JP2006350755A - Multi-display system and window control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve problems wherein continuous display of the display contents of an external monitor as thumbnails causes image data transfer to increase a CPU load, and the disconnection of the external monitor from a main body disables an operator from operating windows and the like displayed on the external monitor unless the display contents of the external monitor are displayed as thumbnails. <P>SOLUTION: The connection and disconnection of the external monitor is monitored. Upon connection detection, a window having functions useful in operating a multi-display system is displayed automatically, and upon disconnection detection, it is erased for operability improvement. If the disconnection of the external monitor is detected during the use of the extension desktop function, a window for displaying the display contents of the external monitor on a built-in monitor can be displayed to prevent inoperability. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention monitors the connection and disconnection of an external monitor, automatically displays a window having a function useful for using the multi-display system when a connection is detected, and erases when a disconnection is detected. If the external monitor disconnection is detected while using the extended desktop function, the window that displays the contents of the external monitor on the built-in monitor is displayed. The present invention relates to a multi-display system that can prevent the user from falling into the system.

  Conventionally, it is widely known that when a multi-display system is used when creating a document or editing an image, the work efficiency is improved.

Furthermore, when using a multi-display system in a presentation, the display contents of an external monitor that cannot be directly viewed by the operator are reduced and displayed on the monitor for the operator, thereby improving the work efficiency (see Patent Document 1) It is publicly known. The multi-display system of Patent Document 1 is an effective function in a system that does not dynamically change the monitor configuration or connection status, such as a desktop personal computer.
JP 2002-182894 A

  Further, in recent years, as information processing apparatuses have become lighter and smaller, portable notebook computers have been taken out outdoors. In addition, with the widespread use of large-screen, thin external monitors, companies and educational facilities have often connected laptop computers and external monitors to build multi-display systems and use them for presentations.

  Multi-display systems consisting of external monitors and portable laptop computers, such as those used in companies and educational facilities, often have multiple operators using the same external monitor alternately. And connection and disconnection of the main body tend to be repeated frequently.

  However, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the problem that occurs when the external monitor is disconnected from the main body during use is unsolved. For example, if the display content of the external monitor is always displayed as a reduced image, the image data Due to chronic increase in CPU load due to transfer, the battery driving time is shortened and the extra load is always applied when operating by battery drive, so the processing capacity as a multi-display system decreases. There is also a possibility to do. On the other hand, if the external monitor is disconnected from the main body when the display content of the external monitor is not displayed as a reduced image, the operator cannot even operate the window displayed on the external monitor.

  The present invention monitors the connection and disconnection of an external monitor, automatically displays a window having a function useful for operating the multi-display system when a connection is detected, and deletes when a disconnection is detected. In addition, when the disconnection of the external monitor is detected while using the extended desktop function, the window that displays the display contents of the external monitor on the built-in monitor is displayed. An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-display system that can prevent this.

In order to solve the above problems, in the multi-display system of the present invention,
First display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor connection detecting means for detecting, every predetermined time, whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed by the monitor display area managing means;
Window display means for displaying a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
When the detection result of the monitor connection detection means changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”, the window display means displays a window having a predetermined GUI on the first display means or the second display means. When an external monitor is connected, useful functions can be automatically displayed on the multi-display system, improving operability.

  Note that “window display” here refers to a method of creating a new window, a method of changing the position of a window that existed outside the display area of the monitor into the display area, or a non-display state. It includes a method for changing the window attribute to the display state. The “not displayable” state is a state in which the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected, and the “displayable” state means that the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected. Includes connected state.

A first display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor disconnection detecting means for detecting at certain intervals whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed by the monitor display area managing means, or whether the display area has become undisplayable;
Window erasing means for hiding a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function;
When the detection result of the monitor disconnection detecting means changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”, the window erasing means displays a window having a predetermined GUI displayed on the first display means or the second display means. When the external monitor is disconnected, the function of the multi-display system that has been automatically rendered useless can be deleted, and the display area of the built-in monitor can be used effectively.

  Note that “window deletion” here refers to a method of completely deleting a window from the system, a method of changing the position of a window that existed in the display area of the monitor to a position outside the display area, or a display state. This includes a method for changing the window attribute to a hidden state. The “not displayable” state is a state in which the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected, and the “displayable” state means that the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected. Includes connected state.

A first display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor disconnection detecting means for detecting at certain intervals whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed by the monitor display area managing means, or whether the display area has become undisplayable;
Window display means for displaying a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function;
When the detection result of the monitor disconnection detection means changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”, the window display means displays a window having a predetermined GUI on the first display means or the second display means. When the external monitor is disconnected, useful functions can be automatically displayed on the multi-display system, thereby improving operability.

  Note that “window display” here refers to a method of creating a new window, a method of changing the position of a window that existed outside the display area of the monitor into the display area, or a non-display state. It includes a method for changing the window attribute to the display state. The “not displayable” state is a state in which the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected, and the “displayable” state means that the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected. Includes connected state.

A first display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor connection detecting means for detecting, every predetermined time, whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed by the monitor display area managing means;
Window erasing means for hiding a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function;
When the detection result of the monitor connection detecting means changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”, the window erasing means displays a window having a predetermined GUI displayed on the first display means or the second display means. By displaying an external monitor, the function of the multi-display system that has been automatically rendered useless can be deleted, and the display area of the built-in monitor can be used effectively.

  Note that “window deletion” here refers to a method of completely deleting a window from the system, a method of changing the position of a window that existed in the display area of the monitor to a position outside the display area, or a display state. This includes a method for changing the window attribute to a hidden state. The “not displayable” state is a state in which the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected, and the “displayable” state means that the signal cable or power cable of the display means is physically disconnected. Includes connected state.

  Furthermore, it has window moving means for changing the display position of the window, and if there is a predetermined instruction from the operator, the window existing in the display area of the first display means moves to the display area of the second display means, and The window existing in the display area of the second display means is moved to the display area of the first display means, so that the window existing in the display area of the external monitor that cannot be displayed is displayed on the displayable monitor. Can do.

  In addition, a predetermined instruction from the operator is performed by moving a window having a predetermined GUI, and switching of the display contents of the monitor is intuitive by exchanging the positions of all windows existing in the display areas of the two monitors. Or it can be manipulated visually.

  In addition, the window to be moved by the window moving means does not include a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function displayed by the window displaying means, so that only windows that have collected functions useful for the multi-display system are included. It is possible to display on the same monitor at all times, improving operability.

  In addition, the size of the window having a function for displaying the display content of the second display unit or the first display unit as an image can be changed to an arbitrary size, so that the operator can enter the displayable area according to the situation. The size of the window that occupies can be determined.

  In addition, the window having a function for displaying the display contents of the second display means or the first display means as an image can display an image at an arbitrary image magnification (reduction-equal-magnification-enlargement). The size of the image can be determined according to the above. Note that the image display magnification may be reduced to the same magnification or enlarged in accordance with the size of the window constituting the window display means. Furthermore, the aspect ratio may be 1: 1, or the aspect ratio may be different.

  In addition, the window having a function for displaying the display contents of the second display means or the first display means as an image is not displayed while viewing the displayed image by updating the image to the latest contents at regular intervals. You can manipulate windows that exist in possible areas.

  According to the multi-display system of the present invention, a function useful for the multi-display system is automatically displayed when connected to an external monitor, and unnecessary functions are deleted when disconnected. The operability can be improved. Further, by displaying useful functions at the time of disconnection and erasing functions that are not necessary at the time of connection, it is possible to reduce the CPU load and power consumption and improve the operability.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a conceptual configuration diagram of a multi-display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is the first display means, 2 is the second display means, 3 is the monitor display area management means for managing the display areas of the first display means and the second display means, and 4 is the monitor display by the second display means. Monitor disconnection detecting means 5 for detecting whether the display area managed by the area management means has become undisplayable or at a certain time, and 5 indicates a display area managed by the second display means by the monitor display area managing means. Monitor connection detection means for detecting whether it is in a displayable state at regular intervals, 6 is a window display means for displaying a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function, and 7 is a GUI for executing a predetermined function A window erasing unit for hiding the window, and a window moving unit 8 for changing the display position of the window.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing automatic activation processing of the predetermined functions A and B when the external monitor is connected according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The multi-display system in the present embodiment is composed of display means A1 and display means B2 as display means as shown in (2A) of FIG. 2, and these pieces of information are managed by the monitor display area management means 3. Yes. At least the number of monitors 204 is managed as the system configuration information 203, and “2”, which is the number of monitors constituting this multi-display system, is stored. In the display area management information 205, the upper left coordinate 207 and the size 208 are managed for each monitor 206, the display area of the display means A1 is (0, 0)-(199, 99), and the display of the display means B2 The region is (200, 0)-(399, 99).

  (2B) of FIG. 2 shows the window arrangement before the display means B2 is connected to the main body, the display means A1 is connected to the main body and can be displayed, and the display means B2 is not connected to the main body and is displayed. Although it is not possible, there is no window in the display area of either monitor. The monitor connection detection unit 5 monitors the connection state of the monitor whose inspection flag 214 in the state acquisition information 212 is “1”, and stores the result in the inspection result 215 for each monitor 213. The interval for monitoring the connection state and the number of monitors to be monitored are specified by the detection interval 210 and the number of monitors 211 in the monitoring information 209. The connection detection means 5 before connecting the display means B2 is the monitor specified by the number of monitors 211. Only the display means B2 whose inspection flag 214 is “1” is detected every second specified by the detection interval 210. A connection inspection is performed, and the inspection result 215 of the display means B2 indicates that “display is impossible”.

  (2C) in FIG. 2 shows the window arrangement after the display means B2 and the main body are connected, and both the display means A1 and the display means B2 are connected to the main body and are in a displayable state. The window display means 6 manages the upper left coordinate 219 and the window size 220 for each function 218 as the function 216 to be executed when the monitor is connected, and whether to activate the function 218 when the monitor is connected. Can be specified in the setting 217.

  In (2C) of FIG. 2, when the display means B2 is connected, that is, when the inspection result 215 of the display means B2 inspected by the monitor connection detecting means 5 changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”. Since it is specified that A is displayed 221 and function B is displayed 222, the window display means 6 generates a window having a predetermined function simultaneously with the monitor connection, and the display means A1 displays the window 201 and the display means B2 displays. A window 202 is displayed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing automatic start processing of the predetermined functions A and B when the external monitor is connected according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, the number of monitors and the display area constituting the multi-display system are acquired at P300 at startup. Next, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired in P301. If the connection status of the monitor to be inspected in P302 is “connected”, the process ends. If it is “disconnected”, polling is started in P303 and first waits for a predetermined time. In P304, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired again, and the connection status acquired in P301 and P304 in P305 are compared. That is, when the state is changed from “disconnecting” to “connecting”, a window having a predetermined GUI is displayed in P306 to provide a useful function for the multi-display system.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing automatic erasure processing of the predetermined functions A and B when the external monitor is disconnected according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The multi-display system in the present embodiment is composed of display means A1 and display means B2 as display means as shown in FIG. 4 (4A), and these pieces of information are managed by the monitor display area management means 3. Yes. As the system configuration information 403, at least the number of monitors 404 is managed, and “2”, which is the number of monitors constituting this multi-display system, is stored. In the display area management information 405, the upper left coordinate 407 and the size 408 are managed for each monitor 406, the display area of the display means A1 is (0,0)-(199,99), and the display of the display means B2 The region is (200, 0)-(399, 99).

  (4B) in FIG. 4 shows the window arrangement before the display means B2 and the main body are cut. Both the display means A1 and the display means B2 are connected to the main body and can be displayed, and the window 401 is displayed on the display means A1. A window 402 is displayed on the display means B2. The monitor disconnection detection unit 4 monitors the connection state of the monitor whose inspection flag 414 in the state acquisition information 412 is “1”, and stores the result in the inspection result 415 for each monitor 413. The interval for monitoring the connection state and the number of monitors to be monitored are specified by the detection interval 410 and the number of monitors 411 in the monitoring information 409. Before the display means B2 is cut, the disconnection detection means 4 is configured to monitor only the display means B2 whose inspection flag 414 is “1” among the monitors specified by the number of monitors 411 every second specified by the detection interval 410. A connection inspection is performed, and the inspection result 415 of the display means B2 indicates that “display is possible”.

  (4C) in FIG. 4 shows the window arrangement after the display means B2 and the main body are disconnected. The display means A1 is connected to the main body and can be displayed. The display means B2 is not connected to the main body and is displayed. Although it is not possible, there is no window in the display area of either monitor. The window erasure means 7 manages the upper left coordinate 419 and the window size 420 for each function 418 as the function 416 executed when the monitor is disconnected, and whether or not the function 418 is erased when the monitor is disconnected. Can be specified in the setting 417.

  In (4C) of FIG. 4, when the display unit B2 is disconnected, that is, when the inspection result 415 of the display unit B2 inspected by the monitor disconnection detection unit 4 changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”. Since it is specified that A is erased 421 and function B is erased 422, the window erasing unit 7 erases the window having a predetermined function simultaneously with the disconnection of the monitor, and displays both the display unit A1 and the display unit B2. No longer exists.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing automatic erasure processing of the predetermined functions A and B when the external monitor is disconnected according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, the number of monitors and the display area constituting the multi-display system are acquired at P500 at startup. Next, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired in P501. If the connection status of the monitor to be inspected in P502 is “disconnected”, the process ends. If it is “connected”, polling is started in P503 and first waits for a predetermined time. In P504, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired again, and the connection status acquired in P501 and P501 is compared in P505. If the same status, that is, “connected”, the process returns to P503, and the different status In other words, if the status changes from “Connecting” to “Disconnecting”, the window with the specified GUI is deleted in P506 to invalidate the functions related to the multi-display system that has become useless and enable the display area of the built-in monitor. Let them be used.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing automatic activation processing of the virtual display function A when the external monitor is disconnected according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  The multi-display system in the present embodiment is composed of display means A1 and display means B2 as display means as shown in FIG. 6 (6A), and these pieces of information are managed by the monitor display area management means 3. Yes. At least the number of monitors 607 is managed as the system configuration information 606, and “2”, which is the number of monitors constituting the multi-display system, is stored. In the display area management information 608, the upper left coordinate 610 and the size 611 are managed for each monitor 609, the display area of the display means A1 is (0,0)-(199,99), and the display of the display means B2 The region is (200, 0)-(399, 99).

  (6B) in FIG. 6 shows the window arrangement before the cutting of the display means B2 and the main body. Both the display means A1 and the display means B2 are connected to the main body and can be displayed, and the window 601 is displayed on the display means A1. A window 602 and a window 604 are displayed on the display means B2. The monitor disconnection detection unit 4 monitors the connection state of the monitor whose inspection flag 617 in the state acquisition information 615 is “1”, and stores the result in the inspection result 618 for each monitor 616. The interval for monitoring the connection state and the number of monitors to be monitored are specified by the detection interval 613 and the number of monitors 614 in the monitoring information 612. Before the display means B2 is cut off, the disconnection detection means 4 selects only the display means B2 whose inspection flag 617 is “1” among the monitors specified by the number of monitors 614 every second specified by the detection interval 613. A connection inspection is performed, and the inspection result 618 of the display means B2 indicates that “display is possible”.

  (6C) in FIG. 6 shows the window arrangement after the display means B2 and the main body are cut, the display means A1 is connected to the main body and can be displayed, and the display means B2 is not connected to the main body and is displayed. Although it is impossible, the arrangement of the window 601, the window 602, the window 603, and the window 604 remains (6B) in FIG. In the window display means 7, the function 619 executed when the monitor is disconnected manages the upper left coordinates 622 and the window size 623 of each function 621, and whether or not to display the function 621 when the monitor is disconnected. Can be specified in the setting 620. In (6C) of FIG. 6, when the display unit B2 is disconnected, that is, when the inspection result 618 of the display unit B2 inspected by the monitor disconnection detection unit 4 changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”. Since only A is designated as the display 624, the window display means 6 generates a window having a predetermined function simultaneously with the disconnection of the monitor, and the window 605 is displayed on the display means A1.

  If the window 605 has a virtual display function capable of displaying a reduced image of the display area of the physical display means B2 in real time, the window 605 displays the reduced images of the window 603 and the window 604, Even when the monitor becomes incapable of display like the display means B2 in (6C) of FIG. 6, the window operation can be continued by viewing the window 605 having the virtual display function.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an automatic activation process of the virtual display function A when the external monitor is disconnected according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 7, the number of monitors and the display area constituting the multi-display system are acquired at P700 at startup. Next, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired in P701. If the connection status of the monitor to be inspected in P702 is “disconnected”, the process ends. If it is “connected”, polling is started in P703 and first waits for a predetermined time. In P704, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired again, and the connection status acquired in P705 and P701 is compared in P705. If the same status, that is, “connected”, the process returns to P703, and the different status That is, when the state is changed from “connected” to “disconnected”, a window having a predetermined GUI is displayed in P706 to provide a useful function for the multi-display system.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing automatic erasure processing of the virtual display function A when an external monitor is connected according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  The multi-display system in the present embodiment is composed of display means A1 and display means B2 as display means as shown in FIG. 8 (8A), and these pieces of information are managed by the monitor display area management means 3. Yes. As the system configuration information 806, at least the number of monitors 807 is managed, and “2”, which is the number of monitors constituting the multi-display system, is stored. In the display area management information 808, the upper left coordinate 810 and the size 811 are managed for each monitor 809, the display area of the display means A1 is (0,0)-(199,99), and the display of the display means B2 The region is (200, 0)-(399, 99).

  (8B) of FIG. 8 shows the window arrangement before the display means B2 is connected to the main body, the display means A1 is connected to the main body and can be displayed, and the display means B2 is not connected to the main body and is displayed. The window 801, the window 802, and the window 803 are displayed on the display unit A1, and the window 804 and the window 805 exist (not displayed) in the display area of the display unit B2. The monitor connection detection unit 5 monitors the connection state of the monitor whose inspection flag 817 in the state acquisition information 815 is “1”, and stores the result in the inspection result 818 for each monitor 816. The interval for monitoring the connection state and the number of monitors to be monitored are designated by the detection interval 813 and the number of monitors 814 in the monitoring information 812. The connection detection means 5 before connecting the display means B2 is the monitor designated by the number of monitors 814. Only the display means B2 whose inspection flag 817 is “1” is detected every second designated by the detection interval 813. A connection inspection is performed, and the inspection result 818 of the display means B2 indicates that “display is impossible”.

  (8C) in FIG. 8 shows the window arrangement after the display means B2 and the main body are connected, and both the display means A1 and the display means B2 are connected to the main body and can be displayed. In the window erasing means 7, as the function 819 executed when the monitor is connected, the upper left coordinate 822 and the window size 823 of each function 821 are managed, and whether or not the function 821 is erased when the monitor is connected. Can be specified in the setting 820. In (8C) of FIG. 8, when the display means B2 is connected, that is, when the inspection result 818 of the display means B2 inspected by the monitor connection detection means 5 changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”. Since it is specified that only A is deleted 824, the window deleting means 7 deletes the window 803 having a predetermined function simultaneously with the connection of the monitor, and the display means A1 has the window 801, the window 802, and the display means B2 has the window 804. A window 805 is displayed, and the window 803 has a virtual display function capable of displaying a reduced image of the display area of the physical display means B2 in real time, and reduced images of the window 804 and the window 805 are displayed. This is useful for continuing to operate the window by visually observing the window 803 having a virtual display function in a state in which the monitor cannot display like the display means B2 in FIG. 8 (8B). If the display means A1 and the display means B2 are both “displayable” as in (8C) of FIG. 8, the display space of the display means A1 can be effectively utilized by automatically erasing since it becomes an unnecessary function. It becomes like this.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing automatic erasure processing of the virtual display function A when an external monitor is connected according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 9, the number of monitors and the display area constituting the multi-display system are acquired at P900 at startup. Next, in 901, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired. If the connection status of the monitor to be inspected in P902 is “connected”, the process ends. If it is “disconnected”, polling is started in P903 and first waits for a predetermined time. In P904, the connection status of the monitor to be inspected is acquired again, and the connection status acquired in P901 and P901 is compared in P905. In other words, if the status changes from “Disconnected” to “Connected”, the window with the specified GUI is deleted in P906, the functions related to the multi-display system that became useless are disabled, and the display area of the built-in monitor is enabled. Let them be used.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a window having a GUI that is automatically displayed or automatically deleted when the external monitor is connected and disconnected according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  (3A) in FIG. 10 is a window having a GUI in which functions for moving the window between monitors are integrated. Each function is arranged in association with an icon or button like function 307, 301 is a function for moving a focused window to display means A, 302 is a function for moving a focused window to display means B, 303 is a function for moving all windows to the display means A, 304 is a function for moving all windows to the display means B, 305 is a function for switching the display positions of the windows existing in the display means A and the display means B, and 306 is A function for sorting the display means A and the display means B so that the difference between the windows displayed on the display means B is 1 or less, a function 307 for rearranging the windows existing on the display means A, and a function 308 for vertically arranging the windows existing on the display means B. A function for rearranging; 309, a function for rearranging windows existing in the display means A; 310, a display Windows present in stage B is a horizontal array and re function. A window having a GUI that integrates such functions is displayed at the timing when an external monitor is connected and the multi-display system is constructed as shown in (2C) of FIG. 2, and the window is displayed as shown in (4C) of FIG. It is best to erase when the monitor is disconnected and returned to the single display system.

  (3B) of FIG. 10 is a window having a GUI in which functions for changing the display method of the multi-display system are integrated. Each function is arranged in association with an icon or button as in function 311, 314 is a function for cutting off the power of display means A using only display means B, and 313 is a function using only display means A 312 is a function for displaying the same display area on the display means A and the display means B, and 311 is a function for displaying different display areas on the display means A and the display means B. A window having a GUI that integrates such functions is disconnected when an external monitor is connected as shown in (2C) of FIG. 2 and the multi-display system is constructed, or when the external monitor is disconnected as shown in (6C) of FIG. It is best to display when the monitor configuration is changed, such as when returning to the single display system.

  (3C) in FIG. 10 is a window having a function for displaying the display content of another monitor as a reduced, equal-magnification, enlarged image. The image display area 315 is an area for displaying an image obtained by capturing the display area of another monitor as an image and processing the display size. A window having such a function is displayed when the external monitor is temporarily disconnected as shown in FIG. 6 (6C), and when the external monitor is connected as shown in FIG. 8 (8C). It is best to erase.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a monitor display area changing process accompanied by the movement of the virtual display window according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  The multi-display system in the present embodiment is composed of display means A1 and display means B2 as display means as shown in (5A) of FIG. 11, and these pieces of information are managed by the monitor display area management means 3, The display area of the display means A1 is (0,0)-(199,99), and the display area of the display means B2 is (200,0)-(399,99).

  In (5B) of FIG. 11, a window 501 and a window 502 are displayed on the display means A1, and the display means B2 that should display the window 504 and the window 505 is disconnected from the main body. In this state, a window 503 having a virtual display function is displayed on the display unit A1, and a reduced image of the display area of the physical display unit B2 is displayed so that the reduced images of the window 504 and the window 505 can also be visually observed. Yes.

  (5C) in FIG. 11 shows the window layout after the window 503 in (5B) in FIG. 11 is moved to the area 513 of the display means B2. When the state of the multi-display system matches a predetermined condition 511, the window moving unit 8 starts a window moving process based on a predetermined coordinate conversion rule 512. Here, since the action of moving the window 503 having the virtual display function to the area 513 in FIG. 11 (5B) matches the condition 511, the window 501 and the window 502 existing in the display area of the display means A1 are displayed on the display means B2. The window 509 and the window 510 are moved to the area, and the window 504 and the window 505 existing in the display area of the display means B2 are moved to the display area of the display means A1 to become the window 506 and the window 507. Further, the window 503 having the virtual display function is also determined as the movement target window of the coordinate conversion rule 512 after moving to the area 513, and moves to the display area of the display means A1 to become the window 508. The reduced image displayed by the window 508 having the virtual display function is updated in real time, and the reduced images of the window 509 and the window 510 of the display unit B2 are displayed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a monitor display area changing process that accompanies the movement of the virtual display window according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, the number of monitors and the display area constituting the multi-display system are acquired at P1200 at the time of activation. Next, in P1201, the monitor displaying the upper left coordinates of a predetermined window is inspected. The predetermined window is a window set in advance as a trigger for the window moving process. Next, in P1202, the display state of the monitor displaying the upper left coordinate of the predetermined window is inspected. If it is “non-display state”, the process is terminated. If it is “display state”, polling is started in P1203. First, it waits for a predetermined time. In P1204, the monitor displaying the upper left coordinates of the predetermined window inspected in P1201 is inspected again. In P1205, the display status acquired in P1201 and P1204 is compared. If the status is the same, that is, “display status”, the process returns to P1203. If the status is changed from “display status” to “non-display status”, P1201 The vertical and horizontal coordinate difference between the display area of the monitor inspected in step 1 and the display area of the monitor inspected in step P1204 is acquired. Next, in P1207, all windows existing in the display area of the monitor inspected in P1201 are moved to the display area of the monitor inspected in P1204. In P1208, all windows in the display area of the monitor inspected in P1204 are moved to P1201. Move to the display area of the monitor inspected in step 1, and switch the display contents of the monitor.

(Embodiment 7)
The multi-display system in the present embodiment is composed of display means A1 and display means B2 as display means as shown in FIG. 13 (7A), and these pieces of information are managed by the monitor display area management means 3, The display area of the display means A1 is (0,0)-(199,99), and the display area of the display means B2 is (200,0)-(399,99).

  In (7B) of FIG. 13, window 701 and window 702 are displayed on display means A1, and display means B2 that should display window 704 and window 705 is disconnected from the main body. In this state, a window 703 having a virtual display function is displayed on the display unit A1, a reduced image of the display area of the physical display unit B2 is displayed, and the reduced images of the window 704 and the window 705 can also be viewed. ing.

  (7C) in FIG. 13 shows the window layout after selecting any one of the predetermined icons, buttons, and keys serving as triggers. When the state of the multi-display system matches a predetermined condition 711, the window moving unit 8 starts a window moving process based on a predetermined coordinate conversion rule 712. Since the action of selecting the predetermined trigger here matches the condition 711, the window 701 and the window 702 existing in the display area of the display means A1 are moved to the display area of the display means B2 to become the window 709 and the window 710, and the display means B2 The window 704 and the window 705 existing in the display area move to the display area of the display means A1 to become the window 706 and the window 707. However, the window 703 having the virtual display function is determined to be a non-target window to be moved according to 1) of the coordinate conversion rule 712 and becomes the window 708 of the display unit A1 without moving to the display unit A2. The reduced image displayed by the window having the virtual display function is updated in real time, and the reduced images of the window 709 and the window 710 of the display unit B2 are displayed.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a monitor display area changing process without moving the virtual display window according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 14, the number of monitors constituting the multi-display system at P1400 at startup Get the display area. Next, in P1401, a monitor having a display area whose predetermined window is a reduction display target is inspected. Next, in P1402, the display state of the monitor inspected in P1401 is inspected. If it is “display state”, the process is terminated. If it is “non-display state”, polling is started in P1403 and first waits for a predetermined time. To do. In P1404, the monitor displaying the upper left coordinates of a predetermined window is inspected. Note that the predetermined window is a window having a function of reducing the display content of the monitor of P1401. Whether or not a predetermined trigger (icon, button, key) is selected is acquired in P1405. If not selected, the process returns to P1403. If selected, the display area of the monitor acquired in P1401 in P1406 and P1404 are displayed. Get the vertical and horizontal coordinate difference of the display area of the monitor inspected in.

  The multi-display system according to the present invention automatically displays functions useful for the multi-display system when connected and automatically deletes unnecessary functions when disconnected, corresponding to the presence or absence of an external monitor connection. Can be improved. In addition, by displaying useful functions when disconnected and erasing unnecessary functions when connected, it is possible to reduce CPU load and power consumption and improve operability. It is useful as a multi-display system composed of

1 is a conceptual configuration diagram of a multi-display system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing which shows the automatic starting process of the predetermined functions A and B when the external monitor is connected according to the first embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows the automatic starting process of the predetermined functions A and B at the time of the external monitor connection based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the automatic erasure | elimination process of the predetermined functions A and B at the time of the external monitor disconnection based on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the automatic erasure | elimination process of the predetermined functions A and B at the time of external monitor disconnection concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the automatic starting process of the virtual display function A at the time of external monitor disconnection concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the automatic starting process of the virtual display function A at the time of external monitor disconnection concerning the 3rd Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the automatic deletion process of the virtual display function A at the time of the external monitor connection concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the automatic deletion process of the virtual display function A at the time of the external monitor connection concerning the 4th Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the window which has GUI which is automatically displayed or deleted automatically at the time of external monitor connection and disconnection according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention Explanatory drawing which shows the change process of the monitor display area accompanying the movement of the window for virtual displays which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the change process of the monitor display area accompanying the movement of the window for virtual displays which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention Explanatory drawing which shows the change process of the monitor display area without the movement of the window for virtual displays which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the change process of the monitor display area without the movement of the window for virtual displays which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st display means 2 2nd display means 3 Monitor display area management means 4 Monitor disconnection detection means 5 Monitor connection detection means 6 Window display means 7 Window deletion means 8 Window movement means

Claims (32)

First display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
Monitor connection detection means for detecting whether the second display means can display the display area managed by the monitor display area management means at regular intervals;
Window display means for displaying a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
The window display means displays a window having a GUI on the first display means or the second display means when the detection result of the monitor connection detection means changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”. A multi-display system characterized by The multi-window according to claim 1, wherein the window displayed by the window display means has a function of moving the display position of the window between the first display means and the second display means. Display system. 2. The multi-display system according to claim 1, wherein the window displayed by the window display means has a function for changing a display method of the first display means and the second display means. First display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor disconnection detecting means for detecting, every predetermined time, whether or not the display area managed by the monitor display area managing means is in a state in which the second display means cannot display the display area;
Window erasing means for erasing a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor disconnection detecting means changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”, the window erasing means displays a window having a GUI displayed on the first display means or the second display means. Multi-display system characterized by erasing. 5. The multi window according to claim 4, wherein the window erased by the window eraser has a function of moving the display position of the window between the first display unit and the second display unit. Display system. 5. The multi-display system according to claim 4, wherein the window erased by the window erasing unit has a function for changing a display method of the first display unit and the second display unit. First display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor disconnection detecting means for detecting, every predetermined time, whether or not the display area managed by the monitor display area managing means is in a state in which the second display means cannot display the display area;
Window display means for displaying a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor disconnection detection means changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”, the window display means displays a window having a GUI on the first display means or the second display means. A multi-display system characterized by that. 8. The multi-display system according to claim 7, wherein the window displayed by the window display means has a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image. . First display means;
A second display means;
Monitor display area management means for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
Monitor connection detection means for detecting whether the second display means can display the display area managed by the monitor display area management means at regular intervals;
Window erasing means for erasing a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor connection detecting means changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”, the window erasing means displays a window having a GUI displayed on the first display means or the second display means. Multi-display system characterized by erasing. 10. The multi-display system according to claim 9, wherein the window erased by the window erasing unit has a function for displaying the display content of the second display unit or the first display unit as an image. . Window moving means for changing the display position of the window is provided, and if there is a predetermined instruction from the operator, all windows existing in the display area of the first display means are moved to the display area of the second display means. 11. The multi-display system according to claim 7, wherein all windows existing in the display area of the second display means are moved to the display area of the first display means. 12. The multi-display system according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined instruction from the operator is performed by moving a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function displayed by the window display means. 12. The multi-display system according to claim 11, wherein the window to be moved by the window moving unit does not include a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function displayed by the window display unit. 15. The multi-display according to claim 7, wherein the size of the window having a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image can be changed to an arbitrary size. system. The window having a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image can display an image at an arbitrary image magnification (reduction to equal magnification to enlargement). The multi-display system according to 7-14. 16. The window having a function for displaying the display contents of the second display means or the first display means as an image updates the image to the latest contents every predetermined time. Multi display system. A window display method for a multi-display system comprising a first display means and a second display means,
A monitor display area management procedure for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor connection detection procedure for detecting, every predetermined time, whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed in the monitor display area management procedure;
A window display procedure for displaying a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor connection detection procedure changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”, the window display procedure displays a window having a GUI on the first display unit or the second display unit. A window display method for a multi-display system. The window displayed by the window display procedure has a function of moving a window display position between the first display unit and the second display unit. Display system window display method. The window of the multi-display system according to claim 17, wherein the window displayed by the window display procedure has a function for changing a display method of the first display means and the second display means. Display method. A window display method for a multi-display system comprising a first display means and a second display means,
A monitor display area management procedure for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor disconnection detection procedure for detecting, at regular intervals, whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed in the monitor display area management procedure, or whether the display area has become undisplayable;
A window erasing procedure for erasing a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor disconnection detection procedure changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”, the window erasing procedure displays a window having a GUI displayed on the first display means or the second display means. A window erasing method for a multi-display system, characterized by erasing. 21. The multi-window according to claim 20, wherein the window to be erased by the window erasing procedure has a function of moving the display position of the window between the first display means and the second display means. Display system window erasing method. 21. The window of the multi-display system according to claim 20, wherein the window to be erased by the window erasing procedure has a function for changing a display method of the first display means and the second display means. Erasing method. A window display method for a multi-display system comprising a first display means and a second display means,
A monitor display area management procedure for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor connection detection procedure for detecting, every predetermined time, whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed in the monitor display area management procedure;
A window display procedure for displaying a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor disconnection detection procedure changes from “displayable” to “not displayable”, the window display procedure displays a window having a GUI on the first display unit or the second display unit. A window display method for a multi-display system. The multi-display system according to claim 23, wherein the window displayed by the window display procedure has a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image. Window display method. A window display method for a multi-display system comprising a first display means and a second display means,
A monitor display area management procedure for managing display areas of the first display means and the second display means;
A monitor connection detection procedure for detecting, every predetermined time, whether the display area managed by the second display means is managed in the monitor display area management procedure;
A window erasing procedure for erasing a window having a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for executing a predetermined function;
Have
When the detection result of the monitor connection detection procedure changes from “not displayable” to “displayable”, the window erasing procedure displays a window having a GUI displayed on the first display means or the second display means. A window erasing method for a multi-display system, characterized by erasing. 26. The multi-display system according to claim 25, wherein the window to be erased by the window erasing procedure has a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image. Window deletion method. A window moving procedure for changing the display position of the window, and if there is a predetermined instruction from the operator, all windows existing in the display area of the first display means are moved to the display area of the second display means; 27. The window moving method of a multi-display system according to claim 23, wherein all windows existing in the display area of the second display means are moved to the display area of the first display means. 28. The window moving method of a multi-display system according to claim 27, wherein the predetermined instruction from the operator is performed by moving a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function displayed by the window display procedure. 28. The window movement of the multi-display system according to claim 27, wherein the window to be moved by the window movement procedure does not include a window having a GUI for executing a predetermined function displayed by the window display procedure. Method. 30. The multi-display according to claim 23, wherein the size of the window having a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image can be changed to an arbitrary size. System window display method. The window having a function for displaying the display contents of the second display means or the first display means as an image can display an image at an arbitrary image magnification (reduction to equal magnification to enlargement). The window display method of the multi-display system according to 23 to 30. 32. The window having a function for displaying the display content of the second display means or the first display means as an image updates the image to the latest content every predetermined time. Window display method of multi-display system.

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