(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0062715 A1
`Tsuji et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Mar. 24, 2005
`
`US 2005.0062715A1
`
`(54)
`
`INFORMATION PROCESSINGAPPARATUS
`HAVING FUNCTION OF CHANGING
`ORIENTATION OF SCREEN IMAGE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsuji, Ome-shi (JP); Hajime
`Gushiken, Fussa-shi (JP)
`Correspondence Address:
`PILLSBURY WINTHROP, LLP
`P.O. BOX 10500
`MCLEAN, VA 22102 (US)
`(73) Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA,
`Tokyo (JP)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/938,725
`(22) Filed:
`Sep. 13, 2004
`(30)
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Sep. 19, 2003 (JP)...................................... 2003-327692
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." .............................. G09G 5/08; G06F 1/16;
`H05K 5/00; H05K 7/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 345/158
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`An information processing apparatus includes a housing
`with a top Surface, a keyboard placed on the top Surface of
`the housing, a display unit with a front Surface and a rear
`Surface, Supported by the housing and rotated between a
`closed position in which the keyboard is covered and an
`open position in which the keyboard is exposed, a Sensor
`which Senses an angle formed between the front Surface of
`the display unit and the top Surface of the housing, and a
`display device provided in the display unit to display a
`Screen image in one of a first orientation in which a
`bottom-end portion of the Screen image is located toward the
`housing and a Second orientation in which a top-end portion
`of the Screen image is located toward the housing in accor
`dance with the angle Sensed by the Sensor.
`
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 1 of 10
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`121
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`13
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 2 of 10
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 3 of 10
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
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`F. G. 3
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 4 of 10
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`F.G. 6
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 5 of 10
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`12
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 6 of 10
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 7 of 10
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 8 of 10
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
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`211
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 9 of 10
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Mar. 24, 2005 Sheet 10 of 10
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
`
`Mar. 24, 2005
`
`INFORMATION PROCESSINGAPPARATUS
`HAVING FUNCTION OF CHANGING
`ORIENTATION OF SCREEN MAGE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001. This application is based upon and claims the
`benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application
`No. 2003-327692, filed Sep. 19, 2003, the entire contents of
`which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002) 1. Field of the Invention
`0003. The present invention relates to an information
`processing apparatuS Such as a portable computer.
`0004 2. Description of the Related Art
`0005 Various portable computers, such as notebook per
`Sonal computers and hand-held personal computers, have
`recently been developed. This type of portable computer has
`a housing with a keyboard on its top Surface and a display
`unit rotatably attached to the housing. While the display unit
`is open, a user can input information using a keyboard while
`Seeing a display Screen of the display unit.
`0006. If, however, the user orients the portable computer
`to the partner who faces the user to let the partner See the
`display Screen, the user cannot operate the keyboard.
`0007 Pen-based computers with no keyboards, such as
`PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), have also recently been
`developed. Most of the pen-based computers include a
`housing and a flat panel display built in the housing.
`0008 U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,098 discloses a pen-based
`computer having a function of varying an orientation of a
`Screen image displayed on a display. In this pen-based
`computer, the orientation of the Screen image is varied in
`response to user's operations of mercury Switches or Sensing
`results of the mercury Switches.
`0009. The technology of the above U.S. Patent is how
`ever directed to a pen-based computer including a display
`unit and a housing that are formed integrally as one com
`ponent. It does not take into consideration the control of the
`orientation of a Screen image in a portable computer having
`a housing with a keyboard on its top Surface and a display
`unit rotatably attached to the housing.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0010. According to an embodiment of the present inven
`tion, there is provided an information processing apparatus
`comprising a housing with a top Surface, a keyboard placed
`on the top Surface of the housing, a display unit with a front
`Surface and a rear Surface, Supported by the housing and
`rotated between a closed position in which the keyboard is
`covered and an open position in which the keyboard is
`exposed, a Sensor which Senses an angle formed between the
`front Surface of the display unit and the top Surface of the
`housing, and a display device provided in the display unit to
`display a Screen image in one of a first orientation in which
`a bottom-end portion of the Screen image is located toward
`the housing and a Second orientation in which a top-end
`
`portion of the Screen image is located toward the housing in
`accordance with the angle Sensed by the Sensor.
`0011. According to another embodiment of the present
`invention, there is provided an information processing appa
`ratus comprising a housing with a top Surface, a keyboard
`placed on the top Surface of the housing, a display unit with
`a rear Surface and a front Surface in which a display Screen
`is exposed, the display unit being Supported by the housing
`and Set in one of a first Style which allows the display unit
`to rotate between a closed position in which the keyboard is
`covered and a first open position in which the display Screen
`and the keyboard are exposed and a Second Style in which
`the rear Surface covers the keyboard and the display Screen
`is exposed, an angle Sensor which Senses an angle formed
`between the display Screen and the top Surface of the
`housing, an orientation Sensor which Senses an orientation of
`the display unit relative to force of gravity, a placement
`position Sensor which Senses which of the first Style and the
`Second Style the display unit is Set in, means for varying an
`orientation of a Screen image displayed on the display Screen
`between an orientation in which a bottom-end portion of the
`Screen image is located toward the housing and an orienta
`tion in which a top-end portion of the Screen image is located
`toward the housing in accordance with the angle Sensed by
`the angle Sensor when the placement position Sensor Senses
`that the display unit is Set in the first Style, and for varying
`the orientation of the Screen image to locate the top-end
`portion of the Screen image in a position higher than the
`bottom-end portion thereof relative to the force of gravity in
`accordance with the orientation of the display unit Sensed by
`the orientation Sensor when the placement position Sensor
`Senses that the display unit is Set in the Second Style.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
`0012. The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo
`rated in and constitute a part of the Specification, illustrate
`embodiments of the invention, and together with the general
`description given above and the detailed description of the
`embodiments given below, Serve to explain the principles of
`the invention.
`0013 FIG. 1 is an external view of an information
`processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the
`present invention.
`0014 FIG. 2 is an external view of the information
`processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the display unit of
`which rotates in a horizontal direction.
`0015 FIG. 3 is a top view of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the display unit of which is
`closed.
`0016 FIG. 4 is a rear view of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the display unit of which is
`closed.
`0017 FIG. 5 is a top view of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which is set in a PDA style.
`0018 FIG. 6 is a top view of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which turns 90 degrees to the
`right in a PDA style.
`0019 FIG. 7 is a top view of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which turns 180 degrees in a
`PDA style.
`
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
`
`Mar. 24, 2005
`
`0020 FIG. 8 is a top view of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which turns 90 degrees to the
`left in a PDA style.
`0021 FIG. 9 is a sketch of a PDA-style sensing switch
`provided in the display unit of the information processing
`apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
`0022 FIG. 10 is a sketch of two sensors provided in the
`display unit of the information processing apparatus shown
`in FIG. 1.
`0023 FIG. 11 is an illustration of the information pro
`cessing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which is used in a PC
`Style.
`0024 FIG. 12 is an illustration of the information pro
`cessing apparatus shown in FIG. 1, which is used in a PDA
`Style.
`FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a system
`0.025
`configuration of the information processing apparatus
`shown in FIG. 1.
`0.026
`FIG. 14 is an illustration of a control operation for
`an automatic image rotating function performed by the
`information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
`0027 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a
`procedure for an automatic image rotating function control
`operation carried out by the information processing appara
`tus shown in FIG. 1.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0028. An embodiment of the present invention will now
`be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
`0029 FIG. 1 shows an outward appearance of an infor
`mation processing apparatus according to an embodiment of
`the present invention. The information processing apparatus
`is implemented as a hand-held portable personal computer 1
`that is much Smaller than a notebook personal computer.
`0030 The portable personal computer 1 includes a com
`puter main body 11 and a display unit 12. The computer
`main body 11 is configured by a thin, rectangular box-type
`housing. The housing contains different electronic compo
`nents that make up a portable personal computer, Such as a
`CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a chip set and a
`hard disk drive. The housing includes a rectangular case
`with an opening at the top and a cover joined to the case So
`as to cover the opening of the case. A keyboard placement
`area is formed on the top Surface of the housing, or the top
`surface of the computer main body 11. A keyboard 111 is
`placed on the keyboard placement area. The keyboard 111 is
`a key set including a plurality of keys (key Switches) for
`inputting key data to the CPU. The computer main body 11
`has a pair of hinges 14 at the rear end. The hinges 14 are
`parts for Supporting the display unit 12.
`0031. The display unit 12 includes a thin, rectangular
`display unit main body with a top-end portion 121, a
`bottom-end portion 122, a right-end portion 123 and a
`left-end portion 124. A flat panel display unit, e.g., an LCD
`(Liquid Crystal Display) 13 is provided in the display unit
`main body. The display unit 12 includes a rear Surface and
`a front surface in which the display screen of the LCD 13 is
`exposed. The LCD 13 is mounted on the front of the display
`
`unit main body Such that its display Screen can be exposed.
`The display screen of the LCD 13 is located almost in the
`center of the display unit 12. The LCD 13 is implemented as
`a touch Screen device that is capable of recognizing a
`position indicated by a stylus (pen) or a user's finger.
`0032. A support member 15 is attached to the center of
`the bottom-end portion 122 of the display unit main body.
`The hinges 14 Support the support member 15 Such that the
`display unit 12 rotates around a first central axis 15a that
`extends in parallel to the outer Surface of the computer main
`body 11. Thus, the display unit 12 is supported rotatably
`between an open position (a first open position shown in
`FIG. 1) in which the keyboard 111 is exposed and a closed
`position in which the keyboard 111 is covered. In the open
`position, the front of the display unit main body cover the
`entire top Surface of the computer main body 11 and the
`display screen of the LCD 13 are exposed. In the closed
`position, the front of the display unit main body covers the
`entire top Surface of the computer main body 11.
`0033. The support member 15 Supports the display unit
`main body Such that the display unit 12 rotates around a
`Second central axis 15b that extends to the display unit main
`body from the Support member 15 in a direction perpen
`dicular to the first central axis 15a. Thus, the display unit 12
`can rotate 360 degrees around the second central axis 15b in
`a horizontal direction with respect to the outer Surface of the
`computer main body 11, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The display
`unit 12 rotates 180 degrees around the Second central axis
`15b in a horizontal direction (the front and rear surfaces of
`the display unit main body change places) and then is set in
`the closed position, with the result that it can be placed in the
`second open position as shown in FIG. 5. In the second open
`position, the display screen of the LCD 13 is exposed and the
`rear Surface (back) of the display unit main body covers the
`entire top Surface of the computer main body 11.
`0034. When the display unit 12 is set in the first open
`position (FIG. 1), a user can use the computer 1 in the same
`Style as that of a normal notebook personal computer
`(referred to as a PC style). In this PC style, the user can
`operate the keyboard 111 while Seeing the display Screen of
`the LCD 13. On the other hand, when the display unit 12 is
`set in the second open position (FIG. 5), the user can use the
`computer 1 in the same style as that of normal PDA
`(Personal Digital ASSociates) with a main body and a display
`unit built in the main body (hereinafter referred to as a PDA
`style). In this PDA style, the user can input information with
`the Stylus or operate various key Switches provided on the
`display unit main body.
`0035). As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of key switches 112,
`another pair of key Switches 113 and a key Switch 114 are
`arranged on the right front of the display unit main body. The
`key Switches 112 are, for example, push button Switches
`Serving as Zoom keys for Scaling an image (Screen image)
`Such as text and graphics displayed on the display Screen of
`the LCD 13. The key switches 113 are, for example, push
`button Switches Serving as keys for Starting a specific
`application program. The key Switch 114 is a croSS key
`Switch including four arrow keys indicating four directions
`of up, down, right and left. The key switch 114 has a touch
`panel 115 Serving as a pointing device in its inside area.
`0036 Further, a pair of key switches 116 and a key switch
`117 are arranged on the left front of the display unit main
`
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`Mar. 24, 2005
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`body. The key Switches 116 are, for example, push button
`Switches Serving as a right button (cancel key) and a left
`button (enter key) of the pointing device. The key switch 117
`is a push button Switch Serving as an inhibit Switch for
`inhibiting an automatic image rotating function from being
`fulfilled to automatically vary the orientation of an image
`displayed on the display screen of the LCD 13. The auto
`matic image rotating function is used to align the orientation
`of the image with a correct one relative to the force of
`gravity. When the inhibit switch 17 turns on, it outputs an
`event signal (e.g., Signal of logic level “1”) indicative of
`inhibition of the automatic image rotating function. While
`the inhibit Switch 117 is in on state, the orientation of the
`image displayed on the display screen of the LCD 13 is not
`varied whichever orientation the display unit main body
`rotates relative to the force of gravity. On the other hand,
`when the inhibit switch 117 turns off, it outputs an event
`Signal (e.g., signal of logic level “0”) indicative of permis
`Sion to perform the automatic image rotating function. While
`the inhibit switch 117 is in off state, when the display unit
`main body rotates relative to the force of gravity, the
`orientation of the image displayed on the display Screen of
`the LCD 13 automatically varies, thus the orientation of the
`image is aligned with a correct orientation relative to the
`force of gravity.
`0037 FIG. 3 is a top view of the computer 1 whose
`display unit main body is located in the closed position.
`FIG. 4 is a rear view of the computer 1 shown in FIG. 3.
`0038 Referring to FIG.4, two key switches 118 and 119
`are arranged on the back of the computer main body 11. The
`key switch 118 is a push button Switch provided on the
`right-end portion of the back of the computer main body 11
`when viewed from the front of the body 11. It is referred to
`as an R (right) button Switch hereinafter. The key switch 119
`is a push button Switch provided on the left-end portion of
`the back of the computer main body 11 when viewed from
`the front of the body 11. It is referred to as an L (left) button
`hereinafter.
`0039. Any given function can programmably be assigned
`to each of the R and L button Switches 118 and 119. In the
`computer 1, the R and L button Switches 118 and 119 serve
`as key Switches for inputting given key data (key code) to
`the CPU, like the key Switches of the keyboard 111. The R
`and Lbutton Switches 118 and 119 are exposed regardless of
`whether the computer 1 is used in a PC style or a PDA style.
`In either case, a user can operate both the R and L button
`Switches 118 and 119.
`0040. The PC style includes a style in which a user puts
`the computer 1 on a desk or a user's lap and a style in which
`a user Supports the computer 1 with both hands. In the
`former Style, the user can perform a touch-typing operation
`with both hands. In the latter style as shown in FIG. 11,
`however, the user has to operate the keyboard 111 chiefly
`with thumbs. In the PC style, therefore, it is desirable to use
`both the R and L button Switches 118 and 119 as key
`Switches for assisting a user in operating the keyboard 111.
`0041) The R and L button switches 118 and 119 are
`provided on the back of the computer main body 11 as
`described above. A user can thus operate the keyboard 111
`with thumbs while supporting the computer 1 with both
`hands as shown in FIG. 11 and simultaneously operate the
`R button Switch 118 with, e.g., the right forefinger or the L
`button Switch 119 with, e.g., the left forefinger.
`
`0042. For example, it is favorable that key data corre
`sponding to an auxiliary key used in combination with other
`keys be assigned to each of the R and Lbutton Switches 118
`and 119. The keyboard 111 includes a plurality of alphabet
`keys and a plurality of auxiliary keys (e.g., Shift key, Ctrl
`key, Alt key). The auxiliary keys are used in combination
`with (depressed simultaneously with) one or more keys Such
`as the alphabet keys. In the present embodiment, for
`example, the R button Switch 118 serves as a Switch for
`inputting key data corresponding to the Shift key, and the
`Lbutton Switch 119 serves as a Switch for inputting key data
`corresponding to the Ctrl key. Thus, a user can easily input
`key data corresponding to the alphabet keys and key data
`corresponding to the Shift key or Ctrl key at the same
`time when he or she performs a typing operation while
`Supporting the computer 1 with both hands.
`0043 Another example of favorable key data to be
`assigned to the R and L button Switches 118 and 119
`corresponds to an arrow key. The keyboard 111 includes four
`arrow keys (I
`key,
`key, I-> key and es key)
`corresponding to four directions of up, down, right and left.
`The
`key is an up arrow key for moving up a pointing
`position on the display screen of the LCD 13, and the
`key
`is a down arrow key for moving down a pointing position on
`the display screen of the LCD 13. If key data corresponding
`to the
`and
`keys are assigned to their respective R and
`L button Switches 118 and 119, they can serve as Switches
`for inputting the key data corresponding to the
`and
`keyS. Consequently, a user can move a pointing position up
`and down on the display Screen and Scroll an image dis
`played thereon up and down by operating the R button
`Switch 118 with the right forefinger and operating the L
`button Switch 119 with the left forefinger while supporting
`the computer 1 with both hands.
`0044) Using dedicated utility programs, a user can pre
`viously designate which of the auxiliary keys and the arrow
`keys are assigned to the R and L button Switches 118 and
`119.
`0045. A user can operate both the R and L button
`switches 118 and 119 in the PDA style as well as in the PC
`style, as shown in FIG. 12. In the PDA style, the user
`performs an input operation chiefly with a stylus (pen)
`because he or she cannot operate the keyboard 11 (the
`keyboard 111 is covered with the rear surface of the display
`unit 12). It is therefore favorable that the R and L button
`Switches 118 and 119 be used not for inputting key data to
`assist a user in operating the keyboard 111 but for assisting
`a user in performing an input operation with a stylus. In the
`PDA style, the R button Switch 118 serves as a Switch for
`inputting key data corresponding to the left button of the
`pointing device or key data corresponding to the Enter key,
`and the L button Switch 119 serves as a Switch for inputting
`key data corresponding to the right button of the pointing
`device or key data corresponding to the Esc key.
`0046. The computer 1 has a key assignment changing
`function of automatically changing a function assigned to
`each of the R and L button Switches 118 and 119 according
`to which of the PC style and the PDA style is used for the
`computer 1. With this function, a key that conforms to a style
`to use the computer 1 can be assigned to each of the R and
`L button Switches 118 and 119.
`0047 There now follows an explanation of an automatic
`image rotating function.
`
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`US 2005/0062715 A1
`
`Mar. 24, 2005
`
`0048. In the PC style (FIG. 1), a screen image such as
`text and graphics is set to the orientation (first orientation) in
`which the bottom-end portion of the Screen image is located
`toward the computer main body 11, more specifically, the
`top-end portion of the Screen image is located toward the
`top-end portion 121 of the display unit main body and the
`bottom-end portion of the Screen image is located toward the
`bottom-end portion 122 of the display unit main body. The
`orientation of the Screen image corresponds to that of a
`default of the image in the PC style.
`0049. When the display unit 12 opens 180 degrees or
`more from the closed position on the top Surface of the
`computer main body 11 relative to the first central axis 15a,
`the Screen image automatically rotates 180 degrees relative
`to the orientation of a default and its orientation is changed
`to an orientation (Second orientation) in which the top-end
`portion of the Screen image is located toward the computer
`main body 11 and, more specifically, the top-end portion of
`the Screen image is located toward the bottom-end portion
`122 of the display unit main body and the bottom-end
`portion of the Screen image is located toward the top-end
`portion 121 of the display unit main body. Thus, a user can
`present the Screen image to the partner who faces the user in
`a correctorientation while maintaining the keyboard 11 in its
`operable State, with the result that he or she can make a
`presentation or the like with efficiency.
`0050. In the PDA style (FIG. 5), the computer 1 is used
`in Such a manner that the left-end portion 124 of the display
`unit main body is located above and the right-end portion
`123 thereof is located below relative to the force of gravity.
`Thus, the orientation of the Screen image is So controlled that
`the top-end portion of the Screen image is located toward the
`left-end portion 124 of the display unit main body and the
`bottom-end portion of the Screen image is located toward the
`right-end portion 123 of the display unit main body. The
`orientation of the Screen image corresponds to that of a
`default of the image in the PDA style. The aspect ratio of the
`display Screen is changed from the aspect ratio (e.g., length
`:wide=3:4) corresponding to a horizontally oriented Screen
`used in the PC style to the aspect ratio (e.g., length:wide=
`4:3) corresponding to a vertically oriented Screen.
`0051). In the PDA style, the computer 1 is able to rotate
`in different orientations relative to the force of gravity
`(FIGS. 5 to 8).
`0.052 FIG. 6 illustrates the computer 1 in which the
`bottom-end portion 122 of the display unit main body is
`located above and the top-end portion 121 thereof is located
`below relative to the force of gravity. A Screen image rotates
`90 degrees to the left relative to the orientation of a default
`of the image in the PDA style such that the top-end portion
`of the Screen image is located toward the bottom-end portion
`122 of the display unit main body and the bottom-end
`portion of the Screen image is located toward the top-end
`portion 121 of the display unit main. The Screen image is
`displayed in the aspect ratio (e.g., length:width=3:4) corre
`sponding to the horizontally oriented Screen.
`0053 FIG. 7 illustrates the computer 1 in which the
`right-end portion 123 of the display unit main body is
`located above and the left-end portion 124 thereof is located
`below relative to the force of gravity. A Screen image rotates
`180 degrees relative to the orientation of a default of the
`image in the PDA style such that the top-end portion of the
`
`Screen image is located toward the right-end portion 123 of
`the display unit main body and the bottom-end portion of the
`Screen image is located toward the left-end portion 124 of
`the display unit main body.
`0054 FIG. 8 illustrates the computer 1 in which the
`top-end portion 121 of the display unit main body is located
`above and the bottom-end portion 122 thereof is located
`below relative to the force of gravity. A Screen image rotates
`90 degrees to the right relative to the orientation of a default
`of the image in the PDA style such that the top-end portion
`of the Screen image is located toward the top-end portion
`121 of the display unit main body and the bottom-end
`portion of the Screen image is located toward the bottom-end
`portion 122 of the display unit main body. The Screen image
`is displayed in the aspect ratio (e.g., length:width=3:4)
`corresponding to the horizontally oriented Screen.
`0055 While the computer 1 is operating in the PDA style,
`the automatic image rotating function is performed to Sense
`which of the orientations shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 the computer
`1 is located in relative to the force of the gravity and
`automatically change the orientation of an image Such that
`it can correctly be aligned with that of the force of gravity
`in accordance with the results of the Sensing.
`0056. The way to detect which of the PC style and the
`PDA style corresponds to the present style of the computer
`1 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
`0057 FIG. 9 illustrates the display unit 12 that opens 180
`degrees or more from the top Surface of the computer main
`body 11 with regard to the first central axis 15a. The display
`unit 12 has a PDA style sensing Switch 201 on its rear
`surface. The PDA style sensing Switch 201 is a mechanical
`Switch for detecting which of the PC style and the PDA style
`corresponds to the present style of the computer 1. When the
`rear Surface of the display unit 12 is placed on the top Surface
`of the computer main body 11, the PDA style sensing Switch
`201 contacts a projection 20 formed on the top surface of the
`computer main body 11 and thus turns on. When the Switch
`201 turns on, it outputs a Sensing Signal of logic level “1”
`indicating that the present style of the computer 1 is a PDA
`style. When the Switch 201 turns off, it outputs a sensing
`Signal of logic level “0” indicating that the present Style of
`the computer 1 is a PC style.
`0.058
`Referring to FIG. 10, the main body of the display
`unit 12 is supported by the Support member 15 such that it
`can be rotated on the second central axis 15b by a shaft 151
`protruded from the support member 15. The display unit
`main body contains a rotation angle Sensor 202 and a gravity
`sensor 203. The rotation angle sensor 202 senses whether an
`angle formed between the front Surface of the display unit 12
`and the top Surface of the computer main body 11 is greater
`than a specific angle by the rotation angle of the Support
`member 15 that rotates around the first central axis 15a. For
`example, the Sensor 202 Senses whether or not the angle is
`180 degrees or greater. The sensor 202 can be provided in
`the computer main body 11. Also, the sensor 202 can be
`replaced with a mechanical Switch that is turned on by a
`projection formed on the support member 15 when the
`display unit 12 rotates on the first central axis 15a and opens
`180 degrees or more from the top Surface of the computer
`main body 11.
`0059. The gravity sensor 203 is a sensor for sensing
`which orientation the display unit main body is located in
`
`Lenovo EX-1005, Page 015
`IPR2021-00786 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiTL LLC.)
`
`

`

`US 2005/0062715 A1
`
`Mar. 24, 2005
`
`relative to the orientation of the force of gravity. For
`example, the Sensor 203 is implemented as a gradient Sensor
`for Sensing the gradient of the display unit main body in
`two-dimensional directions X and Y. The gravity sensor 203
`Senses the gradient in the direction X to output a Sensing
`signal (X) indicative of which of the right-end portion 123
`and left-end portion 124 of the display unit 12 is located
`below relative to the force of gravity. The gravity sensor 203
`Senses the gradient in the direction Y to output a Sensing
`signal (Y) indicative of which of the top-end portion 121 and
`bottom-end portion 122 of the display unit 12 is located
`below relative to the force of gravity. The gravity sensor 203
`thus senses which of the orientations shown in FIGS. 5 to 8
`the computer 1 is located in relative to the force of gravity.
`0060. The gravity sensor 203 can also sense whether or
`not an angle formed between the front Surface of the display
`unit 12 and the top surface of the computer main body 11 is
`180 degrees or greater. When the angle exceeds 180 degrees,
`the gravity sensor 203 senses that the top-end portion 121 of
`the display u