WO2010067675A1

WO2010067675A1 - Information processing system, information processing apparatus and information processing method

Info

Publication number: WO2010067675A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/068989
Authority: WO
Inventors: 保理江　大作
Original assignee: コニカミノルタホールディングス株式会社
Priority date: 2008-12-12
Filing date: 2009-11-06
Publication date: 2010-06-17
Also published as: JPWO2010067675A1

Abstract

A user drags and drops any desired object, on a workspace (WS), into a displayed window (170), thereby causing a selected alias object (ALS1) to appear on a selection tray. Any objects on the selection tray (alias objects) exist independently of the objects on the workspace (WS) (entity objects). That is, as a general rule, even if the user performs an operation, such as movement, edition, deletion or the like, for any alias object on the selection tray, the entity objects on the workspace will not be affected by such operation.

Description

Information processing system, information processing apparatus, and information processing method

The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method for providing a virtual work space in which a specific user or a plurality of users can work interactively.

In recent years, a virtual workspace (hereinafter also referred to as “workspace”) has been proposed to support intellectual creation work by one or more users (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-051581 (Patent Document)). 1) and JP-A-10-126758 (Patent Document 2)).

This workspace is a virtual whiteboard-like space, and the user can interactively input materials such as handwritten characters, images, and photographs (hereinafter also referred to as “objects”) in this space. Can be operated. Such a workspace facilitates intellectual creation work (thinking and communicating with other members) within an individual or group.

By the way, unlike a physical whiteboard or memo pad, the workspace can provide a wider working space than the range actually viewed by the user. Note that the range browsed by the user can be freely expanded or reduced as necessary, so that writing or the like can be performed even in a narrow area. Therefore, even in a vast range of work space, the user can work without stress.

As a specific usage scene of such intellectual creation work, the subject matter that the user has conceived is input as objects one after another, and these inputted many objects are classified (categorized) or associated with each other. Thus, there are cases where information is organized and connected to new ideas (typically KJ method). More specifically, in order to categorize, the user brings objects that are considered to belong to the same category close together or adds the same display attribute to each object (typically the same color To trim each object. Further, in order to associate the objects, a group consisting of a plurality of objects belonging to the same category and an object considered to belong to the category are connected with a line.

JP 10-051581 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-126758

However, in the above-described prior art and the like, when an operation such as the above-described KJ method is performed, categorizing and associating operations are directly performed on the objects arranged in the workspace. Therefore, the subject that the arrangement position and display attribute of the object arrange | positioned in a workspace will be changed. Typically, in a group consisting of multiple members, the status of the workspace will change without your knowledge if you have not participated in the above-mentioned work, which will hinder your work. In some cases.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and its purpose is to selectively select only necessary objects without affecting the objects on the already created workspace. An information processing system, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method that can be handled are provided.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an information processing system that provides a virtual work space accessible by a plurality of users is provided. The information processing system includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses connected to each other so as to be able to perform data communication. Each of the plurality of information processing apparatuses includes synchronization means for synchronizing and holding the first information defining the virtual work space and the first object included in the virtual work space. At least one of the plurality of information processing devices responds to a user operation with first display means for displaying part or all of the contents of the virtual work space to the user based on the first information, Second display means for displaying a second object associated with the first object in a display area distinguished from display of a part or all of the contents of the virtual work space. When the second display means is instructed to add the second object to the display area, the second display means initially displays the instructed second object in a display mode substantially the same as the display mode of the corresponding first object. Means and means for changing the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.

Preferably, the first information includes a description that defines identification information associated with the first object and an entity of the first object, and the second display means includes identification information for specifying the first object. Means for holding in association with two objects is included.

Preferably, the second display means further includes means for changing the position of the second object in the display area independently of the first object in response to a user operation.

Preferably, the second display means further includes means for changing the display mode of the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.

Preferably, the second display means further includes means for adding a plurality of second objects in the display area and adding an object for associating the second objects with each other in response to a user operation.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses further includes a reflection unit for reflecting a change made to the first object in the first object in response to a user operation.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing apparatus that provides a virtual work space is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a holding unit for holding first information defining a virtual work space and a first object included in the virtual work space, and a part or all of the virtual work space based on the first information. The first display means for displaying the contents to the user and a display area that is distinguished from the display of a part or all of the contents of the virtual work space in response to the user operation are associated with the first object. And a second display means for displaying the second object. When the second display means is instructed to add the second object to the display area, the second display means initially displays the instructed second object in a display mode substantially the same as the display mode of the corresponding first object. Means and means for changing the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.

Preferably, it further includes a reflecting means for reflecting changes made to the first object in the first object in response to a user operation.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method for providing a virtual work space accessible by a plurality of users by using a plurality of computers connected so as to be capable of data communication with each other. The information processing method includes synchronizing a first information defining a virtual work space and a first object included in the virtual work space among a plurality of computers, and in any one of the plurality of computers, Based on the first information, the step of displaying a part or all of the contents of the virtual work space is associated with the first object in the display area distinguished from the display of the part or all of the contents of the virtual work space. Receiving a user instruction to add the designated second object, initially displaying the designated second object in a display manner substantially the same as the display manner of the corresponding first object, and the second object Accepting a user instruction for and changing the second object independently of the first object according to the user instruction And a step.

Preferably, the first information includes a description defining identification information associated with the first object and an entity of the first object, and the information processing method uses the identification information for identifying the first object as the first information. The method further includes the step of holding the two objects in association with each other.

Preferably, the step of changing further includes a step of changing the position of the second object in the display area independently of the first object in response to a user instruction.

Preferably, the step of changing includes the step of changing the display mode of the second object independently of the first object in response to a user instruction.

Preferably, the step of changing includes a step of adding an object associating a plurality of second objects displayed in the display area in response to a user instruction.

Preferably, the information processing method further includes a step of reflecting changes made to the first object in the first object in response to a user instruction.

According to the present invention, it is possible to selectively handle only necessary objects without affecting objects already created in the workspace.

It is a schematic block diagram of the information processing system for providing the work space according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the schematic hardware constitutions of the personal computer which is a typical example of the information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the work space according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the work space (WS) information corresponding to the work space shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the initial operation on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the user interface on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating edit operation on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating edit operation on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating edit operation on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating edit operation on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the workspace in the scene used as the object of description of the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating starting operation of the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (3) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is FIG. (3) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the control structure implement | achieved with the client apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the tray information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the tray information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of the tray information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of WS information in which the content of the tray information shown to FIG. 16B was reflected. It is a figure which shows the example of description of the tray information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of description of the tray information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which concerns on provision of the work space according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the control structure implement | achieved with the client apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the control structure implement | achieved with the server apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the exchange of data in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating operation in the tray function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the information processing system for providing the work space according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the exchange of data in Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation in the preview function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation in the preview function on the client apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence which concerns on the preview function according to Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same or equivalent part in a figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is not repeated.

[the term]
In this specification, the “work space” means a virtual work space provided on an information processing apparatus to which a visually recognizable object can be added or edited. Such a workspace allows a user to organize information and share information with other users. As a form (device) for providing this workspace, an information processing apparatus capable of executing a program (application), an electronic whiteboard incorporating the providing function, a mobile phone, a tablet PC, and the like are conceivable.

In this specification, “object” means general data that can be added to a workspace. This object is the unit of operation target of the user. Examples of this object include graphics, text documents, worksheet cells, images, audio, logs, tags, bookmarks, annotations, user information, and the like. In addition, all data added on a “selection tray” to be described later is also referred to as “object”. Therefore, when it is necessary to distinguish between them, an object on the workspace is referred to as an “entity object”, and an object on the selection tray is also referred to as an “alias object”. This “substance object” is an object to be operated to achieve the original purpose of using the workspace, and the “alias object” is an object for referring to the actual object in order to use the tray function. is there.

[Overview]
The present invention provides an environment in which intelligent creation work can be efficiently performed by selectively collecting objects that are considered necessary by a user among objects (substance objects) scattered on a workspace. More specifically, in this environment, the user can freely place alias objects associated with the entity objects in a display area that is distinct from the workspace, and these alias objects can be placed on the workspace. Various editing operations can be freely performed independently of the actual object. In this specification, these functions are also referred to as “tray functions”.

[Embodiment 1]
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system 1000 for providing a work space according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, information processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of client devices CL1 to CLN (hereinafter referred to as a plurality of information processing devices connected to each other via a network NW so that data communication is possible). And the server apparatus SRV. That is, in the present embodiment, a so-called server client configuration is illustrated. As will be described later, a so-called peer-to-peer configuration can also be adopted.

Each of the client devices CL1 to CLN commonly holds information for providing a work space (work space (WS) information, which will be described later) via the server device SRV, so that the client devices CL1 to CLN. A workspace is provided to users who use each of the above. For example, when a user adds some object on a workspace on any client device CL, the added object is reflected on the workspace displayed on the other client device CL. In this way, information can be shared between users. Note that the tray function according to the present invention can also be applied to a workspace provided by a single client device CL. That is, the present invention is not necessarily limited to a workspace that can be accessed simultaneously by a plurality of users.

The server SRV mainly controls data sharing among the client apparatuses CL1 to CLN.

<Hardware configuration>
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic hardware configuration of a personal computer which is a representative example of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, client device CL, which is an information processing device according to the present embodiment, temporarily stores CPU 2 that executes various programs including an operating system, and data necessary for the execution of the program by CPU 2. And a hard disk drive (HDD) 12 that stores a program executed by the CPU 2 in a nonvolatile manner. Such a program is read from a CD-ROM 16a or a flexible disk 18a by a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) drive 16 or a flexible disk (FD: Flexible Disk) drive 18, respectively.

The CPU 2 receives an operation request from the user via the input device 10 including a keyboard, a mouse, a tablet, and the like, and outputs screen data generated by executing the program to the output device 6.

The output device 6 is a device for displaying the state of the workspace to the user, and typically includes a monitor or a projector.

Further, the CPU 2 performs data communication with other client devices CL and the server device SRV via the communication interface 8 composed of a LAN card or the like. These parts are connected to each other via the internal bus 4.

Also, server SRV according to the present embodiment is also an information processing apparatus, and the hardware configuration thereof is the same as the hardware configuration of client apparatus CL shown in FIG. 2, and therefore detailed description will not be repeated.

<Workspace>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, an example of operation of the workspace according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a workspace according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the work space (WS) information corresponding to the work space shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an initial operation on client device CL according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a user interface on client device CL according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 7A to 7C are diagrams for illustrating an editing operation on the client device CL according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another editing operation on client device CL according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Various objects can be added to the workspace according to the present embodiment, and the added objects can be edited or deleted. FIG. 3 shows a state where there is a work space in which objects OBJ1 to OBJ9 are already added as an example. In FIG. 3, an object OBJ1 is an “image object”, objects OBJ2 and OBJ4 to OBJ9 are “text objects”, and object OBJ3 is a “line object”. As described above, the type of object is not particularly limited as long as it is data that can be handled electronically, but as an example, in addition to external files such as images and documents, vector data such as figures and lines, and free by handwriting Can accept input.

Note that the workspace shown in FIG. 3 is conceptually expressed. In practice, the contents included in the range (view range) corresponding to the user operation are displayed on each client device CL ( Rendered). That is, part or all of the contents of the workspace are displayed for the user.

These objects OBJ1 to OBJ9 and the view range are defined as WS information as shown in FIG. WS information for defining a workspace and objects included in the workspace according to the present embodiment is typically described in a markup language such as XML. By adopting such a markup language, tags (attributes given to characters surrounded by <> and </>) can be freely set, so that the expandability of the system can be improved.

Referring to FIG. 4, WS information includes a workspace tag 302 for specifying a workspace, a description 304 for specifying a view range, and descriptions 311 to 315 for defining objects OBJ1 to OBJ5, respectively. .

The workspace tag 302 typically stores information such as a workspace identification number (space id) and the creator of the workspace (Author). The workspace tag 302 may include a character encoding attribute.

The description 304 stores information for specifying the view range. More specifically, the center coordinates of the view range are specified by the <object> tag, the </ object> tag, and the <point x = y = /> tag. Further, the display magnification (ratio of the display range to the default display range) is specified by the <zoom_scale> tag and the </ zoom_scale> tag.

Each object is defined by a description that starts with an <object> tag and ends with a </ object> tag. Each of these descriptions 311 to 315 includes an identification number (objectid) of each object, an attribute corresponding to the type of each object (image: image object, text: text object, line: line object, etc.), each object or each The coordinate position (x =, y =) on the workspace for the elements constituting the object, the link address (src) of the external file, the enlargement / reduction ratio (scale), and the like are included. That is, each of the descriptions 311 to 315 defines identification information associated with the object and the substance of the object.

More specifically, an identification number that uniquely identifies each object is defined in the <object id> tag. In the <point> tag, the coordinate position on the workspace for each object or an element constituting each object is defined. In the <src> tag, a link address of the associated external file is defined.

For example, in the description 311 corresponding to the object OBJ1, it is defined that the identification number is “1” in the <object id> tag and the image object is defined in the <image> tag. Furthermore, it is defined that the attribute in the <image> tag is arranged at the position of x = '60 'y =' 180 ', and "fuji.jpg" that identifies the external file is defined in the <src> tag. In the <scale> tag, it is defined that the display magnification of the object OBJ1 is “0.25” times.

For image objects and the like, an external file (reference destination file) is prepared separately from the description in the WS information. The contents of such an image object can be referred to and displayed on the workspace WS.

In FIG. 4, an example of configuring a workspace using one WS information is illustrated, but equivalent information may be defined using a plurality of files. For example, a configuration in which files in which each object is defined is associated with each other using a relational database or the like can be employed. In other words, any data structure that can be handled in units of objects is not limited to the data structure shown in FIG. 4, and any data structure can be adopted. Based on the contents of the WS information, rendering of the workspace and external output are performed.

Further, the content of the description 304 shown in FIG. 4 is updated at any time as the user performs a change operation on the view range such as enlargement / reduction or scrolling on any of the client devices CL.

Furthermore, it is possible to create a new workspace, write out the created workspace, read the created workspace, etc., by the user performing operations on the client device CL.

Referring to FIG. 5, as a typical operation example, display window 150 that provides a workspace according to the present embodiment is initially displayed on output device 6 of client device CL. In the display window 150, in addition to an area 158 for displaying a workspace, a “file” button 152, an “operation” button 154, and a “display” button 156 are displayed at the top. When the user selects this “file” button 152 with a mouse or the like, a dialog for operating the WS information is displayed. When “Open new WS” is selected in this dialog, a new workspace is created. When “Save WS” is selected, the currently created workspace is saved as WS information. When “Open WS” is selected, the saved WS information that has been saved is selectively read to display the workspace. FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C, and FIG. 8 show operation examples in a state where the workspace is read and displayed.

6A and 6B, when the workspace is displayed on the output device 6 of the client device CL, a display window 160 indicating the position of the view range on the workspace is displayed in addition to the display window 150. The The display window 160 schematically shows the relative relationship between the entire workspace and the view range VIEW. When the user moves or deforms (resizes) the view range VIEW on the display window 160 with a mouse or the like, the range of the workspace displayed in the area 158 is changed accordingly.

6A shows a display example when the range VIEW1 shown in FIG. 3 is set as the view range, and FIG. 6B shows a display example when the range VIEW2 shown in FIG. 3 is set as the view range.

Comparing FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, since the area 158 on the output device 6 of the client device CL is the same, the content of the workspace becomes smaller as the view range set on the workspace is made smaller (narrower). It will be enlarged. Therefore, for example, when an overview of the entire workspace is desired, a wider range may be set as the view range, and when a specific object is desired to be focused, a narrower range may be set as the view range.

When the user performs an editing or deleting operation on an object placed on the workspace, typically, an object to be operated is selected and then the processing content is instructed. As a method for selecting this object, there are a method for directly selecting a target object and a method for indirectly selecting an object existing in the range by designating a desired range. Moreover, you may enable it to select (add) an object over multiple times continuously. 7A to 7C show an operation example when the target object is directly selected, and FIG. 8 shows an operation example when the target object is indirectly selected by specifying a range.

As an example, the operation when the user moves the object OBJ2 arranged on the workspace will be exemplified. As shown in FIG. 7A, the user places the cursor CRS to be displayed on the target object (object OBJ2) and performs a click operation (typically left click) on the mouse, thereby moving the object OBJ2 to the object OBJ2. Select directly. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, the user places a cursor CRS to be displayed on the target object (object OBJ2) and then performs an operation command by performing a click operation (typically a right click) on the mouse. A dialog showing a list is displayed, and by designating “select” on this dialog, the object OBJ2 is directly selected.

In the state where the object OBJ2 is selected in this way, as shown in FIG. 7C, the user can move the object OBJ2 by performing a drag operation, a cursor operation, or the like.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, a desired range is specified by dragging a range including the object OBJ2 while the user continues a click operation (typically a left click) on the mouse. . Objects included in the specified range are selected. In this way, the user can select an object within the specified range without directly selecting the target object.

Naturally, various operations can be performed in addition to the object moving operations shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C and FIG. For example, the color, shape, and contents of the object can be changed. In addition, connection of objects and attribute settings such as a link and a tag may be employed.

<Tray function>
Next, the tray function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a workspace in a scene which is a target for explanation of the tray function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a tray function activation operation on the client device CL according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram (No. 1) for explaining the operation in the tray function on client device CL according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram (No. 2) for explaining the operation in the tray function on client device CL according to the first embodiment of the invention. 13A to 13F are diagrams for explaining an example of the intelligent creation work using the tray function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 14A and 14B are diagrams (No. 3) for explaining the operation in the tray function on client device CL according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Suppose the workspace shown in Fig. 9 as a premise for the following explanation. The workspace shown in FIG. 9 is different from the workspace shown in FIG. 3 only in the position of the view range VIEW. Note that the solutions OBJ4 to OBJ9 describe solutions A to F for a certain problem, for example. One or more users can decide which of the solutions A to F is optimal, extract a part of the solutions A to F, or create a new solution based on them. Consider the case of creating a plan.

Referring to FIG. 10, first, when starting the tray function according to the present embodiment, the user selects “display” button 156 displayed at the top of display window 150 by cursor CRS or the like. Then, a dialog 156a for performing an operation related to display is displayed. When “select tray display” is selected in the dialog 156a, a display window 170 showing the selected tray is newly generated.

As shown in FIG. 11, in a state in which a display window 150 that provides a workspace and a display window 170 that indicates a selection tray are displayed, for example, the user drags an arbitrary object on the workspace to the display window 170. By selecting and dropping, the selected alias object ALS1 appears on the selection tray. As a method of adding to the selection tray, in addition to the above-mentioned drag and drop, the object on the workspace is selected, the object is stored by the pull-down menu, and the drop destination is specified with the destination to be dropped. Another method such as specifying a command may be used. In other words, any method may be employed as long as an object on the designated workspace can be dropped at a designated position on the selection tray.

In this way, the alias object associated with the entity object is displayed in a display area that is distinct from the display of part or all of the contents of the workspace.

In accordance with the addition of the alias object ALS1 to this selected tray, tray information for defining an object on the selected tray is newly generated. As will be described later, this tray information is described in a markup language such as XML, like the WS information described above.

The object (alias object) on this selection tray exists independently of the object (substance object) on the workspace. That is, in principle, even if the user performs an operation such as moving, editing, or deleting an alias object on the selection tray, the actual object on the workspace is not affected. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, for the alias object ALS1 displayed in the display window 170, operations such as movement, editing, and deletion can be performed independently of the associated entity object on the workspace. Is possible.

It should be noted that operations such as moving, editing, and deleting an alias object on the selected tray can be reflected on an associated entity object on the workspace according to a user operation.

The object (alias object) on the selection tray is displayed in a display mode corresponding to the display mode of the associated entity object so that the user can recognize the association with the entity object. That is, when the user performs an operation for adding an alias object to the selection tray, the designated alias object is displayed in a display mode substantially the same as the display mode of the corresponding object (substance object) on the workspace. Initial display. For example, when the entity object has a rectangular shape, the alias object is also initially displayed as a rectangle. As for the alias object, a specific item in the initially displayed display mode may be maintained (cannot be changed), or all items of the display mode may be independent of the corresponding entity object. You may make it changeable.

The number of alias objects that can be added to the selection tray is not particularly limited, and the user can create an alias object by dragging and dropping an entity object on the workspace. A part of the alias objects added to the selection tray in this way can also be selected. In other words, among the alias objects added to the selection tray, it is possible to extract a more important one or the like that reflects some change to the actual object on the workspace.

In FIG. 11, the display window 170 indicating the selection tray is illustrated as being displayed separately from the display window 150 that provides the workspace. A configuration in which the unit is used as a selection tray may be employed.

By providing such a user interface, the user can perform intelligent creation work independently of the actual object on the workspace. An example of the intellectual creation work by the user will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13F.

First, as shown in FIG. 13A, the user adds an object considered necessary on the workspace to the selection tray by a drag-and-drop operation, and deletes an object that has been added to the selection tray but is judged unnecessary. You can also. At this time, even if the user moves the alias object on the selection tray, the actual object on the workspace is not affected.

For example, the user can devise an idea while appropriately changing the position of the alias object on the selection tray by looking at the state where three alias objects are added to the selection tray as shown in FIG. 13A. In such a thinking process, it is assumed that a user considers that the alias object ALS2 is unnecessary and deletes it from the selection tray, and adds new alias objects ALS4 and ALS5 instead. The state of the selected tray after these operations is shown in FIG. 13B.

In the state shown in FIG. 13B, alias objects ALS1 and ALS3 associated with entity objects OBJ4 and OBJ8 on the workspace are arranged close to each other, and are associated with entity objects OBJ7 and OBJ6 on the workspace, respectively. The alias objects ALS4 and ALS5 thus arranged are arranged close to each other. In this way, the user can arrange the entity objects arranged separately on the workspace at positions close to each other on the selection tray. Thereby, since the contents are similar, the user can visually collect objects that should be classified into the same category.

If the user continues to think, and if the alias objects ALS1 and ALS3 are considered superior to the alias objects ALS4 and ALS5, the respective background color is changed in order to visually represent it. can do. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13C, the user drags the alias objects ALS1 and ALS3 on the selection tray by performing a drag operation while continuing a click operation (typically a left click) on the mouse. The selection range DA1 is designated to include. Subsequently, the user selects an “operation” button 172 displayed on the left part of the display window 170 with a cursor CRS or the like. Then, a dialog (not shown) for performing various operations is displayed. By selecting a “color edit” button for changing the color attribute of the selected object on this dialog, the background colors of the alias objects ALS1 and ALS3 are changed (for example, white to yellow). Note that the background color of the alias objects ALS1 and ALS3 on the selection tray is set to the same background color as the associated entity object on the workspace.

Further, when the alias objects ALS4 and ALS5 are considered superior to the alias objects ALS1 and ALS3, in order to visually express them, the respective background colors are changed in the same procedure as in FIG. 13C. It can also be changed. That is, as shown in FIG. 13D, the user selects by dragging while continuing the click operation (typically left click) on the mouse to include the alias objects ALS4 and ALS5 on the selection tray. A range DA2 is specified. Subsequently, the user selects an “operation” button 172 displayed on the left portion of the display window 170 with a cursor CRS or the like. Then, a dialog (not shown) for performing various operations is displayed. By selecting a “color edit” button for changing the color attribute of the selected object on this dialog, the background colors of the alias objects ALS4 and ALS5 are changed (for example, from white to red).

From another point of view, if the user thinks that the alias object ALS1 and the alias object ALS5 are classified into different categories but are related to each other, the shape of the alias objects ALS1 and ALS5 is changed. By changing it, it can be expressed that it is classified into the same category in another sense. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13E, the user drags the alias objects ALS1 and ALS4 on the selection tray by performing a drag operation while continuing a click operation (typically left click) on the mouse. Selection range DA3 is designated to include. Subsequently, the user selects an “operation” button 172 displayed on the left part of the display window 170 with a cursor CRS or the like. Then, a dialog (not shown) for performing various operations is displayed. By selecting a “shape edit” button for changing the shape of the selected object on this dialog, the shapes of the alias objects ALS1 and ALS4 are changed from a square to an ellipse. The changed shape can be arbitrarily selected.

Alternatively, referring to FIG. 13F, the user places the displayed cursor CRS on the first alias object (alias object ALS1) on the selection tray, and then performs a click operation on the mouse (typically right Click), and after this, the cursor CRS is placed on the second alias object (alias object ALS4) and a mouse click operation (typically right click) is performed. A linkage LNK that visually represents that the objects are associated is added.

In this way, the user places the alias objects in a certain position, selects the alias objects that are to be operated at once by a simple selection range specification operation, and changes the color of the alias objects belonging to the same category. It is easy to perform complex and complex operations such as changing the shape of alias objects that have been reselected at different angles, and connecting alias objects that you want to emphasize that are related to each other with lines. it can. Note that these operation contents can be reflected in the associated entity objects on the workspace.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, a description will be given of a preview function that is effective when an operation on an alias object on the selection tray is reflected on an actual object on the workspace.

As shown in FIG. 14A, when the alias object ALS1 is selected on the selection tray, it is assumed that the user performs some change operation on the alias object ALS1. The alias object ALS1 is assumed to be associated with the entity object OBJ4 on the workspace in the display window 150.

FIG. 14B shows a case where the user performs an operation to thicken the outer peripheral frame of the alias object ALS1. After performing such an operation, the user selects the “preview” button 174 displayed on the left side of the display window 170 with the cursor CRS or the like. Then, the display of the associated entity object OBJ4 on the workspace in the display window 150 is changed to a state in which the changed shape of the alias object ALS1 is reflected. That is, a preview display of the state when changes made to the alias object ALS1 are reflected on the associated entity object. By this preview display, the user can determine in advance whether or not the change made to the alias object may be reflected on the associated entity object.

<Functional configuration>
Next, referring to FIG. 15, a control structure for providing a work space according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a control structure realized by client device CL according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, the client device CL includes an input device 10, an output device 6, a processing unit 100, a WS storage unit 120, and an input / output control device 130 as control structures. Typically, the processing unit 100 and the input / output control device 130 are provided by the CPU 2 executing a program stored in advance in the HDD 12 after the CPU 2 develops the program in the memory 14. The WS storage unit 120 is provided as part of the area in the HDD 12.

Note that the input device 10, the output device 6, the processing unit 100, the WS storage unit 120, and the input / output control device 130 are not necessarily provided in the same client device CL, and may be provided dispersedly in a plurality of devices. . Further, the input / output control device 130 may be provided inside the input device 10 or the output device 6. Furthermore, other information such as between the input device 10 and the output device 6 and the input / output control device 130, between the input / output control device 130 and the processing unit 100, and between the processing unit 100 and the WS storage unit 120, etc. A processing device, a control unit, or the like may be mediated.

The input / output control device 130 interprets the content of the input signal received by the input device 10 and outputs a corresponding command to the processing unit 100. That is, the input / output control device 130 determines what kind of operation the user has performed on the input device 10. As a more specific example, the input / output control device 130 determines which object on the workspace has been selected, which button has been pressed, click operation and drag operation by mouse click or drag. Interpret the contents such as.

Also, the input / output control device 130 generates an output signal based on the information from the processing unit 100 and sends it to the output device 6. As a more specific example, the input / output control device 130 may perform any display on any part of the displayed screen in accordance with an object operation or a view change operation performed by the user on the workspace. The output signal is generated (rendered) by determining whether it is good.

The processing unit 100 governs the entire process of providing a workspace according to the present embodiment. The processing unit 100 is synchronized with the operation management unit 102, the view management unit 104, the object management unit 106, the tray management unit 108, the WS space management unit 110, the WS input / output unit 112, and the WS work memory 114. And a management unit 116.

The operation management unit 102 determines the requested processing content based on the information sent from the input / output control device 130, and according to the determination result, the view management unit 104, the object management unit 106, the tray management unit 108, A command is given to corresponding parts of the WS space management unit 110, the WS input / output unit 112, and the synchronization management unit 116. More specifically, when the received operation content is creation of a new workspace, reset of a workspace, deletion of a workspace, etc., the operation management unit 102 issues an instruction to the WS space management unit 110 and sets the WS. Processing is executed in the space management unit 110. When the received operation content is editing such as movement / content change / decoration change for an object, creation / deletion of a new object, the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction to the object management unit 106 to The management unit 106 is caused to execute processing. If the received operation content is a view change, the operation management unit 102 instructs the view management unit 104 to cause the view management unit 104 to execute processing. Further, when the received operation content is reading or writing of a workspace, the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction to the WS input / output unit 112 to cause the WS input / output unit 112 to execute processing. In addition, the operation management unit 102 displays the selected operation, such as displaying a selected tray, adding an object to the selected tray, editing an object on the selected tray such as movement, content change, decoration change, and the like. In the case of deletion, an instruction is given to the tray management unit 108 to cause the tray management unit 108 to execute processing.

The WS work memory 114 stores WS information 114a for providing a work space and tray information 114b for providing a tray function. The WS information 114a and the tray information 114b are updated as needed in accordance with user operations and processing in each unit.

The WS space management unit 110 manages the creation and / or deletion of the WS information 114a in the WS work memory 114 in accordance with an instruction from the operation management unit 102.

The object management unit 106 updates the content (description) of the WS information 114 a stored in the WS work memory 114 in accordance with an instruction from the operation management unit 102. Here, when the same work space is provided by a plurality of client devices CL, the synchronization management unit 116 communicates with other client devices CL periodically or whenever some event occurs. The WS information 114a in the WS work memory 114 is updated (synchronized).

The view management unit 104 is based on information included in the view range specified by the user among the information defined in the WS information 114a stored in the WS work memory 114 in accordance with an instruction from the operation management unit 102. And rendering processing.

The WS input / output unit 112 reads the WS information 120a stored in the WS storage unit 120 in accordance with an instruction from the operation management unit 102, or stores the WS information using the WS information 114a stored in the WS work memory 114. The WS information 120a stored in the unit 120 is updated. The WS storage unit 120 stores the WS information 120a in a nonvolatile manner, and continuously holds the WS information 120a even after an application that provides a work space is shut down.

The tray management unit 108 creates tray information 114b in the WS work memory 114 in accordance with an instruction from the operation management unit 102, and further updates the contents of the tray information 114b as appropriate. Hereinafter, processing in the tray management unit 108 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16A to 16C and FIG.

16 to 16C are diagrams showing an example of the contents of the tray information according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the content of the WS information 114a in which the content of the tray information illustrated in FIG. 16B is reflected.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the user drags and drops an arbitrary object on the workspace to the display window 170, tray information 114b as shown in FIG. 16A is generated.

Referring to FIG. 16A, the tray information 114b is recorded in a state in which the display position on the selected tray is associated with information that uniquely identifies the entity object that is the reference destination of the alias object. More specifically, information for uniquely specifying an alias object on the selected tray is described by a <select_object id => tag and a </ select_object> tag (reference numeral 350). In addition, the <text id = x = y => tag and </ text> (reference numeral 351) identify the entity object on the workspace that is referenced to the associated alias object, and the alias object on the selection area. A position is specified.

That is, in the example shown in FIG. 16A, since “text id = 4” is defined, among the entity objects defined in the WS information 114a shown in FIG. 4, the object OBJ4 is interpreted as a reference destination. That is, the description 314 of the WS information 114a shown in FIG. 4 defines that the identification number is “4” in the <object id> tag, and “text id = 4” defined in the tray information 114b. Associated with.

Thus, in the tray information 114b, identification information for specifying the entity object is held in association with the alias object.

As shown in FIG. 16A, for the alias object added to the selection tray, basically, the entity object of the reference destination is specified. Therefore, the tray management unit 108 refers to the WS information 114a when referring to the WS information 114a when displaying the contents on the selected tray in order to notify the user of the state of the reference destination entity object. Get the attributes about. Then, the alias object is displayed according to the acquired attribute. Also, the tray management unit 108 refers to the WS information 114a periodically or every time an event occurs, and if the attribute of the reference object is changed, the display of the alias object is changed. Update the display according to. By adopting such a display method, the user can easily recognize which entity object on the workspace is associated with each alias object selected on the selection tray. In addition, when an instruction is given to reflect any changes made to the selected alias object on the selection tray, whether or not the reflection processing has been executed correctly and which change contents are on the workspace. It can be easily confirmed whether it is reflected.

As a display method of the alias object, the display mode including the size of the actual object on the workspace may be applied as it is, or the size may be changed at a predetermined enlargement / reduction ratio or set to a predetermined fixed size. The size may be changed so that Alternatively, if it can be determined that the entity object on the workspace can be identified and the status can be confirmed based on the shape and decoration alone, only the shape and decoration of the alias object can be displayed or displayed on the workspace. The alias object on the selection tray is limited to some attributes so that the decoration and the pattern, image, etc. that are the contents of the entity object do not correspond (for example, the interior of the alias is filled). You may make it express. How to display the alias object may be set in advance by the tray management unit 108 or may be set each time according to the user's designation.

The tray management unit 108 updates the tray information 114b according to the content of the user performing a change operation on the alias object on the selected tray. For example, in FIG. 13F described above, the background color of the alias object ALS1 is changed to “yellow” and the shape thereof is changed to “ellipse”. The contents of the tray information 114b corresponding to the alias object ALS1 are shown in FIG. 16B.

16A and 16B are compared, it can be seen that

descriptions

352, 353, and 354 are added to the tray information 114b. The description 352 specifies the background color when the corresponding alias object ALS1 is displayed. That is, the background color ("yellow" indicating yellow in the case of FIG. 16B) is specified by the <bg_color> tag and the </ bg_color> tag. The description 353 specifies the shape when the corresponding alias object ALS1 is displayed. That is, the shape (“ellipse” indicating an ellipse in the case of FIG. 16B) is specified by the <shape> tag and the </ shape> tag.

Next, when the user performs an operation of reflecting the change content for the alias object on the selected tray on the associated entity object on the workspace, the tray management unit 108 changes the change content in the tray information 114b to the operation management unit. The data is output to the object management unit 106 via 102. That is, the tray management unit 108 outputs the contents of the

descriptions

352 and 353 shown in FIG. 16B to the object management unit 106 together with the identification number (id) of the reference object. The object management unit 106 updates the description of the entity object having the specified identification number among the contents included in the WS information 114a in accordance with the change contents received from the tray management part 108. An example of the WS information 114a reflecting the changed content shown in FIG. 16B is shown in FIG.

4 is compared with FIG. 17, it can be seen that the content of the description 314 defining the entity object OBJ4 is updated to the description 314A. In the description 314A, a definition substantially the same as the contents of the

descriptions

352 and 353 defined in FIG. 16B is added. By updating the WS information 114a, changes made to the alias object on the selected tray are reflected in the associated entity object. Note that after the changed content is reflected on the entity object, the tray management unit 108 updates the content of the tray information 114b to the content shown in FIG. 16A. That is, since the change content is reflected in the entity object that is the reference destination of the alias object, it is only necessary to display the alias object with reference to the entity object in which the change content is reflected.

In addition to the description example of the tray information 114b shown in FIG. 16B, various displays and decorations as shown below can be given to the alias object.

18A and 18B are diagrams showing a description example of tray information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13F described above, when displaying an association LNK that visually represents that alias objects are associated with each other, contents as shown in FIG. 18A are added. That is, on the selected tray, the linking LNK itself is newly generated as a new object. In the example shown in FIG. 18A, it is defined in the <object id> tag that the object is a new object whose identification number is “5”. As the definition content of this object, the line type used for the linking LNK (in the case of FIG. 18A, “arrow” indicating a unidirectional arrow) is specified by the <type> tag and the </ type> tag. . In addition, the <connect_obj1_id = </ >> tag designates an alias object (in the case of FIG. 18A, an alias object ALS2 having id = "2") that starts the association LNK. At the same time, the <connect_obj2_id = </ >> tag designates an alias object (in the case shown in FIG. 18A, an alias object ALS4 having id = "4") that ends the linking LNK. In this way, an object that associates alias objects is added.

FIG. 18B shows a description example in which the character “ABC” added on the selection tray is blinked as another decoration form. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 18B, the characters to be blinked are specified in the <blink> tag and the </ blink> tag.

In the WS information 114a and the tray information 114b according to the present embodiment, a tag that is standardized as an HTML format can be used in addition to a tag arbitrarily defined according to the XML format.

In the above description, the case where the appearance of display or decoration (blinking, bordering, color conversion, thickening, etc.) is defined as a tag is exemplified. However, for example, a “user intention” such as a <warning> tag is used. Or “effect” may be defined as a tag. By using such a tag, for example, one user may imagine "blinking" as "warning", while another user has a feeling of warning when "thickening" rather than blinking, “Blinking” takes into consideration that there may be an image of “recommended”. In this case, you may make it change the display content allocated to the same tag for every client apparatus CL which each user uses. In this case, each user can freely select a display method that he / she feels, for example, “warning”. As a result, even if the same tag is used to define the client devices CL that share the workspace, each client device CL can be used for the feeling of the user who uses the client device CL. It will be displayed with a combined decoration, which is preferable.

Next, the preview function will be described with reference to FIGS. 16B and 16C. The tray information 114b illustrated in FIG. 16B includes a description 354 for providing a preview function. In the <preview> tag and the </ preview> tag in the description 354, “NULL” indicating that no operation is performed is described as an initial value.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14B described above, when the user performs some change operation on the alias object on the selection tray and selects the “preview” button 174 displayed on the left side of the display window 170. The tray management unit 108 inputs a command line describing the contents to be previewed in the <preview> tag and the </ preview> tag shown in FIG. 16B. A state in which this command line is input is shown in FIG. 16C. 16C includes a description 354A in which a command line corresponding to the

descriptions

352 and 353 in FIG. 16B is inserted. In the description 354A, a command is described such as “command” + “id of the target entity object” + “attribute value after change”. In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 16C, “change_bg_color” is a command for changing the background color, “4” is an identification number (id) for specifying the target entity object, and “yellow” is the value after the change. The background color.

Subsequently, the tray management unit 108 notifies the view management unit 104 that the preview function has been designated. Then, the view management unit 104 refers to the WS information 114a, changes the display attribute in accordance with the command line, and renders it. Note that the view management unit 104 only displays a change according to the command line, and the actual WS information 114a is not changed until the change is instructed by the user.

<Processing procedure>
Next, with reference to FIG. 19, a processing procedure related to provision of a workspace according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for providing a workspace according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Each step shown in FIG. 19 is typically performed by the CPU 2 executing a program. That is, it is executed by functions corresponding to the respective units shown in FIG. It is assumed that the workspace has already been created.

Referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 15, the operation management unit 102 determines whether or not new creation / change / deletion of an object has been operated by the user (step S100). If new creation / change / deletion of an object has not been operated by the user (NO in step S100), the process proceeds to step S104.

On the other hand, when a new creation / change / deletion of an object is operated by the user (YES in step S100), the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction corresponding to the user operation to the object management unit 106. In response to this instruction, the object management unit 106 changes the WS information 114a stored in the WS work memory 114 (step S102). Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the operation management unit 102 determines whether or not the view change has been operated by the user. If the view change has not been operated by the user (NO in step S104), the process proceeds to step S108.

On the other hand, when the view change is operated by the user (YES in step S104), the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction corresponding to the user operation to the view management unit 104. In response to this instruction, the view management unit 104 performs rendering based on information included in the view range designated by the user among the information defined in the WS information 114a stored in the WS work memory 114. Processing is performed (step S106). Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the operation management unit 102 determines whether or not the activation of the tray function has been operated by the user. If validation of the tray function has not been operated by the user (NO in step S108), the process proceeds to step S112.

On the other hand, when activation of the tray function is operated by the user (YES in step S108), the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction according to the user operation to the tray management unit 108. In response to this instruction, the tray management unit 108 displays a display window 170 indicating the selected tray on the output device 6 (step S110). Then, the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S112, the operation management unit 102 determines whether an operation of dropping any object on the workspace onto the selection tray has been performed. If any object on the workspace has not been dropped onto the selection tray (NO in step S112), the process proceeds to step S116.

On the other hand, when an operation of dropping any object on the workspace onto the selected tray is performed (YES in step S112), the operation management unit 102 instructs the tray management unit 108 according to a user operation. give. In response to this instruction, the tray management unit 108 adds the contents associated with the dropped object among the contents described in the WS information 114a to the tray information 114b (step S114). At this time, if the tray information 114b is not yet stored in the WS work memory 114, the tray management unit 108 newly creates the tray information 114b. Then, the process proceeds to step S116.

In step S116, the operation management unit 102 determines whether or not the user has changed or deleted the alias object on the selected tray. If changing / deleting of the alias object on the selection tray is not operated by the user (NO in step S116), the process proceeds to step S120.

On the other hand, when the change / deletion of the alias object is operated by the user (YES in step S116), the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction corresponding to the user operation to the tray management unit 108. In response to this instruction, the tray management unit 108 changes the tray information 114b stored in the WS work memory 114 (step S118). Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the operation management unit 102 determines whether the preview of the alias object on the selected tray has been operated by the user. If the preview of the alias object on the selection tray is not operated by the user (NO in step S120), the process proceeds to step S126.

On the other hand, when the preview of the alias object is operated by the user (YES in step S120), the operation management unit 102 gives an instruction according to the user operation to the tray management unit 108. In response to this instruction, the tray management unit 108 changes the contents of the <preview> tag of the tray information 114b stored in the WS work memory 114 (step S122). Then, the tray management unit 108 notifies the view management unit 104 of the content change of the <preview> tag of the tray information 114b. In response to this notification, the view management unit 104 refers to the WS information 114a, changes the display attribute according to the content of the <preview> tag of the tray information 114b, and performs a rendering process (step S124). . Then, the process proceeds to step S126.

In step S126, it is determined whether or not the reflection of the change contents for the alias object on the selected tray on the entity object has been operated by the user. If the change contents for the alias object on the selection tray are not reflected on the entity object (NO in step S126), the process returns.

On the other hand, when the change operation for the alias object on the selected tray is reflected on the actual object by the user (YES in step S126), the operation management unit 102 causes the tray management unit 108 to respond to the user operation. Give instructions. In response to this instruction, the tray management unit 108 outputs the change contents in the tray information 114b stored in the WS work memory 114 to the object management unit 106 (step S128). In response to the output of the changed content, the object management unit 106 updates the description of the entity object having the specified identification number among the contents included in the WS information 114a (step S130). Then, the process returns.

<Operation / Effects of First Embodiment>
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to selectively handle only necessary objects without affecting objects already created on the workspace.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the contents and display state of the actual object associated with the alias object can be visually recognized even during the selection operation of the alias object or in the selected state. Therefore, it is possible to always understand the meaning of the target object, and as a result, an extra operation such as confirming the meaning of the target object is unnecessary, so that the work can be continued without interrupting the thinking.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when a work space is vast, even if a plurality of entity objects exist in a wide range and discretely, all the target objects considered necessary by the user are And it can be confirmed with understanding the contents.

In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, work such as arranging closely related objects close to each other on the selection tray or arranging them with the same display size is arranged in the workspace. This can be done without affecting the upper entity object. At the same time, such a work result on the selection tray can be used as it is, and a target object and edit contents can be subsequently determined and operated. Furthermore, the editing content for such an alias object can be easily reflected in the associated entity object.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the operation for further narrowing down the alias objects is performed after checking the selection state and arrangement state of the plurality of alias objects existing on the selection tray, and the necessary aliases are also displayed. An operation for categorizing (classifying) objects can be easily performed. For example, when there are four alias objects A, B, C, and D on the selection tray, the display mode of the alias object A is set to border / bold / enlarged, and the alias object B is set to The display mode can be set to border / enlarge, the display mode can be set to bold / enlarge for the alias object C, and the display mode can be set to bold only for the alias object D. Further, in order to instruct such a complex operation, the alias objects A and B are selected to indicate “Bordering”, and then the alias objects A and C are selected to indicate “Bold”. In addition, all of the alias objects A to D are selected, and “enlargement” is instructed. Therefore, even when a complex operation is instructed, it can be performed efficiently.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment described above, the tray function that can be applied to both the configuration in which a plurality of client devices CL share a workspace and the configuration in which a workspace is provided on a single client device CL is illustrated. did. On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, a tray function suitable for a configuration in which a plurality of client devices CL share a work space will be described.

Schematic configuration diagram of information processing system 1000 for providing a work space according to the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 1, and thus detailed description will not be repeated. The schematic hardware configurations of the client device CL and the server device SRV are also the same as those in FIG. 2, and thus detailed description will not be repeated. In addition, the work space handled in the present embodiment is the same as in FIG. 3 and the like, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

<Configuration>
FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a control structure realized by client device CL according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a control structure realized by server SRV according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing data exchange in the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the control structure of client device CL according to the present embodiment is the same as the control structure of client device CL according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. It was changed to store. As will be described later, the shared tray information 114c is held in synchronization with another client device CL, similarly to the WS information 114a.

Referring to FIG. 21, server SRV according to the present embodiment includes WS work memory 214 and synchronization management unit 216 as its control structure. The WS work memory 214 stores WS information 214a for providing a work space and shared tray information 214c for providing a tray function. The WS information 214a and the shared tray information 214c are respectively synchronized with the WS information 114a and the shared tray information 114c shown in FIG.

The synchronization management unit 216 mediates synchronization processing between the client devices CL. More specifically, the synchronization management unit 216 stores the change in the WS work memory 214 when any of the WS information 114a and the shared tray information 114c is changed in any of the client devices CL. Is reflected in the current WS information 214a and the shared tray information 214c. Further, the synchronization manager 216 distributes the changed WS information 214a and shared tray information 214c to the other client devices CL, respectively. By this series of processing, synchronization processing between the client devices CL is realized.

Referring to FIG. 22, the outline of the synchronization process described above is that synchronization is established between WS information 114a held by each of client devices CL1 to CLN and WS information 214a held by server device SRV, Synchronization is taken between the shared tray information 114c held by each of the client devices CL1 to CLN and the shared tray information 214c held by the server device SRV. On the other hand, the tray information 114b held by each of the client devices CL1 to CLN is not synchronized with any of the other client devices CL and the server device SRV.

That is, the tray information 114b is used exclusively for the user who uses the client device CL, and the shared tray information 114c is common to all the client devices CL and the server device SRV that configure the information processing system 1000. Used for.

Thus, by providing two types of tray functions with different properties, the user can perform intelligent creation work according to the situation. More specifically, by using the tray function provided based on the tray information 114b, the user can use his / her own mind and use the tray function provided based on the shared tray information 114c. Thus, users who use a plurality of client devices CL can collaborate on ideas.

<Operation example>
Next, a tray function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B. FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are diagrams (No. 1) for explaining an operation in the tray function on client device CL according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 24A and 24B are diagrams (No. 2) for explaining the operation in the tray function on client device CL according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, FIG. 24A, and FIG. 24B, it is assumed that the tray function according to the present embodiment is activated according to the same procedure as in FIG. That is, in FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, FIG. 24A, and FIG. 24B, a display window 170 indicating a selected tray (individual) and a display window 180 indicating a selected tray (shared) are displayed. The contents displayed on the display window 170 are defined by the tray information 114b and 214b, and the contents displayed on the display window 180 are defined by the shared

tray information

114c and 214c.

First, the selection tray (sharing) will be described with reference to FIGS. 23A and 23B. FIG. 23A shows a display example on the client device CL1, and FIG. 23B shows a display example on the other client devices CL2 to CLN.

As shown in FIG. 23A, the user of the client device CL1 drags and drops an arbitrary object on the workspace to the display window 180 (selection tray (shared)), so that a new one is displayed on the selected tray (shared). Assume that a new alias object ALS1 is added. With the addition of the alias object to the selected tray (shared), the shared tray information 114c held by the client device CL1 is changed, and the changed content of the shared tray information 114c is the shared tray information held by the server device SRV. Reflected in 214c. Furthermore, the contents of the change are reflected from the server SRV to the shared tray information 114c held by each of the other client apparatuses CL2 to CLN.

As a result, the alias objects added to the selection tray (shared) of the client device CL1 are synchronously displayed on the selected tray (shared) in each of the other client devices CL2 to CLN, as shown in FIG. 23B. Is done.

Next, the selected tray (individual) will be described with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B. FIG. 24A shows a display example on the client device CL1, and FIG. 24B shows a display example on the other client devices CL2 to CLN.

As shown in FIG. 24A, the user of the client device CL1 drags and drops an arbitrary object on the workspace to the display window 170 (selection tray (individual)), so that a new one is displayed on the selection tray (individual). Assume that a new alias object ALS1 is added. As the alias object is added to the selected tray (individual), the tray information 114b held by the client device CL1 is changed. However, the changed contents of the tray information 114b are not synchronized with other client devices CL and server devices SRV.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 24B, the alias object added to the selection tray (individual) of the client device CL1 is not displayed on the selection tray (individual) in each of the other client devices CL2 to CLN. That is, each selected tray (individual) of the client device CL is handled independently of the other client devices CL.

It should be noted that the timing of data transmission between the client device CL and the server device SRV, the client device CL to be transmitted, the transmission direction, the transmission content (whether or not all transmission is performed), etc. It can be arbitrarily set according to the configuration and performance of the system 1000.

<Operation / Effect of Embodiment 2>
According to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in addition to the operations and effects in Embodiment 1 described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained. That is, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in a group consisting of a plurality of members, when collaborative work is performed using a work space, a usage pattern in which the members individually think, and within the group It is possible to use different usage patterns that allow members to think about each other. Thereby, the intellectual creation work according to the situation can be performed.

[Embodiment 3]
In the first and second embodiments described above, a system having a so-called server client configuration has been illustrated. In contrast, in Embodiment 3, a so-called peer-to-peer system will be described.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 25 is a schematic configuration diagram of an information processing system 2000 for providing a work space according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 25, information processing system 2000 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of client devices CL1 to CLN which are a plurality of information processing devices connected to each other via a network NW so as to be able to perform data communication. That is, in the information processing system 2000 according to the present embodiment, there is no server device, and each client device CL exchanges data directly with all other client devices CL, and synchronization processing is performed. Complete etc. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, detailed description will not be repeated.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing data exchange in the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 26, the outline of the synchronization process according to the present embodiment is as follows: WS information 114a held by each of client devices CL1 to CLN and WS information 114a held by another client device CL. In addition, there is direct synchronization between the shared tray information 114c held by each of the client devices CL1 to CLN and the shared tray information 114c held by another client device CL. It is done.

FIG. 26 illustrates a configuration in which each of the client devices CL holds both the tray information 114b and the shared tray information 114c. However, as in the first embodiment, only the tray information 114b is held. You may make it do.

Note that the timing of data transmission between the client devices CL, the other client devices CL to be transmitted, the transmission direction, the transmission contents (whether or not all transmissions are transmitted), and the like. It can be arbitrarily set according to the configuration and performance of the.

<Preview function and change reflection confirmation process>
Hereinafter, description will be given of a preview function and a process for confirming reflection of changes after preview confirmation, which are suitable for a configuration in which WS information is synchronized among a plurality of client devices CL.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams for illustrating operations in the preview function on the client device CL according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

First, as shown in FIG. 27A, it is assumed that the alias object ALS1 is selected on the selection tray (individual). The alias object ALS1 is assumed to be associated with the entity object OBJ4 on the workspace in the display window 150. Consider a case where some change operation is performed on the alias object ALS1.

As shown in FIG. 27B, when the user selects a “preview” button 174 displayed on the left side of the display window 170 with a cursor CRS or the like, a dialog showing a list of operation commands for editing the alias object on the selected tray is displayed. Is done. This dialog includes a “color edit” button 174a for changing the background color / front color of the alias object, a “shape edit” button 174b for changing the shape and position of the alias object, and the contents of the alias object. A “content editing” button 174c for changing the decoration of the alias object, and a “display editing” button 174d for changing the decoration of the alias object. Further, this dialog includes a “confirm” button 174e for confirming the reflection of changes made to the alias object in the associated entity object.

Suppose that the user thickens the outer peripheral frame of the target alias object ALS by selecting the “display edit” button 174d on this dialog. Then, the display of the associated entity object OBJ4 on the workspace in the display window 150 is changed to a state in which the changed shape of the alias object ALS1 is reflected.

That is, when any of the buttons 174a to 174d is selected, an operation corresponding to the selected button is temporarily executed. In this temporary execution, only the display is changed without changing the associated entity file on the workspace. The user confirms the result of the provisional execution as described above, and selects the “confirm” button 174e when it is considered appropriate.

Therefore, if the user does not like the result of the preview display (provisional execution), it returns to the pre-provisional state after a predetermined time from the execution of the preview or by performing an operation for canceling (such as pressing the Esc button). Can do. Therefore, the user can rework another operation content without having a substantial effect on the object on the workspace. In order to distinguish between temporary execution and main execution, in the case of temporary execution, it is only necessary to temporarily add some display or decoration change such as blinking an object or changing the background color on the workspace.

Although the preview function related to the alias object added to the selection tray (individual) has been exemplified, the selection tray (sharing) is also processed, for example, by setting a priority according to time or a user. Thus, the preview result in each client device CL can be shared with other client devices CL.

FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure related to the preview function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 illustrates a processing procedure when the user of the client device CL1 uses the preview function.

Referring to FIG. 28, when the user drags and drops an arbitrary object on the workspace to the selection tray (sequence SQ100), client device CL1 includes information on the alias object associated with the object. As described above, the tray information is updated or newly created (sequence SQ102). Furthermore, the client device CL1 updates the display of the selected tray based on the updated or newly created tray information (sequence SQ104).

When the user performs a preview operation (sequence SQ106), the client device CL1 provisionally executes the contents of the preview operation and displays the preview result of the provisional execution (sequence SQ108). Thereafter, when a certain time has elapsed without any operation by the user, the client device CL1 cancels the contents of the temporary execution (sequence SQ110).

On the other hand, after the user performs a preview operation (sequence SQ112), subsequently, the client device CL1 provisionally executes the contents of the preview operation, and displays the result of the provisional execution (sequence SQ114). When the confirm button is pressed (sequence SQ116), the client apparatus CL1 updates WS information to reflect the contents of the provisional execution (sequence SQ118). Furthermore, the client device CL1 transmits the updated WS information to the other client devices CL2 to CLN, respectively (sequence SQ120). Subsequently, the client device CL1 updates the display of the work space and the selection tray based on the updated WS information (sequence SQ122).

On the other hand, each of client devices CL2 to CLN updates the WS information held by itself based on the updated WS information received from client device CL1 (sequence SQ124). Subsequently, each of client devices CL2 to CLN updates the display of the work space and the selected tray based on the updated WS information (sequence SQ126).

Other configurations and processes are the same as in the first or second embodiment described above, and thus detailed description will not be repeated.

<Operation / Effect of Embodiment 3>
According to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in addition to the operations and effects in Embodiment 1 described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained. That is, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, by using the preview function, it is possible to proceed with the work while confirming the state in which the execution result of the operation performed by the user is finally reflected in the entity object. That is, in a system in which the execution result of an operation performed by the user only on the selected tray is confirmed, and when the contents are actually reflected in the actual object on the workspace, the execution result is not recognized until the user Although it may be necessary to redo the image because it is different from the assumed image, such an inconvenience does not occur according to the present embodiment. As a result, it is possible to reduce the interruption of information organization work and collaborative work due to redoing, etc., and to proceed intelligent creation work more efficiently.

Further, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, since a peer-to-peer configuration is adopted, even in a place where a server cannot be connected such as outside the company, only the terminals of members who need to share work are connected. Can work together.

[Other embodiments]
The program according to the present invention may be a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and that calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. . In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

Furthermore, the program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

The provided program is installed and executed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk. The program is stored in a non-transitory recording medium and distributed.

Furthermore, part or all of the functions realized by the program according to the present invention may be configured by dedicated hardware.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

2 CPU, 4 internal bus, 6 output device, 8 communication interface, 10 input device, 12 hard disk (HDD), 14 memory, 16 CD-ROM drive, 16a CD-ROM, 18 flexible disk (FD) drive, 18a flexible disk , 100 processing unit, 102 operation management unit, 104 view management unit, 106 object management unit, 108 tray management unit, 110 space management unit, 112 input / output unit, 114, 214 work memory, 116, 216 synchronization management unit, 120 WS Storage unit, 130 input / output control device, CL, CL1 to CLN client device, NW network, SRV server device.

Claims

An information processing system (1000, 2000) that provides a virtual work space accessible by a plurality of users,
A plurality of information processing devices (SRV, CL1, CL2,..., CLN) connected so as to be able to communicate with each other
Each of the plurality of information processing devices
Synchronization means (106, 114, 116) for synchronizing and holding the first information (114a) defining the virtual workspace and the first object included in the virtual workspace,
At least one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses is
First display means (6, 104) for displaying part or all of the contents of the virtual work space to the user based on the first information;
In response to a user operation, second display means for displaying a second object associated with the first object in a display area distinguished from display of a part or all of the contents of the virtual work space ( 6, 108),
The second display means includes
When the addition of the second object to the display area is instructed, means for initially displaying the instructed second object in a display mode substantially the same as the display mode of the corresponding first object (S114). )When,
An information processing system including means (S118) for changing the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.
The first information is:
A description (311 to 315) defining identification information associated with the first object and an entity of the first object;
The second display means includes
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising means (S114) for holding the identification information for specifying the first object in association with the second object.
The second display means includes
The information according to claim 1, further comprising means (S118) for changing a position of the second object in the display area independently of the first object in response to a user operation. Processing system.
The second display means includes
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising means (S118) for changing a display mode of the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.
The second display means can display a plurality of the second objects in the display area,
The second display means includes
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising means (S118) for adding an object that associates the second objects with each other in response to a user operation.
At least one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses is
The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising reflecting means (S128, S130) for reflecting changes made to the first object in the first object in response to a user operation. .
An information processing device (CL1, CL2,..., CLN) that provides a virtual work space,
Holding means (114) for holding first information (114a) defining the virtual work space and a first object included in the virtual work space;
First display means (6, 104) for displaying part or all of the contents of the virtual work space to the user based on the first information;
In response to a user operation, second display means for displaying a second object associated with the first object in a display area distinguished from display of a part or all of the contents of the virtual work space ( 6, 108),
The second display means includes
When the addition of the second object to the display area is instructed, means for initially displaying the instructed second object in a display mode substantially the same as the display mode of the corresponding first object (S114). )When,
An information processing apparatus comprising: means (S118) for changing the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.
The first information is:
A description (311 to 315) defining identification information associated with the first object and an entity of the first object;
The second display means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means (S114) for holding the identification information for specifying the first object in association with the second object.
The second display means includes
The information according to claim 7, further comprising means (S118) for changing a position of the second object in the display area independently of the first object in response to a user operation. Processing equipment.
The second display means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means (S118) for changing a display mode of the second object independently of the first object in response to a user operation.
The second display means can display a plurality of the second objects in the display area,
The second display means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising means (S118) for adding an object that associates the second objects with each other in response to a user operation.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising reflecting means (S128, S130) for reflecting changes made to the first object in the first object in response to a user operation. .
An information processing method for providing a virtual work space accessible by a plurality of users using a plurality of computers connected to each other so as to be capable of data communication,
Synchronizing (S102) first information (114a) defining the virtual work space and a first object included in the virtual work space among the plurality of computers;
In any one of the plurality of computers, displaying a part or all of the contents of the virtual work space based on the first information (S106);
Receiving a user instruction to add a second object associated with the first object to a display area distinct from the display of a part or all of the contents of the virtual workspace (S112);
An initial display of the instructed second object in a display mode substantially the same as the display mode of the corresponding first object (S114);
Receiving a user instruction for the second object (S116);
An information processing method comprising: changing the second object independently of the first object according to a user instruction (S118).
The first information is:
A description (311 to 315) defining identification information associated with the first object and an entity of the first object;
The information processing method includes:
The information processing method according to claim 13, further comprising a step (S114) of holding the identification information for specifying the first object in association with the second object.
The step of changing includes
14. The information processing method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of changing a position of the second object in the display area independently of the first object in response to a user instruction.
The step of changing includes
The information processing method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of changing a display mode of the second object independently of the first object in response to a user instruction.
The step of changing includes
The information processing method according to claim 13, comprising a step of adding an object that associates the plurality of second objects displayed in the display area in response to a user instruction.
The information processing method includes:
14. The information processing method according to claim 13, further comprising a step (S128, S130) of reflecting changes made to the first object in the first object in response to a user instruction.