JP2002175173A - Information processing equipment and window screen displaying method used for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing equipment capable of smoothly executing other works without lowering the working efficiency on a main screen. SOLUTION: From among windows 1 to 3 displayed on the main screen of a display 4, a window corresponding to arbitrary software is displayed on an auxiliary screen 5. In the case of the corresponding software, the contents is displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 in a properly omitted state to be easily visible, regardless of a display state on the main screen of the display 4.

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 and a window screen display method used for the same, and more particularly, to a window screen display method in a personal computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, personal computers (hereinafter, referred to as personal computers).
In this case, each time the software is started, a corresponding window screen is displayed on the main screen.

When a certain window screen is displayed on the full screen among these window screens, the displayed window screen is switched and brought to the front in order to check the contents of the window screen corresponding to other software. There is a need.

When the display content of the window screen hidden behind changes, for example, on a window screen of mail software or the like, the color of the task bar is highlighted or displayed as a means for clearly indicating that a new message has arrived. There is a way to display a box.

However, in these methods, it is possible to confirm that a new message has arrived, but it is not possible to confirm the content of the message, and it is difficult to notice that the task bar has changed, or the message box suddenly changes. Is often displayed and surprised.
Further, since the received content cannot be confirmed as it is, it is not possible to determine whether it is urgent or meaningless.

Further, it is possible to increase the display area of the main screen by using a dual monitor or the like. If this is done, it may certainly reduce the possibility that another window screen is hidden behind the window screen corresponding to one piece of software.

However, it does not mean that another window screen is not hidden behind the screen, and in that case, a graphic card and a monitor are required for the additional monitor. The area must also be taken into account, and it is difficult to realize easily.

As a method of easily increasing the display area of the main screen, there is a method of using an auxiliary screen. As for this method, there is a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-305266. In this technique, an auxiliary screen is added in addition to the main screen to reduce fatigue at the time of keyboard input, and includes a function of displaying a part of the main screen as it is.

[0009]

However, in the above-described conventional window display method, the contents of the window screen hidden behind the full-screen displayed window screen on the main screen, that is, the contents are confirmed on the main screen. The display contents of the window screen that cannot be displayed cannot be displayed on the auxiliary screen.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an information processing apparatus and a window screen display method used therefor that can perform other works smoothly without lowering the work efficiency on the main screen. To provide.

[0011]

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention is an information processing apparatus including a display device capable of displaying a plurality of window screens for displaying the contents of work on a computer, wherein the main screen of the display device is provided. And an auxiliary screen device for displaying a window screen hidden by the window screen when the window screen displayed on the main screen of the display device is displayed on the full screen.

A window screen display method according to the present invention comprises:
A window screen display method of an information processing device including a display device capable of displaying a plurality of window screens for displaying work contents on a computer, wherein an auxiliary screen device provided independently of a main screen of the display device, And displaying a window screen hidden by the window screen when the window screen displayed on the main screen of the display device is displayed in full screen.

That is, according to the window screen display method of the present invention, when a window screen on which a certain operation is being performed is displayed in full screen on a main screen in a personal computer, the display contents of the window screen behind the screen are displayed on an auxiliary screen. And the user can check the screen.

When a personal computer uses word processing software, spreadsheet software, or the like, work is often performed on a full screen in consideration of ease of editing and efficiency. However, at this time, in order to know the display contents of the activated mail software and chat software in addition to the mainly used software, since the display area of the main screen is limited, it is displayed in the foreground. Unless the window screen is switched, the displayed contents cannot be confirmed.

On the other hand, in the present invention, by displaying the contents of an arbitrary window screen displayed on the main screen on the auxiliary screen, another window screen hidden in the window screen displayed on the full screen is displayed. Can be confirmed without switching the window screen.

[0016] Thus, it is possible to confirm the display contents of the window screen of the software such as e-mail by slightly shifting the line of sight without lowering the efficiency of the work currently performed. That is, by displaying the display contents of the window screen, which cannot be confirmed on the main screen, on the auxiliary screen, other operations can be smoothly performed without lowering the work efficiency on the main screen.

[0017]

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG.
The configuration when a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) is used as the information processing device is shown.

That is, the information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a personal computer including a display 4, an auxiliary screen 5, a personal computer body 8, a keyboard 9, and a mouse 10. The display 4 is connected to the personal computer 8 via a main screen exclusive cable 6, the auxiliary screen 5 is connected to the personal computer 8 via an auxiliary screen exclusive cable 7, and the keyboard 9 is connected to the personal computer 8 via a keyboard cable 11. The mouse 10 is connected to the mouse cable 1
2 is connected to a keyboard 9.

On the display 4, the window 1 is displayed at the forefront of the main screen, the window 2 is displayed immediately behind the window 1, and the window 3 is displayed at the bottom. The windows 1 to 3 displayed on the main screen of the display 4 are on different layers.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are views showing examples of screens displayed on the auxiliary screen of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a display process on the auxiliary screen 5 of the personal computer 8 of FIG.
The operation of the personal computer according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this embodiment, a window corresponding to any software is displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 from among the windows 1 to 3 displayed on the main screen of the display 4. In this case, for example, a reception list of mail software is displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 as shown in FIG.

If the corresponding software is used, regardless of the display status on the main screen of the display 4, the contents of the software are displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 in a state where the contents are appropriately omitted so as to be easily viewed. In addition, when it is desired to simultaneously check windows of two types of software, ie, arbitrary mail software and chat software, as shown in FIG. 3, the auxiliary screen 5 includes two screens, ie, a mail software reception list and a chat software screen. Can also be displayed separately.

The case where the display content of the window 2 on the main screen of the display 4 is displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 will be described below. However, since it is assumed that the windows 1 to 3 are on the layer, the same operation is performed regardless of whether the window 2 is in the foreground or the back.

When a display instruction on the auxiliary screen 5 is input (step S1 in FIG. 4), the personal computer 8 first acquires the display contents of the window 2. At this time, if the personal computer main body 8 is a window of the corresponding software (step S2 in FIG. 4), the personal computer 8 acquires not only the display contents but also a form that is easy to use when displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 (step S4 in FIG. 4). If the personal computer body 8 is a window for other software (step S2 in FIG. 4), the display contents are obtained as it is (step S3 in FIG. 4).

When the personal computer body 8 displays the window of the corresponding software, as shown in FIG. 2, if the contents to be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 are to be displayed by the user in advance, for example, the contents of the mail software are displayed. , The title of the mail, the name of the sender, the date and time of the mail, and a part of the contents.

That is, the personal computer 8 sets the contents to be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 (step S in FIG. 4).
5) Convert the data so that the display content of the acquired window 2 matches the display format set by the user as shown in FIG. 2 (step S6 in FIG. 4). However, in the case of a window other than the corresponding software, the display format is not converted.

Here, the personal computer 8 also converts the display colors into the number of colors that can be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 at the same time (step S7 in FIG. 4). The personal computer 8 transmits the converted data to the auxiliary screen 5 through the auxiliary screen dedicated cable 7.
And a screen as shown in FIG. 2 is displayed (step S8 in FIG. 4). The auxiliary screen 5 can be joined to the upper part of the keyboard 9 by removing the base,
Can be attached to the lower part of the main screen or installed at a position that is easy for the user to see.

Next, a case where the contents of the windows 2 and 3 are simultaneously displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 will be described. In this case, similarly to the above processing, first, the window 2
Then, the display contents of the window 3 are acquired by the personal computer 8.

When the window of the corresponding software is displayed, the contents to be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 can be set in advance by the user as shown in FIG.

At this time, it is necessary to make settings for two screens. Thereafter, in the same manner as in the above-described processing, the data is converted so that the contents of the acquired window match the display format set by the user as shown in FIG. 3, and the number of colors is adjusted. However, in the case of a window other than the corresponding software, the display format is not converted.

Then, by outputting the converted data to the auxiliary screen 5 through the auxiliary screen dedicated cable 7, a screen divided into upper and lower two screens as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

Similarly, three or more windows can be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5. However, when displaying two or more windows, the display area of the auxiliary screen 5 must be large enough to display them.

As described above, when the main work and the monitoring of the mail or the like are performed on the main screen of the display 4, the new arrival status of the mail or the like is monitored without lowering the work efficiency of the main. can do.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. While the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is suitable for adding an auxiliary screen to a personal computer from the beginning, FIG.
Another embodiment and another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 show a configuration suitable for adding an auxiliary screen 5 to a conventional personal computer.

In this case, there is no auxiliary screen dedicated cable 7 shown in FIG. 1, and in FIG. 5, the auxiliary screen 5 is added in such a manner as to be interrupted in the middle of the main screen dedicated cable connecting the personal computer 8 and the display 4. . On the other hand, in FIG. 6, an auxiliary screen 5 is added so as to be interrupted in the middle of a keyboard cable connecting the personal computer main body 8 and the keyboard 9.

In another embodiment and another embodiment of the present invention, the contents of the window to be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 are acquired by the personal computer 8. At that time, in the case of the corresponding software, the acquired data is converted so as to match the display format set by the user as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. However, in the case of software other than the corresponding software,
The display format is not converted. Here, the display colors are also converted into the number of colors that can be displayed on the auxiliary screen 5 at the same time.

In FIG. 5, the converted data is mixed with the main screen display data and output to the auxiliary screen 5 through the main screen / auxiliary screen cable 14, whereby the auxiliary screen 5 is displayed as shown in FIG. A screen as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Further, on the main screen of the display 4, the same screen as before is displayed from the auxiliary screen 5 through the main screen cable 13.

In FIG. 6, the input of the keyboard 9 and the mouse 10 and the data for displaying the auxiliary screen are mixed to form a USB.
By outputting to the auxiliary screen 5 through a (Universal Serial Bus) cable or a serial cable 16, a screen as shown in FIG. Further, the input contents are transmitted to the personal computer main body 8 by the cables 12 and 17 of the keyboard 9 and the mouse 10, respectively.

The auxiliary screen 5 shown in FIGS.
From the main screen of the display 4 or the keyboard 9
Can be implemented in the same procedure as described above.

Further, the size of the auxiliary screen 5 only needs to be able to be displayed on one or more lines, and there is no limitation on the size. still,
The information processing apparatus is applicable not only to the personal computer as described above, but also to other information processing apparatuses such as a workstation, as long as the information is displayed using the display 4.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, in an information processing apparatus including a display device capable of displaying a plurality of window screens for displaying work contents of a computer, the information processing device is provided independently of a main screen of the display device. When the window screen displayed on the main screen of the display device is displayed on the full screen on the provided auxiliary screen device, the window screen hidden by the window screen is displayed, without lowering the work efficiency on the main screen. And other operations can be performed smoothly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an auxiliary screen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the auxiliary screen of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing display processing on an auxiliary screen of the personal computer main body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1-3 Window 4 Display 5 Auxiliary screen 6 Main screen dedicated cable 7 Auxiliary screen dedicated cable 8 Personal computer 9 Keyboard 10 Mouse 11, 17 Keyboard cable 12 Mouse cable 13 Main screen cable 14 Main screen / auxiliary screen cable 16 USB cable or serial cable

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus including a display device capable of displaying a plurality of window screens for displaying work contents of a computer, wherein the information processing device is provided independently of a main screen of the display device and includes a main screen of the display device. An information processing apparatus comprising: an auxiliary screen device that displays a window screen hidden behind a window screen displayed on a full screen when the window screen is displayed on the screen. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the contents of the window screen displayed on the auxiliary screen device are converted into a preset display format and displayed. 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display color of the contents of the window screen displayed on the auxiliary screen device is converted into the number of colors that can be displayed on the auxiliary screen device and displayed. 2. The information processing apparatus according to item 2. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the content of the window screen displayed on the auxiliary screen device is configured to convert a content corresponding to preset software. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary screen device is connected to the computer independently of the display device. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary screen device is connected to the computer in common with the display device. 7. A method for displaying a window screen of an information processing apparatus including a display apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of window screens for displaying work contents on a computer, the method being provided independently of a main screen of the display apparatus. A window screen displaying method, comprising: displaying a window screen hidden on the window screen when the window screen displayed on the main screen of the display device is displayed in full screen on the auxiliary screen device. 8. The window screen display method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of converting the contents of the window screen displayed on the auxiliary screen device into a display format set in advance and displaying the same. 9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of converting the display color of the contents of the window screen displayed on the auxiliary screen device into the number of colors that can be displayed on the auxiliary screen device, and displaying the converted color. 8. The window screen display method according to 8. 10. The window screen display method according to claim 8, wherein the contents of the window screen displayed on the auxiliary screen device are converted from those corresponding to preset software. . 11. The window screen display method according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary screen device is connected to the computer independently of the display device. 12. The window screen display method according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary screen device is connected to the computer in common with the display device.