JP2014002273A - Information display apparatus, and control method and program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in which: if a display area of an information display apparatus is divided for two display devices, a user may be dissatisfied with the size of the display areas being small for the size of the information display apparatus; and therefore, an information display apparatus that secures large display areas while including display devices having different characteristics is expected.SOLUTION: An information display apparatus comprises: a first display device that forms a first display area; a second display device that forms a second display area; a display device transition unit that moves the second display device; and a control unit that instructs movement of the second display device to the display device transition unit so as to determine the size of the second display area.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display device, a control method thereof, and a program. In particular, the present invention relates to an information display apparatus including different display devices, a control method thereof, and a program.

  In recent years, a wide variety of information including still images and moving images is provided by information display devices. Such an information display device includes not only an information processing device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, and a notebook PC (Personal Computer) but also many devices such as an advertising medium such as a digital signage (digital signage).

  An information display apparatus often uses a liquid crystal device as a display device. This is because the liquid crystal device has a fast display rewriting speed and is suitable not only for text information and still images but also for reproduction of moving images. In particular, with the development of network technology and information processing technology, content and advertisements using moving images are increasing, and moving image playback functions are becoming indispensable for information display devices. However, the liquid crystal device has a problem that power consumption is large and it is not suitable for long-time use. For this reason, control for reducing power consumption, such as turning off the backlight, is indispensable depending on the usage state of the information display device.

  On the other hand, some information display apparatuses use electronic paper as a display device. Electronic paper is a display device that includes a cholesteric liquid crystal or the like that does not require power to maintain two states of light transmission or reflection. Although electronic paper has the advantage of requiring little power to hold the display, it also has the disadvantage that it takes a long time to rewrite the display. For example, there is electronic paper that requires about 1 second to rewrite the display. For this reason, an information display apparatus that uses electronic paper as a display device has text information and still images as main display targets, and often has no consideration for reproduction of moving images.

  Here, Patent Document 1 discloses an information display device including two display devices (display bodies) having different characteristics related to display rewriting speed. The information display device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 uses a display device with a fast rewrite speed when display update instructions are continuously input. That is, in Patent Document 1, the disadvantage of a specific display device that display rewriting is slow is overcome by using another display device.

JP 2009-128630 A

  The disclosure of the above prior art document is incorporated herein by reference. The following analysis was made by the present inventors.

  The information display device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes two display devices having different characteristics. When this information display device accepts a user operation, the information display device displays display contents that cannot be handled by a display device with a slow display rewriting on a display device with a fast display rewriting. Patent Document 1 discloses an information display device in which these display devices are arranged so as not to overlap each other and have two display areas. More specifically, two display areas are secured by dividing an area usable as a display area on the surface of the information display device. Furthermore, each of the two display areas is positioned as a main area and a sub area, text information and the like are displayed in the main area, and contents that need to be rewritten in a short time are displayed in the sub area. Yes.

  However, if such a display area is divided, the user may be dissatisfied with the fact that the display area is small for the size of the information display device. This is because the user always desires a larger display whether reading a character or viewing a moving image. Therefore, an information display device that has a display device with different characteristics and secures a large display area, a control method therefor, and a program are desired.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first display device that forms the first display region, the second display device that forms the second display region, and the second display device are moved. An information display device comprising: a display device transfer unit; and a control unit that determines the size of the second display region by instructing the display device transfer unit to move the second display device. Provided.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information display device comprising a first display device and a second display device having a rewriting speed slower than that of the first display device, wherein the information display device includes: Provided is an information display device comprising: detection means for detecting an activated application; and switching means for switching between the first display device and the second display device in accordance with the application detected by the detection means. Is done.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first display device that forms the first display region, the second display device that forms the second display region, and the second display device are moved. A display device transfer unit, wherein the size of the second display area is determined according to at least one of an internal state of the information display device, an external environment, and a content to be displayed. An information display including: a step of determining a size; and a step of instructing the display device transfer unit to move the second display device based on the determined size of the second display region. An apparatus control method is provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a first display device that forms a first display area, a second display device that forms a second display area, and the second display device are moved. A program that is executed by a computer that controls an information display device comprising: a display device transfer unit, wherein the second information is output according to at least one of an internal state of the information display device, an external environment, and content to be displayed. A process for determining the size of the display area; and a process for instructing the display device transfer unit to move the second display device based on the determined size of the second display area; Are provided.
This program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be non-transient such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or the like. The present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product.

  According to each aspect of the present invention, an information display apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program for securing a large display area while providing display devices having different characteristics are provided.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the information display apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an external appearance of an information display device 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example at the time of dividing | segmenting the display area 10 into the display area of a liquid crystal device and an electronic paper. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the information display device 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the cross section of the A-A 'direction in FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic paper carrier 42. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic paper carrier 42. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting menu of the information display apparatus. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents of a display area 10. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user operation with respect to the information display device 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents of a display area 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information display device 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the display area.

  First, an outline of an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the reference numerals of the drawings attached to the outline are attached to the respective elements for convenience as an example for facilitating understanding, and the description of the outline is not intended to be any limitation.

  As described above, in an information display device including two display devices having different characteristics, such as a liquid crystal device and electronic paper, power consumption is reduced by using electronic paper, and rewriting is slow in electronic paper, so that viewing is normally performed. It is conceivable to display a moving image or the like that cannot be tolerated by a liquid crystal device. At this time, if the display area of the information display device is divided by the display area of the liquid crystal device and the electronic paper, the user may be dissatisfied that the display area is small for the size of the information display device. Therefore, an information display device that secures a large display area while providing display devices with different characteristics is desired.

  Therefore, the information display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided as an example. The information display apparatus 100 includes a first display device 101 that forms a first display area, a second display device 102 that forms a second display area, and a display device transition that moves the second display device 102. And a control unit 104 that determines the size of the second display area by instructing the display device transfer unit 103 to move the second display device 102.

  The information display apparatus 100 uses, for example, a liquid crystal device as the first display device 101. For example, electronic paper is used as the second display device 102. Furthermore, in the information display apparatus 100, the movement of the second display device 102 is variably configured. In addition, the control unit 104 selects a display device suitable for the internal state of the information display device, the external environment, or the content to be displayed, and determines the size of the display area. That is, the control unit 104 enlarges the second display area (for example, display area by electronic paper) as much as possible when performing display while suppressing power consumption, and reproduces a moving image or the like as much as possible. One display area (for example, a display area by a liquid crystal device) is made as large as possible. As a result, it is possible to provide the information display apparatus 100 that includes a display device with different characteristics and secures a large display area.

  Furthermore, the following forms are possible.

  [Mode 1] As in the information display device according to the first aspect.

  [Mode 2] When it is assumed that the first and second display devices perform the same display, the power necessary for the operation of the second display device is necessary for the operation of the first display device. It is preferable that the electric power is lower than that.

  [Mode 3] It is preferable that the first display device and the second display device are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from a direction opposite to the first display region.

  [Mode 4] It is preferable that the display device transition portion includes the second display device, and includes an endless display device carrier having both ends connected thereto, and a roller that rotates the display device carrier. .

  [Mode 5] It is preferable that the display device carrier has an endless shape by connecting a transparent member to both ends of the second display device and connecting both ends of the transparent member.

  [Mode 6] The display device carrier is opposed to a first reinforcing member connected to one end of the second display device and an end where the first reinforcing member is connected to the second display device. A second reinforcing member connected to the other end, and connecting both ends of the first and second reinforcing members to form an endless shape.

  [Mode 7] It is preferable that the control unit determines a size of the second display area according to at least one of an internal state of the information display device, an external environment, and a content to be displayed.

  [Mode 8] The information display device includes a battery that supplies power to the first or second display device, and the control unit is configured to increase a size of the second display area according to a remaining amount of the battery. It is preferable to determine the thickness.

  [Mode 9] The information display device includes an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the external environment, and the control unit determines the size of the second display area according to the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor. It is preferable.

  [Mode 10] It is preferable that the control unit determines the size of the second display area in accordance with an application to be activated corresponding to the content.

  [Mode 11] Preferably, the control unit displays a moving image included in the content using the first display area.

  [Mode 12] Preferably, the first display device is a liquid crystal device, and the second display device is electronic paper.

  [Mode 13] As in the information display device according to the second aspect.

  [Mode 14] As in the method for controlling the information display apparatus according to the third aspect.

  [Mode 15] Preferably, the control method of the information display device includes a step of determining a size of the second display area according to a remaining battery level.

  [Mode 16] Preferably, the control method of the information display device includes a step of determining the size of the second display area in accordance with the illuminance of the external environment.

  [Mode 17] Preferably, the control method of the information display device includes a step of determining a size of the second display area in accordance with an application to be activated corresponding to the content.

  [Mode 18] The program according to the fourth aspect.

  [Mode 19] Preferably, the program executes a process of determining a size of the second display area in accordance with a remaining battery level.

  [Mode 20] Preferably, the program executes a process of determining the size of the second display area in accordance with the illuminance of the external environment.

  [Mode 21] It is preferable that the program executes a process of determining the size of the second display area in accordance with an application activated in response to the content.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the information display device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The information display device 1 includes a display area 10 and an illuminance sensor 20. The information display apparatus 1 displays text information, a still image, a moving image, or the like using the display area 10. The information display device 1 includes an illuminance sensor 20.

  The information display apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to include two different display devices. More specifically, the information display device 1 includes two different display devices, a liquid crystal device and electronic paper. The liquid crystal device corresponds to the first display device 101 described above, and the electronic paper corresponds to the second display device 102 described above.

  Here, the liquid crystal device and the electronic paper will be outlined.

  A liquid crystal device performs display by changing light applied from a light source such as a backlight to a liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal device can provide a clear display with high contrast and has high expression ability. Therefore, it is suitable not only for text information and still images, but also for reproduction of moving images. However, the liquid crystal device has a high power consumption because it is necessary to always turn on the backlight in principle.

  Electronic paper has the advantage that little power is required to hold the content once displayed. That is, assuming that the same content is displayed in the liquid crystal device and the electronic paper, the power required for the electronic paper to display is lower than the power required for the liquid crystal device to display. In addition, electronic paper has a wide viewing angle, is easy to see even in an environment where it is exposed to direct sunlight, and places less burden on the user (the eyes are less tired). Furthermore, electronic paper is extremely thin and can be bent like paper. Further, even if it is bent in such a manner, the display quality does not deteriorate. On the other hand, electronic paper has a drawback that it takes a long time to rewrite the display. Furthermore, the present situation is that the number of colors that can be expressed is small, and the display capability is not comparable to that of liquid crystal devices.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the information display device 1.

  As described above, the information display apparatus 1 uses two different display devices. Further, the display area 10 of the information display device 1 is realized by using two different display devices (liquid crystal device, electronic paper). FIG. 3A shows an example when the display area 10 is realized by a liquid crystal device. FIG. 3B shows an example when the display area 10 is realized by electronic paper. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the information display apparatus 1 can realize the entire display area 10 by a liquid crystal device or electronic paper.

  In addition, the information display apparatus 1 can divide the display area 10 by a liquid crystal device and electronic paper. That is, the information display apparatus 1 can change the ratio of the display area of the liquid crystal device and the display area of the electronic paper. FIG. 4 shows an example when the display area 10 is divided by the display area of the liquid crystal device and the electronic paper. As shown in FIG. 4, in the information display device 1, it is possible to mix a display area by a liquid crystal device and a display area by electronic paper. Alternatively, the display area can be realized only by either a liquid crystal device or electronic paper. The display area realized by the liquid crystal device is assumed to be the liquid crystal display area 11, and the display area realized by the electronic paper is assumed to be the electronic paper display area 12. The following description will be given.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the information display apparatus 1.

  The information display device 1 includes an illuminance sensor 20, a liquid crystal display unit 30, an electronic paper transfer unit 40, an operation unit 50, and a control unit 60. In FIG. 5, only modules related to the information display device 1 according to the present embodiment are shown for simplicity.

  The illuminance sensor 20 detects the brightness (illuminance) in the external environment of the information display device 1 and outputs it to the control unit 60.

  The liquid crystal display unit 30 is a display module including a liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal display unit 30 includes a backlight and a drive circuit, and a video signal and a control signal are supplied from the control unit 60.

  The electronic paper transfer unit 40 includes a display module including electronic paper. Similar to the liquid crystal display unit 30, a video signal and a control signal are supplied from the control unit 60 to the electronic paper transition unit 40. The electronic paper transfer unit 40 corresponds to the display device transfer unit 103 described above. Details of the electronic paper transfer section 40 will be described later.

  The operation unit 50 receives a user operation on the information display device 1. Various devices can be used for the operation unit 50. For example, the touch on the display surface of the information display device 1 may be detected using a touch panel, and a user operation may be performed, or a keyboard, a mouse, or the like may be used. Alternatively, the operation unit 50 may include a microphone and analyze the input voice to detect a user operation. Alternatively, instead of the operation unit 50, information corresponding to a user operation may be obtained from an external device connected to the information display device 1.

  The control unit 60 can be realized by reading a program stored in a storage medium and executing a program by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 60 performs overall control of the information display device 1. The control performed by the control unit 60 includes control of each unit disclosed in FIG. That is, the control unit 60 also serves as a driver for liquid crystal devices and electronic paper. Furthermore, the control unit 60 can execute an application that handles content to be displayed. These drivers and applications are executed on an OS (Operating System).

  Next, the electronic paper transfer unit 40 will be described.

The electronic paper transfer unit 40 includes electronic paper inside, and enables movement of the electronic paper.
When moving the electronic paper, it is desirable to move the electronic paper while keeping the area (the area of the display region 10) composed of the liquid crystal display region 11 and the electronic paper display region 12 constant. That is, it is desirable that a blank area that is neither the liquid crystal display area 11 nor the electronic paper display area 12 is generated in the display area 10.

  The electronic paper transfer section 40 includes an electronic paper 41, an electronic paper carrier 42 that enables movement of the electronic paper 41, a roller 43, and a motor that drives the roller 43 (not shown in FIG. 6 described later), It is included. The electronic paper carrier 42 corresponds to the above-described display device carrier.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross section in the A-A ′ direction in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, a transparent acrylic plate 13 is disposed on the surface of the information display device 1, and the inside of the information display device 1 can be visually recognized through the acrylic plate 13. In the information display apparatus 1, an electronic paper carrier 42 is disposed so as to surround the liquid crystal device 31. The liquid crystal device 31 is held by a housing on the side surface of the information display device 1.

  The electronic paper carrier 42 is a unit that mounts the electronic paper 41 and moves the electronic paper 41 inside the information display device 1.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the electronic paper carrier 42. The electronic paper carrier 42 connects the transparent member 44 to both ends of the electronic paper 41, and connects both ends of the transparent member 44, respectively. The electronic paper carrier 42 is stored in the information display device 1 in an endless form (annular form) by connecting the B end and the B ′ end of FIG. 7. The transparent member 44 is made of a transparent member such as acrylic and has the same flexibility as that of the electronic paper 41. Note that the transparent member 44 may be made of any material, has the same flexibility as the electronic paper 41, and may be bent to some extent.

  The electronic paper carrier 42 may hold the electronic paper 41 with a reinforcing member and have an endless shape.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the electronic paper carrier 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic paper 41 may be held by a reinforcing member 45. That is, the electronic paper carrier 42 includes reinforcing members 45 connected to both ends of the electronic paper 41, and forms an endless shape by connecting both ends of the reinforcing member. However, from the viewpoint of durability of the electronic paper carrier 42, it is preferable to use the transparent member 44. Also in the electronic paper carrier 42 shown in FIG. 8, the B end and the B ′ end are connected to form an endless shape. The diameter of the roller 43 is preferably as long as the housing of the information display device 1 allows. This is because as the diameter of the roller 43 is longer, the load on the electronic paper 41 is reduced and the durability of the electronic paper 41 is increased.

  The endless electronic paper carrier 42 can be moved by a roller 43 (see FIG. 6). That is, the electronic paper transfer unit 40 includes a roller 43, and the position of the electronic paper 41 can be changed by rotating the roller 43. More specifically, when the electronic paper transfer unit 40 includes a stepping motor and the roller 43 is rotated by the stepping motor, a control signal (step angle) necessary for the movement of the electronic paper 41 is given from the control unit 60. It is done. Alternatively, a plurality of infrared sensors may be arranged at regular intervals in the moving direction of the electronic paper carrier 42, and the position of the electronic paper 41 may be determined based on outputs from these infrared sensors. That is, the control unit 60 may receive the output of the infrared sensor and control the motor included in the electronic paper transfer unit 40.

  Further, the electronic paper 41 may be moved by grasping the relationship between the movement amount of the electronic paper 41 and the rotation time of the motor without using such a position detection sensor. In this case, since each motor of the information display device 1 has a variation in the driving capability of the motor, it is desirable to perform calibration by the user. More specifically, if the information display device 1 includes a touch panel as the operation unit 50, a calibration mode is provided in one of the setting menus of the information display device 1.

  In the calibration mode, an interface is provided in which the user touches a position corresponding to one end of the electronic paper 41, drives the motor from the touched position, and releases the finger when reaching the position specified by the information display device 1. By such an operation, the driving capability of each individual of the information display device 1 can be grasped, and the control unit 60 can correct the relationship between the movement amount of the electronic paper 41 and the driving time of the motor.

  With the configuration as described above, the control unit 60 can freely change the position of the electronic paper 41. For example, when the entire display area 10 is used as the liquid crystal display area 11 as shown in FIG. 3A, the electronic paper 41 is moved to the position shown in FIG. Then, since there is nothing blocking the display on the upper surface of the liquid crystal device 31, the user can visually recognize the display provided by the liquid crystal device 31. That is, the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41 are overlapped to create a state in which only the liquid crystal device 31 is visible to the user. On the other hand, when the entire display area is used as the electronic paper display area 12, the electronic paper 41 is moved to the position shown in FIG.

  Further, by adjusting the overlap between the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41, the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 can be used simultaneously. At that time, the control unit 60 moves the electronic paper 41 via the electronic paper transition unit 40 according to the ratio between the target liquid crystal display region 11 and the electronic paper display region 12.

  Next, the proper use of the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41 in the information display apparatus 1 will be described. As described above, the information display apparatus 1 includes two display devices having different characteristics. Here, what kind of criteria or triggers are used to properly use the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41.

  The information display apparatus 1 can be considered to use two display devices properly according to the situation where the information display apparatus 1 is placed. As described above, the electronic paper 41 has an advantage of low power consumption. Therefore, when the information display device 1 is a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, the display area to be used may be determined according to the remaining battery level. For example, when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined value, it is conceivable that the liquid crystal device 31 is not used or the ratio of the liquid crystal display area 11 is significantly reduced.

  Alternatively, if the user's operation has not been performed for a certain period, control for deleting the display is performed. One of the purposes of such control is to prevent the battery from being consumed by using the liquid crystal device 31. However, in the case of the electronic paper 41, almost no power is consumed to hold the display contents. Therefore, when the user's operation is not performed for a certain period of time, the electronic paper 41 is used to display the wallpaper or the message. Is also possible.

  In addition, the electronic paper 41 is capable of displaying by reflecting the received light. Therefore, if the information display device 1 is not exposed to light, the user cannot visually recognize the display of the electronic paper 41. Therefore, the control unit 60 may detect the brightness of the external environment from the illuminance sensor 20 and determine a display device to be used according to the detected brightness. For example, if it is determined that the surroundings of the information display device 1 are dark and the display of the electronic paper 41 cannot be viewed by the user, only the liquid crystal device 31 is used.

  Of course, the proper use of the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41 can be determined based on the intention of the user. For example, it is conceivable to provide the information display device 1 with a setting menu as shown in FIG. If an item other than “1. Automatic” is selected in the setting menu shown in FIG. 9, only the display device determined by the user is used.

  The information display apparatus 1 may be configured to use the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41 according to the content to be displayed, in addition to using the two display devices according to the situation where the information display device 1 is placed.

  Here, the content to be displayed by the information display device 1 can be roughly divided into text information, a still image, or a moving image. Therefore, the information display apparatus 1 uses different display devices depending on applications that handle these contents.

  For example, it is desirable to use the electronic paper 41 when operating word processor software for displaying or editing text information. In this case, the control unit 60 moves the electronic paper 41 so that the entire surface of the display area 10 becomes the electronic paper display area 12 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when reproducing a moving image, it is desirable to use the liquid crystal device 31. In this case, the control unit 60 moves the electronic paper 41 so that the entire surface of the display area 10 becomes the liquid crystal display area 11 as shown in FIG. Further, when the moving image playback application is activated by a user operation, the control unit 60 may move the electronic paper 41 in advance so that the entire display area 10 becomes the liquid crystal display area 11. Good.

  As described above, the control unit 60 determines whether to use the liquid crystal device 31 or the electronic paper 41 according to the application that handles the content. Note that a table in which which of the liquid crystal device 31 or the electronic paper 41 is used corresponding to the application may be prepared in advance.

  Further, since it is possible to determine what information the content includes by the extension of each content (file), the display device to be used can be determined according to the extension. For example, it can be assumed that the content having the extension “TXT” includes text information, and therefore the use of the electronic paper 41 is given priority. Alternatively, since the content having the extension “AVI” can be assumed to be a moving image, the liquid crystal device 31 is used.

  Note that it may not be possible to determine what information is included only from the extension of the content. In such a case, the display device to be used can be determined according to the operation status of the application handled by the content.

  For example, let us consider a case where an HTML sentence in which a moving image is transferred is displayed. In such a case, since it is considered that the HTML document mainly includes text information and still images, the control unit 60 preferentially uses the electronic paper 41 and displays the HTML text. Then, when an application (browser) that handles HTML texts tries to reproduce a moving image, the liquid crystal device 31 is used. More specifically, when the browser activates the video playback decoder and detects the start of video playback, the control unit 60 changes the display device used for the display area 10 from the electronic paper 41 to the liquid crystal device 31. To do. As described above, the control unit 60 can be said to be a detection unit that detects an application activated in the information display device 1. Furthermore, the electronic paper transition unit 40 can be said to be a switching unit that switches the display device (the liquid crystal device 31 or the electronic paper 41) according to the application detected by the detection unit.

  Alternatively, the display of the moving image may be grasped from the operation status of the decoder used when reproducing the moving image, and the liquid crystal device 31 may be used. For example, the control unit 60 may detect the reproduction of the moving image from the characteristics of the drawing command issued from the decoder. In addition, since the control unit 60 has a feature of issuing many drawing commands during moving image reproduction, it is determined that the moving image has been reproduced when the number of drawing commands issued in a certain time is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The display device used for the display area 10 may be changed from the electronic paper 41 to the liquid crystal device 31.

  Heretofore, the proper use of the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41 has been described. However, as described above, display areas realized by these display devices may be mixed. It can be assumed that the content to be displayed by the information display device 1 includes both text information and a moving image. In such a case, if priority is given to the display of text information, the electronic paper 41 is used, and if priority is given to the reproduction of moving images, the liquid crystal device 31 will be given priority. However, there may be a situation where the user wants to check the explanatory text (text information) of the moving image while playing the moving image. In such a case, it is meaningful to use the liquid crystal device 31 and the electronic paper 41 at the same time and to mix the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents in the display area 10. In FIG. 10, a moving image is reproduced in the liquid crystal display region 11, and an explanatory text regarding the moving image is displayed in the electronic paper display region 12. As shown in FIG. 10, the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 can be mixed, but it is necessary to clarify how the ratio should be determined.

  Thus, determination of the ratio when the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 are mixed will be described. The following method can be considered for determining the ratio between the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12.

  The first method is to change the ratio of display areas to be used according to the characteristics of the content. For example, the resolution and aspect are given in advance to still images and moving images included in content, and the ratio of display areas to be used can be determined based on such information. More specifically, if the size of the moving image to be reproduced is large, the liquid crystal display region 11 is ensured large. If the size of the moving image is small, the area of the liquid crystal display region 11 to be secured may be small.

  Second, the user determines the ratio between the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12. Even if the content is the same, if the user is different, the content needs are usually different. Even if the content is interesting for one user, the content is not interested in other users at all. There is a case. For example, it corresponds to a moving image advertisement incorporated in an HTML document. When reproducing such content, the user can arbitrarily change the ratio of the liquid crystal display area 11 for displaying a moving image.

  At this time, if the information display device 1 includes a touch panel, the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display are displayed according to whether the user touches the boundary between the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 and moves the touch panel up or down. It is conceivable to change the ratio of the region 12.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user operation. As shown in FIG. 11, the ratio of the display area to be used is changed according to the point where the user touches the touch panel moves up and down.

  When the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 are used together, the backlight corresponding to the area of the liquid crystal device 31 that is covered by the electronic paper 41 is turned off. It is desirable to do. The liquid crystal display unit 30 includes a plurality of backlights, and if a region assigned to each backlight is determined in advance, the control unit 60 can display the backlight corresponding to the region covered by the electronic paper 41. The light can be identified and turned off. As a result, the power consumption of the information display device 1 can be reduced.

  Further, when the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 are mixedly used and the touch panel is used, the touch panel is selected according to the ratio of the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12. It is desirable to change the detection area.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of display contents in the display area 10. In FIG. 12A, a button 14 for controlling moving image reproduction is arranged in the liquid crystal display area 11. The control unit 60 realizes an interface that switches between playback and stop of a moving image each time the user touches the button 14. FIG. 12B is a diagram when the ratio of the liquid crystal display region 11 is reduced from FIG. As shown in FIG. 12B, when the ratio between the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 is changed, the display and the operation do not match unless the area where the touch panel detects the button 14 is changed. Arise. If the display and the operation do not coincide with each other, the user determines that the information display device 1 has failed because the state of the moving image is not switched even when the button 14 in FIG. 12B is pressed.

  Next, the operation of the information display device 1 described above will be summarized. Here, a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone is assumed as the information display device 1.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the information display apparatus 1.

  The information display device 1 checks the remaining battery level (step S01), and if the remaining battery level is lower than the threshold value (step S01, No branch), uses the electronic paper 41 (step S05). Further, the brightness of the external environment where the information display device 1 is placed is confirmed (step S02). If the external environment is darker than the threshold (No in step S02), the liquid crystal device 31 is used (step S06). ).

  Next, the information display device 1 checks the extension of the content to be displayed (step S03), and if it is an extension corresponding to a moving image (step S03, No branch), the liquid crystal device 31 is used. Furthermore, even when the content to be displayed is content other than a moving image (for example, text information), it is confirmed whether there is a request for moving image reproduction (step S04). If there is no moving image reproduction request as a result of the confirmation (step S04, Yes branch), the electronic paper 41 is used. If there is a request for moving image reproduction (step S04, No branch), the liquid crystal device 31 is used.

  As described above, the information display apparatus 1 preferentially determines its own internal state and external environment, and determines usable display devices. More specifically, the electronic paper 41 is used when the battery remaining amount (an example of the internal state) of the information display device 1 is limited. This is because it is not desirable to use the liquid crystal device 31 that consumes a large amount of power when the remaining battery level is limited.

  When the information display device 1 is dark (an example of an external environment), the liquid crystal device 31 is used. This is because even if the periphery is dark and the electronic paper 41 is used in some cases, the user cannot visually recognize the display. After making such a determination, the information display device 1 selects an optimal display device according to the type (extension) and content (whether or not there is a moving image reproduction request) of the content to be displayed. As described above, the control unit 60 determines the size of the display area according to at least one of the internal state of the information display device, the external environment, and the content to be displayed. Thereafter, based on the determined size of the display area, the electronic paper transfer unit 40 is instructed to move the electronic paper.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the information display device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the information display device 1, the direction in which the electronic paper display area 12 is made variable is the Y direction (up and down direction) in FIG. However, not only the Y direction but the X direction (left and right direction) may be used. Further, the width or height of the liquid crystal display area 11 and the electronic paper display area 12 need not be the same.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display area 10. As shown in FIG. 14, the width or height of either the liquid crystal display area 11 or the electronic paper display area 12 can be made shorter than the width or height of other display areas.

  As described above, in the information display apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, two display devices having different characteristics are mounted, and a display area realized by each display device is variably configured. In other words, the power consumption of the information display device 1 can be suppressed by using a display device that excels in power consumption, such as electronic paper. In addition, a display device having a high expression ability such as a liquid crystal device can cope with moving image reproduction that is difficult to handle with a display device such as electronic paper. By mounting display devices having different characteristics in this way and extracting the advantages of both, an information display device that suppresses power consumption while ensuring high convenience can be provided.

  Further, since the ratio of display areas realized by different display devices is variably configured, an area that can be secured as a display area can be realized by any one of the display devices. There is no fear of dissatisfaction that the display area is small for the size.

  Each disclosure of the cited patent documents and the like cited above is incorporated herein by reference. Within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims) of the present invention, the embodiments and examples can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. Various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) within the scope of the claims of the present invention, Selection is possible. That is, the present invention of course includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical idea. For example, the display device included in the information display device is not limited to a liquid crystal device or electronic paper. What is necessary is that the characteristics of the two display devices are different and these display devices can be switched as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 Information display apparatus 10 Display area 11 Liquid crystal display area 12 Electronic paper display area 13 Acrylic board 14 Button 20 Illuminance sensor 30 Liquid crystal display part 31 Liquid crystal device 40 Electronic paper transfer part 41 Electronic paper 42 Electronic paper carrier 43 Roller 44 Transparent member 45 Reinforcing member 50 Operation unit 60, 104 Control unit 101, 102 Display device 103 Display device transfer unit

Claims (21)

A first display device forming a first display area;
A second display device forming a second display area;
A display device transition for moving the second display device;
A control unit that determines the size of the second display region by instructing the display device transfer unit to move the second display device;
An information display device comprising:   When it is assumed that the first and second display devices perform the same display, the power required for the operation of the second display device is higher than the power required for the operation of the first display device. The information display device according to claim 1, which is low.   The information display apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first display device and the second display device are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed from a direction opposite to the first display area. The display device transition portion is
An endless display device carrier including the second display device and connected at both ends;
A roller for rotating the display device carrier;
An information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display device carrier is
The information display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a transparent member is connected to both ends of the second display device, and an endless shape is formed by connecting both ends of the transparent member. The display device carrier is
A first reinforcing member connected to one end of the second display device;
A second reinforcing member connected to the other end opposite to the one end to which the first reinforcing member is connected to the second display device,
The information display device according to claim 4, wherein an endless shape is formed by connecting both ends of the first and second reinforcing members.   The said control part determines the magnitude | size of a said 2nd display area according to at least any one of the internal state of the said information display apparatus, an external environment, or the content used as a display object. The information display device described in 1. A battery for supplying power to the first or second display device;
The information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit determines a size of the second display area according to a remaining amount of the battery. It has an illuminance sensor that detects the illuminance of the external environment,
The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a size of the second display area according to illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor.   The information display device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines a size of the second display area in accordance with an application activated in response to the content.   The information display device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit displays a moving image included in the content using the first display area.   The information display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first display device is a liquid crystal device, and the second display device is electronic paper. A first display device;
A second display device having a rewriting speed slower than that of the first display device;
An information display device comprising:
Detecting means for detecting an application activated in the information display device;
Switching means for switching between the first display device and the second display device according to the application detected by the detection means;
An information display device comprising: A first display device forming a first display area;
A second display device forming a second display area;
A display device transition for moving the second display device;
A method for controlling an information display device comprising:
Determining a size of the second display area according to at least one of an internal state of the information display device, an external environment, or content to be displayed;
Instructing the display device transfer section to move the second display device based on the determined size of the second display area;
Control method for information display device including   The control method of the information display apparatus of Claim 14 including the process of determining the magnitude | size of a said 2nd display area according to the remaining amount of a battery.   16. The method for controlling an information display device according to claim 14, further comprising a step of determining a size of the second display area according to illuminance of an external environment.   The control method of the information display apparatus as described in any one of Claim 14 thru | or 16 including the process of determining the magnitude | size of a said 2nd display area according to the application started corresponding to the said content. A first display device forming a first display area;
A second display device forming a second display area;
A display device transition for moving the second display device;
A computer program for controlling an information display device comprising:
A process of determining the size of the second display area according to at least one of the internal state of the information display device, the external environment, or the content to be displayed;
Based on the determined size of the second display area, a process for instructing the display device transfer unit to move the second display device;
A program that executes.   The program according to claim 18, wherein a process for determining a size of the second display area is executed in accordance with a remaining battery level.   The program according to claim 18 or 19, which executes a process of determining a size of the second display area in accordance with illuminance of an external environment.   The program according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein a process for determining a size of the second display area is executed in accordance with an application that is activated in response to the content.

Images