JP2005202454A - Information processor and method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To synchronize data superimposed with a handwritten line drawing or related with a static image or the like between a personal computer and a portable information terminal. <P>SOLUTION: In a step S12, a content associated to a transferred database is converted into a file format manageable by a PDA. In a step S13, the association to the database is changed into the content after the file format conversion. In a step S14, the content after the file formation conversion is copied to a storage part of the PDA. In a step S15, the transferred database is copied to the storage part of the PDA. This information processor can be applied to an information processor such as the personal computer connected to the portable information terminal such as the PDA. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program, and in particular, an information processing apparatus suitable for use in synchronizing various data between a personal computer and a portable information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). And a method and a program.

  Conventionally, a schedule data file (hereinafter referred to as a database) processed by a schedule management application software executed on a personal computer and a schedule management executed on a portable information terminal such as a PDA. It is possible to synchronize with the schedule database processed by the application software, that is, to match the schedule base data on the personal computer with the schedule database on the portable information terminal.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a user inputs schedule contents (time, message, etc.) using a keyboard of a personal computer, etc., and displays a screen of a portable information terminal in a simulated manner on the screen of the personal computer. Thus, it is possible to input the scheduled content more easily than using the input device of the portable information terminal, and how the inputted scheduled content is displayed on the screen of the portable information terminal. It can be confirmed on the screen.

  It is also possible to synchronize not only the schedule table database but also the address book database and the memo writing database.

JP 2003-6112 A

  By the way, a line drawing such as letters, numbers, and figures handwritten by the user is superimposed on the display of the schedule content, or a still image, a moving image, a voice, or the like is associated (linked). If the schedule database or the like that is superimposed or associated with a still image or the like can be synchronized between the personal computer and the portable information terminal, the usability is improved for the user.

  However, in the prior art represented by the invention described in Patent Document 1, a schedule database composed of schedule contents represented by text (characters, numbers, etc.) is synchronized between the personal computer and the portable information terminal. However, there is no proposal for synchronizing a schedule database or the like on which a handwritten line drawing is superimposed or a still image is associated between a personal computer and a portable information terminal. was there.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and a schedule table database in which a handwritten line drawing is superimposed or a still image is associated can be synchronized between a personal computer and a portable information terminal. It is what you want to do.

  An information processing apparatus according to the present invention displays a first input unit for inputting a user operation for editing a predetermined file, and a predetermined file edited in response to a user operation by the first input unit. A first display control means for displaying a first display area to be input, and at least one of handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file, or association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file. And a second display control for displaying a second display area for simulating the display on the display unit of the electronic apparatus of the predetermined file reflecting the input by the first and second input means. Means.

  The first and second display areas can be displayed simultaneously.

  The predetermined file may be a file corresponding to a schedule, a notepad, or an address book.

  The arbitrary data may be still image data, moving image data, or audio data.

  The information processing method of the present invention is edited in accordance with a first input step for inputting a user operation for editing a predetermined file and a user operation input in the processing of the first input step. At least one of a first display control step for displaying a first display area for displaying a predetermined file, handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file, and association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file And a second display area for simulating and displaying the display on the display unit of the electronic device of the predetermined file reflecting the input in the processing of the first and second input steps And a second display control step for displaying.

  The program of the present invention includes a first input step for inputting a user operation for editing a predetermined file, and a predetermined input edited in response to the user operation input in the processing of the first input step. Input at least one of a first display control step for displaying a first display area for displaying a file, handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file, or association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file And a second display area for simulating the display on the display unit of the electronic device of the second input step and the predetermined file reflecting the input in the processing of the first and second input steps. And causing the computer to execute a process including a second display control step.

  In the information processing apparatus, method, and program of the present invention, a first display area for displaying a predetermined file edited in response to a user operation is displayed. Also, at least one of handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file or association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file is input, and the display unit of the electronic device of the predetermined file reflecting the input A second display area for simulating the display at is displayed.

  According to the present invention, data can be synchronized between a personal computer and a portable information terminal.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to confirm on the personal computer the display on the portable information terminal of the data on which the handwritten line drawing is superimposed or the still image is associated.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The correspondence relationship between the invention described in this specification and the embodiments of the invention is exemplified as follows. This description is intended to assure that embodiments supporting the claimed invention are described in this specification. Therefore, although there is an embodiment which is described in the embodiment of the invention but is not described here as corresponding to the invention, it means that the embodiment is not It does not mean that it does not correspond to the invention. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described herein as corresponding to an invention, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to an invention other than the invention. Absent.

  Further, this description does not mean all the inventions described in this specification. In other words, this description is for the invention described in the present specification and not claimed in this application, i.e., the existence of an invention that will be filed in the future or added by amendment. There is no denial.

  The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 (for example, the personal computer 500 in FIG. 17) includes first input means (for example, the input window 591 in FIG. 24) for inputting a user operation for editing a predetermined file. The PDA synchronization program 525) of FIG. 18 to be displayed and a first display area for displaying a predetermined file (for example, a schedule database) edited in response to a user operation by the first input means are displayed. First display control means (for example, the PDA synchronization program 525 of FIG. 18 for displaying the input area 572 of FIG. 23), handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of a predetermined file, or arbitrary data ( For example, the second input means (for example, FIG. 25) inputs at least one of the association information for associating the video content main body data). The PDA synchronization program 525 in FIG. 18 for displaying the editing window 601 and a second file for simulating the display on the display unit of the electronic device of the predetermined file reflecting the input by the first and second input means. Second display control means (for example, the PDA synchronization program 525 of FIG. 18 for displaying the input area 572 of FIG. 23).

  The information processing method according to claim 5 includes a first input step for inputting a user operation for editing a predetermined file (for example, input processing for the input window 591 in FIG. 24), and a first input step. A first display control step for displaying a first display area for displaying a predetermined file edited in response to the user's operation input in the process (for example, a process for displaying the input area 572 in FIG. 23) And at least one of handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of a predetermined file (for example, a calendar database) or association information for associating arbitrary data (for example, data of the main body of video content) with the predetermined file A second input step (for example, input processing for the edit window 601 in FIG. 25), and first and second input steps A second display control step (for example, an input area 572 in FIG. 23 is displayed) that displays a second display area that simulates the display on the display unit of the electronic device of the predetermined file that reflects the input in the processing. And the PDA synchronization program 525) of FIG. 18 to be displayed.

  Note that the correspondence relationship between the components recorded in the recording medium of the present invention and the claims of the program of the present invention and the specific examples in the embodiment of the present invention is the information processing of the present invention described above. Since it is the same as that of the method, its description is omitted.

  A PDA that synchronizes various data held with a personal computer to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the external appearance of the PDA main body front side, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the external appearance of the main body rear side.

  The PDA 1 is divided into a display portion 11 and a main body portion 13 with a central hinge portion 12 shown in FIG. 2 as a boundary, and is formed to be foldable via the hinge portion 12 (the folded state is shown). (Shown in FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 2, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 28 and a transparent touch panel 36 stacked on the LCD 28 are provided on almost the entire surface 11-1 of the display unit 11. That is, when the user touches the fingertip or the tip of the stylus 2 in FIG. 1 with an arbitrary position on the LCD 28, the coordinates are detected by the touch panel 36, and predetermined processing corresponding to the detected coordinates is performed.

  The hinge unit 12 is provided with a camera unit 21 composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like.

  On the upper surface 13-1 of the main body 13, which is the surface opposite to the surface 11-1 of the display 11 when the PDA 1 is folded, for example, a program for schedule management and an address book management installed in the PDA 1. Buttons 32 on which symbols representing application software such as programs are printed are provided. When the user presses the button 32, the corresponding application software is activated.

  In addition, a scroll button 33 for scrolling the screen displayed on the LCD 28 in the vertical direction is provided at the center of the area where the button 32 on the upper surface 13-1 is arranged. Further, a keyboard 34 for inputting characters, symbols, numbers and the like is provided below the button 32 and the scroll button 33 on the upper surface 13-1.

  The right side surface 13-2 of the main body 13 is provided with an MS slot 41 into which a Memory Stick (trademark) (hereinafter referred to as MS) 3 which is a kind of nonvolatile semiconductor memory can be mounted (FIG. 1). The MS slot 41 can be mounted with a function expansion module 121 (FIG. 5) having the same shape as that of the MS 3, such as a communication function expansion module based on Bluetooth (trademark).

  As shown in FIG. 3, a battery that opens and closes when a removable main battery 162 (FIG. 5) made of a lithium ion battery or the like that supplies power to the main body 13 is attached to or detached from the left side surface 13-3 of the main body 13. A lid 26 is provided. A jog dial 25 that can be pressed and rotated is provided on the left side surface 13-3 so as to slightly protrude from the side surface.

  A CF slot 42 in which a CompactFlash (registered trademark) (hereinafter referred to as CF) 4, which is a kind of nonvolatile semiconductor memory, can be mounted is provided on the back surface 13-4 of the main body 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the CF slot 42 is formed so as to pop up from the back when the CF 4 is mounted. Note that a function expansion module 121 having the same shape as the CF 4 such as a communication function expansion module using PHS (Personal Handy Phone) can be mounted in the CF slot 42.

  A connector 67 for connecting an accessory device such as a cradle 91 (FIG. 5) for charging the removable main battery 162 is provided on the lower end surface 13-5 (FIG. 2) of the main body 13.

  FIG. 5 shows an internal configuration example of the PDA 1 having the above-described external configuration.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132 or a program loaded from a storage unit 139 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 133. The RAM 133 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 131 to execute various processes.

  The CPU 131, the ROM 132, and the RAM 133 are connected to each other via the CPU interface 135. The CPU interface 135 is also connected to a display control unit 136 that controls screen display on the LCD 28.

  In addition to the camera unit 21 and the LCD 28, a VRAM 138 is also connected to the display control unit 136. Under the control of the CPU 131, the display control unit 136 stores the image data captured and generated by the camera unit 21 in the VRAM 138, the image data stored in the VRAM 138, and other memories (MS3, CF4, The image corresponding to the image data stored in the RAM 133 and the storage unit 139) is displayed on the LCD 28. The VRAM 138 stores image data to be displayed on the LCD 28 in addition to image data generated by the camera unit 21.

  The CPU interface 135 includes an input unit 137 including a jog dial 25, buttons 32, scroll buttons 33, and a keyboard 34, a touch panel 36, an infrared communication port 62, an MS slot 41, and a slot I / F 64 corresponding to the CF slot 42. In addition to charging the removable main battery 162 and the backup battery 163, a connector 67 to which a cradle 91 or the like serving as a relay device for communication with an external device 152 (for example, the personal computer 500 of FIG. 17) is connected, and a microphone 142 Is connected to a voice processing unit 141 for converting the voice collected in step 1 into digital data.

  The connector 67 can be directly connected to a personal computer 500 or the like as the external device 152 using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 501 (FIG. 17) without using the cradle 91.

  Further, the CPU interface 135 is connected to a storage unit 139 composed of an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) or a hard disk. The storage unit 139 is a memory built in the PDA 1 and is different from the MS 3 and the CF 4 which are storage media that can be attached to and detached from the PDA 1.

  Furthermore, the CPU interface 135 includes a wireless communication unit 146 that performs wireless communication compliant with a standard such as Bluetooth, and a non-contact IC card that reads and writes data without contact with an IC card such as FeliCa (trademark). An interface (I / F) 147 is connected.

  Application software read from a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like that is appropriately mounted on the external device 152 is transmitted via the infrared port 62 in addition to wired communication performed via the cradle 91. The data is supplied to the PDA 1 and installed in the storage unit 139 as necessary by infrared communication or wireless communication performed via the wireless communication unit 146. Alternatively, application software read from the MS 3 or CF 4 that is appropriately mounted in the slot I / F 64 is also installed in the storage unit 139 as necessary.

  The CPU interface 135 is an LCD open / close switch 144 that is turned on when the display unit 11 is closed with respect to the main body unit 13 and is turned off when the display unit 11 is open with respect to the main body unit 13. In addition, an LCD rotation switch 145 that is turned on when the display unit 11 is rotated by a predetermined angle or more is provided.

  Connected to the CPU interface 135 are a main battery mounting portion 161 to which the removable main battery 162 is mounted, and a backup battery 163 composed of a rechargeable button battery or the like as a backup power source when the removable main battery 162 is removed. Has been.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a main screen displayed on the LCD 28. Various operations performed using the PDA 1 are basically started from this main screen. The main screen includes a standard display area 201, a silk area 202, and a status area 203.

  In the standard display area 201, when application software is being executed, a screen of the application software being executed is displayed. When the application software is not executed, application icons 204 corresponding to each of the installed application software are displayed as shown in FIG. 6 (however, strictly speaking, at this time also, The application software is not executed at all, and the application software for displaying the application icon 204 and allowing the user to select is executed).

  In FIG. 6, as an application icon 204, a notepad icon 204 </ b> A that is tapped when the application for creating a memo is executed (the surface of the LCD 28 is pressed at the tip of the stylus 2). A calendar icon 204B to be tapped, a HotSync icon 204C to be tapped when executing an application for synchronizing various data stored in the PDA 1 and various data stored in the personal computer 500 are displayed. Yes.

  Note that an application for synchronizing various data stored in the PDA 1 and data stored in the personal computer 500 (hereinafter also referred to as a HotSync application) is not limited to when the HotSync icon 204C is tapped, for example, The personal computer 500 is also activated when connected to the connector 67 of the PDA 1 via the USB cable 501.

  In the silk area 202, a user interface (area for user input) corresponding to the silk plug-in being executed is displayed. Depending on the application to be executed, the display of the silk area 202 may disappear, and one screen may be displayed on the entire standard display area 201 and the silk area 202.

  In the status area 203, for example, a status icon 205 indicating the state of the PDA 1 such as the battery capacity, the presence / absence of the MS3 in the MS slot 41, the presence / absence of the CF4 in the CF slot 42, the volume setting, and the like are displayed. Is done.

  Next, FIG. 7 shows a display example of a screen displayed when the memo pad icon 204A of FIG. 6 is tapped.

  The memo creation screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed by software that manages creation of memos that is activated when the memo pad icon 204A is tapped. The memo file generated by this software is hereinafter referred to as a memo database.

  In addition to the status area 203, the memo creation screen includes a memo creation area 211 and a tool button area 212 in which various buttons operated when selecting a tool for creating a memo are displayed.

  The user touches the tip of the stylus 2 to the memo creation area 211 and moves the stylus 2 in that state, thereby inputting characters, symbols, figures, etc. into the memo creation area 211 by an arbitrary line drawing according to the locus of the stylus 2. be able to. For example, the curved image 231 in FIG. 8 represents a trajectory of the movement of the tip of the stylus 2, and thus the user can take a memo in the memo creation area 211 using the stylus 2.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, the user not only inputs an arbitrary line drawing with the stylus 2 but also thumbnail images representing various contents such as still images and moving images taken with the camera unit 21 or recorded audio. You can also create a memo by pasting (you can associate (link) content to the memo).

  In the tool button area 212 of FIG. 7, a list that is operated (tapped) when displaying a list of thumbnail images indicating content to be attached to a memo or closing a list of thumbnail images indicating content that has already been displayed. A display button 221 and a pen button 222 that is operated when a handwritten line drawing is input to the memo creation area 211 are prepared. When the pen button 222 is operated by the user, the pen mode is set. While the pen mode is set, handwritten input as shown in FIG. 8 can be performed on the memo creation area 211.

  The tool button area 212 also displays buttons operated when selecting various tools, in addition to the eraser button 223 operated when erasing a line drawing or the like once inputted in the memo creating area 211.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when the list display button 221 is tapped in the state of FIG. 8 (a state where a list of thumbnail images indicating content is not displayed).

  When the list display button 221 is tapped, as shown in FIG. 9, it is an area including an area between the tool button area 212 and the status area 203 that has previously formed a part of the memo creation area 211. A thumbnail display area 241 is formed, and a list of thumbnail images indicating contents that can be attached to a memo created using the memo creation area 211 is displayed there.

  The thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail display area 241 is generated based on the content main body data. For example, the thumbnail image of the still image content is generated by reducing the still image of the content body, and the thumbnail image of the moving image content is selected from continuous images. For example, the first frame (MPEG ( In the case of moving image content compressed by the Moving Picture Experts Group) method, the image is generated by reducing the first I (Intra) picture. Note that an image (speech balloon) prepared in advance is used as the thumbnail image of the audio content.

  In the example of FIG. 9, from the left, a thumbnail image 251 representing the moving image content set with the file name “MOV000 ...” and a thumbnail image representing the audio content set with the file name “031030 ...”. 252, a thumbnail image 253 representing a still image (landscape image) content set with a file name “DSC0001”, and a thumbnail image 254 representing a still image (person image) content set with a file name “DSC0002” are displayed. ing.

  The contents represented by these thumbnail images have their main body data stored in the storage unit 139 which is an internal memory of the PDA 1 or the MS 3 mounted on the PDA 1.

  For example, as indicated by a dotted arrow in FIG. 9, the stylus 2 is applied to the thumbnail image 253 of the third still image content from the left, and the stylus 2 is moved to the position P1 on the memo creation area 211 in that state, where the stylus By separating the tip of 2 from the surface of the LCD 28 (by dragging and dropping), the user can paste the thumbnail image 253 at the position P1 (associating the corresponding content of the thumbnail image 253 with the position P1). Can do).

  FIG. 10 is a display example of a screen in a state where the thumbnail image 253 is pasted at the position P1. As described above, by dragging and dropping thumbnail images displayed in a list, the user can attach (link) various categories of content such as still images to the memo being created. Note that the user can further move the thumbnail image 253 pasted at the position P1 to another position on the memo creating area 211 in a state where the pen mode is set.

  For example, the user inputs a line drawing handwritten such as “photo taken when” to the memo creation area 211, and pastes a thumbnail image of the photo (still image content) into the memo. Photos in the PDA 1 can be easily classified. This operation is more intuitive than creating a new folder and storing it by storing content such as photos, and it is a PDA1 that can be easily operated in a short time while away from home. From the nature of

  Further, the user can start reproduction of the content corresponding to the thumbnail image by tapping the thumbnail image of the content attached to the memo.

  FIG. 11 is a display example of a screen when the thumbnail image 253 of FIG. 10 is tapped to reproduce (preview) the still image content corresponding to the thumbnail image 253.

  Specifically, in response to the tapping of the thumbnail image 253, software having a still image content viewer function is activated, and the status area is determined based on the data of the main body of the still image content corresponding to the thumbnail image 253. An image is displayed using the entire area other than 203. Thereby, the user can easily confirm the details of the still image content.

  Similarly, when the thumbnail image 251 of the video content attached to the memo is tapped, the software having the video content playback function is activated and the corresponding video content is played back, as in the display example of FIG. In addition, a moving image is displayed using an area other than the status area 203. When the thumbnail image 252 of the audio content attached to the memo is tapped, the software having the audio content reproduction function is activated to reproduce the corresponding audio content, and the audio is output from a speaker (not shown). Is output from.

  Note that the memo database generated as described above is stored in the storage unit 139.

  Next, FIG. 12 shows a display example of a screen displayed when the schedule icon 204B in FIG. 6 is tapped. 12, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  When the schedule icon 204B is tapped, software for managing the creation of the schedule is activated, and a schedule creation screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. The schedule data file generated by this software is hereinafter referred to as a schedule database.

  In the schedule creation screen, in addition to the status area 203, the schedule input area 301 in which time is displayed at a predetermined interval and the display format of the schedule input area 301 (display format by day, week, month) are changed. The display switching area 302 is prepared with buttons to be operated when the tool is operated, and the tool button area 303 is provided with buttons to be operated when a tool for creating a schedule is selected.

  In the tool button area 303, a list display button 221 that is operated when displaying a list of thumbnail images of contents to be pasted on the schedule, and a pen button 222 that is operated when inputting a handwritten line drawing in the schedule input area 301. The same buttons as those provided in the tool button area 212 of FIG. 7 such as an eraser button 223 operated when erasing a handwritten line drawing once input are prepared.

  In addition to these buttons, the tool button area 303 selects one item scheduled in the schedule input area 301 and moves the selected item or selects a hand mode for changing the contents. A hand button 311 to be operated is displayed. The hand button 311 is a button that is not prepared when creating the memo described above.

  FIG. 13 shows a display example of a screen in which information indicating a schedule (meeting at 9:00 am in the case of the example of FIG. 13) is input to the schedule table creation screen shown in FIG. .

  For the schedule 321 (schedule in which “conference” is input) entered in the 9 o'clock (9:00) field of the schedule input area 301, for example, the hand button 311 is operated by the user, and the hand mode is set. It is input after being done. When the 9 o'clock time zone is selected by the stylus 2 as a time zone for inputting the schedule, the silk area 202 of FIG. 6 is displayed at the bottom of the screen, and the user inputs the schedule using that area. Yes (enter “Meeting”).

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a screen in a state where a line drawing 331 including a handwritten character “important!” And an arrow image pointing to the schedule 321 is input to the screen in the state of FIG. 13.

  By operating the pen button 222 and setting the pen mode, the user can input a handwritten line drawing 331 or the like in the schedule input area 301.

  As described above, even when the schedule is created, the user can input not only scheduled items in a predetermined time period but also a handwritten line drawing as in the case of creating the memo described above.

  FIG. 15 shows a display example of a screen displayed when the list display button 221 is tapped in the state of FIG. 14 (a state where the list of thumbnail images is not displayed).

  When the list display button 221 is tapped, as shown in FIG. 15, an area between the tool button area 303 and the status area 203 including an area that has previously formed a part of the schedule input area 301. A thumbnail display area 241 is formed, and a list of thumbnail images of contents that can be pasted in the schedule input area 301 is displayed there.

  For example, the thumbnail image 352 of the audio content is selected by hitting the stylus 2 and moved to the position P2 on the scheduled input area 301 as it is, as shown by the dotted arrow in FIG. By separating from the surface, the user can paste the thumbnail image 352 at the position P2 (the content corresponding to the thumbnail image 352 can be associated with the position P2).

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a state where the thumbnail image 352 of the audio content is pasted at the position P2.

  Thus, the user can associate contents of various categories with the schedule by dragging and dropping thumbnail images displayed in a list.

  Since the thumbnail image can be pasted on the schedule as described above, the user can, for example, record during the meeting when the meeting from 9 o'clock (“meeting” of the schedule 321 in FIG. 16) ends. By pasting the thumbnail image 351 of the audio content that has been placed around the schedule 321, it is possible to easily find the audio content recorded at the conference in the future.

  The pasting of the thumbnail image is also a very intuitive operation by simply dragging and dropping from those displayed in the thumbnail display area 241.

  In addition, by tapping the thumbnail image 351 attached to the schedule, it is possible to start playback of the audio content represented by the thumbnail image 351, so that the user can easily record the audio recorded at the conference from the schedule. Can be played.

  15 and 16, thumbnail images 353 and 354 are thumbnail images of memos created in advance. As described above, when a schedule is created, a memo created in advance can be associated as a content with the schedule, so that a thumbnail image of the memo is also displayed in the thumbnail display area 241.

  The database of the schedule table generated as described above is also stored in the storage unit 139.

  Next, a personal computer 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention in which data held with the PDA 1 is synchronized will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the personal computer 500 is connected to the connector 67 of the PDA 1 via the USB cable 501.

  FIG. 18 shows an internal configuration example of the personal computer 500. The personal computer 500 has a CPU 511 built therein. An input / output interface 515 is connected to the CPU 511 via the bus 514. A ROM 512 and a RAM 513 are connected to the bus 514.

  The input / output interface 515 includes an input unit 516 including an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for a user to input various operations, a display unit including a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying a screen. 37, comprising a storage unit 518 comprising a hard disk drive for storing data to be synchronized with the program and PDA 1, and a USB connector, a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, etc., for communication with other electronic devices such as PDA 1 and the Internet A communication unit 519 that performs communication via a representative network is connected. A drive 520 for reading / writing data from / to a removable recording medium such as the magnetic disk 521, the optical disk 522, the magneto-optical disk 523, and the semiconductor memory 524 is connected.

  The CPU 511 executes various processes by activating a program stored in the ROM 512 or a program installed in the storage unit 518 and loaded from the storage unit 518 to the RAM 513 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 511. The RAM 513 also appropriately stores data necessary for the CPU 511 to execute various processes.

  The PDA synchronization program 525 that causes the personal computer 500 to execute processing for synchronizing data held with the PDA 1 is, for example, a magnetic disk 521 (including a flexible disk), an optical disk 522 (CD-ROM (Compact Disc- Read only memory), DVD (digital versatile disc), magneto-optical disc 523 (including MD (mini disc)), or semiconductor memory 524 supplied to personal computer 500 and read by drive 520 Or supplied from a predetermined server via the communication unit 519, installed in the storage unit 518, loaded from the storage unit 518 to the RAM 513, and executed based on the control from the CPU 511. To do.

  Next, functions realized when the PDA synchronization program 525 is executed by the CPU 511 will be described. The PDA synchronization program 525 has a function of synchronizing the MS 3 attached to the PDA 1 and a predetermined directory provided in the recording unit 518 in response to the connection between the PDA 1 and the personal computer 500.

  Further, the PDA synchronization program 525 inputs and edits the schedule and memos in the personal computer 500 in the same manner as the software for managing the creation of the schedule in the PDA 1 and the software for managing the creation of the memo, and the database generated as a result It has a function of synchronizing (data file) with a schedule table or memo database on the connected PDA 1.

  FIG. 19 shows an example of data recorded in the MS 3 mounted on the PDA 1. Below the root directory 541, a still image folder 542 storing still image content main body data, a moving image folder 543 storing moving image content main body data, and audio content main body data are stored. A voice folder 544 and an ID file 545 allocated to the MS 3 for identification with the other MS are recorded.

  FIG. 20 shows the structure of a predetermined directory in the storage unit 518 synchronized with the MS 3 mounted on the PDA 1. Below the directory 551, one or more MS folders 552 (in the case of FIG. 20, MS folders 552-1 to 552-3) corresponding to different MSs are provided. If the MS folder 552-1 of them corresponds to MS3, the data of the main body of the still image content is displayed under the MS folder 552-1 in the same way as MS3 shown in FIG. A stored still image folder 553, a moving image folder 554 storing data of the main body of moving image content, and an audio folder 554 storing data of the main body of audio content are provided.

  In addition, in the MS folder 552-1, an update information management file 556 indicating new addition of data to the MS folder 552-1, change of stored data, deletion of stored data, and the like is recorded. . In the update information management file 556, an update flag indicating the presence / absence of update, the last update date / time, and a deletion flag indicating the presence / absence of deletion are described for each piece of data stored in the MS folder 552-1. Further, the update information management file 556 includes an ID file 545 stored in the MS 3. Therefore, the correspondence between the MS 3 and the MS folder 552-1 can be confirmed by comparing the ID file 545 recorded in the MS 3 with the update information management file 556 recorded in the MS folder 552-1.

  Similar to the MS folder 552-1, the MS folders 552-2 and 552-3 are provided with a still image folder and the like recorded in the corresponding MS, and an update information management file is recorded.

  20 shows an example in which the MS folder 552-1 in the lower layer of the directory 551 provided in the recording unit 518 is synchronized with the MS 3 shown in FIG. May be synchronized to -1. MS synchronization processing including such a case will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This MS synchronization process is started when the PDA synchronization program 525 activated in advance detects that the PDA 1 is connected to the personal computer 500 via the USB cable 501. The PDA synchronization program 525 may be activated in response to the connection of the PDA 1 via the USB cable 501. In the PDA 1, the HotSync application is activated in response to the connection of the personal computer 500 via the USB cable 501 and operates in cooperation with the PDA synchronization program 525.

  In step S1, the PDA synchronization program 525 acquires the ID file 545 of the MS 3 attached to the connected PDA 1, and based on the ID file 545, the MS folder 552 below the directory 551 provided in the recording unit 518. From 1 to -3, the one corresponding to MS3 is specified, and the update information management file 556 recorded in the specified one (in this case, the MS folder 552-1) is read.

  In step S2, the PDA synchronization program 525 compares the MS3 attached to the PDA1 with the MS folder 552-1 in the storage unit 518, thereby adding newly added data, changed data, or MS3. It is determined whether there is data deleted from. If it is determined that there is data newly added, changed, or deleted from MS3, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the PDA synchronization program 525 reflects the state of the MS3 attached to the PDA1 in the MS folder 552-1.

  Specifically, it is as shown in FIG. When data is newly added to MS3, the data is copied to MS folder 552-1 (state 1). When the data of MS3 is updated, the updated data is copied to the MS folder 552-1 (state 2 or state 3). If the data of MS3 has been deleted, the corresponding data is also deleted from the MS folder 552-1 (state 4). In step S3, the update information management file 55 recorded in the MS folder 552-1 is not updated.

  Returning to FIG. If it is determined in step S2 that none of the newly added data, changed data, or deleted data from MS3 exists (state 8 in FIG. 22), step S3 is skipped and processed. Advances to step S4.

  In step S4, the PDA synchronization program 525 refers to the update information management file 556 recorded in the MS folder 552-1 of the storage unit 518, whereby the data newly added to the MS folder 552-1 is changed. It is determined whether there is data or data deleted from the MS folder 552-1. Note that since this determination is made based on the update information management file 556, data newly added, changed, or deleted in the process of step S3 is not considered.

  If it is determined that newly added data, changed data, or data deleted from the MS folder 552-1 exists in the MS folder 552-1, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, the PDA synchronization program 525 reflects the state of the MS folder 552-1 on the MS 3 attached to the PDA 1.

  Specifically, it is as shown in FIG. When data is newly added to the MS folder 552-1, the data is copied to the MS 3 (state 5). If the data in the MS folder 552-1 has been updated, the updated data is copied to the MS 3 (state 3). However, when the corresponding data on the MS 3 is also updated, the updated data in the MS folder 552-1 is copied to the MS 3 with a different file name (state 6). If the data in the MS folder 552-1 has been deleted, the corresponding data is deleted from the MS 3 (state 7).

  Returning to FIG. When it is determined in step S4 that none of the data newly added, changed, or deleted from the MS folder 552-1 exists (state 8 in FIG. 22), Step S5 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the PDA synchronization program 525 updates the update information management file 556 recorded in the MS folder 552-1 based on the result of the process of step S3 and the process of step S5. This is the end of the description of the MS synchronization process.

  By executing the above-described MS synchronization processing, the user can record the content recorded in the MS 3 attached to the PDA 1 without the need to remove the MS 3 from the PDA 1 and attach it to the personal computer 500. Can be used on the personal computer 500.

  Further, by matching the database held in the PDA 1 with the database held in the personal computer 500, the schedule table and the memo pad database to which the contents recorded in the MS 3 are pasted are transferred from the PDA 1 to the personal computer. Even when copied to 500, the personal computer 500 can promptly reproduce the content attached to the copied database.

  Next, in the same way as the software for managing the creation of the schedule in the PDA 1 by the PDA synchronization program 525 and the software for managing the creation of the memo, the personal computer 500 inputs and edits the schedule and the memo pad, and as a result the database The process of creating the will be described.

  FIG. 23 shows a display example of a PDA synchronization window displayed on the screen of the personal computer 500 by the PDA synchronization program 525 activated in response to an operation from the user. The PDA synchronization window 571 displays a schedule, a notepad, and the like, an input area 572 for inputting and editing the schedule and notes, and a PDA screen preview simulating the PDA1 screen display. Region 588 is provided.

  A schedule tab 573 provided beside the input area 572 is operated when switching the display of the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588 to the schedule.

  The date tab 574 is operated when switching the schedule displayed in the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588 to a daily schedule. The week tab 575 is operated when switching the schedule displayed in the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588 to a weekly schedule. The month tab 576 is operated when switching the schedule displayed in the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588 to a monthly schedule. Calendar button 577 is operated when displaying a dialog (not shown) for setting the date. When a date is set by this dialog, the schedule is switched to the set date. The today button 578 is operated when switching the schedule displayed in the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588 to a daily schedule showing the current schedule.

  Therefore, FIG. 23 shows a state where the schedule tab 573 is operated and the date tab 574 is operated.

  The new button 580 is operated when an input window for inputting a schedule is superimposed on the PDA synchronization window 571. FIG. 24 shows a display example of an input window superimposed on the PDA synchronization window 571 in response to the operation of the new button 580. In this input window 591, a title, date, time, etc. relating to the schedule can be input.

  Returning to FIG. The edit button 581 is operated when an edit window (not shown) for editing an input schedule similar to the input window 591 is displayed superimposed on the PDA synchronization window 571.

  The delete button 583 is operated to delete the schedule input in the selected frame 579 in the input area 572.

  The user can add a schedule as text by selecting a new button 580 and making an input on the input window 591 displayed in a superimposed manner. In addition, the user selects the frame 579 in which the schedule is input in the input area 572, then selects the edit button 581, and inputs to the edit window superimposed and displayed corresponding thereto, You can edit a schedule that has already been entered in the schedule. Furthermore, the user can delete the schedule already described in the schedule by selecting the frame 579 in which the schedule is input in the input area 572 and then selecting the delete button 582.

  The schedule input, edited, or deleted in this manner is reflected not only in the input area 572 but also in the PDA screen preview area 588 at the same time. Therefore, the user can quickly confirm the screen display on the PDA 1 by looking at the PDA screen preview area 588 without actually looking at the PDA 1.

  An overlay display button 583 provided in the PDA screen preview area 588 displays an overlay display (superimposition) of a thumbnail image of a content pasted on the schedule and a handwritten line drawing on the schedule displayed in the PDA screen preview area 588. This is operated when switching the presence or absence of display. FIG. 23 shows a state where overlay display (circular line drawing “Important!”) Is performed. When the overlay display button 583 is operated again in this state, the overlay display is canceled.

  An edit button 584 provided in the PDA screen preview area 588 is used to input, edit, or delete a schedule from the schedule displayed in the PDA screen preview area 588 as shown in FIG. This operation is performed when an edit window for pasting a thumbnail image or drawing a handwritten line drawing is superimposed on the PDA synchronization window 571.

  FIG. 25 shows a display example of an edit window superimposed on the PDA synchronization window 571 in response to the edit button 584 being operated. In the editing window 601, a schedule is displayed as in the PDA screen preview area 588. Further, in the edit window 601, a text button 602 that is operated when setting to a text mode in which text can be directly input to the displayed schedule, and a handwritten line drawing is input to the displayed schedule. A pen button 603 that is operated when setting the pen mode to be enabled, an eraser button 604 that is operated when setting the eraser mode that can erase the line drawing once input, and a list of contents to be pasted on the schedule are displayed. In addition to the list display button 605 that is operated when the content selection window is displayed or when the content selection window that has already been displayed is closed, buttons for selecting various tools are also provided.

  While the user selects the pen button 603 and sets the pen mode, the user operates the mouse or the like of the input unit 516 to move the cursor on the screen, so that the handwritten line drawing ( "Important!" And circular line drawings) can be drawn. In addition, the user can directly enter the schedule as text in the schedule displayed in the editing window 601 by operating the text button 602 to set the text mode.

  FIG. 26 shows a display example of a content selection window displayed superimposed on the PDA synchronization window 571 in response to the operation of the list display button 605. In the content selection window 611, image contents are extracted from the contents stored in the storage unit 518 (including the contents recorded in the predetermined directory 551 shown in FIG. 20). Image content sort button 612 operated when displaying a list, audio content sort button 613 operated when extracting audio content and displaying a list of thumbnail images thereof, moving image content extracted and thumbnails thereof A moving image content sort button 614 that is operated when displaying a list of images and a sort condition setting button 615 that is operated when selecting an arrangement order condition when displaying a list of thumbnail images are provided.

  The user operates the list display button 605 to display the content selection window 611, and by dragging and dropping the thumbnail images of the contents displayed in the list on the schedule table displayed in the editing window 601, A thumbnail image can be attached to the displayed schedule (the contents corresponding to the thumbnail image can be associated with the schedule).

  As is clear from comparison with FIG. 12, the editing window 601 has the same configuration as the display example of the screen displayed when the schedule icon 204B is tapped on the PDA 1. Therefore, the user inputs, edits, or deletes a schedule from the schedule displayed in the PDA screen preview area 588, or pastes a thumbnail image of the content on the schedule by the same operation as the operation on the PDA 1. In addition to drawing a handwritten line drawing, the state displayed on the PDA 1 can also be confirmed.

  Next, FIG. 27 shows a table of monthly schedules displayed in the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588 when the schedule tab 573 of the PDA synchronization window 571 is operated and the month tab 576 is operated. An example is shown.

  Also in this case, the user can input, edit, and delete the schedule in the input area 572 as text, and this is also reflected in the PDA screen preview area 588 at the same time. In the PDA screen preview area 588, not only can a schedule be input, edited, and deleted, but also a thumbnail image of content can be pasted on the schedule and a handwritten line drawing can be drawn. Therefore, the user can quickly confirm the screen display on the PDA 1 by looking at the PDA screen preview area 588 without actually looking at the PDA 1.

  Note that when the memo pad tab 585 of the PDA synchronization window 571 is operated and the memo pad is displayed in the input area 572 and the PDA screen preview area 588, the memo pad displayed in the input area 572 is similarly displayed in the memo pad. Can be input, edited, or deleted, and this is also reflected in the PDA screen preview area 588 at the same time. For the PDA screen preview area 588, not only can be entered, edited, and deleted in the displayed notepad, but also a thumbnail image of the content can be pasted on the schedule and a handwritten line drawing can be drawn. . Therefore, the user can quickly confirm the screen display of the memo pad on the PDA 1 by looking at the PDA screen preview area 588 without actually looking at the PDA 1.

  In addition, in the PDA synchronization window 571, the address book, to-do list, useful information, etc. can be entered, edited and deleted in addition to the above-mentioned schedule and memo pad, and the screen display on the PDA 1 can be quickly confirmed. can do.

  A database such as a schedule table generated as described above is stored in the storage unit 518.

  Next, a database such as a schedule table and a notepad generated on the PDA synchronization window 571 displayed by the PDA synchronization program 525 and stored in the storage unit 518 is stored in the schedule table and the notepad stored in the PDA 1. A database transfer process for transferring a database stored in the personal computer 500 to the PDA 1 as a process for synchronizing with the database will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This database transfer process is started when the PDA synchronization program 525 activated in advance detects that the PDA 1 is connected to the personal computer 500 via the USB cable 501. The PDA synchronization program 525 may be activated in response to the connection of the PDA 1 via the USB cable 501. In the PDA 1, the HotSync application is activated in response to the connection of the personal computer 500 via the USB cable 501 and operates in cooperation with the PDA synchronization program 525.

  In step S11, the PDA synchronization program 525 determines whether content is associated with the database to be transferred (whether a thumbnail image is attached to a schedule or the like). If it is determined that the content is associated with the database to be transferred, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the PDA synchronization program 525 converts the content (for example, file name DSC123.JPG) associated with the database to be transferred into a file format that can be managed by the PDA 1. In step S13, the PDA synchronization program 525 changes the association with the database to the content after the file format conversion (for example, the file name DSC123.JPG.PDP).

  However, it is desirable to execute the processes in steps S12 and S13 in advance when the input of the schedule table is completed and the database is created. By doing so, the database transfer process can be promptly terminated.

  In step S14, the PDA synchronization program 525 copies the content after the file format conversion to the storage unit 139 of the PDA1.

  In step S15, the PDA synchronization program 525 copies the database to be transferred to the storage unit 139 of the PDA1.

  However, when a plurality of contents are associated with the database, the processes of steps S12 to S14 are performed on the associated contents.

  In step S11, if the PDA synchronization program 525 determines that no content is associated with the database to be transferred, steps S12 to S14 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S15.

  As described above, according to the database transfer process, the file format of the content associated with the database is converted, the association of the database is also changed, the content after the file format conversion, the database with the changed association, Is copied to the storage unit 139 of the PDA 1, so that when the database transferred in the PDA 1 is opened, it is possible to reproduce the associated content without causing a broken link.

  Next, FIG. 29 shows a display example of an environment setting window displayed corresponding to a predetermined operation on the PDA synchronization window 571. The environment setting window 631 includes a start time selection field 632 for selecting the start time of the time zone in the daily schedule, a start day selection field 633 for selecting the start day of the weekly schedule, and the database transferred to the PDA 1. A check box 634 that is checked when deleting those that do not satisfy transfer conditions that will be described later, and a transfer condition setting field 635 for setting transfer conditions (period not to be deleted after transfer) are provided.

  The database erasing process when the check box 634 of the environment setting window 631 is checked will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  This database erasing process is executed before or after the above-described database transfer process is executed. In step S21, the PDA synchronization program 525 is the database transferred to PDA1, and the number of days elapsed since the transfer does not satisfy the transfer condition set in the transfer condition setting field 635 (exceeds the set number of days) Search for. In step S22, the PDA synchronization program 525 deletes the data of the content body associated with the database searched in the process of step S21 from the storage unit 139 of the PDA1. In step S23, the PDA synchronization program 525 deletes the database searched in the process of step S21 from the storage unit 139 of the PDA1. This is the end of the description of the database erasing process.

  Even if the database is transferred from the personal computer 500 to the PDA 1 by the above-described database transfer process or the like by this database erasing process, the database whose value is lost as a result of the lapse of days after the transfer is stored in the PDA 1 It can be erased from the storage unit 139. Therefore, it is suppressed that the capacity of the storage unit 139 of the PDA 1 is consumed with a useless database.

  In the above description, the content data and database as described above are synchronized between the personal computer 500 and the PDA 1. However, in addition to this, there are various types of devices such as a mobile phone and a notebook personal computer. It may be performed between electronic devices.

  The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware, but can also be executed by software.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program recorded in the recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the described order, but is not necessarily performed in time series, either in parallel or individually. The process to be executed is also included.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of PDA. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the state which opened the display part with respect to the main-body part of PDA. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the back side of PDA. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the back side of PDA. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of PDA. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a main screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a memo creation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a memo creation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a memo creation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a memo creation screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the screen as which the content was reproduced | regenerated. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the production screen of a schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the production screen of a schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the production screen of a schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the production screen of a schedule. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the production screen of a schedule. It is a figure which shows the connection of the personal computer and PDA to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of a personal computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the directory structure of MS. It is a figure which shows an example of the directory structure of MS folder on the personal computer synchronized with MS. It is a flowchart explaining MS synchronous processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the synchronization of MS and MS folder. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a PDA synchronous window. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an input window. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an edit window. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a content selection window. It is a figure which shows the other example of a display of a PDA synchronization window. It is a flowchart explaining a database transfer process. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of an environment setting window. It is a flowchart explaining a database deletion process.

Explanation of symbols

1 PDA, 3 MS, 139 storage unit, 500 personal computer, 518 storage unit, 525 PDA synchronization program, 571 PDA synchronization window, 572 input area, 588 PDA screen preview area

Claims (6)

In an information processing apparatus for synchronizing a predetermined file with an electronic device provided with a display unit,
First input means for inputting a user operation for editing the predetermined file;
First display control means for displaying a first display area for displaying the predetermined file edited in response to an operation of the user by the first input means;
Second input means for inputting at least one of handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file or association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file;
Second display control means for displaying a second display area for simulating display of the predetermined file reflecting the input by the first and second input means on the display unit of the electronic device. An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second display areas are displayed simultaneously. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined file is a file corresponding to a schedule, a memo pad, or an address book. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arbitrary data is still image data, moving image data, or audio data. In an information processing method for synchronizing a predetermined file with an electronic device including a display unit,
A first input step for inputting a user operation for editing the predetermined file;
A first display control step of displaying a first display area for displaying the predetermined file edited in response to the user operation input in the processing of the first input step;
A second input step of inputting at least one of handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file or association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file;
A second display area that displays a second display area that simulates the display on the display unit of the electronic device of the predetermined file reflecting the input in the processing of the first and second input steps; An information processing method comprising: a display control step. A program for synchronizing a predetermined file with an electronic device including a display unit,
A first input step for inputting a user operation for editing the predetermined file;
A first display control step of displaying a first display area for displaying the predetermined file edited in response to the user operation input in the processing of the first input step;
A second input step of inputting at least one of handwritten drawing superimposed on the display of the predetermined file or association information for associating arbitrary data with the predetermined file;
A second display area that displays a second display area that simulates the display on the display unit of the electronic device of the predetermined file reflecting the input in the processing of the first and second input steps; A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a display control step.

Images