JP2020118752A - Display system - Google Patents

Abstract

To facilitate switching between uses in which a display device is independently carried and uses in which the display device is connected to another display device.SOLUTION: A cover member 30 is a rectangular sheet-like member fixed with a first display device 10 and a second display device 20. A connection part 37 is a rectangular plate-like part for connecting both a first cover part 31 and a second cover part 32 between them. The connecting part 37 has flexibility and can be easily bended. A wire-connection member 40 is a member for connecting the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 when the first display device 10 is fixed to the cover member 30 while the second display device 20 is fixed to the cover member 30. A built-in wiring part 45 included in the wire-connection member 40 is provided inside the cover member 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a technique of using a plurality of display devices side by side.

A technique of arranging and using a plurality of display devices is known. Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile terminal device in which a main body part and a display part each having a display device are connected by a flexible connecting part.

JP-A-2000-242393

When a plurality of display devices are connected as in the technique of Patent Document 1, it is possible to display a plurality of display surfaces as one display surface or display a plurality of images on each display surface, which is convenient. Is. On the other hand, when it is desired to use one display device alone, it is easier to use because it is lighter and easier to hold when no other display device is connected.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to facilitate switching between the use of the display device by itself and the use of the display device connected to another display device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plate-shaped first device having a display surface, a plate-shaped second device having a display surface, and a sheet to which the first device and the second device are fixed. -Shaped cover member, having a flexible portion having flexibility between portions where both devices are fixed, at least the first device is a detachable cover member, and the first device is the cover. A display system is provided, which includes a connection member that connects the first device and the second device that is fixed to the cover member when fixed to the member.

Further, the wire connecting member may have wiring provided inside the flexible portion.

In addition, a maintenance member that maintains a state in which the side surfaces of the first device and the second device fixed to the cover member are close to each other may be provided.

Further, the maintaining member may maintain the approaching state by magnetic force.

In addition, a slide unit may be provided that slides at least one of the first device and the second device until the side surfaces of the two devices approach each other.

In addition, the approach detection unit that detects that the side surfaces approach each other and the image displayed on one of the first device and the second device when the detection by the approach detection unit is performed. And a first display control unit for displaying the image to be displayed on the other side.

Further, a fixing detection unit that detects that one of the first device and the second device is fixed to the cover member while the other is fixed to the cover member, and the detection by the fixing detection unit is performed. In this case, the second display control unit may display an image related to the image displayed on one of the first device and the second device on the other.

Also, the second device may be removable.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily use the display device alone or in connection with another display device.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance of a display system according to an example The figure showing the cover member seen in the Y-axis negative direction. Figure showing a display system with a fixed display device Illustration showing a folded cover member Diagram showing terminals of display device Figure showing a slide of the display device Diagram showing display system 1 after slide The figure which expands and shows a 1st holding part The figure which expands and represents the 1st terminal and the 1st rail part. Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the first display device Diagram showing the hardware configuration of the second display device The figure showing an example of the operation procedure in switching control. The figure showing an example of the operation procedure in the switching control of a modification.

[1] Example FIG. 1 shows an appearance of a display system 1 according to an example. The display system 1 is a set of devices and members that can be used as a foldable two-screen display means. The display system 1 includes a first display device 10, a second display device 20, a cover member 30, and a connection member 40. The first display device 10 and the second display device 20 are devices that can be attached to and detached from (attachable to and detachable from) the cover member 30 as described later.

FIG. 1 shows a state in which both display devices are removed. The first display device 10 is a plate-shaped display unit having a first display surface 11 and a first housing 12, and is an example of the “first device” in the present invention. The first display surface 11 is a surface on which an image is displayed. The first display surface 11 is a rectangular and flat surface, and also serves as the input screen of the touch panel in this embodiment. The first housing 12 is a plate-shaped and hollow housing, and the first display surface 11 is provided on one surface (front surface) thereof.

Further, the first housing 12 is provided with a speaker, a microphone, a camera and the like. Due to these hardware, the first display device 10 is used as a so-called smartphone that also serves as a mobile phone, a digital camera, and the like. The second display device 20 is a plate-shaped display unit having a second display surface 21 and a second housing 22, and is an example of the “second device” in the present invention. The second display surface 21 is a surface on which an image is displayed.

The second display surface 21 is a rectangular and flat surface, and also serves as the input screen of the touch panel in this embodiment. The second housing 22 is a plate-shaped and hollow housing, and the second display surface 21 is provided on one surface (front surface) thereof. In the present embodiment, unlike the first housing 12, the second housing 22 is not provided with a speaker, a microphone, a camera, and the like. Therefore, the second display device 20 is used as a touch panel type display (touch screen) instead of a smartphone.

The cover member 30 is a rectangular sheet-shaped member to which the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 are fixed. In FIG. 1, the direction along the long side of the cover member 30 is shown as the X-axis direction, the direction along the short side is shown as the Y-axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is shown as the Z-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, the right direction when viewed from the front is the positive direction, the Y-axis direction is the downward direction when viewed from the front, and the Z-axis direction is the direction from the front to the back side (the Z-axis positive direction in FIG. 1). Looking).

The cover member 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
FIG. 2 shows the cover member 30 as viewed in the Y-axis negative direction. The cover member 30 includes a first cover portion 31, a second cover portion 32, a first holding portion 33, a second holding portion 34, a first slide portion 35, a second slide portion 36, and a connecting portion 37. Have and. The first cover portion 31 is a rectangular plate-shaped portion to which the first display device 10 is detachably fixed. One surface of the plate-shaped first slide portion 35 is fixed to the first cover portion 31.

The first holding portion 33 is slidably fixed to the other surface of the first slide portion 35 (slide will be described later in detail). The first holding portion 33 has a shape in which one surface is removed from a hollow rectangular parallelepiped capable of storing the first display device 10, and the first display device 10 fitted from the part where the surface is removed cannot be removed. It functions as a so-called holder or case. Since the first holding unit 33 holds the first display device 10, the first display device 10 is fixed to the first cover unit 31.

The second cover portion 32 is a rectangular plate-shaped portion to which the second display device 20 is detachably fixed. One surface of the plate-shaped second slide portion 36 is fixed to the second cover portion 32. The second holding portion 34 is slidably fixed to the other surface of the second slide portion 36 (also described later). The second holding portion 34 has a shape in which one surface is removed from a hollow rectangular parallelepiped in which the second display device 20 can be stored, and the second display device 20 fitted from the part where the surface is removed cannot be removed. It functions as a so-called holder or case by being held in the. The second display unit 20 is fixed to the second cover unit 32 by the second holding unit 34 holding the second display device 20.

FIG. 3 shows a display system 1 with a fixed display device. In FIG. 3, the display system 1 viewed from the front is shown. When fixed to the cover member 30, the first display surface 11 of the first display device 10 held by the first holding portion 33 and the second display surface 21 of the second display device 20 held by the second holding portion 34. The image will be displayed in a state where and are lined up.

The connection part 37 is a rectangle that connects both the first cover part 31 and the second cover part 32, that is, between the part to which the first display device 10 is fixed and the part to which the second display device 20 is fixed. Is a plate-shaped part. The connecting portion 37 has flexibility and can be easily bent. The connecting portion 37 is an example of the "flexible portion" in the present invention. Therefore, the cover member 30 can be folded around the connecting portion 37.

FIG. 4 shows the folded cover member 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover member 30 is folded with the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 inside. The thickness (size in the Z-axis direction) of the first holding portion 33 is larger than the thickness of the first display device 10, and the thickness of the second holding portion 34 is larger than the thickness of the second display device 20. Therefore, when the cover member 30 is folded as shown in FIG. 3, the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 are in contact with each other and the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 are not in contact with each other. Therefore, the display surface is prevented from being damaged.

The connection member 40 connects the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 when the first display device 10 is fixed to the cover member 30 while the second display device 20 is fixed to the cover member 30. It is a member. The connection between both display units is used, for example, for transmitting a control signal when performing full-screen display for displaying an image with the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 as one display surface.

The connection member 40 has a first terminal 41, a second terminal 42, a first rail portion 43, a second rail portion 44, and a built-in wiring portion 45. The first terminal 41 contacts the terminal of the first display device 10, and the second terminal 42 contacts the terminal of the second display device 20.
FIG. 5 shows terminals of the display device. The first display device 10 has a first back surface terminal 14 on the back surface 13 (the surface on the back side of the first display surface 11).

The second display device 20 has a second back terminal 24 on the back surface 23 (the surface on the back side of the second display surface 21). On the other hand, the first holding portion 33 has a first position at a position corresponding to the first back terminal 14 (a position facing the first back terminal 14 when the first display device 10 is held by the first holding portion 33). The terminal 41 is provided so as to be exposed. In addition, the second terminal 42 is provided on the second holding portion 34 at a position corresponding to the second back surface terminal 24 so as to be exposed.

The first terminal 41 contacts the first back terminal 14 of the first display device 10 held by the first holding portion 33, and the second terminal 42 holds the second display device 20 held by the second holding portion 34. To contact the second rear terminal 24 of. The first rail portion 43 is a rod-shaped member having electrical conductivity and is in contact with the first terminal 41. The second rail portion 44 is a rod-shaped member having electrical conductivity and is in contact with the second terminal 42.

The built-in wiring portion 45 is, for example, a flexible wiring mainly made of copper wire (wiring made of a flexible printed board). The built-in wiring part 45 has one end connected to the first rail part 43 and the other end connected to the second rail part 44. By connecting and contacting each part of the connection member 40 in this manner, the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 are connected (electrically connected).

The built-in wiring portion 45 is provided inside the cover member 30. Specifically, the built-in wiring part 45 is provided inside the first cover part 31, the second cover part 32, and the connecting part 37. The built-in wiring part 45 is an example of the “wiring” in the present invention. In this way, the wiring that electrically connects the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 is provided inside the cover member 30 (particularly the connecting portion 37), so that the wiring is inconspicuous. ..

Further, since the built-in wiring portion 45 is a flexible wiring that can be bent, even when the cover member 30 is folded as shown in FIG. 4, the built-in wiring portion 45 bends together with the connecting portion 37 and maintains an electrical connection. In the display system 1, in addition to the folding of the cover member 30, the first display surface 11 of the first display device 10 and the second display surface 21 of the second display device 20 are brought close to each other when the cover member 30 is opened. be able to. A configuration for this approach will be described with reference to FIG. 6 and subsequent figures.

FIG. 6 shows a slide of the display device. FIG. 6 shows the display system 1 viewed from the lower side. The first holding portion 33 is fixed to the first slide portion 35 so as to be slidable in the X-axis direction, and the second holding portion 34 is fixed to the second slide portion 36 so as to be slidable in the X-axis direction. By sliding the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 6A, from the state where the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 are separated from each other, as shown in FIG. As shown in b), the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 come into contact with each other.

The first slide portion 35 and the second slide portion 36 have stoppers (not shown), and both holding portions can be slid between the position shown in FIG. 6(a) and the position shown in FIG. 6(b). It has become. As shown in FIG. 6B, the first holding unit 33 and the second holding unit 34 slide and come into contact with each other, so that the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 after the sliding are brought close to each other.

The term “approach” as used herein means to approach a predetermined distance or more, and in the present embodiment, it means to approach a distance sandwiching the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34. For example, in the state of FIG. 6B, since only the first holding unit 33 and the second holding unit 34 exist between the first display device 10 and the second display device 20, both display devices (both devices) are It is in a state of close proximity. This state is also called a state after sliding.

FIG. 7 shows the display system 1 after the slide. FIG. 7 shows the display system 1 viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 7, the first slide portion 35 and the second slide portion 36 separate the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 fixed to the cover member 30 from side surfaces (of the first display device 10). The side surface 15 on the second display device 20 side and the side surface 25 on the first display device 10 side of the second display device 20) are slid until they come close to each other. The 1st slide part 35 and the 2nd slide part 36 are examples of the "slide part" of the present invention.

When the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 approach each other, the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 also approach as shown in FIG. 7. When both display surfaces are close to each other in this way, compared to the state where both display surfaces are apart from each other, the above-described full-screen display (an image in which the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 are one display surface is displayed. The displayed images will be displayed clearly connected.

In the display system 1, a state in which the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 are close to each other is maintained. The mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the first holding unit 33. FIG. 8A shows a state before sliding, and FIG. 8B shows a state after sliding. The first holding portion 33 is provided with a magnetic force member 51 on the side of the second holding portion 34 (the contact sensor 38 in the figure will be described in another description). A magnetic force member 52 is provided on the second holding portion 34 on the first holding portion 33 side.

The magnetic force member 51 and the magnetic force member 52 are members (for example, permanent magnets) that generate magnetic forces having polarities different from each other. In this embodiment, the magnetic force member 51 and the magnetic force member 52 do not generate a magnetic force enough to slide the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 in the state before sliding as shown in FIG. 8A, When the two holding parts are brought close to each other to some extent, the magnetic force causes the two holding parts to slide to bring them into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 8B.

When the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 come into contact with each other, the side surface 15 of the first display device 10 and the side surface 25 of the second display device 20, which are slidably fixed to the cover member 30, approach each other. The magnetic force member 51 and the magnetic force member 52 maintain a state in which the both side surfaces are close to each other due to the magnetic force. The magnetic force member 51 and the magnetic force member 52 are examples of the "maintaining member" in the present invention. The term "maintain" as used herein means that both side surfaces are prevented from moving away from each other unless a force of a certain level or more (a force larger than the force applied by simple vibration) is applied in the direction of separating the both side surfaces.

If both magnetic force members are not provided, for example, if a little force is applied by vibration or the like during full-screen display, both side surfaces will move away, and the center gap of the displayed image will widen and It becomes difficult to see as an image. Compared to that case, in the present embodiment, both magnetic force members are kept close to each other as described above, so that the full-screen display can be stably viewed.

The connection member 40 maintains an electrical connection even when the above-described slide is performed. The mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the first terminal 41 and the first rail portion 43. 9A shows a state before the display surface approaches, and FIG. 9B shows a state after the display surface approaches. The first rail portion 43 is fixed to the first slide portion 35.

Further, in the state of FIG. 9A, the first rail portion 43 has a portion extending to the X-axis negative direction side (second display device 20 side) with respect to the portion in contact with the first terminal 41. .. As shown in FIG. 9B, when the first holding portion 33 slides in the X-axis negative direction, the first terminals 41 also move in the X-axis negative direction, but the first rail portion 43 extends as described above. Since it has a portion, the first terminal 41 moves while being in contact with that portion.

Similarly, the second terminal 42 also moves while maintaining contact with the second rail portion 44. The first rail portion 43 and the second rail portion 44 are extended by a length sufficient to keep contacting with each terminal until the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 9B. Have parts. By maintaining the contact between the rail portions and the terminals in this manner, the electrical connection of the connection member 40 is maintained even when the both holding portions are slid.

FIG. 10 shows the hardware configuration of the first display device 10. The first display device 10 is a computer including a processor 2, a memory 3, a storage 4, a communication device 5, an input device 6, an output device 7, and a bus 8. The word "apparatus" can be read as an apparatus, a device, a unit, or the like. In addition, each device may include one or more devices, or may not include some devices.

The processor 2 operates an operating system to control the entire computer, for example. The processor 2 may be configured by a central processing unit (CPU) including an interface with peripheral devices, a control circuit, an arithmetic circuit, a register, and the like. Further, the processor 2 reads a program (program code) including an OS (Operating System) and various applications, software modules, data, and the like from the storage 4 and/or the communication device 5 into the memory 3, and according to these, The process of is executed.

The number of processors 2 that execute various processes may be one, or may be two or more, and the two or more processors 2 may execute various processes simultaneously or sequentially. Further, the processor 2 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may be transmitted from the network via a telecommunication line. The memory 3 is a computer-readable recording medium, and is composed of at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. May be done.

The memory 3 may be called a register, a cache, a main memory (main storage device), or the like. The memory 3 can store the above-mentioned program (program code), software module, data, and the like. The storage 4 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a flash memory (for example, a card, a stick, a key drive), a magnetic strip, and the like.

The storage 4 may be called an auxiliary storage device. The above-described storage medium may be, for example, a database including the memory 3 and/or the storage 4, a server, or another appropriate medium. The communication device 5 is hardware (transmission/reception device) for performing communication between computers via a wired and/or wireless network, and is also called, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, or the like.

The input device 6 is an input device (for example, a microphone, a switch, a button, a sensor, etc.) that receives an input from the outside. The output device 7 is an output device (for example, a display, a speaker, an LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. In the display system 1, the input device 6 and the output device 7 include a touch screen configured integrally.

The circuits such as the processor 2 and the memory 3 are accessible to each other via a bus 8 for communicating information. The bus 8 may be configured with a single bus or different buses between circuits. Further, the first display device 10 may be configured to include a microprocessor and a digital signal processor (DSP).

The first display device 10 may be configured to include hardware such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A part or all of each function may be realized. For example, the processor 2 may be implemented with at least one of these hardware.

FIG. 11 shows the hardware configuration of the second display device 20. The second display device 20 includes a communication device 5, an input device 6, an output device 7, and a bus 8. These are hardware common to the respective devices shown in FIG. 10, but there are some differences. For example, the communication device 5 communicates only with the communication device 5 of the first display device 10 via the connection member 40. Further, each device is controlled by the processor 2 of the first display device 10 by a control signal exchanged via the communication device 5.

The processor 2 controls the display of images on the first display device 10 and the second display device 20. The processor 2 controls, for example, full-screen display in which the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 are regarded as one display surface. Further, the processor 2 controls a two-screen display in which the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 are regarded as separate display surfaces. Further, the processor 2 controls the one-screen display in which the image is displayed on only one of the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21.

Further, the processor 2 is triggered by the approach and isolation of the side surface 15 of the first display device 10 and the side surface 25 of the second display device 20, and the image displayed on one of the first display device 10 and the second display device 20. Switching control is performed so that the image related to is displayed on the other side. The processor 2 in this case is an example of the “first display control unit” of the present invention. For example, the processor 2 performs, as switching control, display control for displaying an image that is being displayed on a single screen on the first display device 10 (or the second display device 20) on both screens.

In this case, half of the images displayed on one screen are displayed as related images. Further, the processor 2 performs, as switching control, display control for displaying one image (either image may be displayed) on both screens in a full screen when the two-screen display is performed. The processor 2 detects the approach and separation of both side surfaces based on the output of the contact sensor 38 shown in FIG. The contact sensor 38 is provided so as to be exposed on the second holding part 34 side of the first holding part 33, and detects contact with the second holding part 34.

The contact sensor 38 is electrically connected to the first terminal 41 by a wiring (not shown), and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the processor 2 via the first terminal 41. When the signal for detecting the contact is output, the processor 2 detects that the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 are in contact with each other and the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 are close to each other. The processor 2 in this case is an example of the “approach detector” of the present invention.

Note that the approach sensor is not limited to the contact sensor, and may be, for example, an optical sensor (detects approach when it gets dark), a distance measuring sensor (detects approach when the distance is less than a threshold value), or the like. Any sensor may be used as long as it can detect the approach of the side surface 25. Further, when the signal for detecting the contact is no longer output, the processor 2 detects that the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 are not in contact with each other and the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 are separated from each other. Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the switching control will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an operation procedure in switching control. This operation procedure is started when the user performs an operation (display operation) for displaying an image with the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 fixed to the cover member 30. First, the processor 2 performs one-screen display or two-screen display based on the display operation performed by the user (step S11). Next, the processor 2 determines whether or not the approach of the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 is detected (step S12).

When the approach of both side surfaces is not detected (NO), the processor 2 returns to step S12 to perform the operation. When the approach of both side surfaces is detected (YES), the processor 2 switches from the one-screen display or the two-screen display to the full-screen display (step S13). Subsequently, the processor 2 determines whether or not the separation of the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 is detected (step S14). If the processor 2 does not detect the separation of both side surfaces (NO), the process returns to step S14 and operates. When the processor 2 detects the isolation on both sides (YES), it switches from the full-screen display to the display before switching (one-screen display or two-screen display) (step S15), and returns to step S12.

In the display system 1, by fixing the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 to the cover member 30, both display devices can be connected and used. Further, for example, by removing the first display device 10 from the cover member 30, the first display device 10 can be carried alone and used as one smartphone. On the other hand, for example, in a foldable two-screen terminal connected by a hinge, one display device cannot be carried and used alone.

As described above, in this embodiment, compared to the case where the display device is connected by a hinge or the like, it is possible to easily switch between the use of the display device by itself and the use of the display device by being connected to another display device. it can. Further, in the display system 1, when the approach of the side surface 15 of the first display device 10 and the side surface 25 of the second display device 20 is detected, for example, switching control for switching from single-screen display or dual-screen display to full-screen display is performed. Done.

In many cases, it is desired to use the first display surface 11 and the second display surface 21 as one display surface so that both side surfaces are brought close to each other. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to separately perform the operation of switching to the full-screen display, and the user's labor can be reduced compared to the case where this switching control is not performed. In addition, in the display system 1, the side surface 15 and the side surface 25 are kept close to each other due to the magnetic force. With this, both sides can be brought close to each other only by bringing the both sides close to each other even if the hand is released from the middle.

[2] Modified Example The above-described embodiment is merely an example of the implementation of the present invention, and may be modified as follows.

[2-1] Attachment/Detachment of Display Device In the embodiment, both the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 were attachable/detachable, but one was not attachable/detachable and was completely fixed to the cover member 30. Good. For example, since the second display device 20 has only a touch screen function, the second display device 20 may be fixed to the cover member 30 and only the first display device 10 used as a smartphone may be detachable.

Even in that case, similarly to the embodiment, the detachable display device (for example, the first display device 10) can be used by being carried alone, and the completely fixed display device (for example, the second display device 10) can be used. It is possible to facilitate switching of the usage in connection with the device 20). Thus, the cover member 30 should just be attachable/detachable at least one display device. If both display devices are detachable as in the embodiment, only the cover member 30 can be repaired or replaced.

[2-2] Slider In the embodiment, both the first holding unit 33 and the second holding unit 34 (that is, both the first display device 10 and the second display device 20) slide, but only one slides. You may. Even if at least one of the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 slides, if the side faces of both display devices are slid close to each other, the images displayed by the full-screen display can be seen clearly connected. Become.

[2-3] Display Device Fixing Method In the embodiment, both display devices are slidably fixed to the cover member 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, and they may be fixed in a non-sliding state. For example, the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 are directly fixed to the cover member 30, so that both display devices are fixed to the cover member 30 without sliding.

Even in that case, since the connecting portion 37 has flexibility, the connecting portion 37 is bent to bring the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 into contact with each other. The sides of the two are kept close to each other. By providing the slide portion as in the embodiment, it is possible to bring the side surfaces close to each other without bending the connecting portion 37 as shown in FIG.

As a result, when the cover member is placed on a flat surface, it is possible to stabilize the cover member as compared with the case where the slide portion is not provided. Further, the shape of the holding portion is also a shape that covers the entire side surface of the display device in the embodiment, but the shape is not limited to this, and may be a shape that covers a part of the side surface. Further, the display device may be fixed to the cover member by fitting metal fittings provided on the back side of the display device and the fixing region of the cover member together.

In that case, those metal fittings replace the holding part. Further, the display device which is not detachable may be fixed by being adhered to the cover member with an adhesive or the like. In that case, the adhesive substitutes for the holding portion. In short, the display device may be fixed to the cover member by any method as long as at least one display device is detachable.

[2-4] Maintaining Member The maintaining member that maintains the side surface 15 of the first display device 10 and the side surface 25 of the second display device 20 approaching each other is not limited to the magnetic force member described in the embodiments. For example, by providing a fitting portion (a shape in which a protrusion or the like is caught when removing it, which causes resistance) in a portion where the first holding portion and the second holding portion are in contact with each other, the other convex portion is fitted into the one concave portion. Alternatively, the close state may be maintained. In that case, the fitting portion is an example of the “maintenance member” of the present invention.

Further, the approaching state may be maintained by a surface fastener (also called Velcro (registered trademark) or Velcro (registered trademark)). In addition, since the first holding portion 33 and the second holding portion 34 of the embodiment have a shape that covers the side surface of the display device, the holding members are provided in both holding portions, but the holding portion is used as in the above modification. If not, a sustaining member (magnetic member or the like) may be directly provided on the display device. In that case, the side surfaces, that is, the display surfaces can be brought closer to each other because the holding portions are not sandwiched.

[2-5] Wire Connecting Member The wire connecting member may have a configuration different from that of the embodiment. For example, if the slide portion is not provided as in the above modification, it is not necessary to provide the rail portion. Further, the wiring portion that connects the first terminal 41 and the second terminal 42 may not be provided inside the cover member 30 (particularly the connecting portion 37) as in the embodiment.

For example, the wiring may be provided in a state of being exposed to the inside of the cover member (the one that becomes the inside when folded). Even in that case, if the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 are connected, full-screen display can be performed. Further, if the length is adjusted so as to bend along the connecting portion when the cover member is folded, it is unlikely that the cover member and the display device are brought into contact with each other and an unnecessary force is applied to the cover member to damage the cover member.

[2-6] Trigger of switching control The processor 2 may change the trigger of switching control from that of the embodiment. In the present modified example, the processor 2 is, for example, triggered by the fact that one of the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 is fixed to the cover member 30 and the other is fixed to the cover member 30. The same switching control is performed. The processor 2 in this case is an example of the "second display control unit" in the present invention.

In other words, the processor 2 performs the switching control when both the first display device 10 and the second display device 20 are fixed to the cover member 30. In the present modification, the processor 2 detects that both display devices are fixed to the cover member 30 when the communication with the second display device 20 becomes possible (if the both display devices are not fixed, the second display device is detected). Because it is not connected to the display device 20). The processor 2 in this case is an example of the “fixed detector” of the present invention.

Note that the fixing is not limited to this, and the fixation may be detected by using, for example, a holding detection sensor that detects that the display device is held by the first holding unit 33 and the second holding unit 34. The holding detection sensor is, for example, a contact sensor or an optical sensor. The contact sensor is provided at a position in contact with the display device held by the holding unit, and the optical sensor is provided at a position where light is blocked by the display device held by the holding unit.

The processor 2 detects that both display devices are fixed to the cover member 30 when a signal indicating that the display device is held is output from the holding detection sensors provided in both holding portions. Further, when the communication with the second display device 20 is disabled, the processor 2 detects that one of the display devices is removed from the cover member 30. Note that the processor 2 may detect that the display device is removed from the cover member 30 when the signal indicating that the display device is held is not output from the one holding detection sensor.

FIG. 13 shows an example of an operation procedure in the switching control of this modification. In this operation procedure, step S21 (one-screen display or two-screen display), step S23 (switch to full-screen display) and step S25 (switch to display before switching) are common to steps S11, S13, and S15 of FIG. ing. After step S21, the processor 2 determines whether or not the fixation of both display devices is detected (step S22).

If the fixation of both display devices is not detected (NO), the processor 2 returns to step S22 and operates. When the fixation of both display devices is detected (YES), the processor 2 performs the operation of step S23. Further, after step S23, the processor 2 determines whether removal of the display device is detected (step S24). If the removal of the display device is not detected (NO), the processor 2 returns to step S24 and operates.

When the removal of the display device is detected (YES), the processor 2 performs the operation of step S25 and returns to step S22. In this modification, the switching control is performed when both display devices are fixed to the cover member 30. For example, when switching to the full-screen display is performed, the user is requested to bring the side surface 15 of the first display device 10 and the side surface 25 of the second display device 20 closer to each other in order to connect the images displayed in the full screen. Can be urged.

[2-7] Display Control The processor 2 performs the switching control for switching the full-screen display in the embodiment, but may perform the display control different from that. For example, when a predetermined application (application program) is displayed on the first display device 10, the processor 2 may perform display control to display another application related to the application on the second display device 20. Good.

As a combination of related applications, for example, a combination of a transfer guidance application and a map application, a schedule application and a weather forecast application, a telephone application and a phonebook application, and the like are used. These are combinations in which images of two applications are likely to be used side by side. When the approach of both side surfaces or the fixation of both display devices is detected, the two display surfaces are likely to be used side by side. According to the present modification, when the detection is made, the above-mentioned combination of applications is displayed on each display surface, so that it is possible to save the user the trouble of activating one of the applications.

[2-8] Display Device The display device included in the display system is not limited to the above. For example, in the embodiment, one is a smartphone and the other is a touch screen, but both may be smartphones. Alternatively, the tablet terminal may be used as a display device with a large size. In short, any display device may be used as long as it is a plate-shaped device having a display surface for displaying an image and has a function capable of interlocking by connecting two devices.

The plate-like device mentioned here is a thin rectangular parallelepiped device having two large surfaces (one including a display surface). However, in some cases, the corners may be dropped to include not only a flat surface but also a curved surface. When the cover member is folded, the thickness of the entire display system becomes more than double the thickness of the display device. Therefore, if the display device is thick, it is too bulky for the user and cannot be put to practical use. Therefore, it is desirable that the plate-shaped device (display device) is a device that is thin enough to be practically used when the cover member is folded as shown in FIG.

[2-9] Category of Invention The present invention is not limited to a display system, but is also understood as an information processing method for realizing a process performed by a display device included in the display system, and controls the display device. It can be understood as a program for operating a computer. This program may be provided in the form of a recording medium such as an optical disc having the program stored therein, or may be provided in the form of being downloaded by a computer via a network such as the Internet and installed and made available. May be done.

[2-10] "and", "or"
In the present specification, with respect to a configuration that can be implemented with “A and B” or “A or B”, the configuration described in one expression may be used as the configuration described in the other expression. For example, when "A and B" is described, it may be used as "A or B" as long as it is practicable without inconsistency with other descriptions.

[2-11] Variations of Aspect, etc. Each of the embodiments described in the present specification may be used alone, in combination, or may be switched according to execution. Further, the notification of the predetermined information (for example, the notification of “being X”) is not limited to the explicit notification, and is performed implicitly (for example, the notification of the predetermined information is not performed). Good.

Although the present invention has been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented as modified and changed modes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the claims. Therefore, the description of the present specification is for the purpose of exemplifying explanation, and does not have any restrictive meaning to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Display system, 10... 1st display device, 11... 1st display surface, 12... 1st housing|casing, 13... Rear surface, 14... 1st back surface terminal, 15... Side surface, 20... 2nd display device, 21... 2nd display surface, 22... 2nd housing, 23... back surface, 24... 2nd back surface terminal, 25... side surface, 30... cover member, 31... 1st cover part, 32... 2nd cover part, 33... 1st Holding part, 34... Second holding part, 35... First slide part, 36... Second slide part, 37... Connection part, 38... Contact sensor, 40... Connection member, 41... First terminal, 42... Second terminal , 43... First rail part, 44... Second rail part, 45... Built-in wiring part, 51... Magnetic force member, 52... Magnetic force member.

Claims (8)

A plate-shaped first device having a display surface;
A plate-shaped second device having a display surface;
It is a sheet-like cover member to which the first device and the second device are fixed, and has a flexible portion having flexibility between portions where both devices are fixed, and at least the first device is A removable cover member,
A display system comprising: a connection member that connects the first device and the second device fixed to the cover member when the first device is fixed to the cover member. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the connection member includes a wiring provided inside the flexible portion. The display system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a maintenance member that maintains a state in which side surfaces of the first device and the second device fixed to the cover member are close to each other. The display system according to claim 3, wherein the maintaining member maintains the approaching state by magnetic force. The display system according to claim 4, further comprising a slide unit that slides at least one of the first device and the second device until the side surfaces of the first device and the second device approach each other. An approach detection unit that detects that the side surfaces of each other approach each other,
The first display control unit that causes an image related to an image displayed on one of the first device and the second device to be displayed on the other when the detection is performed by the approach detection unit. 6. The display system according to any one of items 1 to 5. A fixation detection unit that detects that one of the first device and the second device is fixed to the cover member and the other is fixed to the cover member,
The second display control unit that causes an image related to an image displayed on one of the first device and the second device to be displayed on the other when the detection by the fixed detection unit is performed. 7. The display system according to any one of 1 to 6. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the second device is also removable.