Patent Publication Number: US-11392240-B2

Title: Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and control method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-175460 filed on Oct. 19, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a control method. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An information processing apparatus, such as a personal computer, may include an input device for handwriting input. In such an input device, it is desirable to display predicted input in order to reduce an input-to-display delay. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one or more embodiments of the invention, an information processing apparatus includes a display, a touch sensor disposed on a screen of the display unit configured to detect an input position by an input medium on the screen, a main controller, and an embedded controller. The embedded controller is configured to predict a subsequent input position of the input medium based on a plurality of detected input positions of the input medium detected by the touch sensor at predetermined detection intervals, and output, to the main controller, the predicted subsequent input position as part of the plurality of detected input position detected by the touch sensor. The main controller is configured to, based on the plurality of detected input positions received from the embedded controller, display a movement trajectory of the input medium on the screen. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of a laptop PC. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the laptop PC. 
         FIG. 3  is a table illustrating a data example of an application information storage unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a chart for describing an example of a distance between detection positions. 
         FIG. 5  is a chart for describing an example of angle changes between detection positions. 
         FIG. 6  is a chart illustrating a relationship between angle change in detection position and prediction processing. 
         FIG. 7  is a first chart illustrating a relationship between detection position and pressure. 
         FIG. 8  is a second chart illustrating the relationship between detection position and pressure. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a main control unit. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an embedded controller. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of prediction processing of handwriting input. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a laptop PC. 
         FIG. 13  is a table illustrating a data example of an application information storage unit. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a main control unit. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of an embedded controller. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of a PC system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An information processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a control method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of a laptop PC  1  (laptop personal computer) according to a first embodiment. Note that the laptop PC  1  will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus in the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the laptop PC  1  includes a CPU  11 , a main memory  12 , a video subsystem  13 , a display unit  14 , a chipset  21 , a BIOS memory  22 , an HDD  23 , a USB connector  24 , an audio system  25 , a WLAN card  26 , an embedded controller  31 , a key input unit  32 , a pointing device  33 , a power supply circuit  34 , and a touch sensor unit  35 . 
     The CPU (Central Processing Unit)  11  executes various kinds of arithmetic processing by program control to control the entire laptop PC  1 . 
     The main memory  12  is a writable memory used as reading areas of execution programs of the CPU  11  or working areas to which processing data of the execution programs are written. The main memory  12  is configured, for example, to include plural DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) chips. The execution programs include an OS (Operating System), various drivers for hardware-operating peripheral devices, various services/utilities, application programs, and the like. 
     The video subsystem  13  is a subsystem for realizing functions related to image display, which includes a video controller. This video controller processes a drawing command from the CPU  11 , writes processed drawing information into a video memory, and reads this drawing information from the video memory and outputs it to the display unit  14  as drawing data (display data). 
     The display unit  14  is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display to display, as a main screen of the laptop PC  1 , a display screen based on the drawing data (display data) output from the video subsystem  13 . 
     The chipset  21  includes controllers, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), serial ATA (AT Attachment), an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, a PCI-Express bus, and an LPC (Low Pin Count) bus, and plural devices are connected to the chipset  21 . In  FIG. 1 , the BIOS memory  22 , the HDD  23 , the USB connector  24 , the audio system  25 , the WLAN card  26 , and the embedded controller  31  are connected to the chipset  21  as examples of the devices. 
     The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) memory  22  is configured, for example, by an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash ROM. The BIOS memory  22  stores a BIOS and system firmware for controlling the embedded controller  31  and the like. 
     The HDD (Hard Disk Drive)  23  (an example of a nonvolatile storage device) stores the OS, various drivers, various services/utilities, application programs, and various data. 
     The USB connector  24  is a connector for connecting peripheral devices using the USB. 
     The audio system  25  records, plays back, and outputs sound data. 
     The WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) card  26  is connected to a network by wireless LAN to perform data communication. 
     The embedded controller  31  (an example of an embedded control unit) is a one-chip microcomputer which monitors and controls various devices (peripheral devices, sensors, and the like) regardless of the system state of the laptop PC  1 . Further, the embedded controller  31  has a power management function to control the power supply circuit  34 . Note that the embedded controller  31  is configured to include a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, which are not illustrated, and is equipped with multi-channel A/D input terminal and D/A output terminal, a timer, and digital input/output terminals. To the embedded controller  31 , for example, the key input unit  32 , the pointing device  33 , the power supply circuit  34 , the touch sensor unit  35 , and the like are connected through these input/output terminals, and the embedded controller  31  controls the operation of these units. 
     The key input unit  32  is an input device such as a keyboard or a touch panel to accept key input from a user. Further, the pointing device  33  is an input device, such as a mouse or a touch pad, to mainly accept the designation of a position on a display screen, and the designation or selection of an operation target (object) such as an operation button, and the like. 
     The power supply circuit  34  includes, for example, a DC/DC converter, a charge/discharge unit, a battery unit, an AC/DC adapter, and the like to convert DC voltage supplied from the AC/DC adapter or the battery unit into plural voltages required to operate the laptop PC  1 . Further, the power supply circuit  34  supplies power to each unit of the laptop PC  1  under the control of the embedded controller  31 . 
     Note that the CPU  11  and the chipset  21  described above correspond to a main control unit  10  in the present embodiment. The main control unit  10  executes processing based on the OS (for example, Windows (registered trademark)). 
     Further, the display unit  14  and the touch sensor unit  35  correspond to a touch screen  20 . 
     The touch sensor unit  35  is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel, which is superimposed on the display unit  14 . The touch sensor unit  35  is placed on the screen of the display unit  14  to detect a touch to an object on the screen of the display unit  14 . The touch sensor unit  35  detects detection position data indicative of a position on the screen of the display unit  14  at which an operation medium such as a pen touches on the screen, and a touch pressure of the operation medium on the screen. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , the functional configuration of the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the laptop PC  1  includes the main control unit  10 , the touch screen  20 , the embedded controller (EC)  31 , and a main storage unit  40 . Note that only the main functional configuration of the present embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 2  as the configuration of the laptop PC  1 . 
     The main storage unit  40  is a storage unit realized by the main memory  12 , the HDD  23 , or the like to store various information used by the laptop PC  1 . The main storage unit  40  includes an application information storage unit  41 . 
     The application information storage unit  41  stores information related to applications executed on the OS. Here, a data example of the application information storage unit  41  will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is a table illustrating the data example of the application information storage unit  41  in the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the application information storage unit  41  stores APID, AP name, and prediction function in association with one another. Here, the APID is identification information for identifying an application, that is, an application ID. Further, the AP name indicates the name of the application. Further, the prediction function indicates whether or not there is a function for executing prediction processing of detection position data inside the application when the application performs pen input processing (handwriting input processing). When the prediction function is “present,” it means that prediction processing of detection position data is executed inside the application, while when the prediction function is “absent,” it means that the prediction processing of detection position data is not executed inside the application. 
     For example, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in a case of an application whose APID and AP name are “AP001” and “XYZ,” the prediction function is “present” (which means to execute the prediction processing). Further, in a case of an application whose PAID and AP name are “AP002” and “ZZZZ,” the prediction function is “absent” (which means not to execute the prediction processing). 
     Returning to  FIG. 2 , the main control unit  10  is a functional unit implemented by the CPU  11  and the chipset  21  executing programs stored in the main memory  12  to execute various processing based on the OS. For example, based on detection position data output from the embedded controller  31 , the main control unit  10  displays, on the display unit  14 , a movement trajectory of the operation medium such as the pen on the screen as such a trajectory that the operation medium was moved while touching on the screen. Further, the main control unit  10  includes a pen input driver  101 , a pen input setting unit  102 , an application management unit  103 , and an application  104 . 
     The pen input driver  101  is a functional unit implemented by the CPU  11  and the chipset  21  to control pen input processing (handwriting input processing) by the touch screen  20 . The pen input driver  101  acquires, from the embedded controller  31 , detection position data on the screen of the display unit  14  detected by the touch sensor unit  35 , and outputs the detection position data to the application  104 . 
     In response to a change request from the user, for example, the pen input setting unit  102  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , changes in prediction processing settings of position detection data to be described later (for example, enabled or disabled, parameter and level settings of the prediction processing, and the like). 
     The application management unit  103  monitors applications executed on the OS, and when an application in which prediction processing of detection position data (for example, prediction of next-time detection position data) is performed inside the application is launched, the application management unit  103  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , a notification to limit the prediction processing. When an application to be executed on the OS is launched, the application management unit  103  refers to the application information storage unit  41  described above to check on the prediction function corresponding to the launched application (APID and AP name). When the prediction function is “present,” the application management unit  103  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , a notification to stop the prediction processing (for example, a disable notification to disable the prediction processing). 
     Further, the application management unit  103  refers to the application information storage unit  41  to check on the prediction function corresponding to the launched application (APID and AP name). When the prediction function is “absent,” the application management unit  103  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , a notification to operate the prediction processing (for example, an enable notification to enable the prediction processing). 
     The application  104  is an application to be executed on the OS, for example, which is an application to execute pen input processing (handwriting input processing) using the touch screen  20 . Note that a case where the application  104  has the prediction function to internally predict detection position data and a case where the application  104  does not have the prediction function are considered. 
     The application  104  acquires detection position data of the display unit  14  output from the embedded controller  31  through the pen input driver  101 , and based on the acquired detection position data, the application  104  displays, on the display unit  14 , the movement trajectory of the operation medium such as the pen on the screen as such a trajectory that the operation medium was moved while touching on the screen. 
     The embedded controller  31  is an embedded control unit different from the main control unit  10 . Based on plural pieces of detection position data on the screen detected by the touch sensor unit  35  at predetermined detection intervals as a result of touching on the screen of the display unit  14  with the operation medium such as the pen, the embedded controller  31  predicts next-time detection position data. The embedded controller  31  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . 
     Further, the embedded controller  31  includes a pen input buffer unit  311  and a pen input processing unit  312 . 
     The pen input buffer unit  311  stores, in chronological order, detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35  of the touch screen  20  at the predetermined detection intervals. For example, the pen input buffer unit  311  stores two-dimensional coordinate data on the screen of the display unit  14  as position detection data, and a touch pressure in association with each other. 
     The pen input processing unit  312  stores, in the pen input buffer unit  311 , detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35  at each predetermined detection interval, and a touch pressure. 
     Further, in response to a setting change request from the pen input setting unit  102  of the main control unit  10 , the pen input processing unit  312  changes the settings of the prediction processing of position detection data (for example, enabled or disabled, parameter and level settings of the prediction processing, and the like). 
     Based on the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 , the pen input processing unit  312  predicts next-time detection position data and outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . Note that when the prediction processing of detection position data is not performed, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the latest position detection data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  as detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . Here, the pen input processing unit  312  switches whether or not to output the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data according to predetermined executability conditions (criteria) below. In other words, the pen input processing unit  312  switches whether or not to perform the prediction processing of detection position data according to the executability conditions (criteria) below. 
     A first executability condition is such a case that distance between detection positions in the plural pieces of detection position data is a predetermined threshold distance or more. When the distance between detection positions in the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  is the predetermined threshold distance or more, the pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing and outputs the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. Referring here to  FIG. 4 , details of processing related to the first executability condition will be described. 
       FIG. 4  is a chart for describing an example of the distance between detection positions in the present embodiment. 
     In  FIG. 4 , it is assumed that the graph represents a two-dimensional space of the screen of the display unit  14 , and detection position data of detection positions P( 1 ) to P( 4 ) are stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 . 
     Here, detection position data at a detection position P(i) is represented as (P x (i), P y (i)). 
     For example, the pen input processing unit  312  generates a distance D between detection positions from detection position data of P( 1 ) to P( 4 ) by using Equation (1) below.
 
 D=Σ   i=1   N−1 (| P   x ( i+ 1)− P   x ( i )|+| P   y ( i+ 1)− P   y ( i )|)  (1)
 
     For example, the distance D between detection positions corresponds to a total movement distance of plural pieces (for example, four pieces) of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 . 
     The pen input processing unit  312  determines whether or not the distance D between detection positions generated by Equation (1) is the predetermined threshold distance or more (threshold distance Th D  or more). When the distance D between detection positions is the predetermined threshold distance or more (threshold distance Th D  or more), the pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing to predict next-time detection position data based on the plural pieces (for example, four pieces) of detection position data. In this case, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
     Note that when the distance D between detection positions is less than the predetermined threshold distance (less than threshold distance Th D ), the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the latest detection position data among the plural pieces (for example, four pieces) of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  as detection position data without executing the prediction processing. 
     Further, a second executability condition is a change in moving angle of the operation medium at each of the predetermined detection intervals based on the plural pieces of detection position data. When the change in moving angle of the operation medium such as the pen based on the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  is a predetermined threshold value or more, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 , and does not output the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. Referring here to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , details of processing related to the second executability condition will be described. 
       FIG. 5  is a chart for describing an example of angle changes between detection positions in the present embodiment. 
     In  FIG. 5 , angle α 1  to angle α 3  represent angles of pen input between detection positions P( 1 ) to P( 4 ). 
     For example, the pen input processing unit  312  generates angle α 1  to angle α 3  by using Equation (2) below. Further, the pen input processing unit  312  generates an angle change dispersion VA as a variation in angle changes by using Equation (3) and Equation (4) below. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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     Note that μ in Equation (3) and Equation (4) described above denotes an average value of angle changes and Δα i  denotes the amount of angle change (α i+1 −α i ). Further, N denotes the number of samples of detection position data. 
     The pen input processing unit  312  determines whether or not the angle change dispersion VA generated by using Equation (2) to Equation (4) is a predetermined threshold value or more (threshold value Th angle  or more). When the angle change dispersion VA is the predetermined threshold value or more (threshold value Th angle  or more), the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 , and does not output the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. In other words, when the angle change of detection position data is the predetermined threshold value or more, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the latest detection position data among the plural pieces (for example, four pieces) of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  as detection position data without executing the prediction processing. 
     Further, when the angle change dispersion VA is less than the predetermined threshold value (less than the threshold value Th angle ), the pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing and outputs, to the main control unit  10 , predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
       FIG. 6  is a chart illustrating a relationship between angle change between detection positions and prediction processing in the present embodiment. 
     In  FIG. 6 , cross mark points represent actually measured data of detection position data, and halftone circle points represent predicted data by the prediction processing. As illustrated in a range A 1  of pen input, when the angle change is large, it can be considered that the predicted data (halftone circle points) deviates greatly from the actually measured data (cross mark points). Therefore, when the angle change dispersion VA is the predetermined threshold value or more (the threshold value Th angle  or more), the pen input processing unit  312  in the present embodiment stops the execution of the prediction processing. 
     Further, a third executability condition is such a case that a touch pressure drop corresponding to plural pieces of detection position data is a predetermined reference value or more. When the touch pressure drop is the predetermined reference value or more, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 , and does not output predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. Referring here to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 , details of processing related to the third executability condition will be described. 
       FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  are charts illustrating a relationship between detection position and pressure in the present embodiment. The example of pen input illustrated in  FIG. 7  represents detection positions in a case where pen input was performed to draw a circle counterclockwise. Further, the graph in  FIG. 8  illustrates touch pressure corresponding to pen input illustrated in  FIG. 7 . As illustrated in the graph of  FIG. 8 , the touch pressure drops in an end-section range A 2  as a result of performing pen input to draw the circle illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Thus, the touch pressure drops in the end section of pen input. Therefore, when the touch pressure drop is the predetermined reference value or more, the pen input processing unit  312  determines that it is the end section of pen input, and stops the execution of the prediction processing of detection position data. 
     Specifically, for example, the pen input processing unit  312  generates an average value A diff  of touch pressure drops from plural touch pressure values A i  stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  by Equation (5) below. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
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     The pen input processing unit  312  determines whether or not the average value A diff  of touch pressure drops generated by Equation (5) is the predetermined reference value or more. When the average value A diff  of touch pressure drops is the predetermined reference value or more, the pen input processing unit  312  determines that it is near the end section of pen input, and stops the prediction processing and outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the latest detection position data among the plural pieces (for example, four pieces) of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  as detection position data. 
     Further, when the average value A diff  of touch pressure drops is less than the predetermined reference value, the pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing and outputs, to the main control unit  10 , predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
     Thus, the pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing according to the executability conditions such as the first executability condition to the third executability condition described above to switch whether or not to output predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
     Further, in response to the notification to limit the prediction processing, the pen input processing unit  312  limits the prediction processing. For example, the notification to limit the prediction processing includes a notification to stop the prediction processing (prediction disable notification). In response to the notification (prediction disable notification) to stop the prediction processing function received from the main control unit  10 , the embedded controller  31  stops the prediction processing and outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . In other words, for example, when the application  104  internally has the prediction function of detection position data, the pen input processing unit  312  stops the prediction processing to avoid duplicate prediction processing. 
     Next, the operation of the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the main control unit  10  in the present embodiment. Referring here to  FIG. 9 , processing performed by the main control unit  10  to monitor applications and transmits a notification to instruct the side of the embedded controller  31  on whether or not to perform the prediction processing of detection position data will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the main control unit  10  first determines whether or not there is an application to be executed (step S 101 ). The application management unit  103  of the main control unit  10  monitors applications executed on the OS and determines whether or not there is an application to be executed. When there is an application to be executed (there is an application to be launched) (step S 101 : YES), the application management unit  103  proceeds to a process in step S 102 . On the other hand, when there is no application to be executed (there is no application to be launched) (step S 101 : NO), the application management unit  103  returns to the process in step S 101 . 
     In step S 102 , the application management unit  103  determines whether or not the application (for example, the application  104 ) to be executed (launched) has the prediction function of detection position data. Here, the application management unit  103  refers to the application information storage unit  41  as illustrated in  FIG. 3  to determine whether or not there is the prediction function of detection position data. When the application  104  to be executed (launched) has the prediction function (step S 102 : YES), the application management unit  103  proceeds to a process in step S 103 . On the other hand, when the application  104  to be executed (launched) does not have the prediction function (step S 102 : NO), the application management unit  103  proceeds to a process in step S 104 . 
     In step S 103 , the application management unit  103  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , the disable notification to disable the prediction processing in the embedded controller  31  (prediction disable notification). After the process in step S 103 , the application management unit  103  returns to the process in step S 101 . 
     Further, in step S 104 , the application management unit  103  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , the enable notification to enable the prediction processing in the embedded controller  31 . After the process in step S 103 , the application management unit  103  returns to the process in step S 101 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10 , the operation of the embedded controller  31  in the present embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the embedded controller  31  in the present embodiment. Note that the description will be made here by taking, as an example, a case of using the pen as the operation medium to perform pen input to the touch screen  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the embedded controller  31  first determines whether or not there is a pen touch on the touch sensor unit  35  (step S 201 ). The pen input processing unit  312  of the embedded controller  31  determines whether or not there is a pen touch on the touch sensor unit  35 . When there is a pen touch on the touch sensor unit  35  (step S 201 : YES), the pen input processing unit  312  proceeds to a process in step S 202 . On the other hand, when there is no pen touch on the touch sensor unit  35  (step S 201 : NO), the pen input processing unit  312  returns to the process in step S 201 . 
     In step S 202 , the pen input processing unit  312  receives detection position data and a pressure value (touch pressure value) from the touch sensor unit  35 . 
     Next, the pen input processing unit  312  stores, in the pen input buffer unit  311 , the received detection position data and pressure value (step S 203 ). 
     Next, the pen input processing unit  312  checks on the prediction detection criteria (executability conditions) (step S 204 ). For example, the pen input processing unit  312  checks whether or not to execute the prediction processing (prediction detection) of detection position data according to three executability conditions of the first executability condition to the third executability condition described above. 
     Next, the pen input processing unit  312  determines whether or not to execute prediction detection (step S 205 ). The pen input processing unit  312  determines whether or not to execute the prediction processing of detection position data according to the first executability condition to the third executability condition. When the prediction processing of detection position data is executed (step S 205 : YES), the pen input processing unit  312  proceeds to a process in step S 206 . On the other hand, when the prediction processing of detection position data is not executed (step S 205 : NO), the pen input processing unit  312  proceeds to a process in step S 208 . 
     In step S 206 , the pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing of next-time detection position data. Based on the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 , the pen input processing unit  312  generates the next-time detection position data (coordinate data on the screen of the display unit  14 ). 
     Next, the pen input processing unit  312  determines whether or not the prediction disable notification is received (step S 207 ). For example, when the prediction disable notification is received from the main control unit immediately before the determination, the pen input processing unit  312  determines that the prediction disable notification is received, while when the prediction enable notification is received from the main control unit  10  immediately before the determination, the pen input processing unit  312  determines that the prediction disable notification is not received. When the prediction disable notification is received (step S 207 : YES), the pen input processing unit  312  proceeds to the process in step S 208 . On the other hand, when the prediction disable notification is not received (step S 207 : NO), the pen input processing unit  312  proceeds to a process in step S 209 . 
     In step S 208 , the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the latest detection position data as detection position data. In other words, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the latest detection position data among the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 . After the process in step S 208 , the pen input processing unit  312  returns to the process in step S 201 . 
     Further, in step S 209 , the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , predicted detection position data as detection position data. Note that in a case immediately after the prediction processing is enabled, the pen input processing unit  312  outputs, to the main control unit  10 , both the latest detection position data among the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  and the predicted detection position data as detection position data. After the process in step S 209 , the pen input processing unit  312  returns to the process in step S 201 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the prediction processing of handwriting input in the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 11( a )  illustrates a display example of pen input when the prediction processing of detection position data by the embedded controller  31  is not executed. In  FIG. 11( a ) , a display line L 1  represents a trajectory line of pen movement on the screen of the touch screen  20 , and there is a distance ΔL 1  as a time lag between the actual pen position and the display position of the latest display line L 1 . 
     Further,  FIG. 11( b )  illustrates a display example of pen input when the prediction processing of detection position data by the embedded controller  31  is executed. In  FIG. 11( b ) , a display line L 2  represents a trajectory line of pen movement on the screen of the touch screen  20 , and there is a distance ΔL 2  as a time lag between the actual pen position and the display position of the latest display line L 2 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 11( b ) , a section of distance PD is generated by the embedded controller  31  performing the prediction processing. Therefore, since the distance ΔL 2  as the time lag becomes shorter than the distance ΔL 1  illustrated in  FIG. 11( a )  when the prediction processing is not executed, a display delay can be reduced. 
     As described above, the laptop PC  1  (information processing apparatus) according to the present embodiment includes the display unit  14 , the touch sensor unit  35 , the main control unit  10 , and the embedded controller  31  (embedded control unit). The touch sensor unit  35  is placed on the screen of the display unit  14  to detect a touch to an object on the screen of the display unit  14 . The main control unit  10  executes processing based on the OS. The embedded controller  31  is the embedded control unit different from the main control unit  10  to predict next-time detection position data based on plural pieces of detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35  at predetermined detection intervals as a result of touching on the screen with the operation medium (for example, a pen or a finger) and output, to the main control unit  10 , the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . Based on the detection position data output from the embedded controller  31 , the main control unit  10  displays, on the display unit  14 , a movement trajectory of the operation medium (for example, the pen or the finger) moved on the screen while touching on the screen. 
     Thus, in the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment, the embedded controller  31  as the embedded control unit different from the main control unit  10  predicts detection position data to make it unnecessary for the OS side (main control unit  10 ) to predict detection position data. Therefore, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can reduce an input-to-display delay in handwriting input without depending on the application executed on the OS. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the embedded controller  31  switches whether or not to output predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data according to the predetermined executability conditions (for example, the first executability condition to the third executability condition described above). In other words, the embedded controller  31  switches whether or not to execute the prediction processing according to the executability conditions (for example, the first executability condition to the third executability condition described above). 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can switch whether or not to execute the prediction processing properly according to the executability conditions. For example, when the effect of the prediction processing is large, the prediction processing can be executed, while when the effect of the prediction processing is small or when the prediction accuracy is low, the execution of the prediction processing can be disabled. Therefore, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can utilize the prediction processing properly. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the executability conditions include a case where a distance between detection positions in the plural pieces of detection position data is the predetermined threshold distance or more (first executability condition). When the distance between detection positions is the predetermined threshold distance or more, the embedded controller  31  outputs predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can execute the prediction processing properly when the distance between detection positions is large. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the executability conditions include a case where a change in moving angle of the operation medium at each of predetermined detection intervals based on the plural pieces of detection position data is a predetermined threshold value or more (second executability condition). When the change in moving angle is the predetermined threshold value or more, the embedded controller  31  outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 , and does not output predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can respond properly without executing the prediction processing when the prediction accuracy is low, such as when the drawing angle is largely changed in handwriting input. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the touch sensor unit  35  detects a touch pressure of the operation medium on the screen together with the detection position data. The executability conditions include a case where a touch pressure drop corresponding to the plural pieces of detection position data is a predetermined reference value or more (third executability condition). When the touch pressure drop is the predetermined reference value or more, the embedded controller  31  outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 , and does not output predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data. 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can respond properly without executing the prediction processing when the prediction accuracy is low, for example, near the end section in which the touch pressure drop tends to be large in handwriting input (pen input) or the like. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the main control unit  10  monitors applications executed on the OS, and when an application in which the prediction of next-time detection position data is performed inside the application is launched, the main control unit  10  transmits, to the embedded controller  31 , a notification to limit the prediction processing for predicting the next-time detection position data. In response to the notification to limit the prediction processing, the embedded controller  31  limits the prediction processing. 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can limit the prediction processing depending on the application. For example, even when the prediction processing is executed inside the application, proper handwriting input (pen input) can be realized. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, the notification to limit the prediction processing includes a notification to stop the prediction processing. In response to the notification to stop the function of the prediction processing (prediction disable notification), the embedded controller  31  stops the prediction processing and outputs, as detection position data, the latest detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1  according to the present embodiment can suppress the occurrence of an abnormality in the display of handwriting input (pen input) by the embedded controller  31  and an application (for example, the application  104 ) executing the prediction processing of detection position data in a duplicate manner. 
     Further, a control method according to the present embodiment is a control method of the laptop PC  1  (information processing apparatus) including the display unit  14 , the touch sensor unit  35  placed on the screen of the display unit  14  to detect a touch to an object on the screen, the main control unit  10  which executes processing based on the OS, and the embedded controller  31  different from the main control unit  10 . The control method includes a first step and a second step. In the first step, the embedded controller  31  predicts next-time detection position data based on the plural pieces of detection position data on the screen detected by the touch sensor unit  35  at the predetermined detection intervals as a result of touching on the screen with the operation medium, and outputs, to the main control unit  10 , the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  35 . In the second step, based on the detection position data output from the embedded controller  31 , the main control unit  10  displays, on the display unit  14 , a movement trajectory of the operation medium moved on the screen while touching on the screen. 
     Thus, the control method according to the present embodiment has the same effect as the laptop PC  1  described above, and an input-to-display delay in handwriting input can be reduced without depending on the application executed on the OS. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a laptop PC  1   a  according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     In the present embodiment, a modification when the setting of prediction processing is changed depending on the application will be described. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the laptop PC  1   a  according to the second embodiment. Note that the main hardware configuration of the laptop PC  1   a  according to the present embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  described above, the description thereof will be omitted here. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the laptop PC  1   a  includes a main control unit  10   a , the touch screen  20 , an embedded controller (EC)  31   a , and a main storage unit  40   a . Note that only the main functional configuration of the present embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 12  as the configuration of the laptop PC  1   a.    
     Note further that the same components as those of the laptop PC  1  of the first embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  are given the same reference numerals in  FIG. 12  to omit the description thereof. 
     The main storage unit  40   a  is a storage unit realized by the main memory  12 , the HDD  23 , or the like to store various information used by the laptop PC  1   a . The main storage unit  40   a  includes an application information storage unit  41   a.    
     The application information storage unit  41   a  stores information related to applications executed on the OS. Here, a data example of the application information storage unit  41   a  will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 13  is a table illustrating the data example of the application information storage unit  41   a  in the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the application information storage unit  41   a  stores APID, AP name, and prediction setting in association with one another. Here, the APID is identification information for identifying an application, that is, an application ID. Further, the AP name indicates the name of the application. Further, the prediction setting indicates the setting of prediction processing in the embedded controller  31   a  when executing the application. 
     For example, when the prediction setting is “weak,” it means that the setting of prediction processing in the embedded controller  31   a  is a weak setting (for example, to predict a short distance or the like), and when the prediction setting is “strong,” it means that the setting of prediction processing in the embedded controller  31   a  is a strong setting (for example, to predict a long distance or the like). Further, when the prediction setting is “disabled,” it means that the prediction processing is disabled not to execute the prediction processing. 
     For example, in the example illustrated in  FIG. 13 , in a case of an application whose APID and AP name are “AP001” and “XYZ,” the prediction setting is “weak” (short distance prediction processing). Further, in a case of an application whose APID and AP name are “AP002” and “ZZZZ,” the prediction setting is “strong” (long distance prediction processing). Further, in a case of an application whose APID and AP name are “AP003” and “ABCD,” the prediction setting is “disabled” (not to execute the prediction processing). 
     Returning to  FIG. 12 , the main control unit  10   a  is a functional unit implemented by the CPU  11  and the chipset  21  executing programs stored in the main memory  12  to execute various processing based on the OS. The basic function of the main control unit  10   a  is the same as that of the main control unit  10  of the first embodiment. The main control unit  10   a  includes the pen input driver  101 , a pen input setting unit  102   a , an application management unit  103   a , and the application  104 . 
     The basic function of the pen input setting unit  102   a  is the same as the pen input setting unit  102  of the first embodiment. In response to a change request from the user, for example, the pen input setting unit  102   a  transmits, to the embedded controller  31   a , changes in setting of prediction processing (for example, enabled or disabled, parameter and level settings of the prediction processing such as “strong” or “weak” described above, and the like). 
     The basic function of the application management unit  103   a  is the same as the application management unit  103  of the first embodiment. When an application to be executed on the OS is launched, the application management unit  103   a  refers to the application information storage unit  41   a  described above to check on the prediction setting corresponding to the launched application (APID and AP name) in order to notify the embedded controller  31   a  of setting information corresponding to the prediction setting, that is, in order to transmit, to the embedded controller  31   a , a notification to change the prediction processing setting (for example, a setting change notification). 
     The embedded controller  31   a  is an embedded control unit different from the main control unit  10   a , and the basic function of the embedded controller  31   a  is the same as the embedded controller  31  of the first embodiment. The embedded controller  31   a  includes the pen input buffer unit  311  and a pen input processing unit  312   a.    
     The basic function of the pen input processing unit  312   a  is the same as the pen input processing unit  312  of the first embodiment. The pen input processing unit  312  executes the prediction processing of position detection data according to the settings set by the pen input setting unit  102  of the main control unit  10  in response to the setting change request, or set by the setting change notification from the application management unit  103   a . The pen input processing unit  312   a  differs from the pen input processing unit  312  of the first embodiment in that the pen input processing unit  312   a  executes prediction processing corresponding to the setting change according to the application  104  in response to the setting change notification from the application management unit  103   a . Since the other functions of the pen input processing unit  312   a  are the same as those of the pen input processing unit  312  of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted here. 
     Next, the operation of the laptop PC  1   a  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the main control unit  10   a  in the present embodiment. Referring here to  FIG. 14 , processing in which the main control unit  10   a  monitors applications and transmits, to the embedded controller  31   a , a notification to instruct setting information on the prediction processing of detection position data performed on the side of the embedded controller  31   a  will be described. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the main control unit  10   a  first determines whether or not there is an application to be executed (step S 301 ). The application management unit  103   a  of the main control unit  10   a  monitors applications executed on the OS and determines whether or not there is an application to be executed. When there is an application to be executed (there is an application to be launched) (step S 301 : YES), the application management unit  103   a  proceeds to a process in step S 302 . On the other hand, when there is no application to be executed (there is no application to be launched) (step S 301 : NO), the application management unit  103   a  returns to the process in step S 301 . 
     In step S 102 , the application management unit  103   a  transmits, to the embedded controller  31   a , setting information on the prediction processing according to the application. The application management unit  103   a  refers to the application information storage unit  41   a  as illustrated in  FIG. 13  to acquire the setting information on the prediction processing corresponding to the application to be executed. The application management unit  103   a  transmits, to the embedded controller  31   a , a setting change notification including the acquired setting information. After the process in step S 302 , the application management unit  103   a  returns to the process in step S 301 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 15 , the operation of the embedded controller  31   a  in the present embodiment will be described. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the embedded controller  31   a  in the present embodiment. Note that the description will be made here by taking, as an example, a case of using the pen as the operation medium to perform pen input to the touch screen  20 . 
     Since processes from step S 401  to step S 405  in  FIG. 15  are the same as the processes from step S 201  to step S 205  illustrated in  FIG. 10  described above, the description thereof will be omitted here. 
     In step S 405 , when the prediction processing of detection position data is executed (step S 405 : YES), the pen input processing unit  312   a  proceeds to a process in step S 406 . On the other hand, when the prediction processing of detection position data is not executed (step S 405 : NO), the pen input processing unit  312   a  proceeds to a process in step S 408 . 
     In step S 406 , the pen input processing unit  312   a  executes the prediction processing of next-time detection position data according to the setting information. Based on the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 , the pen input processing unit  312   a  executes the prediction processing, for example, according to the settings corresponding to the application  104  or the settings designated by the user to generate next-time detection position data (coordinate data on the screen of the display unit  14 ). 
     Next, the pen input processing unit  312   a  outputs, to the main control unit  10   a , the predicted detection position data as detection position data (step S 407 ). Note that in a case immediately after the prediction processing is enabled or the like, the pen input processing unit  312   a  outputs, to the main control unit  10   a , both the latest detection position data among the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311  and the predicted detection position data as detection position data. After the process in step S 407 , the pen input processing unit  312   a  returns to the process in step S 401 . 
     Further, in step S 408 , the pen input processing unit  312   a  outputs, to the main control unit  10   a , the latest detection position data as detection position data. In other words, the pen input processing unit  312   a  outputs, to the main control unit  10   a , the latest detection position data among the plural pieces of detection position data stored in the pen input buffer unit  311 . After the process in step S 408 , the pen input processing unit  312   a  returns to the process in step S 401 . 
     As described above, in the present embodiment, the main control unit  10   a  monitors the application  104  to be executed on the OS, and when the application  104  is launched, the main control unit  10   a  transmits, to the embedded controller  31   a , setting information on the prediction processing according to the application  104 . The embedded controller  31   a  uses the setting information on the prediction processing according to the application  104  to execute the prediction processing. 
     Thus, the laptop PC  1   a  according to the present embodiment can perform proper prediction processing according to the application  104  and hence can reduce an input-to-display delay. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Referring next to  FIG. 16 , a PC system  100  according to a third embodiment will be described. 
     In the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the touch screen  20  is provided inside the laptop PC  1  ( 1   a ) to perform handwriting input such as pen input is described. In the third embodiment, a modification when handwriting input such as pen input is performed by a PC system  100  including an external pen tablet  50  having a touch screen  52  and a laptop PC  1   b  will be described. 
       FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating an example of the main hardware configuration of the PC system  100  according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the PC system  100  (an example of an information processing system) includes the laptop PC  1   b  and the pen tablet  50 . 
     Note that the same components as those in  FIG. 1  are given the same reference numerals in  FIG. 16  to omit the description thereof. 
     The laptop PC  1   b  (an example of an information processing apparatus) has the same hardware configuration as the laptop PC  1  ( 1   a ) described above except that the laptop PC  1   b  does not include the touch screen  20  (touch sensor unit  35 ). 
     The pen tablet  50  is a tablet terminal capable of handwriting input such as pen input, and includes a controller  51  and the touch screen  52 . 
     For example, the controller  51  (an example of an embedded control unit) is a main processor including a CPU to centrally control the pen tablet  50 . When performing processing for handwriting input such as pen input, the controller  51  executes the same processing as the embedded controller  31  ( 31   a ) described above. In other words, the controller  51  has the same functions as the pen input buffer unit  311  and the pen input processing unit  312  ( 312   a ) described above. 
     Further, the controller  51  is connected to the chipset (main control unit  10  ( 10   a )) through the USB connector  24 . The controller  51  uses the USB interface to output, to the main control unit  10  ( 10   a ), detection position data by the touch sensor unit  35 . 
     The touch screen  52  includes a display unit  521  and a touch sensor unit  522  to function in the same manner as the touch screen  20  described above. The display unit  521  and the touch sensor unit  522  in the present embodiment correspond to the display unit  14  and the touch sensor unit  35  in the first and second embodiments. 
     The display unit  521  is connected to the main control unit  10  ( 10   a ) through the video subsystem  13 , for example, by HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface (registered trademark)) or DP (Display Port). Based on the detection position data output from the controller  51  by HDMI (registered trademark) or DP, the main control unit  10  ( 10   a ) displays, on the display unit  521 , a movement trajectory of the operation medium moved on the screen while touching on the screen of the display unit  521 . 
     Next, the operation of the PC system  100  according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     In the present embodiment, the controller  51  executes the prediction processing instead of the embedded controller ( 31   a ) of the first and second embodiments. Since the details of the prediction processing are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the description thereof will be omitted here. 
     As described above, the PC system  100  (information processing system) according to the present embodiment includes the display unit  521 , the touch sensor unit  522 , the main control unit  10  ( 10   a ), and the controller  51 . The touch sensor unit  522  is placed on the screen of the display unit  521  to detects a touch to an object on the screen. The main control unit  10  ( 10   a ) executes processing based on the OS. 
     The controller  51  is an embedded control unit different from the main control unit  10  ( 10   a ) to predict next-time detection position data based on plural pieces of detection position data on the screen detected by the touch sensor unit  522  at predetermined detection intervals as a result of the operation medium touching on the screen and output, to the main control unit  10  ( 10   a ), the predicted next-time detection position data as detection position data detected by the touch sensor unit  522 . 
     Thus, the PC system  100  according to the present embodiment has the same effect as the above-described laptop PC  1  ( 1   a ), and an input-to-display delay can be reduced without depending on the application. 
     Note that the present disclosure is not limited to each of the aforementioned embodiments, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For example, the example in which the information processing apparatus is the laptop PC  1  ( 1   a ,  1   b ) is described in each of the aforementioned embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to this example. For example, the information processing apparatus may also be any other type of information processing apparatus such as a tablet terminal or a desktop PC. Further, the information processing system is not limited to the PC system  100  including the laptop PC  1   b , and it may also include any other type of information processing apparatus. 
     Further, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the example in which prediction processing is executed when the distance D (total movement distance) between detection positions in Equation (1) is the predetermined threshold distance or more is described as an example of the first executability condition, but the first executability condition is not limited to this example. In the first executability condition, the distance between detection positions may also be determined based on any other parameter, such as an average distance among the plural pieces of detection position data, instead of the distance D between detection positions in Equation (1). 
     Further, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the example in which prediction processing is not executed when the angle change dispersion VA in Equation (4) is the predetermined threshold value or more is described as an example of the second executability condition, but the second executability condition is not limited to this example. In the second executability condition, the change in moving angle of the operation medium may also be determined based on any other parameter, such as an average value of angle changes among the plural pieces of detection position data, instead of the angle change dispersion VA in Equation (4). 
     Further, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the example in which prediction processing is not executed when the average value A diff  of touch pressure drops in Equation (5) is the predetermined reference value or more is described as an example of the third executability condition, but the third executability condition is not limited to this example. In the third executability condition, any other parameter may also be used instead of the average value A diff  of touch pressure drops in Equation (5) as long as it can determine pressure drops among the plural pieces of detection position data. 
     Note that each of the configurations of the laptop PC ( 1   a ) and the PC system  100  described above has a computer system therein. Then, a program for implementing the function of each component included in the laptop PC  1  ( 1   a ) and the PC system  100  described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium so that the program recorded on this recording medium is read into the computer system and executed to perform processing in each component included in the laptop PC  1  ( 1   a ) and the PC system  100  described above. Here, the fact that “the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed” includes installing the program on the computer system. It is assumed that the “computer system” here includes the OS and hardware such as a peripheral device and the like. 
     Further, the “computer system” may also include two or more computers connected through a network including the Internet, WAN, LAN, and a communication line such as a dedicated line. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” means a storage medium such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a portable medium like a CD-ROM, or a hard disk incorporated in the computer system. Thus, the recording medium with the program stored thereon may be a non-transitory recording medium such as the CD-ROM. 
     Further, a recording medium internally or externally provided to be accessible from a delivery server for delivering the program is included as the recording medium. Note that the program may be divided into plural pieces, downloaded at different timings, respectively, and then united in each component included in the laptop PC  1 ( 1   a ) and the PC system  100 , or delivery servers for delivering respective divided pieces of the program may be different from one another. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” includes a medium on which the program is held for a given length of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system as a server or a client when the program is transmitted through the network. The above-mentioned program may also be to implement some of the functions described above. Further, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) capable of implementing the above-described functions in combination with a program(s) already recorded in the computer system. 
     Further, some or all of the above-described functions may be realized as an integrated circuit such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each of the above-described functions may be implemented as a processor individually, or part or whole thereof may be integrated as a processor. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and it may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, if integrated circuit technology replacing the LSI appears with the progress of semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit according to the technology may be used. 
     Although the disclosure has been described with respect to only a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various other embodiments may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.