JP2000305693A - Device and method for controlling display and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To present desired pictures for respective persons except for a user in various directions around a display screen without damaging visibility by designating the display directions of respective pictures and rotating the pictures parallel with the display screen on the basis of the designated display directions. SOLUTION: When a cursor 78 is moved and clicked while designating a display position on a second individual display direction designation button 76 in a first window 66 among first to third windows 66 to 68, for example, a CPU detects it through a touch pad controller. As a result, the CPU displays only the first window 66 while rotating it almost by 90 deg. in a counter-clockwise direction with an intersection O on the diagonal thereof as a center so as to turn another terminal part 66B of the window toward a direction shown by the arrow of a second individual display direction designate button 76 and to turn one terminal part 66A of the window oppositely to the direction shown by the arrow of this second individual display direction designate button 76.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display control apparatus, a display control method, and a medium, and is suitably applied to, for example, a notebook personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a notebook personal computer, a display section is supported at a predetermined end of a main body section, and the display section approaches one surface of the main body section (hereinafter referred to as a closing direction). And it is configured to be rotatable in a direction away from one surface of the main body portion (hereinafter referred to as an opening direction).

[0005] A key arrangement section in which a plurality of operation keys are arranged is provided on one surface of the main body, and a liquid crystal panel is provided on the inner surface of the display section on the main body side.

In this personal computer, when the display section is rotated in the opening direction with respect to the main body to expose the key arrangement section and the liquid crystal panel (hereinafter, this is referred to as an open state), An operation command can be input via an operation key, a predetermined process based on the operation command is executed, and the obtained processing result can be displayed as image information on a liquid crystal panel of a display unit.

On the other hand, in this personal computer, when the display unit is rotated in the closing direction with respect to the main unit to close one surface of the main unit (hereinafter referred to as a closed state), the personal computer is easily operated. It can be carried around.

[0006]

In a personal computer having such a configuration, when a user operates an operation key to display image information displayed on a liquid crystal panel to another person other than the user, the personal computer is provided with a personal computer. On the other hand, the display unit can be rotated about 180 degrees from the closed state to the open direction, so that the user can operate the operation keys from the main unit side to show this image information to another person from the display unit side. .

[0007] However, the image information is displayed so that, for example, characters and the like are not turned upside down but are oriented correctly when viewed from the main body side. Therefore, when another person other than the user sees this image information from the display unit side, the user sees the image information upside down unlike the user from the main unit side, and the visibility may be impaired. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to propose a display control device, a method thereof, and a medium which can improve the usability.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a display control apparatus for displaying a plurality of screens on a display surface, comprising: a display direction specifying means for specifying a display direction of each screen; And a display direction control means for rotating each screen in parallel with the display surface based on the display direction designated through the display direction designation means.

As a result, the desired screen can be shown to one or a plurality of persons other than the user in various directions around the display surface without impairing the visibility.

Further, according to the present invention, in a display control method for displaying a plurality of screens on a display surface, a display direction specifying step for specifying a display direction of each screen, and a display direction specified in the display direction specifying step. And a display direction control step for rotating each screen in parallel with the display surface.

As a result, the desired screen can be shown to one or more persons other than the user in various directions around the display surface without impairing the visibility.

Further, according to the present invention, in the medium,
A display direction specifying step for specifying the display directions of a plurality of screens to be displayed on the display surface, and a display direction control step for rotating each screen in parallel with the display surface based on the display direction specified in the display direction specifying step. And causing the display control device to execute the program having the following.

As a result, in the display control device, the desired screen can be shown to one or more persons other than the user in various directions around the display surface without impairing the visibility.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a notebook personal computer as a whole to which the present invention is applied.
The display unit 3 is supported on the rear side wall 2A shown in FIG. 3 so that the display unit 3 can rotate with respect to one surface 2B of the main body 2 in the closing direction indicated by the arrow b and the opening direction opposite thereto. It has been done.

On the rear side of one surface 2B of the main body 2, there is provided a key arrangement portion 5 in which a plurality of operation keys 4 are arranged, and on the front side of the one surface 2A, a touch pad 6 is provided as a pointing device. ing. Incidentally, the touch pad 6 includes a pressure-sensitive detection unit 6A, and a left-click button 6B and a right-click button 6C for inputting the same operation command as the left-click and right-click of the mouse.

On the other hand, a liquid crystal panel 7 is provided on the inner surface 3A of the display unit 3. Further, a claw portion 8 is provided at an upper end of the inner surface 3 </ b> A indicated by the arrow c, and the main body opposing the claw portion 8 when the display portion 3 is closed with respect to the main body portion 2. A hole 9 is provided at a predetermined portion of one surface 2B of the portion 2 for fitting with the claw portion 8.

On the upper side wall 3B of the display unit 3,
A slide lever 10 is slidably provided in the right direction shown by the arrow d and the left direction opposite thereto, corresponding to the claw portion 8, and the display portion 3 is closed with respect to the main body portion 2 as shown in FIG. By sliding the slide lever 10 when the claw 8 is fitted in the hole 9 in the state, the claw can be locked in the hole 9 or the lock can be released.

Thus, the personal computer 1
In the above, when the display unit 3 is rotated in the closing direction with respect to the main body unit 2 to be in the closed state, the slide lever 10
The claw portion 8 is locked, so that the display portion 3 can be carried in a closed state with respect to the main body portion 2.

On the other hand, when the lock of the claw portion 8 fitted into the hole 9 is released by sliding the slide lever 10 when the display portion 3 is closed with respect to the main body portion 2, the main body portion 2 is unlocked. On the other hand, the display unit 3 can be turned to the open state by rotating in the opening direction, thus exposing the key arrangement unit 5 and the liquid crystal panel 7, and inputting an operation command through the key arrangement unit 5, A predetermined process is executed based on the input operation command, and the obtained process result can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 as image information.

Incidentally, a light-emitting diode (LE) is provided on a side wall 2C (FIG. 1) extending from the right front end of one surface 2B of the main body 2 to the front.
A power lamp PL, a battery lamp BL, and a message lamp ML, which are D: Light Emitting Diodes, are provided in parallel. It can be seen in any state.

On the rear side wall 2A of the main body 2, the battery pack 11 is externally integrated with the main body 2 and the display 3 when the display 3 is closed with respect to the main body 2. It is provided as follows.

As shown in FIG. 3, a power switch 12 and a programmable power key 13 are provided substantially at the center of the right side wall 2D of the main body 2, and a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card Int.) Is provided at the front end.
ernational Association) card (so-called PC (Pers
onal Comuputer) slot 1 for inserting card)
4, and an infrared communication port 15 for infrared data communication is provided at the rear end.

On the other hand, an external output terminal 16 for a stereo speaker is provided on the right side wall 3C of the display unit 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, a headphone terminal 17, an audio input terminal 18, and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) are sequentially provided on the left side wall 2E of the main body 2 from the front end.
Connector 19, IEEE (Institute of Electrical
d Electronics Engineers) IEEE1394 cable connector 20 for 1394 interface, DC
(Direct Current) A power input terminal 21, a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive connector 22, a port replicator connector 23, and a modular jack 24 are provided.

On the other hand, on the left side wall 3D of the display unit 3, a pen storage pocket 26 capable of detachably storing a stylus pen 25 for inputting an operation command to the touch pad 6 (detection unit 6A) is opened and closed. In addition, an external output terminal 27 for a stereo speaker is provided.

Here, in practice, as shown in FIG. 5, inside the personal computer 1, a CPU (Cent
ral Processing Unit (PCI) 30
A random access memory (RAM) 32 is connected via an internal bus 31 which is a ponent interconnect (Pentent Interconnect) bus, and a PCMCIA card 33 inserted as needed via a slot 14 is connected.

In this case, the CPU 30 is a controller that controls and processes various functions in a comprehensive manner.
The card 33 is inserted through the slot 14 as necessary to add a special function other than a preset function to the personal computer 1.

The internal bus 31 is an ISA (Industrial)
Standard Architecture) bus. The external bus 34 is connected to a hard disk drive 35 and an I / O having a microcontroller configuration.
(In / Out) controller 36, keyboard controller 37, touch pad controller 38, interface 39, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 40, and modem 41 are connected.

In the hard disk drive 35, a predetermined first OS (Operating System) is stored in the internal hard disk.
and various application programs such as an e-mail program and an auto-pilot program are stored in advance, and the first OS is Windows.
ws95 (Microsoft Corporation, trademark) is a basic program for executing basic operations in the personal computer 1.

The e-mail program is a program for exchanging messages via a network from a communication line such as a telephone line or the like, and has an incoming mail acquisition function as a specific function. This incoming mail function checks whether mail addressed to a user (self) has arrived in an external mail server, and obtains mail addressed to the user (self) in the mail server. It can execute processing.

The autopilot program is a program for sequentially executing a plurality of preset processes or programs in a predetermined sequence.

The I / O controller 36 has a CPU 4
3 and, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable a
ROM consisting of nd Programmable Read Only Memory (Re
ad Only Memory) 44 and a RAM 45 are connected to each other, and a current time counter 46 for supplying the current time in a normal clock time and a backup battery 47 are connected.

The ROM 44 contains a BIOS (Basic
Input / Output System), a wake-up program 49, a key input monitoring program 50, and a light emitting diode control program 5.
1 is stored in advance, and a set time register 52, a key input status register 53,
An operation key / program correspondence register 54 and a light emitting diode control register 55 are provided.

The basic input / output system 48 includes a first OS and various application programs and peripheral devices (the display unit 3, the key array unit 5, the hard disk drive 3).
5)) is a software program for controlling the exchange of data (input / output) with the first OS or various application programs and peripheral devices based on the basic input / output system 48. Control the transfer of data.

The set time register 52 can store a time arbitrarily set by the user in advance (hereinafter, this time is referred to as a set time). It is detected whether or not the current time given from the time counter 46 has reached the set time stored in the set time register 52, and when the set time is reached, a predetermined process (or program) is executed.

The key input status register 53 can store an operation key flag.
The CPU 43 monitors whether the programmable power key 13 for one-touch operation has been pressed based on the key input monitoring program 50. When the programmable power key 13 is pressed, the key input status register 5
3 stores the operation key flag.

Further, the operation key / program correspondence register 54 can store the correspondence between the programmable power key 13 and a preset combination of the operation keys 4 and the application program to be started according to the combination. The CPU 43 transmits control data for activating the corresponding application program when the programmable power key 13 or a preset operation key is pressed in combination with the external bus 34 and the internal bus 31. Through the CP
U30, and the CPU 30 activates a corresponding application program based on the control data.

Further, the light emitting diode control register 55 is capable of storing an end flag when the application program stored in the operation key / program correspondence register 54 is operated and then terminated.
Reference numeral 43 controls the message lamp ML to be turned on while the end flag is stored in the light emitting diode control register 55 based on the light emitting diode control program 51.

Incidentally, the I / O controller 36 includes:
Even when the personal computer 1 is turned off via the power switch 12, the backup power supply voltage is supplied from the battery 47, whereby the set time register 52, the key input status register 53, and the light emitting diode control register 55 And the value stored in the operation key / program correspondence register 54.

When the CPU 43 is turned on via the power switch 12, the CPU 43 applies a predetermined driving voltage to the power lamp PL.
To control the lighting thereof, and when the personal computer 1 is operated with the power supply voltage supplied from the battery pack, the lighting is controlled by supplying a predetermined driving voltage to the battery lamp BL. Visually informs the power-on state and battery activation.

When the CPU 30 is actually turned on via the power switch 12, the hard disk drive 35
Reads the first OS stored on the hard disk in the external bus 34 and stores the read first OS in the external bus 34.
Then, the data is transferred to and stored in the RAM 32 via the internal bus 31 in order, and thus the first OS is activated and activated.

Then, the CPU 30 executes the first O
When S is started, the image data obtained as a result (hereinafter, referred to as desktop image data) is transmitted to the RAM 32 via the internal bus 31.

At this time, the RAM 32 stores a VRAM
(Video Random Access Memory) 57, and the CPU 30 converts the desktop image data into the VR
The stored desktop image data is sent to the LCD controller 40 via the internal bus 31 and the external bus 34 in order, while being stored in the AM 57 and appropriately read.

Thus, the LCD controller 40 controls the backlight 58 of the display unit 3 to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 7 from the back side, and controls the driving of the liquid crystal panel 7 based on the desktop image data. A predetermined desktop screen provided with a plurality of icons is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7.

In this state, when an operation command is input by the user through the corresponding operation key 4 or touch pad 6, the keyboard controller 37 and the touch pad controller 38 transmit the input operation command to the external bus 34 and the internal bus. The data is sent to the CPU 30 via the bus 31 sequentially.

As a result, the CPU 30 generates desktop image data based on the operation command given in this way, and transfers the generated desktop image data to the VRAM 57 and the internal bus 31 in the same manner as described above.
And the LCD controller 40 via the external bus 34 in sequence.
And the desktop screen displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40 can be scrolled, or an arrow-shaped cursor can be moved on the desktop screen.

After moving the cursor on a predetermined icon on the desktop screen as described above, the CPU 30 receives a selection designation command (click operation) through the operation keys 4 or the touch pad 6 by the user. For example, the corresponding application program stored in the hard disk in the hard disk drive 35 is read out via the external bus 34 and the internal bus 31 sequentially, and the
32, stored in the RAM 32 and activated.

The CPU 30 converts predetermined image data (hereinafter, referred to as window image data) obtained as a result of activating the application program, together with desktop image data corresponding to the selection designation command, into the VRAM 57 in the same manner as described above. Internal bus 31 and external bus 34
Are sequentially transmitted to the LCD controller 40, and the desired image information can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 as a plurality of windows so as to be superimposed on the desktop screen together with the desktop screen via the LCD controller 40.

By the way, when an operation command is input through the operation keys 4 and the touch pad 6, the CPU 30
When the OS and the application program are activated, audio data representing an operation state, an operation state, and the like is generated as necessary, and this is transmitted to the speaker 59 via the interface 39, whereby the speaker 5
The sound based on this sound data is emitted through the line 9.
The interface 39 is connected to the microphone 6
It is also possible to collect voice through the audio data 0 and capture the obtained voice data.

In addition, when a predetermined operation command for communication is input via the operation keys 4 or the touch pad 6, the CPU 30 controls the modem 41 based on the operation command to thereby control the modular jack 24 and the public. It is also possible to connect to a communication network, a mail server or the like via a line network and an Internet service provider in order.

In this way, a mail addressed to the user (self) arriving in the mail server is received, or a desired homepage or the like is received via a communication network, and the received mail or window image data of the homepage is displayed on the LCD. By sending the information to the controller 40, the mail or the image information of the homepage based on the window image data can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 as a window in the same manner as described above.

In addition to the above configuration, in the case of the personal computer 1, a predetermined first rotation display program is stored in the hard disk in the hard disk drive 35 in advance.

When the first OS is started, the CPU 30 reads the first rotation display program from the hard disk in the hard disk drive 35 and transfers the read first rotation display program to the external bus 34 and the internal bus 31. By sequentially transferring the data to the RAM 32 and storing it in the RAM 32, the RAM 32 can be activated.

Then, the CPU 30 displays the desktop screen based on the first OS on the liquid crystal panel 7 and, when displaying at least one window on the desktop screen, activates the first rotation display program.

When the display direction for an arbitrary window is designated via the operation keys 4 and the touch pad 6, the CPU 30 allows the user to rotate the desktop screen without rotating the desktop screen based on the first rotation display program. The liquid crystal panel 7 displays only an arbitrary window selected and designated.
The display can be rotated in accordance with the designated display direction in parallel with the panel surface.

By the way, the CPU 30 normally sets the desktop screen and the plurality of windows so that characters and the like do not turn upside down when the user views the liquid crystal panel 7 from the front side (hereinafter, this is called a normal display state). In the VRAM 57, a predetermined write address (hereinafter, referred to as a normal write address) in which addresses from the write start position to the write end position match the addresses from the read start position to the read end position, and the read operation are performed. An address (hereinafter referred to as a normal read address) is used.

On the other hand, when the user specifies a display direction for an arbitrary window, the CPU 30 changes the normal read address based on the display direction.

Then, the window image data of this arbitrary window (hereinafter, referred to as designated window image data) is stored in the VRAM 57 using the normal write address, and the normal read address (hereinafter, referred to as a change) obtained at this time is obtained. , Which is called a rotation read address).

As a result, the CPU 30 makes the VRAM 5
7 together with the designated window image data read from the VRAM 57 and the desktop image data read from the VRAM 57 and other window image data.
0 to the liquid crystal panel 7 and thus this LCD
Only an arbitrary window is rotated and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the controller 40 in accordance with the designated display direction in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7, and the desktop screen and other windows are not rotated. It can be displayed.

By the way, when the normal read address is changed to generate the rotation read address, the CPU 30 stores the rotation read address in the RAM 32 and uses it. When rotating the window corresponding to the stored rotation read address again, the CPU 30 uses this rotation read address. Change the read address again,
The new rotational read address obtained as a result is stored in RAM3.
In step 2, the data before the change is overwritten and stored, and the new rotation read address is used until the corresponding window is rotated thereafter.

In practice, when a plurality of windows are launched together with a desktop screen based on the first OS, the CPU 30 displays a plurality of first to third windows on the desktop screen 65 on the liquid crystal panel 7 as shown in FIG. Windows 66-6
A multi-window screen 69 in which 8 is superimposed is displayed.

In this case, a task bar 70 is displayed at a predetermined one edge of the multi-window screen 69, and various icons are displayed in the task bar 70 in the first to third windows 66 to 68 which are currently started. The name of the corresponding application program or file (My Computer, Control Panel, etc.) is displayed.

In the first to third windows 66 to 68, one end (hereinafter referred to as one end of the window) 66A to 68A to the other end (hereinafter referred to as the other end of the window). A title bar 71, a menu bar 72, a toolbar 73, and an image information display area 74 for displaying desired image information are provided in order on the 66B to 68B side.

Then, the first to third windows 66 to 68
In the title bar 71, three types of first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77, for example, which indicate display directions for rotating the corresponding first to third windows 66 to 68 by arrows, respectively. Is provided.

As a result, the CPU 30 operates, for example, the first window 6 out of the first to third windows 66 to 68.
6, the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75
The display position is designated by the detection unit 6A of the touchpad 6 on the second individual display direction designation button 76 among the buttons 77 to 77, and the cursor 78 moves. For example, the left click button 6B of the touchpad 6 is clicked. Then, this is detected via the touch pad controller 38.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 30 displays only the first window 66 at the intersection O on the diagonal line.
The other end 66B of the window is oriented in the direction indicated by the arrow of the second individual display direction designation button 76, and the one end 66A of the window is oriented in the direction indicated by the arrow of the second individual display direction designation button 76. Is rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise so that it is turned in the opposite direction and displayed.

By the way, the CPU 30 determines the first
Every time the third windows 66 to 68 are rotated and displayed so as to change the display direction, the display state is updated as a new reference display state (hereinafter referred to as a reference display state), and the display direction is updated. Is rotated based on the reference display state at that time.

Therefore, the CPU 30 sets the first to third directions indicating three directions.
Even if only the third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are used, the first individual display direction designation button 7 is changed from the state in which the first window 66 is rotated and displayed as shown in FIG.
When the cursor 78 is moved to the position 5 and clicked, the first window 66 is rotated and displayed again to return to the state shown in FIG.
Windows 66 to 68 are individually formed on the liquid crystal panel 7
The display direction can be changed so that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the window are directed to a desired direction among the four directions of up, down, left, and right.

When the multi-window screen 69 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7, the CPU 30 activates the first rotation display program and starts the first rotation display processing procedure RT1 shown in FIG. 8 in step SP1. In the following step SP2, the first to third windows 66 to 68
Any one of the first to third windows 66 to 68
, The first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 7
The cursor 78 moves on the screen 7 and waits for clicking.

Then, the CPU 30 thereafter selects one of the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77.
When one is clicked, the process proceeds to the next step SP3, and it is determined whether or not the clicked button is the first individual display direction designation button 75.

Obtaining a positive result in step SP3 means that the clicked button is the first individual display direction designation button 75, and the corresponding one of the first to third windows 66 to 68 is displayed at this time. This means that the liquid crystal panel 7 is rotated clockwise by approximately 90 degrees in a direction parallel to the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 from the display state. In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP4 and responds to the first individual display direction designation button 75. A first display change process is performed.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
4, the first to third windows 66 to be rotated
For the designated window image data 68, the normal read address or the rotation read address used immediately before the first individual display direction designation button 75 is clicked is set to R.
The data is read out from the AM 32 and changed according to the rotation direction (clockwise direction) and the rotation angle (approximately 90 degrees) indicated by the first individual display direction designation button 75, and the new rotation read address thus obtained is used. The designated window image data is read from the VRAM 57.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with the designated window image data read out from the VRAM 57, using the normal read address to read the desktop image data, and reading the other window image data using the normal read address or the rotational read address that has been used up to that point. It is sent to the LCD controller 40.

Thus, the CPU 30 causes the liquid crystal panel 7 to display the desktop screen 65 in the normal display state via the LCD controller 40, and displays only the selected first to third windows 66 to 68 on the liquid crystal panel 7. The display is rotated by approximately 90 degrees in the clockwise direction in parallel with the panel surface, and the other first to third windows 66 to 6 are displayed.
8 is displayed in a state before the first individual display direction designation button 75 is clicked.

Next, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP5 to determine whether or not all the first to third windows 66 to 68 in the multi-window screen 69 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 have been closed. At least one of the first to third windows 66 in the window screen 69
If a negative result is obtained due to the display of ~ 68, the process returns to step SP2.

On the other hand, the CPU 30 determines in step S
In P5, when all the first to third windows 66 to 68 in the multi-window screen 69 are closed and a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP6 to end the first rotation display processing procedure RT1.

Obtaining a negative result in step SP3 means that a button other than the first individual display direction designation button 75 has been clicked. In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP7 and clicks the button. It is determined whether or not the button is the second individual display direction designation button 76.

Obtaining an affirmative result in step SP7 means that the clicked button is the second individual display direction designation button 76 and any one of the first to third windows 66 to 68 is displayed at this time. From the display state, approximately 90 in the counterclockwise direction parallel to the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7.
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP8 and executes a second display change process corresponding to the second individual display direction designation button 76.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
8, the first to third windows 66 to be rotated
For the designated window image data 68, the normal read address or the rotational read address used immediately before the second individual display direction designation button 76 is clicked is set to R.
The readout from the AM 32 is changed according to the rotation direction (counterclockwise) and the rotation angle (approximately 90 degrees) indicated by the second individual display direction designation button 76, and the new rotation read address obtained in this manner is used. The designated window image data is read from the VRAM 57.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with the designated window image data read out from the VRAM 57, using the normal read address to read the desktop image data, and reading the other window image data using the normal read address or the rotational read address that has been used up to that point. It is sent to the LCD controller 40.

Thus, the CPU 30 causes the liquid crystal panel 7 to display the desktop screen 65 in the normal display state via the LCD controller 40 and displays only the first to third windows 66 to 68 selected and designated. And rotated by approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction in parallel with the panel surface of FIG.
68 is displayed in a state before the second individual display direction designation button 76 is clicked, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP5.

On the other hand, obtaining a negative result in step SP7 means that the clicked button is the third individual display direction designation button 77 and the corresponding one of the first to third windows 66 to 68 is displayed. This means that the liquid crystal panel 7 is rotated by approximately 180 degrees in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 from the display state at the time,
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP9 and executes a third display change process according to the third individual display direction designation button 77.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
9, the first to third windows 66 to be rotated
For the designated window image data 68, the normal read address or the rotation read address used immediately before the third individual display direction designation button 77 is clicked is set to R.
A new rotation is read out from the AM 32 and changed according to the rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) and the rotation angle (approximately 180 degrees) indicated by the third individual display direction designation button 77. The designated window image data is read from the VRAM 57 using the read address.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with the designated window image data read out from the VRAM 57, using the normal read address to read the desktop image data, and reading the other window image data using the normal read address or the rotational read address that has been used up to that point. It is sent to the LCD controller 40.

Thus, the CPU 30 displays the desktop screen 65 on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40, and displays only the selected first to third windows 66 to 68 on the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7. The display is rotated by approximately 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise in parallel, and the other first to third windows 66 are displayed.
To 68 are displayed in a state before the rotation is designated, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step SP5.

In the above configuration, in the personal computer 1, when the CPU 30 causes the liquid crystal panel 7 to display the multi-window screen 69, any one of the first to third windows 66 to 68 is used. In the third windows 66 to 68, the first one of the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 is set.
When the third to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are clicked, the first to third windows 66 to 66 corresponding to the clicked first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77, respectively. 68 is rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 to be displayed, and the display directions of the first to third windows 66 to 68 are individually changed and displayed.

Therefore, in the personal computer 1, the display 3 is moved from the closed state to the open
When the multi-window screen 69 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 by being rotated by about 80 degrees, a person other than the user may be in front of, behind, left, and right with respect to the liquid crystal panel 7, and besides this person. The first to third windows 66 to 68 on which the image information to be displayed is displayed can be rotated and displayed in the correct direction so that the characters and the like do not turn upside down, so that the image information can be displayed to a person other than the user. It can be shown without losing visibility.

In the personal computer 1,
Even when there are a plurality of persons in front, back, left and right of the liquid crystal panel 7, the first to third windows 66 to 68 to be shown in accordance with the positions of the plurality of persons are individually correct so that characters or the like are not turned upside down. The image information can also be rotated and displayed in the direction, and thus the image information can be shown to a plurality of persons without impairing the visibility.

Further, in the personal computer 1, although the first to third windows 66 to 68 are respectively rotated, the desktop screen 65 is not rotated, so that the user can operate the operation keys 4 or 4 from the main body 2 side.
When an operation command is input on the desktop screen via the touch pad 6, the operability can be prevented from being impaired.

Further, in order to provide the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 in the first to third windows 66 to 68, respectively, the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are provided. Just specify the viewing direction via
The first to third windows 66 to 68 to be rotated according to the specified display direction can be easily specified.

According to the above configuration, when the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 provided in the first to third windows 66 to 68 to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 are designated, The CPU 30 displays the corresponding first to third windows 66 to 68 by individually rotating them in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 in accordance with the designated first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77. By doing so, it is possible to realize a personal computer that can display image information without impairing visibility, regardless of the position of the person other than the user, front, rear, left and right, with respect to the liquid crystal panel 7, thereby improving usability. Can be.

(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 9 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG.
Shows a personal computer 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the above-described first computer except a hard disk drive 81.
It is configured similarly to the personal computer 1 of the embodiment.

In this case, a predetermined second OS is previously stored in the hard disk in the hard disk drive 81 instead of the first OS according to the first embodiment, and the first rotation display is performed. In addition to the program, a predetermined second rotation display program is stored in advance.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10 in which the same reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to those in FIG.
, The multi-window screen 82 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7.

In the multi-window screen 82, the first to third windows 66 to 68 can be designated at one time to change the display directions of the first to third windows 66 to 68 in the task bar 84 of the desktop screen 83. Four batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are provided.

Then, the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are displayed on the plurality of first to third windows 66 to
Arrows indicate the directions in which the other ends 66B to 68B of the windows are turned when the 68 is rotated collectively.

In practice, the CPU 30 displays the multi-window screen 82 on the liquid crystal panel 7,
When the cursor 78 is moved and clicked on, for example, the second collective display direction designation button 86 among the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88, the cursor is read out from the hard disk of the hard disk drive 81 in advance and stored in the RAM.
32, based on the second rotation display program stored in the second window, the normal read address for each window image data is set to be the first read address for each window image data regardless of the rotation state of the first to third windows 66 to 68 at this time. It changes based on the rotation display program of 2.

Then, the CPU 30 uses the new rotation read address obtained by this change to write the VRAM 57
And reads out corresponding window image data from the LCD controller 40, and sends them to the LCD controller 40.

As a result, the CPU 30 sets the first to third immediately before the second batch display direction designation button 86 is clicked.
Regardless of the display state of the windows 66 to 68 of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are all provided on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40 and the other ends 66B to 68B of the windows are indicated by the arrows indicated by the second batch display direction designation button 86. Can be displayed by rotating the liquid crystal panel 7 in a direction parallel to the panel surface.

As described above, the CPU 30 sets the first to fourth
When the collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are clicked, all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are respectively moved to the other end portions 66B to 68B of the clicked first to fourth collective display directions. The liquid crystal panel 7 can be rotated and displayed in the direction of the arrow indicated by the designation buttons 85 to 88 in parallel with the panel surface.

When the multi-window screen 82 is actually displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7, the CPU 30 activates the first rotation display program and executes the first rotation display processing procedure RT1 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (FIG. 8).

When the first rotation display program is started, the CPU 30 starts the second rotation display program and starts the second rotation display processing procedure RT2 shown in FIG. 12 in step SP10. In the following step SP11, any one of the first to fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 is selected.
Cursor 78 on the batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88
Waits to be moved and clicked.

Then, the CPU 30 thereafter selects one of the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88.
When one of the buttons is clicked, the process proceeds to step SP12 to determine whether or not the clicked button is the first batch display direction designation button 85.

Obtaining a positive result in step SP12 means that the clicked button is the first collective display direction designation button 85 and all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are related to the display state at this time. The liquid crystal panel 7 so that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the windows face in the direction indicated by the arrow of the first collective display direction designation button 85.
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to the next step SP13 and executes a first batch display change process corresponding to the first batch display direction designation button 85.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
In step 13, the normal read address for all window image data is changed in accordance with the direction indicated by the arrow of the first batch display direction designation button 85, and all the window image data is converted to the VRAM 57 using the thus obtained rotational read address. Read from.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with all the window image data read from
The LCD controller 4 reads the desktop image data from the VRAM 57 using the normal read address.
0, so that the desktop screen 83 is displayed in the normal display state on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40, and all the first to third windows 66 to 66 are displayed.
68 is rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the windows face the direction indicated by the arrow of the first batch display direction designation button 85.

Next, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP14, in which all the first to third windows 66 to 68 in the multi-window screen 82 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 are displayed.
Is determined whether or not at least one of the first to third windows 6 is displayed in the multi-window screen 82.
When a negative result is obtained because 6 to 68 are displayed, the process returns to step SP11.

On the other hand, the CPU 30 determines in step S
In P14, when all the first to third windows 66 to 68 in the multi-window screen 82 are closed and a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP15, where the second rotation display processing procedure RT2 is ended.

Obtaining a negative result in step SP12 described above means that a button other than the first batch display direction designation button 85 has been clicked. In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP16 and clicks the button. It is determined whether the button is the second batch display direction designation button 86 or not.

Obtaining a positive result in step SP16 means that the clicked button is the second collective display direction designation button 86 and all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are related to the display state at this time. The liquid crystal panel 7 is arranged such that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the windows face in the direction indicated by the arrow of the second collective display direction designation button 86 instead.
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP17 to execute a second batch display change process corresponding to the second batch display direction designation button 86.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
At 17, the normal read address for all window image data is changed in accordance with the direction indicated by the arrow of the second batch display direction designation button 86, and all window image data is converted to the VRAM 57 using the rotational read address thus obtained. Read from.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with all the window image data read from
The LCD controller 4 reads the desktop image data from the VRAM 57 using the normal read address.
Send to 0.

Thus, the CPU 30 displays the desktop screen 83 in the normal display state on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40, and displays all the first to third windows 66 to 68 on the other end 66B of the window. ~
The liquid crystal panel 7 is rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so that 68B faces the direction indicated by the arrow of the second collective display direction designation button 86, and then proceeds to step SP14.

On the other hand, obtaining a negative result in step SP16 means that buttons other than the first and second batch display direction designation buttons 85 and 86 have been clicked. In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP18. It is determined whether or not the button clicked is the third batch display direction designation button 87.

Obtaining a positive result in step SP18 means that the clicked button is the third collective display direction designation button 87 and all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are related to the display state at this time. The liquid crystal panel 7 is arranged such that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the window face in the direction indicated by the arrow of the third collective display direction designation button 87.
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP19 to execute a third batch display change process corresponding to the third batch display direction designation button 87.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
In step 19, the normal read address for all window image data is changed in accordance with the direction indicated by the arrow of the third batch display direction designation button 87, and all window image data is converted to the VRAM 57 using the rotational read address obtained in this manner. Read from.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with all the window image data read from
The LCD controller 4 reads the desktop image data from the VRAM 57 using the normal read address.
Send to 0.

Thus, the CPU 30 displays the desktop screen 83 in the normal display state on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40, and displays all the first to third windows 66 to 68 at the other end 66B of the window. ~
The liquid crystal panel 7 is rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so that 68B faces the direction indicated by the arrow of the third batch display direction designation button 87, and then proceeds to step SP14.

Also, obtaining a negative result in step SP18 means that the clicked button is the fourth batch display direction designation button 88 and all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are related to the display state at this time. The liquid crystal panel 7 so that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the windows face in the direction indicated by the arrow of the fourth collective display direction designation button 88.
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP20 to execute a fourth batch display change process corresponding to the fourth batch display direction designation button 88.

That is, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP
In step 20, the normal read address for all window image data is changed in accordance with the direction indicated by the arrow of the fourth batch display direction designation button 88, and all window image data is converted to the VRAM 57 using the rotational read address thus obtained. Read from.

At this time, the CPU 30
7 together with all the window image data read from
The LCD controller 4 reads the desktop image data from the VRAM 57 using the normal read address.
Send to 0.

Thus, the CPU 30 displays the desktop screen 83 in the normal display state on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the LCD controller 40, and displays all the first to third windows 66 to 68 at the other end 66B of the window. ~
The liquid crystal panel 7 is rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so that 68B faces the direction indicated by the arrow of the fourth batch display direction designation button 88, and then proceeds to step SP14.

In the above configuration, in the personal computer 80, when the CPU 30 displays the multi-window screen 82 on the liquid crystal panel 7, the first to fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 on the desktop screen 83 are set. When any one of the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 is clicked, all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are clicked by the other ends 66B to 68B of the windows. First to fourth
Are rotated in parallel to the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face the directions indicated by the arrows of the collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88.

Therefore, in the personal computer 80, the display directions of all the first to third windows 66 to 68 are aligned from the state where the first to third windows 66 to 68 are individually rotated and displayed. In such a case, the first to third windows 66 to 68 can be rotated and displayed so as to face in the same direction without individually rotating the first to third windows 66 to 68, thereby improving operability. It can be further improved.

That is, when the first to third windows 66 to 68 are individually rotated and displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are operated while the user operates the operation keys 4.
When you see all the third windows 66-68,
This request can be promptly dealt with, for example, when all of the first to third windows 66 to 68 are shown to a person other than the user who is in front, rear, left and right of the liquid crystal panel 7.

According to the above configuration, when the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 provided on the desktop screen 83 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 are designated, the CPU
30 so as to rotate and display the first to third windows 66 to 68 collectively in the same direction according to the designated first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88. By doing so, in addition to the effects obtained by the above-described first embodiment, the operability when rotating the first to third windows 66 to 68 can be further improved, and the usability can be further improved. .

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 13 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 13 shows a personal computer 90 according to the third embodiment. The first
It is configured similarly to the personal computer 1 of the embodiment.

In this case, a predetermined third OS is previously stored in the hard disk in the hard disk drive 91 instead of the first OS according to the first embodiment, and a predetermined third rotation display is performed. The program is stored in advance.

In practice, as shown in FIG. 14 in which the same reference numerals are assigned to parts corresponding to those in FIG.
, A multi-window screen 92 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7.

Then, the CPU 30 sets the desktop screen 9
The cursor 78 moves on the task bar 94 of FIG. 3 and, for example, the left click button 6B of the touch pad 6 is pressed. In this state, the cursor 78 moves to, for example, the right end of the liquid crystal panel 7, and then the touch pad 6 When the left click button 6B is released, that is, when a so-called drag operation is performed, the task bar 94 is moved in response to the movement of the cursor 78, and is attached to the right end of the liquid crystal panel 7.

In addition, at this time, the CPU 30 reads the normal read addresses for all the window image data from the task bar 94 based on the third rotation display program which is read in advance from the hard disk of the hard disk drive 91 and stored in the RAM 32. All window image data is read from the VRAM 57 using the rotation read address obtained by changing according to the destination, and transmitted to the LCD controller 40.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 30 causes all the first to third windows 95 to 97 to be connected to the other ends 95A to 97A of the windows through the LCD controller 40, as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal panel 7 can be rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face the direction of the task bar 94 moved to the section.

As described above, the CPU 30 moves the task bar 94 of the desktop screen 93 not only to the right direction of the liquid crystal panel 7 but also to any of the upward, downward and left ends of the liquid crystal panel 7. Even if you stick
Depending on the destination of this task bar 94, all the first to third
Windows 95 to 97 at the other end 95A of the window.
97A can be rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face the moved task bar 94.

By the way, the CPU 30 operates on the desktop screen 9
When the task bar 94 is moved on the screen 3, the normal read address for all window image data is changed according to the moving direction of the task bar 94 based on the third rotation display program, and the obtained rotation read address is RA.
M32, and the stored rotational read address is stored in V32 until the task bar 94 is moved again.
It is used to read window image data from the RAM 57.

When the task bar 94 is moved again, the CPU 30 changes the normal read address for all the window image data according to the moving direction of the task bar 94 based on the third rotation display program, and obtains a new new address. The rotational read address is stored in RAM 32 so as to overwrite the one before the change, and the stored new rotational read address is used for reading window image data from VRAM 57 until the task bar 94 is moved again thereafter. To

In practice, when the multi-window screen 92 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7, the CPU 30 activates the third rotation display program and starts the third rotation display processing procedure RT3 shown in FIG. 16 in step SP23. In the following step SP24, the task bar 94 waits for the liquid crystal panel 7 to move to any one of the upward direction, the downward direction, the rightward direction, and the leftward direction and to be pasted.

Then, the CPU 30 thereafter sets the task bar 9
When 4 is moved to any one of the upward, downward, rightward, and leftward directions of the liquid crystal panel 7, and is pasted, the process proceeds to the next step SP25, where the coordinate information of the cursor 78 when the task bar 94 is moved is displayed. The destination of the task bar 94 is detected based on this.

Next, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP26, and detects the task bar 9 detected in step SP25.
The rotation read address is generated by changing the normal read address of all the window image data in the VRAM 57 based on the destination of No. 4.

Subsequently, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP27 to store the rotation read address in the RAM 32, reads out all the window image data from the VRAM 57 using the rotation read address, and sends out the window image data to the LCD controller 40. Along with the desktop screen 93 in which the position of the task bar 94 has been changed on the liquid crystal panel 7 via the controller 40, all the first to third windows 95 to 97 are displayed at the other end 95 of the window.
A to 97A are rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face the task bar 94.

Then, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP 28, and proceeds to step SP 28 to display all the first to third windows 95 to 97 in the multi-window screen 92 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7.
Is determined to be closed, and at least one of the first to third windows 9 is displayed in the multi-window screen 92.
If a negative result is obtained because 5-97 is displayed, the process returns to step SP24, and thereafter, this step SP2
Until a positive result is obtained in step 8, the above steps SP28-SP24-SP25-SP26-SP27-
The processing loop of SP28 is repeated.

On the other hand, the CPU 30 determines in step S
In P28, when all the first to third windows 95 to 97 in the multi-window screen 92 are closed and a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP29 to end the third rotation display processing procedure RT3.

In the above configuration, in the personal computer 90, when the CPU 30 displays the multi-window screen 92 on the liquid crystal panel 7, the task bar 94 of the desktop screen 93 moves upward, downward, and rightward of the liquid crystal panel 7. When the liquid crystal panel 7 is moved and pasted in any of the left directions, all the first to third windows 95 to 97 are moved so that the other end portions 95A to 97A of the windows face the direction of the task bar 94. It is rotated and displayed collectively in parallel with the panel surface.

Therefore, in the personal computer 90, only by changing the position of the task bar 94, the display position of the task bar 94 and the first to third windows 95 are changed.
To 97 so as to maintain the relationship with the display direction of
Are rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7, the first to third windows 95 to 97 are rotated.
It is possible to more easily judge the rotation state of the rotation direction through the display direction designation buttons than the plurality of display direction designation buttons and the like, and thus the operability at the time of this rotation can be further improved.

In the personal computer 90, the first to third windows 95 to 97 are rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 by changing the position of the task bar 94. First to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77
(FIG. 6) and first to fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85
The first to third windows 95 except for to 88 (FIG. 10)
To 97 and the desktop screen 93, and thus the configuration of the first to third windows 95 to 97 and the desktop screen 93 can be simplified.

According to the above configuration, when the CPU 30 displays the multi-window screen 92 on the liquid crystal panel 7, the task bar 94 on the desktop screen 93 is moved upward, downward, rightward, and leftward of the liquid crystal panel 7. When the task bar 94 is moved to the end, the first
The third window 95 to 97 is rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so that the other end portions 95A to 97A of the windows face the task bar 94, thereby displaying the third window 95 to 97. In addition to the effects obtained by the embodiment, the operability when rotating the first to third windows 95 to 97 can be further improved, and thus the usability can be improved.

(4) Fourth Embodiment FIG. 17 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 17 shows a personal computer 100 according to the fourth embodiment. The configuration is the same as that of the personal computer 1 according to the first embodiment.

In this case, a predetermined fourth OS is previously stored in the hard disk in the hard disk drive 101 instead of the first OS according to the first embodiment, and a predetermined fourth rotation display is performed. The program is stored in advance.

Then, as shown in FIG. 18 in which the same reference numerals are given to the parts corresponding to those in FIG.
The multi-window screen 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7 based on the
2 is displayed.

In the multi-window screen 102, a free rotation designation button 105 is provided in the task bar 104 of the desktop screen 103.

Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the CPU 30 moves the cursor 78 onto the free rotation designation button 105 on the multi-window screen 102 and clicks the same. The first to third windows 95 of any one of the rotation objects
When the cursor 78 moves and clicks on to 97
Based on the fourth rotation display program previously read from the hard disk of the hard disk drive 101 and stored in the RAM 32, the clicked first to third programs are displayed.
Black circles 10 at the four corners of the outer periphery of the windows 95 to 97
6 to 109 are displayed, and the clicked first to third
Windows 95 to 97 are rotatable and indicate that they have been selected and designated as objects to be rotated.

In this state, the CPU 30 sets the first to third windows 95 selected and designated as the object to be rotated.
When the cursor 78 is moved to an arbitrary position on the first to third windows 95 to 97 and the first to third windows 95 to 97 are dragged, the first to third windows 95 to 97 are moved in response to the movement of the cursor 78. The liquid crystal panel 7 can be rotated at a desired angle in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 about the intersection O of the diagonal line.

As described above, the CPU 30 sets the first to third
Windows 95 to 97 can be individually rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face arbitrary display directions.

In practice, when the multi-window screen 102 is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7, the CPU 30 activates the fourth rotation display program and starts the fourth rotation display processing procedure RT4 shown in FIG. 20 in step SP30. In the following step SP31, a free rotation designation button 105
The cursor 78 moves upward and waits for a click.

Then, when the free rotation designation button 105 is clicked thereafter, the CPU 30 proceeds to the next step SP3.
Proceeding to step 2, it is determined whether the cursor 78 has been moved to any one of the first to third windows 95 to 97 and clicked.

Obtaining a positive result in step SP32 means that any one of the first to third windows 9
The first to third windows 9 clicked when the cursor 78 is moved and clicked on 5-97.
In this case, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP33 and selects the first to third windows 95 to 97 based on the fourth rotation display program. The black circles 106 to 109 are displayed at the four corners of the outer periphery of, and the selected first to third windows 95 to 97 are made rotatable.

Next, the CPU 30 proceeds to step SP34 and selects the first to third windows 95 selected and designated.
It is determined whether or not the cursor 78 has been moved and dragged on to the first to third windows 95 to 97. If the first to third windows 95 to 97 designated and selected have been dragged to obtain a positive result, the process proceeds to the next step SP35, The first to third windows 95 to 95 selected in response to the movement of the cursor 78
The liquid crystal panel 97 is rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 in accordance with an arbitrary display direction designated by dragging about an intersection O of the diagonal line.

Then, the CPU 30 thereafter proceeds to step SP
Proceeding to 36, all the first to third windows 9 in the multi-window screen 102 displayed on the liquid crystal panel 7
It is determined whether or not 5 to 97 have been closed. If a negative result is obtained because at least one of the first to third windows 95 to 97 is displayed in the multi-window screen 102, the process returns to step SP31. To do.

In contrast, CPU 30 determines in step S
In P36, when all the first to third windows 95 to 97 in the multi-window screen 102 are closed and a positive result is obtained, the process proceeds to the next step SP37, where the fourth
Ends the rotation display processing procedure RT4.

Obtaining a negative result in step SP32 described above means that the first to third windows 95 to 97 have not been clicked within a predetermined time set in advance. S
Proceeding to P38, it is determined whether or not the cursor 78 has been moved and clicked on an icon or the like other than the first to third windows 95 to 97.

Then, the CPU 30 determines in this step SP3
8, the first to third windows 95 within a predetermined time
If no icon other than -97 has been clicked, the process returns to step SP32 again.
One of the first to third windows 95 to 97 is awaited to be clicked.

On the other hand, the CPU 30 determines in this step S
When it is detected in P38 that an icon or the like other than the first to third windows 95 to 97 is clicked, the click of the free rotation designation button 105 is invalidated and the process returns to step SP31. By the way, at this time CPU3
0 indicates to the user by voice or the like that the clicking of the free rotation designation button 105 has been invalidated.

Obtaining a negative result in step SP34 described above means that the first to third windows 95 to 97 selected and designated have not been dragged within a predetermined period of time. CPU 30
Proceeds to step SP39, an icon or the like other than the first to third windows 95 to 97 selected and designated is dragged, or the user makes an error in the drag operation and the first to third windows 95 selected and designated. It is determined whether or not the user clicks through 97.

Then, the CPU 30 determines in step SP3
In step 9, if no drag or click is performed within a predetermined time, the process returns to step SP34 again, and the first to third windows 95 to 95 are selected and designated.
97 waits for it to be dragged.

On the other hand, the CPU 30 determines in step S
In P39, it is detected that an icon or the like other than the first to third windows 95 to 97 has been dragged, or that the user has clicked the first to third windows 95 to 97 for which the drag operation has been erroneously selected and designated. Then,
The selection designation of the third windows 95 to 97 is invalidated, and the process returns to step SP31. By the way, at this time CP
U30 informs the user by voice or the like that the selection designation of the first to third windows 95 to 97 has been invalidated.

In the above configuration, in the personal computer 100, when the CPU 30 displays the multi-window screen 102 on the liquid crystal panel 7, the cursor 78 is moved to the free rotation designation button 105 and clicked. Any one of the first to third windows 95 to 9 among the first to third windows 95 to 97
When the cursor 78 is moved to the position 7 and clicked, black circles 106 to 109 are displayed at the four corners of the clicked first to third windows 95 to 97 so as to be rotatable.

Then, the personal computer 100
When the CPU 30 drags the rotatable first to third windows 95 to 97, the first to third windows 9 to 9 move in response to the movement of the cursor 78.
An arbitrary display direction with respect to 5 to 97 is detected, and the first to third windows 95 to 97 are rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 according to the detected arbitrary display direction.

Therefore, in the personal computer 1, for example, when the display unit 3 is rotated about 180 degrees from the closed state to the opening direction with respect to the main body unit 2, the user or another person turns the liquid crystal panel 7 from front, rear, left and right. In addition, even when the liquid crystal panel 7 is viewed from various positions such as viewed from the corners (four corners) of the liquid crystal panel 7, the first to third windows 95 to 97 depend on the positions. Can be individually and freely rotated at a desired angle in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7.

Thus, no matter where the user or other person looks at the liquid crystal panel 7 around the liquid crystal panel 7, desired image information can be shown according to the position without impairing the visibility. .

According to the above configuration, the desktop screen 1
After the free rotation designation button 105 provided on the task bar 104 of No. 03 is designated, the first to third windows 95 to
One of the windows 95 to 97 is designated, and the designated first to third windows 95 to 97 are designated.
Is dragged, the first to third windows 95 to 97 are rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face an arbitrary display direction in response to the movement of the cursor 78. In addition to the effects obtained by the above-described first embodiment, even if the user or another person views the liquid crystal panel 7 from any position, the user can view desired image information according to the position without impairing the visibility. It is possible,
Thus, usability can be further improved.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above-described first embodiment, the first to third individual display direction designation buttons are provided on the title bar 71 of the first to third windows 66 to 68, respectively. Although the case where 75 to 77 are provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 in which parts corresponding to those in FIG. 110-112
The first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are provided at the lower ends of the
The individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 may be provided at various other positions.

Incidentally, the first to third windows 110-1 to 110-1
Even in the case where the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are provided at the lower ends of the 12 respectively, as shown in FIG. 22, the first to third individual display direction designation buttons are similar to the first embodiment described above. When the third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are clicked, the corresponding first to third windows 110 to 112 are set.
When the other end portions 110A to 112A of the window are clicked on the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to
The liquid crystal panel 7 can be rotated in a direction parallel to the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face a direction indicated by an arrow 77.

In the above-described first and fourth embodiments, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are individually rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7. Although the case where the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are provided in the third windows 66 to 68 or the free rotation designation button 105 is provided in the task bar 104 of the desktop screen 103 has been described, The present invention is not limited to this, but as shown in FIG.
In each of the windows 115 to 117, the "display" menu 119 in the menu bar 118 is provided with a pull-down menu for rotation, and when the "display" menu 119 is clicked, the first pull-down menu 120 is displayed. Further, when the “display direction” menu 121 in the first pull-down menu 120 is clicked, first to fourth display directions indicating four types of display directions are displayed.
The second pull-down menu 122 in which the display direction designation areas 122A to 122D are provided may be displayed.

For example, when the second display direction designation area 122B is clicked in the second pull-down menu 122 of the first window 115, as shown in FIG. 24, the second display direction designation area 122B is displayed. Accordingly, the first window 115 is moved to the other end 115 of the window.
A is rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so that the right end of the liquid crystal panel 7 is turned, and the display is performed. In this way, the first to fourth display direction designation areas 122A to 122D are displayed. The first to third windows 115 to 117 are individually arranged such that the other ends 115A to 117A of the windows face the lower, left, right and upper ends of the liquid crystal panel 7, respectively. The image may be rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface.

Also, as shown in FIG. 25 where parts corresponding to those in FIG.
To 127, when the "display" menu 129 in the menu bar 128 is clicked, a third pull-down menu 130 provided with a "rotation instruction" menu 130A is displayed, and the "rotation instruction" menu 130A is displayed.
26 has the same function as the above-described free rotation designation button 105, so that when the "rotation instruction" menu 130A is clicked as shown in FIG. 26, the same as in the above-described fourth embodiment is performed. The corresponding first to third windows 125 to 127 may be rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the first to the first items are displayed in the task bar 84 of the desktop screen 83.
Although the case where the fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are provided has been described, the present invention is not limited to this.
The same as the first, third, and fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85, 87, and 88 of the first to fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 in the task bar 84, and the corresponding portions in FIG. In FIG. 27 denoted by reference numerals, any three of the first to the first such as providing first, second, and third batch display direction designation buttons 85, 86, and 87 in the task bar 133, etc. Four collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 may be selected and provided.

However, as described above, any one of the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 can be selected.
When the fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are selected and provided on the task bar 84, each time the selected first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are clicked, All the first to third windows 66 to
When the 67 is rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 with reference to the normal display state, the first to third windows 6
There will be directions in which it is difficult to display 6 to 68.

Accordingly, as described above, any one of the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 can be selected.
When the fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are selected and provided on the task bar 84, the selected and provided first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are clicked and the first collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are clicked. When the third windows 66 to 68 are rotated, the display state at this time is set as a reference display state, and the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 selected and provided thereafter are clicked again. The first to third windows 66 to 66 based on the reference display state.
68 may be rotated, and the three selected first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 8 may be used.
8, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are arranged so that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the liquid crystal panel 7 face upward, downward, rightward, and leftward. It can be rotated and displayed in parallel with the plane.

In the second embodiment, when the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are clicked, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are clicked.
Only the case where only the image is rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the parts corresponding to those in FIG. As described above, the task bar 84 is moved to the window other end portions 66B to 68B side and displayed together with the first to third windows 66 to 68, or the portions corresponding to those in FIG. As shown in FIG.
Desktop screen 8 with third windows 66-68
The task bar 84 also includes the other end portions 66B to 66 of the window.
The liquid crystal panel 7 may be rotated in parallel with the panel surface so as to be positioned on the 8B side.

As a result, the user or another person can be given the first to third
When the user or another person rotates the task bar 84 together with the first to third windows 66 to 68 in a correct orientation so that characters and the like are not inverted. Thus, the user can view the application program or the file that is running at this time through the task bar 84 properly and easily.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, a case has been described in which the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are provided in the task bar 84, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, as shown in FIG. 30 in which the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding parts in FIG.
A single collective display direction designation button 134 having a pull-down menu for selecting a display direction is provided in the inside, and when the collective display direction designation button 134 is clicked, as shown in FIG. A fourth pull-down menu 135 provided with fourth display direction designation areas 135A to 135D may be displayed.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, a case has been described in which the task bar 94 is moved and displayed on the desktop screen 93. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and corresponds to FIG. 32, the entire desktop screen 93 may be rotated and displayed in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 with the movement of the task bar 94 as shown in FIG.

Further, in the third embodiment, the first to third windows 95 to 97 are set to the task bar 9.
4 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the multi-window screen is displayed as shown in FIG. At 136, the first to third windows 66 to 68 provided with the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 are displayed, and the first to third windows 66 to 68 are respectively displayed as the first to third windows 66 to 68. To individually rotate according to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77,
When the task bar 94 is moved, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are collectively rotated in accordance with the movement so that the other end portions 66B to 68B of the windows face the direction of the moved task bar 94. You may do it.

In the second embodiment, when the first to fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88 are clicked, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are set.
Is rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face in the same direction regardless of the display state immediately before. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is clicked, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are oriented parallel to the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to face in the same direction regardless of the display state immediately before. When the user rotates and double-clicks the first to fourth batch display direction designation buttons 85 to 88, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are displayed.
May be collectively rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7 so as to maintain the display state immediately before.

Furthermore, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the first to third windows 66 to 68, 95 to 9
When rotating 7 in parallel with the panel surface of liquid crystal panel 7,
Although the case where the read address in the VRAM 57 is changed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first to first methods may be performed by various other methods such as changing the write address without changing the read address. The third windows 66 to 68 and 95 to 97 may be rotated in parallel with the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 7.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the first to third windows 66 to 68 are displayed in the first to third individual display direction designation buttons 75 to 77 indicating three directions.
, The desktop screen 83 is rotated in a desired one of the four directions, and the desktop screen 83 is displayed in the first direction indicating the four directions.
Although the description has been given of the case where the user rotates in any desired direction among the four directions based on the fourth collective display direction designation buttons 85 to 88, the present invention is not limited to this. An individual display direction designation button indicating a plurality of directions and a collective display direction designation button are provided, and the first to third windows 66 to 68 and the desktop screen 83 are displayed in four.
You may make it rotate so that it may turn to various directions more than directions.

In the first to fourth embodiments, the first to fourth rotation display processing procedures RT1 to RT1 are respectively performed based on the first to fourth rotation display programs.
Although the case where RT4 is executed has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first to fourth rotational display processing procedures R
In T1 to RT4, it is not necessary to advance the processing in a time series in the order of the steps as described above, and the order of the steps can be changed as necessary.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the present invention is applied to the notebook personal computer 1 described above. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the angle of the display unit can be freely set. The present invention can be widely applied to various other signal processing devices, such as a desktop personal computer that can be adjusted, a portable information communication terminal having a display unit, and a portable video display device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the first to third windows 66 to 68 and 95 to 97 are applied as a plurality of screens displayed on the display surface. The present invention is not limited to this, and various other screens such as a desktop screen and a window including only desired image information can be applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation keys 4, touch pad 6, keyboard controller 37, touch pad controller 38, and C are used as display direction specification means for specifying the display direction of each screen.
Although the case where PU30 is applied has been described,
The present invention is not limited to this, and various other display direction specifying means can be applied as long as the display direction of each screen can be specified.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the CPU 30 is applied as the display direction control means for rotating each screen in parallel with the display surface based on the display direction designated through the display direction designating means. Although the case has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and if each screen can be rotated in parallel with the display surface based on the display direction specified via the display direction specifying means, other various display direction control Means can be applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation keys 4, the touch pad 6, the keyboard controller 37, the touch pad controller 38, and C
Although the case where PU30 is applied has been described,
The present invention is not limited to this, and various other detection means can be applied as long as it can detect that the individual display direction designation button has been designated.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the operation keys 4 and the touch pad 6 are applied as cursor position designation means for designating a display position of a cursor displayed for designating an arbitrary position on the display surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the display position of the cursor displayed to indicate an arbitrary position on the display surface can be designated, the present invention has a capacitance type detection unit. Various other cursor position designation means such as a touch pad and a pointing device such as a joystick can be applied.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described where the task bar 94 is applied as a display direction designation area displayed along a predetermined one edge of the display surface. The display direction designation area displayed along a predetermined one edge of the display surface is not limited to this, and various other types such as a predetermined icon can be applied.

Further, in the above embodiment, the hard disk drives 35, 81, 91, 10
1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and if a predetermined rotation display program can be provided, various storage means such as a memory, a network for supplying from outside, etc. Various other media can be applied as well.

[0197]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a display control device for displaying a plurality of screens on a display surface, a display direction specifying means for specifying a display direction of each screen, Display direction control means for rotating each screen in parallel with the display surface based on the display direction specified via the means, so that one or more users other than the user in various directions around the display surface are provided. A desired screen can be shown to a plurality of persons without deteriorating the visibility, and a display control device that can improve usability can be realized.

In a display control method for displaying a plurality of screens on a display surface, each screen is specified based on a display direction specifying step for specifying a display direction of each screen and a display direction specified in the display direction specifying step. A display direction control step of rotating the display screen in parallel with the display surface, thereby impairing the visibility of a screen desired by one or more persons other than the user in various directions around the display surface. Thus, it is possible to realize a display control method capable of improving the usability of the display control device.

Further, in the medium, based on the display direction designating step for designating the display directions of a plurality of screens to be displayed on the display surface and the display direction designated in the display direction designating step, each screen is parallel to the display surface. By causing the display control device to execute a program having a display direction control step for rotating the display control device, the display control device can provide the display control device with one or more persons other than the user in various directions around the display surface. This makes it possible to show the screen to be displayed without deteriorating the visibility, thus realizing a medium that can improve the usability of the display control device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic external view showing a configuration of a notebook personal computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing a configuration of a front wall of the personal computer when a display unit is closed with respect to a main unit.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing a configuration of a right side wall of the personal computer when a display unit is in a closed state with respect to a main unit.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a configuration of a left side wall of the personal computer when a display unit is in a closed state with respect to a main unit.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the personal computer according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-window screen according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining rotation of first to third windows;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a first rotation display processing procedure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a personal computer according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-window screen according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram used to explain collective rotation of first to third windows;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a second rotation display processing procedure.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a personal computer according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-window screen according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram for explaining rotation of first to third windows according to movement of a task bar.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a third rotation display processing procedure.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a personal computer according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-window screen according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining rotation of first to third windows;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a fourth rotation display processing procedure.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating display positions of first to third individual display direction designation buttons according to another embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram for explaining rotation of first to third windows according to another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of first to third windows having a pull-down menu according to another embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining rotation of first to third windows based on a pull-down menu according to another embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of first to third windows having a pull-down menu according to another embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining rotation of first to third windows based on a pull-down menu according to another embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining a batch display direction designation button according to another embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating rotation in a multi-window screen according to a batch display direction designation button according to another embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating rotation of a multi-window screen according to a batch display direction designation button according to another embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-window screen having a pull-down menu according to another embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pull-down menu according to another embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating rotation of a multi-window screen according to movement of a task bar according to another embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating rotation of a multi-window screen according to movement of a task bar according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 80, 90, 100 ... personal computer,
2 ... body part, 3 ... display part, 4 ... operation keys, 5 ...
Key arrangement part, 6 Touch pad, 7 Liquid crystal panel,
30, CPU, 32, RAM, 35, 81, 91,
101: Hard disk drive, 37: Keyboard controller, 38: Touch pad controller,
40 LCD controller, 57 VRAM, 66
-68, 95-97, 110-112, 115-117
... first to third windows, 75 to 77 ... first to third individual display direction designation buttons, 85 to 88 ... first to fourth batch display direction designation buttons, 84, 94 ... task bar , 105... Free rotation designation button, RT1... First rotation display processing procedure, RT2... Second rotation display processing procedure, RT3. Processing procedure.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toru Suzuki 6-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo F-term within Sony Corporation (reference) 5B069 AA01 BA04 BB16 CA15 DD13 JA07 5C082 AA01 AA21 AA22 AA24 AA31 BA02 BA12 BB01 BB15 BB22 CA42 CA63 CA82 CB05 DA87 MM09 MM10 5E501 AA02 AC37 BA03 CA04 CB06 EA05 EA10 EB05 FA06 FB03 FB24 FB43

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A display control device for displaying a plurality of screens on a display surface, a display direction specifying means for specifying a display direction of each of the screens, and the display specified via the display direction specifying means. A display control device for rotating each of the screens in parallel with the display surface based on a direction. 2. The display direction designation means detects an individual display direction designation button for individually designating a display direction provided on each of the screens, and detects that the individual display direction designation button is designated. The display control device according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit. 3. The display direction designating means includes a collective display direction designation button displayed on the display surface for designating the display direction of each of the screens collectively at once. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit detects that the display direction designation button is designated. 4. The display direction designating means includes a display direction designating area displayed along a predetermined one edge of the display surface, and the detecting means is designated for the display direction designating area. The display direction control means, upon detecting a movement, rotates each of the screens in parallel with the display surface based on a movement direction of the display direction designation area detected by the detection means. 3. The display control device according to 2. 5. A display device, comprising: a cursor position designating means for designating a display position of a cursor displayed for designating an arbitrary position on the display surface, wherein the display direction designating means is displayed on the display surface, and A free rotation designation button for designating a display direction, wherein the display direction control means moves the cursor by the cursor position designation means after the detection means detects that the free rotation designation button is designated. When a drag operation is performed to move any of the screens following the above, the arbitrary screen is rotated in parallel with the display surface based on the arbitrary display direction specified by the drag operation. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein 6. A cursor position designating means for designating a display position of a cursor displayed for designating an arbitrary position on the display surface, wherein the display direction designating means is provided by the cursor position designating means. When a drag operation for moving any screen following movement is performed, the arbitrary screen is rotated in parallel with the display surface based on the arbitrary display direction specified by the drag operation. The display control device according to claim 2, wherein: 7. A display control method for displaying a plurality of screens on a display surface, comprising: a display direction specifying step for specifying a display direction of each of the screens; and a display direction specified in the display direction specifying step. A display direction control step of rotating each screen in parallel with the display surface. 8. A display direction specifying step for respectively specifying display directions of a plurality of screens to be displayed on a display surface, and each of the screens is referred to as the display surface based on the display direction specified in the display direction specifying step. A medium for causing a display control device to execute a program, comprising: a display direction control step of rotating in parallel.