Information processing apparatus and control method

Abstract

The invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a control method. The purpose of the present invention is to improve operability when controlling display by dividing a screen region of a single display into a plurality of display regions. The information processing apparatus controls switching between a first display mode for controlling display using the entire screen area of one display as one display area, and a second display mode for controlling display by dividing the screen area of one display into a plurality of display areas. When an operation is performed in the second display mode so that a window displayed across at least two of the plurality of display regions is displayed to the maximum extent, display control processing is performed so that the operated window is displayed to the maximum extent in any one of the plurality of display regions in the second display mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and a control method. Background Art

[0002] There is an information processing device provided with a foldable flexible display (display unit) (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). For example, a display is provided over a first shell and a second shell that can be folded by a connecting portion (hinge mechanism), and the display is also bent according to the bending of the first shell and the second shell. In this way, when a display is provided over the first shell and the second shell, not only a single-screen mode in which the screen area of ​​one display is used as one display area can be used, but also the screen area of ​​one display can be divided into two display areas, a display area on the first shell side and a display area on the second shell side, and used approximately as a dual-screen mode.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses control in which, when switching from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the window of the application being executed is displayed in the dual-screen mode with the size of the window being matched to each display area (eg, maximized).

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-70081.

[0005] However, the above-mentioned dual-screen mode is only to configure each window to cooperate with each display area after the division, so that the single screen is regarded as approximately divided into two display areas. Therefore, when the displayed window is moved or resized by the user's operation, it can be moved or resized beyond the range of each display area within the screen area of ​​the display. For example, when the user accidentally moves or resizes the window beyond the range of each display area, in order to return the window to the original display area, it is necessary to temporarily return to the single-screen mode and then switch to the dual-screen mode again. Such two or more operations are not good for operability. In addition, it is also assumed that the screen area of ​​the display is divided into three or more display areas for use. In this case, it is also the same. It is relatively troublesome to return the window that has been moved or resized beyond the range of each display area to the original display area. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and one object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a control method for improving the operability when controlling the display by dividing the screen area of ​​one display into a plurality of display areas.

[0007] The present invention is completed to solve the above-mentioned problems. The information processing device involved in the first mode of the present invention includes a display; a memory, storing a program of an application; and a processor, which controls the display of the window of the above-mentioned application on the above-mentioned display by executing the program of the above-mentioned application stored in the above-mentioned memory, and the above-mentioned processor performs: display mode switching processing, controlling the switching of the first display mode and the second display mode, in which the entire screen area of ​​the above-mentioned display is controlled to be displayed as a display area in the first display mode, and the screen area of ​​the above-mentioned display is divided into multiple display areas to control the display in the second display mode; and display control processing, in which, when an operation is performed in the above-mentioned second display mode to maximize the display of the above-mentioned window displayed across at least two display areas of multiple display areas, the above-mentioned window that has performed the above-mentioned operation is maximized and displayed in any one of the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned second display mode.

[0008] In the information processing device, the processor may, in the display control process, maximize and display the window on which the operation has been performed in a display area closest to the window among a plurality of display areas in the second display mode.

[0009] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the above-mentioned processor may also, in the above-mentioned display control processing, use the display area with the largest area displaying the above-mentioned window having performed the above-mentioned operation among the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned second display mode as the display area closest to the above-mentioned window.

[0010] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the above-mentioned processor may also, in the above-mentioned display control processing, use a display area at a specific position in the above-mentioned window where the above-mentioned operation was performed among the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned second display mode as a display area closest to the above-mentioned window.

[0011] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the above-mentioned processor may also, in the case where the display mode switching process has been switched from the above-mentioned first display mode to the above-mentioned second display mode, display the above-mentioned window of the above-mentioned application executed in the above-mentioned first display mode in any one of the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned display control process; and in the case where the above-mentioned operation is performed after the above-mentioned window is moved or resized to be displayed across at least two of the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned second display mode, display the above-mentioned window that has performed the above-mentioned operation in a maximized manner in any one of the multiple display areas.

[0012] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the above-mentioned processor may also perform the above-mentioned operation after the above-mentioned window is moved or resized in the above-mentioned second display mode to be displayed across at least two display areas of multiple display areas, and display the above-mentioned window that has performed the above-mentioned operation in a maximized manner in the display area before the above-mentioned movement or the above-mentioned resizing.

[0013] In the information processing device, the processor may cause the window of the application program started in the second display mode to be displayed in any one of a plurality of display areas in the display control process.

[0014] In the above-mentioned information processing device, the above-mentioned processor may also, in the above-mentioned display control processing, cause the window of the above-mentioned application launched in the above-mentioned second display mode to be displayed in the above-mentioned screen area independently of the multiple display areas, and when the above-mentioned operation is performed, cause the above-mentioned window on which the above-mentioned operation has been performed to be displayed maximized in any one of the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned second display mode.

[0015] In addition, in the second embodiment of the present invention, a control method in a control information processing device comprising a display; a memory storing a program of an application; and a processor, which executes a control method in which a window of the application is displayed on the display by executing the program of the application stored in the memory, includes the following steps performed by the processor: a display mode switching step of controlling the switching of a first display mode and a second display mode, wherein in the first display mode, the entire screen area of ​​the display is controlled to be displayed as a single display area, and in the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into a plurality of display areas to control the display; and a display control step of, in the case where an operation is performed in the second display mode to maximize the display of the window displayed across at least two of the plurality of display areas, displaying the window on which the operation is performed is maximized in any one of the plurality of display areas in the second display mode.

[0016] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve operability when the screen area of ​​one display is divided into a plurality of display areas to control display. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the information processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view showing an example of the information processing device in a folded state according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3This is a side view showing an example of the information processing device in a planar state according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing specific examples of various display modes of the information processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation specification of the display mode switching operation according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a display example in the dual screen mode according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a first example of display control of a window by a maximization operation according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a second example of the display control of the window by the maximization operation according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 9 This is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the information processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example related to the display control process according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process when switching to the dual screen mode according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of a window in the dual screen mode according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of a window in the dual screen mode according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing an example of an operation specification of a display mode switching operation according to the third embodiment.

[0031] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a first example of display control of a window by a maximization operation according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing a second example of display control of a window by a maximization operation according to the third embodiment.

[0033] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of a window in the three-screen mode according to the third embodiment.

[0034] Description of Reference Numerals

[0035] 10...Information processing device; 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 acceleration sensor; 162...Second acceleration sensor; 17...Hall sensor; 18...Control unit; 181...System processing unit; 1811...Application execution information generation unit; 182...Detection processing unit; 1821...Opening and 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 DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0037] <First embodiment>

[0038] First, the outline of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0039] Figure 1: is a three-dimensional diagram showing the appearance of the information processing device 10 involved in the present embodiment. The information processing device 10 involved in the present embodiment is a clamshell (notebook) PC (personal computer). The information processing device 10 includes a first shell 101, a second shell 102 and a hinge mechanism 103. The first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are approximately quadrilateral plate-shaped (for example, flat plate-shaped) shells. One of the side surfaces of the first shell 101 and one of the side surfaces of the second shell 102 are combined (connected) via the hinge mechanism 103, and the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 can rotate relative to each other around the rotation axis formed by the hinge mechanism 103. The state in which the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 around the rotation axis is approximately 0° is the state in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 overlap and are closed. The state in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are closed is called a "closed state" (closed). When the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are lowered in the closed state, the surfaces on the opposite side of each other are called their respective "inner surfaces", and the surfaces on the opposite side of the inner surfaces are called "outer surfaces". The opening angle θ can also be said to be the angle formed by the inner surface of the first shell 101 and the inner surface of the second shell 102. The state in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are opened relative to the closed state is called the "open state". The open state is a state in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are relatively rotated until the opening angle θ is larger than a preset threshold (for example, 10°).

[0040] In addition, the information processing device 10 includes a camera 16 and a display 150. The camera 16 is provided on the inner surface of the first housing 101. The display 150 is provided from the inner surface of the first housing 101 to the inner surface of the second housing 102. The camera 16 is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the first housing 101, outside the screen area of ​​the display 150, and can capture a user or the like who is on the side opposite to the display 150. The display 150 is a flexible display that can be bent according to the opening angle θ generated by the relative rotation of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 , 3). As a flexible display, an organic EL display or the like is used. The information processing device 10 can control the display by treating the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 as a display area DA and as a single-screen structure, and can also control the display by dividing the screen area of ​​the display 150 into two display areas, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, as a dual-screen structure. Here, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are display areas that do not overlap with each other. Here, the display area corresponding to the inner surface side of the first shell 101 in the screen area of ​​the display 150 is the first display area DA1, and the display area corresponding to the inner surface side of the second shell 102 is the second display area DA2. Hereinafter, the display mode in which the display is controlled by a single-screen structure is referred to as a "single-screen mode", and the display mode in which the display is controlled by a dual-screen structure is referred to as a "dual-screen mode".

[0041] In addition, a touch sensor is provided on the screen area of ​​the display 150. The information processing device 10 can detect a touch operation on the screen area of ​​the display 150. The user can visually check the display of the display 150 provided on the inner surface of each of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, perform a touch operation on the display 150, and use the information processing device 10 by opening the information processing device 10.

[0042] Next, the usage form and screen mode of the information processing device 10 are described in detail. First, as the usage form of the information processing device 10, according to the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102, it is divided into a state (Bent form) in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are bent, and a state (Flat form) in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are not bent. Hereinafter, the state (Bent form) in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are bent is referred to as "the bent state (Bent form)", and the state (Flat form) in which the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are not bent is referred to as "the flat state (Flat form)". In the bent state (Bent form), the display 150 arranged throughout the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 also becomes a bent state. In the flat state (Flat form), the display 150 also becomes a flat state.

[0043] Figure 2 1 is a side view showing an example of the information processing device 10 in a bent state. The display 150 is arranged to extend across (straddle) the first housing 101 and the second housing 102. The screen area ( Figure 1The display area DA) shown can be bent (curved) with the portion corresponding to the hinge mechanism 103 as a fold line, and with the fold line as a boundary, the display area on the first shell 101 side is represented as the first display area DA1, and the display area on the second shell 102 side is represented as the second display area DA2. The display 150 bends according to the rotation (opening angle θ) of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102. The information processing device 10 determines whether it is in a bent state (Bent form) based on the opening angle θ. As an example, when 10°<θ<170°, the information processing device 10 determines that it is in a bent state (Bent form). This state is equivalent to the so-called clamshell mode, book mode and other usage modes.

[0044] Figure 3 1 is a side view showing an example of the information processing device 10 in a flat state. The information processing device 10 is typically judged to be in a flat state when the opening angle θ is 180°, but as an example, it can also be judged to be in a flat state 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 is also in a flat state. This state corresponds to the so-called tablet mode, which is a usage form.

[0045] Next, refer to Figure 4 , the display modes of various usage modes of the information processing device 10 are described in detail.

[0046] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing specific examples of various display modes of the information processing device 10 involved in this embodiment. The information processing device 10 has different display modes in different usage modes classified by the opening angle θ of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10, and whether it is a single-screen mode or a dual-screen mode. In addition, a single screen is also called a single screen, and a dual screen is also called a split screen or a dual screen.

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

[0048] Display mode (b) is a display mode in which the display is in a bent state (Bent form) as a usage form and 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 in a dual-screen mode. In addition, the direction of the information processing device 10 is a direction in which the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are vertical and arranged horizontally from left to right. The display area is vertical when the long side of the four sides of the rectangular display area is in the vertical direction, and the short side is in the horizontal direction. When the display area is vertical, the display direction is also vertical, and the direction along the long side corresponds to the up and down direction and the direction along the short side becomes the left and right direction. This usage form is a usage form in which the left and right pages of a book when it is opened are equivalent to the left and right screens, which is equivalent to the so-called book mode. This usage form is a bent state (Bent form), and the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are arranged horizontally, and the display area formed by merging the two is horizontally longer, so it is also called "Fold Landscape".

[0049] In the display mode (b), the information processing device 10, for example, in a normal operation state, 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, thereby achieving a dual-screen display mode. In addition, in the display mode (b), the correspondence between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and the primary screen and the secondary screen may be reversed.

[0050] Display mode (c-1) is the same as display mode (b), in that it is in a bent state (Bent form), and is a display mode in a dual-screen 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, but it is a usage form in which the direction of the information processing device 10 is different. The direction of the information processing device 10 is a direction in which the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are horizontal and arranged vertically up and down. The display area being horizontal means that the long side of the four sides of the rectangular display area is in the horizontal direction, and the short side is in the vertical direction. When the display area is horizontal, the display direction is also horizontal, and is displayed in a direction in which the direction along the short side corresponds to the up and down direction and the direction along the long side becomes the left and right direction. This usage form is one of the general usage forms of a clamshell-type PC.

[0051] In the display mode (c-1), the information processing device 10, for example, in a normal operation state, uses the first display area DA1 as the primary screen and the second display area DA2 as the secondary screen, thereby achieving a dual-screen display mode. In addition, in the display mode (c-1), the correspondence between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 and the primary screen and the secondary screen may be reversed.

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

[0053] The display mode (c-2) is the same as the display mode (c-1), in that it is in a bent state (Bent form) and the direction of the information processing device 10 is also 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 connected. This usage form is a state in which a physical keyboard 30 is connected in the general usage form 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 placed on the second display area DA2. As an example, the keyboard 30 is provided with a magnet inside (end) of the bottom surface, and if placed on the second display area DA2, it is fixed by adsorption to the metal part of the inner surface end of the second shell 102. As a result, it becomes the same usage form as a traditional clamshell 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 the display mode (c-2), the second display area DA2 cannot be visually recognized due to the keyboard in the information processing device 10, so it is controlled to be displayed in black or turned off. That is, the display mode (c-2) is a display mode in which only half of the screen is effective in display (hereinafter referred to as "half screen mode"), which becomes a single screen mode using only the first display area DA1.

[0054] For example, when the information processing device 10 detects connection to an external keyboard in the display mode (c-1), the display mode (c-1) is automatically switched to the display mode (c-2) (Switch by Dock).

[0055] Display mode (d) is the same as display mode (b) in that it is in a bent state (Bent form), and the direction of the information processing device 10 is also the same, but the difference is that it is a single-screen mode in which the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a display area DA. This usage form is different from display mode (b) in that it is a single-screen mode, but it is in a bent state (Bent form) and the display area DA is horizontally long, so it is also called "Fold Landscape". The display area DA is horizontal, and the display direction is also horizontal.

[0056] Here, the switching between the single screen mode and the dual screen mode in the bent state (Bent form) is performed, for example, by a user operation. For example, the information processing device 10 displays an operator as a UI (User Interface) capable of switching between the single screen mode and the dual screen mode at any location on the screen, and switches from the display mode (b) to the display mode (d) based on the operation of the operator (Switch by UI). A specific example of the display mode switching operation will be described later.

[0057] Display mode (e) is the same as display mode (c-1) in that it is in a bent state (Bent form), and the direction of the information processing device 10 is also the same, but the difference is that it is a single-screen mode in which the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a display area DA. This usage form is different from display mode (c-1) in that it is a single-screen mode, but from the bent state (Bent form) and the direction of the information processing device 10, it is equivalent to the usage form of a clamshell-type PC. The display area DA is vertical, and the display direction is also vertical.

[0058] For example, the information processing device 10 automatically switches (Switch by Rotation) from display mode (d) to display mode (e), or from display mode (e) to display mode (d) by detecting a change in the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10. For example, relative to display mode (d), display mode (e) is a state in which the display 150 in the figure is rotated 90 degrees to the right, so if the information processing device 10 detects that it has rotated more than a specified angle (for example, 45 degrees) to the right from the state of display mode (d), it switches to display mode (e). In addition, relative to display mode (e), display mode (d) is a state in which the display 150 in the figure is rotated 90 degrees to the left, so if the information processing device 10 detects that it has rotated more than a specified angle (for example, 45 degrees) to the left from the state of display mode (e), it switches to display mode (d).

[0059] The display mode (d′) is the same as the display mode (d), which is a single-screen mode. The information processing device 10 is also oriented in a direction in which the display area DA is horizontally long, but the difference is that it is in a flat state. The flat state is a state in which the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 is approximately 180°. This usage form is similar to the reference Figure 3 The so-called tablet mode described here corresponds to a flat state (Flat form), and the display area DA is horizontally long, so it is also called "Flat Landscape". The display mode (d') is different from the display mode (d) only in the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102. Similar to the display mode (d), the display area DA is horizontal and the display direction is also horizontal.

[0060] Display mode (e′) is the same as display mode (e), which is a single-screen mode. The direction of the information processing device 10 is also the direction in which the display area DA is long in the vertical direction, but the difference is that it is in a flat state (Flat form). This usage form is a flat state (Flat form), and the display area DA is long in the vertical direction, so it is also called "Flat Portrait". This display mode (e′) is different from display mode (e) only in the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102. Like display mode (e), the display area DA is vertical, and the display direction is also vertical.

[0061] For example, the information processing device 10 automatically switches (Switch by Rotation) from the display mode (d′) to the display mode (e′), or from the display mode (e′) to the display mode (d′) by detecting a change in the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10. For example, relative to the display mode (d′), the display mode (e′) is a state in which the display 150 in the figure is rotated 90 degrees to the right, so if the information processing device 10 detects that the display mode (d′) is rotated to the right by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees) or more, the information processing device 10 switches to the display mode (e′). In addition, relative to the display mode (e′), the display mode (d′) is a state in which the display 150 in the figure is rotated 90 degrees to the left, so if the information processing device 10 detects that the display mode (e′) is rotated to the left by a predetermined angle (for example, 45 degrees) or more, the information processing device 10 switches to the display mode (d′).

[0062] In the display mode (d') and the display mode (e'), the user can switch between the single-screen mode and the dual-screen mode by operating the operator (for example, see Figure 5 The display mode switching icon described later) can be operated to switch to the dual-screen mode while maintaining the flat state. For example, if the dual-screen mode is switched from the display mode (d′), the display state in the flat state is the same as that in the display mode (b). In addition, if the dual-screen mode is switched from the display mode (e′), the display state in the flat state is the same as that in the display mode (c-1).

[0063] In addition, if the information processing device 10 detects the connection with the keyboard 30 in the display mode (e′), it automatically switches (Switch by Dock) from the display mode (e′) to the display mode (c-2′). The display mode (c-2′) is a flat state (Flat form), and only the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 is different from the display mode (c-2). In this display mode (c-2′), in the information processing device 10, the second display area DA2 cannot be visually confirmed due to the keyboard, so it is controlled to be black display or display off. That is, the display mode (c-2′) is the same as the display mode (c-2), and is a half-screen mode of a single screen in which only half of the display is effective.

[0064] In addition, the information processing device 10 can also automatically switch from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode (Switch by Hingeangle) by detecting a change from a flat state (Flat form) to a bent state (Bent form). For example, when the information processing device 10 detects a change to a bent state (Bent form) in the display mode (d′) based on the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102, the information processing device 10 automatically switches from the display mode (d′) to the display mode (b). In addition, when the information processing device 10 detects a change to a bent state (Bent form) in the display mode (e′) based on the opening angle θ of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102, the display mode (e′) is automatically switched to the display mode (c-1).

[0065] (Display mode switching operation)

[0066] Next, a specific example of the operation specification when the display mode is switched by the user's operation will be described.

[0067] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation specification of a display mode switching operation according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 As shown in (A), the icon C1 for displaying the switching menu of the display mode is displayed in the task bar B2. The task bar B2 is displayed in any area within the screen area of ​​the display 150. For example, regardless of the single screen mode or the dual screen mode, the task bar B2 is displayed only at one place (for example, the bottom of the screen area) within the screen area of ​​the display 150. In addition, in the case of the dual screen mode, the task bar B2 may also be displayed in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 (for example, at the bottom of each).

[0068] If the icon C1 for displaying the switching menu is operated, the switching menu of the display mode is displayed as a pop-up screen. In addition, the switching menu of the display mode may be displayed as a pop-up screen when the state changes from the bent state (Bent form) to the unbent flat state (Flat form). In addition, the switching menu of the display mode may be displayed as a pop-up screen when the state changes from the flat state (Flat form) to the bent state (Bent form).

[0069] In the switching menu, a display mode switching icon is displayed as a selection item of the display mode, and the display mode switching icon is used by the user to instruct the switching between the single-screen mode and the dual-screen mode, and the replacement of the display data of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 respectively displayed in the dual-screen mode (replacement of the primary screen and the secondary screen). In the switching menu, the selection items of the display mode that the user can select are displayed according to the current usage form (the direction of the display 150).

[0070] Figure 5 (B) represents the switching menu M1 displayed when the usage mode is "Landscape" (display mode (b), display mode (d), display mode (d'), etc.). In addition, "1" and "2" in the figure are marked to distinguish the display areas, for example, they are represented by numbers according to the priority order of the areas pre-set for each display area. For example, in the dual-screen mode, "1" indicates that the priority order of the area is higher than "2", for example, it indicates that it is a primary screen, and "2" indicates that it is a secondary screen. In the switching menu M1, a display mode switching icon C11, a display mode switching icon C12, and a display mode switching icon C13 are displayed. The display mode switching icon C11 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode (d) and the display mode (d') of the single-screen mode. The display mode switching icon C12 and the display mode switching icon C13 are displayed as operators for selecting the display mode (b) of the dual-screen mode, and in the display mode switching icon C12 and the display mode switching icon C13, the arrangement of "1" (primary screen) and "2" (secondary screen) is different.

[0071] The display mode switching icon corresponding to the current display mode is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished 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 the user can know that the display mode switching icon C11 is the current display mode.

[0072] Figure 5(C) indicates a switching menu M2 displayed when the usage mode is "Clamshell or Portrait" (display mode (c-1), display mode (e), display mode (e′) etc.). In the switching menu M2, a display mode switching icon C21, a display mode switching icon C22, and a display mode switching icon C23 are displayed. The display mode switching icon C21 is displayed as an operator for selecting a single-screen mode (display mode (e) and display mode (e′)). The display mode switching icon C22 and the display mode switching icon C23 are displayed as operators for selecting the display mode (c-1) of the dual-screen mode, and in the display mode switching icon C22 and the display mode switching icon C23, the arrangement of "1" (primary screen) and "2" (secondary screen) is different.

[0073] In addition, Figure 5 Similar to the switching menu M1 shown in (B), the display mode switching icon corresponding to the current display mode is displayed in a manner that can be distinguished from other display mode switching icons. Here, the display mode switching icon C21 is highlighted relative to 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.

[0074] The user can arbitrarily select any of the display mode switching icons displayed in the switching menu M1 or the switching menu M2. When the user selects any of the display mode switching icons, the display of the switching menu ends. Alternatively, when the user has not selected any of the display mode switching icons after a specified time (for example, 3 to 5 seconds) has passed since the switching menu M1 or the switching menu M2 was displayed, the display of the switching menu ends. In addition, when the user operates the close button "×" on the upper right of the switching menu, when the user operates the outside of the screen of the pop-up switching menu, or when the direction of the information processing device 10 is changed, the display of the switching menu ends. In addition, when the keyboard 30 is connected, the switching menu is not displayed because the display of the first display area DA1 is fixed to a half-screen mode (display mode (c-2)) that is effective.

[0075] In addition, the UI for switching between the single-screen mode and the dual-screen mode is not limited to Figure 5 In the example shown, any UI can be used. For example, an icon that alternately switches between the single-screen mode and the dual-screen mode at each operation, or an icon that sequentially switches between the single-screen mode, the dual-screen mode, and the inverted dual-screen mode at each operation may be displayed in the task bar B2. In addition, in the following description, when the dual-screen mode and the inverted dual-screen mode are not particularly distinguished, they are collectively referred to as the dual-screen mode.

[0076] In addition, Figure 5In the example shown, the display mode switching menu is displayed as a pop-up screen by operating the icon C1 displayed on the taskbar B2, but the switching menu can also be displayed as a pop-up screen by dragging the application window. In addition, the display mode can also be switched by dragging the application window. In the case of displaying the switching menu by dragging the application window, it is also possible to select not only the screen mode but also the screen area by dragging to one of the divided areas of the screen area displayed on the switching menu, and arrange the dragged application in the selected area. In addition, the switching menu can also be displayed as a pop-up screen by operating a specific place in the application window.

[0077] (Display control when switching from single-screen mode to dual-screen mode)

[0078] Next, the display control when switching from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode is described. When the information processing device 10 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the first display area DA1 (for example, the primary screen) displays one window of the application program (hereinafter referred to as "application") executed in the single-screen mode. For example, the information processing device 10 displays the active window in the window of the application executed in the single-screen mode in the first display area DA1.

[0079] Here, when multiple windows are opened, the windows are arranged in multiple layers overlapping each other on the display 150. The active window is the window that is currently selected and becomes the operation target of the user, for example, the window displayed in the frontmost layer (the topmost layer) arranged on the display 150. The active window displayed in the first display area DA1 when the information processing device 10 switches from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode is the window displayed as the active window in the single-screen mode immediately before switching to the dual-screen mode.

[0080] In addition, when the information processing device 10 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the active window in the single-screen mode is displayed in the first display area DA1, but when there is no active window, the window with the highest priority among the windows displayed in the display area DA in the single-screen mode is displayed in the first display area DA1.

[0081] The window with the highest priority is typically the active window, but when there is no active window, the window that became the last active window is the window. For example, when an operation is performed on a part other than a window in the display area DA, there is no active window, but the window that became the last active window is displayed in the first display area DA1. That is, the later the window becomes the active window, the higher the priority of display, and the window with the highest priority is displayed in the first display area DA1. However, in order to make the description easier to understand, in the following description, the window with the highest priority is recorded as the "active window" for description.

[0082] In addition, when the information processing device 10 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the second display area DA2 (for example, the secondary screen) displays thumbnail images (reduced images) corresponding to inactive windows other than the active window among the windows in the single-screen mode. Here, the inactive window is a window other than the active window in the single-screen mode immediately before the transition to the dual-screen mode. Hereinafter, a window displaying a thumbnail image of an inactive window is also referred to as a "thumbnail window".

[0083] Reference Figure 6 , a display example of the dual-picture mode is described in which a thumbnail window is displayed in the second display area DA2 when switching from the single-picture mode to the dual-picture mode.

[0084] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the dual screen mode according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 An example of a display in dual-screen mode under the display mode (c-1) shown. This is a general usage form of a clamshell PC in dual-screen mode, in which the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are in a horizontal direction and arranged in an up-and-down longitudinal direction. The display area being in a horizontal direction means that the long side of the four sides of the rectangular display area is in a horizontal direction, while the short side is in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the vertical (up-and-down) direction, and the horizontal direction corresponds to the horizontal (left-and-right) direction. The vertical direction is typically the plumb direction. That is, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 are configured so that the end side that becomes the lower side in the display direction of the first display area DA1 becomes the end side that becomes the upper side in the display direction of the second display area DA2.

[0085] When the information processing device 10 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the active window of the application being executed in the single-screen mode is displayed in the first display area DA1. For example, when the information processing device 10 is transferred to the dual-screen mode, the active window displayed in the display area DA in the single-screen mode is maximized in the entire display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and displayed as the active window. In addition, when the information processing device 10 is transferred to the dual-screen mode, the window that is an inactive window in the single-screen mode is arranged in the first display area DA1 in the layer behind the frontmost active window (lower layer) while maintaining the layer relationship (overlapping order of windows) in the single-screen mode. For example, the information processing device 10 also maximizes the window that is an inactive window in the single-screen mode in the entire display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and arranges it in the layer behind the active window (lower layer). Therefore, in the first display area DA1, the active window is displayed in a maximized manner, and the inactive window is not displayed (not visible to the user) although it exists in the layer behind the active window (lower layer).

[0086] In the figure, in the first display area DA1, the active window displayed in the display area DA in the single-screen mode is displayed maximized in the entire display area of ​​the first display area DA1. In addition, a title bar B11 is displayed at the upper end of the application window. A close button "×" is displayed at the right end of the title bar B11, a maximize button "□" is displayed on its left, and a minimize button "_" is displayed on its left. The close button "×" is displayed as an operator for closing the window. The maximize button "□" is displayed as an operator for displaying the window in maximized form. The minimize button "_" is displayed as an operator for minimizing the window. If the window is minimized, it becomes a state where it is not displayed (configured) in both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and only the icon of the application of the window remains in the taskbar B2.

[0087] In addition, when the information processing device 10 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, it generates a thumbnail image of a window that is an inactive window in the single-screen mode and displays the thumbnail window in the second display area DA2 (secondary screen). When there are multiple inactive windows, the information processing device 10 displays a thumbnail window in which the thumbnail images of the multiple inactive windows are arranged in the second display area DA2.

[0088] For example, thumbnail images of a plurality of windows are displayed in a row in the thumbnail window. A title bar B12 is displayed at the upper end of the thumbnail window. A close button "×" at the right end of the title bar B12 is displayed as an operator for closing the thumbnail window. The user can close the thumbnail window and hide all thumbnail images by operating (e.g., tapping) the close button "×" of the title bar B12.

[0089] In addition, the inactive window of the layer existing 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 image in the second display area DA2) is overlapped and configured with the same size (the size maximized in the entire display area of ​​the first display area DA1) according to the priority order so as to be hidden behind the active window, but may also be overlapped and configured with a size smaller than the active window according to the priority order.

[0090] In addition, the information processing device 10 may also be in a state where the main body (actual window) of the inactive window displayed as a thumbnail image in the second display area DA2 is temporarily minimized (for example, in a state where only the icon of the application exists on the taskbar in Windows (registered trademark)) and is not arranged in the display area. In short, the main body (actual window) of the inactive window displayed as a thumbnail image in the second display area DA2 only needs to be processed so as not to be seen by the user temporarily. Moreover, in the second display area DA2, the window of the application of the thumbnail image selected through the thumbnail window is displayed in the front as the active window.

[0091] In addition, the task bar B2 displayed at the lower end of the second display area DA2 corresponds to Figure 5 The task bar B2 shown is displayed in one place as a common task bar in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. In addition, the position where the task bar B2 is displayed may also be the left end or the right end of the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2, or the upper end of the first display area DA1. In addition, as described above, the task bar may be displayed in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 respectively. The position where the task bar is displayed does not limit the application of the present invention.

[0092] In addition, Figure 6 , an example is shown in which a thumbnail image is displayed in the second display area DA2 as a thumbnail window including a title bar B12, but the title bar B12 may not be displayed, or a plurality of thumbnail images may be displayed in a row.

[0093] When any thumbnail image is selected by a user operation (e.g., a tap operation), the information processing device 10 closes the thumbnail window displayed in the second display area DA2 (makes it non-displayed), 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, and then maximizes it in the second display area DA2 to display it as the active window.

[0094] In this way, if the information processing device 10 switches from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the screen area of ​​the display 150 can be divided into two display areas, and the size of the window can be displayed in accordance with each display area. However, since the screen area of ​​one display 150 is divided into two display areas and it is approximately a dual-screen mode, when the window displayed in the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2 is moved or resized by the user's operation, it can also be moved or resized beyond the range of each display area. There is no problem when the user intentionally operates, but there is also a case where the user accidentally moves or resizes the window beyond the range of each display area.

[0095] Therefore, when the user performs an operation to maximize the window in the dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 maximizes the window in either the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2. Here, the operation to maximize the window is, for example, the user's operation (e.g., tapping operation) on the maximize button of the title bar B11 displayed at the upper end of the window. The maximize button was originally displayed as an operator for maximizing the display in accordance with the screen area of ​​the display 150 as a specification of the OS, but when the information processing device 10 detects the user's operation (e.g., tapping operation) on the maximize button, the information processing device 10 maximizes the display in accordance with either the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2 in the dual-screen mode. Hereinafter, the user's operation (e.g., tapping operation) on the maximize button is referred to as a "maximize operation."

[0096] For example, when the user performs a maximization operation to maximize a window in the dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 maximizes and displays the maximized window in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, whichever is closer. As an example, the information processing device 10 determines the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, whichever has the larger area occupied by the maximized window (the area where the maximized window is displayed), as the display area of ​​the closer window.

[0097] Thus, even if the information processing device 10 is in a state where a window is displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 by moving or resizing in the dual-screen mode, the user can perform a maximization operation to maximize the window in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 that is closer to the window. In other words, even if the user accidentally moves or resizes the window beyond the range of each display area, the information processing device 10 can display it in accordance with the original display area through a simple operation.

[0098] Below, refer to Figure 7 , 8 , a specific example of display control of a window when a maximize operation is performed in the dual-screen mode is described.

[0099] (Display control of windows based on maximize operation)

[0100] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a first example of display control of a window based on a maximize operation according to the present embodiment. Figure 7 Hereinafter, an example of window display control based on a maximization operation will be described when an operation is performed in the dual screen mode to move a window displayed in the second display area DA2 so that the window is displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0101] Here, the operation of moving the window is, for example, a dragging operation of swiping in the desired direction of movement while touching the title bar at the top of the window with a finger. In addition, the operation of moving the window using a mouse is, for example, a dragging operation of swiping in the desired direction of movement while clicking the title bar at the top of the window.

[0102] Figure 7 (A) shows a display example in which the window W1 is maximized in the first display area DA1 and the window W2 is maximized in the second display area DA2 in the dual screen mode. If the user performs a move operation to move the window W2 in the direction of the arrow (diagonally left and downward), as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in (B), the window W2 moves in the operation direction and is displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0103] Next, Figure 7As shown in (C), if the user operates the maximize button of the window W2 (for example, taps it) to perform the maximize operation, the window W2 is maximized and displayed in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, whichever is closer. For example, the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, whichever has the larger area of ​​the window W2 (here, the second display area DA2), is used as the display area of ​​the closer one, and the window W2 is maximized and displayed in the second display area DA2 (refer to Figure 7 (D)).

[0104] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing a second example of display control of a window based on a maximize operation according to the present embodiment. Figure 8 In the following, an example of window display control based on a maximization operation is described when a window displayed in the second display area DA2 is resized in the dual-screen mode to display the window across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0105] Here, the operation of resizing the window is, for example, a dragging operation of touching the top, bottom, left, or right frame of the window with a finger and waving the finger in the direction of the desired size change. In addition, the operation of resizing the window using a mouse is, for example, a dragging operation of clicking the top, bottom, left, or right frame of the window and waving the finger in the direction of the desired size change.

[0106] Figure 8 (A) shows a display example in which the window W1 is maximized in the first display area DA1 and the window W2 is maximized in the second display area DA2 in the dual screen mode. If the user performs a resizing operation to expand the size of the window W2 in the direction of the arrow (left direction), as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in (B), the window W2 is expanded in size in the operation direction and is displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0107] Next, Figure 8 As shown in (C), if the user operates the maximize button of the window W2 (for example, taps it) to perform the maximize operation, the window W2 is maximized and displayed in the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, whichever is closer. For example, the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, whichever has the larger area of ​​the window W2 (here, the second display area DA2), is used as the display area of ​​the closer one, and the window W2 is maximized and displayed in the second display area DA2 (refer to Figure 8 (D)).

[0108] In addition, the maximization operation for maximizing the window is not limited to the operation on the maximize icon displayed on the task bar of the window. For example, the maximization operation may be an operation based on a shortcut key or a finger operation based on a specific pattern.

[0109] (Structure of Information Processing Device 10)

[0110] Hereinafter, the specific structure of the information processing device 10 will be described.

[0111] Fig. 9 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the information processing device 10 involved in this embodiment. The information processing device 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 acceleration sensor 161, a second acceleration sensor 162, a Hall sensor 17, and a control unit 18. These units are connected via a bus or the like so as to be able to communicate.

[0112] The communication unit 11 is configured to include, for example, a plurality of Ethernet (registered trademark) ports, a plurality of digital input / output ports such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and other communication devices for wireless communication, etc. For example, the communication unit 11 can use Bluetooth (registered trademark) to communicate with the external keyboard 30 and the like.

[0113] Programs and data of the processing executed by the control unit 18 are expanded in the RAM 12, and various data are appropriately saved or deleted. For example, the RAM 12 also functions as a video memory (V-RAM) for displaying the display 150. As an example, the RAM 12 functions as a video memory for data displayed in each display area when the display 150 is controlled in a single-screen mode or a dual-screen mode. In addition, information of the application being executed, the application being used in the application being executed (the application of the active window), the application of the other inactive windows, which display area each window is displayed in, which layer it is configured in, the size of the window, whether it is minimized, and other information are stored in the RAM 12. In addition, the RAM 12 is a volatile memory, so if the power supply to the RAM 12 is stopped, the data is not retained. The data that needs to be retained when the power supply to the RAM 12 is stopped is transferred to the storage unit 13.

[0114] The storage unit 13 is configured to include any one or more of an SSD (Solid State Drive), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a Flash-ROM, etc. For example, the storage unit 13 stores a BIOS (Basic Input Output System) program, setting data, an OS (Operating System), a program of an application running on the OS, and various data used in the application.

[0115] The speaker 14 outputs electronic sounds, voices, and the like.

[0116] The display unit 15 includes a display 150 and a touch sensor 155. As described above, the display 150 is a flexible display that can be bent according to the opening angle θ generated by the relative rotation of the first shell 101 and the second shell 102. The display 150 performs the same operation as the reference under the control of the control unit 18. Figure 4 The display corresponding to each display mode described. The touch sensor 155 is provided on the screen of the display 150 to detect touch operations on the screen. For example, when the touch sensor 155 is in single-screen mode, it detects touch operations on the display area DA. In addition, when the touch sensor 155 is in dual-screen mode, it detects touch operations on one or both of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. The touch operations include tapping operations, sliding operations, tapping operations, waving operations, pinching operations, etc. The touch sensor 155 detects touch operations and outputs operation information based on the detected operations to the control unit 18.

[0117] The camera 16 is configured to include a lens, an imaging element, etc. The camera 16 captures an image (still image, moving image) under the control of the control unit 18 and outputs data of the captured image.

[0118] The first acceleration sensor 161 is disposed inside the first housing 101, and detects the direction and direction change of the first housing 101. For example, if the direction parallel to the long side direction of the first display area DA1 is set as the X1 direction, the direction parallel to the short side direction is set as the Y1 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X1 direction and the Y1 direction is set as the Z1 direction, the first acceleration sensor 161 measures the accelerations in the X1 direction, the Y1 direction, and the Z1 direction, and outputs the detection results to the control unit 18.

[0119] The second acceleration sensor 162 is disposed inside the second housing 102, and detects the direction and direction change of the second housing 102. For example, if the direction parallel to the long side direction of the second display area DA2 is set as the X2 direction, the direction parallel to the short side direction is set as the Y2 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X2 direction and the Y2 direction is set as the Z2 direction, the second acceleration sensor 162 detects the acceleration in the X2 direction, the Y2 direction, and the Z2 direction, and outputs the detection result to the control unit 18.

[0120] The Hall sensor 17 is provided to detect 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 internal magnet provided on the bottom surface of the keyboard 30, and the detection value (output value) of the Hall sensor 17 changes. That is, the Hall sensor 17 outputs different detection results depending on whether the keyboard 30 is placed. In addition, the Hall sensor 17 is used here to detect whether the keyboard 30 is placed, but the detection method is not limited to this, and any detection method can be used.

[0121] The control unit 18 is configured to include a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), and a microcomputer, and implements various functions by executing programs (BIOS, OS, various programs such as applications running on the OS) stored in the storage unit 13, etc. For example, the control unit 18 detects the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10 based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162. In addition, the control unit 18 detects whether it is in an open state or a closed state, and whether it is in a bent state (Bent form) or a flat state (Flat form) in the case of an open state, etc. based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162.

[0122] In addition, the control unit 18 detects a display mode switching operation (for example, Figure 5 In addition, the control unit 18 detects the connection with the keyboard 30 based on the detection result of the Hall sensor 17. In addition, the connection with the keyboard 30 refers to the placement of the keyboard 30 on the second display area DA2, not the communication connection. The control unit 18 detects the communication connection with the keyboard 30 using the function of Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like.

[0123] The control unit 18 detects the system status, the posture (orientation) of the information processing device 10, whether it is in an open state or a closed state, and whether it is in a bent state (Bent form) or a flat state (Flat form) in the open state, and the display mode switching operation from the user (see Figure 5 ), and the connection with the keyboard 30, etc., for reference Figure 4 ,as well as Figures 6 to 8 The control of the display of the display 150 is described.

[0124] Next, a functional configuration related to the display control process among the processes executed by the control unit 18 will be described.

[0125] Fig.10 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure related to the display control process involved in 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 executes a process based on an OS or BIOS 6, etc. In addition, the detection processing unit 182 is, for example, a functional structure in which a microcomputer different from a CPU that executes a process of an OS or BIOS, etc. executes various detection processes. The display processing unit 183 is, for example, a functional structure in which a CPU executes a process based on an OS or a program running on the OS.

[0126] The system processing unit 181 executes various programs such as the OS and drivers and applications that operate on the OS. In addition, the system processing unit 181 includes, for example, an execution application information generation unit 1811. The execution application information generation unit 1811 generates application information including identification information of the application being executed (for example, application ID) and information indicating an application being used by a user among the executing applications (that is, an application whose window is active). In addition, the execution application information generation unit 1811 generates window information indicating the state of the window of the executing application. The state of a window refers to whether it is an active window, and the size (minimized, maximized, etc.), position, configured layer, etc. of the window. The execution application information generation unit 1811 stores the generated application information and window information in the RAM 12 and maintains them.

[0127] The detection processing unit 182 includes an opening / closing detection unit 1821, a posture detection unit 1822, and a connection detection unit 1823 as a functional configuration for detecting the state of the information processing device 10. The detection processing unit 182 outputs the detection results of the opening / closing detection unit 1821, the posture detection unit 1822, and the connection detection unit 1823 to the display processing unit 183.

[0128] The opening and closing detection unit 1821 detects whether the information processing device 10 is in an open state or a closed state based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162. In addition, when the information processing device 10 is in an open state, the opening and 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 acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162. Then, the opening and closing detection unit 1821 detects whether the information processing device 10 is in a bent state (Bent form) or a flat state (Flat form) based on the detected opening angle θ.

[0129] The posture detection unit 1822 detects the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10 based on the detection results of the first acceleration sensor 161 and the second acceleration sensor 162 .

[0130] The connection detection unit 1823 detects the connection with the keyboard 30. For example, the connection detection unit 1823 detects whether the keyboard 30 is placed 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 of the opening and closing detection unit 1821, the posture detection unit 1822, and the connection detection unit 1823 (the state of the information processing device 10) to the display processing unit 183.

[0131] In addition, the detection processing unit 182 includes an operation detection unit 1824 as a functional structure for detecting an operation on the information processing device 10. The operation detection unit 1824 detects a user's operation 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 obtains a user's operation based on a user's operation on a switching menu screen (see Figure 5 ) operation information, and based on the acquired operation information, detects the display mode switching operation of the user switching the display mode. The detection processing unit 182 outputs the detected user operation information to the display processing unit 183.

[0132] The display processing unit 183 determines the display mode and switches it based on the open / closed state and posture (direction) of the information processing device 10 obtained from the detection processing unit 182, the user's operation, etc. In addition, the display processing unit 183 controls the display of the windows (active windows and inactive windows) of the executing application according to the display mode, etc., based on the application information obtained from the system processing unit 181. Specifically, the display processing unit 183 includes a display mode determination unit 1831, a display mode switching unit 1832, a thumbnail generation unit 1833, and a display control unit 1834.

[0133] The display mode determination unit 1831 performs a determination process for determining the display mode based on the detection result of the state of the information processing device 10 or the user's 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 result of the open or closed state of the information processing device 10, the detection result of whether the information processing device 10 is in a bent state (Bent form) or a flat state (Flat form) in the case of an open state, the detection result of the posture (direction) of the information processing device 10, and the user's operation information. Then, the display mode determination unit 1831 determines the reference mode based on the detection results and operation information obtained from the detection processing unit 182. Figure 4 Display mode for explanation.

[0134] The display mode switching unit 1832 switches to the reference mode based on the display mode determined by the display mode determination unit 1831. Figure 4 For example, the display mode switching unit 1832 sets the display mode such as switching to a single screen mode, a dual screen mode (or an inverted dual screen mode), a half screen mode, the direction of each display area, the display content of each display area, etc. based on the display mode determined by the display mode determination unit 1831.

[0135] The thumbnail generation unit 1833 generates a thumbnail image corresponding to the window of the executing application. For example, the thumbnail generation unit 1833 generates a thumbnail image corresponding to an inactive window in the window of the executing application as a thumbnail image to be displayed as a thumbnail window in the second display area DA2 when switching from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode. In addition, the thumbnail generation unit 1833 generates a thumbnail image to be displayed as a thumbnail window in the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2 due to the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2 becoming non-displayed. In addition, the thumbnail generation unit 1833 generates a thumbnail image basically including minimized windows as inactive windows.

[0136] The display control unit 1834 performs display control processing for outputting and displaying display data of 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 .

[0137] When the display mode switching unit 1832 switches the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the display control unit 1834 causes the first display area DA1 to display an active window (active window displayed in the display area DA) among windows of the application executed in the single-screen mode. For example, the display control unit 1834 maximizes the active window in the single-screen mode and displays it as the active window in the first display area DA1.

[0138] In addition, the display control unit 1834 causes the second display area DA2 to display thumbnail windows when the single-screen mode is switched to the dual-screen mode by the display mode switching unit 1832. For example, the display control unit 1834 causes the second display area DA2 to display thumbnail images corresponding to inactive windows other than the active window in the single-screen mode.

[0139] Here, when the display mode switching unit 1832 switches the single screen mode to the dual screen mode, the display control unit 1834 arranges the inactive windows other than the active window in the single screen mode in a lower layer than the active window in the first display area DA1.

[0140] In addition, when there is only an active window but no inactive window in the single-screen mode, the second display area DA2 does not display a thumbnail window when switching from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode because there is no thumbnail image to be displayed, and the window becomes empty.

[0141] In addition, when any one of the thumbnail images displayed in the second display area DA2 is selected by the user in the dual-screen mode, the display control unit 1834 makes all thumbnail images displayed in the second display area DA2 non-displayed and makes the inactive window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image displayed as the active window in the second display area DA2. For example, the display control unit 1834 makes the inactive window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image displayed as the active window in the second display area DA2 in a maximized manner.

[0142] In addition, when the display control unit 1834 performs a maximization operation to maximize a window displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in the dual-screen mode, the maximized window is maximized in either the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2.

[0143] For example, when the display control unit 1834 performs a maximization operation on a window after it is moved or resized so that it is displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in the dual-screen mode, the maximized window is displayed as maximized in either the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2.

[0144] Specifically, the display control unit 1834 maximizes the display of the maximized window in the display area closest to the window in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. As an example, the display control unit 1834 uses the display area with the largest area of ​​the maximized window in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 as the display area closest to the window.

[0145] (Operation of display control processing)

[0146] Next, the operation of the display control process of the control unit 18 will be described. Fig.11 , the operation of the display control processing when the control unit 18 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode will be described.

[0147] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process when switching to the dual screen mode according to the present embodiment.

[0148] (Step S101) The control unit 18 determines whether to switch from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode. For example, the control unit 18 determines whether to switch from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode. Figure 4 As described above, the change from a flat state (Flat form) to a bent state (Bent form) is detected, or reference is made to Figure 5 The control unit 18 determines whether to switch from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode by performing the display mode switching operation described above. When the control unit 18 determines that the switch from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode is not to be performed ("No"), the control unit 18 continues the single-screen mode and performs the processing of step S101 again. On the other hand, when the control unit 18 determines that the switch from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode is to be performed ("Yes"), the control unit 18 switches to the dual-screen mode in which the display area DA is divided into two display areas, namely the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2, and enters the processing of step S103.

[0149] (Step S103) The control unit 18 displays the active window in the single-screen mode in the first display area DA1 and displays a thumbnail window in which thumbnail images of inactive windows in the single-screen mode are arranged in the second display area DA2 (for example, see Figure 6 ). Then, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0150] (Step S105) The control unit 18 determines whether any of the thumbnail images displayed in the second display area DA2 is selected. If the control unit 18 determines that no thumbnail image is selected ("No"), the control unit 18 performs the process of step S105 again. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that any of the thumbnail images is selected ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0151] (Step S107) The control unit 18 closes the thumbnail window to hide it, and ends the display of the thumbnail window. Then, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0152] (Step S109 ) The control unit 18 displays the window corresponding to the selected thumbnail image as an active window in the second display area DA2 in a maximized manner.

[0153] Next, refer to Fig.12 , the operation of the display control processing of the window when the control unit 18 performs a maximize operation in the dual screen mode is described.

[0154] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of a window in the dual screen mode according to the present embodiment.

[0155] (Step S201) The control unit 18 determines whether a maximize operation has been performed on the window displayed in the dual-screen mode. If the control unit 18 determines that a maximize operation has not been performed ("No"), the process of step S201 is performed again. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that a maximize operation has been performed ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0156] (Step S203) The control unit 18 determines the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 that is close to the window that has been maximized. For example, the control unit 18 determines the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 that has a larger area of ​​the window that has been maximized as the display area close to the window. Figure 7 (C) and Figure 8 In the example shown in (C), since the area of ​​the maximized window displayed in the second display area DA2 is larger than that in the first display area DA1, the control unit 18 determines that the second display area DA2 is closer. Then, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0157] (Step S205) The control unit 18 maximizes the window that has been maximized in the display area determined to be close in step S203. Figure 7 (D) and Figure 8In the example shown in (D) of FIG. 8 , the control unit 18 maximizes and displays the window in the second display area DA2 determined to be close to the window on which the maximize operation has been performed.

[0158] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a display 150, a storage unit 13 (an example of a memory) storing an application (application program), and a control unit 18 (for example, an example of a processor such as a CPU, a GPU, or a microcomputer) for controlling the display of an application window on the display 150 by executing the application program stored in the storage unit 13. The control unit 18 performs a display mode switching process for controlling the switching between a single screen mode (an example of a first display mode) in which the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled to be displayed as one display area DA, and a dual screen mode (an example of a second display mode) in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into two display areas (for example, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2) for controlling the display. In addition, the control unit 18 performs a display control process for maximizing the window displayed across two display areas (for example, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2) in the dual screen mode. In the case where a maximization operation is performed in the dual screen mode to maximize the display of the window displayed across two display areas (for example, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2), the window that has been maximized is displayed in any one of the plurality of display areas in the dual screen mode.

[0159] Thus, when the information processing device 10 controls the display by dividing the screen area of ​​one display 150 into two display areas, the user can make a window displayed across the two display areas be displayed in accordance with any display area through a single operation, thereby improving operability. For example, even if the user inadvertently moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in the dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can easily return the window to any display area in the dual-screen mode.

[0160] For example, in the above-mentioned display control processing, the control unit 18 maximizes and displays the window that has been maximized in the display area closest to the window in the two display areas in the dual-screen mode (for example, the display area of ​​the first display area DA1 and the display area of ​​the second display area DA2 that is closer to the window).

[0161] Thus, in information processing device 10 , the user can display a window displayed across two display areas in alignment with the adjacent display area through a single operation, thereby improving operability.

[0162] As an example, the control unit 18 uses the display area with the largest area of ​​the window that has been maximized in the two display areas in the dual-screen mode as the display area closest to the window in the above display control process. For example, the control unit 18 uses the display area with the larger area of ​​the window that has been maximized in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in the dual-screen mode as the display area closest to the window in the above display control process.

[0163] Thus, information processing device 10 can use the display region with the larger window area as a close display region, and can display the window displayed across the two display regions in alignment with the display region.

[0164] In addition, when the control unit 18 has switched from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode through the above-mentioned display mode switching processing, in the above-mentioned display control processing, the window of the application executed in the single-screen mode is displayed in any one of the multiple display areas, and when a maximize operation is performed after the window is moved or resized in the dual-screen mode so as to be displayed across two display areas, the maximized window is displayed as maximized in any one of the two display areas.

[0165] Thus, even if the user accidentally moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in dual-screen mode, information processing device 10 can easily return the window to any display area in dual-screen mode.

[0166] In addition, the control method in the information processing device 10 involved in the present embodiment includes: a display mode switching step, in which the control unit 18 controls the switching between a single-screen mode (an example of a first display mode) in which the entire screen area of ​​a display 150 is controlled as a display area DA for display, and a dual-screen mode (an example of a second display mode) in which the screen area of ​​a display 150 is divided into two display areas (for example, a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2) for display control; and a display control step, in which, when a maximization operation is performed in the dual-screen mode to maximize the display of a window displayed across two display areas (for example, the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2), the window that has been maximized is displayed in any one of the multiple display areas in the dual-screen mode.

[0167] Thus, when the information processing device 10 controls the display by dividing the screen area of ​​one display 150 into two display areas, the user can make a window displayed across the two display areas be displayed in accordance with any display area through a single operation, thereby improving operability. For example, even if the user inadvertently moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in the dual-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can easily return the window to any display area in the dual-screen mode.

[0168] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the control unit 18 uses the display area with the larger area of ​​the window that has been maximized in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in the dual-screen mode as the display area closest to the window, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the above-mentioned display control process, the control unit 18 may also use the display area at a specific position within the window that has been maximized in the two display areas in the dual-screen mode as the display area closest to the window. The specific position is, for example, the upper left position of the window. In the case where the display area at the upper left position of the display window is used as the display area closest to the window, for example Figure 7 (C) and Figure 8 In the example shown in (C), if the window W2 is maximized, the window W2 is not displayed in the second display area DA2 but in the first display area DA1. In addition, the specific position can also be set to any position other than the upper left position of the window (upper right, lower left, lower right, center, etc.).

[0169] Thus, information processing device 10 can define the display area where a specific position of a window (for example, the upper left position) enters as a close display area, and can display the window displayed across two display areas in alignment with the display area.

[0170] <Second embodiment>

[0171] Next, an outline of a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0172] In the first embodiment, a method for displaying a maximized window in a display area of ​​an approaching party is described, but in the present embodiment, the display area where the window was previously displayed is stored regardless of whether the window is approaching or not, and the window is displayed maximized in the display area.

[0173] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of a window in the dual screen mode according to the present embodiment.

[0174] (Step S301) The control unit 18 determines whether the switch to the dual-screen mode or the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail window in the dual-screen mode is selected. When the control unit 18 determines that there is neither a switch to the dual-screen mode nor a thumbnail image is selected ("No"), the process of step S301 is performed again. On the other hand, when the control unit 18 determines that the switch to the dual-screen mode or the thumbnail image is selected ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S303.

[0175] (Step S303) The control unit 18 maximizes the window of the application being executed in the first display area DA1 or the second display area DA2. For example, when switching from the single-screen mode to the dual-screen mode, the control unit 18 maximizes the active window in the single-screen mode before the switching in the first display area DA1. In addition, when a thumbnail image is selected, the control unit 18 maximizes the window corresponding to the thumbnail image in the second display area DA2. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0176] (Step S305) The control unit 18 stores identification information that can identify the display area (window position) where each window is displayed as window information in the RAM 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S307. In addition, the control unit 18 updates the window information at any time when there is a change in the display area (window position) where the window is displayed.

[0177] (Step S307) The control unit 18 determines whether a maximize operation has been performed on the window displayed in the dual-screen mode. If the control unit 18 determines that a maximize operation has not been performed ("No"), the process returns to step S305. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that a maximize operation has been performed ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S309.

[0178] (Step S309 ) The control unit 18 displays the window maximized in step S307 in the display area stored in step S305 in a maximized manner.

[0179] As described above, in the information processing device 10 involved in the present embodiment, when the control unit 18 performs a maximization operation after a window is moved or resized in the second display mode so that the window is displayed across at least two display areas among multiple display areas, the window that has been maximized is displayed as maximized in the display area before the move or resizing.

[0180] Thus, even if the user inadvertently moves or resizes a window displayed in any one of the display areas beyond the range of each display area in the dual screen mode, the information processing device 10 can easily return to the display state in the display area before the move or resize. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can improve the operability when the screen area of ​​one display 150 is divided into two display areas to control the display.

[0181] <Third Embodiment>

[0182] Next, an outline of a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0183] In the first embodiment, the structure of the information processing device 10 is described as having a single-screen mode in which the entire screen area of ​​the display 150 is controlled as a display area DA, and a dual-screen 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 screen area of ​​the display 150 may also be divided into three or more display areas to control the display.

[0184] In this embodiment, the information processing device 10 has, in addition to the single-screen mode and the dual-screen mode, a three-screen mode in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into three display areas to control the display, and a four-screen mode in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into four display areas to control the display. In the three-screen mode or the four-screen mode, the information processing device 10 is also the same as the dual-screen mode. When a window displayed across multiple display areas is maximized, it is displayed in any one of the multiple display areas. For example, when a window displayed across multiple display areas is maximized, the information processing device 10 is displayed in the display area of ​​the multiple display areas that is closest to the window that has been maximized.

[0185] The basic configuration of the information processing device 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and here, examples of display control in the three-screen mode and the four-screen mode will be described.

[0186] Fig.14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation specification of a display mode switching operation according to the present embodiment. Figure 5 This is an example of a switching menu displayed by operating the icon C1 shown in (A). Fig.13 (B) indicates a switching menu M3 displayed when the usage mode is "Landscape" (display mode (b), display mode (d), display mode (d'), etc.), Fig.13(C) indicates a switching menu M4 displayed when the mode of use is "Clamshell or Portrait" (display mode (c-1), display mode (e), display mode (e'), etc.). The switching menu M3 and the switching menu M4 are different in that they can switch between the three-screen mode and the four-screen mode. Figure 5 (B) Toggle menu M1 and Figure 5 The switch menu of (C) is different from M2.

[0187] In the switching menu M3, display mode switching icons C31, C32, C33, C34, and C35 are displayed. The display mode switching icon C31 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode (d) and the display mode (d′) of the single-picture mode. The display mode switching icon C32 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode (b) of the dual-picture mode. The display mode switching icon C33 and the display mode switching icon C34 are displayed as operators for selecting the display mode of the triple-picture mode. In the display mode switching icon C33 and the display mode switching icon C34, which side of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in the dual-picture mode is divided into two display areas is different. The display mode switching icon C35 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode of the quad-picture mode.

[0188] The "1", "2", "3", and "4" in the figure are Figure 5 Similarly, the display areas are marked to distinguish each other, for example, by numbers according to the priority order of the areas pre-set for each display area. The area with the highest priority is "1", and the area priority is decreased in the order of "2", "3", and "4".

[0189] If the user selects the display mode switching icon C33 or the display mode switching icon C34, the display of the switching menu ends and the control is switched to the three-screen mode under "Landscape". In addition, if the user selects the display mode switching icon C35, the display of the switching menu ends and the control is switched to the four-screen mode under "Landscape".

[0190] Display mode switching icons C41, C42, C43, C44, and C45 are displayed in the switching menu M4. The display mode switching icon C41 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode (e) or the display mode (e′) of the single-picture mode. The display mode switching icon C42 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode (c-1) of the dual-picture mode. The display mode switching icon C43 and the display mode switching icon C44 are displayed as operators for selecting the display mode of the triple-picture mode. In the display mode switching icon C43 and the display mode switching icon C44, which side of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 in the dual-picture mode is divided into two display areas is different. The display mode switching icon C45 is displayed as an operator for selecting the display mode of the quad-picture mode.

[0191] If the user selects the display mode switching icon C43 or the display mode switching icon C44, the display of the switching menu ends, and the control is changed to the three-screen mode under "Clamshell or Portrait". In addition, if the user selects the display mode switching icon C35, the display of the switching menu ends, and the four-screen mode under "Clamshell or Portrait" is performed.

[0192] (Display control of windows based on maximized operation in triple-screen mode)

[0193] Next, the display control of the window when the maximization operation is performed in the three-screen mode is described. Here, when the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into three display areas in the three-screen mode, the areas are referred to as the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3.

[0194] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing a first example of display control of a window based on a maximize operation according to the present embodiment. Fig.15 In the present invention, an example of display control of a window based on a maximization operation is described in which an operation is performed in three-screen mode to move a window displayed in the second display area DA2 so that the window is displayed across three display areas: the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3.

[0195] Fig.15 (A) shows a display example in which, in the three-screen mode, window W1 is maximized in the first display area DA1, window W2 is maximized in the second display area DA2, and window W3 is maximized in the third display area DA3. If the user performs a move operation to move window W2 in the direction of the arrow (diagonally left and downward), as shown in FIG. Fig.15As shown in (B), the window W2 moves in the operation direction and is displayed across the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3.

[0196] Next Steps Fig.15 As shown in (C), if the user operates the maximize button of the window W2 (e.g., taps it) to perform the maximize operation, the window W2 is displayed maximized in the closest display area among the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3. For example, the display area with the largest area of ​​the window W2 displayed in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 is used as the closest display area, and the window W2 is displayed maximized in the second display area DA2 (refer to Fig.15 (D)).

[0197] Fig.16 2 is a diagram showing a second example of display control of a window based on a maximize operation according to the present embodiment. Fig.16 In the following, an example of display control of a window based on a maximization operation is described when a window displayed in the second display area DA2 is resized in the three-screen mode to display the window across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0198] Fig.16 (A) shows a display example in which, in the three-screen mode, window W1 is maximized in the first display area DA1, window W2 is maximized in the second display area DA2, and window W3 is maximized in the third display area DA3. If the user performs a resizing operation to expand the size of window W2 in the direction of the arrow (left direction), as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown in (B), the window W2 is expanded in size in the operation direction and is displayed across the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0199] Next, Fig.16 As shown in (C), if the user operates the maximize button of the window W2 (e.g., taps it) to perform the maximize operation, the window W2 is displayed maximized in the closest display area among the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3. For example, the display area with the largest area of ​​the window W2 displayed in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 is used as the closest display area, and the window W2 is displayed maximized in the second display area DA2 (refer to Fig.16 (D)).

[0200] In addition, as described in the first embodiment, the maximization operation for maximizing the window is not limited to the operation on the maximize icon displayed on the taskbar of the window. For example, the maximization operation may be an operation based on a shortcut key or a finger operation based on a specific pattern.

[0201] In addition, here, an example of display control of a window based on a maximized operation in the three-screen mode is described, but in the four-screen mode, only the number of display areas is increased and similarly, a maximized window is displayed maximized in the closest display area among the four display areas.

[0202] Next, refer to Fig.17 , the operation of the display control processing of the window when the control unit 18 performs a maximize operation in the three-screen mode is described.

[0203] Fig.17 This is a flowchart showing an example of a display control process of a window in the three-screen mode according to the present embodiment.

[0204] (Step S401) The control unit 18 determines whether a maximize operation has been performed on the window displayed in the three-screen mode. If the control unit 18 determines that a maximize operation has not been performed ("No"), the process of step S401 is performed again. On the other hand, if the control unit 18 determines that a maximize operation has been performed ("Yes"), the process proceeds to step S403.

[0205] (Step S403) The control unit 18 determines the display area closest to the window that has been maximized in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3. For example, the control unit 18 determines the display area with the largest area of ​​the window that has been maximized in the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 as the display area closest to the window. Fig.15 (C) and Fig.16 In the example shown in (C), since the display area with the largest area displaying the maximized window is the second display area DA2, the control unit 18 determines that the second display area DA2 is the closest. Then, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0206] (Step S405) The control unit 18 maximizes the window that has been maximized in the display area determined to be close in step S403. Fig.15 (D) and Fig.16In the example shown in (D) of FIG. 8 , the control unit 18 maximizes and displays the window in the second display area DA2 determined to be closest to the window that has been maximized.

[0207] As described above, in the information processing device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 18 performs a display mode switching process of switching between a single screen mode (an example of a first display mode) in which the entire screen area of ​​one display 150 is controlled to be displayed as one display area DA, and a multi-screen mode (an example of a second display mode) in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into a plurality of (two, three, four, etc.) display areas to control the display. In addition, the control unit 18 performs a display control process of maximizing a window displayed across at least two of the plurality of display areas in the multi-screen mode so that the maximized window is displayed in any one of the plurality of display areas in the multi-screen mode when a maximization operation is performed in the multi-screen mode to maximize the display of the window.

[0208] Thus, when the information processing device 10 controls the display by dividing the screen area of ​​one display 150 into a plurality of display areas, the user can make a window displayed across at least two display areas be displayed in accordance with any display area through a single operation, thereby improving operability. For example, even if the user inadvertently moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in the multi-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can easily return the window to any display area in the multi-screen mode.

[0209] For example, in the above-described display control process, the control unit 18 causes the maximized window to be displayed in a maximized manner in a display area closest to the window among the plurality of display areas in the multi-screen mode.

[0210] Thus, in information processing device 10 , the user can display a window displayed across at least two of the plurality of display areas in alignment with the closest display area through a single operation, thereby improving operability.

[0211] As an example, in the display control process, the control unit 18 determines the display area with the largest area displaying the maximized window among the plurality of display areas in the multi-screen mode as the display area closest to the window.

[0212] Thus, information processing device 10 can use the display region with the largest window area as the closest display region and display a window displayed across at least two of the plurality of display regions in alignment with the display region.

[0213] In addition, when the control unit 18 has switched from the single-screen mode to the multi-screen mode through the above-mentioned display mode switching processing, in the above-mentioned display control processing, the window of the application executed in the single-screen mode is displayed in any one of the multiple display areas, and when a maximize operation is performed after the window is moved or resized in the multi-screen mode so that it is displayed across at least two of the multiple display areas, the window that has been maximized is displayed as maximized in any one of the multiple display areas.

[0214] Thus, even if the user accidentally moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in the multi-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can easily return the window to any display area in the multi-screen mode.

[0215] In addition, the control method in the information processing device 10 involved in the present embodiment includes: a display mode switching step, in which the control unit 18 controls the switching between a single-screen mode (an example of a first display mode) in which the entire screen area of ​​a display 150 is controlled as a display area DA for display, and a multi-screen mode (an example of a second display mode) in which the screen area of ​​the display 150 is divided into multiple (two, three, four, etc.) display areas for display control; and a display control step, in which, when a maximization operation is performed in the multi-screen mode to maximize the display of a window displayed across at least two display areas among the multiple display areas, the maximized window is displayed in any one of the multiple display areas in the multi-screen mode.

[0216] Thus, when the information processing device 10 controls the display by dividing the screen area of ​​one display 150 into a plurality of display areas, the user can make a window displayed across at least two display areas be displayed in accordance with any display area through a single operation, thereby improving operability. For example, even if the user inadvertently moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in the multi-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can easily return the window to any display area in the multi-screen mode.

[0217] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit 18 uses the display area with the largest area of ​​the window that has been maximized in the multiple display areas in the multi-screen mode as the display area closest to the window, but is not limited to this. For example, in the above-mentioned display control process, the control unit 18 may also use the display area at a specific position (for example, the upper left position) in the window that has been maximized in the multiple display areas in the multi-screen mode as the display area closest to the window. In the case where the display area at the upper left position of the display window is used as the display area closest to the window, for example, Fig.15 (C) and Fig.16 In the example shown in (C), if the window W2 is maximized, the window W2 is not displayed in the second display area DA2 but in the first display area DA1. In addition, the specific position can also be set to any position other than the upper left position of the window (upper right, lower left, lower right, center, etc.).

[0218] Thus, information processing device 10 can use the display area where a specific position of a window (for example, the upper left position) enters as the closest display area, and display the window displayed across at least two of the multiple display areas in unison with the display area.

[0219] In addition, the example of the dual-screen mode described in the second embodiment can be applied not only to the dual-screen mode but also to the multi-screen mode. For example, in the case where a maximize operation is performed after a window is moved or resized in the multi-screen mode so as to be displayed across at least two display areas of the plurality of display areas, the control unit 18 can also display the maximized window in the display area before the move or resize operation.

[0220] Thus, even if the user inadvertently moves or resizes a window displayed in any display area beyond the range of each display area in the multi-screen mode, the information processing device 10 can return to the display state in the display area before the move or resize. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can improve the operability when the screen area of ​​one display 150 is divided into multiple display areas to control the display.

[0221] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the specific structure is not limited to the above content, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the structures described in the above embodiments can also be combined arbitrarily.

[0222] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment ( Figure 7 , 8, 15, and 16) show an example in which the window before moving or resizing is maximized in any display area, but it does not have to be maximized and can be displayed (configured) in a size smaller than the display area.

[0223] In addition, for example, in the above-mentioned display control process, when an application is started after the transition to the multi-screen mode, the control unit 18 causes the window of the started application to be displayed in any one of the multiple display areas (for example, the display area with the highest priority (for example, the primary screen)). Thus, the information processing device 10 can automatically cause the window of the application started in the multi-screen mode to be displayed in unison with any one of the display areas in the multi-screen mode, which is more convenient.

[0224] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned display control process, the control unit 18 may also display the window of the application started in the multi-screen mode in the screen area of ​​the display 150 independently of the plurality of display areas. In this case, the control unit 18 may also display the window that has been maximized in any one of the plurality of display areas in the multi-screen mode when the maximize operation is performed. Thus, in the information processing device 10, even if the window of the application started in the multi-screen mode is not displayed in accordance with any display area in the multi-screen mode, the user can display the window in accordance with any display area through a single operation, so that the operability is good.

[0225] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the information processing device 10 is described as having a dual-screen mode divided into two display areas to control the display, a triple-screen mode divided into three display areas to control the display, and a quad-screen mode divided into four display areas to control the display as a multi-screen mode structure, but it may also be a structure having a screen mode divided into five or more display areas to control the display.

[0226] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example of touch operation on a plurality of touch panel displays in which an input unit (touch sensor) and a display unit are integrated is described, but it is not limited to touch operation, and it may also be a mouse-based click operation, a gesture-based operation, etc.

[0227] In addition, the control unit 18 has a computer system inside. In addition, the program for realizing the functions of each structure respectively possessed by the control unit 18 can also be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing in each structure respectively possessed by the control unit 18 can be performed by making the computer system read the program recorded in the recording medium and execute it. Here, the so-called "making the computer system read the program recorded in the recording medium and execute it" includes installing the program to the computer system. The so-called "computer system" here includes hardware such as OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" can also include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. In addition, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, a hard disk built into the computer system, and other recording devices. In this way, the recording medium storing the program can be a non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

[0228] In addition, the recording medium also includes an internal or external recording medium that can be accessed from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. In addition, the program can also be divided into multiple parts, and the structure formed by combining the various structures possessed by the control unit 18 after being downloaded at different times, and the distribution server for each of the divided programs is different. Moreover, the so-called "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a structure that keeps the program for a certain period of time, such as a server in the case of sending a program via a network, and a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a client. In addition, the above-mentioned program may also be a structure for realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, it may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions by combining them with a program already recorded in a computer system.

[0229] In addition, part or all of the functions of the control unit 18 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented as an integrated circuit such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be processed independently, or part or all of it may be integrated for processing. In addition, the method of integrated circuitization is not limited to LSI, and it may also be implemented with a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears with the advancement of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on the technology may also be used.

Claims

1. An information processing device, wherein: have: A display; Memory, which stores application programs; as well as a processor that controls the display of a window of the application program on the display by executing a program of the application program stored in the memory, The above processor performs the following processing: Display mode switching processing, controlling the switching between the first display mode and the second display mode, wherein in the first display mode, the entire screen area of ​​the display is controlled as a display area, and in the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into a plurality of display areas to control the display; as well as Display control processing, when an operation is performed in the above-mentioned second display mode to maximize the display of the above-mentioned window displayed across at least two display areas among multiple display areas, the above-mentioned window that has performed the above-mentioned operation is maximized and displayed in any display area among the multiple display areas in the above-mentioned second display mode.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor causes the window on which the operation has been performed to be displayed in a maximized manner in a display area closest to the window among a plurality of display areas in the second display mode in the display control process.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The processor may, in the display control process, determine, as the display region closest to the window, a display region having the largest area in which the window having performed the operation is displayed, among the plurality of display regions in the second display mode.

4. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The processor may, in the display control process, determine, as a display region closest to the window, a display region that displays a specific position in the window where the operation has been performed, among the plurality of display regions in the second display mode.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: When the processor has switched from the first display mode to the second display mode through the display mode switching process, in the display control process, the window of the application executed in the first display mode is displayed in any one of the multiple display areas, and when the operation is performed after the window is moved or resized in the second display mode so that it is displayed across at least two of the multiple display areas, the window on which the operation is performed is displayed maximized in any one of the multiple display areas.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein: The above processors When the above operation is performed after the window is moved or resized to be displayed across at least two display areas of the plurality of display areas in the second display mode, the window on which the above operation is performed is displayed maximized in the display area before the above movement or the above resizing.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor causes the window of the application program started in the second display mode to be displayed in any one of a plurality of display areas in the display control process.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: In the display control process, the processor causes the window of the application started in the second display mode to be displayed in the screen area independently of the plurality of display areas, and when the operation is performed, causes the window on which the operation has been performed to be displayed maximized in any one of the plurality of display areas in the second display mode.

9. A control method, a control method in an information processing device, the information processing device comprising: a display; a memory storing an application program; and a processor, which controls the display of a window of the application program on the display by executing the application program stored in the memory, wherein: The control method comprises the following steps performed by the processor: a display mode switching step, controlling the switching between the first display mode and the second display mode, wherein in the first display mode, the entire screen area of ​​the display is controlled as a display area, and in the second display mode, the screen area of ​​the display is divided into a plurality of display areas for controlling the display; as well as A display control step, in which, when an operation is performed in the second display mode to maximize the display of the window displayed across at least two of the multiple display areas, the window on which the operation is performed is maximized in any one of the multiple display areas in the second display mode.

Images