present invention is applied to a notebook personal computer will be described. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of the notebook personal computer according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a CPU (central processing unit) 11 controls each circuit of the notebook personal computer. The storage unit 12 stores programs of the CPU 11 and various data. FIG. 1 shows, for convenience, a menu table 12a, a help table 12b,
It shows a setting table 12c and pointing device driver program data 12d.

The display section 13 comprises a liquid crystal display device and a display control circuit. The keyboard 14, the stick point (stick type pointing device) 15a and the glide pointer 15b of the pointing device unit 15 are input devices. The pointing device unit 15 has an external mouse interface 15c. If a mouse is connected to the external mouse interface 15c, the mouse can be used as an input device.

The CPU 11 realizes a pointing device driver function by reading the pointing device driver program data 12d and executing the program. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in which the functions of the pointing device driver 11a realized by the CPU 11 executing the pointing device driver program are developed. The pointing device driver 11a has a control function of the pointing device unit 15, and uses the tables 12a to 12c of the storage unit 12.

In FIG. 2, a stick point control section 21 controls the operation of the stick point 15a.
The glide pointer control unit 22 controls the glide pointer 15
The operation of b is controlled. The external mouse control unit 23 controls the operation of a mouse connected to the external mouse interface 15c.

The setting unit 24 includes a stick point 15a.
And a function of setting the operation contents of the glide pointer 15b and the external mouse (device operation setting function).
The setting unit 24 sets the operation content of each pointing device according to the content input by the user using the input device. The setting unit 24 also has a function of causing the CPU 11 to execute a help function. With this help function execution function, the user can call and use the help function while setting the operation of the apparatus. In addition, the setting unit 24 detects whether or not a mouse is connected to the external mouse interface 15c, and which one it is.

Next, an apparatus operation setting process performed by the setting unit 24 of the pointing device driver 11a will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the apparatus operation setting process will be described. In this embodiment, the device operation setting menu of the pointing device unit 15 has four menu items (basic setting, browsing assist function setting, input assist setting, and mouse cursor fine adjustment setting).

FIGS. 3 to 5 show examples of the structures of the tables 12a to 12c stored in the storage unit 12 of FIG. 1 in this embodiment. In FIG. 3, the menu table 12a stores menu data for each menu item. The menu data is data for displaying a menu screen for the corresponding menu item on the display unit 13 and includes image data of the menu screen, text data indicating setting contents, and the like. The setting unit 24 uses the menu data 1a, for example, when displaying a menu screen for basic settings.

In FIG. 4, the help table 12b stores help program data for each menu item. The help program data is used to implement a dedicated help function corresponding to the menu item. The help program data consists of data of the program itself, image data of the help screen, and text data that describes the setting contents of the menu item. Be composed. For example, when a request for executing the help function is received at the time of selecting the basic setting, the setting unit 24 causes the CPU 11 to realize a help function corresponding to the basic setting based on the help program data 1b.

In FIG. 5, the setting table 12c stores setting data indicating the setting contents of the operation of each device of the pointing device unit 15. As setting data, setting data 1c and 2
c is stored. When an external mouse is not connected to the external mouse interface 15c, the setting unit 24 uses the setting data 1c to control each of the control units 21 to 2 of FIG.
The operation contents of each pointing device are set in 3. On the other hand, when an external mouse is connected to the external mouse interface 15c, each of the controllers 21 to 23 in FIG.
Set the operation of the device.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples of the configuration of the menu screen. FIG. 6 is a configuration example of a menu screen 101 for basic setting. The setting unit 24 includes the pointing device unit 1
When "basic setting" is selected from the device operation setting menu of FIG. 5, the menu screen 101 of FIG. 6 is displayed using the menu data 1a of the menu table 12a.

In the menu screen 101, a button B1 is a button for setting the operation content of the stick point 15a. The button B1 expresses in a lever form that three-stage settings P1 to P3 are possible. Thus, the user can easily recognize visually that the three-stage settings P1 to P3 are possible, and can easily perform the settings. In the example of FIG. 6, the setting P1 is a setting using the stick point 15a for moving the mouse cursor, and the setting P2 is a setting using the stick point 15a.
Is used for browsing assist function.
The setting P3 is a setting for not using the stick point 15a. These setting contents are displayed by messages as shown in FIG. And in FIG.
The setting P1 has been selected, and a message "has the same function as a mouse" indicating that the mouse is to be used for moving the mouse cursor is displayed.

Similarly, the button B2 is a button for setting the operation contents of the glide pointer 15b. The contents of the settings P1 to P3 are the same as the contents of the stick point 15a. In the example of FIG. 6, the setting P2 has been selected, and a message that the device is to be used for the browsing assist function is displayed.

The button B3 is a selection button for determining whether or not to save the settings when using an external mouse. When the button B3 is clicked and selected, and the current setting input content is confirmed by the OK button B5, the setting unit 24 sets the current setting input content when the external mouse is connected to the external mouse interface 15c. Is stored in the setting table 12c as the setting data 2c in FIG. Therefore, when the button B3 remains unselected or when the external mouse is not connected to the external mouse interface 15c, the setting unit 24 sets the current setting input contents as the setting data 1c in FIG. It is stored in the table 12c.

Thus, when the user connects the external mouse to the external mouse interface 15c, the setting unit 2
Reference numeral 4 automatically sets the contents of the setting data 2c as the operation contents of each pointing device. Therefore, the user does not need to reset the operation contents of each pointing device each time depending on whether or not an external mouse is used, so that the setting of the device operation contents is simplified.

The button B4 is a button for calling a help function. When this button B4 is clicked, the setting section 24 sets the help program data 1b shown in FIG.
Is executed by the CPU 11 to realize a help function corresponding to the basic setting. When the help function is executed, the demonstration screen 111 shown in FIG. 6 is activated. This demo screen 111
Stick point 1 according to the current basic setting input
This is for simulating the operation of 5a and the glide pointer 15b. This simulation function is a part of the help function.

When the user clicks the demo start button B6 in the demo screen 111, the simulation is started, and the demo stick point component 201 and the demo glide pointer component 202 in the demo screen 111 are clicked.
Will allow users to demonstrate. This allows the user to call the help function at the time of basic setting of the pointing device, and easily confirm the operation content of each pointing device based on the input content of the current basic setting.

The help screen (not shown) of the help function executed at the time of the basic setting is a screen dedicated to the basic setting, and the support contents shown on the screen are only the contents related to the basic setting. Thus, when there is an unclear point in the setting content at the time of performing the basic setting, the user can easily find and check the unknown content on the help screen.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the menu screen 102 for setting the browsing assist function. When the “browsing assist function” is selected from the device operation setting menu of the pointing device unit 15, the setting unit 24 displays the menu screen 102 of FIG. 7 using the menu data 2a of the menu table 12a. .

On the menu screen 102, the setting section 24 displays the setting content B10 of the function of the stick point 15a (displayed as "stick function" in FIG. 7) as selected. Further, another selection button B1
As for 1, it is made impossible to select. The button B11 is a button for selecting any one of the three browsing assisting functions (clicking scrolling function, scrolling function, customizing function), and the “browsing assisting function” is displayed on the basic setting menu screen 101. Enabled when set.

The setting unit 24 also controls the glide pointer 1
For the setting button of the function 5b (displayed as “pad function” in FIG. 7), the basic setting menu screen 1 shown in FIG.
The setting button B13 of the “browsing assistance function” that has been set at 01 is made valid, and the setting button B12 of “mouse” cannot be selected. As described above, the contents set in one setting menu (for example, the basic setting menu) are automatically reflected on the setting contents of another setting menu (for example, the browsing assist function setting menu). It is not necessary to individually set the contents of the apparatus, and the operation contents of the apparatus can be set efficiently.

When the button B4 is clicked, as in the case of selecting the basic setting menu in FIG.
The help program data 2b of FIG. 4 for setting the browsing assist function is executed by the CPU 11 to realize the help function corresponding to the browsing assist function setting. As a result, the demonstration screen 111 shown in FIG. 7 becomes effective, and the user can demonstrate the operation of the stick point 15a and the glide pointer 15b according to the current setting input contents of the browsing assist function setting.

The help screen (not shown) of the help function executed when the browsing assist function is set is a screen dedicated to the setting of the browsing assist function, and the support contents shown on the screen are only those related to the setting of the browsing assist function. It is. Thus, when there is an unclear point in the setting content when setting the browsing assist function, the user can easily find and check the unknown content on the help screen.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the demo screen 111 is activated by clicking the button B4, and then the demo is started by clicking the demo start button B6. Not limited to this, button B4
The demo start button B6 may always be enabled regardless of whether or not the user clicks on the button, so that the user can perform the demo at any time. As a result, when it is desired to use only the simulation function without referring to another help function, the demonstration can be easily started, and the operability is improved.

In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to the case where the operation content of the pointing device is set. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the operation content of another device is set. For example, display devices, external printers,
The same can be applied to settings of a scanner and the like.

A program for realizing the function of the setting unit 24 in FIG. 2 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read by a computer system and executed. Device operation setting processing may be performed. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Also,
The "computer system" includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used. The “computer-readable recording medium” is a flexible disk,
Portable media such as magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs,
A storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system.

Further, a “computer-readable recording medium” is a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. ), A program that holds the program for a certain period of time is also included. Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and a design change or the like may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. included.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By calling the help function at the time of setting the operation content of a specific device (for example, a pointing device), a help function dedicated to the setting of the operation content is executed. Therefore, the user can easily check the setting content by the help function. Can be.

Further, according to the present invention, since the setting of a plurality of operation contents can be represented by a lever type, the user can easily visually recognize that the plurality of setting is possible, and set the setting. Can be easily performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the contents set in a certain setting menu (for example, a basic setting menu) are automatically reflected on the setting contents of another setting menu (for example, a special function setting menu). The user does not need to individually set a plurality of menus, and can efficiently set the operation contents of the apparatus.

According to the present invention, when the setting of the operation content of a plurality of specific devices (for example, a pointing device) is received, the content already set is retained when a predetermined specific device (for example, an external mouse) is used. The device setting is automatically performed in accordance with the held content at the next use of the predetermined device, so that the user does not need to reset the operation content of each device depending on whether or not the predetermined device is used. Setting of operation contents is simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a notebook personal computer to which an apparatus operation setting method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pointing device driver 11a realized by a CPU 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 executing a pointing device driver program.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a menu table 12a stored in a storage unit 12 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a help table 12b stored in a storage unit 12 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a setting table 12c stored in a storage unit 12 of FIG.

6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a menu screen 101 for basic setting displayed by a setting unit 24 shown in FIG. 2;

7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a browsing assist function setting menu screen 102 displayed by a setting unit 24 shown in FIG. 2;

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU, 12 storage unit, 12a menu table, 12b help table, 12c setting table,
12d: pointing device driver program data, 13: display unit, 14: keyboard, 15: pointing device unit, 15a: stick point, 15b: glide pointer, 15c: external mouse interface, 21: stick point control unit, 2
2 ... glide pointer control unit, 23 ... external mouse control unit, 24 ... setting unit, 101, 102 ... menu screen, B
1, B2: Lever type button, B3: Holding setting button when using an external mouse, B4: Help function call button

Claims (12)

[Claims] A step of displaying a menu screen for receiving a setting of an operation content of a specific device from a user; a step of receiving a call of a help function on the menu screen; and a step of calling the help function. A method for executing a dedicated help function for the content set by the user; and setting an operation content of the specific device in accordance with the content set on the menu screen. 2. The apparatus operation setting method according to claim 1, wherein on the menu screen, the fact that a plurality of operation contents can be set is expressed in a lever format. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the setting of the operation content is received by a plurality of menu screens, the content set on one of the menu screens is reflected on the setting content of another menu screen. An apparatus operation setting method according to claim 1 or 2. 4. A method for receiving a setting of the operation content of a plurality of specific devices, a process of retaining the setting content at the time of using the specific device, and a process of storing the content at the time of using the specific device. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: setting an operation content of the specific device. 5. A setting means for displaying a menu screen for accepting a setting of an operation content of a specific device from a user, and setting the operation content of the specific device in accordance with the content set on the menu screen; A help unit having a dedicated help function for the set content, wherein the setting unit receives a call of the help function on the menu screen, and executes the help function by the help unit. Device operation setting device. 6. The apparatus operation setting device according to claim 5, wherein the menu screen expresses, in a lever form, that a plurality of operation contents can be set. 7. When accepting the setting of the operation content from a plurality of the menu screens, the setting means reflects the contents set on any one of the menu screens to the setting contents of another of the menu screens. The device operation setting device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: 8. When accepting setting of operation contents of a plurality of specific devices, the setting means holds the setting contents at the time of using the specific device,
8. The apparatus operation setting device according to claim 5, wherein the operation content of the specific device is set according to the held content when the predetermined specific device is used. 9. A process for displaying a menu screen for receiving a setting of an operation content of a specific device from a user; a process for receiving a call of a help function on the menu screen; A computer program for causing a computer to execute: a process of executing a dedicated help function for the content set by the user; and a process of setting the operation content of the specific device in accordance with the content set on the menu screen. . 10. The computer program according to claim 9, wherein the computer program causes a computer to execute a process of expressing in a lever format that a plurality of the operation contents can be set on the menu screen. 11. When a setting of the operation content is received by a plurality of the menu screens, the computer causes the computer to execute a process of reflecting the content set on one of the menu screens to the setting content of another menu screen. The computer program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: 12. When accepting the setting of the operation content of a plurality of specific devices, a process of retaining the setting content when using the predetermined specific device, and according to the content held when using the predetermined specific device. The computer program according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the program causes a computer to execute a process of setting an operation content of the specific device.