Information processing device, input method and program

Abstract

Information processing device, comprising a display to show an image, comprising: - a time-detection unit configured to detect a point in time when a user performs an input operation; and - a unit for displaying an input area which, when the time detection unit detects the time, is configured to display an input area as a target of the input operation in a direction that has been previously set and is different from a direction of the image displayed on the screen.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to information processing devices and a method for input. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A laptop personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "laptop PC") comprises a main case and a display case, which in one example are connected by a hinge. The main case includes an input device, such as a keyboard, and the display case includes a display. This configuration allows the display case to rotate relative to the main case.

[0003] Patent specification 1 discloses, as such an example, a hinge mechanism that joins a main housing and a display housing, allowing these housings to rotate from a 0-degree position through a 180-degree position to a 360-degree position. In the 0-degree position, the surfaces of the housings face each other. In the 180-degree position, the surfaces of the housings are parallel to each other and oriented in the same direction. In the 360-degree position, the backs of the housings face each other.

[0004] For example, if a user is giving a presentation using a laptop PC, the user opens the laptop PC so that the main case and the display case are in a 180-degree position, and places the main case towards the user and the display case towards the person listening to the presentation.

[0005] Some laptop PCs have a function to rotate an image displayed on the screen at a predetermined angle (e.g. 180 degrees) so that a person sitting to the side of the display housing listening to the presentation can easily understand it.

[0006] Patent Specification 1 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-38040 From US 2013 / 0300671A1, a display system with image sensor-based display orientation is known. The display system comprises: a display device; a sensor for capturing at least one electronic image from a field of view near the display device; and a processor that enables: the control of at least one part of the display device into a display orientation associated with a specific edge of the display device when a part of the at least one electronic image associated with the specific edge contains a specific reference image.

[0007] US Patent 2007 / 0220444A1 describes a graphical user interface system in which users can be positioned at any angle. Different application interfaces can be generated and displayed in various orientations, ensuring that different users, even those sitting at different positions around the edge of a display surface, each have a readable and accessible interface. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] However, if an image displayed on the screen is rotated 180 degrees, it is difficult for the user to perform input operations, such as typing letters, on the side of the main casing, as the image is not facing the user.

[0009] In view of these circumstances, the object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an input method that enables simple input operations by a user, even when an image displayed on the screen is not directed at the user.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of main claim 1 and dependent claim 6, which define the present invention.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] To solve the above problems, an information processing device and an input method according to the present invention have the following configuration.

[0013] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention, comprising a display for showing an image, includes: a time-detection unit configured to detect a time at which a user performs an input operation; and a unit for displaying an input area which, when the time-detection unit detects the time, is configured to display an input area as a target of the input operation in a direction that has been previously set and is different from a direction of the image displayed on the display.

[0014] An input method according to a second aspect of the present invention is carried out using an information processing device comprising a display for showing an image, and wherein the method comprises: a first step of detecting a time at which a user performs an input operation; and when the time is detected, a second step of displaying an input area as a target of the input operation in a direction that has been previously set and is different from a direction of the image displayed on the screen.

[0015] The present invention has an advantageous effect by facilitating the input processes of a user, even if an image displayed on the screen is not directed at the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] They show: Fig. 1 the appearance of a laptop PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 schematically the hardware configuration of the laptop PC according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 a flat mode according to an embodiment of the present invention in which an LCD screen is rotated overall. Fig. 4 a functional diagram of the reversed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 a reversed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention in which an input field is rotated. Fig. 6 a reversed mode according to an embodiment of the present invention in which an input field appears. Fig. 7 an inverted mode according to an embodiment of the present invention in which an LCD screen is rotated overall. Fig. 8 a flowchart showing the workflow when a reverse mode is switched on according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 the appearance of a tablet-type device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the device is used for a presentation. Fig. 10 a device of the type of a tablet according to an embodiment of the present invention in which an input field appears. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following describes an embodiment of an information processing device, a method for input, and a program according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a laptop PC is described as the information processing device.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows the appearance of a laptop PC 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1 as an example, the laptop PC 1 comprises a main housing 2 and a display housing 3, and these two housings are essentially cuboid in shape.

[0020] The main housing 2 includes an input unit 4. The input unit 4 is a user interface that allows a user to perform input operations. The input unit includes a keyboard consisting of various types of keys for entering letters, commands, and the like, a touchpad to allow a user to move a cursor on the display or select various menus, a mouse, and a trackpoint.

[0021] The display housing 3 includes a touchscreen display 7 to display an image.

[0022] The touchscreen display 7 is configured to convert inputted display data into a video signal and to display various types of information corresponding to the converted video signal on the display screen, and to detect various types of operations by the user using their fingers or a pointer, such as a touch pen.

[0023] The main housing 2 and the display housing 3 are joined at their ends by a left and right pair of connecting elements 8a and 8b. The connecting elements 8a and 8b are hinges and support the main housing 2 and the display housing 3, allowing them to be opened and closed.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows the hardware configuration of Laptop PC 1.

[0025] The laptop PC 1 comprises a CPU (central processing unit) 20, a ROM (recorded memory) 21, a memory 22, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 23, a graphics adapter 24, a touch sensor 25, an input controller 26, a flash memory 27, a communication device 28, and a power supply circuit 29, which are connected directly or indirectly via a bus 30. The touchscreen display 7 comprises the LCD 23 and the touch sensor 25.

[0026] The CPU 20 performs a function of controlling the laptop PC 1 overall through an OS (operating system) stored in the flash memory 27, and of performing processing that corresponds to the user's operation using the input part 4, the touchscreen display 7 and the like, according to various programs stored in the flash memory 27.

[0027] ROM 21 stores a BIOS (system program) and various types of data.

[0028] Memory 22 consists of a buffer and a RAM (main memory) and is a writable memory that can be used as a workspace to read execution programs of the CPU 20 and to write data processed by the execution programs.

[0029] Under the control of the CPU 20, the LCD 23 displays a video signal from the graphics adapter 24 as an image.

[0030] Under the control of the CPU 20, the graphics adapter 24 converts the information to be displayed into video signals and outputs the converted video signal to the LCD 23.

[0031] The touch sensor 25 detects the position of the user's fingers or stylus on the LCD 23 and outputs the position to the input controller 26. The touch sensor 25 enables the user to perform various operations using their fingers, a stylus, or similar devices. These operations include input operations performed by selecting objects on the screen, such as various menus, icons, buttons, and keyboards displayed on the LCD 23, as well as text input and screen operations such as scrolling and swiping.

[0032] The input controller 26 controls the operation of the touch sensor 25 by executing programs stored in the ROM 21 or the like through the processor.

[0033] The flash memory 27 serves the function of storing the operating system for the overall control of the laptop PC 1, various types of drivers for hardware manipulation of peripheral devices, applications for specific tasks, and various types of data and files. The laptop PC 1 can use a different storage unit instead of the flash memory 27, such as an HDD (hard disk drive).

[0034] The communication device 28 communicates with other devices.

[0035] The power supply circuit 29 includes an AC adapter, a smart battery, a charger to charge the smart battery, and a DC / DC converter, and supplies power to the devices under the control of the CPU 20.

[0036] The laptop PC 1 according to the present embodiment can be opened so that the main housing 2 and the display housing 3 lie flat by virtue of the joining elements 8a and 8b. "Lying flat" refers to the fact that the laptop PC is open so that the main housing 2 and the display housing 3 are essentially in a 180-degree position. When the laptop PC 1 is opened to lie flat, the laptop PC is in a flat mode.

[0037] The laptop PC 1, for example, is put into flat mode when a user (or speaker) on the side of the main housing 2 is giving a presentation to a person (or viewer) on the side of the display housing 3. During the presentation, an image (hereinafter referred to as the "LCD screen") 7A is rotated at a predetermined angle on the touchscreen display 7 so that the image is directed towards the viewer. This is to facilitate the viewer's understanding of the presentation. In the following description, the 0-degree angle is defined such that the LCD screen 7A is not rotated and is directed towards the speaker.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows the flat mode, in which the LCD screen 7A is rotated completely. In the example from Fig. In step 3, the viewer faces the speaker, and the LCD screen 7A is rotated 180 degrees relative to the speaker. It should be noted that the rotation angle of the LCD screen 7A is preset. For example, if the viewer is to the right of the speaker, the angle is 90 degrees, and if the viewer is to the left of the speaker, the angle is 270 degrees. This rotation angle is referred to as the setting rotation angle.

[0039] However, when the LCD screen 7A is rotated, it is not facing the speaker because the speaker is located on the side of the main housing 2. Therefore, it is difficult for the speaker to perform input operations, such as typing letters.

[0040] Then, according to the present embodiment, the laptop PC 1 is configured such that when a point in time of the input process is detected by the speaker, an input area (hereinafter referred to as the "input field") is directed as the target of the input process in a direction that is preset and different from the direction of the LCD screen 7A. In the following description, this processing is referred to as reverse mode.

[0041] The input process in this case includes typing letters, drawing graphic elements, attaching other images, such as photos, and editing and deleting letters and graphic elements. The input field comprises cells in spreadsheet software, a text composition area in word processing software, and a graphic drawing area in graphics software. The preset direction, which differs from the direction of LCD screen 7A, corresponds, for example, to the direction of input section 4. In other words, it is 0 degrees.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 is a functional diagram for the reverse mode.

[0043] The CPU 20 comprises an angle detection section 50, a section 52 for determining a flat mode, a section 54 for controlling the rotation of an LCD image, a section 56 for setting an inverted mode, a time-detection section 58, and a section 60 for controlling the display of an input field. These sections of the CPU 20 are implemented by a computer program.

[0044] The angle detection element 50 detects the opening angle between the main housing 2 and the display housing 3. The opening angle can be detected by measuring the inclination of the display housing 3 using a sensor, such as an accelerometer, which is arranged, for example, on the display housing 3, or can be detected by other conventionally known methods.

[0045] Part 52 for determining a flat mode determines whether the angle detected by the angle detection part 50 is the angle for the flat mode (approximately 180 degrees) or not.

[0046] When the angle corresponds to the flat mode, part 54, used to control the rotation of an LCD image, rotates the entire LCD screen 7A by one adjustment rotation angle. When the entire LCD screen 7A is rotated by this adjustment rotation angle, the entire LCD screen 7A is not facing the speaker. It should be noted that the LCD screen 7A may not be rotated in the flat mode, and in this case, the inverted mode is not activated.

[0047] Part 56, for setting a reverse mode, sets the reverse mode ON or OFF according to manipulation by the user.

[0048] The time detection part 58 and the part 60 for controlling the display of an input field are activated when the reverse mode is switched on.

[0049] The time-detection unit 58 detects the input start time, which is the point in time at which the user performs an input operation in the input field displayed on the screen. The input start time can be the point in time at which the input field (e.g., a cell 61) is selected with a mouse cursor, or the point in time at which the user, for example, double-clicks at the beginning of the input field. The input time can be the point in time at which the user performs a pre-defined keystroke, or the point in time at which the user presses a button that is pre-displayed on the touchscreen display 7.

[0050] The time-detection part 58 also detects an input end time, which is the point in time at which the input operation in the input field is completed. The input end time could be, for example, the point in time at which the user double-clicks at the end of the input operation, the point in time at which the user performs a pre-defined key action, or the point in time at which the user presses a pre-displayed button on the touchscreen display 7. The input end time could also be the point in time at which the laptop PC 1 is at an angle other than that of flat mode.

[0051] When the time-detection part 58 detects the input time, part 60, which controls the display of an input field, directs the input field to the input part 4, with the input start time as the trigger. This allows the input field to be temporarily directed to the speaker when the speaker is performing an input operation, thus making it easy for the speaker to perform the input operation in the input field.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 shows the reversed mode, in which the input field is directed at input part 4. In the example from Fig. In Figure 5, cell 61 of the spreadsheet software is shown as an input field, and cell 61 itself, which is part of the LCD screen 7A, is rotated.

[0053] Fig. Figure 6 shows an example where the input field appears. If, in the example from Fig. 6. When the input start time is detected, cell 61 itself will behave differently than in Fig. 5 is not rotated, and a pop-up window 62, which serves as a text field, is displayed on the input part 4. The speaker performs an input operation in the displayed pop-up window 62, and the entered content is displayed on the LCD screen 7A.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the LCD screen 7A can be rotated completely into inverted mode so that it faces the input area 4. Specifically, when graphic elements displayed on the touchscreen display 7 are being entered (edited), no input operation can be performed in cell 61 or in the partially rotated pop-up window 62. In this case, the LCD screen 7A can be rotated completely. In other words, the target for rotation varies depending on what is being entered. For example, if graphics drawing software is active, the LCD screen 7A will be rotated completely at the input start time if the user double-clicks in the graphics drawing area.

[0055] Part 60, for controlling the display of an input field, controls the display so that the content corresponding to the input operation is shown on the LCD screen 7A at the end of the input process. For example, in the example from Fig. 5. The input field is oriented in the original direction (direction of the viewer). In the example from Fig. In step 6, the pop-up window 62 disappears as an input field. In the example from Fig. In position 7, the LCD screen 7A is oriented entirely in the original direction (direction of the viewer). This allows the viewer to easily understand the content on the LCD screen 7A after the input process.

[0056] The following describes the processing when reverse mode is enabled, with reference to Fig. 8.

[0057] First, in step 100, it is determined whether the laptop PC 1 is in flat mode or not. If it is in flat mode, the workflow proceeds to step 102.

[0058] In step 102, the LCD screen 7A is rotated within a set adjustment angle. This ensures that the LCD screen 7A is not facing the speaker performing an input operation.

[0059] In the next step, 104, it is determined whether the input start time is detected or not. If the input start time is detected, the workflow proceeds to step 106.

[0060] In the next step 106, the input field is directed to input part 4.

[0061] In the next step, 108, it is determined whether the input end time is detected or not. If the input end time is detected, the workflow proceeds to step 110.

[0062] In step 110, the input field is oriented in its original direction (viewer's direction), and the workflow returns to step 104. The above processing is repeated until the inverted mode is turned off or the laptop PC 1 is at an angle other than flat mode.

[0063] As previously described, the laptop PC 1 according to the present embodiment comprises the main housing 2, which includes the input part 4 for user input, and the display housing 3, which includes the touchscreen display 7. The laptop PC 1 is configured to rotate an image displayed on the touchscreen display 7 to a predetermined angle. Furthermore, the laptop PC 1 is configured such that when a user input event is detected, an input field is directed as the target of the input event in a previously set direction that differs from the direction of the LCD screen 7A.

[0064] Such a laptop PC 1 makes it possible to temporarily direct the input field towards the user when the user is performing an input operation, which is why it is easy for the user to perform the input operation even if the image displayed on the touchscreen display 7 is not directed towards the user.

[0065] The description of the present invention is based on the embodiments stated above. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various changes or modifications can be added to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention, and the technical scope of the present invention also covers such a changed or modified embodiment. The embodiments described above can be combined as needed.

[0066] For example, in the embodiments described above, the main housing 2 has a physical keyboard, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the main housing 2 also includes a touchscreen display 7, and a software keyboard can be displayed on the touchscreen display 7 as the input element 4 instead of the physical keyboard.

[0067] When configuring the main housing 2, which also includes the touchscreen display 7, the main housing 2 and the display housing 3 can be operated separately.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the information processing device is the laptop PC 1. The present invention is not limited thereto, and the information processing device can be a device 70 of the type of tablet comprising a touchscreen display 7, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shown.

[0069] Fig. Figure 9 shows the tablet-like appearance of the device 70 when used for a presentation. In the example from Fig. 9. The LCD screen 7A is oriented entirely towards the viewer. When the reverse mode is activated, a button 72, which is pressed by a user for an input operation, is displayed on the LCD screen 7A.

[0070] That is, when the reverse mode is activated, the LCD screen 7A is not directed at the speaker, who is the user performing the input operation. The moment the user presses button 72 is then detected as the moment the speaker performs an input operation. The input field displayed on the touchscreen display 7 is then directed in the previously set direction.

[0071] Fig. Figure 10 shows the reversed mode, in which the input field is displayed as a pop-up window 62.

[0072] When the pop-up window 62 is displayed on the touchscreen display 7, a software keyboard 74 is also displayed there. The pop-up window 62 and the software keyboard 74 are directed towards the speaker. That is, in the example from Fig. 10. The pop-up window 62 and the software keyboard 74 are displayed in the direction that is rotated a total of 180 degrees relative to the LCD screen 7A.

[0073] To display the software keyboard 74, the image that was previously displayed on the touchscreen display 7 is reduced in size and shown.

[0074] In reverse mode, instead of displaying the pop-up window 62, as in Fig. 10. Can the input field itself be rotated, or can the entire LCD screen 7A be rotated?

[0075] If, for example, button 72 is pressed again, this is detected as the end of the input process. Then the pop-up window 62 and the software keyboard 74 disappear, and the display returns to its original state, showing the content of the input process.

[0076] The previously described processing workflow when the reverse mode is switched on is an example, and unnecessary steps can be removed, new steps can be added, or the order of the steps can be changed without leaving the scope of the invention. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Laptop PC (information processing device) 2 Main cases (first case) 3 Display housings (second housing) 4 Input section 7" touchscreen display (display) 54 Part for controlling the rotation of an LCD image (unit for rotating a display image) 58 Time detection part (time detection unit) 60 Part for controlling the display of an input field (unit for displaying an input area) 70 Device of the type of tablet (information processing device)

Claims

Information processing device comprising a display for showing an image, comprising: - a time-detection unit configured to detect a time at which a user performs an input operation; and - an input area display unit which, when the time-detection unit detects the time, is configured to display an input area as a target of the input operation in a direction previously set and different from a direction of the image displayed on the display. Information processing device according to claim 1, comprising: - a first housing comprising an input part to enable the user to perform an input operation; - a second housing comprising the display; and - a unit for rotating a display image, configured to rotate the image displayed on the display at a predetermined angle, - wherein the unit for displaying an input area, when the image displayed on the display is rotated at a predetermined angle and the time detection unit detects the time, is configured to display the input area such that the input area is oriented in the previously set direction. Information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the previously set direction is a direction of the input part. Information processing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unit is configured to display an input area when the time is detected, in order to make the input area appear. Information processing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the unit for displaying an input area, when the time is detected, is configured to rotate the image displayed on the screen in its entirety. Method for input using an information processing device comprising a display for showing an image, comprising: - a first step of detecting a time when a user performs an input operation; and - a second step of displaying an input area as a target of the input operation in a direction that has been previously set and is different from a direction of the image that is displayed on the screen when the time is detected.

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