United States Patent
`
`t15
`
`US005903268A
`Patent Number:
`
`11]
`
`5,903,268
`9
`9
`
`Hirayama
`[45] Date of Patent:
`*May 11, 1999
`
`
`[54] POSITION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR
`DISPLAYING A WINDOW’S EFFECTIVE
`IMAGE AREA
`
`
`
`10/1991 Levine et al. oo eee 345/351
`5,060,135
`5,063,600 11/1991 Norwood w..csescsessscnecneeeeess 382/186
`5,140,677
`8/1992 Fleming et al.
`we 345/348
`5,151,974
`9/1992 Tani et ale ceccecsccccccccssssssssseeeeee 345/428
`
`. 5,187,776=2/1993) Yanker wesc‘ui eeeeeeeeececeeeeeee 345/341
`
`
`[75]
`Inventor: Tomoshi Hirayama, Tokyo, Japan
`5,191,644
`3/1993 Takeda ceescsscssssssssssssssseeessse 345/344
`.
`.
`:
`5,237,053
`8/1993 Noguchiet al. oe 345/345
`[73] Assignee: Sony Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
`5,268,677 12/1993 Frasier et al. ecsccsscccsseessesseeeee 345/118
`
`:
`:
`:
`.
`5,276,437
`1/1994 Hi
`th et
`abe veces 345/340
`stood Knowlton 3ee senso
`[*] Notice:
`This patent issued on a continued pros-
`5,283,864
`ecution application filed under 37 CFR
`5,305,435
`4/1994 Bronson ceecccscsscsssssssssssseseeeeeeee 345/351
`1.53(d), and is subject to the twenty year
`patent
`term provisions of 35 U.S.C.
`154(a)(2).
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Microsoft, Windows 3.0 User Manual, 1990 pp. xi-xvi,
`20-22, 46, 157, 494.
`Borland, Quattro Pro Users Guide, 1989, pp. 235 to 250.
`[21] Appl. No.: 07/831,953
`IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, vol. 32, No. 8B, Jan.
`.
`?
`?
`?
`22]
`Filed:
`Feb. 6, 1992
`1990, p. 311 (New York).
`[22]
`File
`ee
`Primary Examiner
`ton Fetting
`[30]
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Limbach & Limbach L.L.P.
`Feb. 9, 1991
`[JP]
`Japan woe ceeeseeeteeeees P3-039286
`[57]
`[SL]
`Tint, Ce eee eccceeeeescesnneeeceestneseesnnesees GO06F 3/00
`ABSTRACT
`
`
`
`[52] US. CD.ieecsscsscsssesssesseensecnsceneeeneesnennesee 345/342 Loo. . . . .
`
`
`
`[58] Field of Search
`395/157, 159:
`The effective display area of a window,in a window display
`—345/121“T18. 179. 340-345
`apparatus, is corrected to preventit from protruding beyond
`,
`the visible area of the display. A coordinate data input device
`aoa
`selects an icon and movesthe icon to the display area to
`display a window image. Depending upon the location to
`which the icon is moved, correction of the resulting image
`may be necessary to ensure that the effective display area is
`shown. Once a windowhas been displayed, no correction is
`Performedif the window is subsequently moved.
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`4.783.648
`4.786.897
`4,813,013
`4,899,136
`4,939,507
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`340/724
`11/1988 Hommaetal
`11/1988 Takenashiet al.345M21 X
`
`3/1989 Dun sececsson'
`.. 345/333:
`
`.. 345/156
`2/1990 Beard et al.
`..
`
`7/1990 Beard et al. wees 345/156
`
`9 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`(A)
`sg
`
`
`snpoint coordinates& Race |' iSayed ofenlargesraed
`positionof horizonttal
`j} moved raWInG§of eetture
`
`placed in
`Yo
`P
`$1
`
`
`
`
`pen-up state
`Pen
`?
`
`
`lacedi
`:
`eysss
`ES
`Si4
`
`
`
`Check coordinate
`data of penpoint
`
`
`<
`Coordinate located
`
`
`S40
`guisideof,‘ol, icon
`
`
`
`
`
`Display window at position
`
`
`corresponding to position of
`penpoint coordinates.
`
`If position is not moved,
`
`drawing of picture may be
`omitte
`
`
`Stop displa
`window any Stdisplay
`icon
`
`
`Store
`pen
`cooramatests,°
`
`S15
`YES
`S|6
`
`
`Display
`Cow Suc
`actionpoint H may be
`
`(dwn~ad)
`oca
`
`
`
` Display window such that
`
`laction
`int H may be
`locat
`(s- (hWn-a).d)
`Display window so
`
`
`that aeton point H ma
`be located at (g,d)
`
`$20
`
`(D)
`
`$42
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`Display image in
`contour
`the inside o
`of window
`
`(8)
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1011
`
`APPLE 1011
`
`1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`FIG.7
`
`(PRIOR ART) egon 82
`86oT
`
`B84
`
`[
`
`84L
`
`FIG. 2
`
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`FIG. 3
`(PRIOR ART)
`
`FIG. 4
`(PRIOR ART)
`84
`
`O
`
`BLL.
`
`B4C
`
`=
`
`82
`
`PC
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`FIG.6
`
`27
`
`23
`
`f
`
`24
`
`25
`
`26
`
`FIG.7
`
`nat
`21b} >
`22a
`22/44
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`F/IG.8
`
`22
`
`42a
`
`43
`
`44
`
`512
`Fo
`
`{
`
`|
`
`LCD
`
`5
`Z2
`QO
`
`342
`
`ee-------]
`
`_—
`
`-—
`
`
`
`Memory
`(V-RAM)
`
`g
`©
`c
`o
`a
`
`2a| L
`
`CD Driver
`
`42b
`
`CPU
`
`al
`
`21
`
`45a
`
`
`
`
`TabletController
`GeneratinCircuit
`
` g
`
`Tablet
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 5 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`CPU
`
`4)
`
`43
`
`51
`
`FIG.9
`
`[ico|cal]
`|_RoM_=> Take LCD
`59 Lh|V-RAM|RAM K=yController
`
`93 =—Back-Up
`
`Tablet
`
`4
`
`RAM
`
`K>>
`
`Volume
`Controller
`
`59
`
`
`
`
`Audioa ae
`55 — Inverter
`
`
`Circuit
`
`
`
`A
`
`Key
`
`d
`
`
`
`Rack Light
`(Fluorescent
`
`O00,
`11 oO
`13 —Fo16
`
`0o-—
`O
`—_—L
`oO o—>
`
`65a
`65b sto
`
`14
`
`‘\70
`
`15a-—7)
`
`57
`
`4 Suppl
`Circui
`
`IC Card
`rv Interface
`
`i
`
`Extended
`Interface
`
`66
`
`68
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`
`
`
`
`paBspjuedojs49A0D91PUDUCD!joApidsip
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`9}D}SpoaApn)dsip-uo!
`
`ulpeAp)dsip
`
`
`
`
`
`a}D9spoBipjuepuIOduay
`PaAD|Os!IpONIM40apisyneéuOo|LS531D9013fDUIPI005
`pebiowe8S.Ul
`a|pos
`
`
`
`JQUJO3}NDexXy
`
`Bulsseooid
`
`OS
`
`UOD|
`
`
`
`épaidpoApMsip
`uod!UlpesDid
`
`SSA
`
`
`
`pebboipbuieq
`
`DeIDYOS!WOd
`
`ud2]
`
`
`
`8}DUIPJOODyDey4)
`
`juloduadjov}op
`
`uO]
`
`
`ePIs}nNoOpeopid
`éDOIDUOd!JO
`yuloduad
`
`MOpU!M
`
`
`
`éuaaiosAp)dsip
`
`uopeADdidsip
`
` éB}O}SUMOp-uad
`
`ulpernjd
`
`uad
`
`
`
`9}DUIPIOOS43049
`
`juloduedjoDOP
`
`
`
`J9U}O9}NIEXy
`
`Bussedod
`
`C5)volO14
`
`MOPUIMSDUODI
`
`ApidsippupabinjuyulsSa30J
`
`
`
`JayjO9a}NIaxy
`
`Buissa20ud
`
`7
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 11
`
`’
`
`1999
`
`Sheet 7 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`ADU}UNSMOpUIMAD)dsig
`
`(p'e-UME)\Dpa}020}
`
`aqApw}}uUICdUo1}aD
`
`ul
`
`aqApw
`(P'(B-UM)-S)
`}Dpe}D20)
`
`
`DWH}uUIOdUOHDD3D}osMopuimAp\dsig
`(p'B)yDpa}D20}3q
`
`
`
` é9}0}sdn-ued
`
`ulpaop}d
`
`Udd
`
`p'6)sa}Duipu005(dnusd340}S
`
`
`
`a}]DUIPsOODy4D0UD
`
`yuioduedjoD}Dp
`
`juiodua,
`
`
`
`P9}0390]a}DUIPs002
`
`uorajoapis}nd
`
`éDed
`
`SSA
`
`07S
`
`jOuolysod0}Buipuodsasioo
`
`uol}isodjoMopuimApidsig
`
`aqApwainjoidyoBuimpip
`
`
`
`
`}UulOdued‘peaowyOuS$!UOdI}ISOd}"Sa}DUIPI0OD
`
`*pey}wo
`
`
`ulpespid
`
` é3}0}sdn-ued
`
`Uad
`
`SSA7S
`
`ONMOPUIMJO
`
`uostAp)dsig
`
`02S
`
`JNOYUOD4Oapisulau}ulabouAvnidsig
`
`MOPUIM4O
`
`Apj\dsip
`joApyjdsipdos
`purMOPUIM
`
`uo2!
`
`YY}
`
`
`aunjoidyoBuimoup‘psaou|
`
`
`
`OWSs!UdDIpoidsDY1Da}OUIpsodsjUOdU
`PpeliuWooqADW
`jo}UuOZI4
`
`SOUD}SIpUO!}Da41P
`0UOuISOg
`
`
`
`DjUa_jOUOdISOdJ]
`
`bob.}fonisedty‘HoeyySpoeMOpUIMSAO
`
`6S(v)
`
`GolOl
`
`8
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 8 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`98
`
`NY?
`
`p_Report
`
`NS
`
`eI
`
`
`
`oe28veHh’Ols
`
`if
`VA
`SS
`Sy,
`CZZZ,
`SN
`
`LakSN
`—AY
`LDYcA
`
`|
`
`oO
`
`9
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 9 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`88
`
`SS
`
`INNN@NNi
`
`98
`
`NLNNi
`LL)Y
`USoSLLL,
`RAIA
`Ic
`omecion)
`NY Action
`
`
` NES NYDSNY
`ay5SfCLAPEILLGLTLAEL
`LiLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLALLLLELLLLLELLLLLLY;
`28olOl
`
`
`
`hagyJYYYyYYYY
`
`:/|;yj:|;
`
`y
`
`8
`
`10
`
`10
`
`
`
`

`

`o
`NawRALN
`Li;
`YYLLL
`al
`ERGAS
`comnecion
`
`U.S. Patent
`LEMeee
`*z8S1-9Ols
`ay NONS.EN| Report
`
`“
`
`OHO
`
`fa
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`=
`
`NY
`AN
`Action
`
`2S
`
`11
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`5,903,268
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
`
`FIG. 14
`
`12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
` WPAASSADASAAAAAAAAAS
`TURRETS W
`LLi¢LLL£020£0LLzeLLELLLELLLLLLLxLLLLLLLL
`
`SNSRROURUBUNTUTOUR
`Sfebbb
`
`LIZZIE LOL
`NA
`LfTs
`SJ
`S—_—_SSNSSSS
`SANNANANANS
`NANNNANNOS
`
`SASSASA
`
`13
`
`vS
`
`SS
`
`WLLL
`
`13
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 13 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`FIG. 718
`
`FIG.19
`
`
`
`14
`
`

`

`Sheet 14 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`—
`
`(CB >0)
`
`U.S. Patent
`FIG. 20A
`
`May11, 1999
`(Wn-z)
`
`B
`
`15
`
`

`

`aeyr) 2
`I iIRE
`LLL
`
`
`.NSLAAN
`
` OLLILLLLLLLLLELILILLLLLLLLLLLLLLINCILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLMMMMMLLAMAALL,ay,
`amNNSSOSSSpYanKASSSASSAAAAASAAAASSSSA
`5.homReebevyNG
`FILyCLLLLAELELEILEALRLLELEDLILAPEEIEHpOayLET(EIBay
`68zeIOCOlSA
`An SS
` |flAlusuow
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`yy O
`
`Recognize
`
`WK
`
`SSS
`
`SOV“
`Action
`
`
`
`[Im]¥2aM'ADG
`
`O U
`
`I
`
`
`
`BB
`
`SASNAASAAAASAA
`SS
`NEMS
`
`Ti
`
`16
`
`16
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 16 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`INOXE
`7=Ny
`NX
`Z,
`SNvVEDOY
`LjLi,
`ee
`EA
`AN
`IS
`Faction|th
`ES
`Connection
`
`WN
`
`LLL
`
`fmAjysLOW
`
`N
`
`
`
`fm)429M“ADQ
`
`c8
`
`cer;CERFigoBasGYSav@
`
`
`
`IANSee
`
`98
`
`
`
`juabin[[]wovodwy[7a2
`
`17
`
`17
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May11, 1999
`
`Sheet 17 of 17
`
`5,903,268
`
`bf,
`
`\
`
`|
`
`”
`
`NS]sdA|yaaM—OfUT
`iG€
`
`Jaindwo7)
`
`Ke
`RS.
`INE
`NEE
`5)ZN
`IN\
`a)
`AN
`7
`Connection
`ction
`Sask
`
`olopamseG
`
`LLLLLLLLLLLLX08WOOLYLLLLLLLLLLL
`@B&BSoGF@G@ett
`xD°-ayallyJatsibayaasowBojojopAdod4aS
`
`PIJOMJOYDINDIDDjouosiaq AdqgweOgSE
`
`c8Se“Ols
`
`18
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`5,903,268
`
`1
`POSITION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR
`DISPLAYING A WINDOW’S EFFECTIVE
`IMAGE AREA
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention generally relates to display appa-
`ratus for displaying a window image and, moreparticularly,
`is directed to a display apparatus for displaying a window
`image in which a display position of the window image on
`a display screen is pointed to by a coordinate data input
`device.
`
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`In a window display apparatus employed in a conven-
`tional portable computer, a variety of icons 84are displayed
`on an icon area (i.e., standby area) 82 of a display screen 8
`as shown in FIG. 1.
`If the user pushes (pen-down) a
`predetermined icon 84 (e.g., “printing type” icon 84 on the
`display screen 8 with a pen (not shown) whichis a coordi-
`nate data input device, drags the pen up to an input display
`area (data writing area) 86 under the pen-downstate and
`releases the pen from the display screen 8 (pen-up), then
`such icon 84 is displayed on the display screen 8 as a
`window (e.g., printing type plate) 84L in an enlarged scale
`as shownin FIG. 1.
`
`According to the above-mentioned conventional
`technique, if the pen-up position is displaced in the lateral
`direction (in the left and right direction) of the display screen
`8, the enlarged icon,1.e., the window 84Lis displayed on the
`display screen 8 under the condition such that a part thereof
`is omitted as shown by a phantom block in FIG. 2. The
`reason for this is that
`the window display apparatus is
`programmed so as to move the window 84Lat its upper
`center 84c by the penpoint of the pen as shownin FIG. 3.
`Further, also when the the pen-up position is displaced in the
`longitudinal direction (upper and lower direction) of the
`display screen 8, then the window 84L is displayed on the
`display screen 8 under the condition such that a part thereof
`is omitted as shown by a phantom block in FIG. 4.
`OBJECTS AND SUMMARYOF THE
`INVENTION
`
`invention to
`is an object of the present
`it
`Therefore,
`provide an improved display apparatus for displaying a
`window image in which the aforesaid shortcomings and
`disadvantages encountered with the prior art can be elimi-
`nated.
`
`Morespecifically, it is an object of the present invention
`to provide a display apparatus for displaying a window
`image in which an effective image area of a window can be
`prevented from protruding from a display screen.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`display apparatus for displaying a window image in which
`a display window can be allowed to protrude from a display
`screen within a tolerance range.
`According to an aspect of the window display apparatus
`of the present invention, the display position of the window
`on the display screen is pointed to by a coordinate input
`device. This window display device includes a display
`correcting device so that, if the window protrudes from the
`display screen when the window is displayed at the position
`pointed to by the coordinate input device,
`the window
`display position is corrected so as to display at least the
`effective image area within the display screen.
`According to another aspect of the window display appa-
`ratus of the present invention, the display position of the
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`window on the display screen is pointed to by a coordinate
`input device. This window display device includes a detect-
`ing meansfor detecting the condition of the window display
`and a display correcting means for correcting a window
`display position if a detected result of the detecting meansis
`a first condition and disabled if a detected result is a second
`condition when the window displayed position pointed by
`the coordinate input device is outside of the tolerance range
`of protrusion of the window.
`According to the window display apparatus of the first
`aspect, if the window is protruded from the display screen
`when the window is displayed at the position pointed by the
`coordinate input device,
`the window display position is
`corrected such that at least the effective display area of the
`window is wholly displayed within the display screen, thus
`preventing the effective display area of the window from
`protruding from the display screen.
`In accordance with the window display apparatus of the
`second aspect, when the position pointed by the coordinate
`input device is out of the tolerance range of the protrusion
`of the window,
`the display position is corrected or not
`corrected depending on the condition. Therefore, the win-
`dow display apparatus can be utilized properly.
`The preceding and other objects, features, and advantages
`of the present invention will become apparent from the
`following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment
`thereof to be read in conjunction with the accompanying
`drawings,
`in which like reference numerals are used to
`identify the same or similar parts in the several views.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showinga relation between
`a window and an icon in a conventional display apparatus
`for displaying a window image;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`position of a window when a penpoint of an input pen is
`displaced in the lateral direction (left and right direction) in
`the conventional display apparatus for display a window
`image;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram used to explain a structure
`of a window in the conventional display apparatus for
`displaying a window image;
`FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`position of the window whenthe penpoint of the input pen
`is displaced in the longitudinal direction (upper and lower
`direction) in the conventional display apparatus for display-
`ing a window image;
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an overall
`arrangement of an embodimentof a portable computer to
`which a display apparatus for displaying a window imageof
`the present invention is applied;
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a struc-
`ture of a display screen used in the portable computer shown
`in FIG. 5;
`FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a struc-
`ture of a fluorescent plate of the display screen shown in
`FIG. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a principle of how to
`detect a position on a tablet constructing the display screen
`of the portable computer shownin FIG. 5 and a principle of
`how to display an image on an LCD;
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical arrange-
`ment of a computer unit of the portable computer shown in
`FIG. 5;
`FIG. 10, which is formed of FIGS. 10A and 10B drawn on
`two sheets of drawings so as to permit the use of a suitably
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`5,903,268
`
`3
`large scale, is a flowchart to which references will be made
`in explaining one portion of a window display operation of
`the portable computer shown in FIGS. 5 to 9;
`FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen in the initial state of the
`portable computer shown in FIGS. 5 through 9;
`FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen when a “printing type” icon is
`touched with a pen;
`FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen when the “printing type” icon
`is dragged from the icon area to the input display area and
`displayed thereon in an enlarged scale;
`FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram used to explain the
`arrangement of the window;
`FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram used to explain a relation
`between the window and the display screen from a position
`standpoint;
`FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the state such
`that the window is protruded from the display screen in the
`left direction;
`FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen when the window display
`position of the “printing type plate” is corrected;
`FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the condition
`such that the window is protruded from the display screen in
`the right direction;
`FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram used to explain a meaning
`of a;
`FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic diagrams used to
`explain a meaning of fp;
`FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen whenthe pen is pressed on the
`area in which “printing type” character of the “printing type
`plate” window is displayed and the pen is dragged to the
`lowerleft side in the pen-downstate;
`FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen whenthe “printing type plate”
`window is protruded from the display screen upon display;
`and
`
`FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a displayed
`content on the display screen when a “tool” icon is dragged
`from the icon area and displayed on the display screen in an
`enlarged scale.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`The present invention will now be described with refer-
`ence to the drawings.
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of
`the embodiment in which the window imagedisplay appa-
`ratus of the present invention is applied to the portable
`computer.
`As shownin FIG. 5, a computer unit 1 has a power switch
`2 which is turned on when this portable computeris in use
`and whichis turned off when the portable computeris not in
`use. A brightness control switch 3 is provided on the left of
`the power switch 2 in order to control brightness of a display
`screen 8 (i.e., brightnessof a liquid crystal display (LCD) 22
`which will be described later). A case 4 is provided on the
`side portion of the computer unit 1 and the case 4 houses
`therein a tablet pen 6 having a switch 7 coupled to the top
`thereof and which is coupled to the computer unit 1 via a
`cord 5 when the tablet pen 6 is not in use. The tablet pen 6
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`can be placed in a slit 10 horizontally formed on the upper
`portion of the computer unit 1 under the condition such that
`it is taken out from the case 4. A speaker9 is disposed at the
`left side portion of the slit 10 so as to emanate a predeter-
`mined sound.
`
`Two switches 11 and 12 are provided on the upperright
`side of the computer unit 1. The switch 11 is a change-over
`switch that switches a brightness of a back-light, which will
`be describedlater, in two stages, for example. The switch 12
`is a volume change-over switch that switches volume of
`sound generated from the speaker 9 in three stages, for
`example. A switch 13 is a stop switch provided on the left
`side portion of the computer unit 1 and operated to stop a
`predetermined operation (e.g.,
`to disable the speaker 9
`which is emanating a sound). An IC socket (slot) 14 is
`disposed on the left side portion of the computer unit 1 to
`receive a memory (IC) card 70 (see FIG. 5). A socket 15 is
`provided at the rear portion of the computer unit 1 and a
`socket 16 also is disposed in the inside of a battery com-
`partment la which is formed on the rear portion of the
`computer unit 1 so as to house a battery 19. These sockets
`15 and 16 are coupled with, for example, RS232C cable, a
`MODEM(modulator and demodulator), other adapters or
`the like. Further, a connection terminal 18 for an AC adapter
`17 is provided on the upperleft portion of the computer unit
`1.
`
`An example of the structure of the display screen 8 will
`be described more fully with reference to FIG. 6 forming a
`cross-sectional side view. In this embodiment, as shown in
`FIG. 6, a tablet 21 is provided on the top of the display
`screen § and the tablet 21 is comprised of a tablet 21a which
`is used to detect the position in the X axis direction and a
`tablet 21b which is used to detect the position in the Y axis
`direction. An LCD 22 is provided below the tablet 21 and the
`LCD 22 is composed of upper and lower glass plates 22a,
`22b and a liquid crystal 23 sandwiched between the glass
`plates 22a and 225.A fluorescent plate (EL) 26 is provided
`below the LCD 22. Whenthe fluorescent plate 26 provided
`as the back-light becomes luminous, a light from the fluo-
`rescent plate 26 radiates the LCD 22. The tablets 21a and
`21b are formed of a transparent material so that the user can
`see an image displayed on the liquid crystal 23 from above
`in FIG. 6. A printed circuit board (PCB) 25 incorporates
`therein parts (not shown) and electrically coupled to the
`LCD 22 by means of a rubber connector 24. The printed
`circuit board 25 also is coupled to the tablet 21 by means of
`a conductive film 27.
`
`An example of the structure of the fluorescent plate 26
`will be described more in detail with reference to FIG. 7. In
`
`this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, an insulating film 33
`is disposed between an electrode 31 and a light generating
`unit (i.e., other electrode) 32. The light emitting unit 32 is
`energized by the application of a predetermined voltage to
`the spacing between the electrode 31 and the light emitting
`unit 32. The electrode 31 and the light emitting unit 32 are
`formed as plates and hence can radiate the display screen 8
`uniformly.
`The back-light is not limited to the fluorescent lamp 26
`and other fluorescent lamps might be used. Further, one such
`variant is also possible: A fluorescent lamp is provided on
`the side portion of the computer unit 1 as a side light and a
`light from the fluorescent lamp is transmitted to the rear
`portion of the LCD 22 by means of a light transmitting
`member, thereby radiating the display screen 8.
`FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing anelectrical connec-
`tion between the tablet 21 and the LCD 22, and to which
`
`20
`
`20
`
`

`

`5,903,268
`
`5
`references will be made in explaining principle of how to
`detect the position by the tablet and of how to display an
`image by the LCD.
`it will be seen that the tablet 21
`Referring to FIG. 8,
`includes 512 electrodes in the X axis direction and 342
`electrodes in the Y axis direction, for example, thus making
`it possible to detect 512x342 pixels (picture elements). A
`tablet controller 46 controls a clock generating circuit 45a to
`sequentially apply a predetermined voltage to the 342 elec-
`trodes one by one. Then, the tablet controller 46 controls a
`clock generating circuit 45b to sequentially apply a prede-
`termined voltage to the 512 electrodes. More specifically,
`the tablet 21 1s scanned by clocks generated from the clock
`generating circuits 45a and 45b. When the tablet pen 6 is
`moved close to a predetermined position on the tablet 21, a
`predetermined electrostatic capacitance is generated
`between the tablet 21 and the tablet pen 6. Then, when the
`tablet pen 6 presses the tablet 21 with pressure, the switch
`7 disposed at the top of the pen 6 is tured on to detect an
`electric charge generated between the pen 6 and a predeter-
`mined electrode of the tablet 21 and a detected signal is
`supplied to the tablet controller 46 via an amplifier 47.
`Because the tablet controller 46 controls the clock generat-
`ing timing of the clock generating circuits 45a and 455,it is
`possible to detect the position at which the pen 6 presses the
`tablet 21 by the detected signal supplied from the pen 6 and
`the clock generating timing. The tablet controller 46 supplies
`a central processing unit (CPU) 41 with operation coordinate
`information detected with respect to the pen 6. The CPU 41
`constantly monitors the position (pen-down position) at
`which the switch 7 is turned on by touching the tablet 21
`with the pen 6 with pressure and the position (pen-up
`position) at which the switch 7 is turned off by releasing the
`pen 6 from the tablet 21. That is, an input information is
`received by the pen-downoperation and the input informa-
`tion is determined by the pen-up operation.
`The CPU 41 controls an LCD controller 43 to write data
`
`corresponding to an image to be displayed in a memory
`(V-RAM) 44. The LCD controller 43 reads data out of the
`memory 44 and supplies a signal corresponding to the data
`thus read-out to an LCD driver 42b. The LCD 22 includes
`512 electrodesin the horizontal direction and 342 electrodes
`in the vertical direction in association with the tablet 21. An
`LCDdriver 42a sequentially applies a predetermined volt-
`age to the 342 electrodes one by one, while the LCD driver
`42b sequentially applies a voltage corresponding to image
`data to each of the 512 electrodes. Thus, pixels on the LCD
`22 are respectively scanned to thereby display a predeter-
`mined image on the LCD 22.
`The electrical arrangement of the computer unit 1 will be
`described more fully with reference to FIG. 9.
`As shownin FIG. 9, it will be seen that the CPU 41is
`coupled to a variety of ICs or the like through a busline 57.
`Aread only memory (ROM)51 stores therein, in addition to
`a system program for the entirety of this portable computer,
`a Kana-Kanji conversion program for a word processor
`function in the Japanese language, a dictionary table for such
`word processor function, a program for recognizing hand-
`written characters, a dictionary table for such recognition
`program and window display programs which will be
`described later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Arandom
`access memory (RAM) 52 is a RAM for work area and
`stores therein data necessary for operation at any time. A
`back-up battery 54 (battery different from the foregoing
`battery 19) is connected to a RAM 53 so as to back-up
`necessary data in the RAM 53 even when the power switch
`of the computer unit 1 is turned off. A timer IC 55 is
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`connected to the back-up battery 54 and counts a clock from
`a quartz oscillator 56 to derive data of year, month, day and
`time of the present timing point. The LCD controller 43 and
`the tablet controller 46 also are connected to the CPU 41 via
`the bus line 57.
`
`An audio processor circuit 58 generates a predetermined
`audio signal in responseto input from the sockets 14 through
`16 or to an instruction from the CPU 41 and supplies the
`same to an adder 59. An audio memory 61 is controlled by
`the CPU 41 to supply a predetermined audio signal (e.g., an
`alarm sound “What ?”) to the adder 59. The adder 59 adds
`the output signal from the audio processorcircuit 58 and the
`output signal from the audio memory 61 and supplies an
`added output signal to the speaker 9 via a sound volume
`controller 60. The volume change-over switch 12 is con-
`nected to the volume controller 60 and the volume is
`controlled by operating the volume change-over switch 12.
`The fluorescent plate (back-light unit) 26 is supplied with
`a powerfrom a powersupply circuit 64 (this power supply
`circuit 64 is supplied with a power from the battery 19 or the
`AC adapter 17 when the power switch 2 is turned on)
`through an inverter circuit 63. Brightness of the fluorescent
`plate 26 can be switched in two stages (e.g., brightness
`suitable for a bright room and brightness suitable for a dark
`room) by energizing the change-over switch 11 through the
`inverter circuit 63. Apart from the switching of the bright-
`ness of the fluorescent plate 26, brightness of the LCD 22
`can be selected to be a desired value in multiple stages by
`controlling the brightness control switch 3. A switch 65a is
`turned on andoff in response to the type of the battery 19
`loaded on the computer unit 1, that is, whether the battery 19
`is a primary battery or a secondary battery. A switch 65b is
`used to detect a capacity of the battery 19 and is turned on
`and off in response to the capacity of the battery 19. These
`switches 65a and 65b or the like are coupled through the
`power supply circuit 64 to an key interface 62. The key
`interface 62 is coupled with the brightness control switch 3,
`the change-over switch 11, the stop switch 13 or the like.
`The key interface 62 supplies signals corresponding to
`on/off states of these switches to the CPU 41.
`
`An IC card 70 is coupled to the socket 14 and the CPU 41
`can receive and transmit data, program or the like from and
`to the IC card 70 through an IC card interface 66. Further,
`an adapter 71 is coupled to the sockets 15 and 16 and
`coupled to the CPU 41 via an extended interface 68.
`FIG. 10 (formed of FIGS. 10A and 10B) showsa flow-
`chart to which references will be made in explaining opera-
`tion of the window display apparatus to which the above-
`mentioned portable computer thus arranged is applied. In the
`initial state of the portable computer, as shown in FIG. 11,
`various icons 84 are displayed on an icon area (standbyarea)
`82 of the display screen 8.
`Referring to FIG. 10, following the Start of operation, it
`is determined in the next decision step SO by the CPU 41
`whetheror not the icon 84 is placed within the icon area 82.
`If the icon 84 is placed within the icon area 82 as represented
`by a YESat decision step SO, then the processing proceeds
`to the next decision step S1. In decision step S1,
`it
`is
`determined by the CPU 41 whetheror not the icon 84 is in
`the pen-downstate and is being dragged from the icon area
`82. If the icon 84 is not being dragged from the icon area 84
`as represented by a NO at decision step S1,
`then the
`processing proceeds to step S2, whereat other processing is
`carried out. If the icon 84is being dragged from the icon area
`82 as represented by a YESat decision step S1, then the
`processing proceeds to step S3, whereat coordinate data of
`21
`
`21
`
`

`

`5,903,268
`
`7
`the penpoint is checked by the CPU 41. Then, the CPU 41
`adds an open arrow 84Ato the icon 84 whichis placed in the
`pen-downstate (“printing type” icon in the example of FIG.
`12) so that the user must drag the pen downto a lower input
`display area (data writing area) 86 while the pen remainsin
`the pen-downstate.
`It is determined in the next decision step $4 by the CPU
`41 whetheror not the penpoint of the pen is placed outside
`the icon area 82. If the penpointis not placed outside of the
`icon area 82 as represented by a NO at decision step S4, then
`the processing proceeds to the next decision step S5. It is
`determined in decision step S5 whether or not the icon 84 is
`displayed in an enlarged scale as a window 84L.If the icon
`84 is not displayed as the window 84Lin the enlarged scale
`as represented by a NO at decision step S5,
`then the
`processing of the CPU 41 returns to step S1. If the icon 84
`is displayed as the window 84L in the enlarged scale as
`represented by a YESat decision step S5, then the process-
`ing of the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step S6, whereat the
`enlarged display of the icon 84 is stopped and then the
`enlarged icon is returned to the icon-displayed state. This
`processing is the same as the processing in which the icon
`84 is temporarily dragged from the icon area 82 and then
`returned again to the icon area 82.
`If it is determined in decision step S4 by the CPU 41 that
`the penpoint is placed outside the icon area 82, then the
`processing of the CPU 41 proceeds to the next decision step
`S7. It is determined in decision step S7 by the CPU 41
`whetheror not the icon 84 is displayed in the enlarged scale
`(i.e., displayed as the window 84L). If the icon 84 is not
`displayed in the enlarged scale as represented by a NO at
`decision step S7, then the processing of the CPU 41 pro-
`ceeds to the next step S8, whereat the icon 84 is enlarged and
`displayed as the window 84L(see FIG. 13) and thenthe icon
`state of the window is stopped. Having detected in decision
`step S7 that the icon 84is displayed in the enlarged scale or
`having finished the step S8, the processing of the CPU 41
`proceeds to step S9, whereat the window 84L is moved so
`that the coordinate of the present penpoint is placed at the
`position of half of the horizontal direction distance, Le.
`width Wnof the icon displayed in the enlarged scale, i.e., the
`window 84L.See FIG. 14 This meansthat the center of the
`window 84L (point 84C which will be described later with
`reference to FIG. 13) becomes an action point H about
`which the entirety of the window 84L is moved in accor-
`dance with the movementof the pen. In that case, if the
`position of the icon displayed in the enlarged scale, 1.e., the
`window 84L is not changed yet, then the drawing of the
`picture will be omitted.
`FIG. 13 showsthat the “printing type” icon 84 is dragged
`from the icon area 82 to the input display area 86 under the
`pen-down state and then displayed as a window 84L of
`“printing type plate” in an enlarged scale. At that time, the
`CPU 41 displays only the contour of the window 84L. The
`reason for this is that, if the window 84L is moved while an
`image on the inside of the window 84Lisstill displayed,
`then plenty of time is required for the data processing, which
`makesit impossible to move the window 84Lat high speed.
`Also,
`the CPU 41 displays the window 84L under the
`condition that the cent