Information processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

The present application relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method. Display to a foldable display is appropriately controlled. The information processing apparatus includes a foldable display, a first display mode in which a screen area of the display is one display area, a second display mode in which the screen area of the display is divided into two display areas and a first display area is a primary screen and a second display area is a secondary screen, and a third display mode in which the second display area is the primary screen and the first display area is the secondary screen, when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode or the third display mode is performed, an active window in the first display mode is displayed in the primary screen, and a thumbnail image corresponding to an inactive window in the first display mode is displayed in the secondary screen, when switching between the second display mode and the third display mode is performed, display of the secondary screen before the switching is set as display of the secondary screen after the switching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, information processing devices have been developed that incorporate a foldable flexible display (display unit) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For instance, a display is provided throughout a first and second housing that can be folded via a connecting portion (hinge mechanism), and the display folds as the first and second housings are bent. Thus, with a display provided throughout both the first and second housings, it is possible not only to use the display as a single screen, but also to divide the display into a display area on the first housing side and a display area on the second housing side, effectively using it as a dual-screen structure.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-13850

[0004] However, when using a foldable monitor as a dual-screen structure, the individual screens are not independent displays, which sometimes makes the display on each screen unsuitable. For example, when each screen is an independent display, it is possible to control the display of each screen individually, but when a single monitor is divided into two display areas to form a dual-screen setup, it is sometimes impossible to properly control the display on a monitor-by-monitor basis (dual screens together). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its objects is to provide an information processing apparatus and control method for appropriately controlling the display to a foldable display.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems. The information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a foldable display; a memory storing at least a program; and a processor executing the program stored in the memory. The processor performs the following processing by executing the program stored in the memory: a display mode switching process, switching between a first display mode, a second display mode, and a third display mode. In the first display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is controlled to display as a single display area. In the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into two display areas: a first display area and a second display area. The first display area is controlled to display as a primary screen and the second display area as a secondary screen. In the third display mode, the second display area is controlled to display as both a primary screen and a secondary screen. The first display area is controlled to be a secondary screen; and the display control process, when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode or the third display mode through the display mode switching process, displays the active window in the first display mode in the display area that becomes the primary screen in the first display area and the display area that becomes the secondary screen in the second display area, and displays the thumbnail images corresponding to the inactive windows other than the active window in the first display mode in the display area that becomes the secondary screen in the first display area and the display area that becomes the secondary screen in the second display area through the display mode switching process. When switching from the second display mode to the third display mode through the display mode switching process, the display area that becomes the secondary screen in the display mode before the switch is set to the display area that becomes the secondary screen in the display mode after the switch.

[0007] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the processor may also be configured such that, when the processor switches between the second display mode and the third display mode through the aforementioned display mode switching process, and through the aforementioned display control process, if the thumbnail image is displayed in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode before the switch, the thumbnail image is displayed in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode after the switch.

[0008] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the processor may also be configured such that, when the processor switches between the second display mode and the third display mode through the aforementioned display mode switching process, and through the aforementioned display control process, if the active window selected from the thumbnail image is displayed in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode before the switch, the active window is displayed in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode after the switch.

[0009] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, the processor may also be configured such that, when the processor switches between the second display mode and the third display mode through the aforementioned display mode switching process, the active window, which was displayed in the display area of ​​the primary screen in the display mode before the switch, is displayed in the display area of ​​the primary screen in the display mode after the switch through the aforementioned display control process.

[0010] In the aforementioned information processing apparatus, when there are two applications running, if the processor switches from the first display mode to the second display mode or the third display mode through the display mode switching process, the active window in the first display mode is displayed in the first display area and the display area in the second display area that serves as the primary screen, and the inactive window other than the active window in the first display mode is displayed in the display area in the first display area and the display area in the second display area that serves as the secondary screen.

[0011] Furthermore, the control method in an information processing apparatus comprising a foldable display, a memory storing at least a program, and a processor executing the program stored in the memory, according to the second aspect of the present invention, includes the following steps: the processor executes the program stored in the memory to perform the following steps: switching between a first display mode, a second display mode, and a third display mode, wherein, in the first display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is controlled to be a single display area; in the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into two display areas, a first display area and a second display area, and the first display area is controlled to be a primary display and the second display area is controlled to be a secondary display; in the third display mode, the second display area is controlled to be a secondary display area. The process includes: a primary screen and controlling the display of the first display area as a secondary screen; when switching from the first display mode to the second display mode or the third display mode, displaying the active window in the first display mode in the primary screen area of ​​the first display area and the secondary screen area of ​​the second display area, and displaying the thumbnail images of inactive windows other than the active window in the first display mode in the secondary screen area of ​​the first display area and the secondary screen area of ​​the second display area; and when switching from the second display mode to the third display mode, setting the display area that was the secondary screen in the previous display mode to the display area that is the secondary screen in the current display mode.

[0012] According to the above-described method of the present invention, the display to a foldable display can be appropriately controlled. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the information processing apparatus involved in the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail window involved in the implementation method.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a side view of an example of an information processing device that illustrates the bending state according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a side view of an example of an information processing device showing the state of the plane involved in the implementation.

[0017] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates specific examples of various display modes of the information processing apparatus involved in the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operational specifications for the display mode switching operation involved in the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of display control based on display mode switching as described in the implementation method.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of an information processing device involved in an implementation.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure example related to the display control processing involved in the implementation method.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a display control process based on opening / closing detection involved in an implementation.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display mode switching process involved in the implementation method.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing involved in the implementation method when switching from a single-screen mode to a dual-screen mode.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing during the switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode as described in the implementation method.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing of the thumbnail window involved in the implementation method.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0028] 10…Information processing unit; 101…First housing; 102…Second housing; 103…Hinge mechanism; 11…Communication unit; 12…RAM; 13…Storage unit; 14…Speaker; 15…Display unit; 16…Camera; 150…Display; 155…Touch sensor; 161…First accelerometer; 162…Second accelerometer; 17…Hall sensor; 18…Control unit; 181…System processing unit; 1811…Application information generation unit; 182…Detection processing unit; 1821…Opening / closing detection unit; 1822…Posture detection unit; 1823…Connection detection unit; 1824…Operation detection unit; 183…Display processing unit; 1831…Display mode determination unit; 1832…Display mode switching unit; 1833…Thumbnail generation unit; 1834…Display control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] First, a brief description of the embodiments of the present invention will be provided.

[0031] Figure 1This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 10 according to this embodiment is a clamshell (notebook) type PC (personal computer). The information processing device 10 includes: a first housing 101, a second housing 102, and a hinge mechanism 103. The first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are generally quadrilateral plate-shaped (e.g., flat plate-shaped) housings. One side of the first housing 101 and one side of the second housing 102 are joined (connected) via the hinge mechanism 103, and the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis formed by the hinge mechanism 103. The state in which the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 about the rotation axis is approximately 0° is the state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 overlap and are closed. The state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are closed is called the "closed state". In the closed state, the surfaces of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 facing each other are referred to as "inner surfaces," and the surfaces opposite to the inner surfaces are referred to as "outer surfaces." The opening angle θ can also refer to the angle formed by the inner surfaces of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. The state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are opened relative to the closed state is called the "open state." The open state is the state in which the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 rotate relative to each other until the opening angle θ becomes greater than a preset threshold (e.g., 10°).

[0032] Additionally, the information processing device 10 includes a camera 16 and a display 150. The camera 16 is disposed on the inner surface of the first housing 101. The display 150 extends from the inner surface of the first housing 101 to the inner surface of the second housing 102. The camera 16, for example, is disposed on the portion outside the screen area of ​​the display 150 on the first housing 101, and is capable of capturing images of users or similar entities located on the side opposite to the display 150. The display 150 is a flexible display capable of bending according to an opening angle θ formed by the relative rotation of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 (see reference). Figure 3 , 4 As a flexible display, an organic EL display or the like is used. The information processing device 10 can control the display as a single-screen structure by treating the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 as a single-screen area DA, or it can divide the screen area of ​​the display 150 into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, and control the display as a dual-screen structure. Here, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are non-overlapping display areas. Here, the display area of ​​the screen area of ​​the display 150 corresponding to the inner surface side of the first housing 101 is the first display area DA1, and the display area corresponding to the inner surface side of the second housing 102 is the second display area DA2.

[0033] Furthermore, a touch sensor is provided on the screen area of ​​the display 150. The information processing device 10 is capable of detecting touch operations on the screen area of ​​the display 150. By turning on the information processing device 10, the user can visually confirm the display of the display 150 provided on the inner surface of each of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, perform touch operations on the display 150, and use the information processing device 10.

[0034] Furthermore, when the information processing device 10 switches from a single-screen display to a dual-screen display, the active window of the running application is displayed on the primary screen of the dual-screen display, while the thumbnail image of the inactive window is displayed on the secondary screen. Hereinafter, the operation mode displaying in a single-screen structure will be referred to as "single-screen mode," and the operation mode displaying in a dual-screen structure will be referred to as "dual-screen mode." The active window is the window currently selected as the user's operation target, and it is the window displayed in front of the monitor 150. The active window displayed on the primary screen is the window that was displayed as the active window in the single-screen mode before switching to the dual-screen mode. On the other hand, the inactive window is the window other than the active window in the single-screen mode before switching to the dual-screen mode. Hereinafter, the window displaying the thumbnail image of the inactive window will also be referred to as a "thumbnail window."

[0035] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a thumbnail window according to this embodiment. The diagram shows... Figure 1 This is an example of a thumbnail window shown when the information processing device 10 transitions from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode. In the typical dual-screen mode of a clamshell PC, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are arranged horizontally along the vertical direction. "Horizontal" means that the longer side of a rectangular display area is horizontal and the shorter side is vertical. "Vertical" corresponds to the vertical (up-down) direction, and "horizontal" corresponds to the horizontal (left-right) direction. The vertical direction is typically the vertical direction. That is, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are configured such that the lower edge of the first display area DA1 is the upper edge of the second display area DA2. Here, the first display area DA1 corresponds to the primary screen, and the second display area DA2 corresponds to the secondary screen. Alternatively, the display areas can be reversed, setting the second display area DA2 as the primary screen and the first display area DA1 as the secondary screen. Furthermore, the selection of which display area becomes the primary screen can be switched based on user operation, device status based on various sensor readings, usage history, etc. The switching of these display modes will be discussed in detail later.

[0036] When the information processing device 10 switches from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode, it displays the active window of the application running in single-screen mode (hereinafter referred to as "application") on the first display area DA1 (primary screen). For example, when switching to dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 displays the active window that was displayed in display area DA in single-screen mode as the active window (full-screen display) on the front of the entire display area of ​​the first display area DA1. In addition, when switching to dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 arranges the windows that were inactive in single-screen mode to correspond to the layer behind the active window displayed in the first display area DA1 while maintaining the layer relationship (window overlap order) of single-screen mode. Therefore, in the first display area DA1, the active window is displayed in full screen, and the inactive window, although existing in the layer behind the active window, is not displayed (the user cannot see it).

[0037] Furthermore, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 generates thumbnail images of windows that are inactive in single-screen mode and displays these thumbnail windows in the second display area DA2. If there are multiple inactive windows, the information processing device 10 displays a thumbnail window with the thumbnail images of the multiple inactive windows arranged in the second display area DA2. If any thumbnail image is selected by the user (e.g., a tapping operation), the information processing device 10 closes (does not display) all thumbnail images displayed in the second display area DA2, and displays the inactive window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image as the active window in the second display area DA2. Specifically, as an example, the information processing device 10 moves the inactive window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image from the first display area DA1 to the second display area DA2, maximizes it, and displays it as the active window (full-screen display within the second display area DA2).

[0038] Furthermore, in this thumbnail image window, one or more reduced images of each window are displayed as thumbnails in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen). A title bar B1 is displayed at the top of the thumbnail window. A close button "×" at the right end of the title bar B1 is displayed as an operator for closing the thumbnail window. Users can also close (not display) all thumbnail images by operating the close button "×" on the title bar B1 (e.g., by tapping it).

[0039] Furthermore, inactive windows in the layer behind the active window in the first display area DA1 (i.e., the main body (actual window) of the inactive window displayed as a thumbnail in the second display area DA2) can be arranged in a priority order of the same size, either hidden behind the active window or arranged in a priority order of smaller size than the active window. Additionally, inactive windows in the layer behind the active window in the first display area DA1 (i.e., the main body (actual window) of the inactive window displayed as a thumbnail in the second display area DA2) can be temporarily minimized (e.g., in Windows, where only icons exist on the taskbar), or arranged behind the thumbnail window if it is not semi-transparent. In short, the main body (actual window) of the inactive window displayed as a thumbnail in the second display area DA2 only needs to be processed so that it is temporarily invisible to the user. Moreover, in the second display area DA2, the window of the application whose thumbnail image is subsequently selected in the thumbnail window is displayed on top as the active window.

[0040] Furthermore, the taskbar B2 displayed at the lower end of the second display area DA2 is displayed as a shared taskbar in both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Additionally, the taskbar B2 can be displayed at the left or right end of the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2, or at the top of the first display area DA1. Alternatively, taskbars can be displayed in each area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. The location of the taskbar does not limit the application of this invention.

[0041] Thus, when migrating from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode, the active window displayed in single-screen mode in display area DA1 (primary screen) is displayed in the first display area DA1, while thumbnails of windows that are inactive in single-screen mode are displayed in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen). Furthermore, if any thumbnail image displayed in the second display area DA2 is selected, the inactive window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is displayed as the active window in the second display area DA2. In other words, the display state of the second display area DA2 includes both the state of displaying thumbnail windows and the state of displaying any window of the running application.

[0042] Next, the usage modes and display modes of the information processing device 10 will be described in detail. First, the usage modes of the information processing device 10 are divided into two states: a bent form (the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are bent), and a flat form (the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are not bent). Hereinafter, the bent form (the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are simply referred to as the "bent form"), and the flat form (the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are simply referred to as the "flat form." In the bent form, the display 150, which extends throughout the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, is also in a bent state. In the flat form, the display 150 is also in a flat state.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a side view of an example of an information processing device 10 representing a bent form. A display 150 is configured to extend (span) across the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. The screen area of ​​the display 150 (…) Figure 1 The display area DA shown can be bent along a fold line corresponding to the hinge mechanism 103. Using this fold line as a boundary, the display area on the first housing 101 side is designated as the first display area DA1, and the display area on the second housing 102 side is designated as the second display area DA2. The display 150 bends according to the rotation (opening angle θ) of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. The information processing device 10 determines whether it is in a bent form based on the opening angle θ. As an example, when 10° < θ < 170°, the information processing device 10 determines it to be in a bent form. This form corresponds to usage modes such as clamshell mode or book mode.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a side view of an example of an information processing device 10 representing a flat form. The information processing device 10 is typically identified as a flat form when the opening angle θ is 180°, but as an example, it can also be identified as a flat form when 170° ≤ θ ≤ 180°. For example, when the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is 180°, the display 150 also becomes a flat form. This state corresponds to a usage mode such as a so-called flat panel mode.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 5 The display modes based on the various usage forms of the information processing device 10 will be described in detail.

[0046] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates specific examples of various display modes of the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 displays different modes depending on its usage configuration, categorized by the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, the orientation (direction) of the information processing apparatus 10, and whether it is a single-screen mode or a dual-screen mode. Furthermore, a single-screen mode is also referred to as a single-screen display, and a dual-screen mode is also referred to as a split-screen display or a dual-screen display.

[0047] Display mode (a) is the display mode when the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are in a closed state, as the usage mode. For example, in this closed state, the information processing device 10 is in a sleep / dormant (hibernation) standby state, and the display 150 is in a display off state. This sleep / dormant (hibernation) standby state is, for example, equivalent to the power state S3 or S4 of the system as defined by ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface).

[0048] Display mode (b) is a dual-screen display mode where the display 150 is in a bent form and the screen area is divided into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, to control the display. Furthermore, the orientation of the information processing device 10 is such that the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are arranged horizontally along the vertical direction. A vertical display area means that the longest side of a rectangular display area is vertical and the shortest side is horizontal. When the display area is vertical, the display direction is also vertical, with the long side corresponding to the vertical direction and the short side corresponding to the horizontal direction. This usage mode is similar to the left and right screens when a book is opened, hence the term "book mode." This usage mode is a bent form, and the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are arranged horizontally, forming a horizontally elongated display area; therefore, it is also called a "Fold Landscape."

[0049] In this display mode (b), for example, in its normal operating state, the information processing device 10 uses the first display area DA1 on the left as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 on the right as the secondary screen, forming a dual-screen display mode. Furthermore, in display mode (b), the correspondence between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and the primary and secondary screens can also be reversed.

[0050] Display mode (c-1) is similar to display mode (b) in that it is a bent form, and it is a dual-screen display mode in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, to control the display. However, the orientation of the information processing device 10 is different. The orientation of the information processing device 10 is the direction in which the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are arranged horizontally along the vertical direction. A horizontal display area means that the longer side of the four sides of the rectangular display area is horizontal and the shorter side is vertical. When the display area is horizontal, the display direction is also horizontal, with the direction along the shorter side corresponding to the vertical direction and the direction along the longer side corresponding to the horizontal direction. This usage mode is one of the general usage modes of clamshell-type PCs.

[0051] In this display mode (c-1), for example, in its normal operating state, the information processing device 10 uses the first display area DA1 as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen, forming a dual-screen display mode. Furthermore, in display mode (c-1), the correspondence between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and the primary and secondary screens can also be reversed.

[0052] For example, the information processing device 10 automatically switches from display mode (b) to display mode (c-1) or from display mode (c-1) to display mode (b) by detecting changes in the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10. For example, display mode (c-1) is a state in which the display 150 in the illustration is rotated 90 degrees to the right relative to display mode (b). Therefore, if the information processing device 10 detects that the display has rotated more than a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the right from the state of display mode (b), it switches to display mode (c-1). Similarly, display mode (b) is a state in which the display 150 in the illustration is rotated 90 degrees to the left relative to display mode (c-1). Therefore, if the information processing device 10 detects that the display has rotated more than a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the left from the state of display mode (c-1), it switches to display mode (b).

[0053] Display mode (c-2) is similar to display mode (c-1) in that it is in a bent form and the orientation of the information processing device 10 is the same, but the difference is that an external keyboard 30 (Dockable mini KBD: KeyBord) that can be connected to the information processing device 10 is attached. This usage mode is a state in which a physical keyboard 30 is attached to the general usage mode of a clamshell-type PC. For example, the keyboard 30 is almost the same size as the second display area DA2 and is configured to be mounted on the second display area DA2. As an example, the keyboard 30 has magnets provided inside (at the end) of its bottom surface, and when mounted on the second display area DA2, it is attracted and fixed to the metal part at the end of the inner surface of the second housing 102. Thus, it becomes the same usage mode as a conventional clamshell-type PC that originally has a physical keyboard. In addition, the information processing device 10 and the keyboard 30 are connected, for example, via Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this display mode (c-2), the second display area DA2 in the information processing device 10 cannot be visually confirmed due to the keyboard, so it is controlled to be black or the display is turned off. In other words, this display mode (c-2) is a display mode in which only half of the screen is effective (hereinafter referred to as "half-screen mode"), which becomes a single-screen mode that only uses the first display area DA1.

[0054] For example, if the information processing device 10 detects a connection to an external keyboard while in display mode (c-1), it automatically switches from display mode (c-1) to display mode (c-2) (Switch by Dock).

[0055] Display mode (d) is similar to display mode (b) in that it is in a bent form and the orientation of the information processing device 10 is the same. However, the difference is that the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a single-screen mode, which controls the display. This usage mode differs from display mode (b) in that it is a single-screen mode, but in a bent form, and the display area DA is horizontally elongated; therefore, it is also called "Fold Landscape". The display area DA is horizontal, and the display direction is also horizontal.

[0056] Here, for example, the user can switch between single-screen mode and dual-screen mode in the bent form state. For example, the information processing device 10 can also display an operator (hereinafter referred to as a "display mode switching icon") that functions as a UI (User Interface) for switching between single-screen and dual-screen modes on the taskbar B2 (see reference 10). Figure 2The display mode switching icon can also function as a toggle switch to alternate between single-screen and dual-screen modes during each operation. As an example, if the information processing device 10 detects an operation on the display mode switching icon while in display mode (b), it switches from display mode (b) to display mode (d) (Switch by UI).

[0057] Furthermore, the UI used for switching between single-screen and dual-screen modes is not limited to the icon displayed on the taskbar B2; any UI can be used. For example, the UI used for switching between single-screen and dual-screen modes may not be the icon initially displayed on the taskbar B2, but rather an icon displayed by operating a specific part of the taskbar B2. Additionally, the information processing device 10 may display a pop-up screen indicating the ability to switch between single-screen and dual-screen modes, and this pop-up screen may display a display mode switching icon. Furthermore, the display mode switching icon may not only switch between single-screen and dual-screen modes, but may also specify the ability to change between the primary and secondary screens in dual-screen mode. Specific examples of this display mode switching icon will be described later.

[0058] Display mode (e) is similar to display mode (c-1) in that it is in a bent form, and the orientation of the information processing device 10 is also the same. However, the difference is that the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a single-screen mode, using a single-screen display area DA. This usage mode differs from display mode (c-1) in that it is a single-screen mode, but based on the bent form and the orientation of the information processing device 10, it is equivalent to the usage mode of a clamshell-type PC. The display area DA is vertical, and the display orientation is also vertical.

[0059] For example, the information processing device 10 automatically switches from display mode (d) to display mode (e) or from display mode (e) to display mode (d) by detecting changes in the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10. For example, display mode (e) is a state in which the display 150 in the illustration is rotated 90 degrees to the right relative to display mode (d). Therefore, if the information processing device 10 detects that it has rotated more than a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the right from the state of display mode (d), it switches to display mode (e). Similarly, display mode (d) is a state in which the display 150 in the illustration is rotated 90 degrees to the left relative to display mode (e). Therefore, if the information processing device 10 detects that it has rotated more than a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the left from the state of display mode (e), it switches to display mode (d).

[0060] The display mode (d′) is the same as the display mode (d), which is a single-screen mode. The orientation of the information processing device 10 is also the horizontal direction of the display area DA, but the difference is that it is a flat form. A flat form refers to a state where the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 is approximately 180°. This usage configuration corresponds to the reference... Figure 4 The so-called flat panel mode described herein is a planar state with a horizontally elongated display area DA, hence also called a "Flat Landscape". This display mode (d′) differs from display mode (d) only in the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. Similar to display mode (d), the display area DA is horizontal, and the display direction is also horizontal.

[0061] Display mode (e′) is a single-screen mode, similar to display mode (e). The orientation of the information processing device 10 is also the longitudinal direction of the display area DA, but it differs in that it is a flat form. This usage mode is a flat form, and the display area DA is longitudinal, therefore it is also called "Flat Portrait". The only difference between display mode (e) and display mode (e) is the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. Similar to display mode (e), the display area DA is longitudinal, and the display direction is also longitudinal.

[0062] For example, the information processing device 10 automatically switches from display mode (d′) to display mode (e′) or from display mode (e′) to display mode (d′) by detecting changes in the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10. For example, display mode (e′) is a state in which the display 150 in the illustration is rotated 90 degrees to the right relative to display mode (d′). Therefore, if the information processing device 10 detects that it has rotated to the right by a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees or more) from the state of display mode (d′), it switches to display mode (e′). Similarly, display mode (d′) is a state in which the display 150 in the illustration is rotated 90 degrees to the left relative to display mode (e′). Therefore, if the information processing device 10 detects that it has rotated to the left by a predetermined angle (e.g., 45 degrees or more) from the state of display mode (e′), it switches to display mode (d′).

[0063] Furthermore, in display modes (d′) and (e′), users can switch between flat and dual-screen modes while maintaining the flat form by manipulating the aforementioned display mode switching icons. For example, if switching from display mode (d′) to dual-screen mode, the display state in flat form is the same as in display mode (b). Similarly, if switching from display mode (e′) to dual-screen mode, the display state in flat form is the same as in display mode (c-1).

[0064] Furthermore, if the information processing device 10 detects a connection to the keyboard 30 while in display mode (e′), it automatically switches from display mode (e′) to display mode (c-2′). Display mode (c-2′) is a flat form, differing from display mode (c-2) only in the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. In this display mode (c-2′), the second display area DA2 in the information processing device 10 is visually unrecognizable due to the keyboard, and is therefore controlled to be either black or off. In other words, this display mode (c-2′), like display mode (c-2), is a half-screen mode where only half of the screen is active.

[0065] Furthermore, when the information processing device 10 detects a change from a flat state to a bent state, it can also switch from a single-screen mode to a dual-screen mode. For example, when the information processing device 10 detects a change from display mode (d′) to a bent state based on the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, it automatically switches from display mode (d′) to display mode (b). Similarly, when the information processing device 10 detects a change from display mode (e′) to a bent state based on the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, it automatically switches from display mode (e′) to display mode (c-1).

[0066] Furthermore, for example, in display modes (b), (c-1), (c-2), (d), (e), (d′), (e′), (c-2′), regardless of whether it is single-screen mode or dual-screen mode, the taskbar ( Figure 2 The taskbar (B2) shown is displayed only in one area of ​​the display 150 (e.g., the bottom of the display area). Alternatively, as mentioned above, the taskbar can also be displayed in each area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0067] (Display mode switching operation)

[0068] Next, we will explain the specific examples of the operating procedures for switching display modes through user operations.

[0069] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates an example of the operation specifications for the display mode switching operation involved in this embodiment. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown in (A), icon C1, which displays the display mode switching menu, is shown on taskbar B2. Operating icon C1 will display the display mode switching menu as a pop-up. Additionally, the display mode switching menu can also be displayed as a pop-up when changing from a bent form to a flat form.

[0070] The switching menu displays a display mode switching icon as a selection option for the display mode. This icon is used by the user to indicate the switching between single-screen mode and dual-screen mode, as well as the changing of the display data displayed in each area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in dual-screen mode (changing between the primary screen and the secondary screen). The switching menu displays a selection of display modes that the user can choose according to the current usage mode (the orientation of the monitor 150).

[0071] Figure 6(B) shows the switching menu M1 displayed when the mode is "Landscape" (display mode (b), display mode (d), display mode (d′), etc.). Furthermore, "1" in the figure indicates the primary screen, and "2" indicates the secondary screen. Display mode switching icons C11, C12, and C13 are displayed in the switching menu M1. Display mode switching icon C11 is displayed as a selector for single-screen modes (display mode (d) and display mode (d′)). Display mode switching icon C12 is displayed as a selector for selecting the primary screen (first display area DA1) and the secondary screen (second display area DA2) in dual-screen mode (display mode (b)). Display mode switching icon C13 is displayed as a selector for selecting the primary screen (second display area DA2) and the secondary screen (first display area DA1) in dual-screen mode (display mode (b)). In the following, the dual-screen mode in which the second display area DA2 is the primary screen and the first display area DA1 is the secondary screen, as opposed to the dual-screen mode in which the first display area DA1 is the primary screen and the second display area DA2 is the secondary screen, is referred to as the "reverse dual-screen mode".

[0072] Furthermore, the display mode switching icon corresponding to the current display mode is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from other display mode switching icons. Here, the display mode switching icon C11 is highlighted relative to other display mode switching icons C12 and C13 so that it is known that the display mode switching icon C11 is the current display mode.

[0073] Figure 6 (C) shows the switching menu M2 displayed when the mode is "Clamshell" (display mode (c-1), display mode (e), display mode (e′), etc.). Display mode switching icons C21, C22, and C23 are displayed in the switching menu M2. Display mode switching icon C21 is displayed as an operator for selecting single-screen modes (display mode (e) and display mode (e′)). Display mode switching icon C22 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode in dual-screen mode (display mode (c-1)) where the first display area DA1 is the primary screen and the second display area DA2 is the secondary screen. Display mode switching icon C23 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode in dual-screen mode (display mode (c-1)) where the second display area DA2 is the primary screen and the first display area DA1 is the secondary screen (i.e., inverting dual-screen mode).

[0074] In addition, with Figure 6Similarly, in the switching menu M1 shown in (B), the display mode switching icon corresponding to the current display mode is displayed in a way that distinguishes it from other display mode switching icons. Here, the display mode switching icon C21 is highlighted relative to the other display mode switching icons C22 and C23 so that it is known that the display mode switching icon C21 is the current display mode.

[0075] The user can arbitrarily select either of the display mode switching icons displayed in the switching menu M1 or switching menu M2. If the user selects one of the display mode switching icons, the display of the switching menu ends. Alternatively, even if a predetermined time (e.g., 3-5 seconds) has elapsed after displaying switching menu M1 or switching menu M2, and the user has not selected any display mode switching icon, the display of the switching menu ends. Furthermore, the display of the switching menu ends if the user operates the close button "×" in the upper right corner of the switching menu, if the user operates outside the pop-up switching menu screen, or if the orientation of the information processing device 10 is changed. In dual-screen mode after switching display modes, the secondary screen displays a thumbnail window, and the window of the application corresponding to the selected thumbnail image in the thumbnail window is maximized and displayed. Moreover, when the keyboard 30 is connected, it is fixed in a half-screen mode (display mode (c-2)) where only the first display area DA1 is active, therefore the switching menu is not displayed.

[0076] (Display control based on display mode switching)

[0077] Next, we will explain the display control when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode, as well as the switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode.

[0078] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates an example of display control based on display mode switching according to this embodiment. The diagram shows an example using the "Landscape" mode, but the same applies to the "Clamshell" mode. Furthermore, the same applies to both the bent and flat states.

[0079] Figure 7 (A) indicates single-screen mode. Figure 7 (B) shows the dual-screen mode. Figure 7(C) shows the state of the inverted dual-screen mode. In the illustrated dual-screen mode example, the first display area DA1 is the primary screen and the second display area DA2 is the secondary screen. On the other hand, in the illustrated inverted dual-screen mode example, the second display area DA2 is the primary screen and the first display area DA1 is the secondary screen.

[0080] In single-screen mode ( Figure 7 (A)) Switch to dual-screen mode ( Figure 7 In case (B), the active window in single-screen mode is displayed in the first display area DA1 (primary screen), and a thumbnail window is displayed in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen). Additionally, in single-screen mode... Figure 7 (A)) Switch to inverted dual-screen mode ( Figure 7 In the case of (C), the active window in single-screen mode is displayed in the second display area DA2 (primary screen), and a thumbnail window is displayed in the first display area DA1 (secondary screen). That is, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverting dual-screen mode, the thumbnail window is always displayed in the secondary screen. Then, if the user selects any of the thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail window, the window of the application corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is displayed as the active window (e.g., full-screen display) in the secondary screen.

[0081] On the other hand, when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, the display area that was the primary screen before the switch is set to the display area that becomes the primary screen after the switch, and the display area that was the secondary screen before the switch is set to the display area that becomes the secondary screen after the switch. Specifically, when switching from dual-screen mode ( Figure 7 (B)) Switch to inverted dual-screen mode ( Figure 7 In the case of (C), the active window displayed in the first display area DA1 (primary screen) before the switch is displayed in the second display area DA2 (primary screen) after the switch, and the active window displayed in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen) before the switch is displayed in the first display area DA1 (secondary screen) after the switch. Additionally, in the reverse dual-screen mode ( Figure 7 (C)) Switch to dual-screen mode ( Figure 7 In case (B), the active window displayed in the second display area DA2 (primary screen) before the switch is displayed in the first display area DA1 (primary screen) after the switch, and the active window displayed in the first display area DA1 (secondary screen) before the switch is displayed in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen) after the switch.

[0082] For example, if a thumbnail window is displayed on the secondary screen before the switch, the thumbnail window will also be displayed on the secondary screen after the switch. Additionally, if an active window is displayed on the secondary screen before the switch, the active window will also be displayed on the secondary screen after the switch. Thus, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode, the thumbnail window is displayed first on the secondary screen after the switch; however, during the switch between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, the secondary screen maintains the display from before the switch, just like the primary screen.

[0083] Furthermore, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode, if only two applications are running, the active window from single-screen mode can be displayed in the primary screen after the switch, while the secondary screen does not display thumbnail windows but instead displays the inactive window from single-screen mode as the active window. In this case, both the primary and secondary screens can display the maximized window.

[0084] (Structure of information processing device 10)

[0085] The specific structure of the information processing device 10 will be described below.

[0086] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The information processing apparatus 10 includes: a communication unit 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, a speaker 14, a display unit 15, a camera 16, a first accelerometer 161, a second accelerometer 162, a Hall sensor 17, and a control unit 18. These units are connected in a manner that enables communication via a bus or the like.

[0087] The communication unit 11 may be configured as a communication device that includes multiple Ethernet ports, multiple USB (Universal Serial Bus) digital input / output ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc., for wireless communication. For example, the communication unit 11 can communicate with the aforementioned external keyboard 30 using Bluetooth.

[0088] The RAM 12 contains the programs and data processed by the control unit 18, and various data are appropriately saved or erased. For example, the RAM 12 also functions as a video memory (V-RAM) for display on the monitor 150. As an example, the RAM 12 functions as a video memory for the data displayed in the display area DA when the monitor 150 is controlled in single-screen mode. Additionally, the RAM 12 functions as a video memory for the data displayed in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 when the monitor 150 is controlled in dual-screen mode. Furthermore, the RAM 12 stores information about the running application, the application currently in use (the active window application), information about other inactive windows, and information about which display area each window is displayed in. Moreover, since the RAM 12 is volatile memory, data is not retained if power to the RAM 12 is stopped. Data that needs to be retained when power to the RAM 12 is stopped is transferred to the storage unit 13.

[0089] The storage unit 13 is configured to include any one or more of the following: SSD (Solid State Drive), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), ROM (Read Only Memory), Flash-ROM, etc. For example, the storage unit 13 stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program, configuration data, OS (Operating System), application programs that operate on the OS, and various data used in the applications.

[0090] Speaker 14 outputs electronic sounds, audio, etc.

[0091] The display unit 15 includes a display 150 and a touch sensor 155. The display 150, as described above, is a flexible display capable of bending according to the opening angle θ formed by the relative rotation of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. The display 150 performs operations related to a reference under the control of the control unit 18. Figure 4 The display modes described herein are as follows. A touch sensor 155 is installed on the screen of the display 150 to detect touch operations on the screen. For example, in single-screen mode, the touch sensor 155 detects touch operations on the display area DA. In dual-screen mode, the touch sensor 155 detects touch operations on one or both of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Touch operations include tapping, swiping, clicking, striking, and pressing. The touch sensor 155 detects touch operations and outputs operation information based on the detected operations to the control unit 18.

[0092] The camera 16 is configured to include a lens and an imaging element. Under the control of the control unit 18, the camera 16 captures images (still images and moving images) and outputs the data of the captured images.

[0093] The first acceleration sensor 161 is disposed inside the first housing 101 and detects the orientation of the first housing 101 and changes in orientation. For example, if the direction parallel to the long side of the first display area DA1 is defined as the X1 direction, the direction parallel to the short side is defined as the Y1 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X1 and Y1 directions is defined as the Z1 direction, then the first acceleration sensor 161 detects the acceleration in the X1, Y1, and Z1 directions respectively, and outputs the detection results to the control unit 18.

[0094] The second accelerometer 162 is disposed inside the second housing 102 and detects the orientation of the second housing 102 and changes in orientation. For example, if the direction parallel to the long side of the second display area DA2 is defined as the X2 direction, the direction parallel to the short side is defined as the Y2 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X2 and Y2 directions is defined as the Z2 direction, then the second accelerometer 162 detects the acceleration in each of the X2, Y2, and Z2 directions and outputs the detection result to the control unit 18.

[0095] The Hall sensor 17 is provided for detecting the connection of the keyboard 30. For example, if the keyboard 30 is placed on the second display area DA2 of the second housing 102, the magnetic field changes due to the proximity of the magnet located inside the bottom surface of the keyboard 30, causing the detection value (output value) of the Hall sensor 17 to change. In other words, the Hall sensor 17 outputs different detection results depending on whether the keyboard 30 is placed on it.

[0096] The control unit 18 is configured to include processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a microcomputer. These processors execute programs (BIOS, OS, applications running on the OS, etc.) stored in the storage unit 13 to perform various functions. For example, the control unit 18 detects the posture (orientation) of the information processing device 10 based on the detection results of the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162. Furthermore, the control unit 18 detects whether the device is in an open or closed state based on the detection results of the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162, and if it is in an open state, whether it is in a bent or flat state.

[0097] In addition, the control unit 18 detects the user's display mode switching operation (e.g., for...). Figure 6 (The operation of the display mode switching icon is shown). Additionally, the control unit 18 detects the connection to the keyboard 30 based on the detection result of the Hall sensor 17. Furthermore, the connection to the keyboard 30 refers to the keyboard 30 being mounted on the second display area DA2, not a communication connection. For the communication connection to the keyboard 30, the control unit 18 uses functions such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) for detection.

[0098] In addition, the control unit 18 makes references to the system status, the orientation (direction) of the information processing device 10, whether it is in an open or closed state, whether it is in a bent or flat state when it is in an open state, the user's display mode switching operation, and the connection with the keyboard 30. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Control of the display on monitor 150 for explanation.

[0099] Next, the functional structure related to the display control processing in the processing performed by the control unit 18 will be explained.

[0100] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional structure related to the display control processing according to this embodiment. The control unit 18 includes a system processing unit 181, a detection processing unit 182, and a display processing unit 183. Here, the system processing unit 181 is, for example, a functional structure in which a CPU performs processing based on an OS or BIOS. Furthermore, the detection processing unit 182 is, for example, a functional structure in which a microcomputer, different from the CPU that performs processing on an OS or BIOS, performs various detection processes. The display processing unit 183 is, for example, a functional structure in which a CPU performs processing based on a program that operates on an OS.

[0101] The system processing unit 181 starts the OS and executes various programs such as drivers and applications that operate on the OS. Furthermore, the system processing unit 181 includes an application information generation unit 1811 that generates application information, including information indicating the running application (e.g., information including an application ID) and information indicating the application currently being used by the user (i.e., the application with the active window). The system processing unit 181 stores the application information generated by the application information generation unit 1811 in RAM 12.

[0102] The detection processing unit 182 has a functional structure that detects the state of the information processing device 10, including an opening / closing detection unit 1821, a posture detection unit 1822, and a connection detection unit 1823. The opening / closing detection unit 1821 detects whether the information processing device 10 is in an open or closed state based on the detection results of the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162. Furthermore, when the information processing device 10 is in an open state, the opening / closing detection unit 1821 detects the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 based on the detection results of the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162. Moreover, the opening / closing detection unit 1821 detects whether the device is in a bent or flat state based on the detected opening angle θ. The posture detection unit 1822 detects the posture (orientation) of the information processing device 10 based on the detection results of the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162. The connection detection unit 1823 detects the connection with the keyboard 30. For example, the connection detection unit 1823 detects whether a keyboard 30 is mounted on the second display area DA2 based on the detection result of the Hall sensor 17, thereby detecting the connection with the keyboard 30. The detection processing unit 182 outputs the detection results (state of the information processing device 10) of the opening / closing detection unit 1821, the posture detection unit 1822, and the connection detection unit 1823 to the display processing unit 183.

[0103] Furthermore, the detection processing unit 182 includes an operation detection unit 1824 as a functional structure for detecting operations on the information processing device 10. The operation detection unit 1824 detects user operations based on operation information output from the touch sensor 155 provided on the screen of the display 150. For example, the operation detection unit 1824 acquires a switching menu screen (see reference) based on the user's selection of a display mode switching function. Figure 6 The detection processing unit 182 collects the operation information of the user's operation and detects the display mode switching operation based on the acquired operation information. The detection processing unit 182 outputs the detected user operation information to the display processing unit 183.

[0104] The display processing unit 183 determines and switches the display mode based on the open / closed state and posture (direction) of the information processing device 10 obtained from the detection processing unit 182, as well as user operations. Furthermore, the display processing unit 183 controls the display of the windows (active and inactive windows) of the running application based on application information obtained from the system processing unit 181 and according to the display mode. Specifically, it includes: a display mode determination unit 1831, a display mode switching unit 1832, a thumbnail generation unit 1833, and a display control unit 1834.

[0105] The display mode determination unit 1831 performs display mode determination processing based on the detection results of the information processing device 10's state or user operation detected by the detection processing unit 182. For example, the display mode determination unit 1831 obtains from the detection processing unit 182 the detection results of the information processing device 10's open / closed state, whether it is bent or flat when open, the information processing device 10's posture (orientation), and user operation information. Furthermore, the display mode determination unit 1831 determines the display mode based on the detection results and operation information obtained from the detection processing unit 182. Figure 5 The display mode for providing explanations.

[0106] The display mode switching unit 1832 switches based on the display mode determined by the display mode determination unit 1831 as a reference. Figure 5 The display mode switching process is explained below. For example, the display mode switching unit 1832 sets the display mode, such as switching between single-screen mode and dual-screen mode (or inverted dual-screen mode), the orientation of each display area, and the display content of each display area, based on the display mode determined by the display mode determination unit 1831. The display control unit 1834 performs display control processing, outputting display data to each display area and displaying it according to the display mode set by the display mode switching unit 1832.

[0107] Here, the operation of the display control processing performed by the control unit 18 will be explained.

[0108] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing based on opening / closing detection involved in this embodiment.

[0109] (Step S101) The control unit 18 detects whether the information processing device 10 is in an on or off state based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162. Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S103.

[0110] (Step S103) Based on the detection result of step S101, the control unit 18 determines whether a change from the closed state to the open state or from the open state to the closed state of the information processing device 10 has been detected. If the control unit 18 determines that a change from the closed state to the open state has been detected, it proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that a change from the open state to the closed state has been detected, it proceeds to step S107.

[0111] (Step S105) When the control unit 18 determines that a change from the closed state to the open state has been detected, it controls the display of the display 150 to be turned on.

[0112] (Step S107) When the control unit 18 determines that a change from the open state to the closed state has been detected, it controls the display of the display 150 to be turned off.

[0113] Furthermore, the display control process may be executed repeatedly at a predetermined cycle. When the control is on, the display mode switching process, which switches between single-screen mode and dual-screen mode (or inverts dual-screen mode), is performed as described below.

[0114] Next, the operation of the display mode switching process performed by the control unit 18 will be explained.

[0115] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display mode switching process involved in this embodiment. Here, the control unit 18... Figure 10 The following describes the process of display control based on opening / closing detection, which detects the change from a closed state to an open state and then controls the display to be on.

[0116] (Step S201) The control unit 18 detects the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162. Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S203.

[0117] (Step S203) Based on the opening angle θ detected in step S201, the control unit 18 determines whether the state has changed from a bent form to a flat form. If the control unit 18 determines that the state has changed from a bent form to a flat form (Yes), it proceeds to step S205. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that the state has not changed from a bent form to a flat form (No), it proceeds to step S207.

[0118] (Step S205) If the control unit 18 determines in step S203 that the state has changed from a bent form to a flat form, it sets the screen to single-screen mode. For example, if the control unit 18 was set to dual-screen mode before the determination, it switches from dual-screen mode to single-screen mode. Alternatively, if the control unit 18 was set to single-screen mode before the determination, it continues to use single-screen mode. Furthermore, the control unit 18 controls the information processing device 10 based on the posture (orientation) detected by the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162. Figure 5 The displayed display mode (d′) or display mode (e′) is selected as the display mode. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0119] (Step S207) The control unit 18 determines whether the plane has changed from a flat state to a bent state based on the opening angle θ detected in step S201. If the control unit 18 determines that the plane has changed to a bent state (Yes), it proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that the plane has not changed to a bent state (No), it proceeds to step S211.

[0120] (Step S209) If the control unit 18 determines in step S207 that the state has changed from a flat form to a bent form, it sets the screen to dual-screen mode. For example, if the control unit 18 was set to dual-screen mode before the determination, it continues to set the screen to dual-screen mode. Alternatively, if the control unit 18 was set to single-screen mode before the determination, it switches from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode. Furthermore, the control unit 18 controls the information processing device 10 based on the posture (orientation) detected by the first accelerometer 161 and the second accelerometer 162. Figure 5 The display mode shown (b) or display mode (c-1) is used as the display mode. Return to the processing of step S201.

[0121] (Step S211) The control unit 18 determines whether there is a user's display mode switching operation based on the operation information output from the touch sensor 155. For example, in the case of a selection... Figure 6If either the display mode switching icon displayed in the switch menu M1 or switch menu M2 is activated, the control unit 18 determines that a display mode switching operation has occurred. If the control unit 18 determines that a display mode switching operation has occurred (Yes), it proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that no display mode switching operation has occurred (No), it returns to step S201.

[0122] (Step S213) The control unit 18 determines the display mode of the display mode switching icon selected by the user through the display mode switching operation, and controls the display mode. For example, the control unit 18 selects a display mode switching icon C11 or C21 corresponding to the single-screen mode (see...). Figure 6 If the operation is performed as described above, proceed to step S215. Additionally, if the control unit 18 displays a display mode switching icon C12 or C22 corresponding to the dual-screen mode (see reference...), it will proceed to step S215. Figure 6 If the operation is performed as described above, proceed to step S217. Additionally, if the control unit 18 displays a display mode switching icon C13 or C23 corresponding to the selection and inversion dual-screen mode (see reference...), it will proceed to step S217. Figure 6 In the case of operation ), proceed to step S219.

[0123] (Step S215) The control unit 18 is set to a single-screen display mode. For example, if the control unit 18 was set to dual-screen mode before the display mode switching operation, it switches from dual-screen mode to single-screen mode. Alternatively, if the control unit 18 was set to single-screen mode before the display mode switching operation, it remains in single-screen mode. Specifically, when the display mode switching icon C11 is selected, the control unit 18 controls the display mode to be (d) if the screen is in a bent form, and (d′) if it is in a flat form. Similarly, when the display mode switching icon C21 is selected, the control unit 18 controls the display mode to be (e) or (e′). Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0124] (Step S217) The control unit 18 is set to a dual-screen display mode. For example, if the control unit 18 was set to single-screen mode before performing the display mode switching operation, it switches from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode. Alternatively, if the control unit 18 was set to inverted dual-screen mode before performing the display mode switching operation, it switches from inverted dual-screen mode to dual-screen mode. Furthermore, if the control unit 18 was set to dual-screen mode before performing the display mode switching operation, it continues with the dual-screen mode setting. Specifically, when the display mode switching icon C12 is selected, the control unit 18 controls the display to be in display mode (b) if it is in a bent state (Bent form), and in display mode (Flat form) if it is in a flat state (Flat form), the same as display mode (b). Furthermore, when the display mode switching icon C22 is selected, the control unit 18 controls the display to switch to display mode (c-1) if the state is bent (Bentform), and to display in the same flat (Flatform) state as display mode (c-1) if the state is flat (Flatform). Additionally, in either display mode (b) or display mode (c-1), the first display area DA1 is the primary screen, and the second display area DA2 is the secondary screen. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0125] (Step S219) The control unit 18 is set to the inverted dual-screen display mode. For example, if the control unit 18 was set to single-screen mode before the display mode switching operation, it switches from single-screen mode to inverted dual-screen mode. Alternatively, if the control unit 18 was set to dual-screen mode before the display mode switching operation, it switches from dual-screen mode to inverted dual-screen mode. Furthermore, if the control unit 18 was set to inverted dual-screen mode before the display mode switching operation, it continues to invert the dual-screen mode setting. Specifically, when the display mode switching icon C13 is selected, the control unit 18 controls the display to be in display mode (b) if it is in a bent state (Bent form), and to display in the same flat state (Flat form) as display mode (b). Furthermore, when the display mode switching icon C23 is selected, the control unit 18 controls the display to switch to display mode (c-1) if the state is bent (Bent form) and to display in the same flat form as display mode (c-1) if the state is flat (Flat form). Additionally, in either display mode (b) or display mode (c-1), the second display area DA2 is the primary screen, and the first display area DA1 is the secondary screen. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0126] Furthermore, the control unit 18 can also be configured to automatically switch display modes without considering changes in the bent form or the flat form. In this configuration, the control unit 18... Figure 11 In the example shown, steps S201 to S209 are omitted, while steps S211 to S219 are performed instead. Alternatively, the control unit 18 may be configured to have a control mode that automatically switches the display mode based on changes in the bent form and the unbent flat surface, and a control mode that does not automatically switch the display mode, allowing the user to select these control modes.

[0127] Additionally, in step S211, the control unit 18 determines whether there is a user's display mode switching operation. At this time, the operation object operated by the user (e.g., Figure 5 The switch menu M1 or switch menu M2 shown may be based on user actions (e.g., Figure 5The operation on icon C1 shown is displayed in a pop-up window. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 does not automatically switch the display mode (or control mode) based on changes in the bent form and the flat form, it can also be configured to cause the user to operate on the object (e.g., [object name]) based on changes in the bent form and the flat form. Figure 5 The switch menu M1 or switch menu M2 shown is displayed. In this case, the control unit 18... Figure 11 In the example shown, steps S205 and S209 are not performed. In the determination in steps S203 and S207, the operation object operated by the user (e.g., Figure 5 The switching menu M1 or switching menu M2 shown is displayed and the process proceeds to step S211.

[0128] Return to Figure 9 The thumbnail generation unit 1833 generates a thumbnail image corresponding to an inactive window within the window of the application being executed. This thumbnail image is the image used to display in the thumbnail window (see reference). Figure 2 The display control unit 1834 outputs and displays the display data of the application windows and thumbnail windows to be displayed in each display area according to the display mode set by the display mode switching unit 1832.

[0129] For example, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode, the display control unit 1834 displays the active window that was displayed in display area DA in single-screen mode in first display area DA1. Furthermore, first display area DA1 is defaulted to the primary screen when switching to dual-screen mode. Additionally, when the display mode switching unit 1834 switches from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode via the display mode switching unit 1832, the active window in single-screen mode is displayed in the primary screen display area of ​​both first display area DA1 and second display area DA2, and the thumbnail window is displayed in the secondary screen display area of ​​both first display area DA1 and second display area DA2. On the other hand, when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, the display mode switching unit 1832 displays the active window that was previously displayed in the primary screen display area in the secondary screen display area after the switch, and sets the display area that was previously displayed in the secondary screen display area to the secondary screen display area after the switch.

[0130] For example, if the display control unit 1834 displays the thumbnail window in the display area that was a secondary screen before the switch, it also displays the thumbnail window in the display area that is a secondary screen after the switch. Furthermore, if the display control unit 1834 displays the active window selected from the thumbnail window (thumbnail image) in the display area that was a secondary screen before the switch, it also displays the active window in the display area that is a secondary screen after the switch.

[0131] Furthermore, when there are two applications in operation, and the display control unit 1834 switches from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode via the display mode switching unit 1832, the active window in single-screen mode is displayed in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as the primary screen, and the inactive window other than the active window in single-screen mode is displayed in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen.

[0132] Here, the display control processing actions when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode (or inverting dual-screen mode) are explained.

[0133] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing during the switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode according to this embodiment.

[0134] (Step S301) The control unit 18 determines whether a switch from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode has been performed. If the control unit 18 determines that no switch has been performed (No), it continues in single-screen mode, does not display the thumbnail window, and ends the process. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that a switch has been performed (Yes), it proceeds to step S303.

[0135] (Step S303) The control unit 18 detects the posture (orientation) of the information processing device 10 based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162. Then, it proceeds to the processing in step S305.

[0136] (Step S305) Based on the posture (orientation) of the information processing device 10 detected in step S303, the control unit 18 determines whether the usage mode of the information processing device 10 is "Landscape" or "Clamshell". For example, if the control unit 18 determines that it is "Landscape", it proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that it is "Clamshell", it proceeds to step S309.

[0137] (Step S307) If the control unit 18 determines that it is "Landscape", it controls the display mode (b) (see reference) Figure 5 Furthermore, display mode (b) is an example of the display mode (Fold Landscape) for the bent form, but the same applies to the flat form. Then, proceed to the processing in step S311.

[0138] (Step S309) If the control unit 18 determines that it is "Clamshell", it controls the display mode (c-1) (see reference). Figure 5 Furthermore, display mode (c-1) is an example of the display mode for the bent form, but the same applies to the flat form. Then, proceed to step S311.

[0139] (Step S311) The control unit 18 determines whether the switch from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode is a switch to inverted dual-screen mode. If the control unit 18 determines that it is not a switch to inverted dual-screen mode (No), it proceeds to step S313. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that it is a switch to inverted dual-screen mode (Yes), it proceeds to step S315.

[0140] (Step S313) The control unit 18 displays the active window in the single-screen mode in the first display area DA1 (primary screen) and displays the thumbnail window in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen).

[0141] (Step S315) The control unit 18 displays the active window in the single-screen mode in the second display area DA2 (primary screen) and displays the thumbnail window in the first display area DA1 (secondary screen).

[0142] Next, the display control processing actions when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode will be explained.

[0143] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode as described in this embodiment.

[0144] (Step S401) The control unit 18 determines whether it is a switch from dual-screen mode to inverted dual-screen mode. If the control unit 18 determines that it is a switch from dual-screen mode to inverted dual-screen mode (Yes), it proceeds to step S405. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that it is not a switch from dual-screen mode to inverted dual-screen mode (No), it proceeds to step S403.

[0145] (Step S403) The control unit 18 determines whether it is a switch from the inverted dual-screen mode to the dual-screen mode. If the control unit 18 determines that it is a switch from the inverted dual-screen mode to the dual-screen mode (Yes), it proceeds to step S407. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that it is not a switch from the inverted dual-screen mode to the dual-screen mode (No), it does not perform a display switch and ends the process.

[0146] (Step S405) The control unit 18 switches the primary screen from the first display area DA1 to the second display area DA2, setting the display of the first display area DA1 before the switch to the display of the second display area DA2 after the switch. In addition, the control unit 18 switches the secondary screen from the second display area DA2 to the first display area DA1, setting the display of the second display area DA2 before the switch to the display of the first display area DA1 after the switch.

[0147] (Step S407) The control unit 18 switches the primary screen from the second display area DA2 to the first display area DA1, setting the display of the second display area DA2 before the switch to the display of the first display area DA1 after the switch. In addition, the control unit 18 switches the secondary screen from the first display area DA1 to the second display area DA2, setting the display of the first display area DA1 before the switch to the display of the second display area DA2 after the switch.

[0148] Next, the display control processing actions when a thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail window is selected in dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode will be explained.

[0149] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the display control processing of the thumbnail window according to this embodiment. Furthermore, in dual-screen mode, the secondary screen is the second display area DA2, and in reverse dual-screen mode, the secondary screen is the first display area DA1.

[0150] (Step S501) The control unit 18 determines whether any of the thumbnail images displayed on the secondary screen has been selected. If the control unit 18 determines that no thumbnail image has been selected (No), it proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that any of the thumbnail images has been selected (Yes), it proceeds to step S507.

[0151] (Step S503) The control unit 18 determines whether the close button in the title bar of the thumbnail window displayed in the secondary screen has been operated. If the control unit 18 determines that the close button has been operated (yes), it proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that the close button has not been operated (no), it returns to step S501.

[0152] (Step S505) If the control unit 18 determines in step S503 that the close button has been operated, it closes the thumbnail window and ends the process.

[0153] (Step S507) If the control unit 18 determines in step S501 that any one of the thumbnail images has been selected, it closes the thumbnail window and proceeds to step S509.

[0154] (Step S509) The control unit 18 maximizes and displays (full screen display) the inactive window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image as the active window on the secondary screen.

[0155] As described above, the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes: a foldable display 150, a storage unit 13 (an example of a memory) storing at least a program, and a control unit 18 (for example, an example of a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or microcomputer included in the control unit 18) executing the program stored in the storage unit 13. The control unit 18 performs a display mode switching process by executing the program stored in the storage unit 13. This display mode switching process switches between a single-screen mode (first display mode) in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a single screen area, a dual-screen mode (second display mode) in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, and the first display area DA1 is controlled as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 is controlled as the secondary screen, and a reversed dual-screen mode (third display mode) in which the second display area DA2 is controlled as the primary screen and the first display area DA1 is controlled as the secondary screen. Furthermore, the control unit 18 performs display control processing. When switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode through display mode switching processing, it displays the active window in single-screen mode in the primary display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and displays the thumbnail images of inactive windows other than the active window in single-screen mode in the secondary display areas of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. On the other hand, when switching from dual-screen mode to inverted dual-screen mode through display mode switching processing, the control unit 18 sets the display area that was a secondary display area in the previous display mode to the display area that was a secondary display area in the new display mode.

[0156] Therefore, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode (or inverted dual-screen mode), the information processing device 10 can continue to use the applications used in single-screen mode on the primary screen, and can easily check other running applications on the secondary screen. In switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, only the primary and secondary screens change; if the selected application's window is already displayed on the secondary screen, it does not switch to a thumbnail window, thus providing better convenience for the user. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can appropriately control the display on the foldable display 150.

[0157] Furthermore, when the control unit 18 switches between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode through display mode switching processing, it displays the thumbnail window (thumbnail image) in the display area that was a secondary screen in the display mode before the switch, and then displays the thumbnail window (thumbnail image) in the display area that was a secondary screen in the display mode after the switch, through display control processing.

[0158] Therefore, when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 displays a thumbnail window on the secondary screen as well as on the secondary screen after the switch. Thus, only the primary and secondary screens are changed before and after the switch, which is more convenient for the user. Consequently, the information processing device 10 can appropriately control the display on the foldable display 150.

[0159] Furthermore, when the control unit 18 switches between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode through display mode switching processing, it displays the active window selected from the thumbnail window (thumbnail image) in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode before the switch, and displays the active window in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode after the switch, in the display control processing.

[0160] Therefore, when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 only changes the primary screen and the secondary screen. It does not switch to a thumbnail window when the selected application window is already displayed on the secondary screen, thus providing better convenience for the user. Consequently, the information processing device 10 can appropriately control the display on the foldable monitor 150.

[0161] In addition, when the control unit 18 switches between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode through display mode switching processing, it uses display control processing to make the active window, which was the primary screen in the display mode before the switch, appear in the primary screen in the display mode after the switch.

[0162] Therefore, when switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can switch the application used in the primary screen and continue using it in the subsequent primary screen, thus providing better convenience for the user. Consequently, the information processing device 10 can appropriately control the display to the foldable display 150.

[0163] In addition, when there are two applications in operation, if the display mode switching process is performed to switch from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or reverse dual-screen mode, the control unit 18 can display the active window in single-screen mode in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as the primary screen, and display the inactive window other than the active window in single-screen mode in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen.

[0164] Therefore, even when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or inverted dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 does not display thumbnail windows when there are only two applications running. Instead, it displays the individual windows of the two applications on the primary and secondary screens respectively, which is more convenient for the user. Even if thumbnail windows are displayed when there are only two applications running, only one thumbnail image is shown as the selection, making it meaningless. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can appropriately control the display to the foldable display 150.

[0165] Furthermore, the control method in the information processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes: the control unit 18 (for example, an example of a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or microcomputer included in the control unit 18) executes a program stored in the storage unit 13 (an example of a memory) to perform the following steps: switching to a single-screen mode (first display mode) in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a display area; dividing the screen area of ​​the display 150 into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, and controlling the display with the first display area DA1 as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen; and using the second display area DA2 as the primary screen and the first display area DA2 as the secondary screen. The steps include: controlling the display in a reversed dual-screen mode (third display mode) by using display area DA1 as a secondary screen; when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode or reversed dual-screen mode, displaying the active window in single-screen mode in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as the primary screen, and displaying the thumbnail images corresponding to the inactive windows other than the active window in single-screen mode in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as secondary screens; and when switching between dual-screen mode and reversed dual-screen mode, setting the display area that was a secondary screen in the previous display mode to the display area that was a secondary screen in the current display mode.

[0166] Therefore, when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode (or inverted dual-screen mode), the information processing device 10 can continue to use the applications used in single-screen mode on the primary screen, and can easily check other running applications on the secondary screen. In switching between dual-screen mode and inverted dual-screen mode, only the primary and secondary screens change; if the selected application's window is already displayed on the secondary screen, it does not switch to a thumbnail window, thus providing better convenience for the user. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can appropriately control the display on the foldable display 150.

[0167] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to the above description, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0168] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described where the first display area DA1 is used as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen in the default dual-screen mode, and the second display area DA2 is used as the primary screen and the first display area DA1 as the secondary screen in the inverted dual-screen mode. However, the correspondence between the primary and secondary screens can also be reversed. That is, the second display area DA2 can be used as the primary screen and the first display area DA1 as the secondary screen in the default dual-screen mode, and the first display area DA1 can be used as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen in the inverted dual-screen mode.

[0169] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of a single-screen mode where the screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a single display area DA, and a dual-screen mode where the display is controlled by dividing it into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, have been described. However, when dividing the screen area of ​​the display 150, it is not limited to dividing it into only two display areas; it can also be divided into three or more display areas. For example, even in a three-screen mode where the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into three display areas to control the display, the display orientation of each of the three display areas can be changed according to the rotation of the display 150 without changing the display data displayed in each of the three display areas.

[0170] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example of touch operation on a multiple touch panel-type display in which the input unit (touch sensor) and the display unit are integrated is described, but it is not limited to touch operation. It can also be set to mouse-based click operation, gesture-based operation, etc.

[0171] Furthermore, the aforementioned control unit 18 has an internal computer system. Moreover, programs for implementing the functions of each structure of the control unit 18 can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing in each structure of the control unit 18 can be performed by having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Here, "having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium" includes installing programs on the computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Additionally, a "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium containing the program can be a non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0172] Furthermore, the recording medium may also include internal or external recording media that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. Additionally, the program may be divided into multiple parts, each downloaded at different time intervals, and then assembled by various structures within the control unit 18, with each part distributed via a different distribution server. Moreover, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes structures that retain the program for a certain period, such as a server in the case of sending the program via a network, or volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system acting as a client. Furthermore, the aforementioned program may also be a structure used to implement the functions described above. Further, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can be implemented by combining the aforementioned functions with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0173] Alternatively, some or all of the functions of the control unit 18 in the above embodiments can be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function can be processed independently, or some or all of them can be integrated for processing. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSI; it can also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. In addition, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI emerges with the advancement of semiconductor technology, integrated circuits based on this technology can also be used.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: A foldable display; At least the memory for storing programs; and The processor that executes the program stored in the aforementioned memory. The processor performs the following processing by executing the program stored in the memory: The display mode switching process involves switching between the first, second, and third display modes. In the first display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is used as a single display area for control of the display. In the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into a first display area and a second display area, with the first display area used as the primary screen and the second display area used as the secondary screen for control of the display. In the third display mode, the second display area is used as the primary screen and the first display area is used as the secondary screen for control of the display. In the display control processing, when switching from the first display mode to the second or third display mode through the aforementioned display mode switching processing, the active window in the first display mode is displayed in the primary display area of ​​the first display area and the secondary display area of ​​the second display area, and the thumbnail images corresponding to the inactive windows other than the active window in the first display mode are displayed in the secondary display areas of the first and second display areas. When switching from the second to the third display mode through the aforementioned display mode switching processing, the display area that was the secondary display area in the display mode before the switch is set to the display area that is the secondary display area in the display mode after the switch.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the processor switches between the second and third display modes through the display mode switching process, and then, through the display control process, displays the thumbnail image in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode before the switch, and displays the thumbnail image in the display area of ​​the secondary screen in the display mode after the switch.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When the processor switches between the second and third display modes through the display mode switching process, it also switches between the active window selected from the thumbnail image and the secondary screen display area in the display mode after the switch, in the display control process.

4. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the processor switches between the second and third display modes through the display mode switching process, it uses the display control process to make the active window, which was displayed in the display area of ​​the primary screen in the display mode before the switch, appear in the display area of ​​the primary screen in the display mode after the switch.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When there are two applications running, if the processor switches from the first display mode to the second display mode or the third display mode through the display mode switching process, the active window in the first display mode is displayed in the first display area and the display area in the second display area that becomes the primary screen, and the inactive window other than the active window in the first display mode is displayed in the display area in the first display area and the display area in the second display area that becomes the secondary screen.

6. A control method in an information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprising: a foldable display, a memory storing at least a program, and a processor executing the program stored in the memory, the control method comprising: The processor executes the program stored in the memory to perform the following steps: The steps of switching between the first display mode, the second display mode, and the third display mode are as follows: In the first display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is used as a single display area for display control; in the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into two display areas, the first display area and the second display area, and the first display area is used as the primary screen and the second display area is used as the secondary screen for display control; in the third display mode, the second display area is used as the primary screen and the first display area is used as the secondary screen for display control. When switching from the first display mode to the second display mode or the third display mode, the steps are as follows: The active window in the first display mode is displayed in the primary display area of ​​the first display area and the secondary display area of ​​the second display area; and thumbnails of inactive windows other than the active window in the first display mode are displayed in the secondary display areas of the first display area and the second display area. When switching between the second and third display modes described above, the step is to set the display area that was the secondary screen in the display mode before the switch to the display area that was the secondary screen in the display mode after the switch.

Images