JP2003302957A - Folding screen type device and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability and to display an image of high display quality in an easy-to-view state without making the size of folding screen type equipment larges when the image is displayed on using the folding screen type equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The folding screen type mobile equipment (100) has a 1st display screen (26) and a 2nd display screen (27) which are arranged opposite to each other in a folded state, detecting means (22, 24) which detect a specified operation, and a control means (23) which performs display control over an image in one of a plurality of different display styles on the 1st or 2nd display screen according to the specified operation detected by the detecting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a folding screen type device and a control method thereof, and more particularly to display control in a folding screen type device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional portable device having one display screen lacks portability when the display screen is enlarged to improve display quality, and the display screen is reduced when the entire device is downsized with an emphasis on portability. The size of was sacrificed.

As a method for solving this problem, two foldable display screens connected by a hinge mechanism,
A display device for displaying a display image on the two display screens by two methods of interlocking and moving independently is disclosed in JP-A-6-83.
It is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Publication No. 779. Here, FIG.
The outline will be described using.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-83779, and a display screen A
1 and the display screen B2 are joined by a folding hinge 3. Main operation buttons 4 to 7 and the like are provided around the display screen to switch between the case where the display information such as sentences is continuously displayed on two screens and the case where individual screens are independently displayed. And means for allowing the operator to shift the display position of the display information such as a sentence according to the boundary between the display screen A1 and the display screen B2. In addition, in the description of the embodiment, it is proposed that the display screen has an input unit including a pressure-sensitive sensor and an operation display such as a keyboard is displayed on the pressure-sensitive sensor surface.

Further, since the operation key arrangement is fixed in the conventional portable equipment having mechanical input means, it is necessary to lay out all the keys, and in addition to the area for the display means, the portable equipment has an input section. It was necessary to secure an area.

As a method for solving this problem, there is provided a keyboard which has an input section composed of a touch panel arranged on a liquid crystal display panel instead of the keyboard as an input section and can display an arbitrary key arrangement on the liquid crystal display panel. Two
It is disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Publication No. 000-56877,
Here, the outline will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an apparatus including a touch panel type keyboard proposed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-56877, which includes a display section 101, a computer and an input section 102. An arbitrary keyboard layout is displayed on the section 102.

[0008]

The display screen A1 and the display screen B2 shown in FIG. 20 have a single mode in which sentences can be independently displayed on each screen, and two screens, the display screen A1 and the display screen B2. There is an interlocking mode in which sentences can be displayed continuously, but the switching between the above-mentioned independent mode and interlocking mode is performed by the main operation buttons 4 to 7 arranged in the mechanical or liquid crystal display or the liquid crystal display. This is done by pressing the display menu. For this reason, when the main operation buttons arranged mechanically are provided, the entire device becomes large, and when the main operation buttons or the display menu arranged in the liquid crystal display are provided, the display is always set on a part of the display screen. Since the above-mentioned main operation buttons or display menu are displayed, the display area of an image or the like on the display screen becomes narrow. Further, the image to be displayed may be divided in the middle or may extend outside the display screen, and it is unclear whether the important information included in the display image is displayed.

Further, since only the arbitrary key layout can be displayed on the computer and the input section 102 shown in FIG. 21, it is impossible to continuously display images and the like by using two display means.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when displaying an image using a folding screen type device, the operability is improved without increasing the size of the folding screen type device. The first object is to display an image with high display quality in an easy-to-see manner.

A second object is to reduce the power consumption of the device while maintaining the operability and easily displaying the image of high display quality.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above first object, the folding screen type device of the present invention comprises a first display means and a second display means which are arranged so as to face each other in a folded state.
An image is displayed in one of a plurality of different display formats on the first display means and the second display means based on the display means, the detection means for detecting a predetermined operation, and the predetermined operation detected by the detection means. And a control means for display control.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, one of a plurality of different display formats is displayed on the first display means and the second display means based on a predetermined operation detected by the detection means. The image forming apparatus further comprises a selection unit for selecting one of a switching mode for displaying an image and a fixed mode for fixing the image in one of the plurality of different display formats, and when the fixed mode is selected by the selecting unit, The control means gives priority to the display format selected in the fixed mode over the display format based on the predetermined operation detected by the detection means.

Further, the control method of the present invention of the folding screen type device having the first display means and the second display means arranged so as to face each other in the folded state, the detection step of detecting a predetermined operation, And a control step of controlling the display of an image in any of a plurality of different display formats on the first display means and the second display means based on a predetermined operation detected in the detection step.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the first operation is performed based on a predetermined operation detected in the detection step.
A selection step of selecting either a switching mode for displaying an image in any of a plurality of different display formats on the display means and the second display means, or a fixed mode for fixing the image in any of the plurality of different display formats. Further, when the fixed mode is selected in the selection step, in the control step,
The display format selected in the fixed mode is prioritized over the display format based on the predetermined operation detected in the detection step.

In order to achieve the second object,
The folding screen type device of the present invention includes a first display unit and a second display unit which are arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, a detection unit for detecting a state of a power supply voltage, and a voltage detected by the detection unit. Is lower than the specified voltage,
And a control unit that darkens the display illumination of the first display unit or the second display unit.

Further, the control method of the present invention for the folding screen type device having the first display means and the second display means arranged so as to face each other in the folded state includes a detection step of detecting the state of the power supply voltage. And a control step of darkening the display illumination of the first display means or the second display means when the voltage detected in the detection step is lower than a predetermined voltage.

According to another structure, the folding screen type device of the present invention detects the state of the power supply voltage and the first display means and the second display means which are arranged so as to face each other in the folded state. When the voltage detected by the detection unit and the detection unit is lower than a first predetermined voltage, the display illumination of an area where the operation image for operating the folding screen device is not displayed is darkened, and the detection unit is detected. When the voltage detected by is lower than the second predetermined voltage lower than the first predetermined voltage, the display control means for darkening the display illumination of the area for displaying the operation image for operating the folding screen device. Have and.

According to another structure, the control method according to the present invention of the folding screen type device having the first display means and the second display means arranged so as to face each other in the folded state is the power supply voltage control method. A detection step of detecting the state, and, when the voltage detected by the detection step is lower than a first predetermined voltage, darken the display illumination of an area not displaying an operation image for operating the folding screen device. A second voltage whose voltage detected by the detection step is lower than the first predetermined voltage
And a display control step of darkening the display illumination of the area for displaying the operation image for operating the folding screen type device when the voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage.

According to another configuration, the folding screen type device of the present invention operates the folding screen type device and the first display means and the second display means which are arranged to face each other in the folded state. And a control means for controlling the operation screen to be hidden when the operation image is set to be hidden by the setting means.

According to another configuration, the control method according to the present invention of the folding screen type device having the first display means and the second display means arranged so as to face each other in the folded state is the folding screen type. It has a setting step of switching display / non-display of an operation image for operating the device, and a control step of controlling the operation screen to be hidden when the display of the operation image is set to be hidden in the setting step.

[0022]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view of a folding screen type portable device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 11 is a main body and 12 is a main body 1.
It is a lid that can be opened and closed with respect to 1. The main body 11 is provided with an operation unit 13 for operating the portable device 100 with a transparent input panel as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-143219, and the image of the operation button is the first display unit 120 described later. An operation image such as 13a displayed on the screen can be observed.

The lid 12 is provided with a second transparent cover 14 so that an image, such as 14a, displayed on a second display section 130 described later can be observed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a display unit and a detection unit included in the folding screen type portable device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and has the display unit and the operation unit shown in FIG. It is assumed that the structure.

When the operator operates the main switch 21 or the operation switch group 22, the microcomputer 23 obtains the angle between the main body 11 and the lid 12 obtained from the angle extraction section 24 and the display obtained from the image information determination section 25. An appropriate image derived from the image information is displayed on the first display screen 26 and the second display screen 2.
Display on 7. The operation switch group 22 is made of a material that transmits light on the surface of the first display screen 26.

FIG. 3 shows an image for observation on a first display unit 1 which will be described later.
20 is an external view of a folding screen type mobile device 100 in the case where both are displayed in association with both 20 and the second display unit 130. FIG. When displaying an image for observation on two screens, the first display unit 120
It is possible to observe the operation image displayed in, for example, 13b.

FIG. 4 is an external view of the mobile device 100, and FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the mobile device 100 in a closed state.
4B is a rear view of the mobile device 100 in a closed state, and FIG.
(C) is a perspective view of a state where the mobile device 100 is opened.

In the figure, the lid 12 of the portable device 100 is shown.
Is composed of a lower lid 110 and an upper lid 111, and the main body 11
Is provided with a lower body 112, an upper body 113, and a back cover 114, the upper body 113 is provided with the above-mentioned operation portion 13, and the upper lid 111 is provided with the above-mentioned second transparent cover 14. Further, the lower lid 110 and the upper lid 111 include a lid 12
Cam surfaces 110a and 111 for detecting the opening angle of the
a (which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6) is provided.

FIG. 5 is a main exploded perspective view of the portable device 100, which is composed of the elements described below.

Reference numeral 120 denotes a first display section, and a back surface (a surface opposite to the surface facing the operation section 13) of the first display section is composed of, for example, a cold cathode tube and a conductive plate, and is a well-known surface emitting type illumination. A lamp 121 is provided. The illumination lamp 121 illuminates the first display unit 120, and the image displayed on the first display unit 120 can be observed through the operation unit 13.

Reference numeral 122 denotes the operation unit 13 and the first display unit 1 described above.
20 is a first substrate on which circuits for controlling display and light emission of the illumination lamp 121 and the like are mounted. At least one surface of the first substrate is mounted with electronic components such as resistors, transistors, and ICs (not shown), and various circuits are provided. It is configured. Further, a connector 122a to which the connecting flexible cable 120a of the first display unit 120 is connected is also mounted. Further, a connection portion (not shown) of the operation unit 13 is connected to the first substrate 122.

Reference numeral 123 denotes a hinge for opening and closing the lid 12 of the portable device 100 with respect to the main body 11. The hinge 123 is fixed to the lower main body 112, and the mounting portion 123a is integrated with the lid 12. Since the mounting portion 123a is rotatably configured with respect to the main body mounting portion 123b, the lid 12 is rotatably attached to the main body 11.

The hinge 123 of the rear lid 114 has the lower body 11
After being fixed to 2, it is similarly fixed to the lower main body 112.
An angle detection switch (SW) 124 for detecting the rotation angle of the lid 12 is fixed to the side surface 114a of the back lid 114.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a second display portion, and a back surface (a surface opposite to the surface facing the second transparent cover 14) of the second display portion is, for example, a known surface light emitting device including a cold cathode tube and a conductive plate. A type of illumination lamp 131 is provided. The illumination lamp 131 illuminates the second display unit 130, and the image displayed on the second display unit 130 can be observed through the second transparent cover 14.

Reference numeral 132 denotes a second substrate on which the above-mentioned second transparent cover 14, the second display section 130 and a circuit for controlling the display and light emission of the illumination lamp 131 are mounted, and at least one side thereof is not provided. Resistor, transistor, IC shown
Various circuits are configured by mounting electronic components such as.
Further, a connector 132a to which the connecting flexure 130a of the second display unit 130 is connected is also mounted.

Further, the first substrate 122 and the second substrate 132
A flexible printed circuit board 133 (hereinafter, abbreviated as “FPC 133”) for connection for exchanging with is provided, and is connected to the connector 122b and the connector 132b. This makes it possible to control the operation unit 13, the first display unit 120, the first illumination lamp 121, the second transparent cover 14, the second display unit 130, and the second illumination lamp 132 in association with each other. .

FIG. 6 shows the lid 12 by the angle detection SW124.
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view for explaining a method of detecting an open state of the.

FIG. 6A shows the cam surfaces 110a and 111 when the lid 12 is closed (the state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B).
The relationship between a and the angle detection SW 124 is shown. As shown in the figure, the switch unit 124 of the angle detection SW 124
Since a is not in contact with the cam surface 110a, the angle detection switch
124 is in the "SW-OFF" state.

On the other hand, when the lid 12 is opened with respect to the main body 11 (the state shown in FIG. 4C), the state shown in FIG. 6B is obtained. That is, the cam surface 111b is moved along with the opening operation of the lid 12.
Comes into contact with the switch section 124a of the angle detection SW124 and pushes in the switch section 124a of the angle detection SW124, and when pushed by a predetermined amount or more, the angle detection SW124 is in the "SW-ON" state. As a result, it is detected that the lid body 12 is opened by a predetermined opening angle or more.

The angle detection SW124 is set to "SW- by changing the shapes of the cam surfaces 110a and 111a as appropriate.
It is possible to arbitrarily set the opening angle in the "ON" state.

Further, in the present invention, another opening angle detection switch described above may be added. In that case, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, another detection switch (SW) 125 is added to the side surface 114b of the rear lid 114, and the cam surface 11 is provided on the end surface different from the cam surface 111a of the upper lid body 11.
1b is provided.

In FIG. 7, the angle detection SW124 is "SW-O".
It is a partial enlarged view for explaining a method of detecting the opening angle of lid 12 before becoming N ".

FIG. 7A shows the relationship between the cam surface 111b and the angle detection SW 125 when the lid 12 is closed (the state shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). As shown in the figure, since the switch portion 125a of the angle detection SW 125 is not in contact with the cam surface 111b, the angle detection SW 125 is in the "SW-OFF" state.

On the other hand, when the lid 12 is slightly opened with respect to the main body 11, the state shown in FIG. 7B is obtained. In other words, the cam surface 111a moves along with the angle detection SW as the lid 12 opens.
The switch unit 12 is brought into contact with the switch unit 125a of the switch unit 125.
5a is pushed in, and when it is pushed more than a predetermined amount, the angle detection SW 125 is in the "SW-ON" state. As a result, it is detected that the lid body 12 has been opened to a predetermined opening angle.

By appropriately changing the shape of the cam surface 111b, it is possible to arbitrarily set the opening angle at which the angle detection SW 125 is in the "SW-ON" state.

Next, details of the operation of the portable device having the above configuration will be described.

It should be noted that, in the portable device, the second display section 120 is used.
A first display mode in which an image for observation is displayed on the first display unit 130 and an image for operation is displayed on the first display unit 130.
And a second display mode for displaying an image for observation linked to both the second display section 130.

First, the operation of the portable device when an instruction to execute the second display mode is input from the operation switch group 22 including the main switch 21 or the touch panel will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When a two-screen display command is input in step S1000, the microcomputer 23 determines in step S1001 whether the current mode is the second display mode. When it is determined in step S1001 that the display mode is the second display mode, the process proceeds to step S1009, and the microcomputer 23 continues to display the display image by dividing it into two screens of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130.

On the other hand, if the first display mode is set in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002,
The microcomputer 23 erases the operation image 13a other than the minimum required operation portion. Alternatively, the operation image 13a
May not be displayed at all.

Next, in step S1003, as shown in FIG.
The size of the image for ornamental use is recognized using the image information determination unit 25 and the display direction of the display screen for ornamental use is changed as necessary (step S1004). For example, FIG. 4 (c)
Like the device shown in FIG.
In the device configuration in which 30 is connected in the lateral direction of the screen, when the wallpaper or the like is displayed in the second display mode, the longitudinal direction of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130 and the longitudinal direction of the image are To match.

Next, in step S1005, the first
When displaying continuous images on two screens of the display unit 120 and the second display unit 130, it is determined whether or not there is a display image region corresponding to the hinge 123. Step S10
If it is not determined in 05 that the area of the display image corresponding to the hinge 123 exists (for example, if the image for observation fits in the second display unit), the process proceeds to step S
Proceed to 1009.

On the other hand, in step S1005, the hinge 12
If it is determined that there is a region of the display image corresponding to 3, that is, a region to be deleted, a character or a main image (hereinafter referred to as “important information”) is included in the image information to be deleted in the display image.
Call. ) Exists (step S10)
06). If it is determined that the important information exists, the image display positions on the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130 are shifted so as not to lose the image area where the important information exists (step S1007), and the process proceeds to step S1008. move on.

In step S1008, the corresponding region of the display image is deleted by the predetermined width of the hinge 123, and in step S1009, the observation image is divided and displayed on the two screens of the first display section 120 and the second display section 130. . With the above operation, the display mode is switched to the second display mode.

In the above operation, it is determined whether or not there is important information in the image area to be deleted, and if there is, the display position is shifted so that the important information is not missing.
005 to step S1008 may be omitted.

Further, in the above operation, the case where the area of the display image corresponding to the hinge 123 is lost has been described, but the operation of steps S1005 to S1008 may be omitted.

Next, the operation of the portable device when a command for executing the first display mode is input from the operation switch group 22 including the main switch 21 or the touch panel will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When a one-screen display command is input in step S1010, the microcomputer 23 determines in step S1103 whether the current mode is the first display mode. If the second display mode is set, the process proceeds to step S1104, and the microcomputer 23 sets the first display unit 12
All the operation images 13a are displayed at 0, then the same operations as steps S1003 and S1004 are performed at steps S1105 and S1106, and the ornamental display image is displayed only on the second display unit 130 at step S1107.
The above operation switches to the first display mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1103 that the display mode is the first display mode, there is no need to switch the mode, and the series of operations is terminated.

Next, the operation when the display mode is switched according to the change in the folding angle formed by the main body and the lid will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In step S1100, the change in the folding angle formed by the main body 11 and the lid 12 is detected by the angle detection SW12.
4 and / or the angle detection SW 125 detects, it is determined in step S1101 whether or not the folding angle is changed to the second display mode by the microcomputer 23, that is, whether or not the changed folding angle is larger than a predetermined angle. I do.

If it is determined in step S1101 that the folding angle is the one for switching to the second display mode,
In step S1102, the microcomputer 23 is currently in the second
It is determined whether or not the display mode is operating. If it is determined in step S1102 that the display mode is the first display mode, the process proceeds to step S1002. Step S1002
Since the processing from step S1009 to step S1009 is the same as the processing from step S1002 to step S1009 described with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, in step S1101, the microcomputer 2
If it is determined that 3 is the angle for setting the first display mode, the process proceeds to step S1103. The operation of steps S1103 to S1107 is the same as step S11 of FIG.
Since the operation is the same as that shown in 03 to S1107, the description is omitted here.

Further, in step S1101, it is determined that the angle is the angle for setting the second display mode, and step S11
If it is determined in 02 that the display mode is the second display mode, there is no need to switch the mode, and the series of operations is ended.

In step S1101 described above, a case has been described in which it is determined whether the changed folding angle is larger than a predetermined angle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the changed folding angle is not limited to this. If the angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, it may be determined to be the folding angle for changing to the second display mode.

Next, while the portable device 100 is operating in the second display mode, the operation unit 1 including a touch panel is used.
The operation when there is any input from 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the portable device 100 is in the second display mode and there is any input to the operation unit 13 such as when the touch panel is pressed (step S1200).
The microcomputer 23 determines whether or not the position of the display image for viewing or the like displayed on the first display unit 120 and the position of the region of the operation image 13a overlap (step S12).
01).

When it is determined in step S1201 that the position of the display image for ornamental use and the position of the region of the operation image 13a overlap each other, the process proceeds to step S1202, and the image information determination section 25 displays the ornamental display. Recognize the dimensions of the image,
Change the display direction of the display screen for ornamental use (step S1
203), adjusting the enlargement ratio of the display image so that the entire display image can be displayed on the second display unit 130 (step S1).
204), the display image is displayed on the second display unit 130 (step S1205), and the operation image 13a is displayed on the first display unit 1.
No. 20 is displayed (step S1206). By the above operation, the display mode is switched to the first display mode.

If it is not determined in step S1201 that the position of the display image for viewing and the position of the operation image 13a overlap each other, the process proceeds to step S1206.
The operation image 13a is displayed on the first display unit 120.

By the above control, for example, the portable device 10
Even if 0 is a mobile phone and the images for observation are displayed on both the first and second display units, for example, when the user wants to operate the phone quickly, such as when receiving a phone call. It is possible to display the operation unit quickly and display an image according to the display range.

As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to display an image with improved visibility and quality by maximally utilizing the display screen.

Further, by not displaying the display image corresponding to the hinge 123, the first display unit 120
The images on the two screens of the second display unit 130 can be continuously displayed while being conscious.

Further, when the important information exists in the area corresponding to the hinge 123, the image display position is shifted to eliminate the loss of the important information in the displayed image and prevent the leakage of information obtained from the image. be able to.

Incidentally, step S100 in FIG. 8 and FIG.
7, when performing image display in the second display mode, if the important information of the display image is included when the display image area corresponding to the hinge 123 is lost, the important information is not lost. Although the display position is shifted, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display size and the aspect ratio of the display image may be changed so that important information is not lost.

Further, the angle detection SW 125 is simply turned on / off.
The same effect can be obtained by using a switch, such as an encoder, which can know the absolute value of the rotation angle, instead of the OFF switch. In that case, the first display mode and the second
The user can arbitrarily set the change angle of the display mode of.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment, a fixed mode for fixing the display form to the first display mode or the second display mode and a first display mode and a second display mode according to a predetermined condition are set. The case of having a switching mode for switching will be described.

Since the configuration of the mobile device in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the microcomputer 23 detects the change in the folding angle between the main body 11 and the lid 12 by the angle detection SW 124 or the angle detection SW 125 in step S2000, whether or not the microcomputer 23 is currently set to the fixed mode in step S2001. Whether or not it is determined. If it is determined to be the fixed mode, the display is continued with the set first or second display mode, and the process is ended. On the other hand, if it is not determined to be the fixed mode in step S2001, the process proceeds to step S2002, and the microcomputer 23 determines whether or not the folding angle is changed to the second display mode.

If it is determined in step S2002 that the folding angle is the one for switching to the second display mode,
In step S2003, the microcomputer 23 is currently in the second
It is determined whether or not the display mode is operating. Second
When it is determined that the display mode is in operation, the process is terminated. On the other hand, in step S2003, the second
When it is determined that the display mode is not operating (that is, the display mode is operating in the first display mode), the process proceeds to step S2004, the microcomputer 23 erases the operation image 13a, and the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 120 The orientation of the display screen suitable for the two screens of the display unit 130 is determined (step S2005). Note that in step S2004, control may be performed so that the operation image 13a other than the minimum required operation portion is deleted.

When it is determined that the vertical direction is the display direction suitable for the two-screen display, it is determined in step S2007 that the display image is displayed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when it is determined that the horizontal direction is the display direction suitable for the second display mode, it is determined in step S2006 that the display image is displayed in the horizontal direction.
In step S2008, step S2006 or S
The display image for viewing or the like is sorted and displayed on the two screens of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130 in the direction determined in 2007.

If it is determined in step S2002 that the folding angle is not the one for switching to the second display mode, it is determined whether or not the screen is displayed in accordance with the first display mode (step S2010). ). If the screen is displayed in the first display mode, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the screen is not displayed in the first display mode, the microcomputer 23 is checked in step S2011.
Displays all the operation images 13a, and the second display unit 13
When 0, the orientation of the display screen suitable for displaying the image is determined (step S2012).

When it is determined that the vertical direction is the display direction suitable for the first display mode, it is determined that the display image is displayed in the vertical direction (step S2013). On the other hand, step S2
When it is determined in 012 that the horizontal direction is the display direction suitable for the first display mode, it is determined that the display image is displayed in the horizontal direction (step S2014). In step S2015, the display image for viewing is displayed on the second display unit 130 in the direction determined in step S2013 or S2014.

When displaying an image in the second display mode, as in the first embodiment, if the important information of the display image is included when the display image area corresponding to the hinge 123 is lost. The display position of the display image, the display size, and the aspect ratio of the display image may be changed so that important information is not lost.

Next, the operation when switching from the switching mode to the fixed mode will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When an instruction to change to the fixed mode is received during operation in the switching mode (step S2100), it is determined in step S2101 whether the instruction is to switch to the first display mode. If the command is to fix the first display mode, the process proceeds to step S2010, and if not, the process proceeds to step S2003. The operations after step S2003 and step S2010 are the same as the operations shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted here.

When the fixed mode is changed to the switching mode, the processing from S2001 onward in FIG. 12 may be performed.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effect similar to that of the first embodiment, either the first display mode or the second display mode is selected depending on the user's preference and use. It is possible to select whether to perform a fixed display by switching or to switch between the first display mode and the second display mode based on a predetermined condition.

In addition, while the portable device 100 is operating in the second display mode, the operation unit 1 including a touch panel is used.
If there is any input from 3, it is possible to control so that all the operation images 13a are displayed regardless of whether the fixed mode or the switching mode is set. This operation is the same as the operation described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 11, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

By this control, for example, the portable device 100
Is a mobile phone or the like, even when the images for observation are displayed on both the first and second display units, for example, when the user wants to operate the phone quickly when receiving a phone call, The operation unit can be displayed quickly and an image can be displayed according to the display range.

In the first and second embodiments described above,
The case where the display modes are the two types of the first and second display modes has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that various display formats other than the above display formats are possible. Even in that case, the display may be performed in any of a plurality of display formats so as to correspond to the display mode switching instruction from the user and the angle formed by the first and second display units.

(Modification) In the first or second embodiment, when important information of an image is included when the display image area corresponding to the hinge 123 is lost in the second display mode, the vertical and horizontal directions of the image are included. Although the important information of the image is not located in the defective portion by changing the ratio or the display position, the entire display image may be moved to the second display unit 130 and displayed. Hereinafter, a process of moving the entire display image to the second display unit 130 and displaying the entire display image when important information about the image is included when the display image area corresponding to the hinge 123 is lost will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the portable device when an instruction to execute the second display mode in this modification is input.

In FIG. 14, when a command for executing the second display mode is input from the operation switch group 22 including the main switch 21 and the touch panel (step S3).
000), in step S3001, the microcomputer 23 determines whether the current mode is the second display mode.
When it is determined in step S3001 that the display mode is the second display mode, the process proceeds to step S3011, and the microcomputer 23 continues to display the display image by dividing it into two screens of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130.

On the other hand, if the first display mode is set in step S3001, the process proceeds to step S3002,
The microcomputer 23 erases the operation image 13a other than the minimum required operation portion. Alternatively, the operation image 13a
May not be displayed at all.

Next, in step S3003, as shown in FIG.
The size of the image for ornamental use is recognized by using the image information determination unit 25 and the orientation of the display screen suitable for two screens of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130 is determined (step S300
4). When it is determined that the vertical direction is the display direction suitable for the two-screen display, it is determined in step S3006 that the display image is displayed in the vertical direction. On the other hand, if it is determined that the horizontal direction is the display direction suitable for the second display mode, step S30
In 05, it is determined that the display image is displayed in the horizontal direction.

Next, in step S3007, the first
When displaying continuous images on two screens of the display unit 120 and the second display unit 130, it is determined whether or not there is a display image region corresponding to the hinge 123. Step S30
If it is not determined in 07 that the area of the display image corresponding to the hinge 123 exists (for example, if the image for observation fits in the second display unit), the process proceeds to step S
Proceed to 3011.

On the other hand, in step S3007, the hinge 12
If it is determined that there is a region of the display image corresponding to 3, that is, a region to be deleted, a character or a main image (hereinafter referred to as “important information”) is included in the image information to be deleted in the display image.
Call. ) Exists (step S30)
08). If important information is not included, step S3
Proceed to 010. On the other hand, if the important information is included, in step S3009, the entire image is moved into the second display unit so that the important information is not lost.

Next, in step S3010, the corresponding area of the display image is deleted by the predetermined width of the hinge 123,
The display image is divided and displayed on the two screens of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130 (step S3011).

By the above operation, it is possible to prevent loss of important information in the display image and prevent transmission of information.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a display unit and a detection unit included in the folding screen type portable device according to the third embodiment. In the configuration shown in FIG. The power supply state detection unit 28 for detecting is added. Note that FIG. 15 assumes a structure having the display unit and the operation unit shown in FIG.

The operation of the portable device having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 16, when the power supply state detector 28 detects a change in the power supply capacity in step S1400, it is determined whether the power supply capacity of the power supply (not shown) is smaller than a predetermined threshold value (step S1401).

When it is determined in step S1401 that the power capacity is less than the predetermined threshold value, the microcomputer 23 turns off the display of the second display unit 130 (step S14).
02), a part or all of the operation image 13a is erased (step S1403), and a display image for viewing or the like is displayed on the first display unit 120 (step S1404).

On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S1401 that the power capacity is less than the predetermined threshold value, the series of operations is terminated.

By the above operation, by providing the power supply state detecting unit 28 in the portable device of the present invention, the minimum operation can be performed even if the power supply capacity is reduced.

In the process shown in FIG. 16, the second display unit 130 is turned off, but the first display unit 120 may be turned off and only the operation image 13a may be displayed.

(Fourth Embodiment) In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, description will be given of a case where a portable device is provided with a malfunction prevention setting / cancel button that does not accept an input to the operation unit. This malfunction setting button may be added according to the hardware configuration or as one of the operation switch group 22. Regarding the operation of the mobile device having the above configuration, FIG.
It will be described according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIG. 17, when the malfunction prevention setting / cancel button is operated in step S1500 to set malfunction prevention, the microcomputer 23 erases a part or all of the operation image 13a (step S1501). Display images for viewing or the like are displayed on the two screens of the first display unit 120 and the second display unit 130 (step S1502).

When adding a malfunction prevention setting / cancel button as the operation switch group 22, step S1
In 501, the display of the button is left.

With the above control, by providing the malfunction prevention setting / release button in the device of the present invention, the operation display disappears when the malfunction prevention setting is activated, and the malfunction prevention can be visually recognized, and the two screens are displayed. Since it is used to display images, it can be made beautiful in appearance.

Incidentally, during the display operation in the first display mode,
Instead of displaying the ornamental image on the two screens when the malfunction prevention is set, the operation image 13 displayed on the second display unit 130 is displayed.
It is also possible to control the non-display of part or all of a so that the ornamental image is displayed only on the first display unit 120.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, when the folding angle formed by the main body 11 and the lid 12 is narrowed, the display light of the first display unit 120 or the second display unit 130 hits the other display surface, and the other display is displayed. The operation for alleviating the state of becoming difficult to see will be described.

Since the configuration of the mobile device in the fifth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the operation according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

At step S1600, the microcomputer 2
When the change of the folding angle formed by the main body 11 and the lid 12 is detected by the angle detection SW 124, the first display unit 12
The angle detection SW 124 determines whether the display light of 0 or the display light of the second display unit 130 illuminates the other display surface (step S1601). Specifically, it is determined whether the folding angle is smaller than the predetermined angle. When it is determined in step S1601 that the folding angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, the illumination lamp 121 for the first display unit 120 and / or the illumination lamp 1 for the second display unit 130.
31 is set to a predetermined darkness (step S1602). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1601 that the folding angle is larger than the predetermined angle, the series of operations is ended.

In step S1602 of the above operation, when the folding angle is smaller than the predetermined angle, the illumination lamp 121 for the first display section 120 and / or the illumination lamp 131 for the second display section 130 is made dark. But Fig. 1
As shown in step S1603 of FIG. 9, the first display unit 120 is selected according to the folding angle formed by the main body 11 and the lid 12.
Lighting lamps 121 and / or lighting lamps 131 for the second display unit 130 in stages (three or more stages)
You can darken it.

Further, in this case, in the fifth embodiment, the case where the two display portions are arranged on the facing surfaces in the folded state of the portable device has been described. However, when performing the control shown in FIG. Even if the portable device has one display unit, it is possible to reduce the drawbacks of the conventional device described with reference to FIGS. 20 to 22.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to save the power consumption of the display screen and
It is possible to mitigate that the two display screens adversely affect the visibility.

[0124]

Other Embodiments The object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) recording a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to supply a computer of the system or apparatus. It is needless to say that it can be achieved by (or CPU or MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer is executed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where some or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing is also included. Here, as a storage medium for storing the program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a ROM, an R
AM, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, CD-R
OM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, etc. are considered.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in the memory provided in the function expansion card inserted in the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, , The CPU provided in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that the processing includes the case where the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized.

When the present invention is applied to the above-mentioned storage medium, the storage medium may be the storage medium shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 or FIG.
The program code corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 2 to 13 and / or FIGS. 14, 16 and 17 is stored.

[0127]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When displaying images using a folding screen type device,
Without increasing the size of the folding screen device,
It is possible to improve operability and easily display an image with high display quality.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a folding screen type mobile device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display unit and a detection unit in the folding screen type mobile device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where an image for observation according to the first embodiment of the present invention is displayed in conjunction with each other on both the first display section and the second display section.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a folding screen type mobile device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a main exploded perspective view of a folding screen type mobile device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration for detecting the opening angle of the lid according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view showing another configuration for detecting the opening angle of the lid body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation of switching to a second display mode according to a user operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of switching to the first display mode according to a user operation according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a display mode switching operation according to the folding angle of the lid according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of switching to the first display mode according to an input to the operation unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a display mode switching operation according to a folding angle of a lid body according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of switching from the switching mode to the fixed mode according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation when important information is included in an image defect portion according to a modified example of the first embodiment or the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display unit and a detection unit in a folding screen type portable device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an operation when the power capacity according to the third embodiment of the present invention is less than a predetermined threshold value.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation when a malfunction prevention setting / cancellation button according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is provided.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an operation of switching the brightness of the display screen according to the folding angle of the lid body according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing another operation for switching the brightness of the display screen according to the folding angle of the lid body according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device proposed in JP-A-6-83779.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a touch panel type keyboard proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-56877.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 mobile devices 11 body 12 Lid 13 Operation part Images for operating 13a and 13b 14 Second transparent cover 14a, 14b Image for observation 110 Lower lid 110a, 110b Cam surface for angle detection 111 Upper lid 111a, 111b Cam surface for angle detection 112 Lower body 113 Upper body 114 Rear lid 114a, 114b Side of back cover 120 First display means Flexible for 120a connection 121 Lighting means 122 first substrate 122a, 122b connector 123 hinge 123a Attaching part of hinge and lid 123b Hinge / body attachment part 124, 125 Angle detection switch 124a, 125a Angle detection switch switch 130 Second display means 131 Lighting means 132 second substrate 132a, 132b connector 133 Flexible printed circuit board

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 3/14 350 G06F 3/14 350A 5E501 15/02 301 15/02 301E 5G435 315 315D G09F 9/00 312 312 G09F 9 / 00 312 366 366G 9/40 302 9/40 302 G09G 3/20 680 G09G 3/20 680S F term (reference) 5B019 BC07 CA07 EA04 HD20 5B069 BA04 CA13 5C080 BB05 DD01 DD13 EE21 EE26 EE28 JJ01 JJ02 JJ06 JJ07 KK07 5C082 AA00 BB01 BD06 CA32 CA55 CA76 CA81 CB05 DA86 MM09 MM10 5C094 AA15 AA51 DA08 GA10 HA08 5E501 AA04 AB03 BA03 CA04 EB05 5G435 AA18 CC13 EE16 EE17 LL02

Claims (37)

[Claims] 1. A folding screen type device, comprising: first display means and second display means, which are arranged so as to face each other in a folded state; detection means for detecting a predetermined operation; and detection means for detecting the predetermined operation. A folding screen type device comprising: a control means for controlling display of an image in any of a plurality of different display formats on the first display means and the second display means based on a predetermined operation. 2. The plurality of different display formats are the first
A first display mode in which an operation image for operating the folding screen device is displayed on the display means, and an image other than the operation image is displayed on the second display means, and an operation is performed on the first and second display means. 2. A second display mode in which images other than images are sorted and displayed, and the control means switches and controls the display based on a predetermined operation detected by the detection means. Folding screen device. 3. The detecting means detects an instruction input from the outside for designating one of the display formats, and the control means causes an image to be displayed in accordance with the designated display format. The folding screen type device according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The folding screen type apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a change in folding angle. 5. The detecting means detects a change in the folding angle, and the control means operates in the first display mode when the changed angle is larger than a predetermined value, and when the angle is smaller, the second display mode. The folding screen type device according to claim 2, wherein the folding screen type device is controlled so as to operate in the display mode. 6. The detection means detects a change in the folding angle, and the control means operates in the first display mode when the changed angle is smaller than a predetermined value, and the second display mode when the angle is large. The folding screen type device according to claim 2, wherein the folding screen type device is controlled so as to operate in the display mode. 7. The control means, when changing from the second mode to the first mode, displays an image other than the operation image that has been displayed on the first and second display screens before the change. 7. The image size is changed and displayed on the second display screen without changing the vertical / horizontal display ratio, and the operation image is displayed on the first display screen, according to any one of claims 2, 5, and 6. The folding screen device described. 8. The control means, when changing from the second mode to the first mode, displays an image other than the operation image that has been displayed on the first and second display screens before the change. 7. The folding screen according to claim 2, wherein the vertical and horizontal display ratio is changed to display on the second display screen and the operation image is displayed on the first display screen. Type device. 9. When the detection means detects a predetermined operation, the control means operates the folding screen type device on the first display means regardless of whether the switching mode or the fixed mode is selected. 9. The folding screen type device according to claim 1, wherein an operation image for performing the operation is displayed, and control is performed so that an image other than the operation image is displayed on the second display unit. 10. A switching mode for displaying an image in one of a plurality of different display formats on the first display means and the second display means based on a predetermined operation detected by the detection means, and the plurality of switching modes. When the fixed mode is selected by the selecting means, the control means displays the display selected by the fixed mode. 10. The folding screen type device according to claim 1, wherein a format is prioritized over a display format based on a predetermined operation detected by the detection means. 11. When the detection means detects a predetermined operation, the control means operates the folding screen type device on the first display means regardless of whether the switching mode or the fixed mode is selected. 11. The folding screen type device according to claim 10, wherein an operation image for performing the operation is displayed, and control is performed so that an image other than the operation image is displayed on the second display unit. 12. A folding screen type device, comprising: a first display means and a second display means, which are arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, a detection means for detecting a state of a power supply voltage, and the detection means. A folding screen type device comprising: a control unit that darkens the display illumination of the first display unit or the second display unit when the detected voltage is lower than a predetermined voltage. 13. The control means, when the voltage detected by the detection means is lower than a predetermined voltage, the first means.
13. The folding screen type device according to claim 12, wherein the display illumination of the display means or the second display means is turned off. 14. A folding screen device, comprising: a first display means and a second display means, which are arranged to face each other in a folded state; a detection means for detecting a state of a power supply voltage; and the detection means. When the detected voltage is lower than the first predetermined voltage, the display illumination of the area where the operation image for operating the folding screen device is not displayed is dimmed, and the voltage detected by the detecting means is the first voltage. And a display control means for darkening the display illumination of an area for displaying an operation image for operating the folding screen type device when the voltage is lower than a second predetermined voltage which is lower than the predetermined voltage. Folding screen device. 15. A folding screen type device, wherein first display means and second display means are arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, and display / display of operation images for operating the folding screen type device.
A folding screen device comprising: setting means for switching between non-display and control means for controlling the operation screen to be non-display when the non-display of the operation image is set by the setting means. 16. The folding screen type device according to claim 1, wherein the folding screen type device is a mobile phone. 17. The folding screen type device according to claim 1, wherein the folding screen type device is an information processing device. 18. A method for controlling a folding screen type device having a first display means and a second display means arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, comprising a detection step of detecting a predetermined operation, and the detection step. A control step for controlling display of an image in one of a plurality of different display formats on the first display means and the second display means based on a predetermined operation detected in the step. . 19. The first display means displays a manipulation image for operating a folding screen device on the first display means, and a second display means displays an image other than the manipulation image on the second display means. Display mode, and a second display mode in which images other than the operation image are sorted and displayed on the first and second display means.
19. The control method according to claim 18, further comprising: a display mode, wherein display control is performed in the control step by switching based on a predetermined operation detected in the detection step. 20. In the detecting step, an instruction input from the outside for designating one of the display formats is detected, and in the control step, an image is displayed in accordance with the designated display format. 20. The control method according to claim 18 or 19. 21. The control method according to claim 18, wherein in the detecting step, a change in folding angle is detected. 22. In the detecting step, a change in the folding angle is detected, and in the controlling step, the operation is performed in the first display mode when the changed angle is larger than a predetermined value, and when the angle is smaller, the second display mode is performed. 20. The control method according to claim 19, wherein the control is performed so as to operate in the display mode. 23. In the detecting step, a change in the folding angle is detected, and in the controlling step, the operation is performed in the first display mode when the changed angle is smaller than a predetermined value, and when the changed angle is larger than the second display mode. 20. The control method according to claim 19, wherein the control is performed so as to operate in the display mode. 24. In the control step, when the second mode is changed to the first mode, the first and second modes are set before the change.
The operation image is displayed on the first display screen while changing the image size without changing the vertical / horizontal display ratio of the image other than the operation image that has been displayed on the first display screen. 24. The control method according to claim 19, 22, or 23. 25. In the control step, when the second mode is changed to the first mode, the first and second modes are set before the change.
Is displayed on the second display screen by changing the vertical and horizontal display ratios of the images other than the operation image that has been displayed on the display screen of 1., and the operation image is displayed on the first display screen. 24. The control method according to claim 19, 22 or 23. 26. When a predetermined operation is detected in the detecting step, the folding screen type device is operated on the first display means in the control step regardless of whether the switching mode or the fixed mode is selected. The control image is displayed so that an image other than the operation image is displayed on the second display means.
4. The control method according to any one of 4 above. 27. A switching mode for displaying an image in one of a plurality of different display formats on the first display means and the second display means based on a predetermined operation detected in the detection step, and the plurality of switching modes. When the fixed mode is further selected in the selection step, the method further includes a selection step of selecting either one of the fixed modes to be fixed to one of the different display formats.
27. The control method according to claim 18, wherein in the control step, the display format selected in the fixed mode is prioritized over the display format based on a predetermined operation detected in the detection step. 28. When a predetermined operation is detected in the detecting step, the folding screen type device is operated on the first display means in the control step regardless of whether the switching mode or the fixed mode is selected. 28. The control method according to claim 27, further comprising: displaying an operation image for performing the operation, and controlling the second display unit to display an image other than the operation image. 29. A method for controlling a folding screen type device having a first display means and a second display means which are arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, the detecting step detecting a state of a power supply voltage, And a control step of darkening the display illumination of the first display means or the second display means when the voltage detected in the detection step is lower than a predetermined voltage. 30. In the control step, the display illumination of the first display means or the second display means is turned off when the voltage detected in the detection step is lower than a predetermined voltage. Item 29. The control method according to Item 29. 31. A control method for a folding screen type device having a first display means and a second display means arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, the detection step of detecting a state of a power supply voltage, When the voltage detected by the detecting step is lower than the first predetermined voltage, the display illumination of the area where the operation image for operating the folding screen device is not displayed is darkened, and the voltage detected by the detecting step is detected. A display control step of darkening the display illumination of an area for displaying an operation image for operating the folding screen type device when the voltage is lower than the second predetermined voltage which is lower than the first predetermined voltage. Control method characterized by. 32. A method of controlling a folding screen type device having a first display means and a second display means arranged so as to face each other in a folded state, the operation image for operating the folding screen type device. Display of/
In the setting step of switching the non-display, and when the non-display of the operation image is set in the setting step,
And a control step of controlling the operation screen to be hidden. 33. The control method according to claim 18, wherein the folding screen type device is a mobile phone. 34. The control method according to claim 18, wherein the folding screen type device is an information processing device. 35. A program executable by an information processing device, the information processing device executing the program comprising:
A program that causes the folding screen device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 to function. 36. A program executable by an information processing device, having a program code for realizing the control method according to claim 18. 37. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 35 or 36.