JP2000339097A - Information processor, its controlling method and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To input information of many kinds without increasing the size of an information processor. SOLUTION: In a portable personal computer 1, a liquid crystal display(LCD) is formed on the rear face of a touch pad 11, and when a function button 14 is depressed, a menu for selecting functions is displayed on the LCD. When a user selects, e.g., a ten-key pad from the menu by operating the touch pad 11, the ten-key pad is displayed on the LCD. Thus operation can be executed by operating the ten-key through the touch pad 11.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method therefor, and a recording medium, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus capable of easily and reliably performing many inputs without increasing the size of the apparatus. The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, portable personal computers have become widespread. One of the reasons for the widespread use of this portable personal computer is that, for example, a user goes out to another room in the same building, or
It is relatively easy to go to a customer and present various kinds of information, and the convenience is high. Therefore, as a matter of course, the portable personal computer is required to be small and light from its original function.

In order to allow many users to operate easily, a pointing device represented by a mouse has been used as an input device of a computer. If you use a pointing device, even if you are unfamiliar with the keyboard, you can input relatively easily.
In recent years, it is rapidly spreading. In particular, a portable personal computer is often provided with a pointing device such as a touch pad or a trackball, because it is inconvenient to carry a mouse separately from the main body.

By the way, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2141
No. 54 proposes that the pointing device can be detachably attached to a portable personal computer so that the pointing device can be used as a remote controller to improve convenience.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei 10-74119 discloses a PDA (Performance) for a portable personal computer.
(Sonal Digital Assistant) is proposed to be more removable and detachable so that it can be used as a stand-alone device as well as being used for remote control in presentations. Have been.

[0006]

However, any of the pointing devices proposed above can selectively input a predetermined one from many types of inputs depending on the case. In order to be able to do so, many buttons and switches are required, and there has been a problem that the size is increased. As a result, the size of the portable personal computer to which the personal computer is mounted becomes large, and as a result, there is a problem that its use range must be limited.

Further, since the proposed PDA does not have a function as a pointing device, a mouse or the like must be further added as a pointing device, and there is a problem that the device becomes large and the cost increases. Was.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and enables a large amount of information to be easily input as a pointing device without increasing the size of the apparatus. .

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: a second display for displaying information; and a second display for displaying the information displayed on the second display. And second input means for performing a predetermined input, which is arranged on the front side of the display means, and wherein the first processing means in the normal operation mode, based on the coordinate data input from the second input means. The information is displayed on the first display means.

[0010] The information processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect has a second display means for displaying information and a front side of the second display means so that the information displayed on the second display means can be observed. A second input means for performing a predetermined input,
And a second processing unit for processing information input by the input unit of the first type, wherein the first processing unit performs the first processing based on the coordinate data input from the second input unit in the normal operation mode. The information is displayed on the display means.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the control method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the normal operation mode, the first step is performed based on the coordinate data input from the second input means.
And displaying the information on the display means.

In a recording medium according to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the detecting step of detecting a mode, and in a normal operation mode, the first and second recording mediums are controlled based on coordinate data input from a second input means.
And displaying the information on the display means.

[0013] In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect and the information processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the first processing means may include a coordinate data input from the second input means in a normal operation mode. The information is displayed on the first display means based on.

In the control method according to the twentieth aspect and the recording medium program according to the twenty-third aspect, in the normal operation mode, the first control method is performed based on the coordinate data input from the second input means. Information is displayed on the display means.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A notebook portable personal computer to which the present invention is applied will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a main body 2 of the portable personal computer 1 is provided with a keyboard 4 operated when inputting characters and the like. The display unit 3 for displaying an image is attached to the main body 2 so as to be freely opened and closed (foldable). Although not shown in the drawings, a mouse or the like can be externally attached to the main body 2 as an external pointing device.

The main body 2 includes a power lamp PL and a battery lamp B.
L, and a power lamp P having a message lamp ML.
L lights up when the power is turned on, and the battery lamp BL indicates the remaining battery level of the battery pack 5. Among these lamps, especially the message lamp ML is exposed outside even when the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main body 2. Thus, even when the display unit 3 is closed, the operation of the predetermined program can be notified to the user by turning on the message lamp ML.

On the side surface of the main body 2, there are provided a power switch 6 which is operated when the power is turned on or off, and an operation key 7 for one-touch operation. This operation key 7
It is operated when a predetermined application is started up instantaneously, and the start-up state is displayed by a message lamp ML. PCMCIA (PersonalCo)
A slot 8 is provided for receiving an mputer Memory Card International Association (PC) card (so-called PC card).

In front of the keyboard 4 on the upper surface of the main body 2,
A touch operation unit 9 is provided. This touch operation unit 9
Are the touchpad 11, the left button 12, the right button 13,
And a function button 14.

The touch pad 11 is operated by a user with a finger or a pen (not shown, but housed on the left side of the display unit 3). The touch pad 1 is, for example,
When the pointer displayed on the LCD 41 (FIG. 2) of the display unit 3 is moved to a predetermined position, the pointer is operated by rubbing. The left button 12 is operated to select “OK” or “Cancel”, or to select a menu. A similar function is executed when the touch pad 11 is tapped once with a finger. The left button 12 is operated twice in succession when double-clicking. When dragging the pointer, hold down the left button 12
The finger is also moved on the touch pad 11. A drag operation is also performed when the finger is moved twice on the touch pad 11 after tapping twice on the touch pad 11 continuously. The right button 13 is operated, for example, when displaying a backup menu of various contents.

A microphone 15 is provided on the left side of the battery pack 5.
A speaker 16 is provided near L.

FIG. 2 shows a portable personal computer 1.
Of FIG. The main body 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52 that centrally processes information,
RAM (Random Access Memory) 5 which is a volatile memory
And 3. These CPU 52 and RAM 53 are:
Internal bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
BUS) 50. This internal bus 5
A PC card 82 having a predetermined function and inserted from the slot 8 is also connected to the PC card 82 via the interface (I / F) 51.

The CPU 52 is a controller that controls each function, and the PC card 82 is for adding optional functions to the internal bus 50. The RAM 53 stores an application program, an autopilot program, a basic program (operating system: OS), and the like when the activation of the main body 2 is completed.

The autopilot program is a program for sequentially activating and processing a plurality of predetermined processes (or programs) in a predetermined order. The OS controls the basic operation of the portable personal computer 1, and a commercially available multitasking OS such as Windows 98 (trademark) can be used.

The main body 2 includes an input / output (in-out: I / O) controller 63 for controlling data input / output, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 55 as a recording unit for recording information, and a real-time clock (I / O). A real time clock (RTC) 62 and a backup battery 76 are provided.

I / O controller 63, HDD 55, RTC6
2. The message lamp ML, the battery lamp BL, the power lamp PL, the power switch 6, the operation key 7, and the backup battery 76 are connected to the external bus (ISA BUS) 54, respectively. The external bus 54 is connected to the internal bus 50.

The I / O controller 63 has a microcontroller 64, and this microcontroller 64
The CPU 66, the RAM 67, and the ROM 65 are connected to each other. The RAM 67 includes a key input status register 72, an LED control register 73, and a set time register 7.
4. An operation key / program correspondence register 75 is provided. The set time register 74 is a start condition storage unit, and stores a time (start condition) set by the user in advance. This is used when starting a start sequence operation, which is a series of processes for starting a predetermined program at a preset time. The operation key / program correspondence register 75 stores a correspondence between a preset operation key combination (activation condition) and an application program to be activated, and the preset operation key combination is pressed by the user. Then, the application program to be started is started.

The key input status register 72 stores an operation key flag when the operation key 7 as a switch for one-touch operation is pressed. LE
The D control register 73 controls the lighting of a message lamp ML that displays the instantaneous startup state of a predetermined application when the operation key 7 is pressed. The set time register 74 can arbitrarily set a certain time.

The microcontroller 64 is provided with a backup battery 76, and the values of the registers 72, 73, 74 are retained even when the power of the main unit 2 is turned off. It has become.

A wake-up program 69, a key input monitoring program 70, and an LED control program 71 are stored in the ROM 65 in the microcontroller 64 in advance. The ROM 65 is, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (also referred to as a flash memory).
only memory: EEPROM). Further, the microcontroller 64 always counts the current time.
The RTC 62 is connected.

The wake-up program 69 in the ROM 65 checks whether or not the time set in advance in the set time register 74 has been reached based on the current time data supplied from the RTC 62. , A program for starting a predetermined process (or program) or the like. The key input monitoring program 70 is a program that constantly monitors whether or not the operation key 7 has been pressed by the user. The LED control program 71 is a program for controlling lighting of the message lamp ML.

In the ROM 65, a basic input / output system (BIOS) 68 is further written as a basic input / output system. This BIOS consists of OS and application programs, LCD 41, 57, keyboard 4, HDD 5
5 is a software program for controlling the transfer (input / output) of data between peripheral devices such as 5.

The HDD 55 stores an application program, an autopilot program, an OS, and the like. The OS, the autopilot program, and the application program in the HDD 55 are sequentially stored in the RAM 53 in the course of the boot-up process of the main body 2.

Further, the main body 2 includes an LCD controller 77 for controlling the LCD 41 of the display unit 3 and an external network 81.
A modem 78 for converting data for connection with the keyboard, a keyboard controller 61 for controlling the keyboard 4, a touchpad controller 59 for controlling the touchpad 11,
Further, it has an interface 60 connected to the microphone 15 and the speaker 16 to convert a signal.
The LCD controller 77, the modem 78, the keyboard controller 61, the touch pad controller 59, and the interface 60 are connected to the external bus 54, respectively.

The external bus 54 is also connected to an LCD controller 56. The LCD controller 56 includes the LCD 5
7 and the backlight 58 are controlled. The LCD 57 is disposed behind the touch pad 11 made of a transparent (transmissive light of the LCD 57) material. The backlight 58 is LC
It is arranged behind D57 and illuminates LCD57.

A keyboard controller 61 connected to the external bus 54 controls an input from the keyboard 4. The touch pad controller 59 controls inputs from the touch pad 11, the left button 12, the right button 13, and the function buttons 14.

The interface 60 receives an input from the internal microphone 15 or
6 is supplied with an audio signal.

The modem 78 connects the main body 2 to an external network 81 and performs a process of converting the format of an information signal for communication.

The LCD controller 77 is connected to the LCD 4 of the display unit 3.
1 and the backlight 42 disposed behind the control unit 1.

The touch pad 11 is provided on the front side of the keyboard 4 and is used as a pointing device for specifying a position on the screen of the LCD 41 to input a locus of points. That is, the pointing device is displayed on the display screen of the LCD 41, and is used to input the movement locus of the index (pointer) that is moved according to the input operation. Further, as the touch pad 11, a pressure-sensitive touch pad which can simultaneously detect not only the position of a point but also the pressed strength can be used. In the present embodiment, the pointing device is not limited to the touch pad, but may be, for example, a tablet.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
An operation when the touch operation unit 9 is operated will be described. In step S1, the CPU 52 sets the function button 1
It is determined whether or not 4 has been operated (turned on) by the user. That is, the touch pad controller 59
When the function button 14 is operated by the user, the operation signal is transmitted to the CPU 52 via the external bus 54 and the internal bus 50.
Output to If it is determined in step S1 that the function button 14 has been operated, the CPU 52 sets the extension mode and proceeds to step S6 to execute a function selection process. Details of this function selection processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When it is determined in step S1 that the function button 14 has not been operated, the normal operation mode has been set by the CPU 52, and the CPU 52 determines in step S2 whether or not the touch pad 11 has been operated by the user. Is determined. That is, when the touch pad 11 is operated by the user, the touch pad controller 59 detects the coordinate data and outputs the coordinate data to the CPU 52. When it is determined in step S2 that the touch pad 11 has been operated (when coordinate data has been supplied from the touch pad controller 59), the CPU 52 proceeds to step S7 to execute a process corresponding to the input coordinate data. I do.

For example, when the backlight 42 and the LCD 41 of the display unit 3 are driven by the LCD controller 77, and a predetermined image is displayed on the LCD 41 illuminated by the backlight 42, the user
When the right end of the touch pad 11 is traced up and down, the displayed image is moved (scrolled) up and down. When the lower end of the touch pad 11 is rubbed in the left-right direction, the CPU 52 moves (scrolls) the image displayed on the LCD 41 in the left-right direction. When the user operates the touch pad 11, what processing the CPU 52 performs is determined by the application program that the CPU 52 is executing at that time.

In step S2, the touch pad 11
If it is determined that no input has been made, the process proceeds to step S3, and the CPU 52 determines whether the left button 12 or the right button 13 has been operated by the user. The touch pad controller 59 includes the left button 12 or the right button 13
Is operated by the user, the operation signal is transmitted to the CPU 5
Output to 2. When receiving the input of the operation signal, the CPU 5266 interprets the meaning in step S8 based on the application program being executed at that time, and performs the same processing as when the left or right mouse button is operated. Execute

If it is determined in step S3 that the left button 12 or the right button 13 has not been operated,
Proceeding to step S4, the LCD controller 56
It is determined whether or not image data to be displayed has been supplied from. When the image data to be displayed is received, the process proceeds to step S5, where the LCD controller 56 outputs the image data supplied from the CPU 52 to the LCD 57 and causes the LCD 57 to display the image data. Of course, at this time, the LCD controller 56 turns on the backlight 58 and illuminates the LCD 57 from behind. The touch pad 11 is disposed on the upper surface of the LCD 57. However, since the touch pad 11 is formed of a transparent material, the user may be disposed below (the back side) via the touch pad 11. The image displayed on the LCD 57 can be visually recognized.

In step S4, when it is determined that the image data to be displayed has not been supplied from the CPU 52, or when the data display processing in step S5 is completed, the process returns to step S1, and the subsequent processing is repeated. Be executed.

As described above, when the function button 14 is not turned on, the user can perform the same input through the touch pad 11 as in the conventional case. For example, when the CPU 52 operates the touch pad 11 with a pen (not shown) while a predetermined application is running, the coordinate data is stored in the CPU in step S7.
52. At this time, the CPU 52 outputs the coordinate data corresponding to the input to the LCD controller 77,
To display the locus drawn with the pen.

When the CPU 52 performs such control, the locus displayed on the LCD 41 is supplied to the LCD controller 56 as data to be displayed. At this time, the LCD
The controller 56 displays the input image data on the LCD 57.
And display it. Thereby, the same locus as the locus displayed on the LCD 41 is also displayed on the LCD 57.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The details of the function selection processing in step S6 of FIG. 3 will be described. This processing is started when the user operates (turns on) the function button 14 as described above.

At step S11, the CPU 25 displays a menu screen for allowing the user to select various functions from the menu screen.
It is displayed on the LCD 57 via the D controller 56. FIG.
Represents a display example of such a menu screen. In this display example, a ten-key button 101-1, a game button 101-2, a clock button 101-3, a pen button 101-4, a memo button 101-5, a telephone directory button 1
Various functions such as 01-6, address book button 101-7, calendar button 101-8, schedule button 101-9, wallpaper button 101-10, calculator button 101-11, and function setting button 101-12 are selected. A selection button is displayed, and when one of the selection buttons is selected, a determination button 112 operated when finalizing (determining) the selection is displayed.

The ten-key buttons 101-1 through 101-11 are operated when selecting the corresponding functions of the ten-key and the calculator, respectively.
01-12 is operated when performing detailed setting of each function and also when changing the contents of the menu.

In step S12, the CPU 52 determines whether or not any of the selection buttons (the ten-key button 101-1 through the function setting button 101-12) has been operated. S1
Proceeding to 3, it is determined whether the function button 14 has been operated (turned off) again. If the function button 14 has not been operated, the process returns to step S12, and it is determined again whether the selection button has been operated. If it is determined in step S13 that the function button 14 has been operated again while the menu screen is being displayed, the process proceeds to step S21, where the CPU 52 controls the LCD controller 56 to display the menu screen displayed on the LCD 57. Is erased.

If it is determined in step S12 that any one of the selection buttons has been operated, the process proceeds to step S14.
The CPU 52 controls the LCD controller 56 to
The selected one of the selection buttons displayed in D57 is highlighted. For example, 12 shown in FIG.
When the ten-key button 101-1 of the selection buttons is operated, the ten-key button 101-1 is highlighted. That is, at this time, when the user presses the displayed position of the ten-key button 101-1 with a finger, the coordinate data is detected by the touch pad 11, and
It is supplied to the CPU 52 via the touch pad controller 59. The CPU 52 compares the input coordinate data with the coordinates of the selection buttons displayed on the LCD 57 to determine which selection button has been operated.

Next, in step S15, the CPU 52
Determines whether the enter button 112 has been operated, and if the enter button 112 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S16, and determines whether another select button has been operated. If it is determined that another selection button has been operated, the process returns to step S14, and the newly selected selection button is highlighted instead of the selection button previously highlighted.

If it is determined in step S16 that no other selection button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S16.
Proceeding to 17, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the function button 14 has been operated (off) again. If the function button 14 has not been operated, the process returns to step S15, and it is determined again whether the determination button 112 has been operated. If it is determined in step S17 that the function button 14 has been operated, the menu screen is currently being displayed.
The CPU 52 terminates the menu display processing.

If it is determined in step S15 that the enter button 112 has been operated, the CPU 52 proceeds to step S18, controls the LCD controller 56, and
7 displays an image corresponding to the selected selection button. For example, in step S14, when the numeric keypad button 101-1 is highlighted,
When the enter button 112 is operated, an image of the ten keys is displayed on the LCD 57 as shown in FIG.
Therefore, in step S19, the user can execute a predetermined function based on the image displayed in step S18. For example, when an image as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, the user can input a number by operating the ten keys. That is, the CPU 52
When the user performs a predetermined input by operating the touch pad 11 based on the image displayed on the display 57, a signal corresponding to the input is output to the CPU 52.

In step S20, the CPU 52 determines whether or not the function button 14 has been operated (off). If the function button 14 has not been operated, the process returns to step S19 to continue the execution of the selected function. If the function button 14 is operated during the execution of the selected function, step S
If it is determined in step S20, the CPU 52 determines in step S
Returning to 11, the menu screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the LCD 57 again.

When the pen button 101-4 is selected, in step S19, the CPU 52 sets an input mode using the pen, and the user operates the touch pad 11 using the pen.
When the user traces the upper side, the traced path is displayed on the LCD 57, for example, as shown in FIG. By causing the input trajectory to perform character recognition, for example, the user can input characters by handwriting.

If the clock button 101-3 has been selected, an image representing the current time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, is displayed on the LCD 57 in step S19. This current time is measured by the RTC 62. The details of the process in this case will be further described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

That is, when the clock button 101-3 is selected, the steps S19 and S20 in FIG.
, The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed. First, in step S31, the CPU 52
2, the current time output by the RTC 62 is read, and this is set as the current time of the destination city (Tokyo in this example) of the portable personal computer 1. CPU 52
Calculates the current time of another city (for example, London, UK) by adding or subtracting a predetermined value from the current time. In step S32, the CPU 52 causes the LCD 57 to display the current time in Tokyo and the current time in London calculated in step S31, for example, as shown in FIG.

Next, the process proceeds to step S33, where the CPU 52
Determines whether the user operates the function button 14 to instruct the end of the clock function processing. When the end of the processing of the clock function is instructed, the CPU 52 ends the processing. Note that the process of step S33 is a process shown as the process of step S20 in FIG. That is, in the flowchart of FIG.
Although it is shown that the processing is performed independently of the processing of step 19, the processing of step S20 of FIG. 4 is actually performed in the subroutine of step S19 as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S33 that the end of the processing has not been instructed, the process proceeds to step S34, where the CPU 52 determines whether or not the touch pad 11 has been operated by the user. ,
In step S36, the touchpad controller 59 supplies the coordinate data to the CPU 52.

In step S34, touch pad 1
If it is determined that No. 1 has not been operated, step S3
Proceeding to 5, the touchpad controller 59 determines whether the left button 12 or the right button 13 has been operated,
If the operation has been performed, a corresponding signal is output to the CPU 52 in step S37. If it is determined in step S35 that the left button 12 or the right button 13 has not been operated, the process returns to step S31, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

That is, steps S34 to S
The processing in step S37 is performed in steps S2, S3, S3 in FIG.
The processing is substantially the same as the processing in steps S7 and S8. Thus, when the clock function is being executed, the user can operate the touch pad 11 to input coordinate data and operate the left button 12 or the right button 13. This is because, in the case of the clock display function, since an operation of selecting something is not performed in relation to this function, when the user performs any operation, it is the touch pad 11 or the left button 12 or This is for determining that the right button 13 has been operated for the purpose of the original function and accepting the input. Thereby, operability is improved.

Note that the numeric keypad 101 shown in FIG.
The same applies when the calendar button 101-8 or the wallpaper button 101-10 is selected from the -1 to the function setting buttons 101-12, in addition to the clock button 101-3, and the corresponding function is executed. In addition, input of coordinate data from the touch pad 11 and operation of the left button 12 or the right button 13 are allowed.

When the calendar button 101-8 is operated, a calendar of the year and month including the current time is displayed on the LCD 57. When the wallpaper button 101-10 is operated, a predetermined image (wallpaper image) set in advance is displayed on the LCD 57. This wallpaper button 101-1
When you operate 0 to select a predetermined wallpaper, the function button 1
In a state in which the wallpaper is not operated, the wallpaper is displayed on the LCD 57. Therefore, the user operates a finger on the touch pad 11 (LCD 57) on which the wallpaper is displayed, and a predetermined value is displayed from the touch pad 11. Will be input.

In the above description, the function button 14 is operated (turned on) when the menu screen is displayed, and the function button 14 is operated (turned off) again when the menu screen is deleted. When the non-display button 101-13 is displayed on the menu screen by operating 101-12 as shown in FIG. 10, when the function button 14 is operated, as shown in FIG. The menu screen is displayed on the LCD 57. When the menu screen is displayed, the non-display button 101-
When the user operates the button 13, the display of the menu screen can be erased.

Further, in the above, the function button 14
Is operated, the menu screen is displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, buttons 121 corresponding to various functions may be provided in advance. FIG.
In the example, the function button 121-1 of the numeric keypad, the function button 121-2 of the game, the function button 121 of the clock
-3, and a pen function button 121-4. These buttons 121 (function buttons 121-1 to 121-4) are buttons formed on the main body 2 instead of the function buttons 14 shown in FIG. Of these buttons 121, for example, a function button 121 of a ten-key
When -1 is operated, an image of a ten-key is displayed on the LCD 57 as shown in FIG. When the function button 121-3 of the clock is operated, an image of the clock as shown in FIG.

In this case, as shown in FIG.
The output of the function buttons 121-4 of the pen from -1 to pen is configured to be supplied. Other configurations are the same as those in FIG.

In the case of the display example shown in FIG. 11, to delete the image of the function once displayed, the corresponding function button 121 is operated again.

On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a non-display function button 121-5 operated when deleting the image of each function displayed on the LCD 57 may be provided. In this case, the user must
When an image of a predetermined function is displayed on 57, the user can operate the non-display function button 121-5 to delete it.

Further, a button operated when displaying a menu image on the LCD 57 or deleting a displayed menu or function image may be assigned to a predetermined key (shortcut key) of the keyboard 4. . In this case, when a key assigned to display a menu image is operated, a menu image as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the LCD 57, and when a key for deleting the menu image is operated, the menu image is erased. You.

In the example of FIG. 2, the LCD controller 5
6, LCD panel 57, backlight 58, touch pad controller 59, touch pad 11, left button 12,
Although the right button 13, the function button 14, and the like are arranged individually, they may be collectively accommodated in one block. FIG. 15 shows an example of the internal configuration in this case. That is, in this configuration example, the touch pad block 141 is connected to the external bus 54. Other configurations of the main body 2 are the same except that the LCD controller 56, the LCD panel 57, the backlight 58, the touch pad controller 59, the touch pad 11, the left button 12, the right button 13, the function button 14, and the like are omitted. , And FIG.

FIG. 16 shows an example of the internal configuration of the touch pad block 141. The CPU 161 performs various processes according to a program stored in the ROM 162. The RAM 163 stores programs and data executed by the CPU 161 as appropriate. These CPU 161 and ROM
The 162 and the RAM 163 are mutually connected via an internal bus 164. This internal bus 164 also has
Touch pad controller 59, LCD controller 5
6, and the RTC 166 are connected. The touch pad controller 59 outputs coordinate data corresponding to an input from the touch pad 11, and outputs the left button 12, the right button 13, or the function button 1
A signal corresponding to the operation 4 is output.

The LCD controller 56 includes the backlight 5
8 and the LCD 57 are controlled. The LCD 57 is arranged behind the touch pad 11 as in the case described above. RTC
Reference numeral 166 performs a clocking operation and outputs time information. The battery 165 supplies necessary power to each part of the touch pad block 141. Therefore, the touch pad block 141 is provided when the power of the main body 2 is turned off or when the CPU
It can be used even when the OS of the CPU 52 or the CPU 64 is not running. The internal bus 164 is connected to the external bus 54.

Note that power may be supplied to the touch pad block 141 from the battery 76 of the main body 2 instead of the battery 165. However, even in this case, the touch pad block 141 can be used alone even if the main body 2 is substantially inactive.

Even when the touch operation unit 9 is blocked as described above, the operation is basically performed as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4 as in the case described above. However, the processing is performed by the CPU 52 of the main unit 2.
Not performed by the touchpad block 1
41 is executed by the CPU 161 in the CPU 41.

For example, in step S1 of FIG. 3, the CPU 161 in the touch pad block 141 determines whether or not the function button 14 has been operated. Execute That is, the CPU 161 executes the processing of steps S11 to S21 shown in the flowchart of FIG. The details are the same as those described above, and a description thereof will not be repeated.

If it is determined in step S1 that the function button 14 has not been operated, the CPU 161 determines whether or not the touch pad 11 has been operated in step S2. S7
, A coordinate data output process is executed. That is,
When the touch pad 11 is operated, the touch pad controller 59 outputs coordinate data corresponding to the operation. The CPU 161 transfers the coordinate data to the internal bus 164
And the CP of the microcontroller 54 via the external bus 54
Output to U52.

In step S2, the touch pad 11
If it is determined that is not operated, the CPU 161
In step S3, the left button 12 or the right button 1
It is determined whether or not 3 has been operated, and if it has been operated,
In step S8, a signal output process is performed. That is, when the left button 12 or the right button 13 is operated, the touch pad controller 59 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation. The CPU 161 outputs this operation signal to the CPU 52 via the internal bus 164 and the external bus 54.

If it is determined in step S3 that the left button 12 or the right button 13 has not been operated,
Proceeding to step S4, the CPU 161 determines whether or not data to be displayed is supplied from the main CPU 52. If the data to be displayed has been supplied, the process proceeds to step S5, where the CPU 161 temporarily stores the data supplied from the CPU 52 in the RAM 163, reads out the data appropriately, and reads out the data appropriately via the LCD controller 56.
And display it.

If it is determined in step S4 that the data to be displayed is not supplied from the CPU 52, the process in step S5 is skipped, the process returns to step S1, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed.

The touch operation unit 9 can be made into a block even when the touch operation unit 9 is configured as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 13, or FIG.

In the above description, the touch pad 11 is formed integrally (inseparably) on the main body 2, but it may be formed as a separate body as a PC card. FIG. 17 shows a configuration example in this case. That is, in this configuration example, a slot 231 is formed on the front end face near the plane on which the left button 12 and the right button 13 of the main body 2 are arranged. Has been made so that it can be inserted. PC card 240, left button 2
41 and a right button 242, and when the PC card 240 is inserted into the main body 2 from the slot 231, the left button 241
Is located below the left button 12 of the main body 2 and the right button 2
Reference numeral 42 is located below the right button 13. When the user operates the left button 12, the left button 241 is operated, and when the user operates the right button 13, the right button 242 is operated. I have. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a hole 232 is formed in a portion where the touch pad 11 is formed, and when the PC card 240 is inserted into the main body 2 from the slot 231, the PC card 240
The touch pad 243 is exposed to the outside through the hole 232 so that a user can operate the touch pad 243 through the hole 232.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the internal configuration of the portable personal computer 1 shown in FIG. In this configuration example, a configuration in which the LCD controller 56, LCD 57, backlight 58, touch pad controller 59, touch pad 11, left button 12, right button 13, and function button 14 shown in FIGS. 2 and 12 are omitted. It has become.

Instead, in the example of FIG.
When the card 240 is mounted on the main body 2, the card 240 is connected to the internal bus 50 via the interface 251. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG. 2 or FIG.

FIG. 19 shows an example of the internal configuration of the PC card 240. The CPU 261 executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM 262. RAM26
3 stores programs and data necessary for the CPU 261 to execute various processes. The outputs of the left button 241 and the right button 242 are supplied to the touchpad controller 265. When the touch pad 243 is operated, the touch pad controller 265 detects the coordinate data. LCD controller 26
Reference numeral 6 denotes a backlight 2 arranged behind the LCD 268 while controlling the LCD 268 to display a predetermined image.
By driving 67, the LCD 268 is illuminated. LCD 268
Although arranged behind the touch pad 243, the touch pad 243 is formed of a transparent material like the touch pad 11, so that the user can visually recognize an image on the LCD 268 through the touch pad 243. Has been made possible.

The RTC 272 outputs time information. The connector 270 is connected to the interface 251, and the input / output interface 269 is connected to the connector 270 and the CPU 261.
Execute the interface processing between. CPU 261, ROM
262, RAM 263, touch pad controller 26
5, the LCD controller 266, the RTC 272, and the input / output interface 269 are connected to each other via the internal bus 264. The battery 271 supplies necessary power to each part of the PC card 240.

Next, the operation will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21. First, in step S41, the CPU 261 of the PC card 240
It is determined whether the card 240 is mounted on the main body 2.
Whether or not the PC card 240 is attached to the main body 2 can be determined from whether or not the PC card 240 can communicate with the CPU 52 of the main body 2 via the connector 270. If it is determined in step S41 that the PC card 240 is not attached to the main body 2, the process proceeds to step S42, where the CPU 261
Executes a process as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

For example, when the user operates the touch pad 243 using a pen, the coordinate data is supplied to the CPU 261 via the touch pad controller 265. The CPU 261 displays a locus corresponding to the coordinate data on an LCD.
The data is output to the LCD 268 via the controller 266 and displayed. This allows the user to visually check the trajectory input with the pen. When the user inputs a predetermined character with the pen, the CPU 261 performs a character recognition process based on the input coordinate data, and displays the character obtained as a result of the recognition on the LCD 268 via the LCD controller 266. The user looks at the characters displayed as a result of the recognition, and if wrong, can input predetermined character information by performing input again. Then, when a predetermined command is input, the CPU 261 supplies the input character data to the RAM 263 and stores it.

Since the data stored in the RAM 263 is backed up by the battery 271, even if the PC card 240 is used while being separated from the main body 1, the data is not erased. Also,
Since the battery 271 supplies necessary power to each unit, the user can make the PC card 240 function as a PDA even if the PC card 240 is separated and independent from the main body 2. Further, even if the PC card 240 is attached to the main body 2 and the power of the main body 2 is turned off or the OS is not started, the PC card 240 240 is
Can be used alone.

In step S41, the PC card 240
When it is determined that is mounted on the main body 2, the process proceeds to step S43, and the CPU 261 determines whether or not a predetermined key assigned in the keyboard 4 has been operated. That is, when a predetermined key of the keyboard 4 is operated, the keyboard controller 61 of the main body 2
A signal corresponding to the operated key is output to the CPU 52. CPU 52 outputs a signal indicating the input key to PC card 240 via interface 251.

In the PC card 240, the CPU of the main unit 2
The CPU 261 receives the signal supplied from the CPU 52 through the connector 270 and the input / output interface 269. C
The PU 261 determines the operated key from the received signal.

If it is determined in step S43 that the predetermined assigned key has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S44, and the CPU 261 determines whether or not the touch pad 243 has been operated. If the touch pad 243 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S47,
The CPU 261 executes a process of outputting coordinate data corresponding to the operation. That is, when the touch pad 243 is operated, the touch pad controller 265 outputs coordinate data corresponding to the operation position. The CPU 261 transmits the coordinate data to the input / output interface 159, the connector 2
The data is output to the main unit 2 via the main unit 70.

In the main body 2, when receiving the coordinate data via the interface 251, the CPU 52 executes a process corresponding to the coordinate data. That is, at this time, the CPU 52 can execute the same processing as when the touch pad 11 of FIG. 1 is operated.

In step S44, touch pad 2
If it is determined that the button 43 has not been operated, step S
Proceeding to 45, the CPU 261 determines whether the left button 241 or the right button 242 has been operated. Left button 2
If the button 41 or the right button 242 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S48, and the CPU 261 executes a process of outputting a corresponding signal.

That is, when the user operates the left button 12 or the right button 13 shown in FIG. 17, the left button 241 or the right button 242 arranged thereunder is operated. Therefore, at this time, the touchpad controller 265 of the PC card 240 outputs a signal indicating that the left button 241 or the right button 242 has been operated. CPU 261
Outputs the operation signal to the main body 2 via the input / output interface 269 and the connector 270.

On the main unit 2 side, when receiving an operation signal from the PC card 240 via the interface 251, the CPU 52 executes a process corresponding to the operation. That is, also in this case, the same processing as when the left button 12 or the right button 13 in FIG. 1 is operated is performed.

In step S45, the left button 241
Alternatively, if it is determined that the right button 242 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S46, where the CPU 261
It is determined whether data to be displayed has been sent from the PU 52. If the data to be displayed has been sent, the process proceeds to step S49, where the CPU 261 receives this data via the connector 270 and the input / output interface 269, and receives this data via the LCD controller 266.
8 is displayed. The display of data from the main body 2 is continued in step S50 until the user commands termination. If it is determined in step S46 that the data to be displayed has not been sent from the main body 2, or if it is determined in step S50 that the display of the data supplied from the main body 2 has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S50. Returning to S43, the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S43 that a predetermined key among the keys of the keyboard 4 to which the function for displaying the function selection menu is assigned has been operated,
In step S51, the CPU 261 controls the LCD controller 266 to cause the LCD 268 to display, for example, a menu screen as shown in FIG. In this display example, of the ten-key button 101-1 to the function setting button 101-12 shown in FIG.
A transfer button 101-14 is displayed instead of 1-12.

Next, in step S52, the CPU 26
1 is a numeric keypad button 101-1 to a transfer button 101
It is determined whether any of the -14 selection buttons has been operated. When the user operates the touch pad 243, the coordinate data is output from the touch pad controller 265 in the determination process as to whether or not the selection button has been operated.
The comparison can be made with the coordinate data of the button displayed in FIG. If none of the selection buttons has been operated, the process proceeds to step S60, where it is determined whether or not a predetermined key assigned to end the menu screen display processing has been operated, and that key has been operated. If not, the process returns to step S52, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed. When it is determined in step S60 that the key to which the function of ending the display processing of the menu screen is assigned has been operated, the process proceeds to step S61, and the CPU 261 ends the menu display processing. That is, at this time, the CPU 261 controls the LCD controller 266 to erase the menu screen of the LCD 268. Thereafter, the process returns to step S43, and the subsequent processing is repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S52 that one of the selection buttons has been operated, the process proceeds to step S53, in which the CPU 261 controls the LCD controller 266 to operate the selection button displayed on the LCD 268. Highlights the selected button. For example, when the transfer button 101-14 is operated while the menu screen as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed, the transfer button 101-14 is highlighted.

Next, in step S54, the CPU 26
1 determines whether or not the enter button 112 has been operated. If the determination button 112 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S55, and it is determined whether another selection button has been operated. If another selection button has been operated, the flow returns to step S53, and the newly operated selection button is highlighted instead of the previously highlighted button. If it is determined in step S55 that another selection button has not been operated, the process returns to step S54, and it is determined again whether or not the determination button 112 has been operated.

At the step S54, the enter button 11
If it is determined that No. 2 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S56, and it is determined whether or not the currently selected button (highlighted) is the non-display button 101-13. Now, the non-display button 10 is selected.
If it is 1-13, the process proceeds to step S61 where the CPU
Reference numeral 261 executes a menu display process. Then, the process returns to step S43, and the subsequent processes are repeatedly executed.

If it is determined in step S56 that the currently selected button is not the non-display button 101-13, the process proceeds to step S57, in which the CPU 261 controls the LCD controller 266 to select the button. An image corresponding to the selection button is output to LCD 268 and displayed. Then, in step S58, the CPU 261 performs a process of executing a predetermined function based on the image displayed on the LCD 268.

For example, when the user presses the transfer button 101-1
When the user operates No. 4, the operation signal is notified from the touch pad controller 265 to the CPU 261. At this time, C
The PU 261 stores the data (FIG. 2) stored in the RAM 263.
0) (data stored in step S42) and transferred to the main unit 2 via the input / output interface 269 and the connector 270. The CPU 52 of the main body 2
When this data is received, it is stored in the RAM 53. That is, this allows the PC card 240 to be
When the PC card 240 is inserted in the main unit 2 but the power of the main unit 2 is turned off or the OS of the main unit 2 is not started, the PC Data recorded on the card 240 is transferred from the PC card 240 to the main unit 2 and stored in the RAM 53 of the main unit 2.

In step S59, the processing of step S58 is repeatedly executed until it is determined that the execution of the selected function has been instructed by the user.
If it is determined in step S59 that the end of the processing of the selected function has been instructed by the user, the CPU 26
1 terminates the execution process of the selected function. afterwards,
Returning to step S51, the CPU 261 executes a menu screen display process. Then, the same processing as in the case described above is repeated.

As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the PC card 240 can be operated independently of the main unit 2, so that the power of the main unit 2 is turned off or its OS is started. Even when not in operation, it is possible to keep the operation state at all times, and autonomously various functions (for example, a scheduler, an electronic pet breeding game, etc.) without depending on the operation state of the main body 2 side. Can be executed.

In the above description, the keyboard 4 is
It is used only for input on the PC card 240 side, but may be used for input on the PC card 240 side.

Further, the touch pad 11 or 243 side
A function selection button is displayed on the LCD 11 or 268, but a program selection button (for example,
Icon) or the like may be displayed.

[0111]

As described above, according to the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect and the information processing apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the second processing is performed by the first processing means in the normal operation mode. Since the information is displayed on the first display means based on the coordinate data input from the means, much information can be input easily and as a pointing device without increasing the size of the apparatus. it can.

According to the control method of the twentieth aspect and the program of the recording medium of the twenty-third aspect, in the normal operation mode, the first operation mode is set based on the coordinate data input from the second input means. Since the information is displayed on the display means, a large amount of information can be easily input as a pointing device without increasing the size of the apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable personal computer 1 to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the portable personal computer 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the portable personal computer 1 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of a function selection process in step S6 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of an LCD 57 in FIG. 2;

6 is a diagram showing a display example of an LCD 57 in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of an LCD 57 in FIG. 2;

8 is a diagram showing a display example of the LCD 57 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a clock function.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an LCD 57 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of another function button.

12 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the portable personal computer 1 when the function button shown in FIG. 11 is provided.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing still another example of a function button.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of the LCD 57 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing another example of the internal configuration of the portable personal computer 1 to which the present invention is applied.

16 is a block diagram showing an example of an internal configuration of a touch pad block 141 in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing another external configuration of the portable personal computer 1 to which the present invention is applied.

18 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the portable personal computer 1 of FIG.

19 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the PC card 240 in FIG.

20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the PC card 240 in FIG.

21 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the PC card 240 in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of the LCD 268 of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 portable personal computer, 2 body, 3
Display, 4 keyboard, 5 battery pack,
8 slots, 9 touch operation parts, 11 touch pads, 12 left buttons, 13 right buttons, 14
Function buttons, 15 microphones, 16 speakers,
41 LCD, 52 CPU, 53RAM, 55 HDD,
56 LCD controller, 57 LCD, 58 backlight, 59 touch pad controller, 61
Keyboard controller, 66 CPU, 77 LCD
controller

Claims (25)

[Claims] A first input unit configured to perform a predetermined input; a first processing unit configured to process information input by the first input unit; and an information processed by the first processing unit. An information processing apparatus including first display means for displaying, a second display means for displaying information, and a second display means for observing information displayed on the second display means. And second input means for performing a predetermined input, disposed on the front side of the first processing means, wherein the first processing means performs a normal operation mode based on the coordinate data input from the second input means. An information processing apparatus characterized by displaying information on a first display means. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first processing means displays a menu for selecting a function input from the second input means on the second display means in an extended mode. Item 2. The information processing device according to item 1. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first processing unit displays an image corresponding to a function selected from the menu on the second display unit. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image is a ten-key image. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image is an image relating to time. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image is a calendar image. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image is a schedule book image. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image is an image of a calculator. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first processing unit performs a process according to a function input from the second input unit. 10. An operation unit corresponding to a function to be displayed on the second display unit, wherein the first processing unit displays an image of a function corresponding to the second operation unit when the operation unit is operated. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is displayed on a display unit. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said operation means comprises at least one button. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second input means outputs coordinate data corresponding to an operation even when said second display means is substantially inactive. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second display means, said second input means, and said second processing means are detachable from said information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 14. A first input means for performing a predetermined input, a first processing means for processing information input by the first input means, and an information processing means for processing the information processed by the first processing means. An information processing apparatus comprising: a first display means for displaying; a second display means for displaying information; and the second display so that the information displayed on the second display means can be observed. A second input unit arranged on the front side of the unit for performing a predetermined input; and a second embedding unit for processing information input by the second input unit, the first processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the normal operation mode, the information is displayed on the first display means based on the coordinate data input from the second input means. 15. The second processing means supplies information input by the second input means to the first processing means, wherein the first processing means is provided by the second input means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the input information is processed and displayed on the first display unit. 16. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said second processing means displays a menu for selecting a function input from said second input means on said second display means in an extended mode. Item 15. The information processing device according to Item 14. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said second processing means causes an image corresponding to a function selected from said menu to be displayed on said second display means. 18. A first power supply for supplying power to the first input means, the first display means, and the first processing means.
15. A power supply unit, comprising: a second power supply unit that supplies power to the second input unit, the second display unit, and the second processing unit. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said second input means outputs coordinate data corresponding to an operation even when said second display means is substantially inactive. An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 20. A first input device for performing a predetermined input, a first display device for displaying information input by the first input device, a second display device for displaying information, A control method for controlling an information processing apparatus having a second input means for performing a predetermined input, which is arranged on a front side of the second display means so that the information displayed on the second display means can be observed. A detection step of detecting a mode; and a display step of displaying information on the first display means based on coordinate data input from the second input means in a normal operation mode. How to control. 21. The display apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a menu display step of controlling the second display means to display a menu for selecting a function input from the second input means in the extended mode. Claim 2
0. The control method according to item 0. 22. A second detecting step of detecting that a function has been selected from the menu, and an image displaying step of controlling to display an image corresponding to the selected function on the second display means. The control method according to claim 21, further comprising: 23. A first input device for performing a predetermined input, a first display device for displaying information input by the first input device, a second display device for displaying information, A program for controlling an information processing apparatus having a second input means for performing a predetermined input, which is arranged on a front side of the second display means so that the information displayed on the second display means can be observed, A program, comprising: a detection step of detecting a mode; and a display step of displaying information on the first display means based on coordinate data input from the second input means in a normal operation mode. Recording medium on which is recorded. 24. The method according to claim 24, further comprising a menu display step of controlling the second display means to display a menu for selecting a function input from the second input means in the extended mode. Claim 2
4. The recording medium according to 3. 25. A second detecting step of detecting that a function is selected from the menu, and an image displaying step of controlling to display an image corresponding to the selected function on the second display means. The recording medium according to claim 24, further comprising: