JP2022177582A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus capable of more smoothly switching the activation state of a display.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes: a first display; a second display; a first control unit that controls the first display; a second control unit that controls the second display; and a CPU that outputs image data to be displayed on the first display and the second display, and a control signal for switching activation states of the first display and the second display. The second control unit includes: a preliminary control section including a receiver to communicate with the CPU; and a main control section including a driver for driving the second display. The electronic apparatus is configured so that the preliminary control section operates and the main control section does not operate when the second display is off based on the control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to electronic equipment.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an electronic device that includes multiple displays and a control unit. The controller is configured to control images displayed on the multiple displays.

JP 2014-78236 A

2. Description of the Related Art In an electronic device having a plurality of displays, there are cases where the display on which an image is displayed is switched according to a user's operation. Here, for example, when the first display is on and the second display is off, when the user performs an operation to switch on the second display, the first display is temporarily darkened for image switching. sometimes. Alternatively, there may be a time lag between when the user performs an operation and when the image is actually displayed on the second display. In this way, in an electronic device having a plurality of displays, it has been a problem to smoothly switch the activation state of each display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device having a plurality of displays and capable of smoothly switching the activation state of the displays. .

To solve the above problems, an electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first display, a second display, a first control unit that controls the first display, and a second display that controls the second display. 2 control unit, and a CPU that outputs a control signal for switching the activation state of the first display and the second display, and the second control unit includes a receiver that communicates with the CPU. and a main control unit including a driver for driving the second display, and when the second display is turned off based on the control signal, the preliminary control unit operates and the main control unit The control unit is configured not to operate.

According to the above aspect, the preliminary control unit operates even when the second display is off. It is possible to shorten the time until the image is displayed on the screen. Also, from the perspective of the CPU, even when the second display is in an off state, it is possible to process the image to be displayed on the second display and input it to the second control unit. Therefore, when the ON state of the first display is maintained, it is possible to prevent the first display from temporarily turning dark due to image switching. In this way, switching of the activation state of the display can be performed more smoothly. Furthermore, by not operating the main control unit when the second display is off, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

Here, the electronic device of the above aspect includes a first housing and a second housing that are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge mechanism, the first housing is provided with a keyboard, and the second housing is provided with a keyboard. Among them, the first display may be provided on the surface facing the first housing in the closed state, and the second display may be provided on the surface opposite to the first display.

Also, the preliminary control unit may include a processor that executes processing for displaying an image on the second display.

Further, an interface connecting the CPU and the second control unit may comply with eDP.

According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of switching the activation state of the display more smoothly.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 with a small opening angle and viewed from the rear side; It is a block diagram showing an example of functional composition of electronic equipment concerning this embodiment. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of a control unit; FIG.

An electronic device according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20. As shown in FIG. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected to each other by a hinge mechanism H so as to be rotatable. The first housing 10 has a keyboard 11 . A motherboard, a battery, and the like (not shown) are housed inside the first housing 10 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second housing 20 has a first display 21 and a second display 22 . The first display 21 and the second display 22 are each configured to be able to display an image. As the first display 21 and the second display 22, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), a liquid crystal display, or the like can be used.

In this specification, the angle formed by the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is referred to as an opening angle θ. A state in which the opening angle θ is approximately 0° is called a closed state. The closed state is also a state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 overlap each other. A state in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are opened is called an “open state”. The first display 21 is provided on a surface of the second housing 20 that faces the first housing 10 in the closed state. The second display 22 is provided on the surface of the second housing 20 opposite to the first display 21 .

The electronic device 1 of this embodiment is a clamshell notebook PC (Personal Computer). However, if the electronic device 1 has a plurality of displays, the type of the electronic device 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the electronic device 1 may be a game machine, tablet terminal, smartphone, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 includes an open/close detection sensor 30 that detects whether the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are closed or open. An example of the open/close detection sensor 30 is a magnetic sensor. For example, the opening/closing detection sensor 30, which is a magnetic sensor, may be arranged near the end 20a of the second housing 20 on the side opposite to the hinge mechanism H. A permanent magnet 31 may be arranged at the end portion 10 a of the first housing 10 opposite to the hinge mechanism H so as to correspond to the opening/closing detection sensor 30 . According to this configuration, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 31 detected by the open/close detection sensor 30 is increased in the closed state. Conversely, in the open state, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 31 detected by the open/close detection sensor 30 is reduced. Therefore, it can be determined whether it is in the open state or the closed state depending on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the open/close detection sensor 30 . However, the specific configuration of the open/close detection sensor 30 is not limited to the magnetic sensor, and may be changed as appropriate. Also, the electronic device 1 may not include the open/close detection sensor 30 .

Each of the first display 21 and the second display 22 can display any image at any timing. As an example of how to use the electronic device 1, for example, in the open state, the first display 21 is turned on and the second display 22 is turned off, and in the closed state, the first display 21 is turned off and the second display 22 is turned off. It may be turned on. According to this configuration, a predetermined image is displayed on the first display 21 in the open state and the electronic device 1 is used as a normal notebook PC, and a predetermined image is displayed on the second display 22 in the closed state. Therefore, the electronic device 1 can be used as a tablet terminal. A touch panel may be provided on the second display 22 .

As another example of how to use the electronic device 1, both the first display 21 and the second display 22 may be turned on in the open state. According to this configuration, for example, the user can operate the electronic device 1 while viewing the first display 21 and allow others to view a predetermined image using the second display 22 . The same image or different images may be displayed on the first display 21 and the second display 22 .

In this specification, the first display 21 or the second display 22 being "on" means a state in which a predetermined image (including a monochromatic image on the entire surface) is displayed. Similarly, when the first display 21 and the second display 22 are "off", it means that no image is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electronic device 1. As shown in FIG. The electronic device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 42, a main memory 43, an open/close detection sensor 30, a first control unit 50, a second control unit 60, a first A display 21 and a second display 22 are provided. These units are communicably connected through a bus or the like.

The CPU 41 , RAM 42 and main memory 43 may be provided on a motherboard within the first housing 10 , for example. By executing a predetermined program, the CPU 41 activates systems such as BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and OS (Operating System), and performs various calculations and processes. The CPU 41 performs memory control such as data reading/writing and erasing with respect to the RAM 42, the main memory 43, and the like.

In addition, the CPU 41 outputs image data to be displayed on the first display 21 and the second display 22 and outputs control signals for switching ON/OFF of the first display 21 and the second display 22 . The CPU 41 may output the above control signal based on the detection result of the opening/closing detection sensor 30 . For example, when it is determined that the electronic device 1 is in the closed state, the CPU 41 may forcibly output a control signal to turn off the first display 21 . At the same time, the CPU 41 may output a control signal to turn on the second display 22 . The CPU 41 may include a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) for generating image data to be displayed on the first display 21 or the second display 22 . Alternatively, a GPU may be provided outside the CPU 41 .

RAM 42 is a volatile memory. Programs executed by the CPU 41 or data calculated and processed by the CPU 41 are developed in the RAM 42 . As the CPU 41 operates, data is stored or erased in the RAM 42 as appropriate. Image data generated by the CPU 41 or GPU and to be displayed on the first display 21 or the second display 22 may be developed in the RAM 42 . That is, the RAM 42 may function as a video memory (V-RAM). However, a V-RAM may be provided separately from the RAM 42. FIG.

The main memory 43 is a non-volatile memory such as Flash-ROM (Read Only Memory). The main memory 43 stores programs such as the BIOS and the OS executed by the CPU 41, or applications running on the OS. The main memory 43 also stores setting data and the like used for each program.

The CPU 41 , the first control unit 50 and the second control unit 60 are connected via an interface 70 . The interface 70 may conform to eDP (embedded Display Port), for example, or may conform to other standards (MIPI: Mobile Industry Processor Interface, etc.).

The first control unit 50 has a first preliminary control section 51 and a first main control section 52 . The first preliminary control unit 51 includes a first receiver 51a and a first processor 51b. The first main control section 52 includes a first driver 52a and a first power supply section 52b. The first receiver 51 a receives, from the CPU 41 , control signals relating to the activation state of the first display 21 and image data to be displayed on the first display 21 . Although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, image data to be displayed on the first display 21 may be input to the first receiver 51a together with a control signal for turning off the first display 21 .

The first processor 51b performs processing for displaying a predetermined image on the first display 21 based on the image data received by the first receiver 51a. More specifically, the first processor 51b calculates information such as the color and luminance to be displayed on each pixel of the first display 21 at predetermined timings, and outputs the information to the first driver 52a. The first driver 52a drives each pixel of the first display 21 based on the information output by the first processor 51b to display an image. The first power supply unit 52b supplies predetermined power to the first driver 52a for driving each pixel by the first driver 52a. If the first display 21 has a backlight, the first power supply section 52b may supply power for the backlight. When the first display 21 has a touch panel, the first power supply section 52b may supply power for the touch panel.

The second control unit 60 has a second preliminary control section 61 and a second main control section 62 . The second preliminary control section 61 includes a second receiver 61a and a second processor 61b. The second main control section 62 includes a second driver 62a and a second power supply section 62b. The second receiver 61 a receives, from the CPU 41 , control signals relating to the activation state of the second display 22 and image data to be displayed on the second display 22 . Although the details will be described later, in the present embodiment, image data to be displayed on the second display 22 may be input to the second receiver 61a together with a control signal for turning off the second display 22 .

The second processor 61b performs processing for displaying a predetermined image on the second display 22 based on the image data received by the second receiver 61a. More specifically, the second processor 61b calculates information such as the color and luminance to be displayed on each pixel of the second display 22 at predetermined timings, and outputs the information to the second driver 62a. The second driver 62a drives each pixel of the second display 22 based on the information output by the second processor 61b to display an image. The second power supply unit 62b supplies the second driver 62a with predetermined power for the second driver 62a to drive each pixel. If the second display 22 has a backlight, the second power supply section 62b may supply power for the backlight. If the second display 22 has a touch panel, the second power supply section 62b may supply power for the touch panel.

When the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to turn on the first display 21 , the first preliminary control section 51 and the first main control section 52 operate, and a predetermined image is displayed on the first display 21 . Similarly, when the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to turn on the second display 22, the second preliminary control section 61 and the second main control section 62 operate, and a predetermined image is displayed on the second display 22. be.

Here, when the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to turn off the second display 22, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment operates so that the second preliminary control section 61 operates and the second main control section 62 does not operate. is configured to Similarly, when the CPU 41 outputs a control signal to turn off the first display 21, the first preliminary control section 51 operates and the first main control section 52 does not operate. For example, the CPU 41 may control whether or not to operate the first main control section 52 and the second main control section 62 .

Next, the operation of the electronic device 1 having such a configuration will be described.

The following three activation states are conceivable for the first display 21 and the second display 22 . That is, both the first display 21 and the second display 22 are on (first activation state), the first display 21 is on and the second display 22 is off (second activation state), the first display 21 is off and the second display 22 is off (second activation state). 2 display 22 is on (third activation state). These activation states are switched by execution of a program or application by the CPU 41 . The CPU 41 may switch the activation state based on the user's operation. Further, as described above, the CPU 41 may switch the activation state based on the detection result of the opening/closing detection sensor 30 .

For example, consider the case of transition from the second activated state to the first activated state. In the present embodiment, as described above, the second preliminary control section 61 operates even in the second activated state (that is, the second display 22 is off). That is, processing for displaying an image on the second display 22 is performed in advance. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time from when the second receiver 61a receives the control signal for turning on the second display 22 to when the second driver 62a drives the second display 22 and actually displays an image. can. Also, by not operating the second main control unit 62, an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

Also, from the perspective of the CPU 41 , even when the second display 22 is in an off state, the image to be displayed on the second display 22 can be arithmetically processed and input to the control units 50 and 60 . Therefore, when switching from the second activation state to the first activation state, it is possible to prevent the first display 21, which is maintained in the ON state, from temporarily turning dark due to image switching.

The same applies when transitioning from the third activation state to the first activation state. That is, even when the first display 21 is off, since the first preliminary control unit 51 is operating, after the first receiver 51a receives the control signal for turning on the first display 21, the first display is actually turned on. The time until an image is displayed on the 1 display 21 can be shortened. Moreover, power consumption can be suppressed by not operating the first main control unit 52 .

In the second activation state or the third activation state, an application (hereinafter referred to as a restricted application) may control so that the operation on the screen of whichever of the displays 21 and 22 is turned off is not activated. . The restriction application may, for example, restrict movement of the cursor operated by the user to the one of the displays 21 and 22 that is turned off. Also, the restricted application may send dummy image data to one of the displays 21 and 22 that is turned off. The restricted application is stored, for example, in the main memory 43 and executed by the CPU 41 .

In the above description, when the first display 21 is turned off, the first preliminary control section 51 operates and the first main control section 52 does not operate. However, both the first preliminary control unit 51 and the first main control unit 52 may be configured not to operate when the first display 21 is off.

As described above, the electronic device 1 of the present embodiment includes the first display 21, the second display 22, the first control unit 50 that controls the first display 21, and the second display that controls the second display 22. A control unit 60, and a CPU 41 that outputs a control signal for switching the activation state of the first display 21 and the second display 22. The second control unit 60 includes a receiver 61a that communicates with the CPU 41. A preliminary control unit 61, and a main controller 62 including a driver 62a for driving the second display 22. When the second display 22 is off based on the control signal, the auxiliary controller 61 operates, and It is configured so that the main control unit 62 does not operate. With such a configuration, it is possible to switch the activated states of the displays 21 and 22 more smoothly.

The electronic device 1 also includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 20 that are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge mechanism H. The first housing 10 is provided with a keyboard 11, and the second housing is provided with a keyboard. A first display 21 is provided on the surface of the housing 20 facing the first housing 10 in the closed state, and a second display 22 is provided on the surface opposite to the first display 21 . According to this configuration, for example, the user can operate the electronic device 1 using the keyboard 11 while looking at the first display 21 to display a predetermined image on the second display 22 for others to view.

The preliminary control unit 61 also includes a processor 61 b that executes processing for displaying an image on the second display 22 . According to this configuration, the processor 61b is operating even when the second display 22 is turned off. The time lag until the image is displayed can be further shortened.

Also, the interface 70 connecting the CPU and the second control unit 60 may conform to eDP.

Next, a specific configuration example of the control units 50 and 60 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, the two control units 50 and 60 are used as representatives, and the configuration of the control unit 50 is mainly referred to. However, the control unit 60 may have the same configuration as the control unit 50 described below. Alternatively, the two control units 50 and 60 may have different configurations. Moreover, although the case where the displays 21 and 22 are EL (Electro Luminescent) displays will be described below, the present embodiment may be applied to displays of other types (for example, liquid crystal type).

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the interface 70 complies with the eDP standard. That is, the interface 70 functions as an eDP input section. Also, the receiver 51a functions as an eDP receiver that receives input from the eDP input section. The standby control unit 51 has a frame buffer that communicates with the processor 51b. A frame buffer is a storage device or storage area capable of storing image data for one screen to be displayed on the display 21 .

The driver 52a of the main controller 52 has a timing controller, a VCOM buffer, a source driver, and a level shifter. The timing controller receives image data to be displayed on the display 21 from the processor 51b and supplies the image data along with predetermined timing pulses to the source driver and level shifter. Although the description in FIG. 4 is simplified, the display 21 has a rectangular shape, and a plurality of source drivers and a plurality of level shifters are arranged along two orthogonal sides of the display 21 . For example, a plurality of source drivers are arranged side by side along the sides of the display 21 extending in the horizontal direction, and a plurality of level shifters are arranged side by side along the sides of the display 21 extending in the vertical direction. Each level shifter converts the potential and outputs a pulse voltage waveform so as to sequentially scan each pixel of the display 21 from the top (gate output). Each gate driver supplies a voltage to be applied to each pixel of the display 21 based on the signal received from the timing controller (source output). The VCOM buffer sets the potential of the common electrode of the display to a predetermined common potential VCOM (VCOM control).

The power supply 52b of the main controller 52 comprises a converter and a backlight/EL module. The converter converts the power supplied from the outside into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to the backlight/EL module. The backlight/EL module supplies backlight power and EL power to the display 21 .

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the electronic device 1 of the above embodiment had two displays 21 and 22 . However, the electronic device 1 may have three or more displays. In this case also, by applying the control described in the above embodiment to each display, the activation state of each display can be switched smoothly.

Further, in the above embodiment, the first display 21 and the second display 22 are provided on both sides of the second housing 20, but the arrangement of the first display 21 and the second display 22 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the second display 22 may be provided on the first housing 10 (the front side or the back side of the keyboard 11) instead of the rear surface of the second housing 20. FIG.

In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components without departing from the scope of the present invention, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 electronic device 10 first housing 11 keyboard 20 second housing 21 first display 21 display 22 second display 50 first control unit 51 preliminary control section 60 second control unit 61 Preliminary control unit 61a Receiver 61b Processor 62 Main control unit 62a Driver 70 Interface H Hinge mechanism

Claims (4)

a first display;
a second display;
a first control unit for controlling the first display;
a second control unit for controlling the second display;
a CPU that outputs a control signal for switching the activation state of the first display and the second display;
The second control unit includes a preliminary control section including a receiver that communicates with the CPU, and a main control section including a driver that drives the second display,
An electronic device, wherein the auxiliary control section operates and the main control section does not operate when the second display is turned off based on the control signal. comprising a first housing and a second housing rotatably connected to each other by a hinge mechanism;
A keyboard is provided in the first housing,
Of the second housing, the first display is provided on the surface facing the first housing in the closed state, and the second display is provided on the surface opposite to the first display. The electronic device according to claim 1. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein said preliminary control unit includes a processor that executes processing for displaying an image on said second display. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an interface connecting said CPU and said second control unit complies with eDP.

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