Multilayered task supporting apparatus and method for supporting multilayered task

A multilayered task supporting apparatus includes: a display area that is divided into three or more; an input unit that is provided with a group of control buttons for assigning a display object; and a control unit that controls a content to be displayed on the display area on the basis of an input from the input unit.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a technology that provides a computing environment for pursuing a plurality of complex tasks by effectively integrating a plurality of computer environments such as a personal computer, a display, and a speaker.

BACKGROUND

On a desk of an office or a home, physical goods, such as documents or the like are dispersed. There is a case in which a person who is well put in order expands various related documents at the time of use. A personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as PC) is just one of physical goods, and, even when the IT/network age, a person spreads ones, such as documents, notes, or diary, other than electronics, and performs a task with reference to various kinds information.

This is a limitation to enhance intelligent productivity. Of course, this is not a cause for an intrinsic obstruction. A problem is that the rapid reference of various kinds of required information is not subjected to a scalpel. Although various kinds of information spread through a network, all what is provided is just a function of search of such information. The sort and examination of various kinds of searched information are not considered yet.

When a person truly requires the information is just the time that the person wants the information. Further, it is the time that a consideration is taken on the basis of the information, that is, during the consideration. At that time, if the timely reference cannot be made, it is meaningless. When a search is performed after the consideration “I suppose that is . . . ”, the consideration is interrupted. At present, the search is a mode of inspection, and is an examination which is performed by a person, who wants the information, or which is entrusted to another person. Since the examination is not the consideration in parallel, unlike an intelligent production, the examination is just a part of a process of an intelligent production, for example. As for the intelligent production, in a state in which the required information can be immediately viewed, regardless of the examination, the consideration is expanded while appreciating the information, and a new idea is produced. Unfortunately, an information environment for the intelligent production does not exist.

What is important is an access speed to the information for the maintenance and progress of the consideration. The information access is impossible in the information examination mode. When the required information is presented, and the consideration is made on the basis of the information, it can be understood that the consideration is accessed to the information. The phase that ‘the consideration is accessed’ is important.

In order to obtain the progress of the consideration, it is necessary to realize 1) a person can get the required information quickly and 2) the information is expanded widely and is arranged to the extent of the change of his sight.

As for 1), as described above, the search is not problematic. The problem is how peripheral information in a paper or electronic form gets in a form to be referred to. When multiple tasks exist, the sort/change speed of the set is problematic.

As for 2), in one PC at present, there is a problem in that an information display space excessively narrows. Since the information display space is narrow, and the character is small, if multiple windows open in one display, it is difficult to handle the information. That is, the information cannot be immediately viewed, an operation needs to be performed to take an overlap window at first while considering benefits. As a result, the reference information is output to a printer for ease of viewing, is printed on a paper, and is disposed at a visible position. Of course, there are many cases in which the papers are distributed for a conference or the like, and it takes much time to scan and adjust them (that is, at present, it takes much time for scanning). The two problems are a problem in that the electronic materials and paper materials are mixed, and a problem in that, even when one PC is used and the total area is increased by enlarging only the display, processing capacity of the CPU does not meet. For example, it is difficult to simultaneously support a plurality of conference images by one PC.

As a result, a person expands the related paper documents in the periphery while displaying a mail or Web information, document information, and the like through the PC. In order to adjust this situation and to enhance productivity, a new task support environment, which can perform a high-speed access to information and parallel reference, laying stress on the PC, needs to be considered. In particular, an intelligent producer, such as a project manager or an office worker, charges various tasks, and meets another task or checks the progress of another task (a background processing by a computer) at a side glance while laying emphasis on one task. That is, a complex and multilayered task method is taken.

SUMMARY

The inventors have studied a multilayer/multiple task support method how to enhance productivity of an intelligent producer during multiple tasks progress in a multilayered manner. The multilayer represents a mode in which the problem to be wrapped up is layered in a time-variant manner. Our task is plurally and simultaneously generated, and is scheduled according to a different due date or priority. That is, from a viewpoint that the person directly faces, even one task in one period, a current task is progressing, and thus a person constantly perceives that in a part of the mind, and changes the consideration even when he is absorbed in another task. The multilayer/multiple task represents a work style in which this state is positively perceived, and works, which can overlap, positively overlaps. A support environment for supporting the multilayer/multiple work style is demanded.

In JP-A-62-272810, a method in which various kinds of information are displayed in a touch manner has been disclosed.

However, a method of attaching arbitrary information to a button, and a method of performing an arithmetic operation between information by a button operation are not disclosed. Further, a method of collectively performing an arithmetic operation of information, such as documents, over a plurality of computers is not disclosed.

The present invention provides a multilayered task support system that simply performs an access to information at high speed and performs representation of contents to be accessed in parallel.

A multilayered task supporting apparatus includes: a display area that is divided into three or more; an input unit that is provided with a group of control buttons for assigning a display object; and a control unit that controls a content to be displayed on the display area on the basis of an input from the input unit.

A method is for supporting multilayered task, including: receiving an input from an input unit that is provided with a group of control buttons for assigning a display object; controlling a display content on the basis of the received input; and displaying the controlled display content onto at least one of three or more display areas to be provided.

A program product is for causing a computer system to execute procedures for supporting multilayered task including: receiving an input from an input unit that is provided with a group of control buttons for assigning a display object; controlling a display content on the basis of the received input; and displaying the controlled display content onto at least one of three or more display areas to be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a diagram showing a multilayered task support system1that is configured to have a multilayered task supporting apparatus10.

As shown inFIG. 1, the multilayered task support system1includes the multilayered task supporting apparatus10, foot switches50aand50b, a chair60with a display device, and a side table46. With this configuration the multilayered task support system1provides an environment in which a user can efficiently process multiple tasks.

Moreover, hereinafter, in a case in which any one of plural parts, such as the foot switches50aand50bor the like, does not need to be specified, the parts are simply represented, for example, by the foot switch50.

The multilayered task supporting apparatus10is configured to have an apparatus main body12, and has leg portions40that support the apparatus main body12, and a cover panel42that is openably provided on the top surface of the apparatus main body12. The cover panel42has a sufficient size to cover the top surface of the apparatus main body12. When the cover panel42is closed, the cover panel42is locked by keys44aand44b. Moreover, the cover panel42and the leg portions40may be detachably provided, or the apparatus main body12may be used to be installed on a table or the like.

The foot switch50ahas pedals52ato52c, and is connected to the apparatus main body12. The foot switch50balso has pedals (not shown). The foot switch50receives an input from a user through the pedal52and outputs it to the apparatus main body12.

The chair60with a display device is configured such that a seat portion62is supported by leg portions66. On the top surface of the seat portion62, display devices64aand64bare disposed, and, below the seat portion62, a storage68is provided. The display device64is connected to the apparatus main body12in a wired or wireless manner, and displays predetermined information by the control of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10described below. In the storage68, papers, pens, books, and other physical goods are stored.

On the top surface of the side table46, paper mediums, such as dictionaries, newspapers, magazines, and the like, are disposed.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating the details of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 2, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10further has three displays14ato14c, information access devices16aand16b(input unit) in which a group of control buttons for assigning a display object is disposed, and an input/output interface (IF)22. Further, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10has a speaker (not shown) that outputs a predetermined sound.

The displays14ato14care provided in front of the apparatus main body12, and are arranged in a horizontal direction. The displays14ato14care, for example, liquid crystal displays having the same screen size. The display14is controlled by a control device100described below so as to display predetermined information.

Moreover, the display14may be a display of a virtual computer. Further, the display14may be a CRT, a PDP, or the like. The displays14ato14cmay have different screen sizes from one another.

The information access devices16aand16bare provided on both of left and right sides of the apparatus main body12before the display14with respect to the user. The information access device16is controlled by the control device100so as to display predetermined information. In addition, the information access device16receives an input from the user and outputs it to the control device100. The information access device16is preferably one which can flexibly perform display of a key top. For example, a touch panel can be considered.

Moreover, the information access device16may be provided on any one of the left and right sides of the apparatus main body12.

In the information access device16, a plurality of buttons18are provided, and the group of control buttons is constituted by these buttons18. To each button18, a predetermined operation, such as assignment of a display object or an arithmetic operation, is allocated. When the button18is pressed, the information access device16receives desired assignment from the user.

Moreover, the attribute of the button18, the operation when the button18is pressed, and the like will be described below.

Between the information access devices16aand16b, an installment portion20, in which a predetermined object is installed, is provided. On the top surface of the installment portion20, an input device26, such as a PC or the like, may be installed. Here, the input device26is connected to the input/output IF22through a communication cable24, and communicates data with the control device100of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10.

FIG. 3is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computer that is used in the multilayered task supporting apparatus10.

As shown inFIG. 3, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10has control devices100ato100e, and a repeating device112. Each of the control devices100ato100ehas a processing device102including a CPU104and a memory106, a communication IF108, and a storage device110.

In the control device100, the communication IF108communicates predetermined data with other control devices100, the external input device26, and a network2through the repeating device112. The storage device110is, for example, an HDD device, a CD device, or a DVD device, and stores and reproduces data.

As such, the control device100has a part, serving as a computer, which can perform information processing by the execution of a program and the communication with other control devices100and the like through the network.

The repeating device112repeats data to be transmitted and received among the control devices100, and performs the communication with the external computer (not shown), which is connected thereto through the input device26and the network2, through the input/output IF22. Moreover, the repeating device112may be implemented as a server. Further, when the control device100is implemented in a form having a network address, such as a PC or the like, the control devices may be directly connected to one another in a Peer-to-Peer manner, not through the repeating device112.

Further, the control device100acontrols information to be displayed onto the first display14a, the control device100bcontrols information to be displayed onto the second display14b, and the control device100ccontrols information to be displayed onto the third display14c. The control device100dcontrols information to be displayed onto the first information access device16a, and receives an input from the first information access device16a. Similarly, the control device100econtrols information to be displayed onto the second information access device16b, and receives an input from the second information access device16b. As such, the displays14ato14cand the information access devices16aand16bare controlled by different control devices100. The control device may be implemented by a normal PC.

In addition, the control device100acauses to the second display14b, the third display14c, and the information access devices16aand16bto display predetermined information. In this case, for example, the control device100acommunicates data with the control device100band causes the second device14bto display information. Further, the control device10areceives data input from the information access devices16aand16bthrough the control devices100dand100e. Each of the control devices100bto100ealso causes any one display14to display information and receives data from any one information access device16.

Moreover, any one control device100may control a plurality of displays14and the information access devices16or may control all of them. Further, in one control device100, a plurality of CPU104and memories106may be included. The display of the first to third displays14a-14cmay be processed in parallel manner, thereby to perform a plurality of various tasks efficiently and comfortably.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate the group of control buttons of the information access device16.FIG. 4Aillustrates the arrangement of the group of control buttons to be displayed onto the information access device16, andFIG. 4Billustrates a display method of a plurality of buttons.

As shown inFIG. 4A, the group of control buttons includes information assigning buttons180-1to180-m, and control buttons182-1to182-n. These buttons are displayed to have pressible forms and sizes. In the present example, the group of control buttons5includes 25 buttons of 5 horizontal and 5 vertical in total. The information assigning buttons180-1to180-p(for example, p=16) are displayed in four upper rows, and the control buttons182-1to182-q(for example, q=5) are displayed in the lowest row. Moreover, the number of buttons to be displayed onto one screen is not limited in the present example.

The information assigning buttons180can be defined by the user, and the definition contents are stored in the storage device110(FIG. 3) of the control device100. For this reason, there is a case in which a plurality of information assigning buttons180exist and all the information assigning buttons180are not settled onto one screen.

Therefore, as shown inFIG. 4B, the information assigning buttons180are divided into a plurality of pages, and are displayed onto the information access device16. In this case, in each control button182, the number of pages is displayed, and, when any one control button182is pressed, the information assigning buttons180of the page corresponding to the pressed control button180are displayed. For example, if the control button182, which is displayed as ‘3’, is pressed, the information assigning buttons180of the third page are displayed.

FIG. 5illustrates a modification of the control button182that manages a page for displaying the information assigning buttons180.

As shown inFIG. 5, the control buttons182may include a ‘FIRST’ button, a ‘<-’ button, a ‘->’ button, and ‘LAST’ button. In this case, when the ‘FIRST’ button is pressed, the information assigning buttons180of the first page are displayed. Further, when the ‘<-’ button is pressed, the information assigning buttons180of the previous page are displayed, when the ‘->’ button is pressed, the information assigning buttons180of the next page are displayed, and, when the ‘LAST’ button is pressed, the information assigning buttons180of the last page are displayed.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating a button attribute management table that defines individual buttons18.

As shown inFIG. 6, the attributes are given to the individual buttons18, and these attributes are managed by the button attribute management table.

The button attributes includes a label, a form, a color, a size, a display position, an activation action, an adjective, and an attribute on the content of an allocated action or the content of contents (various attributes including 5W1H).

The label is an identifier for uniquely identifying an individual button18. The form, the color, and the size define the appearance of the button18, and the display position is a position where the button18is displayed in the information access device16. The activation action defines an action to be performed by the control device100when the button18is pressed. For example, corresponding information is displayed onto the display14, corresponding music is output, and a predetermined arithmetic operation on a plurality of arithmetic objects is performed. For this reason, the button18defines different action or function according to a context (message) when being pressed.

Further, each button attribute can be subjected to the arithmetic operation to other button attributes. Moreover, the arithmetic operation of the attributes will be described below.

In the button attribute management table, the button attribute is managed in a form of one button to one row. For example, the button attribute management table is implemented by predetermined spreadsheet software. Further, the button attributes may be managed by use of database software. For example, the button attributes may be managed by a software program called JOHOBAKO (Registered Trademark) available from Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.

FIGS. 7A to 7Care diagrams illustrating an action when the button18is pressed and an arithmetic operation of the arithmetic objects to be defined the button18.

FIG. 7Ais a diagram illustrating the content to be displayed onto the displays14ato14cwhen the button X, Y, and Z displayed onto the information access devices16aand16bare pressed. Further,FIG. 7Bis a diagram the button X on a magnified scale, andFIG. 7Cis a diagram the button Y on a magnified scale. Here, a ‘+’ button, a ‘−’ button, a ‘*’ button, and a ‘/’ button of the button Z constitute an arithmetic button.

In the multilayered task supporting apparatus10, a predetermined arithmetic operation is performed on information defined by the information assigning button180(single term) or various kinds of defined information (multiple terms). Here, the arithmetic operation includes high level/low level, antonymy/synonymy, syndetic synthesis, paradigm expansion, and the like. At this time, the content defined in each term is expanded and displayed onto the left and right displays14aand14bfrom the three displays14ato14c, and the arithmetic result is displayed onto the central display14c.

As shown inFIG. 7A, in a state in which the first content (arithmetic object1) displayed after the X button is pressed exists, it is assumed that, first, the Z button (‘+’ button) is pressed, and then the Y button corresponding to the second content (arithmetic object2, which may be the same as the first content) is pressed. In this case, the arithmetic object1is displayed onto the left display14a, the arithmetic object2is displayed onto the right display14b, and the ‘+’ arithmetic result of the arithmetic object1and the arithmetic object2is displayed onto the central display14c.

For example, first, if a button ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ shown inFIG. 7Bis pressed, musical data, such as ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ of Mozart, is reproduced, and is output from the speaker. Onto the first display14a(left display), a pattern suitable for that music or a ‘text’ of ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ is displayed. Among them, information on Mozart, who is a writer, a situation at the time of the composition, an idea, and the like are included. Further, images, such as a landscape, a street, and a life style at that time, may be displayed. At this time, in the X button, data indicating a place of data, and the attributes of data (format: music, age: modern, school: classical, adjective: fresh, . . . ) are registered, and these attributes are used in a subsequent arithmetic operation.

Next, if the ‘+’ button is pressed, attribute data of the button ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ is stored in an arithmetic object slot (described below) which stores an arithmetic value. When the ‘+’ definition is a sum arithmetic operation (OR arithmetic operation), the sum arithmetic operation is performed between the arithmetic object slot and another arithmetic object slot.

In addition, if a button representing a specification of ‘INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE’ shown inFIG. 7Cis pressed, the specification is displayed onto the second display14b(light display) as the arithmetic object, and simultaneously the attribute of ‘INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE’ is set in the ‘+’ arithmetic object slot, such that the arithmetic operation is performed. In this case, new information having the attributes of ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ and ‘INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE’ is searched, and is displayed onto the third display14c(central display).

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating the attributes to be stored in the arithmetic object slot when the arithmetic operation is performed.

As shown inFIG. 8, at least two arithmetic object slots are prepared. In this case, the attribute of the button ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ is stored in the arithmetic object slot1and the attribute of the button ‘INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE’ is stored in the arithmetic object slot2. These arithmetic object slots are implemented by the memory106or the storage device110. By doing so, a predetermined arithmetic operation on the attribute stored in the arithmetic object slot1and the attribute stored in the arithmetic object slot2is performed. Moreover, the ‘+’ arithmetic operation, the ‘*’ arithmetic operation, the ‘−’ arithmetic operation, and ‘/’ arithmetic operation between the attributes will be described below in detail.

FIG. 9is a diagram showing the configuration of an arithmetic program200which is executed by the control device100(FIG. 3) of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10.

As shown inFIG. 9, the arithmetic program200has a user interface (UI) unit202, a communication unit203, a control unit204, a registration unit206, an input history storing unit208, a first arithmetic object storing unit210, a second arithmetic object storing unit212, an arithmetic unit214, a display/output unit216and an information storing unit218.

With these parts, the arithmetic program200receives the input from the information access device16, in which the group of control buttons for assigning the display object is disposed, controls the display content on the basis of the received input, and displays the controlled display content onto at least one of three or more displays14(in the present example, three displays).

The arithmetic program200is supplied to the processing device102through the network, the communication IF108(FIG. 3), and the like, for example, is loaded on the memory106, and is executed by specifically using hardware on the OS which operates by the processing device102. Further, the arithmetic program200may be executed in all the control devices100ato100eor may be executed in any one control device100.

In the arithmetic program200, the UI unit202receives an operation by the user on the information access device16, the input device26, and the foot switch50, and outputs it to the control unit204described below. Here, the operation of the user includes the press of the button18. Further, the UI unit202displays information (image data, musical data, or the like) created by the display/output unit216described below and the processed content of each part onto the display14and the information access device16.

The communication unit203outputs data through the communication IF108, and controls the data communication in the multilayered task supporting apparatus10through the repeating device112. Further, the communication unit203may perform an encryption processing for preventing information or data to be transmitted from tampering.

The control unit204controls the content to be displayed onto the display14on the basis of the input from the information access device16and the input device26. More specifically, the control unit204controls the registration unit206to perform the input history of the button18in the information access device16and the storage in the arithmetic object slot. Further, the control unit204controls the arithmetic unit214to perform the arithmetic operation to the attributes stored in the arithmetic object slots, and controls the display/output unit216to display the arithmetic result onto the display14. In addition, the control unit stores information, such as the button attribute management table, image data, musical data, or the like, in the information storing unit218described below, and extracts and use the information stored in advance.

The registration unit206receives the press of the button18of the information access device16or the like, and stores the history of the pressed button18in the input history storing unit208through the control of the control unit204. Further, as described with reference toFIGS. 7A to 7C, when the predetermined arithmetic operation is performed, the registration unit206stores the button attributes in the first arithmetic object storing unit210and the second arithmetic object storing unit212.

The first arithmetic object storing unit210stores the button attributes to be stored by the registration unit206, and implements the slot for the arithmetic object1(FIG. 8). The first arithmetic object storing unit210is implemented by storing the button attributes in the memory106or the storage device110of the processing device102, on which the arithmetic program200operates.

Like the first arithmetic object storing unit210, the second arithmetic object storing unit212also stores the button attributes and implements the slot for the arithmetic object2.

The arithmetic unit214performs a predetermined arithmetic operation on at least one of the button attributes stored in the first arithmetic object storing unit210and the button attributes stored in the second arithmetic object storing unit212, and outputs the arithmetic result to the control unit204. Here, the arithmetic operation includes the ‘+’ arithmetic operation, the ‘*’ arithmetic operation, the ‘−’ arithmetic operation, and the ‘/’ arithmetic operation. Moreover, the arithmetic unit214may extract the information stored in the information storing unit218so as to perform the arithmetic operation. Moreover, the details of these arithmetic operations will be described below in detail.

The information storing unit218stores the button attribute management table (FIG. 8), image data, musical data, and document data to be assigned by the information assigning buttons180, and other contents. The information storing unit218is implemented by the storage device110of the control device100, on which the arithmetic program200operates.

FIG. 10is a flowchart showing the ‘+’ arithmetic processing (S10) which is executed by the arithmetic unit214of the arithmetic program200.

As shown inFIG. 10, at step100(S100), the arithmetic unit214acquires a first arithmetic object attribute Ai (i=1 to n; n is the number of attributes) from the first arithmetic object storing unit210, and acquires a second arithmetic object attribute Bi from the second arithmetic object storing unit212.

At step102(S102), the arithmetic unit214performs an AND arithmetic operation on the same attribute values, that is, Ai and Bi, and performs an AND arithmetic operation on all the attributes from 1 to n, so as to perform a search. The arithmetic unit214judges whether or not the search result R is blank. When the search result R is blank, the process progresses to a step S104. Otherwise, the process progresses to a step S112.

At the step S104(S104), the arithmetic unit214acquires a paradigm expansion A′i (i=1 to n) of the first arithmetic object attribute and a paradigm expansion B′i of the second arithmetic object attribute. Here, the paradigm expansions A′i and B′i are substitutable collections corresponding to the attributes Ai and Bi, and are collections of related words having similarity on the attributes Ai and Bi. For example, the paradigm expansion of the attribute ‘VALUE’ is ‘INFORMATION, WISDOM, INTELLIGENCE, KNOWLEDGE, LEARNING, MENTAL FACULTIES, MENTAL POWERS, IDEA, KNOW-HOW, METHOD, or the like’. Further, the relation of ‘PARADIGM EXPANSION’ is not intended to similarity. For example, the paradigm expansion may be a collection of the related words through ‘CONSENT/SYNONYMY’, ‘HIGH-LEVEL INSTANCE’, ‘ASSOCIATION’, ‘ANTONYMY’, or the like on the attributes.

At step106(S106), the arithmetic unit214performs an AND arithmetic operation on the paradigm expansions A′i and B′i having the same attribute, and performs an AND arithmetic operation on all the paradigm expansions from 1 to n, so as to perform a search. The arithmetic unit214judges whether or not the search result R is blank. When the search result R is blank, the process progresses to S108. Otherwise, the process progresses to S112.

At the step108(S108), the arithmetic unit214decrements n by 1. That is, the arithmetic unit214removes the attribute boundary one by one so as to relieve the search condition.

At the step110(S110), the arithmetic unit214judges whether or not n is 0 (zero). When n is zero, the process progresses to the step S112. Otherwise, the process returns to the step S106, and thus the search is performed again.

At the step112(S112), the arithmetic unit214outputs the search result R to the control unit204. When the search result R is blank, the arithmetic unit214outputs to the control unit204a purport that the ‘+’ arithmetic operation is impossible.

Moreover, the arithmetic method of the ‘+’ arithmetic operation or the like refers to a method disclosed in JP-A-2004-240605 (Sentence Magnification Expression Method, Sentence Magnification Expression Generation Method, and Sentence Magnification Expression generating Apparatus), the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 11is a flowchart showing a button arithmetic processing (S20) in the multilayered task supporting apparatus10.

As shown inFIG. 11, at step200(S200), the control unit204of the arithmetic program200(FIG. 9) judges whether or not the user presses an operator button (FIG. 7) of the ‘+’ button or the like from the control buttons182displayed onto the information access device16of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10(FIG. 2). When the operator button is pressed, the control unit204progresses the process to S202. Otherwise, the process returns to S200.

At the step202(S202), the registration unit206refers to the input history storing unit208through the control of the control unit204, and acquires information generated immediately before by the multilayered task supporting apparatus10or the arithmetic result.

At step204(S204), the registration unit206stores the attribute of the information or the arithmetic result (for example, the attribute of the button ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’) in the first arithmetic object storing unit210(the slot for the arithmetic object1) through the control of the control unit204.

At step206(S206), the control unit204controls the display/output unit216to display the first arithmetic object onto the first display14a(left display;FIG. 2andFIGS. 7A to 7C). Here, the first arithmetic object may be displayed on the entire surface of the first display14aor may be display by tiling.

At step208(S208), the control unit204judges whether or not the operator display by the pressed operator button is a binary operator. When the operator is the binary operator, the control unit204progresses the process to S210. Otherwise, the control unit204progresses the process to S10, and controls the arithmetic unit214to perform the arithmetic operation (for example, ‘+’ arithmetic operation;FIG. 10).

At the step210(S210), the control unit204judges whether or not any one of the information assigning buttons180from the buttons displayed onto the information access device16is pressed. When the information assigning button180is pressed, the control unit204progresses the process to S212. Otherwise, the process returns to S210.

At the step212(S212), the registration unit206stores the attribute of the pressed information assigning button180(for example, the attribute of the button ‘INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE’) and stores it in the second arithmetic object storing unit212(the slot for the arithmetic object2) through the control of the control unit204.

At step214(S214), the control unit204controls the display/output unit216to display the second arithmetic object onto the second display14b(right display).

If the second arithmetic object is displayed, the arithmetic operation (for example, ‘+’ arithmetic operation;FIG. 10) is executed by the arithmetic unit214.

If the arithmetic processing ends, at step216(S216), the control unit204controls the display/output unit216to display new information having both the attribute of the button ‘LE MARIAGE DE FIGARO’ and the attribute of the button ‘INFORMATION PRESENTATION DEVICE’ onto the third display14c. Moreover, when the arithmetic result is blank, a purport that the arithmetic operation is impossible is displayed onto the third display14c.

As described above, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present invention has the three or more displays14ato14c, the information access devices16aand16b, in which the group of control buttons for assigning the display object is disposed, and the control unit that controls the contents to be displayed onto the displays14ato14con the basis of the input from the information access devices16aand16b. In particular, the display14is provided in front, and the information access device16is provided on at least one of left and right sides before the display14.

Accordingly, the user can simply and rapidly perform the access to the information, perform the expression of the contents to be accessed in parallel, and efficiently and pleasantly perform various tasks.

In the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present invention, in the information access device16, a group of buttons including the operator button is provided, and, to each button, the information or action corresponds. Further, the information access device16has a touch panel.

Accordingly, the user can intuitively and easily operate, and physically and easily perform the operation between information, including the arithmetic operation or the like, in a wide information space.

Next, the ‘*’ arithmetic processing, the ‘−’ arithmetic processing, and the ‘/’ arithmetic processing, which are executed in the present embodiment, will be described. In the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present embodiment, as shown inFIG. 7A, the operator buttons of the ‘*’ button, the ‘−’ button, and the ‘/’ button are provided. In the arithmetic program200, the arithmetic unit214executes the arithmetic processing according to the arithmetic processing input from the control device204.

The ‘*’ arithmetic processing performs a syndetic synthesis processing.

Here, the term ‘syndetic’ means a range, that is, represents that the individual parts are connected according to connectedness. For example, a sentence that “Provides a method for actually performing an amalgamation of knowledge or arithmetic operation.” is represented by a significant range in which the individual parts of “Provides”+“a”+“method”+“for”+“actually”+“performing”+“an”+“amalgamation”+“of”+“knowledge”+“or”+“arithmetic”+“operation”.

According to the syndetic synthesis, the arithmetic unit214extracts only the attribute times from now or sampled from the first arithmetic object, and extracts the remainder from the second arithmetic object, so as to create the search condition. In this case, the search operation is made by a method of assigning the attribute from the first arithmetic object until a candidate is found, and thus multiple variations exist. Hereinafter, a method in which continuous and discontinuous acquisitions are alternately performed will be described.

FIG. 12is a flowchart showing the ‘*’ arithmetic processing (S30) which is executed by the arithmetic unit214of the arithmetic program200.

As shown inFIG. 12, at step300(S300), the arithmetic unit214acquires the first arithmetic object attribute Ai (i=1 to n) from the first arithmetic object storing unit210and acquires the second arithmetic object attribute Bi from the second arithmetic object storing unit212.

At step302(S302), the arithmetic unit214substitutes m with a value obtained by dividing n by 2 and rounding off to the nearest integer for the initialization. Further, the arithmetic unit214also substitutes j with 0 for the initialization.

At step304(S304), the arithmetic unit214performs all the AND arithmetic operations on Ai (where i=1 to m) and Bi (where i=m+1 to n) so as to perform a search. It is judged whether or not the search result R is blank, and, when the search result is blank, the process progresses to S306. Otherwise, the process progresses to S316.

At the step306(S306), the arithmetic unit214substitutes m with ‘m+2*j+1’ and increments j by 1.

At step308(S308), the arithmetic unit214judges whether or not m is equal to n, and, when m is equal to n, the process progresses to S316. Otherwise, the process progresses to S310. By doing so, m is made larger than half of n.

At the step310(S310), the arithmetic unit214performs all the AND arithmetic operations on Ai (where i=1 to m) and Bi (where i=m+1 to n) so as to perform a search. It is judged whether or not the search result R is blank, and, when the search result is blank, the process progresses to S312. Otherwise, the process progresses to S316.

At the step312(S312), the arithmetic unit214substitutes m with ‘m−2*j’.

At step314(S314), the arithmetic unit214judges whether or not m is 0 (zero), and, when m is zero, the process progresses to S316. Otherwise, the process progresses to S310. By doing so, m is made smaller than half of n, and then the subsequent processing is performed.

At the step S316(S316), the arithmetic unit214outputs the search result R to the control unit204. When the search result R is blank, the arithmetic unit214outputs to the control unit204a purport that the ‘+’ arithmetic operation is impossible. Here, when plural results exist, the plural results are automatically and sequentially displayed when a next candidate button is pressed or at predetermined time. Alternatively, the plural results may be simultaneously displayed. The display method may be set in advance by the user or may be selected at the time of display. Moreover, a standard display method of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10is, for example, simultaneous and parallel display.

In the ‘−’ arithmetic processing (subtraction processing), when the same value exist as the attribute value, the arithmetic unit214subtracts the search result by the parts having the same value from the search result by the first arithmetic object attribute.

FIG. 13is a flowchart showing the ‘−’ arithmetic processing (S40) which is executed by the arithmetic unit214of the arithmetic program200.

As shown inFIG. 13, at step400(S400), the arithmetic unit214acquires the paradigm expansion A′i (i=1 to n) of the first arithmetic object attribute and the paradigm expansion B′i of the second arithmetic object attribute.

At step402(S402), the arithmetic unit214performs an OR arithmetic operation on all the first arithmetic object attributes from 1 to n subjected to the paradigm expansion, and substitutes RA with the result. Similarly, the arithmetic unit214performs the OR arithmetic operation on the second arithmetic object attribute subjected to the paradigm expansion, and substitutes RB with the result.

At step404(S404), the arithmetic unit214substitutes R with the result obtained by subtracting RB from RA.

At step406(S406), the arithmetic unit214outputs the search result R to the control unit204. When the search result R is blank, the arithmetic unit214outputs to the control unit204a purport that the ‘−’ arithmetic operation is impossible.

In the ‘/’ arithmetic processing (division processing), from the fact that ‘/’ is the multiplication of a reciprocal number, the arithmetic unit214performs the paradigm expansion on all the attributes of the second arithmetic object by ‘negation=antonym’, and then performs the ‘*’ arithmetic processing.

FIG. 14is a flowchart showing the ‘/’ arithmetic processing (S50) which is executed by the arithmetic unit214of the arithmetic program200.

At step500(S500), the arithmetic unit214acquires the paradigm expansion B′i by the antonym of all the second arithmetic object attributes Bi when i is from 1 to n.

At step502(S502), the arithmetic unit214substitutes B with the acquired paradigm expansion B′i.

Further, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10may display synonymy, similarity, relation, antonymy, or the like, which does not the second arithmetic object, in the group of control buttons of the information access device16as the operator, in addition to four rules of arithmetic operations. Further, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10may display a logical operator, such as exclusive logical sum or the like, in the group of control buttons in common. In this case, in the arithmetic program200, the arithmetic unit214receives the arithmetic processing corresponding to each button from the control unit204, and performs the arithmetic processing by use of the attributes stored in the first arithmetic object storing unit210or the like.

Next, a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

In the multilayered task supporting apparatus10, at least one of the displays14may be a touch panel. Accordingly, the user can naturally perform the operation of the display object (move or cross) by a length of an operation feeling of the group of control buttons in the information access device16.

Further, in the chair60with a display device (FIG. 1), the display devices64aand64bmay be covered, for example, with a tempered glass. Accordingly, the display device64can be resistant against an impact.

The display devices64aand64bare used as a fourth display and a fifth display by the lengths of the displays14ato14c. Accordingly, the user can confirm the information around the waist, and thus a wide information space can be implemented. The chair60with a display device may have the control device (FIG. 3), and the user can confirm the information by use of the display device64, and perform the edition, like a normal PC.

In addition, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10can allocate the operator button of the ‘+’ button or the like to at least one pedal52of the foot switch50a. Accordingly, the user operates the foot switch, not pressing the ‘+’ button displayed onto the information access device16, thereby performing the arithmetic operation. Therefore, it is possible to operate more efficiently. Further, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10does not need to display the ‘+’ button onto the information access device16, thereby arranging various buttons.

Here, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10can allocate an instruction, representing at which of the three displays14aa cursor is positioned, or may allocate ‘next candidate’ key for searching and displaying expanded information or the group of buttons, to the foot switch50. Further, a function of turning on or off power supplies of all the control devices100at one time may be allocated. Moreover, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10may receive the input through a foot keyboard or a keyboard (not shown) in addition to the foot switch50.

For example, to the pedals52ato52c, functions of copy, cut, and paste are sequentially allocated. Further, to the pedals52ato52c, functions of shift, alt, and enter, functions of left move, stop, and right move, and functions of left end (head), next (one right), and right end (end) may be allocated.

Second Embodiment

Next, a multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to a second embodiment will be described.

The multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that at least one of an arithmetic input start button and an arithmetic input end button is provided.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bare diagrams illustrating a group of control buttons to be displayed onto an information access device16of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 15Ais a diagram showing a button S (‘=’ button) serving as the arithmetic input end button and a button T serving as the arithmetic input start button provided in the information access device16a.FIG. 15Bis a diagram showing the button T on a magnified scale.

In the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the present embodiment, for example, if the buttons are pressed in an order of ‘ARITHMETIC’, ‘A’, ‘+’, ‘B’, and ‘=’, the content of A is displayed onto the first display14a(left display), the content of B is displayed onto the second display14b(right display), and the content of C is displayed onto the third display14c(central display).

In addition, for example, if the buttons are pressed in an order of ‘ARITHMETIC’, ‘A’, ‘+’, ‘B’, ‘+’, ‘C’, ‘+’, ‘D’, and ‘=’, the arithmetic objects on A to D are alternately displayed onto the left and right displays to be divided until the ‘=’ button is pressed. The intermediate result may be dynamically displayed in such a manner of A+B, A+B+C, or A+B+C+D. Further, the arithmetic result may not be displayed until the ‘=’ button is pressed.

Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the multilayered task supporting apparatus10has the arithmetic start button, when the operator button of the ‘+’ button or the like is pressed, the attribute of information corresponding to a previous button may be stored in the arithmetic object slot.

FIG. 16is a flowchart illustrating a button arithmetic processing (S60) in the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the second embodiment of the invention. In addition, the process having the same reference numeral as that of the button operation process (S20) is the same as S20.

As shown inFIG. 16, at step600(S600), the control unit204for the operation program200(FIG. 9) determines whether the user pushes the arithmetic input start button (the button T ofFIG. 15) of the control buttons182displayed on the information access device16of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10. The control unit204progresses the process to a step602(S602) when the arithmetic input start button is pressed. Otherwise, the process progresses to a step600(S600).

At step602(S602), the control unit204controls the registering unit206to reset the content stored in the first arithmetic object storage unit210(the slot for the arithmetic object1) and the second arithmetic object storage unit210(the slot for the arithmetic object2).

Next, at steps200to206(S200to S206), when the user pushes one of the information assigning buttons180, an attribute of this button is stored in the slot for the arithmetic object1, and the first arithmetic object is displayed on the first display14a.

At step604(S604), the control unit204determines whether the user pushes the operator button, such as the ‘+’ button. The control unit204progresses the process a step208(S208) when the operator button is pressed. Otherwise, the process progresses to a step604(S604).

At steps208to214(S208to S214), it is determined whether the operator is a binary operator. When the user pushes one of the information assigning buttons180, an attribute of this button is stored in the slot for the arithmetic object2, and the second arithmetic object is displayed on the second display14b.

Further, an arithmetic process (S10) corresponding to the ‘+’ button is performed.

At step606(S606), the control unit204determines whether the user pushes the arithmetic input end button (the button S ofFIG. 15) of the control buttons182displayed on the information access device16of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10. The control unit204progresses the process the step216(S216) when the arithmetic input end button is pressed. Otherwise, the process progresses to the step606(S606). At the step216(S216), the arithmetic results are displayed on the third display14c.

As described above, at least one of the arithmetic input start button and the arithmetic input end button is provided in the information access device16of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment. In this way, the user can intuitively and easily perform an operation between a plurality of information items.

Next, a method of editing button attributes of buttons18displayed on the information access device16will be described. Each of the buttons18is displayed on the information access device16to have predetermined shape, size, and display location, and the button attribute thereof is changed by keeping pressing a predetermined range, which is defined for each of the buttons18, for a predetermined period of time.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bare views illustrating an editing mode of a button attribute. Here,FIG. 17Bis an enlarged view where a button V shown inFIG. 17Ais enlarged andFIG. 17Cis a view exemplifying a screen displayed when the range W shown inFIG. 17Bis kept being pressed.

As shown inFIG. 17B, when a user keeps pressing the range W of the button V (button of a conference room) for a predetermined period of time (for example, for two seconds), a control device100of a multilayered task supporting apparatus10executes the edition mode of a button attribute. In the edition mode, as shown inFIG. 17C, the control device100of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10displays an edition item on the information access device16. Thus, the user can change the label of a button, a object to be operated, or attributes. In addition, the execution mode is not limited to the editing mode, but another mode may be executed when the range W and another range are kept being pressed.

Further, an edition button (not shown) may be provided for the group of control buttons of the information access device6. After the editing button is pressed, when one button of the group of control buttons is pressed, the editing mode is performed for information assigned for the pressed button. Similarly, a deletion button (not shown) may be provided for the group of control buttons of the information access device6. After the deletion button is pressed, when one button of the group of control buttons is pressed, information assigned for the pressed button may be deleted.

As such, the task set can be defined as a group of buttons.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bare diagrams illustrating the task set displayed on the information access device16. Here,FIG. 18Aillustrates a task set searched by using a button attribute with ‘MUSIC’ a keyword, andFIG. 18Billustrates a view in which a plurality of searched buttons are classified according to an even more specific attribute.

As shown inFIGS. 18A and 18B, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10displays, on the information access device16, buttons included in a predetermined task set of a plurality of registered buttons. The plurality of buttons included in the task set may be alphabetically disposed by using, for example, the label of the button attribute. Further, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10may perform a predetermined search and display the result as a group.

Third Embodiment

Next, a multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to a third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 19is a diagram showing the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 19, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the angles of display devices14are varied.

The angles of the display devices14ato14care varied, and the change of the angles of the display devices14ato14cis performed by directly operating a plate70which supports the display devices. Further, the angles of the display devices14ato14cmay be separately changed.

Mechanism for changing the angles may be realized by using functions of individual PCs such as a notebook type computer (laptop computer), for example, angle adjusting devices (not shown) may be added on both sides of the apparatus main body12.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 20is a diagram showing the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 20, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a second storage72is provided below the apparatus main body12. Therefore, since the user can secure a large storage space in addition to the storage68provided below the chair60with a display device, it is possible to utilize a hybrid information space including papers, pens, books, and other physical goods.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to a fifth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 21is a diagram showing the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 21, the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an optical writing electronic paper74is provided on a part or entire of the cover panel42. The electronic paper74outputs read information to a control unit100. Therefore, a user can easily obtain a copy of information concerning the type of papers and can flexibly operate the information.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to a sixth embodiment will be described.

FIG. 22is a diagram showing the multilayered task supporting apparatus10according to this embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 22, it is preferable that the cover panel42is closed to lock the apparatus main body12by using keys44aand44b. Therefore, it is possible to improve the safety of the multilayered task supporting apparatus10and to prevent the malice operation by a third party.

The protection of electronic data may be implemented by use of a security mechanism of a general PC or the like, and a general desk environment needs to be put in order, since, in the state in which the documents are expanded, the recovery cannot be made. If the cover panel42is closed, the documents are turned down, and the contents are prevented from being viewed. Further, in a state in which the documents are disposed on the top surface of the apparatus main body12, all the documents can reopen at that state by a locking mechanism, such as the key44or the like. Therefore, the operation of the user can be efficiently performed, and productivity can be enhanced.

As described with reference to the embodiments, an access to information can be simply performed at high speed, and representation of contents to be accessed can be performed in parallel.

In the foregoing description, there are described of embodiments to which the present invention is applied. However, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Examples will be briefly discussed hereinbelow.

One example for performing the ‘+’ arithmetic processing is to add a “selected value list” in one of the arithmetic object slot, thereby to set the selected item/value or character string in a document or in a web site. Thereafter, the item (value)/character string that is selected in the first display information, and the item (value)/character string that is selected in the second display information, are synthesized into a third display medium for displaying. This process provides an electronic editing supporting function that generates a new document by cutting and pasting necessary parts from a plurality of information. This process is advantageous by comparison to the known multi-window system in that this process provides a novel method to visualize generating of a new document whereas the original arithmetic objects being displayed as is.

First Display Example

Theme) Multilayered task supporting>Comment) Excessive stress, however the productivity improves, may cause adverse impact on humanity, so that there needs to be taken care of sufficiently.

Second Display Example

Theme) Concentrated task supporting>Comment) Stress is not always ‘bad’ but may exhibit advantage that improves one's motivation and concentration.
[Display Example of the Result of Arithmetic]

Comment) Excessive stress, however the productivity improves, may cause adverse impact on humanity, so that there needs to be taken care of sufficiently.

Comment) Stress is not always ‘bad’ but may exhibit advantage that improves one's motivation and concentration.

In the above shown example, the items selected by the “>” mark are synthesized and listed.

The following arithmetic may be available by combining a plurality of arithmetic operator.

A first task of drafting a specification for patent application and a second task of drafting an article, are designated and a UNION (sum-of-sets arithmetic) is performed.

In the first task, items of: title of the invention; inventor; scope of claims; field of the invention; backgrounds; problems to be solved; means for solving the problems; detailed description; examples; advantages of the invention; and brief description of drawings, are input into the arithmetic object slots.

In the second task, items of: title of the article; author; overview; backgrounds of research; object; prior researches; assumption of research; planning of experiment; result of experiment; analysis; examination; summary; future direction; address of thanks; and references, are input into the arithmetic object slots.

When performing the sum-of-sets arithmetic process, the items that have high commonality with each other are identified by using predetermined commonality determining dictionary. Example of the items in the first and second task that have high commonality are those such as: “title of the invention” and “title of the article”; “inventor” and “author”; “problems to be solved” and “backgrounds of research”; “backgrounds” and “prior researches”; and “advantages of the invention” and “summary”.

Thereafter, the multilayered task is supported by displaying the synthesizing compression schedule as shown below and the result of calculation of the advantage of the compression (as such that value “200” becomes value “120” after compression).1. Determining the title of the invention and the title of the article simultaneously.2. Determining the inventor and the author simultaneously.3. Organize the backgrounds and prior researches simultaneously.4. Write the problems to be solved and the backgrounds of research simultaneously.5. Write the detailed description (only for the first task).6. Write the assumption of research, planning of experiment, and result of experiment (only for the second task).7. Write the advantages of the invention and the overview simultaneously.8. Write the remaining items such as description of the drawings and scope of the invention (only for the first task).9. Write the remaining items such as summary, future direction, address of thanks, and references (only for the second task).

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The components of the embodiments can be combined with each other arbitrarily without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-272052 filed on Sep. 20, 2005 including specification, claims, drawings and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.