Abstract:
Improved operability can be achieved in receiving a handwritten input via a touchscreen panel. An electronic device includes a touchscreen panel, a memory for storing content having at least one predetermined position set for the content, and a processor for obtaining a first touched position via the touchscreen panel, and causing the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon based on the first touched position and the predetermined position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an electronic device, a method for displaying content, and a program employed to display content, that allow a touchscreen panel to display characters, images and other, similar contents thereon. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     There is a technique known to allow a touchscreen panel to display characters, images and the like thereon. Furthermore, there is also a technique known to allow a touchscreen panel to receive and display handwritten characters, hand-drawn images and the like thereon. Furthermore, there is also a technique known to allow a touchscreen panel to receive an instruction to scroll a screen. 
     For example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-301406 (PTD 1) discloses a character input device and a method for controlling displaying an input frame. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-301406 (PTD 1), the character input device includes a character recognition means to recognize a character based on an input handwritten in the input frame and detected by an input reception means. An input frame scrolling means responds to the input reception means detecting that a predetermined input frame having received an input handwritten therein or a scroll reception means detecting that a right/left scrolling button has been pressed by performing automatic scrolling, leftward scrolling or rightward scrolling to scroll the input frame displayed on a display screen. A display processing means displays on the display screen a resultantly recognized character and a resultant scrolling. 
     Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-237836 (PTD 2) discloses in-vehicle electronic equipment including a handwriting input panel. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-237836 (PTD 2), in-vehicle electronic equipment provided with a display unit having a handwriting input panel for inputting handwritten characters, and the handwriting input panel for displaying a character input frame on the display unit, and for identifying and specifying characters handwritten and thus input in the character input frame, is provided with an angle detection unit for detecting an angle made by a display screen on which an operator inputs characters to the character input frame displayed on the display unit and a direction in the operation by the operator, and an input frame switching unit for switching displaying the character input frame to be displayed on the display unit, and the input frame switching unit operates in response to a result detected by the angle detection unit to rotate the character input frame at a different angle to switch displaying the character input frame. 
     Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-301705 (PTD 3) discloses a handwriting input device. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-301705 (PTD 3), a button is provided within a handwriting input frame to be operated to indicate that a position at which the handwriting input frame is displayed is changed, and when the button is touched, a means is initiated for changing a position at which the handwriting input frame is displayed, and the handwriting input frame is displayed at an indicated position and concurrently the changed position at which the handwriting input frame is displayed is stored to memory. 
     Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 8-185479 (PTD 4) discloses a handwritten character input device. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 8-185479 (PTD 4), a character input frame information generation unit generates character input frame information based on coordinate input position information received from a coordinate input unit, and stores it to a first storage unit. A character recognition unit recognizes a character cut out by a character cutting-out unit, and stores resultantly recognized character code data to a second storage unit. A display control unit uses the character input frame information received from the first storage unit to pop up and thus display a character input frame on a display panel from an initial input position. Furthermore, the character input frame information generation unit follows information received from the character recognition unit and indicating an end of recognition to delete content stored in the first storage unit. The character input frame is thus automatically deleted once character recognition has been completed. Note that in doing so the character input frame is simply a frame forming a matrix of cells which are transparent therein and do not hide typed characters or the like. 
     Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-141092 (PTD 5) discloses a handwriting input device. According to Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-141092 (PTD 5), when an input and display device receives a “M:2” handwritten and thus input on a screen as a memo command, a memo window is opened with reference to the position at which the memo command is input. At the time, in the memo window is displayed the image data of a memo number 2 specified by the memo command. When updating memo number 2&#39;s memo content, update data is handwritten in the memo window and thus input. When the memo content has been updated and the memo window is to be closed, a predetermined handwriting operation is performed at a frame reference position box. Thus the memo window is deleted and memo number 2&#39;s memo data is updated by the latest image data currently displayed in the memo window. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Documents 
     
         
         PTD 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-301406 
         PTD 2: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-237836 
         PTD 3: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 10-301705 
         PTD 4: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 8-185479 
         PTD 5: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 7-141092 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     There is a demand for improved operability in receiving a handwritten input via a touchscreen panel. For example, there is a demand for a more convenient and less cumbersome method for inputting an instruction for scrolling. 
     The present invention has been made to overcome such an issue as above and it contemplates improved operability in receiving a handwritten input via a touchscreen panel. 
     Solution to Problem 
     The present invention in one aspect provides an electronic device including: a touchscreen panel; a memory for storing content having at least one predetermined position set for the content; and a processor for obtaining a first touched position via the touchscreen panel, and causing the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon based on the first touched position and the predetermined position. 
     Preferably, a plurality of predetermined positions are set for the content. The processor obtains a contact position of a pen on the touchscreen panel as a second touched position. When the content is displayed based on a first predetermined position of the plurality of predetermined positions, and in that condition the second touched position is no longer input and since then once a predetermined period of time has elapsed, then, the processor causes the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon based on the first touched position and a second predetermined position of the plurality of predetermined positions. 
     Preferably, the first touched position is a contact position of a palm on the touchscreen panel. 
     Preferably, the processor causes the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon such that the predetermined position relative to the first touched position is a first relative position. 
     Preferably, the processor obtains a contact position of a pen on the touchscreen panel as a second touched position. The processor stores the second touched position relative to the first touched position to the memory as the first relative position. 
     Preferably, a plurality of predetermined positions are set for the content. When the content is displayed based on a first predetermined position of the plurality of predetermined positions, and in that condition the first touched position is no longer input and since then once a predetermined period of time has elapsed, then, the processor causes the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon based on the first touched position and a second predetermined position of the plurality of predetermined positions. 
     Preferably, the first touched position corresponds to a contact position of a pen on the touchscreen panel. 
     Preferably, the processor causes the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon such that the first touched position matches the predetermined position. 
     Preferably, the processor stores a center of a rectangle surrounding the contact position of the pen to the memory as the first touched position based on time series data of the contact position of the pen on the touchscreen panel. 
     Preferably, a handwritten input receivable area and a handwritten input unreceivable area corresponding to each of the at least one predetermined position are set for the content. The at least one predetermined position corresponds to the handwritten input receivable area. 
     Preferably, the processor causes the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon such that the handwritten input receivable area and the handwritten input unreceivable area corresponding to the predetermined position that is a target are both entirely displayed based on the first touched position. 
     The present invention in another aspect provides a method for displaying content in an electronic device including a memory for storing content having at least one predetermined position set for the content, a touchscreen panel, and a processor. The method includes the steps of: obtaining, by the processor, a first touched position via the touchscreen panel; and causing, by the processor, the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon based on the first touched position and the predetermined position. 
     The present invention in another aspect provides a program for an electronic device to display content, the electronic device including a memory for storing content having at least one predetermined position set for the content, a touchscreen panel, and a processor. The program causes the processor to perform the steps of: obtaining a first touched position via the touchscreen panel; and causing the touchscreen panel to display the content thereon based on the first touched position and the predetermined position. 
     Advantageous Effect of Invention 
     The present invention can thus provide improved operability in receiving a handwritten input via a touchscreen panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  outlines how an electronic note  100  according to an embodiment operates when it detects a palm and a nib and accordingly adjusts a position to display content. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram representing a hardware configuration of electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of electronic note  100  according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a first flowchart of a content display process according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a second flowchart of the content display process according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  outlines how electronic note  100  operates according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of electronic note  100  according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a content display process according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  outlines how electronic note  100  operates according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of electronic note  100  according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a content display process according to the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter reference will be made to the drawings to describe the present invention in embodiments. In the following description, identical components are identically denoted. Their names and functions are also identical. Accordingly, they will not be described repeatedly in detail. In the following description an electronic note is described as a representative example of an “electronic device.” It should be noted, however, that the “electronic device” can also be implemented as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a similar information terminal having a touchscreen panel. 
     First Embodiment 
     Outlining how Electronic Note  100  Operates 
     Initially will be described how electronic note  100  according to a first embodiment operates when electronic note  100  detects a palm and a nib and accordingly adjusts a position to display content.  FIG. 1  outlines how electronic note  100  according to the embodiment operates when electronic note  100  detects a palm and a nib and accordingly adjusts a position to display content. 
     More specifically,  FIG. 1( a )  shows a user handwriting and thus inputting characters with a stylus pen  190  with his/her palm in contact with a touchscreen panel  120 .  FIG. 1( b )  shows the user having detached stylus pen  190  from touchscreen panel  120 .  FIG. 1( c )  shows electronic note  100  after stylus pen  190  is detached from touchscreen panel  120  when a predetermined period of time elapses. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1( a ) to 1( c ) , touchscreen panel  120  of electronic note  100  displays content such as text, image and/or the like. Herein, the content includes a plurality of questions, and an answer area Y associated with each of the questions. In the content, a question area X and answer area Y are set for each question. Answer area Y may be included in question area X, or may be provided independently of question area X. 
     The content has stored information therein for determining a position for answer area Y for each question. For example, the content has stored therein information indicating a center position, an upper left end and/or the like of answer area Y for each question. Alternatively, text data, image data and/or the like for indicating answer area Y may per se be information indicating a position of the answer area. In other words, electronic note  100  may display a center of answer area Y or answer area Y at a preferable position based on the text data, image data and/or the like for indicating answer area Y. 
     Note that electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment receives an input handwritten in answer area Y and does not receive an input handwritten outside answer area Y. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1( a ) , the user has his/her palm in contact with touchscreen panel  120 . Electronic note  100  obtains a contact area Q on touchscreen panel  120  in which the user&#39;s palm is in contact with touchscreen panel  120 . Electronic note  100  calculates the centroid of contact area Q or a center position of a rectangle surrounding the contact area as a contact position R of the palm. With reference to a question 1, the user handwrites and thus inputs an answer to answer area Y of question 1. Electronic note  100  successively obtains a contact position S on touchscreen panel  120  at which stylus pen  190  (or a finger of the user or the like) is in contact with touchscreen panel  120 , and electronic note  100  accordingly displays a handwritten and thus input character, image and/or the like on touchscreen panel  120 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 1( b ) , when the user finishes writing the answer in answer area Y of question 1, the user detaches stylus pen  190  from touchscreen panel  120 . Electronic note  100  measures time elapsing since it no longer detects the nib of stylus pen  190 . 
     In the present embodiment, electronic note  100  calculates reference coordinate data A indicating a center position of a rectangle surrounding a handwritten character input to answer area Y of question 1. Alternatively, electronic note  100  sets as reference coordinate data A contact position S of stylus pen  190  that is latest immediately before electronic note  100  no longer detects the nib of stylus pen  190 . Alternatively, electronic note  100  sets a center position of answer area Y of question 1 as reference coordinate data A. 
     Electronic note  100  calculates reference coordinate data B indicating a center position of a rectangle surrounding contact position R of the palm obtained while the user is inputting a handwritten character to answer area Y of question 1. Alternatively, electronic note  100  sets as reference coordinate data B contact position R of the palm that is obtained immediately before electronic note  100  no longer detects the nib of stylus pen  190 . 
     Electronic note  100  uses reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B to calculate a contact position of stylus pen  190  relative to that of the palm, or a relative position T. Electronic note  100  sets relative position T as reference coordinate data C. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1( c ) , after electronic note  100  no longer detects the nib and subsequently once a predetermined period of time has elapsed electronic note  100  redisplays the content to allow question 2 to have its answer area Y with its center positioned away from the current contact position R of the palm by relative position T registered as reference coordinate data. 
     Thus according to the present embodiment electronic note  100  operates such that after the user finishes writing an answer in answer area Y of question 1 and subsequently once a predetermined period of time has elapsed electronic note  100  redisplays content, based on contact position R of the user&#39;s palm and contact position S of stylus pen  190 , to allow question 2 to have its answer area automatically positioned under the current position of stylus pen  190 . As a result, the user can scroll the content by a single question without a cumbersome operation apart from a handwritten input. In other words, improved operability can be achieved. 
     To implement such a function, electronic note  100  is specifically configured, as will be described hereinafter. 
     &lt;Hardware Configuration of Electronic Note  100 &gt; 
     Electronic note  100  is specifically configured in one manner, as will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram representing a hardware configuration of electronic note  100 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , electronic note  100  includes a CPU  110 , touchscreen panel  120 , a memory  130 , a memory interface  140 , and a communication interface  150  as main components. 
     Touchscreen panel  120  includes a display  121  and a tablet  122 . Touchscreen panel  120  may be any type of a resistance film system, a surface acoustic wave system, an infrared system, an electromagnetic induction system, and a capacitive sensing system, and the like. Touchscreen panel  120  may include optical sensor liquid crystal. 
     Touchscreen panel  120  detects an operation of touching touchscreen panel  120  by an external object whenever a predetermined time arrives, and touchscreen panel  120  accordingly inputs a contact position (or a contact coordinate) to CPU  110 . Touchscreen panel  120  according to the present embodiment detects contact position S of stylus pen  190  and contact area Q of a palm or contact position R of the palm. 
     CPU  110  can thus obtain contact position S of stylus pen  190  and contact position R of the palm through touchscreen panel  120  successively. However, CPU  110  may calculate contact position S of stylus pen  190  and contact position R of the palm from image data generated from a sensor signal received from touchscreen panel  120 . 
     Touchscreen panel  120  operates in response to an instruction (or signal) received from CPU  110  to display a character, an image and/or the like. CPU  110  transmits an instruction (or signal) to touchscreen panel  120  to cause touchscreen panel  120  to display a character, an image and/or the like. 
     Memory  130  is implemented as a variety of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, and/or the like. Memory  130  stores a program executed by CPU  110 , a variety of types of data as will be described later, and the like. CPU  110  controls each component of electronic note  100  by executing the program stored in memory  130 . 
     Memory interface  140  reads data from an external storage medium  141 . In other words, CPU  110  reads via memory interface  140  the data stored in external storage medium  141 , and stores the data to memory  130 . CPU  110  also reads data from memory  130  and stores the data to external storage medium  141  via memory interface  140 . 
     Note that storage medium  141  includes compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk-read only memory (DVD-ROM), universal serial bus (USB) memory, a memory card, a flexible disk (FD), a hard disk, magnetic tape, cassette tape, a magnetic optical disc (MO), a mini disc (MD), an integrated circuit (IC) card (excluding the memory card), an optical card, mask ROM, EPROM, electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and a similar medium allowing a program to be stored therein in a non volatile manner. 
     Communication interface  150  is implemented as an antenna, a connector and/or the like. Communication interface  150  communicates data with another device via a cable or wirelessly. In other words, via communication interface  150 , CPU  110  receives a program, image data, text data and the like from another device and transmits image data, text data and the like to another device. 
     A clock  160  transmits the current time to CPU  110 . Clock  160  operates in response to an instruction received from CPU  110  to measure time elapsing since stylus pen  190  was detached from touchscreen panel  120 . 
     CPU  110  controls each component of electronic note  100  by executing a program stored in memory  130  or storage medium  141 . In other words, by executing the program stored in memory  130  or storage medium  141 , CPU  110  implements the functional block shown in  FIG. 3  and performs the process represented in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
     &lt;Functional Configuration of Electronic Note  100 &gt; 
     Hereinafter will be described a functional configuration that electronic note  100  has.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , memory  130  initially stores time series data of contact position S of stylus pen  190  input via touchscreen panel  120  (or handwriting data  131 ). Memory  130  stores as reference coordinate data A the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates of contact position S of stylus pen  190  for a question for which a handwritten character is input (hereinafter also referred to as a “target question”) and a center coordinate of a rectangle having the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates as vertices (i.e., a rectangle surrounding the handwritten character). Alternatively, memory  130  stores as reference coordinate data A a latest coordinate of contact position S of stylus pen  190  for the target question. Alternatively, memory  130  stores as reference coordinate data A a center position of answer area Y of the target question. 
     Memory  130  stores as reference coordinate data B the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates of contact position R of the palm obtained while a handwritten input is done to the target question and a center coordinate of a rectangle having the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates as vertices. Alternatively, memory  130  stores as reference coordinate data B a latest coordinate of contact position R of the palm obtained while a handwritten input is done to the target question. 
     Memory  130  stores a difference between reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B, or contact position S of stylus pen  190  relative to contact position R of the palm, i.e., relative position T, as reference coordinate data C. 
     Memory  130  has question data  133  (or content) including text, an image, and the like stored therein. Memory  130  includes question display area data  134  extracted from question data  133  for representing question area X for each question, and handwritable area data  135  extracted from question data  133  for representing answer area Y for each question. Question data  133  includes information indicating a center of answer area Y. Alternatively, the information indicating the center of answer area Y may be text data, image data or the like indicating answer area Y. In that case, CPU  110  calculates the center of answer area Y. 
     CPU  110  executes a program stored in memory  130  to implement a coordinate detection unit  111 , a handwriting processing unit  112 , a coordinate processing unit  113 , a scroll processing unit  114  and a question display processing unit  115 . 
     Note that in the present embodiment coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114 , and question display processing unit  115  are a software module implemented by CPU  110  executing the program. However, coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114 , and question display processing unit  115  may be implemented by dedicated hardware circuitry. 
     Initially, coordinate detection unit  111  obtains a contact position of an external object on touchscreen panel  120 , as based on a signal received from tablet  122 . Coordinate detection unit  111  stores contact position S, as obtained, of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  successively as time series data (or handwriting data  131 ). Coordinate detection unit  111  may associate a coordinate of a handwritten image with the type of the pen selected, and store the association to memory  130 . Furthermore, coordinate detection unit  111  stores the centroid of contact area Q, as based on contact area Q of the palm as obtained, to memory  130  as contact position R of the palm. 
     Handwriting processing unit  112  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display a locus of the contact position, as based on handwriting data  131 . Thus when the contact position has a locus representing a character, graphics and/or the like, the user can recognize the character, graphics and/or the like displayed on touchscreen panel  120 . When the screen is scrolled (or a position at which content is displayed is changed) as will be described hereinafter, handwriting processing unit  112  moves the locus of the contact position, or a handwritten character, to accommodate the amount scrolled and thus displays it (i.e., moves it in parallel). 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  refers to handwritable area data  135  to store contact position S of stylus pen  190 , i.e., handwriting data  131  that coordinate detection unit  111  has obtained, that is located in answer area Y as handwriting data  131  to memory  130 , and to delete (or ignore) contact position S of stylus pen  190 , i.e., handwriting data  131  that coordinate detection unit  111  has obtained, that is located outside answer area Y. 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  updates reference coordinate data A stored in memory  130 , as based on contact position S of stylus pen  190 . More specifically, coordinate processing unit  113  updates the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates of contact position S of stylus pen  190  for a question for which a handwritten character is input (or a target question) and a center coordinate of a rectangle having the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates as vertices (i.e., a rectangle surrounding the handwritten character). Alternatively, coordinate processing unit  113  updates a latest coordinate of contact position S of stylus pen  190  for the target question. Alternatively, coordinate processing unit  113  updates a center position of answer area Y of the target question. 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  updates reference coordinate data B stored in memory  130 , as based on contact position R of the palm. More specifically, coordinate processing unit  113  updates the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates of contact position R of the palm obtained while a handwritten input is done to the target question and a center coordinate of a rectangle having the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates as vertices. Alternatively, coordinate processing unit  113  updates a latest coordinate of contact position R of the palm obtained while a handwritten input is done to the target question. 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  updates reference coordinate data C stored in memory  130 . More specifically, coordinate processing unit  113  uses reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B to update contact position S of stylus pen  190  relative to contact position R of the palm, i.e., relative position T. 
     Scroll processing unit  114  refers to clock  160  to obtain therefrom time elapsing since coordinate detection unit  111  no longer detects contact position S of stylus pen  190 . Time thus elapses, and once it has reached a predetermined time, scroll processing unit  114  determines a position to display the content such that a next question&#39;s answer area Y has its center positioned away from the latest (or current) contact position R of the palm by relative position T based on reference coordinate data C. For example, scroll processing unit  114  determines an amount of scrolling the content displayed. 
     More specifically, scroll processing unit  114  determines the amount to be scrolled, as follows: once contact position S of stylus pen  190  detected in answer area Y of question 1 has no longer been detected, then a predetermined period of time is awaited and thereafter answer area Y of a next question (or question 2) moves to a position away from the current contact position R of the palm by relative position T. Note, however, that scroll processing unit  114  may determine the amount to be scrolled only in the y direction to allow the next question&#39;s answer area Y to have its center with a y coordinate matching that of relative position T from the current contact position R of the palm. 
     Question display processing unit  115  redisplays the content, based on question data  133 , when scroll processing unit  114  determines that time has elapsed and reached the predetermined time. For example, once contact position S of stylus pen  190  detected in answer area Y of question 1 has no longer been detected, then question display processing unit  115  refers to question data  133  to redisplay the content so that the next question&#39;s answer area Y has its center matching relative position T from the current contact position R of the palm. Note, however, that question display processing unit  115  may redisplay the content to allow the next question&#39;s answer area Y to have its center with a y coordinate matching that of relative position T from the current contact position R of the palm. 
     Note that preferably question display processing unit  115  refers to question display area data  134  and handwritable area data  135  to cause touchscreen panel  120  to display content to display the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) question area X and answer area Y altogether on touchscreen panel  120 . In other words, question display processing unit  115  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display the content such that the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) question area X and answer area Y are accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in a display area. 
     &lt;Content Display Process&gt; 
     CPU  110  according to the present embodiment performs a content display process, as will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 4  is a first flowchart of the content display process according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 5  is a second flowchart of the content display process according to the first embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , CPU  110  reads question data  133  from memory  130 , and causes touchscreen panel  120  to display question 1 (or the target question) entirely, question 2 entirely, and a question 3 partially thereon (Step S 102 ). CPU  110  stores question display area data  134  and handwritable area data  135 , based on the question data, to memory  130  for each question (Step S 104 ). 
     CPU  110  determines whether a handwriting mode is selected (Step S 106 ). For example, CPU  110  determines which one is selected from a mode allowing stylus pen  190  or the like to be used to handwrite and thus input a character, a mode allowing a software button to be used to input a character, and a mode allowing a hardware button to be used to input a character. 
     If the handwriting mode is not selected (NO in Step S 106 ), CPU  110  ends the content display process. In that case, a screen is scrolled in accordance with a normal scroll instruction, for example. 
     If the handwriting mode is selected (YES in Step S 106 ), CPU  110  detects a contact position via touchscreen panel  120 . If no contact position can be detected (NO in Step S 108 ) CPU  110  repeats Step S 108 . 
     If any contact position can be detected (YES in Step S 108 ), then from that contact position&#39;s area (or how many pixels it has), pressure and/or the like CPU  110  determines whether a palm is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (Step S 110 ). If no palm is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (NO in Step S 110 ) CPU  110  performs Step S 114  et seq. 
     If a palm is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (YES in Step S 110 ) CPU  110  stores contact position R of the palm to memory  130  as reference coordinate data B (Step S 112 ). More specifically, CPU  110  calculates contact position R of the palm based on contact area Q obtained from touchscreen panel  120 . 
     CPU  110  determines whether stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (Step S 114 ). If stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (YES in Step S 114 ), CPU  110  stores contact position S of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  as reference coordinate data A (Step S 116 ). 
     CPU  110  causes touchscreen panel  120  to vary a manner of displaying a position corresponding to contact position S of stylus pen  190  (e.g., brightness) (Step S 118 ). More specifically, CPU  110  stores contact position S of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  as handwriting data  131 . Then, CPU  110  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display an input handwritten character along handwriting data  131  (or a locus of contact position S of stylus pen  190 ). CPU  110  performs step S 120  et seq. 
     If stylus pen  190  is not in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (NO in Step S 114 ), CPU  110  refers to clock  160  to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (Step S 120 ). If the predetermined period of time has not yet elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (NO in Step S 120 ) CPU  110  repeats step S 110  et seq. 
     If the predetermined period of time has elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (YES in Step S 120 ), CPU  110  determines whether reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B are stored in memory  130  (Step S 122 ). Alternatively, CPU  110  determines whether reference coordinate data C is stored in memory  130 . If either reference coordinate data A or reference coordinate data B is not stored in memory  130  (NO in Step S 122 ), CPU  110  performs step S 126  et seq. 
     If reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B are stored in memory  130  (YES in Step S 122 ), CPU  110  calculates a position at which the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 124 ). More specifically, CPU  110  uses reference coordinate data C to calculate a position away from the current contact position R of the palm by relative position T. 
     CPU  110  determines whether reference coordinate data A is alone stored in memory  130  (Step S 126 ). In other words, CPU  110  determines whether reference coordinate data A has a coordinate value stored therein and reference coordinate data B has NULL stored therein. If reference coordinate data A is not alone stored in memory  130  (NO in Step S 126 ), CPU  110  performs step S 130  et seq. 
     If reference coordinate data A is alone stored in memory  130  (YES in Step S 126 ), CPU  110  calculates a position at which the next question&#39;s answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 128 ). More specifically, CPU  110  sets based on reference coordinate data A as a position at which answer area Y should be displayed a center position of a rectangle surrounding a handwritten character input to answer area Y of question 1 or contact position S of stylus pen  190  that is latest immediately before the nib of stylus pen  190  is no longer detected. 
     CPU  110  determines whether a position is set at which the next question&#39;s answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 130 ). If a position is not set at which the next question&#39;s answer area Y should be displayed (NO in Step S 130 ) CPU  110  repeats step S 108  et seq. 
     If a position is set at which the next question&#39;s answer area Y should be displayed (YES in Step S 130 ) CPU  110  tries to match a center W 2  of answer area Y of question 2 to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed. With question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed, CPU  110  determines whether question 2 has its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (Step S 132 ). 
     If question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed has its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (YES in Step S 132 ), CPU  110  scrolls the screen so that question 2 has its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 134 ). CPU  110  repeats step S 108  et seq. 
     If question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed fails to have its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (NO in Step S 132 ), CPU  110  scrolls the screen so that question 2 has its question area X and answer area Y accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (Step S 136 ). For example, CPU  110  scrolls the screen to allow question 2 to have an upper end displayed at that of touchscreen panel  120 . CPU  110  repeats step S 108  et seq. 
     Second Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment, a position to display content is determined based on contact position R of a palm and contact position S of stylus pen  190 . However, electronic note  100  may determine a position to display content, based on contact position R of the palm and relative position T as predetermined, irrespective of contact position S of stylus pen  190 . In the present embodiment, relative position T is set previously. 
     Hereinafter will be described as a second embodiment a configuration of electronic note  100  displaying content based on contact position R of a palm irrespective of contact position S of stylus pen  190 . Note that no description will be repeated for any configuration similar to that of electronic note  100  according to the first embodiment. 
     &lt;Outlining how Electronic Note  100  Operates&gt; 
     Initially will be outlined how electronic note  100  operates according to the second embodiment.  FIG. 6  outlines how electronic note  100  operates according to the second embodiment. 
     More specifically,  FIG. 6( a )  shows a user handwriting and thus inputting characters with stylus pen  190  with his/her palm in contact with touchscreen panel  120 .  FIG. 6( b )  shows the user having detached stylus pen  190  from touchscreen panel  120 .  FIG. 6( c )  shows electronic note  100  after stylus pen  190  is detached from touchscreen panel  120  when a predetermined period of time elapses. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6( a ) to 6( c ) , touchscreen panel  120  of electronic note  100  displays content such as text, image and/or the like. Herein, the content includes a plurality of questions and answer area Y associated with each of the questions. In the content, question area X and answer area Y are set for each question. Answer area Y may be included in question area X, or may be provided independently of question area X. 
     The content has stored information therein for determining a position for answer area Y for each question. For example, the content has stored therein information indicating a center position, an upper left end and/or the like of answer area Y for each question. Alternatively, text data, image data and/or the like for indicating answer area Y may per se be information indicating a position of the answer area. In other words, electronic note  100  may display a center of answer area Y or answer area Y at a preferable position based on the text data, image data and/or the like for indicating answer area Y. 
     Note that electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment receives an input handwritten in answer area Y and does not receive an input handwritten outside answer area Y. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6( a ) , the user with reference to question 1 handwrites and thus inputs an answer to answer area Y of question 1. Electronic note  100  successively obtains contact position S on touchscreen panel  120  at which stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120 , and electronic note  100  accordingly displays a handwritten and thus input character, image and/or the like on touchscreen panel  120 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6( b ) , when the user finishes writing the answer in answer area Y of question 1, the user detaches stylus pen  190  from touchscreen panel  120 . Electronic note  100  measures time elapsing since it no longer detects the nib of stylus pen  190 . 
     Note that, in the present embodiment, electronic note  100  does not need to obtain reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6( c ) , after electronic note  100  no longer detects the nib and subsequently once a predetermined period of time has elapsed electronic note  100  redisplays the content to allow question 2 to have its answer area Y with its center positioned away from the latest (or current) contact position R of the palm by relative position T as predetermined. 
     Thus according to the present embodiment electronic note  100  operates such that after the user finishes writing an answer in answer area Y of question 1 and subsequently once a predetermined period of time has elapsed electronic note  100  redisplays content, based on the position of the user&#39;s palm, to allow question 2 to have its answer area automatically positioned under stylus pen  190 . As a result, the user can scroll the content by a single question without a cumbersome operation apart from a handwritten input. In other words, improved operability can be achieved. 
     Note that electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment has a hardware configuration that is similar to that of the first embodiment, and accordingly will not be described repeatedly. 
     &lt;Functional Configuration of Electronic Note  100 &gt; 
     Hereinafter will be described a functional configuration that electronic note  100  has.  FIG. 7  is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , when memory  130  according to the present embodiment is compared with memory  130  of the first embodiment, the former is different from the latter in that the former is not required to store reference coordinate data A and reference coordinate data B and that the former has reference coordinate data C previously set therein. The other data is similar to that of the first embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described herein repeatedly. 
     CPU  110  executes a program stored in memory  130  to implement coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114  and question display processing unit  115 . 
     Note that in the present embodiment coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114 , and question display processing unit  115  are a software module implemented by CPU  110  executing the program. However, coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114  and question display processing unit  115  may be implemented by dedicated hardware circuitry. 
     Coordinate detection unit  111  and handwriting processing unit  112  are similar to those of the first embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described herein repeatedly. 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  refers to handwritable area data  135  to store contact position S of stylus pen  190 , i.e., handwriting data  131  that coordinate detection unit  111  has obtained, that is located in answer area Y as handwriting data  131  to memory  130 , and to delete (or ignore) contact position S of stylus pen  190 , i.e., handwriting data  131  that coordinate detection unit  111  has obtained, that is located outside answer area Y. 
     Scroll processing unit  114  refers to clock  160  to obtain therefrom time elapsing since coordinate detection unit  111  no longer detects contact position S of stylus pen  190 . Time thus elapses, and once it has reached a predetermined time, scroll processing unit  114  determines a position to display the content, as based on reference coordinate data C, such that a next question&#39;s answer area Y has its center positioned away from the latest (or current) contact position R of the palm by relative position T as predetermined. For example, scroll processing unit  114  determines an amount of scrolling the content displayed. 
     More specifically, scroll processing unit  114  determines the amount to be scrolled, as follows: once contact position S of stylus pen  190  detected in answer area Y of question 1 has no longer been detected, then a predetermined period of time is awaited and thereafter answer area Y of a next question (or question 2) moves to a position away from the current contact position R of the palm by relative position T as predetermined. Note, however, that scroll processing unit  114  may determine the amount to be scrolled only in the y direction to allow the next question&#39;s answer area Y to have its center with a y coordinate matching that of relative position T from the current contact position R of the palm. 
     Question display processing unit  115  redisplays the content, based on question data  133 , when scroll processing unit  114  determines that time has elapsed and reached the predetermined time. For example, once contact position S of stylus pen  190  detected in answer area Y of question 1 has no longer been detected, then question display processing unit  115  refers to question data  133  to redisplay the content so that the next question has its answer area Y matching relative position T that is predetermined from the current contact position R of the palm. Note, however, that question display processing unit  115  may redisplay the content to allow the next question&#39;s answer area Y to have its center with a y coordinate matching that of relative position T from the current contact position R of the palm. 
     Note that preferably question display processing unit  115  refers to question display area data  134  and handwritable area data  135  to cause touchscreen panel  120  to display content to display the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) question area X and answer area Y altogether on touchscreen panel  120 . In other words, question display processing unit  115  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display the content such that the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) question area X and answer area Y are accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area. 
     &lt;Content Display Process&gt; 
     CPU  110  according to the present embodiment performs a content display process, as will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a content display process according to the second embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , CPU  110  reads question data  133  from memory  130 , and causes touchscreen panel  120  to display question 1 entirely, question 2 entirely, and question 3 partially thereon (Step S 202 ). CPU  110  stores question display area data  134  and handwritable area data  135 , based on the question data, to memory  130  for each question (Step S 204 ). 
     CPU  110  determines whether a handwriting mode is selected (Step S 206 ). For example, CPU  110  determines which one is selected from a mode allowing stylus pen  190  or the like to be used to handwrite and thus input a character, a mode allowing a software button to be used to input a character, and a mode allowing a hardware button to be used to input a character. 
     If the handwriting mode is not selected (NO in Step S 206 ), CPU  110  ends the content display process. In that case, a screen is scrolled in accordance with a normal scroll instruction, for example. 
     If the handwriting mode is selected (YES in Step S 206 ), CPU  110  detects a contact position via touchscreen panel  120 . If no contact position can be detected (NO in Step S 208 ) CPU  110  repeats Step S 208 . 
     If any contact position can be detected (YES in Step S 208 ), CPU  110  determines whether stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (Step S 214 ). If stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (YES in Step S 214 ), CPU  110  stores contact position S of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  as reference coordinate data A (Step S 216 ). 
     CPU  110  causes touchscreen panel  120  to vary a manner of displaying a position corresponding to contact position S of stylus pen  190  (e.g., brightness) (Step S 218 ). More specifically, CPU  110  stores contact position S of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  as handwriting data  131 . Then, CPU  110  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display an input handwritten character along handwriting data  131  (or a locus of contact position S of stylus pen  190 ). CPU  110  performs step S 220  et seq. 
     If stylus pen  190  is not in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (NO in Step S 214 ), CPU  110  refers to clock  160  to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (Step S 220 ). If the predetermined period of time has not yet elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (NO in Step S 220 ) CPU  110  repeats step S 214  et seq. 
     If the predetermined period of time has elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (YES in Step S 220 ), CPU  110  calculates a position at which a next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 224 ). More specifically, CPU  110  uses reference coordinate data C to calculate a position away from the current contact position R of the palm by relative position T as predetermined. 
     CPU  110  tries to match center W 2  of answer area Y of question 2 to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed. With question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed, CPU  110  determines whether question 2 has its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area. 
     If question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed has its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (YES in Step S 232 ), CPU  110  scrolls the screen so that question 2 has its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 234 ). CPU  110  repeats step S 208  et seq. 
     If question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed fails to have its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (NO in Step S 232 ), CPU  110  scrolls the screen so that question 2 has its question area X and answer area Y accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (Step S 236 ). For example, CPU  110  scrolls the screen to allow question 2 to have an upper end displayed at that of touchscreen panel  120 . CPU  110  repeats step S 208  et seq. 
     Third Embodiment 
     In the first embodiment, a position to display content is determined based on contact position R of a palm and contact position S of stylus pen  190 . However, electronic note  100  may determine a position to display content, based on contact position S of stylus pen  190 , irrespective of contact position R of the palm. 
     Hereinafter will be described as a third embodiment a configuration of electronic note  100  displaying content, based on contact position S of stylus pen  190 , irrespective of contact position R of the palm. Note that no description will be repeated for any configuration similar to that of electronic note  100  according to the first embodiment. 
     &lt;Outlining how Electronic Note  100  Operates&gt; 
     Initially will be outlined how electronic note  100  operates according to the third embodiment.  FIG. 9  outlines how electronic note  100  operates according to the third embodiment. 
     More specifically,  FIG. 9( a )  shows a user handwriting and thus inputting characters with stylus pen  190 .  FIG. 9( b )  shows the user having detached stylus pen  190  from touchscreen panel  120 .  FIG. 9( c )  shows electronic note  100  after stylus pen  190  is detached from touchscreen panel  120  when a predetermined period of time elapses. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9( a ) to 9( c ) , touchscreen panel  120  of electronic note  100  displays content such as text, image and/or the like. Herein, the content includes a plurality of questions and answer area Y associated with each of the questions. In the content, question area X and answer area Y are set for each question. Answer area Y may be included in question area X, or may be provided independently of question area X. 
     The content has stored information therein for determining a position for answer area Y for each question. For example, the content has stored therein information indicating a center position, an upper left end and/or the like of answer area Y for each question. Alternatively, text data, image data and/or the like for indicating answer area Y may per se be information indicating a position of the answer area. In other words, electronic note  100  may display a center of answer area Y or answer area Y at a preferable position based on the text data, image data and/or the like for indicating answer area Y. 
     Note that electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment receives an input handwritten in answer area Y and does not receive an input handwritten outside answer area Y. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9( a ) , the user with reference to question 1 handwrites and thus inputs an answer to answer area Y of question 1. Electronic note  100  successively obtains contact position S on touchscreen panel  120  at which stylus pen  190  (or a finger of the user or the like) is in contact with touchscreen panel  120 , and electronic note  100  accordingly displays a handwritten and thus input character, image and/or the like on touchscreen panel  120 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 9( b ) , when the user finishes writing the answer in answer area Y of question 1, the user detaches stylus pen  190  from touchscreen panel  120 . Electronic note  100  measures time elapsing since it no longer detects the nib of stylus pen  190 . 
     Electronic note  100  calculates reference coordinate data A indicating a center position of a rectangle surrounding a handwritten character input to answer area Y of question 1. Alternatively, electronic note  100  sets as reference coordinate data A contact position S of stylus pen  190  that is latest immediately before electronic note  100  no longer detects the nib of stylus pen  190 . Alternatively, electronic note  100  sets a center position of answer area Y of question 1 as reference coordinate data A. 
     With reference to  FIG. 9( c ) , after electronic note  100  no longer detects the nib and subsequently once a predetermined period of time has elapsed electronic note  100  redisplays the content to allow question 2 to have its answer area Y with its center positioned as indicated by reference coordinate data A. 
     Thus according to the present embodiment electronic note  100  operates such that after the user finishes writing an answer in answer area Y of question 1 and subsequently once a predetermined period of time has elapsed electronic note  100  redisplays content, based on contact position S of stylus pen  190 , to allow question 2 to have its answer area automatically positioned under stylus pen  190 . As a result, the user can scroll the content by a single question without a cumbersome operation apart from a handwritten input. In other words, improved operability can be achieved. 
     Note that electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment has a hardware configuration that is similar to that of the first embodiment, and accordingly will not be described repeatedly. 
     &lt;Functional Configuration of Electronic Note  100 &gt; 
     Hereinafter will be described a functional configuration that electronic note  100  has.  FIG. 10  is a block diagram representing a functional configuration of electronic note  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 10 , when memory  130  according to the present embodiment is compared with memory  130  of the first embodiment, the former is different from the latter in that the former is not required to store reference coordinate data B and reference coordinate data C. The other data is similar to that of the first embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described herein repeatedly. 
     CPU  110  executes a program stored in memory  130  to implement coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114  and question display processing unit  115 . 
     Note that in the present embodiment coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114 , and question display processing unit  115  are a software module implemented by CPU  110  executing the program. However, coordinate detection unit  111 , handwriting processing unit  112 , coordinate processing unit  113 , scroll processing unit  114  and question display processing unit  115  may be implemented by dedicated hardware circuitry. 
     Coordinate detection unit  111  and handwriting processing unit  112  are similar to those of the first embodiment, and accordingly, will not be described herein repeatedly. 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  refers to handwritable area data  135  to store contact position S of stylus pen  190 , i.e., handwriting data  131  that coordinate detection unit  111  has obtained, that is located in answer area Y as handwriting data  131  to memory  130 , and to delete (or ignore) contact position S of stylus pen  190 , i.e., handwriting data  131  that coordinate detection unit  111  has obtained, that is located outside answer area Y. 
     Coordinate processing unit  113  updates reference coordinate data A stored in memory  130 , as based on contact position S of stylus pen  190 . More specifically, coordinate processing unit  113  updates the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates of contact position S of stylus pen  190  for a question for which a handwritten character is input (or a target question) and a center coordinate of a rectangle having the topmost, bottommost, rightmost, and leftmost coordinates as vertices (i.e., a rectangle surrounding the handwritten character). Alternatively, coordinate processing unit  113  updates a latest coordinate of contact position S of stylus pen  190  for the target question. Alternatively, coordinate processing unit  113  updates a center position of answer area Y of the target question. 
     Scroll processing unit  114  refers to clock  160  to obtain therefrom time elapsing since coordinate detection unit  111  no longer detects contact position S of stylus pen  190 . Time thus elapses, and once it has reached a predetermined time, scroll processing unit  114  determines a position to display the content such that a next question&#39;s answer area Y has its center at a position indicated by reference coordinate data A. For example, scroll processing unit  114  determines an amount of scrolling the content displayed. 
     More specifically, scroll processing unit  114  determines the amount to be scrolled, as follows: once contact position S of stylus pen  190  detected in answer area Y of question 1 has no longer been detected, then a predetermined period of time is awaited and thereafter answer area Y of a next question (or question 2) moves to a position indicated by reference coordinate data A. Note, however, that scroll processing unit  114  may determine the amount to be scrolled only in the y direction to allow the next question&#39;s answer area Y to have its center with a y coordinate matching that indicated by reference coordinate data A. 
     Question display processing unit  115  redisplays the content, based on question data  133 , when scroll processing unit  114  determines that time has elapsed and reached the predetermined time. For example, once contact position S of stylus pen  190  detected in answer area Y of question 1 has no longer been detected, then question display processing unit  115  refers to question data  133  to redisplay the content so that the next question has its answer area Y matching relative position T from the current contact position R of the palm. Note, however, that question display processing unit  115  may redisplay the content to allow the next question&#39;s answer area Y to have its center with a y coordinate matching that indicated by reference coordinate data A. 
     Note that preferably question display processing unit  115  refers to question display area data  134  and handwritable area data  135  to cause touchscreen panel  120  to display content to display the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) question area X and answer area Y altogether on touchscreen panel  120 . In other words, question display processing unit  115  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display the content such that the next question&#39;s (or question 2&#39;s) question area X and answer area Y are accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area. 
     &lt;Content Display Process&gt; 
     CPU  110  according to the present embodiment performs a content display process, as will be described hereinafter.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a content display process according to the third embodiment. 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , CPU  110  reads question data  133  from memory  130 , and causes touchscreen panel  120  to display question 1 entirely, question 2 entirely, and question 3 partially thereon (Step S 302 ). CPU  110  stores question display area data  134  and handwritable area data  135 , based on the question data, to memory  130  for each question (Step S 304 ). 
     CPU  110  determines whether a handwriting mode is selected (Step S 306 ). For example, CPU  110  determines which one is selected from a mode allowing stylus pen  190  or the like to be used to handwrite and thus input a character, a mode allowing a software button to be used to input a character, and a mode allowing a hardware button to be used to input a character. 
     If the handwriting mode is not selected (NO in Step S 306 ), CPU  110  ends the content display process. In that case, a screen is scrolled in accordance with a normal scroll instruction, for example. 
     If the handwriting mode is selected (YES in Step S 306 ), CPU  110  detects a contact position via touchscreen panel  120 . If no contact position can be detected (NO in Step S 308 ) CPU  110  repeats Step S 308 . 
     CPU  110  determines whether stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (Step S 314 ). If stylus pen  190  is in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (YES in Step S 314 ), CPU  110  stores contact position S of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  as reference coordinate data A (Step S 316 ). 
     CPU  110  causes touchscreen panel  120  to vary a manner of displaying a position corresponding to contact position S of stylus pen  190  (e.g., brightness) (Step S 318 ). More specifically, CPU  110  stores contact position S of stylus pen  190  to memory  130  as handwriting data  131 . Then, CPU  110  causes touchscreen panel  120  to display an input handwritten character along handwriting data  131  (or a locus of contact position S of stylus pen  190 ). CPU  110  performs step S 320  et seq. 
     If stylus pen  190  is not in contact with touchscreen panel  120  (NO in Step S 314 ), CPU  110  refers to clock  160  to determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (Step S 320 ). If the predetermined period of time has not yet elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (NO in Step S 320 ) CPU  110  repeats step S 314  et seq. 
     If the predetermined period of time has elapsed since contact position S of stylus pen  190  was no longer detected (YES in Step S 320 ), CPU  110  calculates a position at which a next question&#39;s answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 328 ). More specifically, CPU  110  sets based on reference coordinate data A as a position at which answer area Y should be displayed a center position of a rectangle surrounding a handwritten character input to answer area Y of question 1 or contact position S of stylus pen  190  that is latest immediately before the nib of stylus pen  190  is no longer detected. 
     CPU  110  tries to match center W 2  of answer area Y of question 2 to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed. With question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed, CPU  110  determines whether question 2 has its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (Step S 332 ). 
     If question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed has its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (YES in Step S 332 ), CPU  110  scrolls the screen so that question 2 has its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed (Step S 334 ). CPU  110  repeats step S 308  et seq. 
     If question 2 having its answer area Y with center W 2  matched to the position at which the next answer area Y should be displayed fails to have its question area X and answer area Y both entirely accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (NO in Step S 332 ), CPU  110  scrolls the screen so that question 2 has its question area X and answer area Y accommodated on touchscreen panel  120  in the display area (Step S 336 ). For example, CPU  110  scrolls the screen to allow question 2 to have an upper end displayed at that of touchscreen panel  120 . CPU  110  repeats step S 308  et seq. 
     &lt;Other Applications&gt; 
     It is needless to say that the present invention is also applicable to a case achieved by supplying a program to a system or a device. Then the present invention&#39;s effect can also be exploited in such a manner that external storage medium  141  (or memory  130 ) having stored therein a program represented by software for achieving the present invention is supplied to the system or the device and that system or device&#39;s computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) reads and executes a program code stored in external storage medium  141  (or memory  130 ). 
     In that case, the program code per se read from external storage medium  141  (or memory  130 ) will implement a function of the embodiment as described above, and external storage medium  141  (or memory  130 ) that has the program code stored therein will configure the present invention. 
     Furthermore, it is needless to say that a case is also included in which the program code that the computer has read can be executed to not only implement the function of the embodiment as described above but also allow an operating system (OS) that is operating in the computer to follow the program code&#39;s instruction to perform an actual process partially or entirely to thereby implement the function of the embodiment as described above. 
     Furthermore, it is needless to say that a case is also included in which the program code that is read from external storage medium  141  (or memory  130 ) is written to another storage medium included in a functionality extension board inserted in the computer, a functionality extension unit connected to the computer or the like and subsequently a CPU or the like included in that functionality extension board or unit follows the program code&#39;s instruction to perform an actual process partially or entirely to thereby implement the function of the embodiment as described above. 
     It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein have been described for the purpose of illustration only and in a non-restrictive manner in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       100 : electronic note;  110 : CPU;  111 : coordinate detection unit;  112 : handwriting processing unit;  113 : coordinate processing unit;  114 : scroll processing unit;  115 : question display processing unit;  120 : touchscreen panel;  121 : display;  122 : tablet;  130 : memory;  131 : handwriting data;  133 : question data;  134 : question display area data;  135 : handwritable area data;  140 : memory interface;  141 : storage medium;  150 : communication interface;  160 : clock;  190 : stylus pen; A: reference coordinate data; B: reference coordinate data; C: reference coordinate data; Q: contact area; R: contact position of palm; S: contact position of stylus pen; T: relative position; W 1 ; center of answer area of question 1; W 2 : center of answer area of question 2; X: question area; Y: answer area.