JP2020064474A - Information processing device and program for information processing - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow suppression or prevention of erroneous operation when operation interfaces used according to forms of information processing devices (notebook type PC form or tablet type PC form) are different.SOLUTION: In an information processing device capable of changing its form between a notebook PC form and a tablet PC form by making a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 of the information processing device 100 mutually rotatable, when physical relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is more similar to the state of the notebook type PC form than a boundary state, execution of an application program for the tablet type PC is controlled to be disabled, and when physical relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is more similar to the state of the tablet type PC form than the boundary state, execution of an application program for the notebook type PC is controlled to be disabled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing device having two housings and an information processing program.

  Known mobile information terminals include smartphones, tablet personal computers (hereinafter, tablet PCs), and notebook personal computers (hereinafter, notebook PCs). Many types of smartphones and tablet PCs have a single housing, and have a display unit made of a liquid crystal or an organic electroluminescence (organic EL) panel that covers a large part of one surface of the housing, and is incorporated in the display unit. Most operations can be performed by touching or tracing the touch screen with a finger or stylus.

  On the other hand, in many notebook PC models, two housings, which are divided into a display section side and an operation section side, are rotatably connected to each other via a connection section, and the display section and the operation section are connected when not in use. The two housings can be closed facing each other, and when used, the two housings can be opened so that the operation portion is horizontal and the display portion is at an angle that is easy to see from above. The display unit is composed of a liquid crystal or an organic EL panel like the tablet PC, and the operation unit is composed of a keyboard and a pointing device (mouse, touch pad, etc.).

  Compared from the standpoint of using a tablet PC and a notebook PC, the former is suitable for quickly browsing information by intuitive operation, and the latter is suitable for inputting a large amount of information using a keyboard. It is suitable. Therefore, products with such a form that combines both features have also appeared. For example, the display unit side and the operation unit side of the notebook PC can be detachably attached to each other and can be used as a notebook PC, or only the display unit side can be used like a tablet PC. It has been known.

  Conventionally, the connecting part of the notebook PC can be used in two different directions and can be used as a normal notebook PC, or it can be used like a tablet PC with the display unit facing outward. The technology is also known. For example, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the hinge portion that connects the two housings on the main body side and the display portion side is opened and closed like a normal notebook PC with the main body side keyboard and the display portion facing each other. Not only (the two casings are closed so as to hide the display unit), but the display unit side can be rotated with respect to the main body side so that the display unit faces outward when the two casings are closed. Then, it is described that the display unit can be used outwardly and the two housings can be closed to be used like a tablet PC. (2) It is also described as a feature that the display direction is switched by detecting with a non-contact sensor (for example, a magnetic sensor and a magnet) whether the display unit is hidden or facing outward when the housing is closed. There is.

JP, 2004-310659, A

  In an information terminal or an information processing device configured by connecting two housings to each other so as to be rotatable, different operations suitable for the form are performed depending on the form of a notebook PC and the form of a tablet PC. Interfaces may be used. However, particularly in an information processing device for educational and play purposes for young children such as school children and young children, erroneous operation is likely to occur when a plurality of operation interfaces can be used.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable suppression or prevention of erroneous operation when the operation interface used is different depending on the form of the information processing apparatus.

  An information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a first housing having a first surface and a second surface which are front and back, and a second housing having a third surface and a fourth surface which are front and back. The housing and the first surface are arranged so as to have a positional relationship from a starting state in which the first surface faces the third surface to a final state in which the second surface faces the fourth surface. The positional relationship between the connecting portion that rotatably connects the first casing and the second casing and the first casing and the second casing is between the start state and the end state. A detection unit capable of detecting whether the vehicle is near the start state or near the end state across a boundary state located at, and a predetermined image is provided on the first surface. Display part, a first operation interface provided in whole or in part on the first surface, and a third operation part in whole or in part A second operation interface provided on a surface, the display unit, the detection unit, the first operation interface, and the second operation interface are connected to each other, and an operation is performed via the first operation interface. And a control unit capable of executably controlling a second application program operable via the second operation interface and a first application program capable of When the positional relationship between the first housing and the second housing is close to the start state, the execution of the first application program is controlled to be disabled, and the positional relationship between the housings is controlled. Is near the end state, the execution of the second application program is disabled.

  According to the present invention, the user can use an appropriate application program that can be operated by the operation interface according to the form of the information processing apparatus, and can suppress or prevent erroneous operation.

FIG. 1 is an external view showing the mechanical configuration of the information processing apparatus. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which the display surface faces the operation surface as viewed from the side surface parallel to the rotation axis. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the display back surface faces the operation back surface as viewed from the side surface in parallel with the rotation axis. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the information processing apparatus. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement and configuration of the detection unit. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the switch movable portion and the ribbed member when the angle formed by the first housing and the second housing is 0 degree. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch movable portion and the ribbed member when the angle formed by the first housing and the second housing is 110 degrees. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch movable portion and the ribbed member when the angle formed by the first housing and the second housing is 180 degrees. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch movable portion and the ribbed member when the angle formed by the first housing and the second housing is 290 degrees. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch movable portion and the ribbed member when the angle formed by the first housing and the second housing is 360 degrees. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the information processing apparatus. (Embodiment 1) FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first modification and the arrangement and configuration of the detection unit. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the second modification and the arrangement and configuration of the detection unit. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the third modification and the arrangement and configuration of the detection unit. (Embodiment 2) FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the positional relationship between the housings is changed from the end state closer to the start state closer. (Embodiment 3) FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a processing flow when the positional relationship between the housings is changed from the position closer to the start state to the position closer to the end state. (Embodiment 3)

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<Embodiment 1>

  FIG. 1 is an external view showing a mechanical configuration of an information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 100 is, for example, an electronic device for education / play for school children / infants, but is not limited to this. In the information processing apparatus 100, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are mutually rotated by the connecting portion 130 around a rotation axis (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) in the longitudinal direction of the connecting portion 130. It is configured to be movably connected. The internal circuits of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected to each other through a connecting portion 130.

  The first housing 110 has a display surface 111 shown on the front side in FIG. 1 and a display rear surface 112 (the one not visible in FIG. 1) on the back side thereof. The display surface 111 is provided with a display unit 113 (illustrated by hatching in FIG. 1) including a liquid crystal panel, for example. A touch screen 114 that functions as an operation interface of the information processing apparatus 100 is incorporated in the display unit 113.

  The second housing 120 has an operation surface 121 shown on the upper side in FIG. 1 and an operation rear surface 122 (lower side not visible in FIG. 1) that abuts the back surface thereof. The operation surface 121 is provided with a keyboard 123 (represented by lattice-shaped symbols in FIG. 1). A connector 124 is provided on the right side surface of the second housing 120 in FIG. 1. A mouse (not shown) can be connected to the connector 124. The operation surface 121 may be provided with a pointing device (not shown) (for example, a touch pad).

  The first housing 110 can rotate with respect to the second housing 120 around the rotation axis of the connecting portion 130 so that the display surface 111 faces the operation surface 121 (counterclockwise in FIG. 1). It is shown by a broken line with an arrow around it. Note that it is also possible to rotate in the opposite direction. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where the display surface 111 faces the operation surface 121, viewed from the right side surface of FIG. 1 in parallel with the rotation axis. The configurations shown in FIG. 2 are the same as the configurations shown in FIG. The state related to the positional relationship between the casings shown in FIG. 2 is called the initial state in the sense of the initial state of the rotation between the casings.

  The first housing 110 can rotate with respect to the second housing 120 about the rotation axis of the connecting portion 130 so that the display rear surface 112 faces the operation rear surface 122 (clockwise in FIG. 1). Is indicated by a broken line with an arrow, and the rotation in the opposite direction is also possible.). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the display rear surface 112 faces the operation rear surface 122 as viewed from the right side surface of FIG. 1 in parallel with the rotation axis. The configuration shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. The state related to the positional relationship between the casings shown in FIG. 3 is called the final state in the sense of the final state of the rotation between the casings.

  The first housing 110 rotates about the rotation shaft with respect to the second housing 120 over 360 degrees from the initial state to the final state. Along with this, the connecting portion 130 also rotates about the rotation axis through 180 degrees from the start state to the end state (the black circle displayed on the upper portion of the connecting portion 130 on the side of the first housing 111 in FIG. , It is displayed at a position inverted by 180 degrees in FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the information processing device 100. Of the configuration of the information processing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 4, the display unit 113, the touch screen 114, and the keyboard 123 are as described with reference to FIG. 1. The information processing device 100 further includes a detection unit 140. The detection unit 140 is provided in a part of and in the vicinity of the connecting unit 130, and as described later, it is close to the initial state with a boundary state between the first casing 110 and the second casing 120 having a positional relationship between the casings. It is possible to detect whether there is or near the end state, and send a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 150.

  The information processing device 100 includes a control unit 150. The control unit 150 is a computing unit such as a microprocessor provided in either the first housing 110 or the second housing 120. The control unit 150 has a built-in memory and can read and execute a program stored in the memory.

  The control unit 150 is connected to the display unit 113 and can display images and characters on the screen of the display unit 113. The control unit 150 is connected to the touch screen 114, and when the touch screen 114 detects an operation touched or traced by a fingertip or a stylus, the touch screen 114 sends a detection signal indicating what operation has been performed to the control unit 150. . The control unit 150 is connected to the keyboard 123, and the keyboard 123 sends to the control unit 150 a detection signal indicating which key has been operated.

  The information processing apparatus 100 may include, for example, a storage device, an audio device such as a microphone and a speaker, a camera, and the like, which are not illustrated in FIG. 4, in addition to the components described above. Further, a mouse (not shown) may be connected to the control unit 150 via the connector 124 shown in FIG. 1 and an operation signal of the mouse may be sent to the control unit 150. Alternatively, a wireless mouse (not shown) may be used.

  In FIG. 4, the configuration other than the control unit 150 is shown surrounded by a broken line. This indicates that the portion surrounded by the broken line is the portion of the information processing apparatus 100 that is positioned as the operation / display device.

  The configuration and operation principle of the detection unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement and configuration of the detection unit 140 in the information processing device 100. In FIG. 5, the configurations denoted by reference numerals 100, 110, 113, 114, 120, 123, and 130 are the same as the configurations denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. . The detection unit 140 is provided at the location indicated by the dashed circle in FIG.

  The configuration of the detection unit 140 is enlarged and shown in the upper right part of FIG. The detection unit 140 includes a switch 141 and a ribbed member 144. The switch 141 has a main body portion 142 and a movable portion 143, and the state of the switch 141 is changed by the movement of the movable portion 143. In the present embodiment, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the switch is in the open state, and when the movable part 143 is pushed toward the main body part 142, the switch is in the conductive state, but it is shown in FIG. In this state, the switch may be in the conductive state, and when the movable portion 143 is pushed toward the main body portion 142, the switch may be opened. The main body 142 of the switch 141 is fixedly provided in a position near the connecting portion 130 in the first housing 110.

  The ribbed member 144 is fixedly provided on the connecting portion 130, and is provided with a rib 145 on a part in the circumferential direction in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis shown by the alternate long and short dash line. When the first housing 110 is rotated 360 degrees with respect to the second housing 120 in the direction from the starting state to the ending state (shown by a broken line with a thick arrow in FIG. 5), the first housing 110 is fixed to the first housing 110. The body portion 142 of the switch 141 rotates 360 degrees in the same direction. At this time, the ribbed member 144 fixed to the connecting portion 130 rotates about the rotation shaft in the same direction by 180 degrees (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Since the switch 141 rotates at an average speed twice as fast as the ribbed member 144, if the switch 141 and the ribbed member 144 are brought close to each other to adjust the positional relationship, the switch 141 and the ribbed member 144 are moved between the start state and the end state. In any state, the movable portion 143 and the rib 145 contact each other, and the rib 145 can move the movable portion 143. The movement of the movable portion 143 by the rib 145 switches the state of the switch 141. The state in which the state of the switch 141 is switched in this way is referred to as a boundary state.

  When the movable portion 143 comes into contact with the rib 145 and is pushed toward the main body portion 142, the switch 141 switches from the switch open state in the initial state to the switch conductive state. That is, the ribbed member 144 is a switch changing unit that can change the state of the switch 141 in accordance with the rotation of the first casing 110 and the second casing 120, and the rib 145 contacts the movable unit 143. It can be said that the movable portion 143 can be moved by (abutting). By sending the conduction signal from the switch 141 to the control unit 150, the control unit 150 causes the inter-casing positional relationship between the first casing 110 and the second casing 120, which is closer to the start state than the boundary state, to be the boundary state. It recognizes that it has changed to the end state rather than.

  Conversely, when the first casing 110 is rotated with respect to the second casing 120 from the final state to the initial state, the switch 141 switches from the conductive state to the open state in the boundary state, and the control unit 150 It is recognized that the positional relationship between the enclosures, which is closer to the end state than the boundary state, has changed to the start state rather than the boundary state. In this way, the control unit 150 identifies whether the inter-casing positional relationship is closer to the start state or the end state than the boundary state, and determines the operation interface to be used and the application program to be executed, as described later. It can be selectively controlled according to the positional relationship between the housings.

  6 to 10 show the switch 141 (particularly the movable portion 143) and the ribbed member 144 (when the first casing 110 is rotated from the initial state to the final state with respect to the second casing 120). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the positional relationship of ribs 145) among others in order. The configurations denoted by reference numerals in FIGS. 6 to 10 are equal to the configurations denoted by the same reference numerals in FIG. 5, respectively.

  The upper diagram of FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the information processing device 100 viewed from the left side of FIG. 5 in the direction of the rotation axis. However, the information processing apparatus 100 is in the initial state, and the angle formed by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is 0 degree. The lower diagram of FIG. 6 shows the positional relationship between the switch 141 (main body 142 and movable portion 143) provided inside the first housing and the ribbed member 144 and rib 145 provided inside the connecting portion 130 in the initial state. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the same in the same direction as the above diagram. As shown, the movable portion 143 and the rib 145 are separated from each other in the initial state, and the switch 141 is in the open state.

  The upper diagram of FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the first housing 110 forms an angle of 110 degrees with the second housing 120 when viewed in the same direction as in FIG. 6. The lower diagram of FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch 141 (the main body 142 and the movable part 143) and the ribbed member 144 and the rib 145 at this time, in the same direction as the above diagram. As shown in the figure, the movable portion 143 and the rib 145 are separated from each other even in this state, and the switch 141 is still in the open state.

  The upper diagram of FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where the first housing 110 forms an angle of 180 degrees with the second housing 120 in the same direction as FIG. The lower diagram of FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch 141 (the main body 142 and the movable portion 143) and the ribbed member 144 and the rib 145 in this case, in the same direction as the above diagram. As shown in the figure, the movable portion 143 and the rib 145 are separated from each other even in this state, and the switch 141 is still in the open state.

  The upper diagram of FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the first housing 110 forms an angle of 290 degrees with respect to the second housing 120 in the same direction as FIG. 6. The lower diagram of FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch 141 (the main body 142 and the movable portion 143) and the ribbed member 144 and the rib 145 in this case, in the same direction as the above diagram. As illustrated, when the angle of the first housing 110 with respect to the second housing 120 reaches 290 degrees, the movable portion 143 and the rib 145 come into contact with each other. Then, when the angle of the first housing 110 with respect to the second housing 120 exceeds 290 degrees by a predetermined angle and the movable portion 143 is pushed toward the main body portion 142, the conduction state of the switch 141 is switched. Since the above-mentioned predetermined angle is an extremely small angle, it can be said that the state shown in FIG. 9 represents a state close to the boundary state described above.

  The upper diagram of FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the final state in which the first housing 110 forms an angle of 360 degrees with the second housing 120 in the same direction as FIG. 6. The lower diagram of FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the switch 141 (the main body 142 and the movable part 143) and the ribbed member 144 and the rib 145 at this time, in the same direction as the above diagram. As shown in the figure, while the angle of the first housing 110 with respect to the second housing 120 exceeds the angle of the boundary state (the angle larger than 290 degrees by the above-mentioned predetermined angle) to 360, the movable portion 143 has the main body portion. It is in the state of being pushed toward 142, and keeps switch 141 conductive.

  As described above, when the positional relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is closer to the initial state than the boundary state (the angle between the housings is 290 degrees or less). Switch 141 is open. When the positional relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 between the housings is closer to the final state than the boundary state (the angle between the housings is greater than or equal to the boundary state angle), the switch 141 is in the conductive state. is there.

  The processing flow of the information processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The control unit 150 uses a tablet-type application program (hereinafter, abbreviated as TAB type AP) that uses the touch screen 114 as an operation interface, and a PC-type application program (hereinafter, referred to as PC-type AP) that uses the keyboard 123 as an operation interface. (Abbreviated)) can be selectively executed. The TAB type AP includes, for example, a drawing application program capable of drawing on the display unit 113 by an operation on the touch screen 114. The PC-type AP includes, for example, an application program of typing practice teaching materials.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the information processing device 100. When the process is started (START), the control unit 150 confirms whether or not the conduction signal of the switch 141 is detected (step S1100). If detected (“YES” in step S1100), the control unit 150 determines that the positional relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is closer to the end state than the boundary state, and the PC It is set so that the type AP cannot be executed (step S1111).

  The control unit 150 subsequently sets such that the operation by the keyboard 123 cannot be executed (step S1112). Specifically, even if any key of the keyboard 123 is pressed, it is not accepted. At this time, it may be set so that the operation by the pointing device provided on the operation surface 121 or the mouse or the wireless mouse connected to the connector 124 cannot be executed.

  The control unit 150 subsequently sets such that the PC type AP menu cannot be displayed on the display unit 113 (step S1113). The control unit 150 may switch the order of execution of steps S1112 and S1113. Also, both or either of step S1112 and step S1113 may be bypassed.

  The control unit 150 then displays the TAB AP menu on the display unit 113 (step S1114). When an operation of selecting any application program other than “End” from the menu on the touch screen 114 (“NO” in step S1115), the control unit 150 executes the application program (step S1116). .

  When the “return to menu” operation is performed on the touch screen 114 (“YES” in step S1117), the control unit 150 returns the process flow to step S1114. While the "return to menu" operation is not performed ("NO" in step S1117), the process flow is limited to step S1116.

  In step S1115, when an operation of selecting “end” is performed on touch screen 114 (“YES” in step S1115), control unit 150 returns the process flow to step S1100.

  If the conduction signal of the switch 141 is not detected in step S1100 (“NO” in step S1100), the control unit 150 determines that the positional relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is in the start state rather than the boundary state. It is determined that the TAB type AP is near, and it is set so that the TAB type AP cannot be executed (step S1121).

  The control unit 150 subsequently sets the operation by the touch screen 114 so that it cannot be executed (step S1122). Specifically, the pressure-sensitive signal from the touch screen 114 is not accepted.

  The control unit 150 subsequently sets such that the TAB AP menu cannot be displayed on the display unit 113 (step S1123). The control unit 150 may switch the order of execution of steps S1122 and S1123. Further, both or one of step S1122 and step S1123 may be bypassed.

  The control unit 150 then displays the PC-type AP menu on the display unit 113 (step S1124). When an operation for selecting any application program other than “Exit” from the menu is performed using the keyboard 123 (or the mouse or the pointing device provided on the operation surface 121) (“NO” in step S1125), The control unit 150 executes the application program (step S1126).

  When the “return to menu” operation is performed using the keyboard 123 (or the mouse or the pointing device provided on the operation surface 121) (“YES” in step S1127), the control unit 150 returns the process flow to step S1124. . While the “return to menu” operation is not performed (“NO” in step S1127), the process flow is limited to step S1126.

  In step S1125, when the operation of selecting “end” is performed using the keyboard 123 (or the mouse or the pointing device provided on the operation surface 121) (“YES” in step S1125), the control unit 150 executes the processing flow. Return to step S1100. In any step of the processing flow shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 150 detects that the power button (not shown in the drawing) is pressed for a long time, or the voltage of the built-in battery (not shown in the drawing). When it is detected that is less than the predetermined value, the processing is terminated (END, omitted in the drawing).

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, an optimum one is selected from a plurality of operation interfaces according to the positional relationship between the two housings of the information processing apparatus, and an application program that does not match the selected operation interface is executed. By disabling it, it is possible to suppress or prevent misunderstanding and misoperation of the user. When the switch 141 is to be changed in state by the movement of the movable portion 143, the inter-casing positional relationship is closer to the end state when the movable portion 143 is pushed in by the rib 145 (contact portion). The positional relationship between the housings is the state in which the movable portion 143 is not pushed in by the rib 145 (contact portion) (the state in which the movable portion 143 is not in contact with the rib 145 or the time when the movable portion 143 is in contact with the rib 145). Is set to be closer to the start state, the information processing apparatus 100 is not used and a long time is assumed to be stored (the angle formed by the first casing 110 with respect to the second casing 120 is In the state (0 degree), since the movable portion 143 is not pushed in, wear of the movable portion 143 can be suppressed. In the description of the first embodiment, the state where the angle between the housings is 290 degrees is close to the boundary state, but the boundary state is not limited to the value close to 290 degrees. Also, regarding the angle formed by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, the angle corresponding to the start state is 0 degrees, and the angle corresponding to the end state is not limited to 360 degrees. It can be set as appropriate in consideration of convenience in use.
<Second Embodiment>

  The second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. These drawings describe three variations of the detection unit 140 according to the first embodiment as the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus 201 according to the first modification of the second embodiment and the arrangement and configuration of the detection units. The information processing device 201 includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a connecting portion 231.

  The first housing 110 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and includes the same display unit 113 and touch screen 114 as those in the first embodiment. The second housing 120 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and includes the same keyboard 123 as in the first embodiment. The first housing 110 can rotate with respect to the second housing 120 around the rotation axis of the connecting portion 231 from the start state to the end state in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. The connecting portion 231 is obtained by replacing the ribbed member 144 fixedly provided in the connecting portion 130 of the first embodiment with a cam-equipped member 244 described below.

  The information processing device 201 includes a detection unit 241. The detection unit 241 is provided in a part of the connecting unit 231 and in the vicinity thereof, and has a configuration enlarged and shown in the upper right part of FIG. The detection unit 241 includes a switch 141 (same as in the first embodiment) and a cam member 244. The cam-equipped member 244 is fixedly provided to the connecting portion 231, and a cam portion 245 is formed on a part of the cam-equipped member 244 as shown in the drawing.

  When the first housing 110 is rotated 360 degrees with respect to the second housing 120 in the direction from the starting state to the ending state (indicated by a broken line with a thick arrow in FIG. 12), the main body portion 142 is attached to the first housing 110. The switch 141, to which is fixed, rotates 360 degrees in the same direction. At this time, the cam member 244 fixed to the connecting portion 231 rotates 180 degrees in the same direction around the rotation shaft (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  At this time, the switch 141 rotates at an average speed twice that of the cam-equipped member 244. Therefore, if the positional relationship is adjusted by bringing the switch 141 and the cam-equipped member 244 close to each other, the start state and the end state can be adjusted. In any state between them, the movable portion 143 and the cam portion 245 can be brought into contact with each other. As a result, the information processing apparatus 201, as in the first embodiment, has a positional relationship between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 that is closer to the start state or closer to the end state across the boundary state. It is possible to selectively control the operation interface to be used and the application program to be executed according to the positional relationship between the cases. Similar to the first embodiment, the cam member 244 is a switch changing unit that can change the state of the switch 141 in accordance with the rotation of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and the cam 245 is It can be said that the movable portion 143 can be moved by contacting (contacting) the movable portion 143.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus 202 according to the second modification of the second embodiment and the arrangement and configuration of the detection units. The information processing device 202 includes a first housing 210, a second housing 120, and a connecting portion 232. The first housing 210 is obtained by replacing the switch 141, which is provided by fixing the main body 142 to the first housing 110 described in the first embodiment, with a rotary encoder 247 described later. The second housing 120, the display unit 113, the touch screen 114, and the keyboard 123 are the same as those described in the first embodiment. The first housing 210 can rotate with respect to the second housing 120 around the rotation axis of the connecting portion 232 from the start state to the end state in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. The connecting portion 232 is obtained by replacing the ribbed member 144 fixedly provided on the connecting portion 130 of the first embodiment with a shaft side member 246 described below.

  The information processing device 202 includes a detection unit 242. The detection unit 242 is provided in a part of the connecting unit 232 and in the vicinity thereof, and has a configuration enlarged and shown in the upper right part of FIG. The detection unit 242 includes a shaft side member 246 and a rotary encoder 247 (having a main body 248 and a shaft 249). The main body 248 is fixedly provided to the first housing 210, and the shaft 249 is fixed to the shaft side member 246. The shaft side member 246 is provided so as to be fixed to the connecting portion 232.

  When the first housing 210 is rotated 360 degrees with respect to the second housing 120 in the direction from the start state to the end state (shown by a broken line with a thick arrow in FIG. 14), the first housing 210 is fixed to the first housing 210. The body portion 248 rotates 360 degrees in the same direction. At this time, the shaft 249 fixed to the connecting portion 232 via the shaft-side member 246 rotates 180 degrees in the same direction around the rotation shaft (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Therefore, the output of the rotary encoder 247 and the inter-casing positional relationship (angle between the first casing 210 and the second casing 120) can be associated with each other in a one-to-one manner, and the encoder output corresponding to the boundary state can be determined. You can also In this way, the information processing apparatus 202 identifies whether the positional relationship between the first housing 210 and the second housing 120 is close to the start state or close to the end state across the boundary state. You can

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing apparatus 203 according to the third modification of the second embodiment and the arrangement and configuration of the detection units. The information processing device 203 replaces the configuration of the detection unit 140 in the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment with a magnetic sensor 251 and a magnet 252. The information processing device 203 includes a first housing 211, a second housing 220, and a connecting portion 233, which are the same as the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the connecting portion 130, respectively, except for the configuration of the detection unit. Therefore, the first housing 211 can be rotated with respect to the second housing 220 around the rotation axis of the connecting portion 233 from the start state to the end state. FIG. 14 shows a state close to the final state.

  The detection unit of the information processing device 203 includes a magnetic sensor 251 and a magnet 252. The first housing 211 has a magnetic sensor 251 additionally provided at one location on the back surface of the display. The second housing 220 has a magnet 252 additionally provided at one location on the operation back surface. The magnetic sensor 251 and the magnet 252 are provided at positions facing each other in the final state.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the first housing 211 is rotated with respect to the second housing 220 and the positional relationship between the housings approaches the final state, the magnetic sensor 251 causes the magnetic field generated by the magnet 252 in the boundary state. Start to detect. In this way, the information processing apparatus 203 can identify whether the positional relationship between the first housing 211 and the second housing 220 is close to the start state or close to the end state across the boundary state. You can However, in the present modified example, in order to distinguish the state in which the display unit and the operation unit face each other and the two housings are closed (a storage state that is not used) and the final state, the magnetic sensor 251 in the boundary state is used. The distance from the magnet 252 is set to be smaller than the distance between the magnetic sensor 251 and the magnet 252 when the two housings are closed, and the distance from the boundary state is closer to the end state than the boundary state. It is necessary to adjust the detection conditions for the magnetic sensor 251 to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 252 so that the above can be identified. The arrangement of the magnet and the magnetic sensor is an example, and which of the first housing 211 and the second housing 220 the magnet and the magnetic sensor are arranged in can be appropriately selected. In addition, the detection unit of the information processing device 203, instead of disposing the magnetic sensor 251 and the magnet 252, provides a push-type switch (not shown) at a predetermined position on the display back surface 112, and the push-type switch operates in the boundary state. It may be possible to make it possible to identify that the state is close to the end state by detecting that it is pushed into the 122 for a predetermined distance.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, there is an additional effect that various means for detecting the positional relationship between housings can be applied.
<Third Embodiment>

  Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. The processing flow of the control unit 150 according to the first embodiment does not assume that the positional relationship between the two housings can be changed over the boundary state during execution of the selected application program. In the third embodiment, a processing flow of the information processing apparatus that can cope with such a change in the positional relationship between the two housings will be described.

  The information processing apparatus according to the third embodiment is the information processing apparatus 100 described as the first embodiment (however, any of the information processing apparatuses 201 to 203 described as the second embodiment may be used). . When the control unit 150 of the information processing apparatus 100 is executing the application program selected in step S1116 shown in FIG. 11 under the inter-chassis positional relationship near the end state, the inter-casing positional relationship is started. Consider a case where a rotating operation is performed to change the state closer to the state. The diagram on the left side of FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in such a case.

  If the rotational operation for changing the positional relationship between the housings toward the starting state is not performed (“NO” in step S1501), the control unit 150 advances the processing flow to step S1117 in FIG. On the other hand, when the rotation operation for changing the positional relationship between the housings toward the starting state is performed (“YES” in step S1501), the control unit 150 stops the execution of the application program (step S1502). Subsequently, when the “return to menu” operation is performed on the touch screen 114 (“YES” in step S1503), the control unit 150 returns the processing flow to step S1124 in FIG. While the “return to menu” operation is not performed (“NO” in step S1503), the process flow is limited to step S1502.

  The diagram on the right side of FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow in the same case. If the rotational operation for changing the positional relationship between the housings toward the starting state is not performed (“NO” in step S1511), the control unit 150 advances the processing flow to step S1117 in FIG. On the other hand, when the rotation operation for changing the inter-casing positional relationship toward the start state is performed (“YES” in step S1511), the control unit 150 stops the execution of the application program and ends the inter-casing positional relationship. A message (prompt) prompting to return to the side is displayed on the display unit 113 (step S1512).

  Thereafter, while the operation of returning the positional relationship between the housings to the end state is not performed (“NO” in step S1513), the control unit 150 keeps the process flow in step S1512. When the operation of returning the positional relationship between the housings to the end state is performed (“YES” in step S1513), the process flow returns to step S1114 in FIG. Instead of returning to step S1114, execution of the application program may be restarted.

  Next, when the control unit 150 of the information processing device 100 is executing the application program selected in step S1126 shown in FIG. Consider a case where a rotating operation is performed to change the relationship toward the end state. The diagram on the left side of FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a processing flow in such a case.

  If the rotational operation for changing the positional relationship between the housings toward the end state is not performed (“NO” in step S1601), the control unit 150 advances the processing flow to step S1127 in FIG. On the other hand, when the rotation operation for changing the positional relationship between the housings toward the end state is performed (“YES” in step S1601), the control unit 150 stops the execution of the application program (step S1602). Subsequently, when the “return to menu” operation is performed on the touch screen 114 (“YES” in step S1603), the control unit 150 returns the processing flow to step S1114 in FIG. While the “return to menu” operation is not performed (“NO” in step S1603), the process flow is limited to step S1602.

  The diagram on the right side of FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the processing flow in the same case. If the rotational operation for changing the positional relationship between the housings toward the end state is not performed (“NO” in step S1611), the control unit 150 advances the processing flow to step S1127 in FIG. On the other hand, when a rotation operation for changing the inter-casing positional relationship toward the end state is performed (“YES” in step S1611), the control unit 150 stops the execution of the application program and the inter-casing positional relationship is set to the starting state. A message (prompt) prompting to return to the side is displayed on the display unit 113 (step S1612).

  After that, the control unit 150 keeps the process flow to step S1612 while the operation for returning the inter-casing positional relationship to the initial state is not performed (“NO” in step S1613). When the operation of returning the inter-casing positional relationship to the position closer to the start state is performed (“YES” in step S1613), the process flow returns to step S1124 in FIG. Instead of returning to step S1124, execution of the application program may be restarted.

  According to the third embodiment of the present invention, even if the positional relationship between the two housings can be changed over the boundary state during execution of the selected application program, the processing flow can be proceeded without any abnormality. An additional effect is obtained. The configurations, shapes, operations, order of processing flows, and the like of the respective units of the information processing apparatus described in the above first to third embodiments are examples, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

100, 201, 202, 203 Information processing device 110, 210, 211 First housing 111 Display surface 112 Display rear surface 113 Display unit 114 Touch screen 120, 220 Second housing 121 Operation surface 122 Operation rear surface 123 Keyboard 124 Connector 130, 231, 232, 233 Connection part 140, 241, 242 Detection part 141 Switch 142, 248 Main body part 143 Movable part 144 Rib member 145 Rib 150 Control part 244 Cam member 245 Cam part 246 Shaft side member 247 Rotary encoder 249 Shaft 251 Magnetic sensor 252 Magnet

Claims (20)

A first housing having a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other;
A second housing having a third surface and a fourth surface, which face each other, and
The first housing so as to have a positional relationship from a starting state in which the first surface faces the third surface to a final state in which the second surface faces the fourth surface. And a connecting portion that rotatably connects the second housing,
The positional relationship between the first casing and the second casing is close to the start state or close to the end state across a boundary state located between the start state and the end state. A detection unit that can detect whether there is
A display unit provided on the first surface and capable of displaying a predetermined image;
A first operation interface that is wholly or partially provided on the first surface;
A second operation interface that is wholly or partially provided on the third surface;
A first application program, which is connected to the display unit, the detection unit, the first operation interface, and the second operation interface, and is operable via the first operation interface, and A control unit capable of executably controlling a second application program operable through a second operation interface;
Equipped with
The control unit controls execution of the first application program to be disabled when the positional relationship between the first housing and the second housing is close to the start state, and When the positional relationship between the housings is close to the final state, the execution of the second application program is disabled.
Information processing equipment. The control unit controls the operation via the first operation interface to be unexecutable when the inter-casing positional relationship is closer to the starting state.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit controls the operation via the second operation interface to be unexecutable when the positional relationship between the housings is close to the final state;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control unit controls the menu display on the display unit of the first application program to be disabled when the positional relationship between the casings is close to the start state.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control unit controls the menu display on the display unit of the second application program to be disabled when the positional relationship between the casings is close to the end state.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The detection unit includes a switch that can switch states depending on whether the positional relationship between the housings is closer to the start state or the end state, and rotation of the first housing and the second housing. A switch changing unit capable of changing the state of the switch according to
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The switch includes a movable part capable of changing the state of the switch,
The boundary state is a state in which the state of the switch is switched by the movement of the movable unit accompanying the rotation of the first casing and the second casing.
The information processing device according to claim 6. The switch changing unit includes an abutting unit capable of moving the movable unit by abutting.
The information processing device according to claim 7. The switch can change the state by switching between a conductive state and an open state,
The information processing device according to claim 8. The state in which the state of the switch is changed by moving the movable portion is defined as the inter-casing positional relationship being closer to the final state,
A state in which the movable portion does not move and the state of the switch is not changed is defined as the positional relationship between the housings being closer to the starting state.
The information processing device according to claim 9. The movable part is provided in the vicinity of the connecting part in either the first housing or the second housing,
The abutting portion is configured to include at least a part of a rib provided in a part in a circumferential direction in a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting part,
The movable portion can be moved by contacting at least a part of the rib with the movable portion,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The first operation interface includes a touch screen incorporated in the display unit, and the second operation interface includes a keyboard.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The first operation interface includes a touch screen incorporated in the display unit, and the first application program is configured to require touch screen operation.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The second operation interface includes a keyboard, and the second application program is configured to require keyboard operation.
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The second operation interface further includes a mouse,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 and 14. When the positional relationship between the housings changes from the position close to the end state to the position close to the start state during execution of the first application program when the positional relationship between the housings is close to the end state, the control unit may further include: Execution of the first application program can be stopped,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The control unit may further display a message on the display unit after stopping the execution of the first application program, instructing that the positional relationship between the housings should be closer to the end state.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 16. When the positional relationship between the housings is changed from the position closer to the start state to the position closer to the end state during execution of the second application program when the positional relationship between the housings is closer to the start state, the control unit further includes: Execution of the second application program can be stopped,
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The control unit may further display a message on the display unit after stopping the execution of the second application program, instructing the positional relationship between the housings to be closer to the start state.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 18. Computer
A first housing having a first surface and a second surface which are opposite to each other;
A second housing having a third surface and a fourth surface, which face each other, and
The first housing so as to have a positional relationship from a starting state in which the first surface faces the third surface to a final state in which the second surface faces the fourth surface. And a connecting portion that rotatably connects the second housing,
The positional relationship between the first casing and the second casing is close to the start state or close to the end state across a boundary state located between the start state and the end state. A detection unit that can detect whether there is
A display unit provided on the first surface and capable of displaying a predetermined image;
A first operation interface that is wholly or partially provided on the first surface;
In the case where the whole or a part is connected to an operation / display device having a second operation interface provided on the third surface,
On the computer,
Executing a first application program operable via the first operation interface and a second application program operable via the second operation interface;
When the positional relationship between the first casing and the second casing between the casings is close to the start state, execution of the first application program is disabled, and
When the positional relationship between the casings is close to the final state, execution of the second application program is disabled.
Information processing program.