JP2012128709A - Information processing system and control method of information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve suppression of power consumption and improvement of security at the same time in an information processing system having an input device and a display device physically separated.SOLUTION: A display device 10 comprises: an approach detection unit 13 as a first detection unit for detecting approach of a human body; a display device wireless communication unit 12 as a first wireless communication unit; and a display device control unit 14 as a first control unit for controlling an operating state of the display device 10. The input device 20 comprises: a second detection unit for detecting identification information of the display device 10; an input device wireless communication unit 22 as a second wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the display device wireless communication unit 12; and an input device control unit 24 as a second control unit for controlling an operating state of the input device 20 based on detection results by the first and second detection units. Further, the input device control unit 24 has a function of the second detection unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to information processing technology, for example, technology related to power saving and security of an information processing system having an input device.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a power-saving control method that saves power when the user does not use the device, and that can be used immediately when the user himself or herself approaches or touches the device, such as a pen or a finger. Yes. In this power saving control method, it is detected that a medium operated by the user or a medium accompanying the user approaches or contacts the whole or a part of the casing of the apparatus, and the apparatus according to the approach or contact state of the medium. Control the power consumption. Thus, for example, if the user leaves the device for a long time with the device turned on, the device automatically enters the power saving state standby state, or the user or a medium such as a pen or finger operated by the user is attached to the device. By just approaching or touching, the device can be immediately ready for use.

  Patent Document 2 below describes a user discrimination system and the like that can determine whether or not a legitimate user is using a pen device. In this user discrimination system, the correspondence between the pen device and the characteristic information (for example, handwriting information) of the authorized user of the pen device is stored in a database, and the pen device corresponds to the pen device when the pen device is used. Get feature information from database. Then, the system determines whether the user is a valid user based on the acquired feature information and the feature information of the user of the pen device acquired by the pen device. As a result, if it is determined that the user is a valid user, subsequent use of the pen device by the user is permitted, whereas if it is determined that the user is not a valid user, the pen device by the user is determined. Subsequent use of is rejected.

JP-A-6-1119090 JP 2007-004706 A

  By applying the technique of Patent Document 1 to each of the display device and the input device, it is conceivable to perform power management by detecting the approach or contact of the human body. However, the power saving control method of Patent Document 1 cannot accurately detect the case where the position input operation is performed. This is because the position input operation is performed when a human body approaches or contacts a predetermined input device intended by the user and the display device. In a configuration in which the display device and the input device are separated, there may be a plurality of input devices and display devices. Therefore, when each of the display device and the input device performs power management individually by detecting the approach or contact of the human body, the position input operation cannot be accurately detected, and the display device or the input device is in a wasteful operating state. In many cases, there is a problem that the effect of reducing power consumption is low.

  Further, in a configuration in which the display device and the input device are separated, use may be permitted when either the display device or the input device is not a valid user. Even if the application of the technique of Patent Document 2 is attempted, the use of a case where the user is not a valid user can be refused only for the pen device as an input device.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 An information processing system according to this application example is an information processing system including a display device and an input device, and the display device includes a first detection unit that detects the approach of a human body, And a first control unit that controls an operation state of the display device, wherein the input device detects a second detection unit that detects identification information of the display device, and the first wireless unit. A second wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the communication unit, a second control unit that controls an operation state of the input device based on detection results by the first and second detection units, It is characterized by providing.

  According to this application example, the operation state of the input device can be controlled based on the detection results of the first and second detection units. Specifically, since the operation state of the input device can be controlled based on the detection of the human body with respect to the display device and the result of the input device identifying the display device, the predetermined input device and display device intended by the user can be controlled. It is possible to accurately detect when the human body is approaching or touching. As a result, the position input operation can be detected accurately, and the possibility of putting the display device or the input device in an operating state can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption and combining the display device and the input device. It is possible to improve security by restricting the number.

  Application Example 2 In the information processing system according to the application example described above, the second control unit is configured such that a human body approaches the display device based on detection results by the first and second detection units. And when the display device recognizes that the display device has predetermined identification information, the position detection unit of the input device starts an operation of detecting the indicated position with respect to the display surface of the display device. And

  According to this application example, the position operation start of the input device can be limited to a case where a human body approaches the input device and a specific display device is identified, thereby reducing power consumption. .

  Application Example 3 In the information processing system according to the application example described above, the first control unit performs the first radio while the human body is approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit. The communication unit is operated, and the operation of the first wireless communication unit is stopped while recognizing that the human body is not approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit. .

  According to this application example, the operation of the first wireless communication unit can be limited to the case where the human body approaches the display device, and thus the power consumption can be reduced.

  Application Example 4 In the information processing system according to the application example described above, the input device includes a contact detection unit that detects contact of the human body with the input device, and the human body touches based on a detection result by the contact detection unit. The second wireless communication unit is operated during the operation, and the operation of the second wireless communication unit is stopped while recognizing that the human body is not in contact with the input device. To do.

  According to this application example, since the operation of the second wireless communication unit can be limited to the human body touching the input device, the power consumption can be reduced thereby.

  Application Example 5 In the information processing system according to the application example described above, both the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are wireless communication units capable of communicating at an approach distance, The control unit terminates the operation of the first detection unit while both parties establish wireless communication, and operates the first detection unit when wireless communication is not established.

  According to this application example, the operation of the first detection unit can be stopped while the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit establish wireless communication. Electric power can be reduced.

  Application Example 6 An information processing system control method according to this application example is an information processing system control method including a display device and an input device, and the display device detects a human body approaching first. And a first wireless communication unit, and the input device includes a second detection unit and a second wireless communication unit that detect identification information of the display device, and the first wireless communication And the second wireless communication unit, the first detection unit detects that a human body has approached the display device, and the second detection unit causes the input device to And a process for controlling an operating state of the input device when the identification information of the display device is detected.

  According to this application example, the operation state of the input device can be controlled based on the detection results of the first and second detection units. Specifically, since the operation state of the input device can be controlled based on the detection of the human body with respect to the display device and the result of the input device identifying the display device, the predetermined input device and display device intended by the user can be controlled. It is possible to accurately detect when the human body is approaching or touching. As a result, the position input operation can be detected accurately, and the possibility of putting the display device or the input device in an operating state can be reduced, thereby reducing power consumption and combining the display device and the input device. It is possible to improve security by restricting the number.

Application Example 7 In the control method for the information processing system according to the application example, the process for controlling the operation state of the input device includes:
When the first detection unit detects that a human body is approaching the display device, and the second detection unit recognizes that the display device has predetermined identification information, The position detecting unit includes a process of starting an operation of detecting an instruction position with respect to the display surface of the display device.

  According to this application example, the position operation start of the input device can be limited to a case where a human body approaches the input device and a specific display device is identified, thereby reducing power consumption. .

  Application Example 8 In the control method of the information processing system described in the application example, the process for controlling the operation state of the display device is performed while the human body is approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit. Operates the first wireless communication unit while recognizing that the human body is not approaching based on the detection result of the first detection unit. It is characterized by being stopped.

  According to this application example, since the start of the operation of the first wireless communication unit can be limited to the case where the human body approaches the display device, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  Application Example 9 In the control method of the information processing system according to the application example, the input device includes a contact detection unit that detects contact of the human body with the input device, and controls an operation state of the input device. The processing is such that the second wireless communication unit is operated while the contact detection unit detects that a human body is in contact with the input device, and the contact detection unit is not in contact with the input device. While recognizing this, it includes a process of stopping the operation of the second wireless communication unit.

  According to this application example, since the operation of the second wireless communication unit can be limited to the human body touching the input device, the power consumption can be reduced thereby.

  [Application Example 10] In the control method of the information processing system according to the application example, the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are both wireless communication units capable of communicating at close distances. The process of controlling the operation state of the display device ends the operation of the first detection unit while both the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit establish wireless communication. , Including a process of operating the first detection unit in a state where wireless communication is not established.

  According to this application example, the operation of the first detection unit can be stopped while the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit establish wireless communication. Electric power can be reduced.

It is a figure which shows typically the structural example of the electronic paper system as an example of the information processing system which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of an input device and a display device illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the display body module illustrated in FIG.1 and FIG.2. It is a figure which shows the structural example which used the pyroelectric infrared sensor for the approach detection part of the display apparatus illustrated in FIG.1 and FIG.2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a pyroelectric infrared sensor illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which a capacitance sensor is used in an approach detection unit of the display device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a capacitance sensor illustrated in FIG. 6. It is a figure which shows the structural example which used the electrostatic capacitance sensor for the contact detection part of the input device illustrated in FIG.1 and FIG.2. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the electrostatic capacitance sensor illustrated in FIG. 3 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example of the electronic paper system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the input device illustrated in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the display device illustrated in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of an approach detection unit of the display device illustrated in FIG. 2.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example, and there is no intention to exclude various modifications and technical applications that are not explicitly described below. In other words, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications (combining the embodiments, etc.) without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match actual dimensions and ratios. In some cases, the dimensional relationships and ratios may be different between the drawings.

〔background〕
In recent years, a display device called electronic paper having a display characteristic close to that of paper has been put into practical use. An example of such a display device is a reflective display device. The reflective display device is capable of displaying images that are close to paper that diffusely reflects external light as compared with self-luminous display devices such as a transmissive liquid crystal display device having a backlight and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. . Therefore, easy-to-read display that is easy on the eyes can be performed with low power consumption. As a representative example of the reflective display device, there is an electrophoretic display device called EPD (Electrophoretic Display), and for example, display with a higher contrast ratio than newspaper is possible.

  There is a need for a display device called electronic paper that allows input such as handwriting input in addition to display at a high contrast ratio. In other words, it is required to be able to write as well as read like paper.

  Such an input function can be realized by, for example, providing a display device with an input device such as a digitizer that accepts input of information (for example, position coordinates) by so-called handwriting input or user interface (UI) operation. is there.

  Here, a display device having a memory display body such as an EPD has a property (memory property) that can maintain a display state even when power supplied to the display body is turned off. For example, the operation state of the device is set to a standby (standby) state (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “power saving mode”) that is lower than that in which the apparatus is stopped or in which power consumption is active, thereby reducing power consumption. be able to.

  On the other hand, with respect to the input device, for example, there is a case where it is desired to ensure the convenience of the user so that the user can accept the input by handwriting input or the like whenever the user desires. Therefore, the input device is desired to be as active as possible, but the power consumption increases. Illustratively, a coordinate input device using a method such as an electromagnetic induction method or an optical method can continuously consume power of several tens of mW (milliwatts) or more.

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce power consumption by controlling the operation of the input device to an active state only when there is an input, and controlling the input device to a power saving mode when there is no input. As an example of a method for determining “presence / absence of input”, a method of detecting an approach state between an input device such as a stylus and a pen used for input to the display device, a user's finger, and the like and the display device can be considered.

  Here, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for detecting that a medium operated by the user or a medium accompanying the user approaches all or a part of the apparatus housing. Only control is possible. In addition, since the accuracy of determination is insufficient, even if the technology is simply applied to a display device having an input device, a sufficient power saving effect cannot be obtained. For example, since the user is in a state of approaching the display device even when reading a text displayed on the display device, the input device is in an active state even when an input operation is not performed on the input device. .

  In addition, even if the target of power saving control is an input device, any user or any medium that comes close to the display device will be in an active state. May be insufficient. In this regard, according to the technique described in Patent Document 2, the use of the pen device by a person who is not a valid user can be rejected. However, the input device remains active and continues to consume power.

  Therefore, in the embodiment described below, it is possible to achieve both suppression of power consumption and improvement of security of an information processing system display device having a display device and an input device that performs input such as coordinate input to the display device. To.

(System configuration example)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of an electronic paper system as an example of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional configuration example of the electronic paper system illustrated in FIG. FIG.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic paper system 1 of the present exemplary embodiment includes a display device 10 as an example of an information processing device and an input device 20 exemplarily.

  The display device 10 includes, as a non-limiting example, a display body module 11 including a display body (display unit) 111 such as an EPD, a display device wireless communication unit 12 as a first wireless communication unit, and a first detection An approach detection unit 13 as a unit, a display device control unit 14 as a first control unit, and a display body drive control unit 15.

  As an example, the input device 20 includes, as a non-limiting example, a position detection unit 21, an input device wireless communication unit 22 as a second wireless communication unit, a contact detection unit 23, and an input device control as a second control unit. Unit 24, and detects an input operation such as handwriting input on the display surface of the display device 10 by the user. The input device 20 has a form in which a user can hold a position with a hand as in the case of a touch pen or stylus.

  The position detection unit 21 included in the input device 20 detects information (for example, coordinates) related to the position where the input device 20 is in contact with the display surface of the display module 11, and detects the detected position coordinate information from the input device wireless communication unit 22. The data is output to the display device control unit 14 via the display device wireless communication unit 12. The display device control unit 14 controls the display state of the display body 111 via the display body drive control unit 15 based on the position coordinate information detected by the position detection unit 21. Thereby, for example, the trajectory when the input device 20 moves while contacting the display body module 11 can be displayed on the display body 111, and the state of handwriting input or the like can be displayed on the display body 111 at any time. it can.

  For detection of the position where the input device 20 touches the display surface of the display module 11, a position detection method that optically reads a position information code formed on the display surface is used as a non-limiting example. it can. For example, the position information code 113 (see FIG. 3) formed on the position information layer 112 formed by being stacked on the upper surface of the display body 111 is processed by processing image information captured by the image capturing unit 212 of the input device 20. Can be detected.

  As a specific example, the display body module 11 is formed by laminating a position information layer 112 on the upper surface of the display body 111 as illustrated in FIG. The position information layer 112 has a property of substantially transmitting visible light so as to transmit the display light of the display body 111, and is a layer in which a position information code 113 on which a predetermined information graphic is drawn is formed on a substantially entire surface. is there. This information graphic is drawn by a reflecting portion 115 that selectively reflects light in a predetermined wavelength band and a non-reflecting portion 114 that does not reflect the light. The pattern of the non-reflective portion 114 formed on the position information layer 112 is a position code (a pattern obtained by encoding position information) such as a dot code. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-277492 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-127081, such a method is used to detect the position information code, thereby uniquely identifying the position where the position information code is printed. Can be specified.

  Note that the input device 20 of the present embodiment has the same form as a touch pen or stylus, and is physically separated from the display device 10. The display device 10 only has a position information layer 112 as a component related to position detection. Therefore, the position detection method for optically reading the position information code 113 on the display surface of the present embodiment reduces the component parts of the display device 10 by separating the input device 20 and the display device 10, and is lightweight. Since the thickness can be reduced, there is a merit that the form of the display device 10 suitable for the electronic paper system 1 can be realized.

(Position detector)
The position detection unit 21 includes an illumination unit 211, an imaging unit 212, an image processing unit 213, a position information acquisition unit 214, and a coordinate conversion unit 215.

  The illuminating unit 211 is configured by an LED disposed substantially at the tip of the input device 20 and irradiates infrared light. When the input device 20 is held by the user and indicates the display surface of the display module 11, the infrared light emitted from the illumination unit 211 is configured to irradiate the position information code 113 of the position information layer 112. .

  The imaging unit 212 is configured by a CCD disposed substantially at the tip of the input device 20. When the input device 20 is gripped by the user and indicates the display surface of the display body module 11, a predetermined region of the position information layer 112 is used. Is converted into an electric signal. Although not shown, an imaging optical system for forming an image of the display surface on the imaging surface of the CCD is provided near the entrance where the light enters the imaging unit 212, and light in the wavelength band of infrared light. The filter member which permeate | transmits only is arranged. Therefore, the imaging unit 212 captures only the information graphic of the position information code 113 configured by the reflection unit 115 and the non-reflection unit 114 described above. The converted electrical signal is sent to the image processing unit.

  The image processing unit 213 performs digital processing on the image indicated by the electrical signal sent from the imaging unit 212 to extract the drawing pattern indicated by the non-reflecting unit 114 of the position information code 113 and sends it to the position information acquiring unit 214.

  The position information acquisition unit 214 extracts a code string from the feature of the drawing pattern arrangement, decodes the code string, and acquires position information.

  The coordinate conversion unit 215 calculates a coordinate value indicating the position on the display module 11 indicated by the tip of the input device 20 from the position information obtained by the position information acquisition unit 214, and transmits the coordinate value via the input device wireless communication unit 22. To the display device 10.

(Approach detection unit)
The approach detection unit 13 is an example of a first detection unit, and detects whether a user's human body (for example, a hand or a finger with the input device 20) is approaching the display device 10. Information detected by the approach detection unit 13 (hereinafter referred to as “human body approach information”) is output to the display device control unit 14. As the approach detection unit 13, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor 13A shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and a capacitance sensor 13B shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be applied.

(Pyroelectric infrared sensor)
The pyroelectric infrared sensor 13A illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 exemplarily includes a pyroelectric element 131, an amplifier 132, and a determination unit 133.

  The pyroelectric element 131 is an element that detects light including infrared rays by the pyroelectric effect, and outputs a signal (for example, a voltage signal) corresponding to a temperature change using the light as a heat source as a detection signal. A lens 134 for condensing infrared rays toward the pyroelectric element 131 can be provided outside the pyroelectric infrared sensor 13A.

  By providing the lens 134, the detection sensitivity of the pyroelectric element 131 can be increased, and the detectable range can be expanded. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 4, the lens 134 and the pyroelectric infrared sensor 13 </ b> A are a human body approaching the display module 11 (position coordinate detection surface) of the display device 10 (for example, a user having the input device 20. For example, the direction of the detectable range is adjusted and arranged on the display device 10 so that infrared rays emitted from the hand or finger) can be detected.

  The amplifier 132 amplifies the detection signal of the pyroelectric element 131, and the determination unit 133 determines whether or not the detection signal amplified by the amplifier 132 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. If the detection signal exceeds the threshold, the determination unit 133 determines that the human body is approaching the display module 11, and if the detection signal does not exceed the threshold, the human body is separated from the display module 11. Is determined. The determination result of the determination unit 133 is given to the display device control unit 14.

  Thereby, the display apparatus control part 14 can recognize whether the human body is approaching the display body module 11 or not. In addition, the period (namely, approach detection period) which samples the determination result of the determination part 133 in the display apparatus control part 14 can be set and changed to an appropriate period. As the sampling period is shortened, the proximity detection sensitivity can be increased.

(Capacitance sensor)
On the other hand, the capacitance sensor 13B illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 exemplarily includes a capacitance detection electrode 135, a capacitor C1, an amplifier 136, and a determination unit 137.

  The capacitance detection electrode 135 is an electric signal corresponding to a change in the capacitance Cs that occurs when a human body (for example, a hand holding the input device 20) approaches the display device 10 and is grounded (grounded) through the human body. (For example, a voltage signal) is output as a detection signal. The capacitance detection electrodes 135 can be arranged in an appropriate shape and number depending on the range to be detected. FIG. 6 shows, as a non-limiting example, an example in which three strip-shaped electrostatic capacitance detection electrodes 135 are arranged on the periphery of the rectangular display body module 11 in plan view.

  The capacitor C1 cuts a noise component of the detection signal of the capacitance detection electrode 135, the amplifier 136 amplifies the detection signal, and the determination unit 137 determines that the detection signal amplified by the amplifier 136 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not. If the detection signal exceeds the threshold, the determination unit 137 determines that the human body is approaching the display module 11, and if the detection signal does not exceed the threshold, the human body is separated from the display module 11. judge. The determination result of the determination unit 137 is given to the display device control unit 14.

(Contact detector)
The contact detection unit 23 included in the input device 20 detects whether or not the user's human body is in contact with the input device 20. Information detected by the contact detection unit 23 (hereinafter referred to as “human body contact information”) is output to the input device control unit 24. For example, a capacitance sensor 23 </ b> A illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 can be applied to the contact detection unit 23.

(Capacitance sensor)
The capacitance sensor 23A illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 exemplarily includes a capacitance detection electrode 231, a capacitor C2, an amplifier 232, and a determination unit 233.

  The capacitance detection electrode 231 outputs, as a detection signal, an electrical signal (for example, a voltage signal) corresponding to a change in the capacitance Cs2 that occurs when the human body contacts the input device 20 and is grounded (grounded) through the human body. To do. The capacitance detection electrodes 231 can be arranged in an appropriate shape and number depending on the range to be detected. FIG. 8 shows an example in which a rectangular capacitance detection electrode 231 is arranged on the exterior of the input device 20 as a non-limiting example.

  The capacitor C2 cuts the noise component of the detection signal of the capacitance detection electrode 231, the amplifier 232 amplifies the detection signal, and the determination unit 233 determines that the detection signal amplified by the amplifier 232 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is determined whether or not. If the detection signal exceeds the threshold, the determination unit 233 determines that the human body is in contact with the input device 20, and determines that the human body is separated from the input device 20 if the detection signal does not exceed the threshold. . The determination result of the determination unit 233 is given to the input device control unit 24.

(Display device wireless communication part)
The display device wireless communication unit 12 in the display device 10 is an example of a first wireless communication unit, and is a short-range wireless unit that performs wireless communication with the input device wireless communication unit 22 of the input device 20.
Under the control of the display device control unit 14, the identification information (ID) of the display device 10 is transmitted and the position coordinate information transmitted by the input device wireless communication unit 22 is received.

(Input device wireless communication part)
The input device wireless communication unit 22 in the input device 20 is an example of a second wireless communication unit, and is a short-range wireless unit that performs wireless communication with the display device wireless communication unit 12 of the display device 10.
The control of the input device control unit 24 receives the identification information (ID) of the display device 10 and transmits the position coordinate information to the display device wireless communication unit 12.

(Display device controller)
The display device control unit 14 in the display device 10 is an example of a first control unit, and controls the operation of each component of the display device 10.

(Input device controller)
The input device control unit 24 in the input device 20 is an example of a second control unit, and controls the operation of each component of the input device 20. At the same time, the input device control unit 24 is also an example of a second detection unit, and detects and determines the identification information (ID) of the display device 10 received via the input device wireless communication unit 22.

  Based on the human body approach information detected by the approach detection unit 13 and the identification information (ID) of the display device 10 output from the display device control unit 14, the input device control unit 24 is transmitted by wireless communication. The operating state of the input device 20 is controlled.

  For example, the input device control unit 24 recognizes that the user (human body) has approached the display device 10 within a predetermined distance from the human body approach information, and the ID received from the display device 10 becomes the predetermined registration ID. If it is confirmed (matched) that they match (conform), the operation state of the position detector 21 is controlled to be active. Thereby, position detection by the position detector 21 is started.

  On the other hand, if any of the conditions is not satisfied, the input device control unit 24 controls the operation state of the position detection unit 21 to the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the position detection unit 21 stops the position detection operation. Even when the ID detection is not successful within a predetermined time after the approach detection unit 13 detects the human body approach information (including the case where the ID of the display device 10 cannot be received), the input device control unit 24 also The position detection operation by the detection unit 21 may be controlled to the power saving mode.

  The registration ID used for ID authentication of the display device 10 in the input device control unit 24 can be stored in a memory (not shown) such as a RAM provided in the input device control unit 24, for example. The number of IDs stored in the memory can be a number corresponding to one or a plurality of display devices 10 assigned to a legitimate user who is permitted to operate the input device 20.

  When the display device control unit 14 recognizes that the user (human body) has approached the display device 10 within a predetermined distance from the human body approach information detected by the approach detection unit 13, the display device control unit 14 operates the display device wireless communication unit 12. The display device wireless communication unit 12 may be controlled so that the user (human body) does not recognize that the user (human body) has approached the display device 10 within a predetermined distance. In this case, since the operation of the display device wireless communication unit 12 can be limited to the case where the human body approach information is detected, the power consumption of the display device 10 can be suppressed.

  Also, when the input device control unit 24 recognizes that the user (human body) has touched the input device 20 from the human body contact information detected by the contact detection unit 23, the input device control unit 24 operates the input device wireless communication unit 22 to operate the user ( Control may be performed such that the input device wireless communication unit 22 is not operated unless it is recognized that the human body has touched the input device 20. In this case, since the operation of the input device wireless communication unit 22 can be limited to the case where human body contact information is detected, the power consumption of the input device 20 can be suppressed.

  Further, the display device control unit 14 recognizes from the human body approach information detected by the approach detection unit 13 that the user (human body) has approached the display device 10 within a predetermined distance, and operates the display device wireless communication unit 12. Then, while the communication with the input device wireless communication unit 22 is established, the operation of the approach detection unit 13 may be stopped. In this case, while the communication operation is established by approaching the human body, that is, when the position detection is performed, the operation of the approach detection unit 13 can be stopped, so that the power consumption of the display device 10 can be suppressed. Can do. When the establishment of the communication operation between the display device wireless communication unit 12 and the input device wireless communication unit 22 is released, that is, when the position detection is not performed, the approach detection unit 13 is set in the operation state to detect the human body approach. Enable

  When the ID authentication of the display device 10 approaching the input device 20 is successful and the operation state of the position detection unit 21 becomes active, the input device control unit 24 displays the position coordinate information given from the position detection unit 21 as follows. The data is output from the input device wireless communication unit 22 to the display device control unit 14 via the display device wireless communication unit 12.

  The display device control unit 14 gives a control signal corresponding to the position coordinate information to the display body drive control unit 15, and the display body drive control unit 15 controls the display state of the display body 111. As a result, a display (such as a locus on the display body module 11 of the input device 20) corresponding to the input operation using the input device 20 by the user on the display body module 11 is made on the display body 111.

  Hereinafter, an operation example of the electronic paper system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13.

  FIG. 11 shows processing related to the power saving mode cancellation of the input device 20 executed by the input device control unit 24, and this series of processing is repeatedly executed periodically. FIG. 12 shows processing related to the power saving mode cancellation of the display device 10 executed by the display device control unit 14, and this series of processing is periodically and repeatedly executed.

  When the input device 20 is activated, the input device control unit 24 activates the contact detection unit 23 to start the human body contact detection operation by the contact detection unit 23. The input device control unit 24 determines whether or not a human body (for example, a user's hand or finger) has contacted the input device 20 from the output (determination result) of the contact detection unit 23 (process P110 in FIG. 11).

  When the input device control unit 24 recognizes that the human body has touched the input device 20 as a result of the process P110, the input device control unit 24 controls the input device wireless communication unit 22 to be in an ON state and starts a wireless communication operation. (Process P120 in FIG. 11, time T1 or time T9 in FIG. 10). At the same time, the input device wireless communication unit 22 starts searching for the display device 10 capable of wireless communication (process P130 in FIG. 11).

  As a result of the process P110, when the input device control unit 24 recognizes that the human body is not in contact with the input device 20, the input device control unit 24 controls the input device wireless communication unit 22 to be in an off state (FIG. 11). Process P121).

  When the display device 10 is activated, the display device control unit 14 activates the approach detection unit 13 to start the human body approach detection operation by the approach detection unit 13. The display device control unit 14 determines whether or not a human body (for example, a user's hand or finger having the input device 20) has approached the display device 10 from the output (determination result) of the approach detection unit 13 (FIG. 12 processing P210).

  When the display device control unit 14 recognizes that the human body has approached the display device 10 as a result of the process P210, the display device control unit 14 controls the display device wireless communication unit 12 to be in an on state and starts a wireless communication operation. (Process P220 in FIG. 12, time T2 or time T10 in FIG. 10). At the same time, the display device wireless communication unit 12 starts searching for the input device 20 capable of wireless communication (process P230 in FIG. 12).

  As a result of the process P210, when the display device control unit 14 recognizes that the human body is not approaching the display device 10, the display device control unit 14 controls the display device wireless communication unit 12 to be in an off state (FIG. 12). Process P221).

  When both the input device wireless communication unit 22 and the display device wireless communication unit 12 are turned on, the input device wireless communication unit 22 and the display device wireless communication unit 12 determine from the mutual search results that wireless communication is possible with each other, Mutual communication is established (Y route of process P140 in FIG. 11, Y route of process P240 in FIG. 12, time T3 or time T11 in FIG. 10).

  After communication is established (time T4 or time T12 in FIG. 10), the display device wireless communication unit 12 transmits identification information (ID) of the display device 10 under the control of the display device control unit 14 (process P250 in FIG. 12). .

  Then, when the input device wireless communication unit 22 receives the identification information (ID) of the display device 10 under the control of the input device control unit 24 (Y route of process P150 in FIG. 11), the input device control unit 24 receives the reception ID. It is determined whether or not the registration (memory) ID is met (process P160 in FIG. 11).

  As a result of the determination, if the received ID does not match the registered ID (N route of process P160 in FIG. 11, time T5 in FIG. 10), the input device control unit 24 sends an off signal (power saving mode instruction) to the position detection unit 21. ) To control (change or maintain) the input detection unit 21 in the power saving mode (process P171 in FIG. 11).

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination, when the received ID matches the registered ID (Y route of process P160 in FIG. 11, time T13 in FIG. 10), the input device controller 24 sends an on signal (active mode instruction) to the position detector 21. ) To control (change or maintain) the input detection unit 21 in an active state (process P170 in FIG. 11, time T14 in FIG. 10).

  Thereafter, when an input operation using the input device 20 is performed on the display module 11, position coordinate information corresponding to the input operation is detected in time series by the position detection unit 21. The input device control unit 24 outputs the position coordinate information detected by the position detection unit 21 from the input device wireless communication unit 22 to the display device control unit 14 via the display device wireless communication unit 12. The display device control unit 14 gives a control signal corresponding to the position coordinate information to the display body drive control unit 15 to control the display state of the display body 111. (Times T15 to T17 in FIG. 10).

  When the communication between the input device wireless communication unit 22 and the display device wireless communication unit 12 is detected to be established (Y route of process P310 in FIG. 13), the display device control unit 14 changes the operation state of the approach detection unit 13. When it is turned off (process P320 in FIG. 13) and it is detected that communication between the input device wireless communication unit 22 and the display device wireless communication unit 12 has not been established (N route in process P310 in FIG. 13), an approach detection unit The 13 operation states may be turned on (process P321 in FIG. 13). In this case, since the operation of the approach detection unit 13 can be stopped while the human body approaches and the communication operation is established, that is, when position detection is performed, the power consumption of the display device 10 is suppressed. be able to.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, when the ID of the display device 10 approaching the input device 20 is matched, the operation state of the position detection unit 21 is controlled to be active, and the input operation by the input device 20 is performed. Therefore, the operation time of the position detector 21 can be shortened. Therefore, the power consumption of the position detection unit 21 and the power consumption of the input device 20 can be suppressed. For example, the sum of the power required to detect the approach of the human body to the display device 10 and the contact detection of the human body to the input device 20 and the power required to identify the ID of the display device 10 with respect to the input device 20 can reduce the position detection unit 21 in the power saving state. If the power is smaller than the power that can be reduced, the power consumption of the electronic paper system 1 can be reduced.

  Note that the system configuration in which the input device 20 and the display device 10 according to the present embodiment are physically separated reduces the number of component parts of the display device 10 and makes the display device 10 lighter and thinner. Suitable for system 1. In the electronic paper system 1 in which the input device 20 and the display device 10 are separated, low power consumption can be realized.

  In addition, since the operation of the position detection unit 21 is controlled based on the human body approach information and the ID identification of the display device 10, it is possible to increase the determination accuracy of the situation where the user performs an input operation. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately identify a period during which an input operation by the user is performed and control the position detection unit 21 to be in an active state only during the period, thereby improving power saving.

  Furthermore, since the position detection unit 21 is not active unless the display device 10 has a predetermined ID (that is, an input operation on the display device 10 is not accepted), the number of people who can input to the display device 10 is limited. It is possible to improve the security of the display device 10.

In addition, since the operation state of the position detection unit 21 is controlled according to the situation in which the hand or finger of the user holding the input device approaches or leaves the display device 10 having a predetermined ID, the user can perform a special operation. Power saving control can be realized without consciousness and without awareness.
For example, the state in which the display device 10 having a predetermined ID approaches the input device 20, that is, the display device 10 and the input device 20 can be activated before the user performs input (cancellation of the power saving mode can be completed). Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, the display device 10 enables (starts) the operation of the display device wireless communication unit 12 only when the approach detection unit 13 detects that the user's hand or finger has approached the display device 10. Thus, further power saving of the display device 10 can be achieved. In a system configuration in which the input device 20 and the display device 10 are physically separated, the display device wireless communication unit 12 is required to communicate with the input device 20, but the operating power can be reduced.

  The input device 20 enables (starts) the operation of the input device wireless communication unit 22 only when the contact detection unit 23 detects that the user's hand or finger has touched the input device 20. Thus, further power saving of the input device 20 can be achieved. In a system configuration in which the input device 20 and the display device 10 are physically separated, the input device wireless communication unit 22 is required to communicate with the display device 10, but the operating power can be reduced.

  Furthermore, while the communication between the input device wireless communication unit 22 and the display device wireless communication unit 12 is established, the display device 10 turns off the operation state of the approach detection unit 13, thereby operating power of the approach detection unit 13. The power consumption of the display device 10 can be further reduced.

(Other)
In addition to the electrophoretic display device such as the EPD, the display device 10 according to the above-described embodiment may be another memory reflective display device (for example, electrochromic device) or a display device that has no memory property (for example, TN). A liquid crystal display device using liquid crystal, an organic EL, or the like may be used. However, in a system that uses a memory-type reflective display device such as an electrophoretic display device that has power-saving properties, the ratio of power consumption occupied by the position detection unit 21 is higher than when other types of display devices are used. The effect of reducing power consumption as a whole system is large and more effective.

  In addition to the position detection method for optically reading the position information code 113 formed on the display surface described above, the position detection unit method includes other methods such as an electromagnetic induction method, an ultrasonic method, and an infrared method. A detection method may be applied.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic paper system, 10 ... Display apparatus, 11 ... Display body module, 12 ... Display apparatus wireless communication part, 13 ... Approach detection part, 14 ... Display apparatus control part, 15 ... Display body drive control part, 20 ... Input device , 21 ... position detection unit, 22 ... input device wireless communication unit, 23 ... contact detection unit, 24 ... input device control unit, 111 ... display body, 112 ... position information layer, 113 ... position information code, 114 ... non-reflection unit 115 ... Reflecting part, 13A ... Pyroelectric infrared sensor, 13B, 23A ... Capacitance sensor, 131 ... Pyroelectric element, 132,136,232 ... Amplifier, 133,137,233 ... Determining part, 134 ... Lens, 135, 231 ... Capacitance detection electrode, 211 ... Illumination unit, 212 ... Imaging unit, 213 ... Image processing unit, 214 ... Position information acquisition unit, 215 ... Coordinate conversion unit, C1, C2 ... Condenser Cs, Cs2 ... capacitance.

Claims (10)

An information processing system comprising a display device and an input device,
The display device includes a first detection unit that detects an approach of a human body, a first wireless communication unit, and a first control unit that controls an operation state of the display device,
The input device includes a second detection unit that detects identification information of the display device, a second wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the first wireless communication unit, and the first and second components. An information processing system comprising: a second control unit that controls an operation state of the input device based on a detection result by the detection unit. The second controller is
Based on the detection results by the first and second detection units, the input is detected when it is detected that a human body has approached the display device and the display device has predetermined identification information. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the position detection unit of the apparatus starts an operation of detecting an instruction position with respect to the display surface of the display device. The first controller is
While the human body is approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit, the first wireless communication unit is operated, and the human body is not approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the first wireless communication unit is stopped while recognizing this. The input device is:
A contact detection unit configured to detect contact of the human body with the input device; the second wireless communication unit is operated while the human body is in contact based on a detection result of the contact detection unit; The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation of the second wireless communication unit is stopped while recognizing that the device is not touching. The first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are both wireless communication units capable of communicating at an approach distance;
The first control unit ends the operation of the first detection unit while both sides establish wireless communication, and operates the first detection unit when wireless communication is not established. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A control method for an information processing system including a display device and an input device,
The display device includes a first detection unit that detects an approach of a human body and a first wireless communication unit,
The input device includes a second detection unit that detects identification information of the display device and a second wireless communication unit,
A process in which the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit perform wireless communication;
A process of detecting that a human body approaches the display device in the first detection unit;
A process of controlling an operating state of the input device when the input device detects identification information of the display device by the second detection unit;
An information processing system control method comprising: The process of controlling the operating state of the input device is
When the first detection unit detects that a human body is approaching the display device, and the second detection unit recognizes that the display device has predetermined identification information, The method of controlling an information processing system according to claim 6, further comprising: a process in which the position detection unit starts an operation of detecting an instruction position on the display surface of the display device.
The process of controlling the operating state of the display device is
While the human body is approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit, the first wireless communication unit is operated, and the human body is not approaching based on the detection result by the first detection unit. The information processing system control method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the operation of the first wireless communication unit is stopped while recognizing this. The input device has a contact detection unit that detects contact of a human body with the input device,
The process of controlling the operating state of the input device is
While the contact detection unit detects that the human body is in contact with the input device, the second wireless communication unit is operated, and the contact detection unit recognizes that the human body is not in contact with the input device. 9. The information processing system control method according to claim 6, further comprising a process of stopping the operation of the second wireless communication unit while the wireless communication unit is in operation. Both the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit are wireless communication units capable of communicating at an approach distance;
The process of controlling the operation state of the display device ends the operation of the first detection unit while both the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit establish wireless communication. 10. The information processing system control method according to claim 6, further comprising a process of operating the first detection unit when wireless communication is not established.

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