Abstract:
An information processing apparatus includes: a main unit having a flat boxed shape; a first display device that displays contents; a connecting portion that is configured to detachably attach and fix the main unit to another apparatus; a connection interface that communicates with the another apparatus; and a controller that operates to: determine whether the main unit is fixed to the another apparatus by the connecting portion in a manner covering a second display device that is provided in the another apparatus and that the main unit is positioned in a facing state where the first display device faces a user; control, when determined that the main unit covers the second display device of the another apparatus and that the main unit is positioned in the facing state, the another apparatus through the connection interface; and control the first display device to display given contents.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-018452, filed on Jan. 30, 2008, the entire content of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    One embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    There is proposed an information processing apparatus in which a plurality of display units can be detachably joined to one another. An example of such apparatus is disclosed in JP-A-10-063195. 
         [0006]    The information processing apparatus has a main unit that performs processing for displaying contents, and a cover unit that is attached to the main unit by a hinge. A plurality of display units are housed in the cover unit. In a state where the display units are housed in the cover unit, one of the display units is connected to a connector of the main unit, and displays contents under the control of the main unit. The display units are configured to be detachable from the cover unit to be connected to one another to form a single large display device that is attached to the cover unit, which is connected to the connector of the main unit, thereby displaying contents of a large display area under the control of the main unit. Each of the display units are configured that the respective display units may display contents different from one another. 
         [0007]    In thus configured information processing apparatus, however, the main unit displays contents while the content substance (for example, the size of the contents) is changed in accordance with a display format (the display size of the display units or the display device), and the display format cannot be changed in accordance with the content substance. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: a main unit having a flat boxed shape; a first display device that displays contents; a connecting portion that is configured to detachably attach and fix the main unit to another apparatus; a connection interface that communicates with the another apparatus; and a controller that operates to: determine whether the main unit is fixed to the another apparatus by the connecting portion in a manner covering a second display device that is provided in the another apparatus and that the main unit is positioned in a facing state where the first display device faces a user; control, when determined that the main unit covers the second display device of the another apparatus and that the main unit is positioned in the facing state, the another apparatus through the connection interface; and control the first display device to display given contents. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus including: a main unit having a flat boxed shape; a first display device that displays contents; a connecting portion that is configured to detachably attach and fix the main unit to another apparatus; a connection interface that communicates with the another apparatus; a first indicator that indicates a display state of the first display device; and a controller that operates to: determine whether the main unit is fixed to the another apparatus by the connecting portion in a manner covering a second display device that is provided in the another apparatus and that the main unit is positioned in a facing state where the first display device faces a user; control, when determined that the main unit covers the second display device of the another apparatus and that the main unit is positioned in the facing state, the another apparatus through the connection interface; and control the first display device to display given contents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    A general configuration that implements the various feature of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a block view showing a configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A to 3C  are schematic perspective views respectively showing connection states for connecting the information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 4A to 4C  are schematic perspective views showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views showing the information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views showing the operations of the information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are views showing the operations of the information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view showing an appearance of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment. 
         [0023]    The information processing apparatus  1  has a flat-box shaped main unit that houses electronic components, such as a processor (CPU) and a storage device (i.e. an HDD), and a power source such as a rechargeable battery. The information processing apparatus  1  includes: a display device  20 , which is configured by, e.g., an LCD panel, that displays characters and images on both faces of the main unit; a transparent touchscreen  21  that is overlapped on the display device  20 ; a sensor  22  that is configured by a camera and a gravity sensor; LEDs  23   a  to  23   d  that are disposed on the four side faces of the main unit (two side faces are not shown in  FIG. 1 ); and connection mechanism  24   a  to  24   d  that are disposed in the four corners of the main unit, respectively, and through which other information processing apparatuses are to be attached to the main unit. 
         [0024]    The sensor  22  is configured by, for example, a gravity sensor that detects the posture of the information processing apparatus  1 . The sensor  22  may also include other sensors, such as a CCD camera, an IR sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor to detect the line of sight of the user or the presence of the user. In accordance with results of the detections by the plural sensors, which face of the information processing apparatus  1  and which area of the face are viewed by the user are detected. The sensor  22  is disposed on the both faces of the information processing apparatus  1 , respectively. 
         [0025]    Pairs of the LEDs  23   a  to  23   d  are respectively disposed on the side faces. In the LEDs  23   a  to  23   d , those which are on the side where the display device is turned on are lit on, whereby the user is informed of the display state of the display device. For example, when the LEDs  23   a  and  23   c , shown in  FIG. 1 , are lit on, they indicate that the display device  20  is in the display state. When the LEDs  23   b  and  23   d  are lit on, they indicate that another display device which is disposed on the rear face of the display device  20 , which is not shown in  FIG. 1 , is in the display state. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  is a block view showing a block diagram of the information processing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment. 
         [0027]    The information processing apparatus  1  is provided with: a connection interface  10 A which communicates with other information processing apparatuses having the same configuration; a controller  10  which controls operations of other components of the information processing apparatus  1 . and which controls or is controlled by controllers of the other information processing apparatuses via the connection interface  10 A; an image processor  11  which processes image information, and which displays the information on the display device  20 ; an input device interface  12  which outputs commands that are input through the touchscreen  21 , as an operation signal to the controller  10 ; a sensor controller  13  which analyzes information that is input into the sensor  22 , and which outputs a result of the analysis as a sensor signal; and an LED controller  14  which controls the light on/off of the LEDs  23  (LEDs  23   a  to  23   d ). 
         [0028]    The information processing apparatus  1  is further provided with: a memory  15  which temporary stores information to assist processes for various components; a storage  16  which stores information in a readable/writable manner, and which is configured by an HDD; a communication interface  17  which performs wireless communication in accordance with a standard such as a wireless LAN via an antenna  17 A; and an audio processor  18  which processes audio information, and which applies an audio input/output control on a speaker  18 A and amicrophone  18 B. These components are connected to one another through a bus  19 . 
         [0029]    The connection interface  10 A performs wireless communication in accordance with a standard such as Bluetooth®. Alternatively, a wired connection may be performed. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 3A to 3C  are schematic perspective views respectively showing manners of connecting information processing apparatuses according to the embodiment of the invention. 
         [0031]    Information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D which have the same configuration as the information processing apparatus  1  are contacted and attached to one another by the respective connection mechanism as shown in  FIGS. 3A to 3C . As shown in  FIG. 3A , for example, the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D are attached so as to be stacked with one another. The attached state of the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D can be changed from the state shown in  FIG. 3A  to that shown in  FIG. 3B  in a manner similar to opening of a book. As shown in  FIG. 3C , the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D can be attached to one another so as to be arranged on the same plane to form a single large display device. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 4A to 4C  are schematic perspective views showing the configuration of the information processing apparatus  1  according to the embodiment. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the connecting portion  24  (connection mechanism  24   a  to  24   d ) of the information processing apparatus  1  are disposed in the four corners of the information processing apparatus  1 , respectively, and, for example, have a spherical cavity portion  240 , and a spherical magnet  241  which is disposed in the cavity portion  240 . 
         [0034]    In the case where, as shown in  FIG. 4B , side faces of the information processing apparatuses  1 A and  1 B are attached to each other, the magnets  241 A,  241 B of the connection mechanism  24 A,  24 B are attracted to each other by the magnetic force, thereby maintaining the attached state. The magnets  241 A,  241 B are positioned so as to be closest to each other in the respective cavity portions  240 A,  240 B. 
         [0035]    In the case where, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the display faces of the information processing apparatuses  1 A,  1 B are attached to each other, the magnets  241 A,  241 B of the connection mechanism  24 A,  24 B are attracted to each other by the magnetic force, thereby maintaining the attached state. 
         [0036]    Hereinafter, the operation of the information processing apparatuses in the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views showing the information processing apparatuses in the embodiment of the invention. 
         [0038]    The information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D communicate with one another via the respective connection interfaces  10 A, to know their relative positions, for example, a state where the apparatuses are attached so as to be stacked with one another as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
         [0039]    Next, the information processing apparatuses which are positioned outmost, for example, the information processing apparatuses  1 A,  1 D in  FIG. 5A  detect the postures of the main units and the line of sight of the user, by using the respective sensors  24 A,  22 D to analyze which one of the information processing apparatuses is viewed and disposed to be operated by the user. 
         [0040]    First, the information processing apparatuses  1 A,  1 D cause the sensors  24 A,  22 D, for example, the gravity sensors to operate, thereby detecting their postures. In the case where the gravity sensors determine that the information processing apparatuses  1 A,  1 D are in a near horizontal state, for example, the possibility that the information processing apparatus  1 A which is positioned in the upper side is viewed by the user is high. Therefore, the sensor  22 A recognizes, for example, the face of the user from an image which is obtained by using a CCD camera, so that the display device which is viewed by the user is identified. 
         [0041]    In the case where the user lies down and holds the information processing apparatuses upside down, for example, the is sensor  22 A of the information processing apparatus  1 A does not detect the user, and the sensor  22 D of the information processing apparatus  1 D which is positioned in the lower side with respect to the direction of gravity detects that the apparatus  1 D is viewed by the user. Alternatively, an IR sensor may be used in place of the CCD camera to detect IR rays emitted from the user. Also in the alternative, the user can be similarly detected. In the case where an ultrasonic sensor is used, the distance to the user is detected. 
         [0042]    In a state where the user holds the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D in hand, contact positions between the touchscreens  21  and the hand(s) of the user may be analyzed to identify the display device which is viewed by the user. Alternatively, the display device with which the user is first in contact may be identified as the display device which is viewed by the user. 
         [0043]    In the case where the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D are not in contact with the user and are placed on a desk or the like, a brighter direction is detected by using an illumination sensor or the like, and the display device which is viewed by the user is identified. 
         [0044]    When, as a result of the above-described operations of the sensors  22 , it is determined that the display device  20 A of the information processing apparatus  1 A is viewed by the user, the operations of the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D are controlled while the information processing apparatus  1 A is set as a master, and the other the information processing apparatuses  1 B to  1 D are set as slaves as shown in  FIG. 5B . The information processing apparatus  1 A displays a main screen  200  which is preset by the user, and an operation screen  201  which function as an index of an operation performed by using the touchscreen  21 A, on the display device  20 A, and causes a main-screen indicating LED  230  to light on so as to inform the user of the display state of the display device  20 A. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment of the invention. The plural information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D operate in a similar manner. In the following description, therefore, the operation of the information processing apparatus  1 A will be described as an example. 
         [0046]    First, the information processing apparatus  1 A communicates with the other information processing apparatuses  1 B to  1 D via the connection interface  10 A (S 10 ), and obtains the respective overlapping positions (S 11 ). 
         [0047]    When determined that the information processing apparatus  1 A is positioned outmost (S 12 : Yes), the sensor  22 A is operated to analyze the posture of the main unit and the line of sight of the user (S 13 ). If a result of the analysis shows that the main unit is on the surface side with respect to the user (S 14 : Yes), the main unit is set as a master (S 15 ). 
         [0048]    The information processing apparatus  1 A which is set as a master displays the main screen  200  on the display device  20 A (S 16 ), and also the operation screen  201 , and sets the operation screen as an operation surface (S 17 ). Any operation on the touchscreens of the information processing apparatuses  1 B to  1 D is invalidated. 
         [0049]    When determined in step S 12  that the information processing apparatus  1 A is not positioned outmost (S 12 : No), or when the apparatus is positioned outmost, it is determined in step S 14  that the main unit is not on the surface side with respect to the user (S 14 : No), the main unit is set as a slave, and operates in accordance with instructions of one of the other information processing apparatuses which is set as a master. 
         [0050]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views showing the operations of the information processing apparatuses in the embodiment of the invention. 
         [0051]    In the state where the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D are attached so as to be stacked with one another, the information processing apparatus  1 A can display a content screen  202  showing a photograph, a video picture, or the like on the display device  20 A as shown in  FIG. 7A . In the case where the resolution of the photograph or the video picture is larger than that of the display device  20 A, the information processing apparatus  1 A displays a display switchover button  202   a  for displaying the contents on a larger display screen. 
         [0052]    When, in the touchscreen  21 A, the area corresponding to the display switchover button  202   a  is contacted with the finger or the like, the information processing apparatus  1 A which is a master transmits information of the contents to, for example, the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C which are slaves. When the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C complete image processing of the received content information, the apparatuses cause indicating LEDs  230   a ,  230   b  to light on, thereby instructing the user to open the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C. 
         [0053]    When the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C are opened by the user to attain the state shown in  FIG. 7B , the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C display the image of the contents on the respective display devices  20 B,  20 C. The display devices  20 B,  20 C cooperate with each other as one adequate content screen  203 , so that the contents are displayed at the adequate resolution on the adequate content screen  203 . When contents of a larger resolution are to be displayed, another adequate content screen  203  is configured by using all the display devices of the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D, and then the contents are displayed. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment of the invention. 
         [0055]    First, when the information processing apparatus  1 A is instructed by the user to display contents, the content screen  202  is displayed on the display device  20 A (S 20 ). Next, the information processing apparatus  1 A determines whether the resolution of the contents is larger than the maximum displayable resolution of the display device  20 A or not. If the resolution of the contents is larger than that of the display device  20 A (S 21 : Yes), the display switchover button  202   a  is displayed on the display device  20 A (S 22 ). 
         [0056]    Next, when the touchscreen  21 A corresponding to the display switchover button  202   a  is operated (S 23 : Yes), the information processing apparatus  1 A transmits data of contents for switching the display to plural ones of the other information processing apparatuses. When the preparation for display is completed in the other plural information processing apparatuses, for example, the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C, the indicating LEDs  230   a ,  230   b  which correspond to the display devices of the apparatuses are lit on (S 24 ). 
         [0057]    Next, when the user opens the designated screen (S 25 : Yes), the display devices  20 B,  20 C which are the designated screen are set as the adequate content screen  203 , and the contents are displayed on the screen (S 26 ). 
         [0058]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are views showing the operations of the information processing apparatuses in the embodiment of the invention. 
         [0059]    In the state where the information processing apparatuses  1 A to  1 D are attached so as to be stacked with one another, the information processing apparatus  1 A can display an application selection screen  204  for selecting an application which is to be activated, on the display device  20 A as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         [0060]    When, in the touchscreen  21 A, the area corresponding to a desired application is contacted with the finger or the like, the information processing apparatus  1 A which is the master activates the application. In the case where it is set so that plural screens are displayed for an application, the apparatus transmits information of the application to the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C which are slaves. When the information processing apparatuses  1 B,  1 C complete image processing of the received application information, the apparatuses cause indicating LEDs  230   c ,  230   d  to light on, thereby instructing the user to open the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C. 
         [0061]    When the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C are opened by the user to attain the state shown in  FIG. 9B , the information processing apparatuses  1 B,  1 C display images of an application screen  205  and a keyboard screen  206  on the display devices  20 B,  20 C, respectively. In the case where an application which requires a further display device(s) is to be activated, an image of the application is displayed with further using the display device(s) of the information processing apparatus  1 A and/or  1 D. 
         [0062]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing apparatus of the embodiment of the invention. 
         [0063]    First, when the information processing apparatus  1 A is instructed in the application selection screen  204  by the user to activate an application (S 30 ), the controller activates the application stored in the storage. 
         [0064]    Next, the information processing apparatus  1 A checks the details of the application to be activated. If it is determined that the application uses plural screens (S 31 : Yes), the information processing apparatus  1 A transmits data of the application for switching the display to plural ones of the other information processing apparatuses. When the preparation for activation is completed in the other plural information processing apparatuses, for example, the information processing apparatuses  1 B and  1 C, the indicating LEDs  230   c ,  230   d  which correspond to the display devices on which the application is to be displayed are lit on (S 32 ). 
         [0065]    Next, when, after the user opens the designated screen (S 33 : Yes), the information processing apparatus  1 A determines that the application requires a keyboard (S 34 : Yes), the keyboard screen  206  is displayed on the information processing apparatus  1 C (S 35 ), and the application is activated in the information processing apparatus  1 B to display the application screen  205  (S 36 ). 
         [0066]    In the case where the application does not require a keyboard (S 34 : No), the application is activated in plural information processing apparatuses to display the application screen  205  (S 38 ). In the case where the application does not use plural screens, the application is activated in the information processing apparatus  1 A (S 37 ). 
         [0067]    According to the above-described embodiment, the information processing apparatus is configured to be able to know the attachment state with respect to the other apparatuses, and displays appropriate contents, for example contents which are set by the user, on the display device that faces the user. Therefore, the display format can be changed in conjunction with the content substance. 
         [0068]    In the case where contents which require a display area larger than the display device of one information processing apparatus are to be processed, the information processing apparatus controls the other information processing apparatuses to display the contents while combining the display devices of the other apparatuses with each other, and indicates the display devices which currently perform the display operation, by lighting on the corresponding instructing portions. Therefore, the display format can be changed in conjunction with the content substance. 
         [0069]    When the remaining power of an internal battery is is low, the information processing apparatus may transfer the mater role to one of the other information processing apparatuses, and switch to the sleep state. When the information processing apparatus positioned in the outside is replaced with another information processing apparatus, the apparatus may transfer the master role to the other information processing apparatus which is newly positioned in the outside, or may not transfer the master role and may control the display of the other apparatus which is positioned in the outside, and which is a slave. 
         [0070]    The information processing apparatus which is the master may be indicated by an LED. The indicator may be configured by a small display device in place of the LEDs, or by a device which indicates the display state by means of sound or vibration. 
         [0071]    When information is processed, the information processing apparatus may cause the controllers of the other information processing apparatuses to perform distributed processing.