JPH04188214A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To permit an information processor to be compact, to set it in a state where it corresponds to an input mode and to improve the operability of a data input by providing a hinge mechanism in such a way that it can rotate an upper part cover where an integrated display input means is contained. CONSTITUTION:A mainbody case 22 provided with a keyboard 20 on the upper face of it, an upper part cover 24, the first hinge mechanism 26 which combines an attendant upper part cover 25 so that it is rotatable on the upper face of the mainbody case 22 and the second hinge mechanism 34 combining the upper part cover 24 where the integrated display input device 32 consisting of a display 28 and a transparent tablet 30 with the attendant upper part cover 25 so that it is rotatable are provided. Thus, the integrated display input means 32 is set to a direction corresponding to the input mode and the information processor which is compact and has the excellent input operability is realized by providing the second hinge mechanism 34 which permits the upper part cover 24 to be rotatable.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an information processing device having a keyboard and a tablet for inputting coordinates.

(Prior Art) In general, an information processing device such as a personal computer or a word processor has a thin display section 2 provided with a display screen such as a display (LCD) 1, as shown in FIG. Many devices are connected to a keyboard 4 housed in a keyboard 4 so that it can be folded up and pulled up, and when carried, the display section can be folded up to create an appearance similar to an attache case, and when in use, the display section can be folded up.

Since this type of information processing apparatus is provided with only the keyboard 4 as a data input means, those who are not accustomed to using the keyboard 4 may not be able to input characters efficiently, for example. For this reason, a tablet for inputting coordinates has been developed as an input means that can be easily used by anyone, and an integrated display input device constructed by overlapping a tablet and a display has been put into practical use. Since the integrated display input device displays the input coordinates at the same coordinates on the display, data entry can be done with a "paper and pencil" feel, making it easy for anyone to use. can.

As shown in FIG. 15, an information processing device having an integrated display/input device has an integrated display/input device 6 built into the main body case 5, and can be used by optionally connecting a keyboard. A configuration in which a small integrated display input device is incorporated in an information processing apparatus as shown in FIG. 14 at a position next to the keyboard 4 is being considered.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the information processing apparatus having the integrated display human power device 6 as described above has the following problems.

In other words, the information processing device shown in FIG. 15 has a display and a tablet built into the main body case 5, and a keyboard separated, so it cannot be made compact, requires a large installation area for data input, and is difficult to carry. It is also inconvenient. Furthermore, since the display surface (tablet, display) of the integrated display/input device 6 is exposed, care must be taken to protect it when carrying it.

Furthermore, in the configuration in which the integrated display input device 6 is provided next to the keyboard 4 of the information processing device shown in FIG. The size of is extremely small,
There was a problem that it was difficult to use and the operability deteriorated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device equipped with a keyboard and a tablet, which can be made compact and has improved input operability.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention provides an integrated display input means in which a main body case in which a keyboard is housed, a display device and a coordinate input tablet are stacked and integrated; an upper cover housing an integrated display manual means; a relay upper cover; a first hinge mechanism rotatably coupling the relay upper cover to the main body case; and a second hinge mechanism rotatably coupled to the second hinge mechanism.

The present invention also provides a main body case in which a keyboard is housed;
An integrated display input means in which a display device and a coordinate input tablet are stacked and integrated, an upper cover in which the body shape display input means is housed, a relay stand, and the relay stand is rotatable to the main body case. and a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the upper cover to the relay stand.

(Function) According to this configuration, since the upper cover is provided on the second hinge mechanism that allows rotation of the upper cover, the integrated display input means can be set in the direction according to the input mode, making it compact. Therefore, an information processing device with excellent input operability can be obtained.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a keyboard 20 of an information processing device according to the same embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state when inputting from the integrated display input device 32 (hereinafter referred to as handwriting input mode). FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the device is not in use.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a main body case 22 on which a keyboard 20 is provided, an upper cover 24, and a relay upper cover 25 on the upper surface of the main body case 22. The first rotatably coupled
It has a second hinge mechanism 34 that rotatably connects the upper cover 24 in which an integrated display input device 32 consisting of a display (LCD) 28 and a transparent tablet 30 is housed to the relay upper cover 25. .

Inside the main body case 22 is a hard disk device (HDD).
, floppy disk device (FDD), CPU, memory, power supply device, etc.

Further, a coordinate conversion circuit for performing screen display according to the input mode is provided (described later).

The integrated display/input device 32 is constructed by superimposing a transparent tablet 30 for inputting coordinates on a flat display such as a liquid crystal display, and measures coordinates using an electrostatic coupling method. The coordinates of the position on the transparent tablet 30 indicated by 36 are detected.

The first hinge mechanism 26 can rotate the relay upper cover 25 and the upper cover 24 from the state where they are overlapped with the main body part 20, for example, by about 140', and also has a brake mechanism such as a torsion bar mechanism or a friction hinge. provided,
The upper cover 24 can be set at any angle. When the upper cover 24 and the main body case 22 are overlapped, they can be fixed by latch mechanisms provided at mutually corresponding positions between the upper cover 24 and the main case 22.

The second hinge mechanism 34 allows the upper cover 24 in which the integrated display and input device 32 is housed to be horizontally rotated on the relay upper cover 25. The structure of the second hinge mechanism 34 is shown in FIG. 4 (partially enlarged view) and FIG. 5 (exploded view).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a rotation bearing 40 is fixed to the relay upper cover 25. A groove of the same diameter is provided on the upper surface of the rotation bearing 40 to hold the bottom of the rotation shaft 42. The rotating shaft 42 has a main shaft of the upper cover 24 and the intermediate upper cover 25. A bearing 44 is arranged at the bottom of the rotating shaft 42 to improve rotatability. An upper cover 2 is attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft 42.
A recess is provided for attaching an upper cover fixing plate 46 to be fixed to the upper cover fixing plate 46. The rotating shaft 42 includes a rotating shaft 42.
A ring-shaped rotary shaft support 48 is passed through the shaft to stabilize the shaft by suppressing the lateral gap between the shafts. Further, on the rotation bearing 4o, a rotation cover 50 that houses the rotation shaft 42, the bearing 44, and the rotation shaft support 48 is arranged on the rotation bearing 40.
and are held together by machine screws 52 to support the entire rotating mechanism. Also, a rotating cover 5 in which the rotating shaft 42 is housed
0 and the rotation bearing 40 are fixed to the relay upper cover 25 with machine screws 52. The upper cover fixing plate 46 is
The upper cover 2 is attached to the rotating shaft 42 protruding from the rotating cover 50.
4, it is fitted into the recess of the rotating shaft 42 from both sides, and fixed to the upper cover 24 with a pin 54. Thereby, the relay upper cover 25 and the upper cover 24 are rotatably connected. Further, the second hinge mechanism 34 has a hollow interior so that a cable for transmitting a display control signal and a tablet control signal from inside the main body case 22 can be wired therein.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the configuration of a rotary brake mechanism that defines the range in which the second hinge mechanism 34 can rotate. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the top surface of the relay upper cover 25, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view for explaining the function (the rotary rail 60 is shown as a straight line for explanation).

A rotating rail 60 is provided on the upper surface of the relay upper cover 25, as shown in the figure. The rotation rail 60 is provided approximately halfway around the circle around the rotation axis 42, and defines the rotation range of the upper cover 24 (here, the range is 0'' to 180'). An uneven part 61 is provided at the end of the rotation rail 60 to softly stop the rotation of the upper cover 24 and to maintain the rotational position. On the side facing 25), there is a rotating rail 6
At a position corresponding to 0, a damper 62, which is a steady rest shaft that moves smoothly within the rail, is attached to the elastic member protection cover 6.
It is attached via an elastic member 66 in 4. The elastic member protection cover 64 has a cylindrical shaft extending from the upper cover 24 and houses the damper 62 and the elastic member 66.

The elastic member 6B serves as a cushion between the damper 62 and the upper cover 24.

The upper cover 24 can be rotated within the range where the damper 62 is located on the rotating rail 60. rotating rail 60
The concave and convex portions 61 at both ends of the damper 62 are configured such that the brake is applied by the convex portions, and the damper 62 is held by the concave portions.

Next, the configuration of a coordinate conversion circuit for performing display according to the input mode will be described. FIG. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the coordinate conversion circuit.

An LCD controller 74 and a multiplexer (MPX) 78 are connected to the CPU 70 via an address bus 72, and an LCD controller 74 and a driver 80 are connected via a data bus 78. The LCD controller 74 generates display addresses for the display (LCD) 28 and issues horizontal and vertical synchronization signals. The LCD controller 74 operates in synchronization with the clock from the oscillator 81. The display address generated by LCD controller 74 is provided via subtractor 82 and directly to first selector 84 . The subtracter 82 is used to perform address correction, correct the origin on the display 28 to a diagonal position, and advance the direction of the scanning line in the opposite direction. The subtracter 82 corrects the address based on the following equation (1), for example, and obtains a display address after replacement (replacement address).

Display address after replacement - Final address - Display address ... (1) For example, if the final address of the display address is "7f3f'"
If (regular display address of the screen (regular address)
As shown in FIG. 9(a), “0000°~”7r:R
- case), the display address after replacement (replacement address) becomes as shown in FIG. 9(b). 1st selector 8
4 controls which of the regular address from the LCD controller 74 and the replacement address corrected by the subtracter 82 is output to the MPX 76. M
PX7B switches between the physical address and display address of the CPU 70. MPX7B has frame buffer 8
B is connected. Furthermore, a character generator 88 that stores existing character patterns is connected to the frame buffer 86.

The driver 80 includes a first decoder 90 and a second decoder 9.
2 are connected. The first decoder 90 outputs a display pattern in a regular data array, and the second decoder 92 outputs a data array in which upper and lower bits are exchanged. For example, when the first decoder 90 outputs regular data as shown in FIG. 10(a), the second decoder 92 outputs replacement data as shown in FIG. 10(b). The second selector 94 controls whether to output regular data or replacement data. The second selector 94 and the first selector 84 operate in correspondence. In this way, depending on the input mode, the origin can be changed to a diagonal position (inverted vertically) and displayed on the display 28. Note that the first selector 84,
Switching of the selection by the second selector 94, that is, switching of the input mode, can be performed by switching a mechanical switch, manually pressing a key from a keyboard, or by indicating an icon.

Next, each usage state of the information processing device in the same embodiment will be explained.

First, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the information processing apparatus is not used, and the main body case 22 and the upper cover 24 are overlapped and fixed by a latch mechanism. On this occasion,
The integrated display input device 32 is on the main body case 22 side, that is, on the side facing the keyboard 20.

Next, in the case of a manual key operation mode in which keys are operated manually from the keyboard 20 as a personal computer or a word processor, the state is set as shown in FIG. That is, the upper cover 24 is raised and the brake mechanism of the first hinge mechanism 26 fixes the display screen at an angle that is easy to see. At this time, not only the manual key input from the keyboard 20 but also input from the integrated display input device 32 using the stylus pen 36 can be used.

Next, in the handwriting input mode in which data is input from the integrated display/input device 32, the state shown in FIG. 2 is set. That is, the upper cover 24 is rotated 180'' by the second hinge mechanism 34 in the raised state.The upper cover 24 is rotated by the rotation brake mechanism.
The top cover 24 is held in the 180' rotated position.

Here, the upper cover 24 is overlapped on the main body case 22 by the first hinge mechanism 26. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the integrated display/input device 32 is on the top surface and is horizontal. Therefore, the operability for handwriting using the stylus pen 36 is extremely improved.

When changing from the state shown in FIG. 1 to the state shown in FIG. 2, the orientation of the display 28 is reversed vertically or the displayed content is changed by the coordinate conversion circuit, so there is no need to change the orientation of the information processing device.

Next, other embodiments will be described using FIGS. 11 to 13. Note that the same parts as those described above are given the same reference numerals, and explanations of the individual structures will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the state when inputting from the keyboard 29 of the information processing device; FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the state when entering from the integrated display input device 32;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the device is not in use.

The information processing apparatus shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 includes a rotation mechanism 52 that rotatably connects the relay stand 54 on the upper surface of the main body case 22, and a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the upper cover 24 to the relay stand 54. 56.

The rotation mechanism 52 can rotate the upper cover 24 up to about 140' from the state where the upper cover 24 is overlapped with the main body case 22. Further, a brake mechanism such as a torsion bar mechanism or a friction hinge is provided, and the upper cover 24 can be set at an arbitrary angle. When the upper cover 24 and the main body case 22 are overlapped, the upper cover 24
This can be fixed by latch mechanisms provided at mutually corresponding positions between the main body case 22 and the main body case 22.

The hinge mechanism 56 allows the upper cover 24 in which the integrated display input device 32 is housed and the relay stand 54 to be rotated in the horizontal direction.

Furthermore, since the coordinate conversion circuit for displaying according to the input mode performs the same processing as described above, the explanation thereof will be omitted.

Next, each usage state of the information processing device will be explained.

First, FIG. 13 shows a state in which the information processing apparatus is not used, and the main body case 22 and the upper cover 24 are overlapped and fixed by a latch mechanism. At this time, the integrated display input device 32 is on the main body case 22 side, that is, on the side facing the keyboard 20.

Next, in the case of a manual key operation mode in which keys are input manually from the keyboard 20 as a personal computer or a word processor, the state is set as shown in FIG. 11. That is, the upper cover 24 is raised and the brake mechanism of the hinge mechanism 56 fixes the display screen at an easy-to-see angle. At this time, not only the manual key input from the keyboard 20 but also input from the integrated display input device 32 using the stylus pen 36 can be used.

Next, in the handwriting input mode in which data is input from the integrated display input device 32, the state is set as shown in FIG. 12. That is, the upper cover 24 is rotated 180@ by the rotation mechanism 52 in the raised state. In this case as well, the above-described rotary brake mechanism may be used to hold the upper cover 24 at a position rotated by 180'. Here, the upper cover 24 is overlapped on the main body case 22 by the hinge mechanism 56. In the state shown in FIG. 12, the integrated display input device 32
is on the top surface and is horizontal. Therefore, the operability when performing handwritten input using the stylus pen 36 is extremely improved. When changing from the state shown in FIG. 11 to the state shown in FIG. 12, the orientation of the display 28 is reversed vertically, but since the displayed content is changed by the coordinate conversion circuit, it is necessary to replace the information processing device and change the orientation. do not have.

By providing the integrated display and input device a[32 in this manner, the device can be made compact, requiring no large installation area, and can be easily carried.

In addition, when carrying, etc., the display surface of the integrated display input device 32 can be protected by placing it on the keyboard 20 side, and in the handwriting input mode, operability can be improved by placing it on the top side.

In the above embodiment, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used as the display 28, but a flat display such as a plasma display or an EL display may also be used.

In addition, although the integrated display input device 32 is configured to measure coordinates by an electrostatic coupling method by stacking a transparent tablet 30 on the display 28, an electromagnetic induction method in which a tablet for inputting coordinates is provided under the display, It may be configured by a pressure sensitive type or the like.

Further, the rotational brake mechanism is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and for example, a latch mechanism may be provided between the relay upper cover 25 and the upper cover 24 to maintain the rotational position.

In addition, the coordinate conversion circuit can also reverse the origin position and traveling direction on the display 28 by reversing the display address output from the LCD controller 74 (from "0000° to "rr").
rr"), the final address may be corrected (subtracting the inverted value of the final address).

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, by providing the upper cover in which the integrated display input means is housed so as to be rotatable, the device can be made more compact and can be adapted to the manual mode. Since it can be set, data input operability is improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 10 are diagrams related to one embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the keyboard input mode state of the information processing device, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state of the information processing device in the handwriting input mode. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the state when not in use, FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the second hinge mechanism, and FIG.
The figure is an exploded view of the second hinge mechanism, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the top surface of the relay upper cover to explain the rotary brake mechanism, Figure 7 is a sectional view to explain the rotary brake mechanism, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view to explain the rotary brake mechanism.
9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a coordinate conversion circuit, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining correction of a display address, and FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining replacement of a data array of a display pattern. 11 to 13 are diagrams relating to other embodiments of the present invention, in which FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the state of the keyboard manual mode of the information processing device, and FIG. 12 is a handwriting input mode of the information processing device. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the state when not in use. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the information processing device, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the form of the information processing device having an integrated display and input device. 20... Keyboard, 22... Body case, 24...
・Top cover, 2B...first hinge mechanism, 28...
Display, 30... Transparent tablet, 32...
Integrated display input device, 34... second hinge mechanism, 36
... Stylus pen, 40... Rotation bearing, 42.
... Rotating shaft, 44... Bearing, 4B... Upper cover fixing plate, 48... Rotating shaft support, 50... Rotating cover, 52.54... Machine screw, 60... Rotating rail,
61... Uneven part, 62... Damper, 64... Elastic member protection cover, 66... Elastic member, 70... CP
U, 72... Address bus, 74... LCD controller, 76... Multiplexer, 78... Data bus, 80... Driver, 81... Oscillator, 82...
...Subtractor, 84...First selector, 86...Frame buffer, 88.Character generator, 90...
・First decoder, 92...Second decoder, 94...Second
selector. Applicant's representative Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 4 (a) (b) Figure 9 (a) (b)

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) A main body case in which a keyboard is housed, an integrated display input means that is integrated by stacking a display device and a tablet for inputting coordinates, an upper cover in which the integrated display input means is housed, and a relay upper part. A cover, a first hinge mechanism that rotatably couples the relay top cover to the main body case, and a second hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the top cover to the relay top cover. An information processing device characterized by: (2) The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotational brake mechanism that defines a rotation range of the upper cover by the second hinge mechanism and maintains a rotational position of the upper cover. . (3) The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second hinge mechanism is provided with a cavity for wiring. (4) A main body case in which a keyboard is housed, an integrated display input means in which a display device and a coordinate input tablet are stacked and integrated, an upper cover in which the integrated display input means is housed, and a relay stand. An information processing device comprising: a rotation mechanism that rotatably couples the relay stand to the main body case; and a hinge mechanism that rotatably connects the upper cover to the relay stand. . (5) The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device further comprises coordinate conversion means for vertically inverting the display content of the display device as required. .