JP4417002B2 - Electronic device, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device. Specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic apparatus having a display device and a keyboard (or an input device similar thereto).
[0002]
[Prior art]
A representative example of an electronic device having a keyboard (or an input device similar to the keyboard; hereinafter, represented by a keyboard) is a personal computer. While interacting with information displayed on the display device of the personal computer, the user operates the keyboard to input necessary commands and characters into the personal computer. The display device functions as information output means for the user, and the keyboard functions as input means for the personal computer.
[0003]
By the way, today's personal computers are evolving into not only information processing functions but also those having playback functions such as television broadcasts and DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) contents, taking advantage of their excellent display performance. However, since the frequency of use of the keyboard decreases with this, a design (design) that can be used to look and store a disturbing keyboard has been demanded.
[0004]
In terms of storability, the notebook personal computer has an integrated keyboard and display device that can be folded, so there is no need to consider the location of the keyboard. In addition, some desktop personal computers adopting this method (folding type) have been put into practical use, and some measures have been taken to improve the keyboard capacity.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in these improvement measures, since the entire screen of the display device is covered with the keyboard, the storage state of the keyboard must be released each time the screen of the display device needs to be viewed. In addition, there is a problem that both storage of the keyboard and usability of the display device cannot be achieved in the first place.
[0006]
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that a part of the screen of the display device can be used even when the keyboard is housed, so that both the housing property of the keyboard and the usability of the display device are achieved. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can be used.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the present invention, in an electronic apparatus including an input device unit, a mounting unit that attaches the input device unit near the lower end of the display unit and a part of the display area of the display unit are covered by the input device unit. A detecting means for detecting, a means for determining whether or not a predetermined application program is executed, and a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the detecting means when the predetermined application program is executed. A graphical user interface for performing predetermined processing by an application program based on the size of the portion of the display area of the display unit that is not covered by the input device while the state is detectedThe configuration is changed from the configuration when the state where a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the detection unit is not detected,Display control means for displaying on the display unit.
[0008]
  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for controlling an electronic apparatus including an input device unit attached near the lower end of the display unit, wherein the input device unit detects that a part of the display area of the display unit is covered. A detection step, a step of determining whether or not a predetermined application program is executed, and a state in which a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the detection step when the predetermined application program is executed Graphical user interface for performing predetermined processing by an application program based on the size of the portion of the display area of the display unit that is not covered by the input device whileThe configuration is changed from the configuration when the state where a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the detection unit is not detected,And a display control step for displaying on the display unit.
[0009]
  Furthermore, the present invention is a program for an electronic device including an input device unit attached near the lower end of the display unit, wherein the input device unit covers a part of the display area of the display unit. A detection step for detecting, a step for determining whether or not a predetermined application program is executed, and a portion of the display area of the display unit is covered by the detection step when the predetermined application program is executed. A graphical user interface for performing predetermined processing by an application program based on the size of the portion of the display area of the display unit that is not covered by the input device while the state is detectedThe configuration is changed from the configuration when the state where a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the detection unit is not detected,And a display control step for displaying on the display unit.
[0010]
Here, when the input device unit covers a “part” of the display area of the display unit (when the input device unit is “not in use”), the display unit is covered with the input device unit ( It is divided into a (hidden) part and other parts (parts not covered by the input device part). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the former is referred to as a “hidden portion” and the latter is referred to as a “non-hidden portion”.
[0011]
In such a configuration, when a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the input device unit, the state is detected by the detection unit, and the display control unit displays the non-hidden portion of the display unit. Is controlled.
[0012]
Accordingly, even in the storage state of the input device unit, a part of the screen of the display unit (non-hidden portion) can be used, and both the storage property of the keyboard unit and the usability of the display unit can be achieved.
[0013]
  Also,The present inventionAccording to the above, when the input device unit attached near the lower end of the display unit is stored so as to cover a part of the display unit while a specific application program is activated, a predetermined process is performed by the application program accordingly. The graphical user interface for performing can be changed.Further, by changing the configuration of the graphical user interface depending on whether or not a part of the display area of the display unit is covered, it is possible to achieve both storage performance and operability of the application.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking application to a personal computer as an example. It should be noted that the specific details or examples in the following description and the illustrations of numerical values, character strings, and other symbols are only for reference in order to clarify the idea of the present invention, and the present invention may be used in whole or in part. Obviously, the idea of the invention is not limited. In addition, a well-known technique, a well-known procedure, a well-known architecture, a well-known circuit configuration, and the like (hereinafter, “well-known matter”) are not described in detail, but this is also to simplify the description. Not all or part of the matter is intentionally excluded. Such well-known matters are known to those skilled in the art at the time of filing of the present invention, and are naturally included in the following description.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the personal computer 10. The personal computer 10 includes a display unit 11, a base unit 12, and a keyboard unit 13. The upper end of the keyboard unit 13 is swingably attached to the vicinity of the lower portion of the display unit 11 via a hinge mechanism 14. As a result, the personal computer 10 is shown in (c) from the open state shown in (a) (the state in which the keyboard unit 13 is opened to enable key operation) through the state in the middle of opening and closing shown in (b). The state can be changed to the closed state (or “stored state” or “folded state”: a state in which the keyboard unit 13 is closed to disable key operation) or vice versa. . Therefore, in the unused state, the keyboard unit 13 can cover almost the lower half of the screen of the display unit 11.
[0023]
Here, the personal computer 10 includes a liquid crystal display panel 15 disposed in the center front of the display unit 11 and speakers 16R and 16L disposed on both sides of the liquid crystal display panel 15, and the keyboard unit 13 has a predetermined configuration. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0024]
Any electronic device having a display device and a keyboard may be used. For example, various information processing devices such as a word processor, a network terminal, or a workstation, or a personal information terminal such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), a mobile phone (car phone Or PHS (including Personal Handy-phone System), or various dedicated devices (for example, a spectrum analyzer, a non-linear editing device, etc.) used in fields such as measurement and broadcasting. These devices also have the same display device and keyboard as the personal computer 10 of the present embodiment. Some of these devices include other input devices such as a numeric keypad instead of a keyboard. However, such an input device is also an input device similar to a keyboard. In the illustrated example, the liquid crystal display panel 15 is used as the display device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of display devices such as a cold cathode tube type or an EL (Electro Luminescence) type are also used. There may be.
[0025]
Now, one of the peculiarities of the electronic device (personal computer 10) in the present embodiment is that, as described above, when the keyboard portion 13 is closed, the lower half of the liquid crystal display panel 15 is hidden. It is in.
[0026]
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram thereof. (A) is when the keyboard unit 13 is in an open state (see FIG. 1A), and (b) is when the keyboard unit 13 is in a closed state (see FIG. 1C). In the “open state”, the entire display area of the liquid crystal display panel 15 is visible (exposed), but in the “closed state”, the lower half of the liquid crystal display panel 15 is hidden and the remaining part (almost) Only the upper half) is visible.
[0027]
The illustrated liquid crystal display panel 15 is a horizontally long panel compatible with wide television broadcasting, and has an XGA (eXtended Graphics Array) resolution (1024 × 768 dots). Further, a portion that is hidden and cannot be seen when the keyboard portion 13 is set to the “closed state” (hereinafter referred to as “hidden portion 15a”) is a lower half of 1024 × 384 dots, and a portion that is visible when the keyboard portion 13 is in the same state ( Hereinafter, the upper half 1024 × 384 dots is referred to as “non-hidden portion 15b”. However, these limitations are for convenience of explanation and, of course, do not indicate an extension of the idea of the invention.
[0028]
Another unique point of the electronic device (personal computer 10) in the present embodiment is that it has a mechanism for detecting the open / closed state of the keyboard unit 13.
[0029]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the mechanism. In this example, a magnetic sensitive switch element 20 is mounted inside the display unit 11, and a permanent magnet 21 is mounted inside the keyboard unit 13. The switch element 20 has a normally-off type switch contact 20a. The switch contact 20a is turned on in response to magnetism. The permanent magnet 21 is provided at an appropriate position where magnetism can be applied to the switch element 20 when the keyboard unit 13 is closed.
[0030]
According to this example, when the keyboard portion 13 is in the open state (or in the middle of opening and closing; see FIG. 3A), the permanent magnet 21 and the switch element 20 are separated from each other, so that the switch contact When the keyboard portion 13 is in the closed state (see FIG. 3B), the switch contact 20a is turned on because the permanent magnet 21 and the switch element 20 are close to each other.
[0031]
Therefore, for example, if the ground potential (a potential corresponding to logic 0) is applied to one end of the switch element 20 and the detection signal Sa is taken out from the other end, the keyboard unit 13 is closed (FIG. 3). (See (b)), since the detection signal Sa becomes the ground potential (logic 0), the closed state of the keyboard unit 13 is electrically detected by making this signal state (Sa = logic 0) active. Can do.
[0032]
Next, an internal block configuration of the electronic apparatus (personal computer 10) in the present embodiment will be described.
[0033]
FIG. 4 is a block configuration diagram thereof. The block configuration shown is not particularly limited, but conforms to a known AT compatible machine architecture. In this figure, the personal computer 10 connects various chips such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a Video (video) controller 32, and a Memory (memory) 33 to a chip set 30 including two blocks (NorthBridge 30 a and SouthBridge 30 b). Audio (Audio) controller 34, Modem (Modem) 35, USB (Universal Serial Bus) 36, Memory Stick (Memory Stick) 37, Bluetooth (Bluetooth) 38, HDD (Hard disk drive) 39 and CD-R / CD-RW / DVD-R / Various interfaces such as DVD-RW drive 40 and BIOS (BasicI the put / Output System) to connect the chip 41, further, PCI extending from SouthBridge30b (PeripheralComponentsInterconnectBus) 42 and alternative ISA (InstructionSetArchitecture) i to the bus 43. Link (R) (IEEE 1394) 44, PC-Card 45, Super I / O 46, H8 microcomputer 47, and the like are connected.
[0034]
Super I / O 46 controls input / output of serial port 48 and parallel port 49, and H8 microcomputer 47 controls input / output of PS / 2 port 50 such as a mouse, keyboard port 51, and JOG port 52 such as a game controller. To do.
[0035]
The CPU 31 accesses the HDD 39 via the chipset 30, loads a basic program (also referred to as an operating system) stored (installed) in the HDD 39 in advance to the Memory 33 and executes it.
[0036]
The HDD 39 stores (installs) an arbitrary application program (a program that can be executed on the basic program, also referred to as an application program) in addition to the basic program, and the CPU 31 stores the basic program. In the execution environment, a desired application program can be loaded into the Memory 33 and executed automatically or in response to a user operation.
[0037]
By the way, when the basic program is Windows (R), which is a representative of a known general-purpose operating system, in order to automatically execute a desired application program, a shortcut icon of the application program is placed in a special folder called startup. Just register. For an application program that can be executed as a background service, the “startup type” of the application program may be set to “automatic”.
[0038]
The application program that is designated for automatic execution in this manner resides in the Memory 33 after the personal computer 10 is started up and continues to execute its function until the personal computer 10 is shut down. The type of application program is called “resident application program”.
[0039]
While executing the basic program and the application program, the CPU 31 can access various hardware resources of the personal computer 10 according to the contents of the program.
[0040]
The personal computer 10 having such a configuration is an existing personal computer in that functions according to the contents of the program can be realized by organic coupling of software resources such as basic programs and application programs and various hardware resources. In common with the following points.
[0041]
That is, the electronic device (personal computer 10) in the present embodiment hides the two singular points already described, that is, (1) the lower half of the liquid crystal display panel 15 when the keyboard unit 13 is closed. And (2) a switch element 20 that generates a detection signal Sa that becomes active when the keyboard unit 13 is closed, and (3) the detection signal Sa is transmitted to a predetermined interface ( In the figure, as an example, it can be transmitted to the CPU 31 via the H8 microcomputer 47), and (4) a predetermined application program using a function of a basic program being executed by the CPU 31 (for example, API; Application Program Interface function). The active / inactive detection signal Sa This is different from existing personal computers in that it can be determined and (5) the execution state of a predetermined application program can be changed using the determination result.
[0042]
These characteristic points (1) to (5) will be described with specific examples.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a specific example thereof. In the figure, the lower layer is a hardware resource 60, the middle layer is a basic program 61, and the upper layer is an application program 62. The hardware resource 60 includes each block of FIG. 4, but only the detection signal Sa generated in the switch element 20 is shown in a simplified manner in the figure. The basic program 61 monitors the state of the detection signal Sa, and when there is a notification request for the state from the application program 62 via a predetermined API function (for convenience, it is referred to as “DeviceIoControl function”), the API function Is used to notify the state of the detection signal Sa.
[0044]
For example, when the detection signal Sa is active (when the keyboard unit 13 is in the closed state), the return value of the “DeviceIoControl function” is set to a true value (“True”), while when the detection signal Sa is inactive ( When the keyboard unit 13 is in the open state), the return value of the “DeviceIoControl function” is notified as a false value (“False”). According to this, the closed state of the keyboard unit 13 can be determined by evaluating the expression “DeviceIoControl () = True” by the application program 62.
[0045]
As the application program 62, two independent programs 63 and 64 are shown in the illustrated example. The first application program 63 is a “resident application program” that determines the open / closed state of the keyboard unit 13 using the “DeviceIoControl function”, and the display mode of the liquid crystal display 15 is changed according to the determination result. It can be changed. The second application program 64 is an arbitrary application program that can change its execution state under the control of the first application program 63. The relationship between the first application program 63 and the second application program 64 will be described later.
[0046]
As described above, the first application program 63 can determine the open / close state of the keyboard unit 13 and change the “display mode” of the liquid crystal display 15 according to the determination result. Here, “changing the display mode” means to give different visual effects in an open state and a closed state of the keyboard unit 13 in a broad sense. For example, while the open state of the keyboard unit 13 is determined, a normal screen (“desktop screen” in the case of Windows®) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 15, while the closed state of the keyboard unit 13 is determined. In the meantime, “an arbitrary screen” corresponding to the closed state is displayed on the liquid crystal display 15.
[0047]
The arbitrary screen may be a simple screen such as a logo display, but is preferably a screen that can give some useful information in consideration of the convenience for the user, for example, a calendar display or a time display screen. Also good. The following description will be made as a screen capable of displaying time (referred to as a “time display screen” for convenience).
[0048]
In FIG. 5, the first application program 63 is composed of, for example, four blocks. The first block is a MotionClock display unit 63a, and the second block is a Launcher control unit 63b. The third block is a setting unit 63c, and the fourth block is a driver unit 63d. In addition, although it comprised with four blocks here, you may put together into one block and may divide | segment into several blocks other than four. In any case, they are design items that take into account the ease of program development and the sharing of program components.
[0049]
The Launcher control unit 63b is a resident process unit that is loaded into the Memory 33 and automatically executed (as a startup or service) when the personal computer 10 is activated. During the execution period, the launcher control unit 63b periodically inquires the basic program 61 about the active / inactivity of the detection signal Sa via the driver unit 63d, and starts / ends the MotionClock display unit 63a based on the inquiry result. Judging.
[0050]
The MotionClock unit 63a displays (opens) a predetermined screen (time display screen) on the liquid crystal display panel 15 when the start command is output from the Launcher control unit 63b, and displays the screen (time) when the end command is output. Display screen).
[0051]
The setting unit 63c has an interface screen (not shown), and sets the operation of the first application program 63 using the screen. This operation setting includes, for example, whether or not to enable the MotionClock unit 63a (allowing to open a predetermined screen), and when opening the predetermined screen by enabling the MotionClock unit 63a. Whether or not to perform the suppression is included.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a layout of the predetermined screen (time display screen). In this figure, two types of layout examples (a) and (b) are shown. The time display screen 70 shown in one example (a) corresponds to the size (1024 × 384 dots) of the non-hiding portion 15b of the liquid crystal display panel 15, and the time shown in the other example (b). The display screen 71 corresponds to the size of the concealed portion + non-hidden portion 15b of the liquid crystal display panel 15 (that is, the size of the liquid crystal display panel 15: 1024 × 768 dots).
[0053]
In any of the examples, the time information display objects 70a and 71a, other operation objects (for example, monochrome display / color display change operation objects 70b and 71b), and any accompanying objects (for example, appropriately designed animation objects 70c and 71c). Or the like) are grouped in the non-hidden portion 15b. However, it is desirable that the drawing mode of these two types of time display screens 70 and 71 is a full screen. This is because the title bar and the screen frame can be hidden, and the desktop screen can be hidden by displaying the title bar and the screen. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the time display screen 70 in FIG. 6A is used.
[0054]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic flowchart of the Launcher control unit 63b. In this figure, the launcher control unit 63b in the resident state evaluates the expression “DeviceIoControl () = True” every predetermined time, and determines the open / close state of the keyboard unit 13 (step S11). If the evaluation result is “keyboard open”, it is determined whether or not the time display screen 70 is opened at that time (step S12). Returning to step (step S11), and if it is open, after closing the time display screen 70 (step S13), the process returns to the open / close state determination step (step S11) of the keyboard unit 13.
[0055]
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the liquid crystal display panel 15 when the keyboard unit 13 is in an open state. When the keyboard unit 13 is in the open state, the switch contact 20a of the switch element 20 is in the off state, and the detection signal Sa is inactive. Therefore, in this case, the time display screen 70 is not displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 15, and a normal screen (desktop screen 72) is displayed.
[0056]
On the other hand, when the keyboard unit 13 is in the closed state, as shown in FIG. 8B, the switch contact 20a of the switch element 20 is turned on, and the detection signal Sa changes to active. This signal change is detected by the evaluation result (True) of the expression “DeviceIoControl () = True” in step S11. In this case, it is determined whether or not the time display screen 70 is opened at that time (step S14). If not open, the time display screen 70 is opened (step S15), and then the keyboard unit 13 is opened. Return to the open / close state determination step (step S11), and if open, return to the open / close state determination step (step S11) of the keyboard unit 13 as it is.
[0057]
As described above, in the electronic device (personal computer 10) according to the present embodiment, when the keyboard unit 13 is in the housed state (closed state), the lower half (the concealed portion 15a) of the liquid crystal display panel 15 is moved to the keyboard unit 13. And a closed state dedicated screen (time display screen 70) can be displayed on the non-hidden portion 15b. Therefore, since the personal computer 10 can be utilized as a display device for predetermined information (in the above example, the current time) even when the keyboard unit 13 is in the stored state (closed state), a specific advantage can be obtained. Differentiation from other personal computers designed only for storing the keyboard portion can be achieved, and an advantage in the market can be secured.
[0058]
In the above example, when the keyboard unit 13 is in the closed state, the closed state dedicated screen (time display screen 70 or 71) for “time display” is displayed on the non-hiding portion 15b of the liquid crystal display panel 15. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, a preferred example of the development will be described.
[0059]
FIG. 9 is an improved example of the schematic flowchart (see FIG. 7) of the Launcher control unit 63b described above. This improved example determines execution / non-execution of the second application program 64 (see FIG. 5), and depending on the determination result, two closed state dedicated screens (the time display screen 70 or 71 described above / described later). The audio control combined time display screen 90 or 91 (see FIG. 11) is switched. Here, the second application program 64 can be, for example, an audio control program.
[0060]
FIG. 10 is an example screen layout of an audio control program (hereinafter referred to as “SonicStage screen” for convenience). The SonicStage screen has two display modes, a detail screen 80 and a simple screen 81. The detail screen 80 includes a title bar 80a, a menu bar 80b, and a client area 80c. Various controls for operating audio resources are arranged in the client area 80c. For example, the client area 80c is managed by SonicStage such as CD, import, playlist, transfer, media, and Internet in addition to control buttons such as a stop button, a play button, a pause button, a volume control, a fast forward button, and a rewind button. Consists of a file list display screen. On the other hand, the simple screen 81 has only a client area 81a in which the minimum necessary controls are arranged. For example, 81a includes control buttons such as a stop button, a playback button, a pause button, a volume control, a fast forward button, and a rewind button. The detail screen 80 and the simple screen 81 can be freely switched and used by a user operation.
[0061]
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the layout of the audio control / time display screen 90 or 91. The audio control combined time display screen 90 shown in one example (a) corresponds to the size (1024 × 384 dots) of the non-hidden portion 15 b of the liquid crystal display panel 15. In addition, the audio control combined time display screen 91 shown in the other example (b) matches the size of the concealed portion + the non-hidden portion 15b of the liquid crystal display panel 15 (that is, the size of the liquid crystal display panel 15: 1024 × 768 dots). It has been made.
[0062]
In any example, the time information display objects 90a and 91a, other operation objects (for example, monochrome display / color display change operation objects 90b and 91b, audio control object groups 90c and 91c) and any incidental objects (for example, appropriate The animation objects 90d, 91d, etc. designed in the above are grouped in the non-hidden portion 15b, and either one can be used substantially. However, it is desirable that the drawing modes of these two types of audio control / time display screens 90 and 91 are also full screens, similar to the previous time display screens 70 and 71. This is because the title bar and the screen frame can be hidden, and the desktop screen can be hidden by displaying the title bar and the screen. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the audio control combined time display screen 90 of FIG. 11A is used.
[0063]
In the improved flowchart (FIG. 9), the launcher control unit 63b in the resident state evaluates the expression “DeviceIoControl () = True” at every predetermined time to determine the open / close state of the keyboard unit 13 (step) S21). If the evaluation result is “keyboard open”, it is determined whether or not the time display screen 70 or the audio control combined time display screen 90 is opened at that time (step S22). The screen (time display screen 70 or audio control combined use time display screen 90) is closed (step S23), and if it is not opened, it is determined whether the second application program 64 is running or not (step S24). ).
[0064]
Here, “being activated” means a state in which the second application program 64 is being executed as a task.
[0065]
Next, when the determination result of step S24 is YES, that is, when the second application program 64 is being activated, the execution screen (detail screen 80 or simple screen 81) is brought into an on-focus state (step S25). Then, the process returns to the open / close state determination step (step S21) of the keyboard unit 13 again. If the determination result in step S24 is NO, that is, if the second application program 64 has not been activated, the process returns to the open / close state determination step (step S21) of the keyboard unit 13 as it is.
[0066]
In the routine of step S21 to step S25, if the time display screen 70 or the audio control combined time display screen 90 is opened when the keyboard unit 13 is in the open state, the screen can be closed, and If the second application program 64 is running, the execution screen (detail screen 80 or simple screen 81) can be selected (on-focus state).
[0067]
On the other hand, when the closed state is determined in the open / close state determination step (step S21) of the keyboard unit 13, it is first determined whether or not the second application program 64 is running (step S26). Depending on the result, the following two routines are executed alternatively.
[0068]
<Keyboard 13: Closed state + second application program 64: non-activated>
In this routine, it is determined whether or not the time display screen 70 is opened (step S27). If the time display screen 70 is opened, the routine returns to the open / close state determination step (step S21) of the keyboard unit 13 and must be opened. For example, after opening the time display screen 70 (step S28), the process returns to the open / close state determination step of the keyboard unit 13 (step S21). In this routine, it is possible to display a closed state dedicated screen (that is, the time display screen 70) for presenting time information similar to the previous embodiment.
[0069]
<Keyboard 13: Closed state + second application program 64: Starting>
In this routine, it is determined whether or not the audio control combined use time display screen 90 is opened (step S29). If it is opened, the routine returns to the open / close state determination step (step S21) of the keyboard unit 13 and opens. If not, the audio control combined time display screen 90 is opened (step S30), and the process returns to the keyboard section 13 open / closed state determination step (step S21). In this routine, a closed-state dedicated screen different from that of the previous embodiment, that is, an operation object (for example, “STOP”, “PLAY / PAUSE”, “SKIP-”, “ A closed state dedicated screen (audio control combined time display screen 90) having title objects such as SKIP +, DISP, RWD, FF, VOL-, and VOL + can be displayed. Incidentally, the functions assigned to the click event of each title object are as follows.
[0070]
“STOP”: Stops playback.
[0071]
“PLAY / PAUSE”: Starts playback / pauses playback.
[0072]
“SKIP-”: Finds the currently playing song.
[0073]
“SKIP +”: Cues the next song being played.
[0074]
“DISP”: Switches the display method of the song playback time.
[0075]
“RWD”: Rewinds the currently playing song.
[0076]
“FF”: Fast forwards the currently playing song.
[0077]
“VOL-”: Decreases the playback volume.
[0078]
“VOL +”: Increases the playback volume.
[0079]
Therefore, according to this improved flowchart, as in the previous embodiment, when the keyboard unit 13 is in the closed state, the closed state dedicated screen (time display screen) for presenting time information is displayed on the non-hidden portion 15b of the liquid crystal display panel 15. 70 or 71), and when the second application program 64 is running, the second application program 64 is activated instead of the closed state dedicated screen (time display screen 70 or 71) for time information presentation. Another closed state dedicated screen (audio control and time display screen 90 or 91) having an interface similar to that of the application program 64 can be displayed.
[0080]
As a result, it is possible to operate various audio resources without any trouble while the keyboard unit 13 is housed by the latter closed state dedicated screen (audio control combined use time display screen 90 or 91). Therefore, for example, it is possible to provide an advantageous technique when applied to an electronic apparatus having a reproduction function such as television broadcasting and DVD content.
[0081]
In addition, although it did not dare touch in the above description, the following devices may be elaborated, for example.
[0082]
<First device>
When the time display screen 70 or 71 of FIG. 6 is opened, when the specific character string (“SonicStage”) in the screen is clicked, the audio control combined use of FIG. 11 is used instead of the time display screen 70 or 71. The time display screen 90 or 91 may be displayed. In this case, if the second application program 64 is not being executed, the second application program 64 is executed simultaneously. Or, on the contrary, when the audio control combined time display screen 90 or 91 of FIG. 11 is opened, when a specific character string (“MotionClock”) in the screen is clicked, the audio control combined time display screen is displayed. Instead of 90 or 91, the time display screen 70 or 71 of FIG. 6 may be displayed.
[0083]
<Second device>
When the time display screen 70 or 71 in FIG. 6 is opened, or when the audio control and time display screen 90 or 91 in FIG. 11 is opened, the lower half (the concealed portion 15a) of the liquid crystal display panel 15 is It is hidden. For this reason, if the cursor is located in the part (the concealed part 15a), the cursor must be moved to the non-concealed part 15b every time an object is selected, which is troublesome and cumbersome. As a countermeasure against this, while the keyboard unit 13 is in the closed state (while the detection signal Sa is active), the cursor movement coordinates may be limited to the non-hidden portion 15b. Since the cursor is not hidden, the above inconvenience (the cursor must be moved to the non-hidden portion 15b) can be avoided.
[0084]
<Third device>
In order to enhance the visual effect, for example, when a moving image object such as a flash is incorporated in the time display screen 70 or 71 in FIG. 6 or the audio control / time display screen 90 or 91 in FIG. When a certain amount of hardware resources (capability of the CPU 31, etc.) are required, but a high load application program (for example, an image processing program such as an MPEG decoder) is being executed in the background, the image processing program It is conceivable that the execution will be hindered (for example, dropping frames). As a countermeasure, for example, when a specific high-load application program is being executed, the display of the above moving image object is prohibited, or a screen including those moving image objects (the time display screen 70 or FIG. 6). 71 or an audio control / time display screen 90 or 91) shown in FIG. 11 may be displayed as an arbitrary message screen to that effect.
[0085]
In order to further enhance the acoustic effect, it is desirable that the speakers 16R and 16L provided on both sides of the liquid crystal display panel 15 are not covered with the keyboard portion even when the keyboard portion 13 is closed. For example, when the keyboard unit 13 is folded, the speakers 16R and 16L are arranged so as to be positioned above the display unit (FIG. 1C) with respect to the portion covered with the keyboard unit. By doing in this way, even when the keyboard part 13 is made into a closed state, music etc. can be heard with optimal sound quality, and an acoustic effect can be heightened.
[0086]
The main functions of the present embodiment are functionally realized by organic coupling of hardware resources including a microcomputer (CPU 31) and software resources such as basic programs and various application programs. Since general-purpose hardware resources and basic programs can be used, it can be said that essential items indispensable for the present invention are substantially concentrated in the first application program 63. Therefore, according to the present invention, a recording medium (such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, MO, CD, hard disk, semiconductor memory, etc.) that stores all or the main part of the first application program 63 is itself on the distribution path. Including, of course, those on the network that provide only the recorded content).
[0087]
According to the present invention, the detecting unit that detects that a part of the display area of the display unit is covered by the input device unit, and the display of the display unit while the state is detected by the detecting unit. Since the display control means for controlling the display mode of the portion of the area not covered by the input device unit is provided, a part of the screen of the display unit (non-hidden portion) is used even when the input device unit is stored. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both the storability of the input device unit and the usability of the display unit.
[0088]
  Also,The present inventionAccording to the above, when the input device unit attached near the lower end of the display unit is stored so as to cover a part of the display unit while a specific application program is activated, a predetermined process is performed by the application program accordingly. The graphical user interface for performing can be changed.Further, by changing the configuration of the graphical user interface depending on whether or not a part of the display area of the display unit is covered, it is possible to achieve both storage performance and operability of the application.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a part of the screen of the display unit (non-hidden portion) can be used even in the storage state of the keyboard unit, and both the storage property of the keyboard unit and the usability of the display unit can be achieved. it can.
[0093]
  Also,The present inventionAccording to the above, when the input device unit attached near the lower end of the display unit is stored so as to cover a part of the display unit while a specific application program is activated, a predetermined process is performed by the application program accordingly. The graphical user interface for performing can be changed.Further, by changing the configuration of the graphical user interface depending on whether or not a part of the display area of the display unit is covered, it is possible to achieve both storage performance and operability of the application.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a personal computer 10;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a concealment portion 15a and a non-concealment portion 15b of the liquid crystal display panel 15 that accompany the opening and closing of the keyboard unit 13.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a mechanism for detecting an open / closed state of a keyboard unit 13;
4 is an internal block configuration diagram of the personal computer 10. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a feature point of the present invention.
6 is a diagram showing a layout of a time display screen 70 or 71. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic flowchart of a launcher control unit 63b.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a display mode of the liquid crystal display panel 15 when the keyboard unit 13 is in an open state and in a closed state.
FIG. 9 is an improved example of the flowchart of FIG.
10 is an example screen layout of a second application program 64. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a layout of an audio control combined time display screen 90 or 91;
[Explanation of symbols]
  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Personal computer (electronic device), 11 ... Display part, 13 ... Keyboard part(Input device part),15 ... Liquid crystal display panel (display area),15a ... concealment part (part covered by the input device part), 15b ... non-concealment part (part not covered by the input device part),DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Switch element (detection means), 31 ... CPU (display control means), 64 ... 2nd application program (predetermined application program), 70 ... Time display screen, 71 ... Time display screen, 90 ... Audio control combined time Display screen, 91 ... Time display screen for audio control

Claims (3)

In an electronic device equipped with an input device part,
Attachment means for attaching the input device part near the lower end of the display part;
Detecting means for detecting that a part of a display area of the display unit is covered by the input device unit;
Means for determining whether or not a predetermined application program is being executed;
When the predetermined application program is being executed, the input device unit in the display area of the display unit is detected while the detection unit detects that a part of the display region of the display unit is covered. A configuration of a graphical user interface for performing predetermined processing by the application program based on the size of a portion not covered by the detection program, and a part of the display area of the display unit being covered by the detection means An electronic apparatus comprising: display control means for displaying on the display unit instead of a configuration when a state is not detected . In the control method of the electronic device provided with the input device unit attached near the lower end of the display unit,
A detecting step for detecting that a part of a display area of the display unit is covered by the input device unit;
Determining whether a predetermined application program is being executed; and
When the predetermined application program is executed, the input device unit is included in the display area of the display unit while the detection step detects that a part of the display area of the display unit is covered. A configuration of a graphical user interface for performing predetermined processing by the application program based on the size of a portion not covered by the detection program, and a part of the display area of the display unit being covered by the detection means A control method for an electronic device, comprising: a display control step of displaying on the display unit, instead of a configuration when a state is not detected. A program for an electronic device having an input device attached near the lower end of the display,
A detecting step for detecting that a part of a display area of the display unit is covered by the input device unit;
Determining whether a predetermined application program is being executed; and
When the predetermined application program is executed, the input device unit is included in the display area of the display unit while the detection step detects that a part of the display area of the display unit is covered. A configuration of a graphical user interface for performing predetermined processing by the application program based on the size of a portion not covered by the detection program, and a part of the display area of the display unit being covered by the detection means A program for an electronic device, comprising: a display control step for displaying on the display unit instead of a configuration when a state is not detected.

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