JP3686427B2 - Notebook information processor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus using a flat display device such as a flat display, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus that uses a plurality of flat displays stacked in a notebook manner.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional example of an information processing apparatus that feels like a paper by integrating a liquid crystal element and a coordinate input device, JP-A-60-75980, JP-A-3-214309, British Patent Publication GB2193827A, US Patent No. There is one disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,730,186. Further, as a conventional example for obtaining coordinate coincidence between a liquid crystal element and a coordinate input device, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-183428 (US Pat. No. 4,646,073).
[0003]
Further, as a conventional example of an information processing apparatus using a plurality of displays, there are two screens as disclosed in JP-A-2-127714, JP-A-4-15717, JP-A-4-15725. A touch tablet is attached to each to improve man-machine performance by inputting and outputting information on two screens, and a plurality of liquid crystal display elements that can display both sides as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-278658 are integrated and integrated. Some pages are turned so that the entire information can be grasped in the same way as a book.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above prior art, the display of one or two screens and the input display integration of the coordinate input device are considered, but the integration of the input display of the coordinate input device and the multiple displays of three screens (including double-sided display) or more. In addition to the problems of cost reduction and thinning, there are also problems in usability such as turning pages. That is, if the sensor of the coordinate input device and the sensor of the liquid crystal are provided for each page and integrated into a sheet, the sheet becomes thicker due to the thicker sheet, the difficulty of turning the page, and the cost increases due to the increased number of processes. It was.
[0005]
Since the number of pages on the display screen is also small, one display is displayed as a multi-window, and the usage method can be used simply by referring to the display contents as in the book or by selecting menus and icons. Stayed in the way of starting the software. That is, sufficient consideration has not been given to an effective usage method due to the display of a plurality of pages. For example, you can take into account such as sending / receiving emails and scheduling screens just by opening a certain page, or returning to the word processor editing screen that you entered previously. Was not. Furthermore, as an operation, when the cover cover is folded, there is no consideration of automatically saving the current program and turning off the power automatically. Man-machine nature was bad, such as performing procedures.
[0006]
Further, although it has been shown that a large amount of information is displayed by performing double-sided display in the conventional example, a specific double-sided display structure and color sheet structure have not been disclosed.
[0007]
Further, in order to capture already printed paper information, it has to be performed from an external scanner device via an interface. If the information processing apparatus itself has a built-in scanner, it involves a mechanical structure, so that the apparatus itself becomes large and there is a problem in portability.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention solves such technical problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use notebook information processing apparatus using a plurality of displays.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  First aspect of the present inventionAccording to
  A notebook information processing apparatus,
  A plurality of sheet-like flat displays, which are joined together so that they can be opened in a stacked state,
  A coordinate input device that also serves as a cover for the plurality of flat displays, and has an input surface that can accept handwritten input via the one or more flat displays on the plurality of flat display sides,
  Input means for performing handwritten input having a specific resonance frequency;
  A position indicator having a specific resonance frequency provided in the plurality of flat-screen displays;
  Cover opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the cover;
  Have
  The coordinate input device includes:
  Detecting the resonance frequency specific to the input means and the resonance frequency specific to the position indicator;
  The notebook information processing apparatus
  A notebook type information processing apparatus is provided, wherein the notebook type information processing apparatus is turned on and off according to the detection output of the cover opening / closing detection means.
  Second aspect of the present inventionAccording to
  A notebook information processing apparatus,
  A plurality of sheet-like flat displays, which are joined together so that they can be opened in a stacked state;
  A coordinate input device that also serves as a cover for the plurality of flat displays, and has an input surface that can accept handwritten input via the one or more flat displays on the plurality of flat display sides,
  A stylus pen for performing handwritten input having a specific resonance frequency;
  Have
  The plurality of flat displays are
  A position indicator having a unique resonance frequency different from the resonance frequency of the stylus pen;
  The coordinate input device detects a resonance frequency specific to the stylus pen and a resonance frequency specific to the position indicator.
  A notebook type information processing apparatus is provided.
[Action]
  The present inventionThe first aspect ofAccording to the coordinate input device that accepts handwritten inputDetects the resonance frequency specific to the input means and the resonance frequency specific to the position indicator. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the coordinate input device that receives handwritten input detects the resonance frequency specific to the stylus pen and the resonance frequency specific to the position indicator.
【Example】
  The notebook information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, in which a coordinate input device for detecting handwritten input and a plurality of flat displays is integrated, combines a plurality of sheet-like flat displays so that the pages can be opened. In addition, a common coordinate input device is provided for the plurality of flat displays so that the coordinate input device can input coordinates on the display surface of the flat display of each opened page.
[0010]
Preferably, the coordinate input device also serves as a cover for the plurality of planar displays, and an input surface of the coordinate input device is provided inside the cover.
[0011]
It is also possible to provide cover opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening / closing of the cover of the plurality of displays, and to turn on / off the apparatus according to the detection output of the cover opening / closing detection means.
[0012]
A page position detecting means for detecting which page is currently opened is provided, a specific application program is associated with the specific page, and when the specific page is opened, the page is automatically detected It is also possible to configure to start an application program.
[0013]
In this case, when the page position detecting means detects that the specific page is closed, the execution of the specific application program is interrupted and the execution state of the program is saved for the next restart. Providing program saving means and program return processing means for restoring the program execution state saved by the program comparison means when the page position detection means detects that the specific page has been opened. Is preferred.
[0014]
Further, the cover is provided with means for generating display instruction information or display information, and means for wirelessly transmitting the display instruction information or display information to at least one of the plurality of planar displays, and the at least one sheet The flat display may be provided with means for wirelessly receiving and displaying the display instruction information or display information and a built-in battery so that the flat display can be detached from the cover.
[0015]
MosquitoBy configuring the coordinate input device that is also used as a bar so that it can be shared by multiple displays, the coordinates of the stylus pen of the coordinate input device can be detected through the display, so coordinates can be input even if several displays are stacked. Is possible. Electromagnetic and electrostatic coordinate input devices are well known for detecting coordinates through a display. Accordingly, the combined use of the coordinate input device contributes to reducing the thickness and cost of the information processing device. When plastic liquid crystal is used for a flat display, it becomes particularly thin, so pages can be turned like paper and operability can be improved.
[0016]
Each page can detect which page is open by detecting coordinates unique to the page. By associating the page position detecting means with the program saving / returning means, the program operating on the page can be restored at the same time as it is opened, and the necessary work is immediately started. Thereby, business efficiency improves.
[0017]
Further, by interlocking the opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening / closing of the cover cover with the power on / off of the information processing apparatus and the program evacuation / return means, the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on at the same time as the cover cover is opened. The program is started, for example, the authentication system is started.
[0018]
The display sheet enables two-sided display by bonding two flat displays, but in the case of liquid crystal, only the deflection film causes interference with the display content of the opposite liquid crystal, so an opaque color sheet is inserted between them. A single display sheet was obtained. As a result, when the interference caused by the mutual display is eliminated, the simultaneous color sheet (which may be paper) is used, so that it is possible to distinguish the processing programs by color and the intuitiveness is improved.
[0019]
Further, by mounting a two-dimensional surface sensor scanner on the notebook information processing apparatus itself, there is no mechanical mechanism, so paper information can be easily read at high speed, and can be carried in a small size.
[0020]
BookAn embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration and external view of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022]
This embodiment will be described on the assumption that it is used in an office environment. That is, various servers SV1 and SV2 are connected to the network NET, and the notebook information processing devices WKNT1 and WKNT2 of the present invention are positioned as clients thereof. The network NET is connected via wireless networks NET1, NET2 and wireless terminals WT1, WT2. Therefore, the operator can freely use server resources anywhere in the office and has high portability. Of course, it may be used as a single device without using a network.
[0023]
As shown in the external view of FIG. 1, the notebook type information processing apparatus WKNT1 of the present invention has a plurality of liquid crystal display sheets SHT1, SHT2, and SHT3 (which will be described assuming three sheets, but there may be more). Each sheet has liquid crystal LCDs LCD1, LCD2, LCD3 for double-sided display and position indicators S1, S2, S3 for page position detection.
[0024]
On the other hand, the main body of the processing apparatus other than the liquid crystal display sheets SHT1, SHT2, and SHT3 mainly includes a coordinate input device TB that also serves as a cover cover (in this example, an electromagnetic method), a stylus pen PEN, and input for screen operation. There are devices SRL1, SRL2 (for scroll instruction), PGC (for page instruction), and a position indicator P for detecting opening and closing of the cover.
[0025]
The notebook information processing device WKNT1 can be folded in two from the center like WKNT2, and has a structure that is easy to carry. Further, since the liquid crystal display sheets SHT1, SHT2, and SHT3 use film-like liquid crystals, pages can be turned like a book. Note that a film-like liquid crystal is easily made possible by recent technology (for example, see page 130 of the article of '92 .12 Nikkei Byte).
[0026]
Next, an outline of operation and an outline of use of one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0027]
First, when the notebook information processing device WKNT1 is opened, the opening / closing of the cover is detected using the position indicator P, and a predetermined program (such as an authentication program for inputting a password or ID by PEN, which will be described later) is started. The After that, the previously processed program is restored on the opened page and the operation is displayed.
[0028]
If another page turning operation is performed, the coordinate positions of the page position detection position indicators S1 to S3 are detected by the page position detection means to determine which page has been opened and closed. Then, a program saving and restoring process is performed corresponding to the page. That is, for the closed page, the program execution is interrupted, the saving process for resuming is executed, and for the opened page, the interrupted program restoration process is executed. As a result, the user can directly enter the necessary work only by performing the operation of opening the page, and the man-machine performance can be greatly improved.
[0029]
When the target page is opened and the pen PEN is operated as in the case of WKNT1 in FIG. 1, the pen PEN signal is an electromagnetic pen in this embodiment, so that the coordinates penetrating the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 and embedded in the cover cover Coordinates can be detected by the input device TB. In accordance with the detection of the coordinates, menus, icon designations, and handwriting input can be performed as in the conventional case. Even if there are a plurality of liquid crystal display sheets, the pen PEN signal can penetrate through the liquid crystal display sheets, so that coordinate detection is possible. Thus, it is possible to realize a notebook information processing apparatus that eliminates the disadvantages of the conventional coordinate input device integrated for each display.
[0030]
When communicating with servers (SV1, SV2) connected to the network NET, information can be exchanged via the wireless terminal WT1 using the wireless network NET1. Similarly, communication between notebook information processing apparatuses can also be performed.
[0031]
Next, the structure of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0032]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a notebook information processing device WKNT1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the cover is composed of the coordinate input device TB, and in particular, both the two-dimensional surface position sensor SC and the sensor of the coordinate input device TB are built in at the upper part. Note that the two-dimensional surface sensor SC is a combination of a CCD sensor, a light source, and a lens. For example, the two-dimensional surface sensor SC is read by sandwiching an original between the opposed liquid crystal display sheet SHT3. The two-dimensional surface sensor SC is at a technically possible level by combining recent liquid crystal technology, CCD technology, and memory technology.
[0033]
A plurality of liquid crystal display sheets are bundled as shown in the figure and bound in advance to the main body like a notebook. As a binding method, a removable binder method, a closed hole method, and a non-removable adhesive fixing method are conceivable. In consideration of expandability, a removable method is desirable.
[0034]
The connection between the main body and the liquid crystal display sheet is made cordless in this embodiment, as will be described later with reference to FIG. As a cordless method, a method using a radio wave, a method using a light beam such as an infrared ray, and an electromagnetic coil method are conceivable. Any method may be used.
[0035]
FIG. 3 shows a structural diagram of the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1. SHT2 and SHT3 also have the same structure. The liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 is configured by sandwiching an opaque color sheet CLR1 between two liquid crystal LCDs 11 and 12 for performing double-sided display. In general, a liquid crystal display is displayed by applying a potential to a liquid crystal with a transparent electrode and utilizing a phase difference with a polarizing plate. Therefore, if the two liquid crystals are simply overlapped, the image on the opposite side will be affected. For this reason, an opaque sheet CLR1 for separation is placed between the liquid crystal display sheets.
[0036]
The liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 includes a page position detection position indicator S1, batteries CELL11 and CELL12 for powering the sheet, and a display sheet control controller SHTC1. The batteries CELL11 and CELL12 are a combination of a photovoltaic cell and a secondary battery, and require a battery capacity sufficient to display display information. In addition, since power can be supplied from the main body when a wired connection is used to connect the main body of the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1, this battery is not necessary. The display sheet control controller SHTC1 is mounted in the vicinity of the binding margin from the viewpoint of page turning ease and reliability. Of course, the controller SHTC1 is also mounted on a film-like sheet as realized by a method of mounting a watch or a calculator.
[0037]
Next, a block configuration of specific functions of the notebook information processing device WKNT1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0038]
The notebook information processing device WKNT1 is roughly composed of a block of a main body WKNT and three liquid crystal display sheets SHT1, SHT2, and SHT3. Information is exchanged between the main body WKNT and the three liquid crystal display sheets SHT1, SHT2, and SHT3 via the cordless network N-SHT as described above. Since the liquid crystal display sheets SHT1, SHT2 and SHT3 are each equipped with a sheet controller SHTC1 (SHTC2 and SHTC3 are not shown), the display information exchange with the main body WKNT is performed by the interface circuits SHT-M I / F and SHT1-S. This is performed by code data via the I / F.
[0039]
The main body WKNT includes a notebook controller WKNTC that controls the entire notebook information processing device WKNT1, peripheral devices, and sensors. Peripheral devices and sensors include a cover opening / closing detection position indicator P (this position does not correspond to FIG. 1 for the sake of illustration), a coordinate input device TB, a stylus pen PEN, a screen control sensor (SRL1, SRL2, PGC) and a two-dimensional surface sensor SC. These peripheral device and sensor signals are taken into the note controller WKNTC via each interface (TB I / F, PAGE I / F, SC I / F) and processed.
[0040]
Here, it is assumed that the notebook controller WKNTC has the same processing capability and function as a recent pen computer. Therefore, it has a microprocessor MPU-M, memory (ROM-M, RAM-M), external interface WT I / F, power supply PWR, and the like.
[0041]
As described above, the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 includes the sheet controller SHTC1, the two liquid crystal LCDs 11 and 12, the page position detection position indicators S1, S2, and S3, and the battery CELL1 block.
[0042]
The sheet controller SHTC1 has a function for developing code data such as characters and graphics into image information, and, like the note controller WKNTC, the microprocessor MPUS1, the memory (ROM-S1, RAM-S1), and the LCD interface LCD11 There are I / F, LCD12 I / F, and interface SHT-S I / F with the main body WKNT.
[0043]
Now, the operation and operation outline of the notebook information processing apparatus of FIG. 4 will be described.
[0044]
First, the position indicator P and the position indicators S1, S2, and S3 are constituted by a coil and a capacitor element, and coordinates can be detected by using a physical phenomenon in which the element resonates at a specific frequency. That is, the coordinate input device TB sequentially supplies a specific frequency to the X and Y axis sensors of the TB, and detects the coordinates by using a change in impedance due to resonance with the capacitor element. The coordinates of the stylus pen can be detected in the same way. At this time, the resonance frequency of the stylus pen PEN and the resonance frequencies of the position indicators P, S1, S2, and S3 need to be different from each other in order to identify each other.
[0045]
The coordinates are input via the interface TB I / F, and the corresponding processing is performed by the microprocessor MPU-M. On the other hand, the screen control sensors SRL1, SRL2, and PGC are input via the interface PAGE I / F for the operation on the opposite side of the hand holding the stylus pen PEN, and screen scrolling and page switching control of the liquid crystal display are performed. It is. Note that a touch sensor or a volume may be used as the screen control sensors SRL1, SRL2, and PGC. Screen scrolling and page switching (this page is a page within one screen) can be performed by a software instruction on the display screen of each liquid crystal display, but common to each liquid crystal display as in this embodiment. By providing it as hardware on the main body side, it is possible to operate using an available left hand effectively. In particular, page switching can be operated as if you were turning an actual book.
[0046]
As a specific usage method, for example, when a touch sensor is used as a sensor, the page switching operation is made to correspond to the position state of the page switching sensor PGC, that is, the left coordinate position from the center position, and the page return operation is made to correspond to the right coordinate position. The page switching speed may be changed depending on the size of the coordinate value (larger from the center). By using a resistance type volume for the sensor, the page switching speed can be made variable according to the magnitude of the value. Further, two page switching sensors PGC can be used, one of which corresponds to the page feed operation and the other corresponds to the page return operation.
[0047]
As for the screen scroll sensors SRL1 and SRL2, both scrolls can be controlled according to the size of the coordinate value, as in the case of using the touch sensor.
[0048]
As described above, since the interface can be performed by using both hands, man-machine performance can be improved.
[0049]
A paper document can be read by the two-dimensional surface sensor SC, and this data can be displayed on a display sheet (SHTC1, SHTC2, SHTC3). The operation is as follows. When an original is placed on the two-dimensional surface sensor SC and a menu or icon for driving the scanner is designated with the stylus pen, scanning is started and displayed on the display sheet in which instructions are sequentially given from the read images. Of course, unlike when a one-dimensional sensor is used, reading is performed instantaneously. The read image is compressed and stored in the memory RAM-M, and is printed by transmitting to a server (SV1, SV2 in FIG. 1) connected to the network NET, for example, a print server, if necessary. An original can be transmitted to a facsimile machine using a server. As described above, since the notebook information processing apparatus is positioned as a personal information device, system resources can be shared and a database can be effectively used by using the system via a network.
[0050]
Returning to FIG. 4, how the information processed by the notebook information processing device WKNT1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 will be described next.
[0051]
As input of information, first, handwritten memo data of the coordinate input device TB is fetched as coordinate data via the TB I / F, and a liquid crystal display sheet via the sheet interfaces SHT-M I / F and SHT-S I / F. It is displayed as a collection of coordinate points on the liquid crystal LCD 11 or LCD 12 of the SHT 1.
[0052]
The character and graphic information processed and processed by the main body of the notebook information processing device WKNT1 transmits the code data indicating it and the position coordinate data to be displayed to the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1. In the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1, the received code information and position information are interpreted, and character font data (stored in the ROM-S1) and graphic images are stored in the display memory (RAM-S1). This display memory is periodically displayed on the liquid crystal LCDs 11 and 12 via the liquid crystal display interface LCD11 I / F or LCD12 I / F.
[0053]
The image data captured by the two-dimensional surface sensor SC is compressed (for example, facsimile encoding method MR compression) and transmitted to the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 in the same manner. The liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 can be displayed by decompressing the received image data and storing it in the display memory.
[0054]
Further, various information from the host system can be taken in via the interface WT I / F through the wireless network NET1, transmitted to the liquid crystal display sheet SHT1 and displayed on the liquid crystal display sheet in the same manner as described above.
[0055]
As described above, the block configuration of an embodiment of the present invention adopts a multiprocessor configuration of the controller WKTTC that mainly performs information processing and the controllers SHTC1 to SHTC3 that mainly perform display processing. As a result, the processing performance is improved, the interface is simplified, and the flexibility of the liquid crystal display sheet is obtained. For example, as another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal display sheet can be cut off and clipped to the front of the office partition and displayed. At this time, data can be communicated from the main body of the notebook information processing apparatus to change the display. However, since it is separated from the coordinate input device TB, it is not possible to directly indicate the screen.
[0056]
Next, a method for detecting the page position of a plurality of liquid crystal display sheets and a method for matching the coordinates of input display, which are features of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.
[0057]
In FIG. 5, the cover coordinate input device TB has one coordinate system, and particularly has a flexible structure at the center coordinate xc and can be folded in two. Of course, two coordinate input devices that are physically different may be used to logically form one coordinate input device. Each sheet position indicator S1 to S3 is provided at a unique y-coordinate position of the edge of each page. The position indicator P is provided on the back cover side of the cover. As described above, the four position indicators resonate at the same frequency. The coordinate input device TB can detect these four coordinates. Based on the presence / absence of the coordinate value and the positional relationship, it is possible to easily determine whether the cover is open and which page is open. With the specific page opened, the coordinates of the position indicators S1 to S3 of the sheets SHT1 to SHT3 are S1 (x1, y1), S2 (x2, y2), and S3 (x3, y3), respectively. An open page can be recognized depending on whether each of these coordinates is on the left or right side of the x-axis center coordinate xc. Further, the x-axis inversion coordinate P ′ of the coordinate of the position indicator P is set to (x4, y4). Regarding the position indicator P, when the coordinates are detected at the facing position P ′ on the front cover side, it can be determined that the cover is closed.
[0058]
Specifically, the determination is performed by the method of FIG. Since the y-axis coordinate of each position indicator is physically fixed (substantially the same), it can be determined by the x-axis coordinate position of each position indicator. Here, since there are three liquid crystal display sheets, the page numbers are P1 to P6 from the left. In FIG. 6, whether the cover and each page are open can be determined by determining whether Condition 1 or Condition 2 is satisfied. In the figure, a circle of a condition indicates that the condition is satisfied. The brackets in condition 2 indicate a position indicator without coordinate detection. In the example of FIG. 6, the condition that the cover is open (P open) is the condition 2 regardless of the condition 1, that is, when the coordinates of the position indicator P are not detected. Also, the condition (P1 open) that page 1 is open is:
(S1 (x1, y1)> xc) and
(S2 (x2, y2)> xc) and
(S3 (x3, y3)> xc)
It becomes. When there is no coordinate detection for S1, it can be seen that both page 1 and page 2 are open, that is, in the middle of page turning.
[0059]
The same applies to other pages.
[0060]
Next, a software configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the software is roughly divided into an operating system OS and application software AP. Here, the solid line indicates the data flow, and the dotted line indicates the control flow.
[0061]
First, the OS will be described. Signals from the position indicators S1 to S3 are processed by page position detection processing (OS10), and input display coordinate matching processing (OS20) is performed from the current coordinate position. On the other hand, it is determined which page is open, and the program corresponding to the page is restored (OS 30). One of the application software APs is restored for program restoration.
[0062]
Next, cover cover open / close detection is performed by a cover open / close detection process (OS40). When the cover is opened (turned on), an authentication process is first performed to confirm that the user himself is using the application (OS 50). This authentication process is performed by password input, ID input, or in addition to or instead of signature input. If it is confirmed that the user is the person, the program returns to the previous program return process and returns to the program being processed (OS 30). Of course, if you know that you are not the person, do not go to the program recovery process.
[0063]
On the other hand, when the cover is closed (off), the currently processed program is temporarily saved and prepared for the next cover cover opening operation (OS60).
[0064]
For coordinates input from the coordinate input device TB, coordinate conversion is performed (OS70), coordinate conversion is performed, and handwritten character recognition processing (OS80) and handwritten edit symbol recognition processing (OS90) are performed. These recognition results are passed to the application software and corresponding processing is performed. Note that the output of the coordinate input device TB is also output to the window processing at the same time, and multi-window processing is performed (OS100).
[0065]
The signal processing of the screen control sensors SRL1, SRL2, and PGC is processed simultaneously with signal detection, and corresponding processing is performed (OS110). That is, when the sensors SRL1 and SRL2 are detected, the screen scrolling process within the page is performed, and when the sensor PGC is detected, the page turning process is performed. Therefore, this process is closely related to the window process. Note that the window processing (OS 100) drives application software (OS) and sheet display processing (OS 120), and controls the man-machine interface.
[0066]
Further, the output of the two-dimensional surface sensor SC is converted into a binary image by an image input process, and an image data file is created (OS 130).
[0067]
Next, there are various types of application software, but mail processing (AP10), schedule processing (AP20), word processing (AP30), spreadsheet processing (AP40), database processing (AP50) are often used on the office. ) Other application software is omitted. Each of these application software is a task and can be processed simultaneously. In the present invention, these tasks are processed corresponding to pages. As a result, when a certain page is opened, the task assigned to that page is activated, and it is possible to directly enter the saved state.
[0068]
In addition to assigning tasks to pages, multiple pages may be assigned to one task (application software). In this case, since a plurality of screens can be used, more efficient work can be performed.
[0069]
As mentioned above, according to the Example of this invention, there exists the following effect.
[0070]
Since coordinate input to a plurality of liquid crystal display sheets is shared by a single coordinate input device, the thickness of the liquid crystal display sheet can be reduced, which makes page turning as simple as a notebook. Since each of the main body and the liquid crystal display sheet has a controller, the performance is improved and the interface is simplified.
[0071]
Further, since the opening / closing detection of the page position and the opening / closing detection of the cover cover are based on a method using a coil and a capacitor, a power supply and an active element are unnecessary and a system can be constructed at low cost.
[0072]
In addition, portability is improved due to the foldable structure.
[0073]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described below.
[0074]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, a method of using a liquid crystal video signal as an interface between the main body and the liquid crystal display sheet is employed. Compared with the previous embodiment of the present invention, this method has a drawback that the number of signal lines of the interface is large and the transfer speed is required, but the sheet controller (SHTC1) is not required.
[0075]
FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment. In this embodiment, the page position detection method in the case where the liquid crystal display sheets SHTa and SHTb are individually separated and freely arranged on the coordinate input device TB is described. In this case, in particular, since the sheet can be freely arranged, two position indicators Sa1, Sa2 (Sb1, Sb2) are required for rotation detection with the coordinate input device TB. The rotation detection can be easily calculated from the coordinates of Sa1 (x1, y1) and Sb1 (x2, y2) or Sb1 (x3, y3) and Sb2 (x4, y4). Therefore, it is necessary to consider this inclination when the input coordinates are converted into the display coordinate system of the liquid crystal display sheet.
[0076]
Further, as another application example in the case of FIG. 9, a description will be given of a case where the entire conference desk is used as a coordinate input device and a processing device, and a liquid crystal display sheet is used as materials for conference participants. In other words, the same screen is displayed for the conference participants, and if necessary, they can write notes or point on the liquid crystal display sheet freely. At this time, in order to identify who is inputting, a device such as changing the cursor shape or the color of the memo is taken. In order to accept a plurality of coordinate inputs, the resonance frequency of each stylus pen is set individually. This stylus pen may be distributed to conference participants in advance or distributed on the spot. Accordingly, it is not necessary to distribute a copy or bring a file as in a conventional conference, and a paperless electronic conference can be realized.
[0077]
In this separation-free method, when a plurality of pages overlap, it is difficult to determine which page is accessed, and therefore a predetermined promise is required. For example, a method that always determines that a page with a young coordinate value is always at the top (or bottom), a method that prioritizes the page that has been input until now, and a method that makes the page inaccessible when the pages overlap. It is done.
[0078]
In the case of the example in FIG. 9, the liquid crystal display sheet can be freely separated, so that it can be hung with paper sandwiches like ordinary paper. At this time, when the display is left for a long time, it is necessary to increase the battery capacity or to supply power from the outside.
[0079]
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications are possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 as the page position detection method of the above-described embodiment, the positions of the position indicators S1 to S3 are placed above the y-axis center line. You may put it in the direction. In particular, since the page turning operation is often performed on the front side of the sheet, it is convenient when performing display during page turning. This is because it is determined that the page is open as shown in FIG. 6 because there is no page coordinate detection during page turning.
[0080]
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method using a coil and a capacitor is used as a page position detection method, but other methods such as a method for detecting a specific magnetic mark and a method using an optical sensor are conceivable. Any method can be used as long as the page is opened and closed and the coordinate position is known.
[0081]
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal display sheet is a double-sided display as shown in FIG. 3, but this may be a single-sided display. In this case, the amount of display information is reduced, but the display sheet is further thinned.
[0082]
ExampleAccording to the present invention, the coordinate input device is shared by a plurality of planar displays, thereby contributing to the reduction in thickness and cost of the information processing device.
[0083]
In addition, each page can detect which page is open by detecting the unique coordinates of the page. If this page position detection means is associated with the program saving / returning means, the page will be opened as soon as it is opened. The program that was running can be restored, and the necessary work can be started immediately. Thereby, business efficiency improves.
[0084]
Further, by interlocking the opening / closing detection means for detecting the opening / closing of the cover cover with the power on / off of the information processing apparatus and the program evacuation / return means, the power of the information processing apparatus is turned on at the same time as the cover cover is opened. The program starts up. In this way, the operation becomes intuitive and man-machine characteristics are greatly improved.
[0085]
The display sheet can be displayed on both sides by sticking two liquid crystal elements, and an opaque color sheet is inserted between them to form a single display sheet. However, it is possible to distinguish processing programs by color, and the intuition is improved.
[0086]
Further, by mounting a two-dimensional surface sensor scanner on the notebook information processing apparatus itself, there is no mechanical mechanism, so paper information can be easily read at high speed, and can be carried in a small size.
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, an easy-to-use notebook information processing apparatus using a plurality of displays is provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration and external view of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of the embodiment of the present invention when folded.
FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a liquid crystal display sheet.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating cover cover opening / closing and page position detection.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating cover cover open / close and page open / close determination conditions;
FIG. 7 is a software configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating page position detection according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
SV1, SV2 ... server, NET ... network, WT1, WT2 ... wireless terminal, NET1, NET2 ... wireless network, WKNT1, WKNT2 ... notebook information processing device, TB ... coordinate input device, PEN ... stylus pen, SHT1, SHT2, SHT3 ... Liquid crystal display sheet, LCD1, LCD2, LCD3 ... Liquid crystal display, P ... Position indicator for cover cover open / close detection, S1, S2, S3 ... Position indicator for page position detection, SRL1, SRL2, PGC ... Sensor for screen control

Claims (7)

A notebook information processing apparatus,
A plurality of sheet-like flat displays, which are joined together so that they can be opened in a stacked state,
A coordinate input device that also serves as a cover for the plurality of flat displays, and has an input surface that can accept handwritten input via the one or more flat displays on the plurality of flat display sides,
Input means for performing handwritten input having a specific resonance frequency;
A position indicator having a specific resonance frequency provided in the plurality of flat-screen displays;
Cover opening / closing detection means for detecting opening / closing of the cover;
Have
The coordinate input device includes:
Detecting the resonance frequency specific to the input means and the resonance frequency specific to the position indicator;
The notebook information processing apparatus
A notebook type information processing apparatus, wherein the notebook type information processing apparatus is turned on and off according to a detection output of the cover opening / closing detection means. The notebook information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
A notebook information processing apparatus, wherein a resonance frequency unique to the input means is different from a resonance frequency unique to the position indicator. A notebook information processing apparatus,
A plurality of sheet-like flat displays, which are joined together so that they can be opened in a stacked state;
A coordinate input device that also serves as a cover for the plurality of flat displays, and has an input surface that can accept handwritten input via the one or more flat displays on the plurality of flat display sides,
A stylus pen for performing handwritten input having a specific resonance frequency;
Have
The plurality of flat displays are
A position indicator having a unique resonance frequency different from the resonance frequency of the stylus pen;
The coordinate input device detects a resonance frequency specific to the stylus pen and a resonance frequency specific to the position indicator. The notebook information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 3,
Detecting the coordinates of the position indicator with the coordinate input device based on the resonance frequency specific to the position indicator, and detecting the page of the flat display being opened;
A notebook type information processing apparatus. The notebook information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Associating a specific application program with a specific page of the flat display and automatically starting the application program when the specific page is opened;
A notebook type information processing apparatus. The notebook information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
When the coordinate input device detects that the specific page is closed, the program saving means for interrupting the execution of the specific application program and saving the execution state of the program for the next restart When,
Program return processing means for returning the program execution bear saved by the program saving means when the coordinate input device detects that the specific page is opened;
A notebook type information processing apparatus comprising: The notebook information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
When the cover is opened, a user information is authenticated, and then the program is restored.

Images