JP2002366973A - Method for generating object, method for selecting and controlling generated object and object data structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an object generating method capable of realizing various user interfaces so as to freely make an object included in selection objects in accordance with the existence environment, etc., of the object, a method for selecting and controlling an object generated by the method and an object data structure. SOLUTION: A step for generating a plurality of objects each having an optional shape and subsequently setting and holding a reference to be selected for deciding whether each of the objects is included in operation objects individually or collectively in each object with respect to a selection operation event displayed on a display device is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for generating a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object to be displayed on a display device screen by a computer program, and to a selection operation event such as a mouse click operation (pointing operation) on the generated object. It relates to a selection control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a computer graphics application for operating a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object, an object to be operated is usually designated by operating a mouse. Conventionally, in such an application, an interface for a user to specify an object to be operated has been fixed by a specification unit unique to the application. For example, 3
When the three-dimensional object b is contained inside the dimensional object a, if a is opaque, b hidden inside cannot be selected. That is, it is fixed by the specifying means that “the internal object of the opaque object cannot be specified”. It had been.

[0003]

However, in the prior art, as long as the three-dimensional object a is opaque, the user cannot specify the three-dimensional object b hidden inside. Therefore, a special building x (X
Suppose that the user wants to add a transparent perspective building) and specify the internal three-dimensional object b even if the three-dimensional object a is opaque inside, that is, "can also specify the internal object of the opaque object". Even in this case, if the three-dimensional object a is present in a normal building, the three-dimensional object b cannot be selected as long as the three-dimensional object a is opaque. That is, it is desired to add a building having a new object designation format that the application did not initially anticipate, and to allow buildings having various designation formats to coexist in the same application.

However, in the prior art, which object is selected is uniquely determined according to the logic predetermined by the application. Therefore, objects not described by the logic are always excluded from selection. In addition, there is a problem that it is not possible to provide various user interfaces such that the same selection method is always applied as an unspecified object, and the user can freely include the three-dimensional object as a selection target according to the existence environment of the three-dimensional object. .

A first object of the present invention is to provide a method of generating an object capable of realizing various user interfaces such that the object can be freely selected according to the environment in which the object exists and the like, and an object generated by the method. An object of the present invention is to provide a selection control method and a data structure of an object.

[0006] On the other hand, when an object to be operated is specified by a mouse operation, many interfaces for the user to specify the object to be operated are difficult to select an object that is not visible to the user. It is difficult to select an object that is completely hidden by the object on the near side (viewpoint side).
This causes a difficulty in the selection operation when the objects are overlapped on the screen in the computer graphics application for operating the shape object regardless of whether the object is two-dimensional or three-dimensional. I have.

In such a case, in order to select an object completely obscured by the object on the near side, an operation such as moving the object on the near side or changing the overlapping order of the objects is performed. Therefore, a procedure of temporarily visualizing the hidden object and performing a selection operation in this visualized state is required. After performing the operation of selecting the target object, move to visualize before selecting,
Or, a procedure was required to restore the changed overlapping order to the original state. Also, even if the object on the front side is visualized by making it semi-transparent and there is no need to perform a physical change operation on the object as described above, the visualized object is different from the image of the actual object. It was apparent that the operability for the user to select the intended object was poor, and the wrong object was often selected.

[0008] A second object of the present invention is to prepare for an original operation of "selection of an object to be operated".
An object of the present invention is to provide an object selection control method capable of realizing a user interface for allowing a user to easily and reliably select a desired object without changing the physical position and arrangement state of a target object group. .

[0009]

In order to achieve the first object, a method for generating an object according to the present invention comprises the steps of: generating a plurality of objects having an arbitrary shape; The method further comprises a step of setting and holding a selection criterion for determining whether each object is included in the operation target for the selection operation event individually or collectively for each object. The selection criterion includes a selection criterion for determining whether another object related to each object is to be operated. Further, as the selection criterion, there is provided a selection criterion for determining that the own object or another object is preferentially selected as an operation target. Further, as the selection criterion, there is provided a reaction criterion for determining whether or not to react to a selection operation event. Further, the present invention is characterized in that the selected reference is set and held as a function.

[0010] In the object selection control method according to the present invention, a plurality of objects holding a selection criterion for a selection operation event are displayed on a display device, and which object is selected in response to the selection operation event for the displayed object. A selection control method of an object for controlling whether to select a selection operation event, wherein a selection operation event on a display screen is present in a selection candidate object group determined according to a position of the selection operation event according to a preset rule. Communicating to all objects;
Receiving a response from the transmitted object, and selecting one or a plurality of objects satisfying a preset selection condition from the contents of the response as an operation target. And, as the selection condition,
A condition for selecting an object whose display color is opaque and located closest to the viewpoint is set. Further, a condition for selecting an object located closest to the viewpoint regardless of a display color is set as the selection condition. Further, the selection condition includes a condition for selecting an object located closest to the viewpoint from among objects for which a response is set as a response criterion for a selection operation event.

[0011] The data structure of the object according to the present invention comprises a first data portion defining an arbitrary shape, and a object determining whether each object is to be included in the operation target in response to a selection operation event in a state displayed on the display device. The second data part of the selection criterion is held. And
The second data part is stored as a function.

In order to achieve the second object, the object selection control method according to the present invention displays a plurality of objects on a display device, and selects any object in response to a selection operation event on the displayed object. A selection control method for selecting whether or not to select the object of interest, wherein a means for recognizing one or more specific objects among the objects displayed on the screen as the object of interest; Means for switching to the object of interest, means for informing the user of the object of interest by a specific notification mode, and means for fixing the object of interest at that time as a selected object by a specific opportunity. It is characterized by having.

[0013] The present invention is characterized in that a user's specific operation is used as an opportunity for switching the object of interest. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a mouse click operation is used as a trigger for switching the object of interest. Further, as a trigger of the object switching,
It is characterized in that pressing of a specific key is triggered. Also,
It is characterized in that the switching of the object of interest is triggered by the passage of a certain period of time. Also, the present invention is characterized in that the object of interest switching is triggered by the passage of a certain period of time in a state where the mouse pressing operation is continued. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a user's specific operation is used as an opportunity for deciding the selected object. Also, the present invention is characterized in that a mouse click operation is used as a trigger for deciding the selected object. Further, the present invention is characterized in that pressing of a specific key is a trigger as a trigger for determining the selected object. Also, the present invention is characterized in that a predetermined period of time elapses as a trigger for the selection object determination. Further, the present invention is characterized in that, as a trigger for the selection of the selected object, a certain period of time elapses in a state where the mouse pressing operation is continued.

Further, as the notice mode of the object of interest, the object of interest is highlighted. Further, as the notification mode of the target object, a number indicating the number of the target object from the viewpoint side is displayed near the mouse cursor. Further, as the notification mode of the target object, the shape of the target object is displayed near a mouse cursor. Further, as a notice mode of the object of interest, a color of the object of interest is displayed near a mouse cursor. Further, as a method of notifying the object of interest, a mouse cursor is changed to a shape of the object of interest. Further, as the notification mode of the object of interest,
The color of the mouse cursor is changed to the color of the object of interest. Further, as the notification mode of the target object, the object on the viewpoint side of the target object is changed to be transparent, and the target object is highlighted. Further, as the notification mode of the object of interest, an object on the viewpoint side of the object of interest is changed to a wire frame display,
In addition, the object of interest is highlighted. Further, as the notification mode of the target object, the target object is highlighted and displayed on the screen without clipping from other objects. Further, as a notice mode of the target object, an object in a state where a viewpoint is moved to a position immediately before the target object is displayed. In addition, before the decision trigger, the whole or a part of the object is displayed translucently.

[0015] In other words, the method of generating a three-dimensional object according to the present invention, in other words, after generating a plurality of three-dimensional objects having an arbitrary shape, responds to a selection operation event in a state displayed on the display device. It can be said that the method includes a step of setting and holding individually or collectively a selection right determination process for determining whether an object is included in the operation target for each three-dimensional object.

According to the present invention, for example, a normal building object is associated with a selection criterion that “internal objects of opaque objects cannot be specified”, and a special building object to be newly added is A new selection criterion such that an internal object of an opaque object can also be specified "is associated. The application that selects the operation target provides different user interfaces according to buildings by executing selection processing according to the selection criteria associated with these buildings when specifying objects existing inside each building can do.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a nested structure of a three-dimensional object having a criterion to be selected. For example, it is assumed that a room object exists inside a certain building object, and the selection criteria of “the internal object of the opaque object cannot be specified” and “the internal object of the opaque object can be specified” respectively correspond. At this time, "objects inside the opaque object cannot be specified" are applied to objects existing outside the room inside the building, and "objects inside the opaque object can also be specified" are applied to objects existing inside the room. . Therefore,
Different user interfaces can be realized such that each three-dimensional object is selectable or non-selectable inside and outside the building. That is, the three-dimensional object side can provide a variety of user interfaces with the initiative, and the application side selects, for example, the object closest to the viewpoint side from among the three-dimensional objects listed as selection candidates based on the selection criteria. You only need to have simple logic.

Further, according to the present invention, in order to visualize an object which is currently hidden by another object and is not visible, all the objects are temporarily made, for example, semi-transparent. Thereafter, the object to be selected is highlighted to highlight the object. At this time, not only the object itself is highlighted, but also the features of the object are expressed in another additional display form, the object to be selected is further clarified, and whether or not the user performs the selected object determination operation is determined. Help make decisions easier. The present invention can be applied to both a two-dimensional object and a three-dimensional object in common.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an object generation method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a case where a three-dimensional object is generated will be described as a representative. FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure for generating a three-dimensional object to which the present invention is applied. First, a three-dimensional object 10 is generated (step S11). The generation processing of the three-dimensional object is performed, for example, in "Interactive 3D software construction system -IntelligentBox-" (by Yoshihiro Okada and Joe Tanaka: separate volume of computer software; Vol. 12, No. 4 (1955), PP. 8).
It is generated using the technique proposed in 4-94). The generated three-dimensional object 10 includes color, transparency, coordinate conversion matrix, and shape data as common attribute items 11. The color data is composed of R, G, and B values, and the transparency data is composed of step values from 0 (transparent) to 255 (opaque). The coordinate conversion matrix is composed of determinant data for converting coordinate data expressed in the local coordinate system into coordinate data in the world coordinate system. Further, the shape data is constituted by coordinate data (local coordinate system or world coordinate system) of each vertex of the three-dimensional object. When a three-dimensional object having a curved surface portion such as a cylinder is generated by polygonal approximation, the three-dimensional object is configured by the respective vertex coordinate data.

The local coordinate system is a coordinate system that independently represents the shape of the three-dimensional object 10 as shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 2. The world coordinate system is a three-dimensional space in which the three-dimensional object is arranged. The coordinate system to define. The three-dimensional object 10 placed in the three-dimensional space defined by the world coordinate system is converted into a two-dimensional figure by projection and displayed on the display device screen. It is the projection plane coordinate system that defines the projection plane that projects the three-dimensional object 10 arranged in the world coordinate system. The three-dimensional object (two-dimensional projection image) projected on the projection plane has the point of gaze as the origin, Z
It changes according to the support axis direction in the viewpoint coordinate system whose axis is the support axis direction.

When displaying a three-dimensional object on the display device screen, a visual field seen from the viewpoint is set. A range seen from the viewpoint on the near side of the projection plane is set at the position of the front plane, and is set in the depth direction. Set the visible range at the position of the rear plane. A square pyramid-shaped three-dimensional space between the front plane and the rear plane is 3
This is the view volume of the dimensional object. In the embodiment according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the positions D1 and D2 of the projection plane and the rear plane are set based on the viewpoint position, and the three-dimensional object defined in the local coordinate system is defined on the world coordinate system. Of the two-dimensional projection image in the projection plane coordinate system is displayed on the projection plane.

Next, if the three-dimensional object 10 is generated (if it is arranged in the three-dimensional space as required),
A selection criterion for a selection operation event by a mouse operation is set (step S12). This selection criterion is set as a program using a function for determining the right of selection by each object by itself, as described later. The selection criterion 13 is the three-dimensional object 10 shown in FIG.
As shown in a plan view when viewed from the Y-axis direction, when the mouse cursor position P1 is positioned at an arbitrary position on the projection plane (display screen) DP, the viewpoint E and the mouse cursor position P
1 is information serving as a reference for determining which three-dimensional object is to be selected as a selection candidate. Normally, a three-dimensional object passing (or transmitting) a straight line L1 connecting the viewpoint E and the mouse cursor position P1 (pointing position) is a selection candidate. A dimensional object is determined.

As shown in the plan view of FIG.
Although the straight line L1 connecting the viewpoint E and the mouse cursor position P1 does not transmit, but is transmitted within a predetermined distance Δd from the outer periphery of the three-dimensional object, this is information serving as a reference for determining as a selection candidate. FIG. 4B shows that a reference is set in the three-dimensional object 10B so that the three-dimensional object 10B can be selected even when the straight line L1 is transmitted within a range of a predetermined distance Δd from the outer periphery.

In this case, Δd may be set toward the inside of the three-dimensional object 10B (−Δd) as shown in FIG. 4C. In this case, even if the straight line L1 is transmitted within the range of -Δd, it can be used so as not to be a selection candidate. The position in the three-dimensional space through which the straight line L1 passes detects the two-dimensional coordinate position of the mouse cursor (two-dimensional coordinate position on the projection plane), converts the detected coordinate value into a world coordinate value, and converts the viewpoint E ( (A world coordinate value) is determined by obtaining a straight line L1. For example, whether the straight line L1 is a transparent three-dimensional object is determined by a coordinate value including the three-dimensional coordinate value of the straight line L1. Can be determined based on whether or not they have

In the present embodiment, when the line L1 is a transparent three-dimensional object, the reference A indicates that the own object is permitted (or not permitted) to be selected, and the preferential selection object ( Or, there is a criterion B indicating that the object is a responsive object (or not). In the present embodiment, these criteria A, B, and C are set by, for example, a select function, a preselect function, and a respondent function defined in the C ++ language.

When the setting of the selection criterion 13 is completed,
The three-dimensional object is stored in the storage device (Step S13). The data part 14 of the stored three-dimensional object is composed of data of a common attribute item, data of a selected criterion, and other data. Note that the other data of the select function, preselect function, and respondent function set in the three-dimensional object 10 are, as shown in FIG.
A getColor function or the like for acquiring and returning the color data of the own object from the data unit 14 is added as necessary.
The properties of the three-dimensional object are determined depending on what these functions hold.

Next, using the selection criterion held in each three-dimensional object as described above, a three-dimensional object is selected from a plurality of selection candidate objects in response to a selection operation event by a mouse operation. An outline of the selection control method will be described. When determining one of the three-dimensional objects as an operation target according to the mouse cursor position, first, the responder function is executed for all the three-dimensional objects on the screen to react to the mouse cursor position. Objects
(Selection candidate object group). Next, the selected selection candidate objects are rearranged in the order closest to the viewpoint E, and the object closest to the viewpoint E is subjected to a preselect function, thereby extracting a priority selection object. The preferentially selected object is an object that functions so that a three-dimensional object located in the depth direction of the selected candidate object group is not selected.

Next, the select function is executed for the three-dimensional object closest to the viewpoint E of the selection candidate object group, and the selection-permitted object closest to the viewpoint E is extracted. Next, in the present embodiment, an object closest to the viewpoint E is determined as an object to be selected among the preferentially selected objects and the selected objects to be selected.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system for realizing a three-dimensional object selection control method to which the present invention is applied.
In FIG. 6, reference numeral 600 denotes a computer that performs processing for realizing the three-dimensional object selection control method according to the present invention.
The computer 600 includes a keyboard 601, a display 602, a CPU 603, a mouse 604, a program memory 605, and a data memory 606. In the program memory 605 of the computer 600, an operating system 605a for controlling the entire computer and events such as mouse operation by the user are delivered to various three-dimensional objects, and a three-dimensional object to be operated is selected by a response in advance. Event dispatcher 605b to be selected according to conditions, three-dimensional object (1) program 605c corresponding to various three-dimensional objects (1) 606a to (n) 606c, three-dimensional object (2) program 605d, three-dimensional object (n) program 605e Is stored.

The data memory 606 has a three-dimensional object (1) 606a and a three-dimensional object (2) 606
b, 3D object (n) 606c
A dimensional object group is stored. These three-dimensional object groups correspond to the common attribute item 11 described in FIG.
And a function such as a select function serving as a selection criterion for a selection operation event by a mouse operation, and
Other functions such as getColor (see FIG. 5) are held for each object.

The three-dimensional object i (i = 1 to n) program is a program for executing a function defined for each of the three-dimensional objects corresponding to the program. The program for controlling the behavior and appearance of the three-dimensional objects (1) to (3) when the viewing direction is changed is implemented as a program different from the three-dimensional object i (i = 1 to n) program. However, since they are not directly related to the present invention, they are not shown.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a three-dimensional object and an event dispatcher in an application example used in the present invention. In FIG. 7, reference numeral 701 denotes a global memory area of the system;
Reference numeral 704 denotes default select, preselect, and respondent functions provided by the system. The default function is a function that can be executed by the object as a substitute function of the function for which execution has been instructed, for example, when the select function or the like for which execution has been instructed is not defined in the object for which execution has been instructed. In this embodiment, when instructing an object to execute a select function or the like, a default function corresponding to the instructed function is passed as an argument. An area 705 holds the priority selection object. Reference numeral 706 denotes an object selection history table, which holds the time of recent selection, the number of times of selection, and the like for each object. It is referred to when selection history information is used as a selection condition, such as selecting a recently selected item. An area 707 holds a selection candidate object group obtained by executing the respondent function.

Reference numerals 708a to 708c denote three-dimensional objects, which hold the common attribute item 11 described with reference to FIG. Function is held separately. these
The select function, preselect function, and respondent function can be defined for each object. In addition, functions such as getColor described in FIG. 2 are held. The event dispatcher 605b obtains a selection candidate object group that can respond to a selection operation event by causing each three-dimensional object to execute a response function.
dent function execution processing 6051, preselect function execution processing 6052, which causes each three-dimensional object to execute a preselect function, thereby acquiring a preferentially selected object
A select function execution process 6053 that obtains an object that can be adopted as a selection target by causing each of the three-dimensional objects to execute an elect function. A target final determination process 6054 is provided.

FIG. 8 shows an operating system 605.
9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of an event dispatcher 605b started from a. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, a process of finally selecting the three-dimensional object closest to (the closest to) the viewpoint E from the priority selection objects and the selection-permitted objects through which the straight line L1 (see FIG. 10) passes.

Hereinafter, the object selection control method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG.
Is an explanatory diagram showing an example of arrangement of a three-dimensional object;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of five three-dimensional objects x01 to x05 existing in a display screen 1001 as viewed from above. Further, it is assumed that the respective functions of respondent, preselect, and select defined in these five three-dimensional objects x01 to x05 are as shown in "Definition Example 1" below. In this state, it is assumed that the object selection operation has been performed at the position indicated by P1.

"Definition example 1" x01: respondent function: Returns to the caller with a return value of "true" if the straight line L1 passes through the own object, and returns to the caller with a return value of "false" otherwise. preselect function: If a selection candidate object exists behind the own object, preselect (e, pre) is executed for the selection candidate object x that exists immediately after, and the return value is used as the return value of the own object as the call source. Return to If there is no such object x, the process returns to the call source with a return value “φ (φ means empty)”. select function: Unconditionally returns to the caller with the return value "local object name". x02 to x05: respodent function: same definition as object x01 preselect function: same definition as object x01 select function: same definition as object x01

Here, terms used in FIG. 8 and subsequent figures will be described. 1. Terminology exit point in flowchart (time of return to caller) return * ₀ Return to the caller of the module with "* ₀ " as the return value.・ Return * ₀ . * ₁ (e, * ₂₎ "* _0": Call the "* _0", the return value from the "* _0" on return from the "* _0" as the return value of the module, caller of the module Return to "* ₁ ": Function type (function name) "e": Argument "* ₂ ": Argument "* _0. * ₁ (e, * ₂ )": "* ₀ " when calling "* ₀ " If the function "* ₁ " is not defined for
"* ₀ " is a function that can be used as a substitute for the undefined function "* ₁ " (address of)
"* ₂ " means the mouse event related information "e" required to use (execute) the substitute function "* ₂ ". Entry point (immediately after control transfer to the call destination) * ₁ (e, * ₂ ) "* ₁ ": Type of function to be executed by the called module (object) (function name) "e": Argument "* ₂ ": Argument "* ₁ (e, * ₂ )": When the function "* ₁ " is not defined in the called module (object),
Use (execute) the function (address) “* ₂ ” and the substitute function “* ₂ ” that can be used as a substitute for the undefined function “* ₁ ” by the called module (object).
Means the mouse event related information "e" necessary to perform the operation. Parts other than the above (processing box etc.) * ₀ . * ₁ (e, * ₂ ) "* ₀ ": Call "* ₀ ". "* ₁ ": Type of function to be executed by the called "* ₀ " (function name) "e": Argument "* ₂ ": Argument "* _0. * ₁ (e, * ₂ )": Called that the "* _0" if the function "* _1" is not defined, is called "* _0" is a function that can be used as a substitute for the undefined function "* _1" (address) "* _2", The substitute function "* ₂ "
Means the mouse event related information "e" required to use (execute).

First, when a mouse event relating to object selection occurs, the event dispatcher 60
5b instructs all the objects displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 10, that is, each of the three-dimensional objects x01 to x05, to execute the respondent function, and obtains a response from each object. Then, the objects for which the response (return value) is true are rearranged in the order closer to the viewpoint E (step 801). The details of step 801 are shown in FIG. 9, and the description of FIG. 9 will be described later. Step 801
FIG. 11 shows the processing status of the processing. As shown in FIG. 11, each of the objects x01 to x05 that have received the instruction to execute the respondent function is the object x01 to x05 shown in the above “Definition Example 1”.
The spondent function has been defined. That is, FIG.
Is defined as "return value is true if the straight line L1 is transparent (marked by ○), false is returned if the straight line L1 is non-transparent (marked by x)". Therefore, the object x01 returns true, the object x02 is false, the object x03 is true, the object x04 is false, and the object 05 returns true to the event dispatcher 605b. Therefore, the event dispatcher 605b sends an object group (three-dimensional objects x01, x03, x0) for which the return value is true.
5) is rearranged in the order closer to the viewpoint E. As a result, the event dispatcher 605b outputs the three-dimensional objects x01, x03, and x05 rearranged in the order closest to the viewpoint E.
As a selection candidate object group.

Next, the event dispatcher 605b
Is the object closest to the viewpoint E in the selection candidate object group (in the case of “Definition Example 1”, the object x0
Instruct 1) to execute the preselect function, and set the response (return value) “object name” to x (step 802).

According to “Definition Example 1”, the object x0
The preselect function of 1 is that “if the object b that returns true as the return value of the respondent function exists immediately after the own object a from the viewpoint E, the preselect (e, pre) is executed for the next object b. Then, the return value from the object b is returned to the call source as the return value of the own object a.If no such object b exists, the return is made to the call source as a return value “φ” (φ means empty). Is defined as Therefore, in this example, the object x01 is pr
Instruct the eselect function to execute and wait for the response.
Then, the response (return value) obtained from the object x03 is returned to the event dispatcher 605b, which is the call source, as the response (return value) of the object x01.

Since the preselect function of the object x03 is also the same as the object x01 according to "Definition Example 1," the object x03 instructs the object x05 to execute the preselect function and waits for a response. Then, the response (return value) obtained from the object x05 is returned to the caller object x01 as the response (return value) of the object x03. The preselect function of the object x05 is also the objects x01 to x03
The same as above, that is, if there is an object b that returns true as a return value of the respondent function immediately after the own object a from the viewpoint E,
Preselect (e, pre) is executed, and the return value from the object b is returned to the caller as the return value of the object a. If there is no such object b, the process returns to the caller as a return value “φ” (φ means empty). "
This is defined in "Definition Example 1". Therefore, in this case, since object b does not exist behind object x05, object x05 responds (return value).
Is set to “φ”, and the process returns to the caller object x03. As a result, preselect for object x01
Event dispatcher 6 instructed to execute function
05b can obtain “φ” as a response (return value) from the object x01, and this response (return value) is x
(Φ).

Next, the event dispatcher 605b
Instructs to execute the select function for the object closest to the viewpoint E in the selection candidate object group, and sets the response (return value) “object name” to y (step 803). Step 803 will be described in detail.
Since the select function of the object x01 is defined by “Definition example 1” as “unconditionally returning the return value to the caller as its own object.”
No. 1 returns the response (return value) to the event dispatcher 605b, which is the call source, as “object x01”. Then, the event dispatcher 605b
Means that the "object name" of the response (return value) is y (object x01 in the case of the definition example 1).
In this case, object x03 and object x0
5 is defined separately because it is not called
select function is not executed.

Next, the event dispatcher 605b
Compares the object x with the object y, and determines a nearer object (closest to the viewpoint) as an object to be operated (step 804). In the case of “Definition Example 1”, since the object x does not exist, the object x01 is determined as an object to be selected.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the details of the selection candidate object group acquisition processing for acquiring the selection candidate object group in step 801. First, the selection candidate object group holding area 707 is emptied (step 90).
1). Then, the process formed in steps 902 and 906, that is, a report as to whether or not the straight line L1 penetrates the own object for all the objects displayed on the screen is obtained. This is for each object
This is performed by instructing execution of a function (step 903). The event dispatcher 605b checks the response from each object that has executed the respondent function to the own object (step 904), and returns true
The responded object is added to the selection candidate object group holding area 707 (step 905). Then, a sorting process is performed to finally sort the objects of the selection candidate group held in the selection candidate group holding area 707 from those closest to the viewpoint E (step 907).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the definition (function) of “Definition Example 1”. The response shown in FIG.
In the processing of the nt function, it is determined whether or not a straight line L1 connecting the viewpoint E and the occurrence position of the mouse operation event e received as a parameter is transmitted through the three-dimensional object.
(Step 1202) If true if transparent (Step 1)
203), and false if not passed (step 1204).

In the processing of the preselect function of FIG. 12B, it is determined whether or not the next candidate object x exists in the selected candidate object group (step 1205). Is executed, and the return value is returned (step 1206). If it does not exist, it is defined to return φ (a value indicating that it does not exist) (step 1207). Selec in FIG. 12 (c)
In the processing of the t function, it is defined that the self object is unconditionally returned as a selection candidate (step 1201).

Here, the function * ₁ for the object a
The relationship between the top-level class definition function and the system default function in the case where is defined and the case where is not defined will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
In the example of (a), the function * is added to the three-dimensional object a1301.
_This is an example when ₁ is defined. In this case, in the function * ₁ item in the object a1301, the function * ₁ processing unit address in the program 1305 of the object a which is the program corresponding to the object a1301 is set when the object definition is set. FIG.
In the example of (b), the function * is added to the three-dimensional object a1303.
_This is an example when ₁ is not defined. In this case, the function * ₁ item in the object a1303 includes the object A130 of the highest class of the object a1303.
4 (all functions are always defined in the top class object), the function * ₁ processing unit address in the program 1305 of the object A, which is a program corresponding to the program, is set when the object definition is set. Therefore, the object a1 instructed to execute the function * ₁
The function 303 can execute the function * ₁ by executing the function of the address set in the function * ₁ item in the object a1303. In addition, 3
The function * ₁ is not defined in the dimension object a1303, and corresponds to the object A1304 of the highest class of the object a1303 (in the present embodiment, all functions are always defined in the object of the highest class). The function * ₁ A in the program 1305 of the object A, which is a program, is a function * ₂
Execute ", The default function * ₂ passed as an argument is executed.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which the definition of each object is different from the definition of FIG. 10 in the same arrangement as the three-dimensional object arrangement shown in FIG. Hereinafter, another selection example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
Is a diagram illustrating an example of an object in a case where a definition that does not allow selection of transparent and translucent three-dimensional objects is performed, and is defined in each of the three-dimensional objects x01 to x05 displayed on the display screen 1401. responde
It is assumed that each function of nt, preselect, and select is as shown in "Definition example 2" below. It is assumed that x01 and x05 are transparent, and x02, x03 and x04 are opaque objects.

"Definition Example 2" This definition example is an example in which only the definition of the select function in "Definition Example 1" is different. x01: respodent function: If the straight line L1 penetrates the own object, returns to the caller with a return value "true"; otherwise, returns to the caller with a return value "false". preselect function: If a selection candidate object exists behind the own object, preselect (e, pre) is executed for the selection candidate object x that exists immediately after, and the return value is used as the return value of the own object as the call source. Return to If no such object x exists, a return value “φ (φ means empty)” is returned to the caller. select function: if the self object is transparent or translucent and there is a selection candidate object behind the self object, select (e, sel) is executed for the selection candidate object y that exists immediately after, Returns the return value to the caller as the return value of the own object. If no such object y exists, the return value “φ (φ
Means empty) ”). Also, if your object is not transparent or translucent (opaque),
Returns to the caller with the return value "local object name". x02 to x05: respodent function: same definition as object x01 preselect function: same definition as object x01 select function: same definition as object x01

In this state, if an object selection operation is performed at the position indicated by P1, the three-dimensional objects x01, x03, and x05 are selection candidate objects, but the return value of the preselect function returned to the event dispatcher 605b Is φ, and the return value of the select function returned to the event dispatcher 605b is “object x03”, and as a result, the object x03 is selected. In this case, in the object x05, select
The function will not be executed.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the definition of the select function in the example of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the own object is opaque based on the transparency data defined in the common attribute item 11 (step 1501). If the object is opaque, the own object name is returned at that time (step 1502). . If it is transparent or translucent, it is determined whether or not the next candidate object y exists in the selected candidate object group (step 1).
503) If not, a value φ indicating this is returned (step 2505). If there is, a select function is executed for the next candidate object y, and the return value is returned (step 1505).

Next, the three-dimensional object x01 shown in FIG.
A description will be given of “Definition Example 3” in which a unique select function is undefined for each object in X05. Here, the system default function (select function) and the definition function of the object of the top class (select function)
Function) and the definition function of each object are defined as follows.

"Definition Example 3" This definition example differs from the "definition example 2" in the select function of the object x01, and the system default select function is defined as follows. System default select function: If the self object is transparent or translucent and there is a selection candidate object behind the self object, select (e, sel) is executed for the selection candidate object y that exists immediately after,
The return value is returned to the caller as the return value of the own object. If no such object y exists,
Return to the caller as the return value "φ (φ means empty)".
If the own object is not transparent or translucent (opaque), the process returns to the caller with a return value “own object name”. Se of the object of the highest class of object x01
lect function: Executes the function passed as an argument. x01: respodent function: If the straight line L1 penetrates the own object, returns to the caller with a return value "true"; otherwise, returns to the caller with a return value "false". preselect function: If a selection candidate object exists behind the own object, preselect (e, pre) is executed for the selection candidate object x that exists immediately after, and the return value is used as the return value of the own object as the call source. Return to If there is no such object x, the process returns to the call source as a return value “φ (φ means empty)”. select function: undefined x02: respodent function: same definition as object x01 preselect function: same definition as object x01 select function: unconditionally returns to the caller with return value "self object name". x03 to x05: respondent function: same definition as object x01 preselect function: same definition as object x01 select function: same definition as object x02

In such a defined state, if an object selection operation is performed at the position indicated by P1,
By executing the respodent function and the preselect function, the three-dimensional objects x01, x03, and x05 become selection candidate objects. However, in the “Definition Example 3”, since the select function of the three-dimensional object x01 is undefined, x01 is the event dispatcher 60
5b, the execution of the select function is instructed, the select of the object of the top class of the object x01
Execute a function. In the "selection function" of the object of the top class of the object x01, "execute the function passed as an argument" is defined in "Definition Example 3". Therefore, the event dispatcher 605b
If the argument of the select function passed from to x01 indicates the system default select function, the object x01 executes the system default select function.

In the "Definition Example 3", the system default select function is described as follows. Select (e, sel) is executed by the candidate object y, and the return value is returned to the caller as the return value of the own object.If no such object y exists, the return value “φ (φ means empty ) "And return to the caller. Also,
If the own object is not transparent or translucent (if opaque), the process returns to the caller with a return value “own object name”. , The execution of the select function is instructed for the next selection candidate object x03. 3
In the dimension object x03, since the definition of "return unconditionally to the caller with the return value as its own object name" is set, the process returns to the caller x01. Therefore, x01 returns the return value “object x03” as a return value to the event dispatcher 605b. Thereby, the object x03 is determined as an object to be selected.

FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C are flow charts showing examples of defining the select function, respondent function and preselect function defined in the object of the top class of each three-dimensional object. 16 (a)
In the definition example of the select function, the function passed as the second argument is executed on the own object based on the information passed as the first argument, and the result is substituted into y (step 1601). Return (step 1602).

In the example of defining the respondent function in FIG. 16B, the function passed as the second argument is executed based on the information passed as the first argument to the own object, and the result is substituted into y. Then, the process returns to the call source (step 1604).

In the definition example of the preselect function shown in FIG. 16C, the function passed as the second argument is executed on the own object based on the information passed as the first argument, and the result is substituted into y. Then, the process returns to the call source (step 1606). The se of the object of the highest class of the object x01 in the above-mentioned “Definition Example 3”
The lect function is defined as shown in FIGS. 16 (a) to 16 (c).

By the way, in the above definition example, a case has been described where execution of the select function is not instructed to another selection candidate object located behind if the own object is opaque. Regardless, it is convenient if there is a function that prevents selection candidate objects existing behind the subject object from being selected. For example, when there is an operation panel object that can be selected only by an administrator who has special authority, various switch button objects existing inside the operation panel object are visible to other than the administrator,
This is an example in which selection cannot be made.

FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b) show that although there is another selection candidate object behind the own object, the selected object behind that object is not selected regardless of the color or transparency of the own object. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a definition of a select function and a preselect function in a block object that implements a function. In any case, when the selection operation event e is passed,
Execute the select function and preselect function, return that the own object is the operation target, and end (Step 1)
701, 1702). According to this definition, the execution of the preselect function and the select function is not instructed for the selected object behind it regardless of the color or transparency of the own object, so the selection candidate object existing behind is forcibly selected from the selection target. Can be excluded.

In the above description, an object that intersects with a straight line L1 connecting the mouse event occurrence position P1 and the viewpoint E is set as a selection candidate. If possible, it is possible to intuitively specify the position near the target object and select the target object.

FIG. 18 shows a sele that realizes the function of selecting the object at the position closest to the mouse event occurrence position.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a ct function. For example,
The above can be realized by defining this select function for each object. First, the distance between each vertex of the candidate object existing in the depth direction from the own object in the selection candidate object group and the occurrence position P1 of the selection operation event e passed as a parameter is obtained.
(Step 1801). Then, the object y determined to be located at the closest position is acquired (step 1802) and returned (step 1803). As a result, in the example of FIG. 19A, as shown in FIG. 19B, the vertex of the three-dimensional object (2) 1902 is generated from the vertex of the three-dimensional object (1) 1901 by the occurrence of the selection operation event e. Since it is closest to the position P1, the three-dimensional object (2) 1902 is finally determined as an object to be operated.

According to this definition, since only the position near the target object is intuitively specified, the selection operation becomes easy. Therefore, the following user interface can be realized by using the definition of the selection criteria as described above.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which three-dimensional objects are in an inclusion relationship. 2001 is a display screen, 2002 is a building object, 2003 is a room object, and 2004 is an object 20 inside.
05, object 20
04. Now, it is assumed that the default function and the like are defined as follows, for example. § Default function: respondent function: Returns to the caller with a return value of “true” if the straight line L1 passes through its own object, and returns to the caller with a return value of “false” if it does not pass. preselect function: If a selection candidate object exists behind the own object, preselect (e, pre) is executed for the selection candidate object x that exists immediately after, and the return value is used as the return value of the own object as the call source. Return to If there is no such object x, the return value is "φ (φ means empty)" and the process returns to the call source. select function: Returns to the caller with its own object as the return value. § Definition in the top-level class common to the objects 2002 to 2005 Function: respondent function: execution of a function passed as an argument preselect function: execution of a function passed as an argument select function: execution of a function passed as an argument § Common definition in objects 2002 to 2005 respondent function: undefined preselect function: undefined § building object 2002: select function: execute select function on object y immediately after it exists inside (behind) its own object,
The return value is returned to the caller as the return value of the own object. If no such object y exists,
Return the return value to “φ (φ means empty)” and return to the caller. §Room object 2003: select function: Among objects existing inside (behind) the own object including the own object, the object name having the vertex closest to the mouse cursor position is returned to the caller as a return value. §Object 2004: select function: undefined §Object 2005: select function: undefined

When the Object 2004 is Outside the Building Object 2002 Since the select function of the object 2004 is undefined, the default select function is executed as a result. Since the default select function is defined as "return to the caller using the own object as a return value", the object 2004 returns to the caller as a return value. Therefore, the internal object 2005 is not selected. When the object 2004 is inside the building object 2002 but outside the room object 2003 (position of 2004 ′), the select function of the building object 2002 is “select for the object y immediately after it exists inside (behind) its own object. The function is executed and the return value is returned to the caller as the return value of the own object.If no such object y exists, the return value is returned to the caller as “φ (φ means empty)”. Is defined.
Therefore, the object 2004 ′ is
Execute the 04 'select function. However, since the select function of the object 2004 'is undefined, the default select function is executed as a result. Default se
Since the lect function is defined as “return to the caller with its own object as a return value”, the object 2004
And returns to the caller. Therefore, the internal object 2005 is not selected. When the object 2004 is inside the building object 2002 and inside the room object 2003 (2
(The position of 004 ″) The select function of the building object 2002 “executes the select function on the object y immediately after it exists inside (behind) the own object, and uses the return value as the return value of the own object to the caller. Return If no such object y exists, return to the caller with a return value of "φ". Is defined. Therefore, the room object 2003 executes the select function of the room object 2003 according to the instruction of the building object 2002. However, the select function of the room object 2003 "returns to the caller as a return value an object name having a vertex closest to the mouse cursor position among objects existing inside (behind) the own object including the own object". And returns to the caller with the object 2005 ″ as the return value. As a result, in this case, the internal object 2005 ″ is selected. In this way, it is possible to realize an interface that can be selected or cannot be selected depending on the existence environment of the object.

The above is an example of a typical selection criterion.
In addition, the selection criteria described below can be defined. FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining another example of the definition of the respondent function.
1 are objects 2102 and 2103
An example of extracting and registering as a selection candidate object by intersecting with the reaction areas 2101 and 2104 defined in the objects 2102 and 2103 even if they do not intersect or transmit with the area of, or intersect and transmit with them. Is shown. Here, the reaction area 2101 is defined as an area which is larger than the size of the three-dimensional object (1) 2101 by a distance represented by a value of “+10”, and the reaction area 2104 is defined as the area of the three-dimensional object (2) 2103. It is defined as a spherical region represented by a radius value of “50” from the center. This definition is resp shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
Defined by the processing of the ondent function.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the respondent function defined for the three-dimensional object (1) 2101 in FIG. First, a region obtained by expanding the region outside the region of the own object by a distance given by, for example, a value of “+10” is set as a reaction region (step 2201). Next, it is determined whether or not a straight line L1 connecting the viewpoint E and the position where the selection operation event e has occurred intersects with the reaction area (step 2202). In this case, false is returned (step 2204), and the process ends.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the respondent function defined for the three-dimensional object (2) 2103 in FIG. First, a sphere region represented by a value of, for example, a radius “50” from the center of the region of the own object is set as a reaction region (step 2301). next,
It is determined whether or not a straight line L1 connecting the viewpoint E and the generation position P1 of the selection operation event e intersects the reaction area (step 2302). If they intersect, true is returned (step 2303). False is returned (step 2304), and the process ends.

In this way, by causing a certain object to execute a respondent function that defines an area of whether or not the own object responds to a selection operation event of a three-dimensional object in the enlargement or reduction direction, the viewpoint E
Only when the line does not intersect with the straight line L1 connecting the position and the position where the selection operation event e occurs, or when the line intersects near the center of the object body, it can be extracted as a selection candidate and made a selection target. This can be applied to a case where a three-dimensional object whose outer shape changes by periodically repeating expansion and contraction is extracted as a selection candidate, even when the three-dimensional object does not intersect with the straight line L1. Further, the present invention can be applied to a case where only the vicinity of the center represents an effective function as a three-dimensional object, and the three-dimensional object is extracted as a selection candidate.

FIG. 24 shows a case in which a selectable flag is added to the common attribute item of the three-dimensional object, and whether the selectable flag is turned on or off is determined as a selection candidate. This shows an example of a three-dimensional object. Here, the selectable flag of the three-dimensional object (1) 2401 and the three-dimensional object (3) 2403 is off, and the selectable flag of the three-dimensional object (2) 2402 at the intermediate position is shown. Indicates that it is on.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing an example in which a respondent function is defined for determining whether or not to be a selection candidate depending on whether the selectable flag is on or off. First, it is determined whether or not the selectable flag (sensible flag) of the own object is turned on (step 2501), and if it is off, false is returned (step 2503). However, if it is on, it is determined whether or not a straight line connecting the viewpoint E and the generation position P1 of the selection operation event e intersects with the own object (step 2502).
Is returned (step 2504).
e is returned (step 2503), and the process ends. Thus, in the example of FIG. 24, the three-dimensional object (2) 2402 at the intermediate position is extracted as a selection candidate.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the three-dimensional object itself holds the selection criterion as to whether or not the own object is to be selected as a function, and when the selection operation event by mouse operation occurs, Since this function is executed, and finally the object to be operated is determined based on the execution result, different user interfaces such that each 3D object can be selected or cannot be selected inside and outside the building. Can be realized. That is, the three-dimensional object side can provide a variety of user interfaces with the initiative, and the application side selects, for example, the object closest to the viewpoint side from among the three-dimensional objects listed as selection candidates based on the selection criteria. An effect is obtained that only simple logic is required.

In the embodiment, the object closest to the viewpoint E is selected from the selection candidate group. It goes without saying that selection conditions such as objects can be used.

In the above embodiment, one object name is always returned to the event dispatcher 605b, but a plurality of object names are returned and the event dispatcher 605b is returned.
An object to be operated can be determined according to the unique selection condition in b. Hereinafter, this method will be described.

FIGS. 26 (a) and 26 (b) show the case where all the selection candidate objects among the objects having the intersection and the straight line passing through the viewpoint E and the event occurrence position P1 are the final selected objects. FIG. 27A is a diagram illustrating an example of an object, and FIGS. 27A and 27B are diagrams illustrating an example of a case where only an opaque object among a selection candidate object group is set as a selection object group. 26A and FIG. 27A show the same object arrangement.
3D object (1) x01 is opaque, 3D object (2) x02 is transparent, 3D object (3)
An example in which x03 is opaque, three-dimensional object (4) x04 is opaque, three-dimensional object (5) x05 is transparent, and three-dimensional object (6) x06 is opaque is shown. For example, in FIG. 26A, it is assumed that the three-dimensional objects x01, x02, x03, x04, x05, x06 intersect with a viewpoint E and a straight line passing through the event occurrence position P1. At this time, x01, x03, x04 and x06 are opaque, x02 and x05 are transparent and opaque x0
Consider a case where 1, x03, x04, and x06 are selected objects.

The event dispatcher 60 shown in FIG.
An event dispatcher 5b according to the embodiment uses a plurality of objects as selected objects. In the process of the event dispatcher 605b in FIG. 8, when the a.select function is executed for the foremost selection candidate a in step 803, a group of objects that can be selected from the selection candidate group is obtained. The positional relationship with the acquired preferentially selected object x is compared. The event dispatcher 605b shown in FIG. 28 determines, as shown in step 2804, among the objects in the object group y, the object group before x and x Is returned as a selected object group. 28, steps 2801 to 2802 correspond to steps 801 to 2801 in FIG.
802.

Further, each object in FIG.
The respondent function, preselect function, and select function are undefined, and the system default respondent function, presel
The ect function and select function are as follows. As shown in FIG. 29A, the default response function of the system determines whether or not a straight line connecting the viewpoint and the occurrence position of the event e passes through the object (step 2901). Return to the caller (step 2902), and if not transparent, return to the caller with false as the return value (step 2903). The system default preselect function determines whether the next candidate object y exists in the selected candidate object group (step 2904) as shown in FIG. 29B, and returns true if it exists. Return to the call source (step 2905), and if not, return φ to the call source as a return value (step 2906). As a result, FIG.
6. In the example of FIG. 27, all the objects become selection candidate objects, and the process proceeds to the execution of the select function.

Further, as shown in FIG. 30, the default select function of the system returns the self object and all the selection candidate group objects located outside and behind the self object.

That is, the default select function shown in FIG. 30 is used when the next candidate object y of the subject object exists in the selected candidate object group (step 300).
1), the select function of the next candidate object y is executed (step 3002), and the result is set to l. And
l, adding its own object name (step 3004)
1 is returned to the caller (step 3005). However, if there is no next candidate for the own object (that is, the user is the innermost), the set l is set as an empty set (step 3003).
Therefore, in the example of FIG. 26, as shown in FIG. 26B, when the innermost object x06 returns to the call source, l = {x06} is returned as a return value, and the object x05 before that returns = {X05, x06}, the previous x04 returns l = {x04, x05, x06}, and so on. Return sequentially. Thereby, all the selection candidate objects x
01 to x06 can be acquired as selection target objects.

Further, when only the opaque objects in FIG. 27 are to be selected, the default select function is set as shown in FIG.
Others may be the same as those in FIG. When the next candidate object y of the own object exists in the selected candidate object group (step 3101), the default select function of FIG. 31 causes the select function of the next candidate object y to be executed (step 3102). l. Then, it is determined whether the own object is an opaque object (step 3104). If the object is an opaque object, the own object name is added to l (step 3105), and l is returned to the caller (step 310).
6). However, when there is no next candidate of the own object (that is, the user is the innermost), the set l is set as an empty set (step 3103). If the object is not an opaque object, the process returns to the call source without adding the own object life to l.

Therefore, in the example of FIG.
As shown in (b), when the innermost object x06 returns to the caller, l = {x06} is returned as x
05, and x05 is l without adding its own object name.
= {X06} is returned to x04. Since x04 is an opaque object, its own object name is added, and l = ｛x
04, x06} is returned to x03. Since x03 is also an opaque object, its own object name is added.
1 = {x03, x04, x06} is returned to x02. x0
Since 2 is a transparent object, l = {x03, x04, x06} is returned to x01 without adding its own object name. Since x01 is an opaque object, its own object name is added, and l = {x01, x03, x04,
x06} is returned to the event dispatcher 605b. Thereby, the objects x01, x03, x04, x0
6 can be obtained as a selection target object. As described above, in the event dispatcher 605b, one or more of the selection candidate objects can be selected based on the selection criteria unique to the event dispatcher 605b.

Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment of the present invention, which assists the user in easily selecting a target object when making a selection based on the above selection criteria. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of objects in a two-dimensional / three-dimensional graphics application. FIG. 32A shows a cubic object 3201 including a sphere object 3202 in a three-dimensional graphics application, and both are opaque. Indicates that the user can see only 3201. Also, FIG. 11B shows that in the two-dimensional graphics application, the text object 3203 overlaps the color mount part object 3204 having a size smaller than its own, and the character “ABCD” is written on a colored background. FIG. 3 (c) is a three-dimensional view of this. In such an example, the sphere object 3202
Is selected as the operation target, the sphere object 3202 cannot be selected as long as the cubic object 3201 is opaque because the sphere object 3202 is hidden in the cubic object 3201. Further, even if an attempt is made to select the color mount part object 3204 in order to change the background color of the text object 3203, the text object 32 of a size larger than the user is placed on the color mount part object 3204.
03 overlaps, the color mount part object 32
04 cannot be selected.

Incidentally, conventionally, when changing the color of the color mount part object 3204, first, the text object 3203 is changed to the color mount part object 3204.
Has been moved to a position where a part of the color mount part can be seen, and then an operation of selecting the color mount part object 3204 has been performed. However, if such a procedure is performed each time, the operation until the target object is selected becomes extremely complicated, and the work efficiency is reduced. The present embodiment proposes a control method for facilitating the operation of selecting an object in such a case.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of an object configuration and various functions stored in the global memory area in this embodiment. Here, only the elements necessary for realizing the control method for facilitating the object selecting operation are illustrated, and the elements described in the above embodiment are not illustrated. The hardware configuration is based on the configuration shown in FIG. In FIG. 33, the global memory area 701 includes a select function, a showCurrent function, a determi
Areas 711 to 716 that respectively hold a ne function, a previous function, a next function, and a highlight function are provided.
Note that the select function referred to hereinafter is a select function of a function for supporting a selection operation. The showCurrent function is a function that defines the appearance (display mode) of an object of interest as a selection candidate (hereinafter, a current object). Further, the determine function is a function for determining whether or not a confirmation operation for selecting the current object has been performed. The previous function is a function for determining whether or not an operation for returning a selection candidate to the current object before the current object of interest is performed. The next function is a function for determining whether or not an operation for moving the current object to the object next to the current object of interest is performed. The highlight function is a function for switching to highlight display in order to specify the current object. This highlight function is called and executed from the showCurrent function.

FIG. 34 shows the operating system 60.
It is a flowchart which shows the process of the event dispatcher 605b started from 5a. First, when the mouse event e occurs, an object through which a straight line L1 connecting the viewpoint E and the mouse cursor position P1 penetrates is extracted in the same manner as described with reference to FIG.
(Step 3401). Next, all visible objects are switched to translucent display (step 3402). Thereby, all objects hidden by other objects are also specified. Next, execute the select function,
A final selection object is determined from the selection candidate object group (step 3403). At the time of this determination, a user interface is provided such that a target object can be easily selected by a showCurrent function or the like. This will be described later. Next, if the object to be selected is determined, step 3402
The semi-transparent display of all the selection candidate objects performed in step 3 is canceled (step 3404), and the process ends (step 340).
5).

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the details of the process (step 3401) for acquiring a selection candidate object group. First, the selection candidate object group holding area 7
07 is emptied (step 3511). Then, the process formed in steps 3512 and 3516, that is, a report as to whether or not the straight line L1 penetrates the own object for all the objects displayed on the screen is requested. This is performed by instructing each object to execute the respondent function (step 3513). The event dispatcher 605b checks the response from each object that has executed the respondent function to its own object (step 3514), and selects the object that has given a true response to the selection candidate object group holding area 707.
(Step 3515). Then, finally, a sort process is performed to sort the objects of the selection candidate group held in the selection candidate group holding area 707 from those closest to the viewpoint E (step 3517).

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the select function. First, the foremost selection candidate object name is substituted for a variable p (step 3601). Next, the function showCu to specify the current object
Execute rrent (p) (step 3602). This function sh
As shown in FIG. 37A, owCurrent (p) passes the process to the highlight function shown in FIG. 37B using the variable p as an argument (step 3701). In the process of the highlight function, after the wire frame of the selection candidate object given by the variable p is switched to the highlight display (step 37).
02), it is defined to return to the highlight function. Here, for the highlight display, for example, a wire frame is displayed in a complementary color of the color of the object itself so that the object can be clearly distinguished from other objects.
Therefore, in the first stage, the foreground candidate object among the objects extracted as the selection candidate objects is highlighted.

Next, the function "determine" is executed (step 3603), and it is determined whether or not true is returned (step 3604). 3605). The function determine is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (3), it is determined whether the input key is a return key (step 3801). If the input key is a return key, true is returned to the caller as a return value.
e is defined to return to the caller. Therefore, when the return key is operated in a state where the foreground candidate object is highlighted, the foreground candidate object is determined to be selected. If the return key has not been operated, then the function next is executed (step 3606).

For example, as shown in FIG. 38B, this function next determines whether the mouse button has been clicked (step 3811), and if so, returns true to the caller as a return value (step 3811). 3812) Otherwise, return false to the caller (step 38)
13). In the select function, the function ne
Determine whether the return value of xt is true (step 3
607) If true, it is determined whether or not the next candidate object y exists in the selected candidate object group (step 3608). If so, the object name of the next candidate object y is substituted for a variable p. (Step 3
609), execute the function showCurrent (p) (step 3)
614). Therefore, when the mouse button is clicked in a state where the foreground candidate object is highlighted, the nearest candidate object existing on the back side is highlighted.

On the other hand, in the select function, if the return value of the function next is false (step 3607), the function
The previous is executed (step 3610). This function pr
For example, as shown in FIG. 38C, the evious determines whether the mouse button has been clicked at the same time as the shift key (step 3821).
Return ue to the caller (step 3822), otherwise return false to the caller (step 3823)
Is defined as In the select function, the function previous
It is determined whether the return value of is true (step 36).
11. If true, it is determined whether or not the previous candidate object z (the object located ahead) exists in the selected candidate object group (step 3612). The object name is substituted (step 3613), and the function showCurrent
(p) is executed (step 3614). Therefore, if the simultaneous operation of the shift key and the mouse button is performed in a state where, for example, the candidate object located second from the viewpoint is highlighted, the foreground candidate object is highlighted. .

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a plurality of selection candidate objects are present. FIG. 39A shows a display example of a three-dimensional object, and FIG. 39B shows a display example of a two-dimensional object. FIG. 39A shows an example in which a cylindrical object 3902 exists inside a cubic object 3901, and a spherical object 3903 also exists inside it. FIG. 39B shows a state in which an elliptical object 3912 is mounted on the outer rectangular object 3911 and an inner rectangular object 3913 is further mounted thereon.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the state of each object viewed from above in order to clarify the positional relationship in the depth direction of each object in FIG. In such an example, when it is desired to select the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 3912 located second from the front, first, P1 in FIG.
A mouse event e is generated at the position indicated by P1 in (b). Then, in the selection candidate object obtaining process in FIG. 34, each of the objects 3901 to 3903 or 3911 to 913 in FIG. 39A is obtained as a selection candidate object. Next, all of the selection candidate objects are made semi-transparent in the process of step 3402 in FIG. Thus, even if the cube object 3901 is opaque, the cylindrical object 3902 hidden inside the cube object 3901 becomes visible. Further, even if the cylindrical object 3902 is opaque, the spherical object 3903 hidden inside the cylindrical object 3902 becomes visible. Similarly, even if the rectangular object 3913 is opaque, the oval object 3912 hidden inside the rectangular object 3913 becomes visible. At this time, the foremost cubic object 3901 or rectangular object 3913 is highlighted as the current object.

In this state, when the mouse button is clicked, steps 3606 to 360 in FIG. 36 are performed.
9, 3614, as shown in FIG. 41, the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 39
12 is highlighted as the current object. In this state, when the mouse button is clicked further, steps 3606 to 3609 and 361 in FIG.
By the process of 4, the spherical object 3903 or the rectangular object 3911 (the lowest object) is highlighted as the current object.

When the shift key and the mouse click operation are performed simultaneously while the innermost spherical object 3903 or the lowermost rectangular object 3911 is highlighted, steps 3611 to 361 in FIG. 36 are performed.
By the process of 4, the current object becomes the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 3912 and is highlighted. When the return key is operated in this state, the processing in step 3604 causes the columnar object 3902 or the oval object 391
2 is determined as an object to be selected.

After being determined as an object to be selected, all the objects which have been made semi-transparent are returned to the display with the inherent transparency by the processing of step 3404 in FIG.

FIG. 42 shows a case where the current object in the selection candidate object group is specified as described above.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the owCurrent function. Here, a variable p that specifies the current object
Is passed, processing for displaying the number of p near the mouse cursor is performed (step 4201), and the current object is highlighted (step 420).
2) After that, it is defined to return to the caller (step 4203). Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG. 39, when the current object is the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 3912, the current As shown in (b), a number 4302 (in this example) indicating that the second object as viewed from the near side is the current object is displayed near the mouse cursor symbol 4301.
Thereby, even if the position in the depth direction is unknown, the position in the depth direction can be specified.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the group of selection candidate objects is specified. Here, when a variable p designating the current object is passed, a process of schematically displaying the shape of p near the mouse cursor is performed (step 4401), and the current object is highlighted (step 4402). After that, it is defined to return to the caller (step 4403). Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG.
In the state where the object 902 or the elliptical object 3912 is used, as shown in FIGS. 45A and 45B, the shape 4502 of the current object is displayed near the mouse cursor symbol 4501. This allows
Even when the overall shape is unknown, it is easy to grasp which object the current object is.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the group of selection candidate objects is specified. Here, when a variable p designating the current object is passed, a process of schematically displaying the color of p near the mouse cursor is performed (step 4601), and the current object is highlighted (step 4602). After that, it is defined to return to the caller (step 4603). Therefore, for the object in the example of FIG.
When the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed, the current object becomes a cylindrical object 390.
In the state where the object is 2 or the elliptical object 3912, as shown in FIGS. 47A and 47B, the color 4702 of the current object is displayed near the mouse cursor symbol 4701. Thereby, even when the shape is too small and the color is unknown, it is easy to grasp which object the current object is.

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the group of selection candidate objects is specified. Here, when a variable p designating the current object is passed, a process of changing the shape of the mouse cursor itself to the shape of p is performed (step 4801), and the current object is highlighted (step 4802). After this, it is defined to return to the caller (step 4803). Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG. 39, in a state where the current object is the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 3912, the objects shown in FIGS. As shown in (b), the mouse cursor symbol 4901 itself is displayed in the shape of the current object. This makes it easy to grasp which object the current object is.

FIG. 50 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the group of selection candidate objects is specified. Here, when a variable p designating the current object is passed, the process changes the color of the mouse cursor itself to the color of p (step 5001), and then highlights the current object (step 5002). After this, it is defined to return to the caller (step 5003). Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG. 39, the current object becomes the cylindrical object 390.
In the state where the object is 2 or the elliptical object 3912, as shown in FIGS. 51A and 51B, the color of the mouse cursor symbol 5101 is displayed in the color of the current object. Thereby, even when the shape is too small and the color is unknown, it is easy to grasp which object the current object is.

FIG. 52 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function in the case where the current object in the selection candidate object group is specified. Here, when a variable p designating the current object is passed, a process of changing the object in front of the current object corresponding to p in the selection candidate object group to transparent is performed (step 5201), and then the current object is set to high. It is defined that light display is performed (step 5202), and thereafter, the process returns to the caller (step 5203). Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG. 39, in the state where the current object is the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 3912, FIG. As shown in (b), a cubic object 3901 and a rectangular object 3913
Is displayed transparently. This makes it easier to confirm the current object.

FIG. 54 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the group of selection candidate objects is specified. Here, when a variable p specifying the current object is passed, a process of changing an object in front of the current object corresponding to p in the selection candidate object group to a wire frame display is performed (step 5401), and then the current object Is highlighted (step 5402), and thereafter, the process returns to the caller (step 540).
3) is defined. Therefore, for the object in the example of FIG. 39, showCurren defined in this way
When the t function is executed, the current object becomes the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 39
In the state where it is 12, the cubic object 3901 and the rectangular object 3913 are displayed in a wire frame format as shown in FIGS. In FIG. 55, the fact that the display is a wire frame display is indicated by a bold solid line. This makes it easier to confirm the current object and the object in front of it.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the selection candidate object group is specified. Here, when a variable p designating the current object is passed, a process of displaying the current object corresponding to p in the selection candidate object group as if it is the foreground is performed (step 5601), and then the current It is defined that the object is highlighted (step 5602), and thereafter, the process returns to the caller (step 5603). Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG.
In the state in which the object 902 or the elliptical object 3912 is used, as shown in FIGS. Is displayed. In this case, clipping processing of the object by the object in front may be omitted in order to display the object as if it is the nearest object. This makes it easier to confirm the current object.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart showing another example of the definition of the showCurrent function when the current object in the group of selection candidate objects is specified. Here, when the variable p designating the current object is passed, as shown in FIG. 58, a process of moving the viewpoint E immediately before the current object corresponding to p in the selection candidate object group is performed (step 5901). Next, the current object is highlighted (step 59).
02), and then return to the caller (step 5903)
Is defined. Therefore, when the showCurrent function defined in this way is executed for the object in the example of FIG. 39, the current object becomes the cylindrical object 3902 or the elliptical object 3912.
In this state, as shown in FIGS. 60A and 60B, the cubic object 3901 existing before the cylindrical object 3903 and the ellipse object 3912
And the rectangular object 3912 are displayed as if they disappeared from view. This makes it easier to confirm the current object.

FIGS. 61 (a), (b), and (c) are determinate.
15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the e function, the next function, and the previous function. In the processing procedure of the determine function in FIG. 9A, it is determined whether or not the mouse button has been released (step 6101). If released, true is returned (step 6102), and if not, false is returned. (Step 6103) is defined. Thus, the current object at the time when the mouse button is released can be determined as the selection target object.

In the processing procedure of the next function in FIG. 13B, it is determined whether or not the mouse button is pressed (step 6104). If the mouse button is pressed, true is returned (step 6105). In this case, it is defined that false is returned (step 6106). As a result, the current object at the time when the mouse button is pressed can be switched to the next candidate object.

In the processing procedure of the previous function shown in FIG. 13C, it is determined whether or not the mouse button has been pressed simultaneously with the shift key (step 6107). If not, it is defined to return false (step 6109). As a result, the current object at the time when the mouse button is pressed can be switched to the previous object.

FIGS. 62 (a), (b), and (c) are determinate.
15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the e function, the next function, and the previous function. In the processing procedure of the determine function shown in FIG. 9A, it is determined whether or not the mouse button has been clicked (step 6201).
Returns ue (step 6202), if not clicked
Returning false (step 6203) is defined. Thus, the current object at the timing when the mouse button is clicked can be determined as the selection target object.

In the processing procedure of the next function shown in FIG. 13B, it is determined whether or not the up arrow key has been pressed (step 6204), and if so, true is returned (step 6).
205), it is defined that false is returned if the button is not pressed (step 6206). Thus, the current object can be switched to the next candidate object at the timing when the up arrow key is pressed.

In the processing procedure of the previous function shown in FIG. 13C, it is determined whether or not the down arrow key has been pressed (step 6207), and if it has been pressed, true is returned (step 6208). (Step 6209) is defined. As a result, the current object can be switched to the previous object at the timing when the down arrow key is pressed.

Note that the key or mouse operation that triggers the determination of the selection target object is not limited to the above example, and a key that can be easily operated by the user can be adopted. It is also possible for the user to assign his own key.

[0112]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The two-dimensional or three-dimensional object itself holds a selection criterion as to whether or not the own object is to be selected,
When a selection operation event occurs due to a pointing operation, an object to be finally operated is determined in accordance with the selected criterion. An operation environment in which each object can be selected or cannot be selected inside and outside can be realized. In other words, by giving a selection attribute of the object corresponding to the object and changing the attribute, the object can have an arbitrary selection attribute without changing the program logic of the event dispatcher. Also,
On the application side, there is an effect that it is only necessary to provide a simple logic for selecting, for example, an object closest to the viewpoint side from objects selected as selection candidates on the basis of selection. Further, when selecting one object from the group of selection candidate objects,
By changing the display mode of the selection candidate object itself, the selection target can be easily selected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure for generating a three-dimensional object according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a local coordinate system, a world coordinate system, and a projection plane coordinate system.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of positions D1 and D2 of a projection plane and a rear plane set when displaying a three-dimensional object on a display device screen.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a selection criterion.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a function set for a three-dimensional object according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system for realizing a three-dimensional object selection control method according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a three-dimensional object in an application example used in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing of a dispatcher program started from the operating system.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing for executing a selection candidate group acquisition function in step 801 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of arrangement of three-dimensional objects for explaining the object selection control method of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a response held in each object in FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a dent function and an example of an execution result thereof.

12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of definition of a respondent function, a preselect function, and a select function held in an object of a top class of each object in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between processing performed when a function is defined for each object and when the function is not defined.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of objects when a transparent or translucent object is not selected.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a definition example of a select function when a transparent or translucent object is not selected.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a select function, a response function, and a preselect function of the top class.

FIG. 17 shows a select function in a block object in which objects behind the own object are not selected;
9 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a preselect function.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a select in selecting an object closest to the mouse event occurrence position in a selection candidate object group.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a function.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an application example of a select function for selecting an object closest to a mouse event occurrence position in a selection candidate object group.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of objects when the objects have an inclusion relationship.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of extracting a selection candidate object when a straight line connecting a viewpoint and an event occurrence position does not intersect an object region, but intersects a reaction region redefined by a response function.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a respondent function that defines a region that is larger than the size of its own object as a reaction region.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a respondent function that defines a region smaller than the size of its own object as a reaction region.

FIG. 24 adds a selectable flag to the three-dimensional object, and checks whether the selectable flag is on or off.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of objects in a case where it is determined whether or not to be a selection candidate object based on whether or not the object is selected.

FIG. 25 adds a selectable flag to the three-dimensional object, and checks whether the selectable flag is on or off.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a respondent function in a case where a selection candidate object is determined based on whether or not the response function is set.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an object in a case where all the selection candidate objects among a group of objects having a straight line and an intersection with an event occurrence position are set as a final selection object group.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example in which only an opaque object is selected from a selection candidate object group.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a process of the event dispatcher when selecting a plurality of objects.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a respondent function and a preselect function when returning a plurality of objects to an event dispatcher.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a select function when a plurality of objects are returned to an event dispatcher.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating another definition example of a default select function when a plurality of objects are returned to the event dispatcher.

FIG. 32 is a diagram for describing an example of an operation required when selecting a target object from a plurality of objects in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of various default functions held in a global memory area in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing processing of an event dispatcher according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing details of step 3401 in FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a select function.

FIG. 37 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a t function and a highlight function.

FIG. 38 shows a result of the determination according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a definition example of a function, a next function, and a previous function.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state where a plurality of selection candidate objects exist in the second embodiment of the present invention.

40 is a diagram showing a state where each object is viewed from above in order to clarify the positional relationship in the depth direction of each object in FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a second object from the front is highlighted by a click operation of a mouse button.

FIG. 42 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the number of a selection candidate object is displayed when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 42 is applied;

FIG. 44 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the shape of a selection candidate object is displayed near the mouse cursor when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 44 is applied.

FIG. 46 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

47 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the color of a selection candidate object is displayed near the mouse cursor when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 46 is applied.

FIG. 48 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a mouse cursor symbol is displayed in the shape of a selection candidate object when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 48 is applied.

FIG. 50 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a mouse cursor symbol is displayed in the color of a selection candidate object when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 50 is applied.

FIG. 52 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an object in front of a selection candidate object is transparently displayed when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 52 is applied.

FIG. 54 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the object in front of the selection candidate object is displayed in a wire frame when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 54 is applied.

FIG. 56 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

57 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a selection candidate object is displayed on the foreground when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 56 is applied.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing that the viewpoint is shifted immediately before the current object.

FIG. 59 shows showCurren in the second embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the definition of the t function.

60 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a selection candidate object is displayed on the foreground when the definition of the showCurrent function in FIG. 59 is applied.

FIG. 61 is a flowchart showing another definition example of the determine function, the next function, and the previous function.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating another definition example of the determine function, the next function, and the previous function.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: three-dimensional object, 11: common attribute item, 1
3: Selected criteria, 14: Data part, 600: Computer, 6
01 ... keyboard, 602 ... display, 603 ... C
PU, 604: mouse, 605: program memory, 6
06 Data memory 605a Operating system 605b Event dispatcher 605c
Three-dimensional object (1) program, 605d three-dimensional object (2) program, 605e three-dimensional object (n) program, 606a three-dimensional object (1), 606b three-dimensional object (2),
606c: three-dimensional object (n), 701: global memory area, 707: selection candidate group holding area.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasushi Wakabayashi 6-81-Ouecho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture In-house Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd. 81 Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd. In-house (72) Inventor Yusuke Totsuka 6-90 Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture F-term within Hitachi Business Solutions Co., Ltd. 5B050 EA11 5E501 AA01 AC10 BA05 CA02 CB02 DA12 EB05 EB06 FA14 FA27 FB29

Claims (34)

[Claims] 1. A method for generating a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object to be displayed on a display device, comprising: generating a plurality of objects having an arbitrary shape;
A step of setting and holding individually or collectively a selection criterion for determining whether each object is included in an operation target for a selection operation event in a state displayed on the display device, and generating the object. Method. 2. The object generation method according to claim 1, further comprising a selection criterion for determining whether another object related to each object is to be operated as the selection criterion. 3. The object according to claim 1, wherein the selection criterion includes a selection criterion for determining that the own object or another object is preferentially selected as an operation target. Generation method. 4. The object generating method according to claim 1, wherein a criterion for determining whether or not to react to a selection operation event is provided as the criterion to be selected. . 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection criterion is set and held as a function. 6. A method for generating a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object to be displayed on a display device, comprising: generating a plurality of objects having an arbitrary shape;
An object comprising a step of setting and holding a selection right determination process for determining whether to include each object in an operation target for a selection operation event in a state displayed on a display device individually or collectively for each object. Generation method. 7. A plurality of two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects holding selection criteria for a selection operation event are displayed on a display device, and which object is selected in response to a selection operation event for the displayed object. A selection control method for an object that controls a selection operation event on a display screen, wherein all objects existing in a selection candidate object group determined according to a position of the selection operation event according to a preset rule Transmitting a response from the transmitted object, and selecting, as an operation target, one or a plurality of objects satisfying a predetermined selection condition among the contents of the response. Selection control method. 8. The object selection control method according to claim 7, wherein a condition for selecting an object whose display color is opaque and located closest to the viewpoint is set as the selection condition. 9. The object selection control method according to claim 7, wherein a condition for selecting an object located closest to the viewpoint regardless of a display color is set as the selection condition. 10. A condition for selecting an object located closest to the viewpoint from among objects for which a response is set as a response criterion for a selection operation event is set as the selection condition. Item 7. The object selection control method according to Item 7. 11. A two-dimensional or three-dimensional image to be displayed on a display device.
A first data part that defines an arbitrary shape; and a selection criterion that determines whether each object is included in an operation target in response to a selection operation event in a state displayed on a display device. Second
A data structure of an object, wherein the data structure of the object is held. 12. The data structure of an object according to claim 11, wherein the second data part is held as a function. 13. An object selection control method for displaying a plurality of objects on a display device and controlling which object is selected in response to a selection operation event for the displayed object, comprising: Means for recognizing one or more specific objects as objects of interest, means for switching the object of interest to another object by a specific trigger, A means for notifying a user of whether or not the object of interest is selected, and a means for determining the object of interest at that time as a selected object at a specific opportunity. 14. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a user's specific operation is used as a trigger for switching the focused object. 15. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a mouse click operation is a trigger for switching the target object. 16. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the switching of the target object is triggered by pressing a specific key. 17. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the switching of the focused object is triggered by a lapse of a predetermined period of time. 18. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the switching of the focused object is triggered by a lapse of a fixed period of time in a state where a mouse pressing operation is continued. 19. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a user's specific operation is used as an opportunity to determine the selected object. 20. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a mouse click operation is used as an opportunity to determine the selected object. 21. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the selection object is determined by pressing a specific key. 22. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined object is determined by activating a predetermined period of time. 23. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the selection object determination is triggered by elapse of a certain period of time in a state where a mouse pressing operation is continued. 24. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the object of interest is highlighted as a notification mode of the object of interest. 25. The object selection control according to claim 13, wherein, as the notice mode of the target object, a number indicating the number of the target object from the viewpoint is displayed near a mouse cursor. Method. 26. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a shape of the object of interest is displayed near a mouse cursor as the notification mode of the object of interest. 27. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a color of the object of interest is displayed near a mouse cursor as the notification mode of the object of interest. 28. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a mouse cursor is changed to a shape of the object of interest as a notice mode of the object of interest. 29. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein a color of a mouse cursor is changed to a color of the object of interest as a notice mode of the object of interest. 30. The object selection control according to claim 13, wherein, as the notice mode of the target object, an object on the viewpoint side of the target object is changed to be transparent, and the target object is highlighted. Method. 31. The object according to claim 13, wherein, as the notification mode of the target object, an object on the viewpoint side of the target object is changed to a wire frame display, and the target object is highlighted. Selection control method. 32. The object selection control according to claim 13, wherein, as the notice mode of the target object, the target object is highlighted and displayed on the screen without clipping from another object. Method. 33. An object in which a viewpoint is moved to a position immediately before the object of interest as a notice mode of the object of interest.
3. The method for controlling selection of an object according to item 3. 34. The object selection control method according to claim 13, wherein the whole or a part of the object is displayed translucently before the decision trigger.