INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING
5 SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an
10 information processing system, and a program.
Background Art
[0002]
With regard to the related art, the patent literatures described below disclose
15 systems that realize a desired operation when non contact wireless communication is
conducted using a mobile device such as a mobile telephone, or the like. In
addition, Patent Literature 10 discloses a configuration of an electronic pen that uses
wireless communication.
20 Citation List
Patent Literature
[0003]
Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-`37401A
Patent Literature 2: JP 2007-316925A
25 Patent Literature 3: JP 2009-25997A
Patent Literature 4: JP 2009A987 1A
Patent Literature 5: Specification of International Patent
Application Publication No. 2003/21875
Patent Literature 6: JP 2009-230469A
30 Patent Literature 7: JP 2005400050A
Patent Literature 8: JP 200897151 A
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Patent Literature 9: JP 2008-148148A
Patent Literature 10: JP 2007-299134A
Summary of Invention
5 Technical Problem
[0004]
SP263219W000
However, in all techniques disclosed in Patent Literatures I to 10 described
above, it is merely assumed that display information is simply displayed on a screen,
and thus, when various kinds of information such as contents retained in one device
10 are executed in another device, it is difficult to visually recognize the intornaation
with ease from the device on the transfer destination side.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention takes the above problem into consideration,
and an object of the present invention is to provide an information processing
15 apparatus, an information processing system, and a program which are novel and
improved, and that enable visual recognition of various kinds of information such as
contents from a device on the transfer destination side with ease when the
information is transferred.
Solution to Problem
20 [0006]
According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an
information processing apparatus including a communication unit that performs nearfield
one-to-one communication with a first communication counterpart device, an
information acquisition unit that acquires content information retained by the first
25 communication counterpart device through communication with the first
communication counterpart device, a display processing unit that performs a process
for displaying the content information acquired by the information acquisition unit,
and a display unit that displays the content information.
[0007]
30 Further, the content information retained by the first communication
counterpart device is moving image content being reproduced by the first
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communication counterpart device, and the display unit may display the moving
image content being reproduced by the first communication counterpart device
midstream in reproduction.
[0008]
5 Further, the information processing apparatus may include an information
transmission unit that transmits the content information retained by the first
communication counterpart device to the second communication counterpart device.
The communication unit may perform near-field one-to-one communication with a
second communication counterpart device in addition to the first communication
10 counterpart device.
[0009]
Further, the information processing apparatus may include an operation
detection unit that detects an operation on the display unit. The information
transmission unit may transmit the content information when an operation for the
15 content information displayed on the display unit is detected.
[0010]
Further, the information transmission unit may transmit the content
information retained by the first communication counterpart device by converting the
format thereof.
20 [0011]
Further, the information transmission unit may transmit content information
that the first communication counterpart device does not retain among content
information that the its own apparatus retains.
[0012]
25 Further, the information processing apparatus may include a location
detection unit that detects the locations of the first and the second communication
counterpart devices, the information transmission unit may change content
information to be transmitted to the second communication counterpart device
according to the distance between the first communication counterpart device and the
30 second communication counterpart device.
[0013]
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Further, the content transmission unit may transmit the content information
so that the ratio of synchronizing the content information of the first communication
counterpart device and the second communication counterpart device increases as the
distance between the first communication counterpart device and the second
5 communication counterpart device becomes shorter.
[0014]
Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an information processing system including a first device that performs
communication with a second device using near-field one-to-one communication,
10 and a second device that includes a communication unit that performs near-field oneto-
one communication with the first device, an information acquisition unit that
acquires content information retained by the first device through communication
with the first device, a display processing unit that performs a process for displaying
the content information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a display
15 unit that displays the content information.
[0015]
Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided a program that causes a computer to function as means for performing nearfield
one-to-one communication with a communication counterpart device, means for
20 acquiring content information retained by the first communication counterpart device
through communication with the communication counterpart device, and means
performing a process for displaying the content information.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
25 [0016]
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information
processing apparatus, an information processing system, and a program that enable
visual recognition of various kinds of information such as contents from a device on
the transfer destination side with ease when the information is transferred.
30
Brief Description of Drawings
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SP263219W000
[0017]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an
information processing system according to a first embodiment.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of electrode plates
5 (antennas) provided in an information processing apparatus.
[Fig. 3A] Fig. 3A is a schematic diagram showing another example of the electrode
plates.
[Fig. 3B] Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram showing still another example of the
electrode plates.
10 [Fig. 4] Fig . 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a communication
device.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a peripheral functional configuration of a
control unit of a mobile device or an information processing apparatus.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a UI displays on a
15 display unit such as waves (or ripple) around a mobile device is displayed on a
display unit.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for describing the procedure of a process in the
information processing apparatus.
[Fig. 8A] Fig . 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example in which, when the
20 mobile device is placed, contents are displayed as if the contents are scattered in the
periphery of the device using images jumping out therefrom.
[Fig. 8B] Fig . 8B is a schematic diagram showing an appearance in which Uls are
displayed on the display unit as if the Uls are dropped on the sand and sunken therein
around the mobile device.
25 [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the mobile
device is brought close to a side of the information processing apparatus 300.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, when the mobile
device is placed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, contents
or menus are displayed thereon.
30 [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 illustrates an example in which, when connection with the mobile
device is established, contents retained in the mobile device are displayed in the item
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of XrossMediaBar (XMB).
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which information
on the contents is divided between the right and left sides of the display unit for
display.
5 [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a display appearance in which the
function icons of the mobile device that are unavailable are grayed out and those that
are available are brightly displayed depending on the functions thereof.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the available icons
are moved close to the mobile device.
10 [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which contents of
the mobile device are moved to the four corners on the display unit.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which contents flowing
over from the mobile device to the display unit are searched by browsing by hand.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a UT expressed by
15 icons depicting compact discs (CDs) and audio tapes and a UT expressed by depicting
a player are displayed.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a window W
is moved (reduced) out of the way of the mobile device.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which icons are
20 moved out of the way of the mobile device.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a spiral UI is
displayed according to the position of the mobile device.
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which another spiral UI is
displayed according to the position of the mobile device.
25 [Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the display unit of
the mobile device and the display unit of the information processing apparatus
perform display in an interlocking manner.
[Fig. 23] Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing another state in which the display
unit of the mobile device and the display unit of the information processing apparatus
30 perform display in an interlocking manner.
[Fig, 24] Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, when contents
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being reproduced in the mobile device are flicked on the display unit, data thereof is
transferred to the information processing apparatus.
[Fig. 25] Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which contents are
moved by performing flicking between mobile devices with an information
5 processing apparatus interposed thercbetween.
[Fig. 26] Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which synchronization is
performed by signaling with a gesture.
[Fig. 27] Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which information on a
database of the information processing apparatus is in synchronization with a mobile
10 device (A) and a mobile device (B).
[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which information of a
reconnnended database is duplicated as the latest information using information on a
server.
[Fig. 29] Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which copying is
15 performed while transcoding is performed.
[Fig. 30] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which addresses are
exchanged between two devices such as the mobile device (A) and the mobile device
(B).
[Fig. 31] Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a plurality of
20 addresses are encircled and selected in a touch panel, and the encircled addresses are
exchanged.
[Fig. 32] Fig. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, when the mobile
devices are placed on the display unit, synchronization is performed according to the
distance between the devices.
25 [Fig. 33] Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram showing another state in which, when the
mobile devices are placed on the display unit, synchronization is performed
according to the distance between the devices.
[Fig. 34] Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram showing still another state in which, when
the mobile devices are placed on the display unit, synchronization is performed
30 according to the distance between the devices.
[Fig. 35] Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a state of playing hockey with the
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display unit inserted, as an application of synchronization.
[Fig. 36] Fig. 36 is a schematic diagram showing a state of displaying contents "A"
as if the content are transmitted to the mobile device.
[Fig. 37] Fig. 37 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which data is moved from
5 the mobile device to the information processing apparatus.
[Fig. 38] Fig. 38 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which, when the
mobile device is held on a folder icon, the contents of the folder are displayed on the
display unit of the held mobile device.
[Fig. 39] Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an electronic seal is
10 imprinted on a document displayed on the display unit using the mobile device.
[Fig. 40] Fig. 40 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a map of
Japan is displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus, and
by holding the mobile device over the map, regions around the Kanto area are
displayed on the display unit of the mobile device in an enlarged manner.
15 [Fig. 41] Fig. 41 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, when the mobile
device is placed on the display unit, a UI for guidance is displayed on the display unit.
[Fig. 42] Fig. 42 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an electronic pen.
[Fig. 43] Fig. 43 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the electronic pen
is used.
20 [Fig. 44] Fig. 44 is a schematic diagram showing another state in which the
electronic pen is used.
Description of Embodiments
[0018]
25 Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this
specification and the drawings, elements that have substantially the same function
and structure are denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation is
omitted.
30 [0019]
Note that description will be provided in the order below.
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1. First Embodiment (A display process when a mobile device is connected to an
information processing apparatus)
2. Second Embodiment (Movement of contents between a mobile device and an
information processing apparatus)
5 3. Third Embodiment (Synchronization of information between a mobile device and
an information processing apparatus)
4. Fourth Embodiment (Guidance to a location in which a communication situation is
favorable)
5. Fifth Embodiment (A configuration example of an electronic pen)
10 [0020]
1. First Embodiment
Fig. I is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an
information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the information processing system 100 according
15 to the present embodiment includes a mobile device 200 and an information
processing apparatus 300 that includes a display unit 302 (a display) of a relatively
large size.
[0021]
The mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 are
20 configured to be able to transfer large-capacity data to each other using near-field
wireless communication. As a type of near-field wireless communication, for
example, TransferJet (a registered trademark) can be used.
[0022]
The mobile device 200 is an electronic device having the functions of a
25 mobile telephone, a smart phone, a digital camera, and the like. The mobile device
200 is provided with a display unit 202. The information processing apparatus 300
is an apparatus such as a personal computer (PC), a television receiver set, or the like,
and has a display unit 302 having a relatively large size including, for example, a
liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, or the like. On the entire face of the display unit
30 302, a touch panel (touch sensor) is provided.
[0023]
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SP263219W®00
In this system, when the mobile device 200 is brought close to the
information processing apparatus 300, the connection of the mobile device 200 and
the information processing apparatus 300 is established using near-field wireless
communication. Then, information retained in the mobile device 200 is transmitted
5 to the information processing apparatus 300, and the result of a process performed in
accordance with the transmitted information is displayed on the display unit 302 of
the information processing apparatus 300.
[0024]
The mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 have
10 electrode plates (antennas) 204 and 304 which are called electric field couplers that
enable mutual electric field coupling. When the electric field couplers of both the
mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 are brought into
close proximity, for example, within 3 cm, a change in an inductive magnetic field
generated by the electric field coupler on one side is sensed by the electric field
15 coupler on the other side, and thus one-to-one electric field communication between
the mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 is realized.
[0025]
More specifically, between the pair of devices performing the electric field
communication described above, one functions as an initiator and the other functions
20 as a responder. The initiator is the side making a connection establishment request,
and the responder is the side awaiting a connection establishment request from the
initiator.
[0026]
When the mobile device 200 shown in Fig. 1 functions as the initiator and
25 the information processing apparatus 300 functions as the responder, for example, in
the case in which the mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus
300 are brought into close proximity to each other, the information processing
apparatus 300 receives a connection establishment request (connection requesting
frame) transmitted from the mobile device 200. Then, when the connection
30 establishment request is received by the information processing apparatus 300, the
information processing apparatus 300 transmits a connection response permit
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(connection response frame) to the mobile device 200 . Then, when the mobile
device 200 receives the connection response permit, connection of communication
between the information processing apparatus 300 and the mobile device 200 is
established . After the connection is established , or at the same time as the
5 establishment of the connection, the information processing apparatus 300 and the
mobile device 200 perform an authentication process, and when the authentication
process ends in a normal manner, the information processing apparatus 300 and the
mobile device 200 are in a state in which data communication is possible. As such
an authentication process, for example, checking the version of software , the type of
10 data transfer, coincidence of protocols that respective devices have between the
information processing apparatus 300 and the mobile device 200, or the like can be
exemplified.
[0027]
After that, the information processing apparatus 300 and the mobile device
15 200 perform one-to-one data communication. 1\4ore specifically, the mobile device
200 transmits arbitrary data to the information processing apparatus 300 using the
electric field coupler. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 300
transmits arbitrary data to the mobile device 200 using the electric field coupler. As
arbitrary data, for example, music data for music, lectures, radio programs, and the
20 like, video data such as movies, television programs, video programs, photos,
documents, drawings, diagrams, and the like, games, software, and the like can be
exemplified.
[0023]
Herein, whereas radio waves radiated from an antenna of a radio wave
25 communication type attenuate in inverse proportion to the square of a distance, the
intensity of an inductive electric field generated from such an electric field coupler is
inversely proportional to the fourth power of a distance, and thus there is an
advantage in that the distance between a pair of devices that can perform electric
field communication can be restricted. In other words, according to the electric
30 field communication, effects that deterioration of signals due to surrounding
obstacles seldom occurs and techniques for preventing hacking and securing
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confidentiality can be simplified are obtained.
[0029]
SP263219 W O00
In addition, a radio wave radiated from an antenna has horizontal wave
components oscillating in the orthogonal direction to the traveling direction of the
5 radio wave, and also includes a polarized wave. On the other hand, an electric field
coupler has vertical wave components oscillating in the traveling direction, and
generates an inductive electric field without a polarized wave, and thus the scheme
has excellent convenience in that a receiving side can receive signals when faces of a
pair of electric field couplers face each other.
10 [0030]
Note that, in the present specification, description has been provided
focusing on the example in which a pair of communication devices perform nearfield
wireless communication (non-contact communication or TransferJet) using
electric field couplers, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For
15 example, the pair of communication devices also can perform near-field wireless
communication via communication units thereof that can communicate with each
other using magnetic field coupling. According to communication schemes using
electric field coupling and magnetic field coupling, since a signal is not transmitted
when communication counterparts are not brought into close proximity to each other,
20 a problem of interference is not likely to occur, which is more advantageous than the
radio wave communication scheme.
[00311
Fig.'2 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of electrode plates
(antenna) 304 provided in the information processing apparatus 300. In the
25 example illustrated in Fig. 2, a plurality of electrode plates 304 are provided on the
rear face of the information processing apparatus 300. In this manner, by providing
the plurality of electrode plates 304 over the entire region of the inner face of the
information processing apparatus 300 and setting the intensity of a reception signal
to be a proper value, when the mobile device 200 is brought close to the display unit
30 302 on the surface of the information processing apparatus 300, communication
connection between the mobile device 300 and the information processing apparatus
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300 can be established.
[0032]
SP263219W®00
In addition, Figs. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams showing another
example of the arrangement of the electrode plates 304. In the example illustrated
5 in Fig. 3A, the plurality of electrode plates 304 are arranged along the contour of the
information processing apparatus 300. According to this configuration, when the
mobile device 200 is brought close to a side of the information processing apparatus
300, information retained in the mobile device 300 can be transmitted to the
information processing apparatus 300. In addition, Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram
10 showing still another example of the arrangement of the electrode plates 304. Indic
example illustrated in Fig. 3B, the plurality of electrode plates 304 are arranged
along the external contour of the display unit 302 as an inward-facing antenna.
According to this configuration, when the mobile device 200 is brought close to the
display unit 302 even when the display unit 302 is formed of a material through
15 which it is difficult for radio waves to penetrate, information retained in the mobile
device 200 can be transmitted to the information processing apparatus 300. As
illustrated in Fig. 3B, when the electrode slope 304 are arranged on the edge of the
display unit 302, a frame including a nonmetal portion for wireless communication
can be configured to be separately provided so as to cover the display unit 302 in a
20 surrounding manner, the electrode slope 304 mounted inside the frame, so that
communication is possible without interrupting the screen of the display unit 302.
In addition, by building up the frame to be convex with respect to the display face of
the display unit 302 and then embedding the electrode slope 304 in the built-up
portion so as to face inward, communication with the mobile device placed on the
25 display unit 302 is possible. In this way, even in the configuration of Fig. 3B,
communication with the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302 is possible.
With the configuration of the electrode plates 30%1 as described above, when the
electrode slope 304 are arranged on the rear face of the display unit 302 with the
strengthened intensity of a reception signal, even if the display unit 302 is formed of
30 a material through which it is difficult for radio waves to penetrate, communication
is also possible via a constituent element such as liquid crystal.
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[0033]
SP263219WO00
Note that, since the mobile device 200 is relatively small, it is enough to
provide, for example, one electrode plate 204 on the back face thereof, but a plurality
of electrode plates 204 may also be provided.
5 [0034]
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for illustrating a configuration of a
communication unit in the mobile device 200 and the information processing
apparatus 300. The configuration shown in Fig. 4 is the same for both the mobile
device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300.
10 [0035]
As illustrated in Fig. 4, the mobile device 200 and the information
processing apparatus 300 respectively have a transmission and reception coupler
(communication units) 102, a selector 104, a transmission processing unit 106, a
reception processing unit 108, and a control unit 110. Since the transmission and
15 reception coupler 102 includes an electric field coupler, the transmission and
reception coupler corresponds to the electrode plates 204 and 304 described above.
The mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 perform
communication by the transmission and reception couplers 102 by performing
electric field coupling. The transmission and reception couplers 102 that the mobile
20 device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 respectively have are
disposed so as to face each other, are separated by a short distance of, for example,
about 3 cm, and can perform electrostatic coupling. Each transmission and
reception coupler 102 is selectively connected to one of the selector 104, the
transmission processing unit 106, and the reception processing unit 108.
25 [0036]
The transmission processing unit 106 generates transmission signals for
transmitting data from the transmission and reception coupler 102. The
transmission processing unit 106 includes constituent elements such as an encoder
that encodes transmission data, a spreader that spreads the transmission data, a
30 mapper that extends the transmission data from a binary series to a complex number
signal, and an RE circuit that performs up-conversion to a center frequency, or the
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like. In addition, the reception processing unit 108 performs decoding of a
reception signal received in the transmission and reception coupler 102. The
reception processing unit 108 includes constituent elements such as an RF circuit
into which a reception signal is input, an AD converting section that converts the
5 reception signal to a digital signal, a demapper that performs demapping for the
reception signal, a decoder, or the like. When there is a transmission request made
from an upper-level application, the transmission processing unit 106 generates a
high-frequency transmission signal such as a UWB signal, or the like, based on
transmission data, and propagates the signal from the transmission and reception
10 coupler 102 to a communication counterpart device. The transmission and
reception coupler 102, as the communication counterpart device, performs
demodulation and decoding processes for the received high-frequency signal, and
hands the reproduced data to the upper-level application. The same process is
performed also when data is reversely transmitted between the mobile device 200
15 and the information processing apparatus 300. Therefore, bidirectional
communication between the mobile device 200 and the information processing
apparatus 300 is realized.
[0037]
According to a communication scheme using a high frequency and wide
20 band such as UWB communication, for example, it is possible to realize ultra-high
rate data transmission of about several hundred 1\4bps within a short distance. In
addition, when the UWB communication is performed not using radio wave
communication but using electrostatic coupling, the intensity of a reception signal is
inversely proportional to the fourth power of the distance, and thus, by suppressing
25 the intensity of the reception signal (intensity of the radio wave) within the distance
of 3 meters from radio facilities to a predetermined level or lower, a weak radio wave
can be set which does not necessitate permission of a radio station, and accordingly,
a communication system can be composed at a low cost. In addition, when data
communication is performed in an ultra-short distance using the electrostatic
30 coupling scheme, backing on the transmission path can be reliably prevented without
degrading the quality of signals caused by surrounding reflective objects, and
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accordingly, confidentiality can be secured. In addition, by suppressing the
intensity of the reception signal to a predetermined level or lower so as to enable
communication within a distance of only, for example, 3 cm, two devices can be
configured to be unable to perform simultaneous communication for one device, and
5 one-to-one communication in a short distance can be realized.
[0038]
The control unit 110 controls the overall operations of the mobile device
200 and the information processing apparatus 300. For example, the control unit
110 controls the generation of a transmission signal by the transmission processing
10 unit 106, and controls decoding of the reception signal by the reception processing
unit 108. In addition, the control unit 110 outputs a switching signal to the selector
104 to cause the transmission and reception coupler 102 to be connected to the
transmission processing unit 106 when a connection request frame, a data file, or the
like is to be transmitted to the device on the communication counterpart side. In
15 addition, when a connection request frame, a data file, or the like is awaited from the
device on the communication counterpart side, the control unit 110 outputs a
switching signal to the selector 104 to cause the transmission and reception coupler
102 to be connected to the reception processing unit 108.
[0039]
20 The establishment of connection is realized in such a way that a connection
request frame is transmitted from one device (initiator) to the other device
(responder) and the initiator receives a connection response frame transmitted from
the responder. Such a connection request frame is transmitted by a device into
which a user action such as, for example, data file transfer, data file selection, or the
25 hke, is input to the communication counterpart.
[0040]
Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a peripheral functional configuration of
the control unit 110 of the mobile device 200 or the information processing apparatus
300. The configuration shown in Fig. 5 is the same for both the mobile device 200
30 - and the information processing apparatus 300. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the control
unit 110 includes a transmission data processing section 112, a reception signal
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intensity (electric field intensity) detection section 114, a reception data processing
section 116, a display processing section 118, a location detection section 120, a
process execution section 122, an operation detection section 124, and a soundvibration
output section 126.
5 [0041]
In addition, the mobile device 200 or the information processing apparatus
300 may include a data accumulation unit 130, a geomagnetic sensor 140, an
acceleration sensor 150, the display unit 202 or 302, and a touch panel (touch sensor)
170. Note that the information processing apparatus 300 may not have the
10 geomagnetic sensor 140 and the acceleration sensor 150.
[0042]
The function blocks shown in Figs. 4 and 5 can include hardware (a sensor,
a circuit, or a memory), or an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and software (a
program) that causes the function block to function. When these function blocks
15 include the arithmetic processing unit and software, the program can be stored in a
recording medium such as a memory, or the like that the mobile device 200 or the
information processing apparatus 300 includes.
[0043]
With this configuration as above, the mobile device 200 and the information
20 processing apparatus 300 perform various kinds of display as a user interface (UI) on
the display units 202 and 302 when data is transmitted and received within the
proximity of two devices to each other. Hereinafter, the details of such display will
be described. Note that, in Fig. 1, the display unit 302 of the information
processing apparatus 300 is disposed so as to stretch in the vertical direction, but the
25 display unit 302 may be disposed in an upward facing state. In other words, when
the information processing apparatus 300 includes a thin display panel, the apparatus
may be disposed on a table so that the display unit 302 faces upward. In this case,
wireless communication connection can be established by placing the mobile device
200 on the display unit 302.
30 [0044]
In each embodiment to be described below, when the mobile device 200 and
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the information processing apparatus 300 perform wireless communication, it is
possible to realize a user-friendly device that enables a user to instantly recognize
and operate a process by performing predetermined display on the display units 202
and 302 as a user interface (UI). Note that the configurations above apply
5 commonly to each embodiment.
[0045]
In a first embodiment, a response when the mobile device 200 is placed on
the display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus 300, or when the mobile
device 200 is placed on a side of the information processing apparatus 200 will be
10 described. Herein, the case in which the display unit 302 is mainly disposed facing
upward will be described. Since the display unit 302 of the information processing
apparatus 300 is sufficiently larger than the mobile device 200, a user can perform
transmission and reception of data with the information processing apparatus 300 by
placing the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302.
15 [0046]
In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, when communication connection is
established between the mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus
300, a UI like a wave (ripple) is displayed around the mobile device 200 on the
display unit 302. The wave displayed on the display unit 302 is displayed as if the
20 wave outwardly propagates from the location of the mobile device 200 in a
sequential manner. The shape of the wave is designed to change according to the
data amount retained by the mobile device 200, radio sensitivity, the stage of data
transfer, or the like. This information is acquired by the reception data processing
section 116 of the information processing apparatus 300. The display processing
25 section 118 of the information processing apparatus 300 executes a process for
display as described in each embodiment below based on the information detected by
the reception data processing section 116. Accordingly, the user can instantly
recognize various kinds of data such as the retained data amount only by viewing the
shape of the wave.
30 [0047]
Next, a technique and a realization method for realizing the above-described
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UI will be described. In the case of the configuration illustrated in Fig. 6, the
position of the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302 can be specified based on
the intensity of a reception signal of each of the plurality of electrode plates 304
included in the information processing apparatus 300, and when the intensity of a
5 reception signal in a specific electrode plate of electrode plates 304 is stronger than
the intensity of a reception signal in another electrode plate of electrode plates 304,
the mobile device 200 is determined to be located close to the specific electrode plate
of electrode plates 304. In addition, when the touch panel 170 is provided on the
display unit 302, the location of the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302 can be
10 specified based on an output of the touch panel 170. In this case, it is preferable to
use a pressure-sensitive panel as a touch panel.
[0048]
In addition, detection of holding the mobile device 200 on the information
processing apparatus 300 is performed according to establishment of wireless
15 connection based on proximity of the mobile device 200 and the information
processing apparatus 300. First, when the transmission data processing section 112
of one device (initiator) transmits a connection request frame to the other device
(responder), the reception data processing section 116 of the responder receives the
connection request frame. Then, the transmission data processing section 112 of the
20 responder transmits a connection response frame, and the reception data processing
section 116 of the initiator receives the connection response frame. Accordingly,
wireless connection between the mobile device 200 and the information processing
apparatus 300 is established.
[0049]
25 The mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 arc
specified by exchanging identification (ID) information with each other after the
establishment of connection. The data accumulation unit 130 of the mobile device
200 or the information processing apparatus 300 stores identification information, the
identification information is read from the data accumulation unit 130, and then the
30 information is transmitted to a connection destination by the transmission data
processing section 112. As such identification information, in addition to device
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information that specifies the type of the device of the mobile device 200 or the
information processing apparatus 300, information that contains personal information
of the user and the device information may be used.
[0050]
5 The intensity of a reception signal can be acquired from an RSSI (Received
Signal Strength Indicator; reception signal intensity displaying signal). In the case
of TransferJet, acquiring an RSSI during communication is included in the standard.
The intensity of a reception signal is detected by the reception signal intensity
(electric field intensity) detection section 114 shown in Fig. 5.
10 [0051]
With regard to the amount of retained data, the type of data, or the like, after
the establishment of wireless connection, information is searched for or an index is
referred to. For example, the information processing apparatus 300 acquires
information on contents, applications, and the like retained in the mobile device 200
15 by searching for the information after the establishment of wireless connection. In
addition, the mobile device 200 can transmit the index of the information on the
contents, applications, and the like to the information processing apparatus 300 after
the establishment of wireless connection so as to cause the information processing
apparatus 300 to acquire the information. In addition, search can be performed in
20 the mobile device 200 and such an index can be transmitted from the information
processing apparatus 300. In the same manner, even with regard to the capacity of
data, after the establishment of wireless connection, information is searched for or an
index is referred to. Information on the contents, applications, and. the like retained
in the mobile device 200 is transmitted from the transmission data processing section
25 112 and received by the reception data processing section 16.
[0052]
The behavior of a UI to be realized is as follows. The location detection
section 120 detects the location of the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302 or
the edge of the display unit 302 based on the detection result of the intensity of the
30 reception signal by the reception signal intensity (electric field intensity) detection
section 114. The display processing section 118 performs a display process so that
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a UI of ripple is moved around the location at which the mobile device 200 is held.
Accordingly, the ripple that widens outwardly is displayed around the mobile device
200 on the display unit 302. At this moment, the display processing section 118
provides a UI that the user can easily recognize by changing the behavior of the wave
5 according to the type of the device, the intensity of the reception signal, the type of
data, the capacity of data, and the like received by the reception data processing
section 116.
[0053]
For example, as the intensity of the reception signal increases, the wave is
10 displayed so that the amplitude or the cycle of the wave becomes greater.
Accordingly, the user can visually determine whether the intensity of the reception
signal is strong or not by merely viewing the display of the wave on the display unit
302. In addition, by deciding in advance the shape, color, amplitude, cycle, and the
like of the wave corresponding to the type of the device, the type of data, and the like,
15 the user can visually recognize such information by merely viewing the display of
the wave on the display unit 302.
[0054]
Fig. 7 is a flowchart for describing the procedure of a process in the
information processing apparatus 300. First, in Step S10, the electrode plates
20 (antennas) 204 and 304 and the touch panel 170 are initialized. Next, in the Step
S12, the mobile device 200 detects holding thereof on the information processing
apparatus 300, and when the mobile device 200 is held on the information processing
apparatus 300, the process proceeds to Step S14. On the other hand, when the
mobile device 200 is not held on the information processing apparatus 300, the
25 process stands by in Step S 12.
[0055]
In Step S14, the location and the intensity of a reception signal of the mobile
device 200 are specified. Next, in the Step S16, various kinds of information such
as the type and capacity of data, and the like are acquired with reference information
30 which is search for or an index which is referred to after the establishment of
wireless connection. Next, in the Step S18, a process of a UI is performed, for
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example, a display process on the display unit 302 is performed by changing a
display of ripple according to the intensity of the reception signal.
[0056]
In Step S18, a process of changing the sound and the color of the wave is
5 performed according to the type of the mobile device 200, as an example. In
addition, a process of changing the amplitude and the cycle of ripple is performed
according to the intensity of the reception signal. Further, a process of changing the
sound and the color of the wave is performed according to the type of data. Further,
a process of changing the sound, the color, and the cycle of the wave is performed
10 according to the capacity of the data. Herein, the capacity of the data can be set to
be the amount of data of contents such as photos, moving images, and the like
retained in the mobile device 200. Note that the procedure in each embodiment to
be described below is performed in the same manner as in Fig. 7.
[0057]
15 In addition, the UI displayed on the display unit 302 is not necessarily
limited to ripple, and for example, a UI of reading the title of a connected device in a
specific voice may be possible according to the type of the device. In this case, the
voice used in a commercial advertising the connected mobile device 200, or the like
may be used.
20 [0058]
In addition, with regard to the intensity of a reception signal, when the
mobile device approaches a target displayed on the display unit 302 of the
information processing apparatus 360, a display process can also be performed in
such a way that the target is enlarged according to an increase in the intensity of the
25 reception signal. The same process can also be expressed in a voice, and as the
mobile device 200 approaches, a process of increasing the volume of the voice can
also be performed.
[0059]
Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram showing an example in which, when the
30 mobile device 200 is placed, contents are displayed as if the contents are scattered in
the periphery of the device using images jumping out therefrom. With regard to the
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types of data, after the mobile device 200 is held, a display process can be performed
showing as if icons corresponding to the types of data are jumping out from the
center of the mobile device, as illustrated in Fig. 8A. In this case, if the contents are
music, for example, a display process showing notes scattering outside is performed,
or if the contents are photos, a display process showing photos scattering outside is
performed. At this moment, better visual effects can be exhibited using 3-
dimensiaonl display.
[0060]
Fig. 8B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which UIs are displayed
10 on the display unit as if the Uls are dropped on the sand and sunken therein around
the mobile device 200. As illustrated in Fig. 8B, the display unit 302 is likened to a
bunker in a golf course, and contents are displayed as if the contents are scattered in
the periphery using an image that seems as if balls are dropped in the bunker and the
sand flies. With regard to transfer of the capacity of data, the display unit 302 is
15 likened to a bunker in a golf course, and the contents are displayed as if the contents
are scattered and sunken around the mobile device 200 using an image that seems as
if balls are dropped in the bunker. Further, according to the size of the data, display
is performed as if the depth of sinking changes. In the same manner, Uls may be
displayed being likened to a cushion with respect to the display unit 302. In this
20 case, the quantity of bound is changed according to the data amount of contents, and
display can be performed so that the quantity of bound increases as the data amount
increases.
[0061]
Next, a case in which the mobile device 200 is held on a side of the display
25 unit 302 (display) of the information processing apparatus 300 will be described.
This example applies to the case in which the electrode plates 304 are provided along
the perimeter of the display unit 302 as described in Fig. 3.
[0062]
As illustrated in Fig. 9, when the mobile device 200 is brought close to a
30 side of the information processing apparatus 300, wireless communication
connection is established between the electrode plates 304 provided along the
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perimeter of the information processing apparatus 300. In this case, a process of
displaying semi-circular ripple around the location at which the mobile device 200 is
held is performed. Further, it is also possible to display icons and the like
corresponding to the type of the mobile device 200 at the center or the periphery of
5 the wave. Accordingly, the user can ascertain whether the held mobile device 200
has been correctly recognized by the information processing apparatus 300 or not.
Other processes can be performed in the same manner as in the example of Fig. 6,
and the amplitude, cycle, color, and the like of the ripple can be changed according to
the intensity of the reception signal, the type of data, the capacity of data, and the like.
10 [0063]
Next, a configuration of performing menu display when the mobile device
200 is placed on the display unit 302 will be described. Fig. 10 is a schematic
diagram showing a state in which, when the mobile device 200 is placed on the
display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus 300, contents or menus
15 transmitted from the mobile device 200 are displayed thereon. As illustrated in Fig.
10, the mobile device 200 and the information processing apparatus 300 perform
communication, and contents and menus are displayed in the periphery of the mobile
device 200. The example illustrated in Fig. 10 shows a state in which contents
retained in the mobile device 200 are displayed on a circumference around the
20 mobile device 200 on the display unit 302. Using such display, it is possible to
perform a process of retrieving the contents and the like by the user operating the
icons of the contents displayed on the display unit 302. In this case, an output of
the touch panel 176 is transmitted to the operation detection section 124, and then a
process of displaying the contents retrieved by the display processing section 118 is
25 performed. Further, an output of the operation detection section 124 is transmitted
to the process execution section 122, and a process of retrieving the contents is
executed.
[0064]
When the user operates the icon of a "camera" displayed on the display unit
30 302, the touch panel 170 of the information processing apparatus 300 detects the
operation, and data of photos is displayed as content thereon. Accordingly, the data
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of photos retained in the mobile device 200 is displayed on the display unit 302.
[0065]
A technique and a realization method necessary for realizing the UIs shown
in Fig. 10 will be described below. "Specification of the location of the mobile
5 device 200," "detection of holding," and "establishment of wireless connection" are
performed in the same manner as in the example of the ripple described above. In
addition, in the Uls shown in Fig. 10, the information processing apparatus 300
acquires not only information indicating the size of the mobile device 200, but also
information specifying the orientation of the mobile device 200 when the mobile
10 device 200 is specified. This makes it possible to display icons on the outer side of
the mobile device 200 by acquiring the information on the size of the mobile device
200. In addition, the information on the orientation of the mobile device 200 is
acquired in order to match the orientation for displaying the icons with that of the
mobile device 200. When the orientation of the mobile device 200 is specified, the
15 touch panel 170 of the information processing apparatus 300 detects the shape of the
mobile device 200, and then specifies the orientation thereof based on the detection.
In addition, it is also possible to transmit information on the direction of the mobile
device 200 to the information processing apparatus 300 which is obtained from the
geomagnetic sensor 140 of the mobile device 200.
20 [0066]
Note that the above configuration can be applied to the case in which the
mobile device 200 is placed on the display unit 302 and the case in which the mobile
device 200 is placed on a side of the display unit 302, and the location at which the
mobile device 200 is placed is set not to be limited.
25 [0067]
Display of the menu screen of the information processing apparatus 300
displays the icons indicating the functions of the mobile device 200 on the
circumference of the concentric circle sharing the same center as the mobile device
200 illustrated in Fig. 10. When the mobile device 200 is placed on the side of the
30 information processing apparatus 300, the icons are displayed on the circumference
of a scmi=circlc having the mobile device 200 as the center.
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[0068]
The process performed by the information processing apparatus 300 in the
example of Fig. 10 is the same as in Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 10, in Step S16,
information on the contents, the size of the mobile device 200, and information on
5 the orientation of the mobile device 200 are acquired, in addition to information on
the type of data, and the like. Then, in Stcp S18, the contents and. the menus are
displayed in consideration of the size and the orientation of the mobile device 200.
[0069]
Figs. 11 to 17 show variations of Fig. 10. Fig. I1 illustrates an example in
10 which, when connection with the mobile device 200 is established, the contents
retained in the mobile device 200 are displayed in the item of XrossMediaBar (XMB,
a registered trademark). In this case, when one icon arranged in the horizontal
direction is selected, icons of contents pertaining to the selected icon are displayed in
the vertical direction. In this manner, it is also possible that, when a function icon is
15 selected, contents corresponding thereto are set to be displayed.
[0070]
Fig. 12 illustrates an example in which information on the contents is
divided between the right and left sides of the display unit 302 for display. In
addition, Fig. 13 illustrates an example in which, when the information processing
20 apparatus 300 is connected to the mobile device 200 in the state in which icons of
contents relating to the information processing apparatus are displayed on the display
unit 302, display is performed in a manner that, among the function icons, those that
are unavailable are grayed out and those that are available are brightly displayed
according to the functions of the mobile device 200. In addition, when the mobile
25 device 200 is held, it may be possible to set, among the function icons, those that are
not available not to be displayed and those that are available to be displayed. In this
case, it may be possible to display an animation during the display. Further, it may
be possible to set recommended function icons to appeal.
[00711
30 Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a case in which the mobile device
200 is brought close to the left side of the information processing apparatus 300. In
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the example of Fig. 14, the available icons are moved around the mobile device 200.
In this manner, when the mobile device 200 is held, it may also be possible to move
the available function icons among the function icons as if the icons are drawn to the
mobile device 200. In this case, the unavailable function icons may be grayed out
5 or may not be displayed. At this moment, after the information on the size and the
orientation of the mobile device 200 is acquired, the icons are displayed so as not to
overlap the mobile device 200. Further, it may also be possible to set the flow of
data to be visually recognized by making the movement direction or the icons
coincide with the transfer direction of the data. Further, it may also be possible to
10 display the icons by combining relevant icons. Moreover, it is possible to move an
icon that moves in a wrong direction in a correct direction by operating the touch
panel 170. Owing to the wide use of the mobile device 200, such a mobile device
200 having various kinds of contents and applications has been introduced.
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to lucidly present available
15 functions and unavailable functions of the mobile device 200 by merely placing the
mobile device 200 on a large display, whereby convenience of users including those
who are not familiar with handling of the mobile device 200 can be enhanced.
[0072]
Fig. 15 illustrates an example in which the contents of the mobile device
20 200 are moved to the four corners of the display unit 302 according to the kinds of
the contents. In this manner, it may be possible to collect the icons of the contents
in different places according to the kinds of the contents. The reception data
processing section 116 of the information processing apparatus 300 can acquire
identification information of information received from the mobile device 200 and
25 the display processing section 118 can perform a display process according to the
kinds of the contents. Accordingly, it is possible to classify and then display the
contents of various kinds in an orderly manner. In addition, it is also possible to
search for the contents of a function that the user desires by moving the contents
using the touch panel operation 170.
30 [0073]
Fig. 16 illustrates a state in which, when the mobile device 200 is held on
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the information processing apparatus 300, the contents flow over from the mobile
device 200 to the display unit 302 and then the flowing contents are searched by
browsing by hand. By the operation detection section 124 detecting an operation of
the touch panel 170 by the user, it is possible to perform a display process for an
5 appearance of the contents that move according to the operation. In this manner, it
is possible to perform an operation of searching for desired contents by randomly
displaying contents in an overlapping manner and moving the contents by hand.
[0074]
It is also possible to perform 3-dimensional display and to operate the
10 overlapping contents with 3-dimensional operations in the display method of Fig. 16.
In this case, it is possible to realistically display the appearance of the overlapping
contents.
[0075]
With the operation of Fig. 16, when the contents are "photos," for example,
15 it is possible to find a desired photo or array the photos from a state as if the photos
are scattered on the display unit 302. Accordingly, from the randomly disposed
contents, it is possible to find desired contents by browsing the contents by hand for
the operation of the touch panel 170. At this moment, display can be performed by
putting priority on contents having a large number of reproductions or contents
20 having a small number of reproductions.
[0076]
Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another operation for the contents.
In the example illustrated in Fig. 17, Uls expressed by icons depicting compact discs
(CDs) or audio tapes and Uls depicting a player are displayed. When the user
25 overlaps an icon of the player with an icon of a CD through an operation of the touch
panel 170, the selected CD is reproduced by the process execution section 122.
[0077]
As means for creating a playlist, it is possible to set data in which the order
of contents is set on the playlist using a technique of arranging the contents (in the
30 example of Fig. 17, CDs and audio tapes) in the order of the list or giving numbers to
the contents. Thus, even if compact disks are randomly put into a player,
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reproduction can be attained in the right order. Generally, since large-sized PCs are
equipped with good audio and video reproduction devices, the contents of the mobile
device 200 can be viewed and listened to using a good reproduction device while
being visually recognized and selected on a large-sized display (or the display unit
5 302).
[0078]
Next, methods for acquiring the data of the icons include methods for
preparing selection options in advance and displaying the icons of relevant functions
after searching for the function on a terminal side, but are not limited thereto.
10 [0079]
As an application example of shifting a process on the mobile device 200 to
the information processing apparatus 300, a state of the mobile device 200 is
acquired by the information processing apparatus 300 and a continuation thereof is
reproduced on the information processing apparatus 300. When the mobile device
15 200 is held, (the continuation) of contents that have been reproduced in the mobile
device 200 is reproduced on the information processing apparatus 300. In addition,
images, or the like, may be transmitted from the screen of another information
processing apparatus 300 under operation.
[0080]
20 Next, an example will be described in which, when the mobile device 200 is
held, contents, function icons, and the like on the information processing apparatus
300 already displayed on the display unit 302 are moved. In the example illustrated
in Fig. 18, if the mobile device 200 is placed on the display unit 302 when a window
W of the contents is displayed on substantially the entire face of the display unit 302,
25 the window W is moved (reduced) so as to avoid the mobile device 200. At this
moment, the window W is resized according to the size of the mobile device 200.
Accordingly, the user can visually recognize the entire display of the window W in a
continuous manner without overlapping the mobile device 200 and the window W.
[0081]
30 Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which icons are
moved so as to avoid the mobile device 200 when the mobile device 200 is placed
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over the icons that are already displayed. It is possible to avoid overlapping the
mobile device 200 and the icons by moving the icons to conspicuous places which
otherwise would be placed beneath the mobile device 200. Then, with an operation
of the touch panel 170, relevant icons can be arranged so as to be easily used. In
5 the examples of Figs. 18 and 19, by acquiring the location, the size, and the
orientation of the mobile device 200 after the establishment of connection, the
display processing section 118 performs a process of moving the window or the
icons to a location at which the mobile device 200 is not overlapped. It is possible
to provide convenience for the user by enabling the user to easily place the mobile
10 device 200 for display of the menu, or the like, without causing the user to worry
about the position of the window. With regard to Fig. 18, when the mobile device
200 is separated from over the display unit 302, the window W may be designed to
return to the size before the mobile device 200 is placed thereon. In the same
manner, with regard to Fig. 19, when the mobile device 200 is separated from over
15 the display unit 302 after icons overlapped by the mobile device 200 are moved or
deleted, the icons may be designed to be removed to or redisplayed at the original
position thereof.
[0082]
In addition, when the mobile device 200 is rotated, the menu displayed on
20 the display unit 302 is rotated according to the orientation of the device. When
there is another user other than the user operating the mobile device 200 , for example,
a menu facing the direction of the user operating the mobile device 200 is made to
face the direction of the former user by rotating the mobile device 200.
Accordingly the orientation of display can be changed so that the former user can
25 easily see the display. An instant operation is possible since the menu on the
display can be operated with direct contact with the (physical object of ) mobile
device 200 as momentrnn.
[0083]
Next, a case in which the mobile device 200 is brought close to the back
30 face of the information processing apparatus 300 will be described. In the case of
the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the electrode plates 304 are arranged over the
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entire back face of the information processing apparatus 300, and thus connection
can be established even when the mobile device 200 is brought close to the back face
of the information processing apparatus 300. In this case, a spiral UI is displayed
on the display unit 302 according to the position of the mobile device 200 as
5 illustrated in Figs. 20 and 21. At this moment, the user can visually and instantly
recognize the movement direction of data with the traveling direction of waves
changed along the movement direction of the data. Although display on the display
unit 302 can be made in the same manner as in the example of Fig. 6, since the
mobile device 200 is not present on the display unit 302, such a spiral UI or the like
10 can also be displayed from the center point at which the mobile device 200 is located,
without considering the size of the mobile device 200.
[0084]
Figs. 22 and 23 relate to providing Uls for informing the user of the
movement directions of data by performing display on the display unit 202 of the
15 mobile device 200 and the display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus
300 in an interlinked manner when the mobile device 200 is placed on the display
unit 302. Specifically, when data is transferred from the mobile device 200 to the
information processing apparatus 300 as illustrated in Fig. 22, if the mobile device
200 is held, the display unit 202 displays movements, for example, as if the contents
20 are sucked into the spiral. Then, the display unit 302 of the information processing
apparatus 300 displays Uls in which the contents absorbed in the mobile device 200
flow over. In this case, if the transmission processing section 112 of the mobile
device 200 transmits data, the display processing section. 118 of the mobile device
200 performs a display process on the display unit 202 as if the contents are sucked
25 into the spiral. When data is transferred from the information processing apparatus
300 to the mobile device 200, a display process is performed in a reverse manner to
the above, and thus an appearance of the contents being sucked into the spiral is
displayed on the display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus 300 and an
appearance of the contents flowing over is displayed on the display unit 202. By
30 expressing the transfer of the contents projected on two displays of the information
processing apparatus 300 and the mobile device 200, it is possible to lucidly convey
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the situation of content transfer to the user.
[0085]
SP263219W®00
Note that menus or contents can also be displayed on a display of a mobile
device of the related art, but a miniaturized mobile device has a small display unit,
5 and thus it is sometimes difficult to grasp or operate the list of a number of largecapacity
menus or contents within the mobile device. As described in the
embodiment, it is possible to dramatically enhance user convenience by once
projecting the menu and contents of the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302 as
a larger display and causing the user to operate them. In addition, the contents of
10 the mobile device 200 possessed by an individual can be viewed by another person
through a large-sized display, which facilitates communication regarding the contents
of the mobile device 200. Further, it is possible to operate and manage contents
even using the mobile device 200 that is unable to secure a sufficiently large display
unit (or does not have a display unit).
15 [0086]
As a merit of placing the mobile device 200 on the display unit 302 (or on a
display), a menu, or the like can be displayed, which is triggered by an extremely
instantaneous operation of "placing (or moving) the mobile device 200," and thus
user convenience of operating the device can be enhanced. In addition, as a merit
20 of placing the mobile device 200 on a side portion of the display unit 302 (a flank of
the display), the menu, or the like can be displayed without shielding the large-sized
display with the mobile device 200 itself. In addition, as a merit of handling
contents of two mobile devices 200 via the information processing apparatus 300,
synchronization or the progress, degree, current state, or the like of movement of
25 contents between two mobile devices 200 is projected on the information processing
apparatus 300 having a large-sized display, and thus the state of content movement
and sharing can be lucidly shown to users thereof in a visual manner.
[0087]
2. Second Embodiment
30 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The second embodiment relates to movement of contents between the mobile device
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200 and the information processing apparatus 300. The movement of contents
includes movement of contents from the mobile device 200 to the information
processing apparatus 300 and movement of contents from the information processing
apparatus 300 to the mobile device 200.
5 [0088]
When contents are moved from the mobile device 200 to the information
processing apparatus 300, if the mobile device 200 is placed on the display unit 302
of the information processing apparatus 300, the contents of the mobile device 200
are moved to the information processing apparatus 300. In this case, when the
10 contents are a. moving image and the moving image is under reproduction on the
display unit 202 of the mobile device 200, the contents of the moving image moved
to the information processing apparatus 300 are reproduced on the display unit 302
from the time point of the continuation being reproduced.
[0089]
15. In addition, by providing a plurality of places for placing the mobile device
200 on the display unit 302, different operations or data transfers can be performed
depending on the places. In this case, based on a location detection result of the
mobile device 200 by the location detection section 120 of the information
processing apparatus 300, different operations or data transfers are performed. In a
20 case in which a plurality of contents are moved to the information processing
apparatus 300 but being unable to be displayed on the entire display unit 302, or the
like, the contents are displayed as if overlapping and accumulating.
[0090]
In addition, when contents are moved from the information processing
25 apparatus 300 to the mobile device 200, the contents of the information processing
apparatus 300 are transferred to the mobile device 200 by holding the mobile device
200 on the information processing apparatus 300. In this case, the information
processing apparatus 300 displays the contents to be transmitted on the display unit.
302, and the contents are set to be transmitted to the mobile device 200 when the
30 mobile device 200 is held thereon. In addition, it may be set that one or a plurality
of places accumulating contents to be transmitted are provided within the display
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unit 302 and when the mobile device 200 is held on the places, the contents are
absorbed thereinto together. These processes are realized by the mobile device 200
absorbing the contents when the location of the mobile device 200 is detected by the
location detection section 120 of the information processing apparatus 300 and when
5 it is ascertained by the display processing section 118 that the location of the contents
displayed on the display unit 302 coincides with the location of the mobile device
200.
[0091]
In addition, a plurality of mobile devices 200 are connected to the
10 information processing apparatus 300, and the contents are visually moved via the
information processing apparatus 300. Each mobile device 300 is placed on the
display unit 302 or disposed on a side of the information processing apparatus 300.
For example, the plurality of mobile devices 200 are disposed on the right and left
sides of the information processing apparatus 300, and the contents are moved from
15 the mobile devices 200 on one side to the mobile devices 200 on the other side via
the information processing apparatus 300. In this manner, it is possible for a
plurality of users to view and move the contents via the information processing
apparatus 300.
[0092]
20 Next, data transfer using a flick operation (an operation of lightly shaking)
of the mobile device 200 will be described . In the examples described above, data
transfer is set to be automatically performed in the held state (after the establishment
of connection), but in this example, if contents displayed on the mobile device 200
are flicked in the state in which the mobile device 200 is held on the information
25 processing apparatus 300 as illustrated in Fig. 24, data is transferred to the
information processing apparatus 300. With regard to the flicking operation, the
mobile device 200 itself may be flicked or the touch panel 170 may be flicked on the
display unit 302 of the mobile device 200. In the same manner, if contents
displayed on the display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus 300 are
30 flicked toward the mobile device 200 with an operation of the touch panel 170 on the
display unit 302 , data is transferred to the mobile device 200. The flicking
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operation on the touch panel 170 can be detected by the operation detection section
124 based on an output of the touch panel 170. In addition, when the mobile device
200 itself is flicked, the operation can be detected based on an output of the
acceleration sensor 150 included in the mobile device 200. When such a flicking
5 operation is detected, the transmission data processing section transmits data of the
contents or the like to the communication counterpart device.
[0093]
Further, in Fig. 24, in addition to the case of flicking the mobile device 200
itself on the display unit 302, if contents on the display unit 202 of the mobile device
10 200 are moved in a predetermined direction (for example, a data transferring
direction shown in Fig, 24) by a touch of a user, the contents can be set to be moved
and displayed on the display unit 302 in the direction, in the same manner as in the
case of flicking the mobile device 200 itself. In this case, information on content
selection on the mobile device 200 and the flicking direction by a finger of the user is
15 detected by the touch panel of the mobile device 200, and by notifying the
information processing apparatus 300 of the detected information, the contents can
be moved in the same manner as in Fig. 24. Accordingly, while details of the
contents to be moved are checked on the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200, it
is possible to move the contents in an arbitrary direction on the large-sized display
20 unit 302 so as to be displayed on the desktop, and to realize instant content
movement with a sense of "scattering" the contents using a finger of the user.
[0094]
Further, if contents under reproduction on the display unit 202 of the held
mobile device 200 are flicked on the display of the information processing apparatus
25 mobile device 200, it is possible to transfer the contents so that display is switched to
reproduction display on the display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus
300. In the same manner, if contents under reproduction on the display unit 302 of
the information processing apparatus 300 is flicked toward the mobile device 200
with an operation of the touch panel 170 of the display unit 302, it is possible to
30 transfer the contents under reproduction to the mobile device 200 and to switch to
reproduction display on the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200.
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[0095]
SP263219W®00
Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which contents are
moved by performing flicking between two mobile devices 200 with an information
processing apparatus interposed therebetween. As illustrated in Fig. 25, a mobile
5 device (A) 200 and another mobile device (B) 200 are disposed on the left and right
sides of the information processing apparatus 300 and both of the devices are
connected to the information processing apparatus 300. At this moment, contents
of the mobile device (A) 200 on the left side are displayed forming a semi-circular
shape on the display unit 302. The user can move the contents to the mobile device
10 (B) 300 by operating the touch panel 170 of the display unit 302. In this case, when
the distance between the contents and the mobile device (B) 200 is close to an extent
of a predetermined value or shorter by an operation of the touch panel 170, for
example, data is transmitted to the mobile device (B) 200 by the transmission data
processing section 112. in this case, the contents are transferred from the mobile
15 device (A) 200 to the information processing apparatus 300, and then temporarily
stored in the data accumulation unit 130 of the information processing apparatus 300.
After that, under a predetermined condition, the contents are transferred to the
mobile device 200 (B) by the transmission data processing section 112 of the
information processing apparatus 300. In this manner, in the present embodiment,
20 contents are temporarily stored in the information processing apparatus 300, without
being directly moved from the mobile device (A) 200 to the mobile device 200 (B).
[0096]
In addition, in the state illustrated in Fig. 25, it is possible to synchronize
contents of both mobile devices 200. In this case, it may be possible to perform a
25 synchronization operation in such a way that the contents of both mobile devices 200
are displayed in semi-circular shapes as shown by the mobile device (A) 200 of Fig.
25, and flicked in both directions by operations of the touch panel 170. In addition,
the progress of a synchronization process may be displayed using the number of
remaining data pieces. It is also possible to display Uls such that displays of
30 contents are removed from one that has undergone synchronization. By performing
the synchronization process in this manner, it is possible to equalize information
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retained in two mobile devices 200.
[0097]
SP263219WO00
Fig. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which synchronization is
performed by signaling with a gesture. As illustrated in Fig. 26, using a touch panel
5 operation on the display unit 302, when the touch panel is operated to the right
direction from the mobile device (A) 200 on the left side, information of the mobile
device (A) 200 on the left side is synchronized with the mobile device (B) 200 on the
right side. In addition, when the touch panel is operated to the left direction from
the mobile device (B) 200 on the right side, information of the mobile device (B) 200
10 on the right side is synchronized with the mobile device (A) 200 on the left side.
[0098]
Fig. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which information on a
database of the information processing apparatus 300 is in synchronization with the
mobile device (A) 200 and the mobile device (B) 200. The example illustrated in
15 Fig. 27 shows that recommended information is displayed on the display unit 302 of
the information processing apparatus 300 and the information is in synchronization
with the mobile device (A) 200 and the mobile device (B) 200. Accordingly, the
mobile device (A) 200 and the mobile device (B) 200 can acquire the recommended
information of the database together. In this case, if connection to the mobile
20 devices 200 is established in the state in which the recommended information of the
database is displayed on the display unit 302 by the display processing section 118,
the displayed information of the database is transmitted to the mobile 200. Note
that the recommended information can be stored in the data accumulation unit 130.
[0099]
25 Fig. 28 illustrates a state in which the information processing apparatus 300
is connected to an external server through a communication line such as the Internet
and information of a recommended database is duplicated as the latest information
using information on the server. By updating information of the recommended
database to the latest one at all times, it is possible to enhance convenience for
30 backup, transfer, and the like.
[0100]
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Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which copying is
performed while transcoding is performed. When data is moved between portable
music players, mobile telephones, or the like, for example, the information
processing apparatus 300 performs copying by converting (transcoding) a format.
5 In the example illustrated in Fig. 24, transcoding from an AAC (Advanced Audio
Coding) format to an MP3 format is performed. Accordingly, on behalf of the
mobile device 200, the information processing apparatus 300 can execute a process
that is too burdensome for the mobile device . A format that each mobile device
200 can handle is acquired from information specifying the mobile device 200.
10 [0101]
Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, when the mobile
devices 200 retain e-mail addresses, the addresses are exchanged between two
devices such as the mobile device (A) 200 and the mobile device (B) 200. In this
case, when the mobile device (A) 200 and the mobile device (B) 200 are cormected
15 via the information processing apparatus 300, if there is address information that one
device does not retain on address books of two mobile devices 200, address
exchange is performed by transmitting the address from one device that has retained
it to the other device that has not retained it. In the example illustrated in Fig. 30,
addresses that both mobile devices 200 retain are displayed on the display unit 302
20 and both mobile devices 200 commonly retain only an address A. For this reason,
addresses that are not shared are transferred to the other mobile device 200 and then
copied in the mobile device 200. Accordingly, address information of two mobile
devices MO can be shared. In this case, both mobile devices 200 compare their own
address information to address information received by the reception data processing
25 section 116, and the transmission data processing section 112 transmits an address
that the communication counterpart device does not have. Note that the address
information can be stored in the data accumulation unit 130.
[0102]
In addition, during address exchange, it is also possible to display a UI for
30 selecting an address. As shown in Fig. 31, for example, it may be possible for a
plurality of addresses to be bound and selected using an operation of the touch panel
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170 and the bound addresses exchanged. In the example illustrated in Fig. 3i,
addresses B and C of the mobile device (A) 200 are bound by an operation of the
touch panel 170 and transmitted to the mobile device (B) 200. In addition,
addresses D and E of the mobile device (B) 200 are bound by an operation of the
5 touch panel 170 and transmitted to the mobile device (A) 200.
[0103]
In addition, a technique of, for example, introducing a social networking
service based on address information that is shared together is considered. In this
case, a correlation chart may be elicited together by exchanging address information
10 between the mobile devices 200. Such an event may be executed when the mobile
device (A) 200 and the mobile device (B) 200 retain the same information (in the
example of Fig. 30, the address A).
[0104]
In the examples above, although the case of disposing the mobile devices
15 200 on the side face of the information processing apparatus 300 is mainly shown,
the same processes can also be performed when the mobile devices 200 are placed on
the display unit 302. When the mobile devices 200 are placed on the display unit
302 and the distance between the mobile devices 200 is closer than a predetermined
value, data is exchanged in a state closer to synchronization , according to the
20 distance between the two mobile devices 200. In addition, it is possible to perform
a process in which only data with a high degree of correlation is exchanged as the
two mobile devices 200 are separated.
[0105]
In this case, if both mobile devices 200 are brought close to each other after
25 the mobile devices 200 are placed on the display unit 302, synchronization of data is
started. The start of data synchronization is displayed using a UI (for example, a UI
of ripple). It is possible to set the mobile devices 200 such that they have respective
regions (territory) around the devices and if the regions overlap, an action
(synchronization) is accordingly started.
30 [0106]
Figs. 32 to 34 are schematic diagrams showing states in which, when the
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SP263219WO00
mobile devices 200 are placed on the display unit 302, synchronization is performed
according to distances. As illustrated in Fig. 32, when the distance between the two
mobile devices 200 exceeds a predetermined value, only data with a high degree of
correlation is transferred and partial synchronization is performed. In addition, as
5 illustrated in Fig. 33, when the distance between the two mobile devices 200 is a
predetermined value or lower, all information of both mobile devices 200 is copied
and full synchronization is performed. In this case, as illustrated in Fig. 34, all data
pieces are displayed around the two mobile devices 200, and displays of pieces of
data that have undergone synchronization are set to sequentially disappear.
10 Accordingly, the user can determine the progress of data copy from the display state.
[010'7]
Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing a state of playing hockey with the
display unit 302 inserted, as an application of synchronization. Here, information
that one mobile device 200 retains is displayed on the display unit 302 being likened
15 to a hockey puck, and when the puck transmitted from one mobile device 200 is
caught by the other mobile device 200, synchronization for the information is
performed. In this case, when a location on the right or left side of the display unit
302 that the puck contacts coincides with the locations of the mobile devices 200, the
mobile device 200 is assumed to have caught the puck. Alternatively, it is possible
20 to set synchronization for the information to be performed when the puck transmitted
from one mobile device 200 is not caught by the other mobile device 200.
[0108]
3. Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The
25 third embodiment relates to processes of synchronization, transmission, enlargement,
complementation, or the like for images between the mobile device 200 and the
information processing apparatus 300. When the mobile device 200 is placed on
the display unit 302, by causing a display on the display unit 302 to be transmitted to
the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200, an image of the display unit 302 that
30 would otherwise be hidden under the mobile device 200 can be recognized, and an
operation through the mobile device 200 is also possible. In addition, by enlarging
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SP263219W000
a display of the display unit 302 and displaying it on the display unit 204, it is
possible to enlarge and view desired contents.
[0109]
Fig. 36 illustrates a state in which, when contents "A" are displayed on the
5 display unit 302, if the mobile device 200 is placed thereon as if the device covers
the contents "A," the contents "A" are displayed on the display unit 202 of the
mobile device 200 as if the contents "A" are transmitted to the mobile device 200.
[0110]
In this manner, in the example of transmission, if the mobile device 200 is
10 placed on the display unit 302 (on a large-sized display), the display of the display
unit 302 is transmitted and displayed on the display unit 202. In this case, it is
possible to set a UI to be changed according to whether the contents can be moved
from the information processing apparatus 300 to the mobile device 200 or not.
Further, as a function to be realized in combination of transmission, when the mobile
15 device 200 is held, it is possible to set a function (an icon or a menu) corresponding
to the combination of the mobile device 200 to be displayed on the display unit 202
of the held mobile device 200. In the process of the third embodiment, the location
detection section 120 detects the location of the mobile device 200 on the display
unit 302 based on the intensity of a reception signal detected by the reception signal
20 intensity (electric field intensity) detection section 114. The location of the mobile
device 200 is compared to the location of contents, an icon, or the like that has
undergone a display process by the display processing section 116, on the display
unit 302, and when the location of the mobile device 200 and the location of the icon
or the like on the display unit 302 coincide, information of the icon or the like is
25 transmitted from the transmission data processing section 112 to the mobile device
200. Accordingly, in the mobile device 200, the received information of the icon or
the like can be displayed on the display unit 202.
[0111]
In addition, as illustrated in Fig, 36, for example, on the display unit 202 of
30 the held mobile device 200, information of the display unit 302 below the held
location and the function (menu) corresponding thereto arc displayed. In this case,
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SP263219W®00
the transmission data processing section 112 of the information processing apparatus
300 transmit information on contents, an icon, or the like of which the display
location on the display unit 302 coincides with the location of the mobile device 200
and information on the function (menu) relating thereto, or the like, to the mobile
5 device 200. Accordingly, the mobile device 200 can display on the display unit 202
not only the information such as the contents, the icon, or the like that would
otherwise be hidden in the back side thereof, but also the relevant information.
When the function of the mobile device 200 does not correspond to the information,
the menu is set not to be shown even if the device is held. Alternatively, the menu
10 may be grayed out.
[0112]
In addition, it is possible to set a function to be used in the mobile device
200 (a function that can be realized in combination of the mobile device 200 and the
information processing apparatus 300) to be displayed when the mobile device 200 is
15 held on an icon, or the like, on the display unit 302.
[0113]
In addition, when contents are displayed in advance on the mobile device
200 to be held in the upper side and the contents are to be moved to the information
processing apparatus 300 to be held in the lower side, a UI can be used as if the
20 display unit 202 of the mobile device 200 to be held in the upper side is copied to the
display unit 302 of the information processing apparatus 300 to be held in the lower
side. Accordingly, the user can visually recognize copying (movement) of contents
from the mobile device 200 to the information processing apparatus 300.
[0114]
25 Fig. 37 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which data is moved from
the mobile device 200 to the information processing apparatus 300. As illustrated
in the drawing of the upper part of Fig. 37, contents B are displayed on the display
unit 202 of the mobile device 200 before being held over the information processing
apparatus 300. The drawing in the middle part of Fig. 37 illustrates the state in
30 which the mobile device 200 displaying the contents B is held over the display unit
302. When the mobile device 200 is held, information of the contents B is
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SP263219W®00
transferred to the information processing apparatus 300. The drawing in the lower
part of Fig. 37 illustrates the state in which the mobile device 200 is kept away from
the display unit 302 from the state of the middle part of Fig. 37. When the mobile
device 200 is kept away from the display unit 302, the transferred information of the
5 contents B is displayed on the display unit 302. Accordingly, the user can visually
recognize transfer of the contents B from the mobile device 200 to the information
processing apparatus 300.
[0115]
Next, an example in which an icon on the display unit 302 is displayed on
10 the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200 in an enlarged manncr will be
described. Fig. 38 illustrates an example in which, when the mobile device 200 is
held on a folder icon displayed on the display unit 302, the contents of the folder are
displayed on the display unit 202 of the held mobile device 200 to be held in the
upper side. In this case, the operation can also be applied to a. security purpose in
15 such a way that the contents are shown only through a specific device to be held in
the upper side.
[0116]
In addition, as an application example of Fig. 38, the mobile device 200 can
be used as an electronic seal (authorization). Fig. 39 is a schematic diagram
20 showing a state in which an electronic seal is imprinted on a document displayed on
the display unit 302 using the mobile device 200. As illustrated in the drawing in
the upper part of Fig. 39, a document is displayed on the display unit 302 and an
electronic seal is displayed on the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200. The
mobile device 200 is assumed to be authorized to imprint the electronic seal. Then,
25 as illustrated in the drawing in the lower part of Fig. 39, when the mobile device 200
is held on the display unit 302, the imprinting location on the document that has been
displayed on the display unit 302 is transmitted and displayed on the display unit 202.
If a predetermined operation is performed in this state, the electronic seal of the
mobile device 200 is imprinted on the document on the display unit 302, and the
30 document on the display unit 302 is in the state in which the seal is imprinted. By
enlarging the display of the document on the display unit 202 of the mobile device
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SP263219WO00
200 larger than on the display unit 302, it is possible to make it easier to press the
seal.
[0117]
Next, a case will be described in which a map displayed on the display unit
5 302 is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200. Fig.
40 illustrates an example in which a map of Japan is displayed on the display unit
302, and by holding the mobile device 200 thereover, regions around the Kanto area
are enlarged and displayed on the display unit 202. It is possible to display not only
the enlarged and displayed regions, but also information on the regions (restaurant
10 information, transportation information including railway and road traffic, weather
information of the regions, and the like). In this case, information on the regions is
added to the map information displayed in the information processing apparatus 300
in advance, and the information is acquired by the mobile device 200 so as to be
displayed on the display unit 202.
15 [0118]
In addition, by displaying regions other than the regions displayed on the
display unit 302 on the display unit 202, it is also possible to complement
information of the world in a panoramic view. For example, it is possible to set that
the mobile device 200 to be placed outside the display unit 302, and a map of regions
20 other than the region displayed on the display unit 302 to be displayed on the display
unit 202 as an extended screen.
[0119]
Further, in addition to a map, when the mobile device 200 is held over a
photo (group photo, or the like), for example, a function can be equipped with which
25 a person in the photo is enlarged and displayed on the display unit 202, and the
person included in the address book or the like of the held mobile device 200 is
searched so that the result is displayed. In this case, information of the person in
the photo displayed on the information processing apparatus 300 is given in advance,
and search is performed by comparing the information with information of the
30 address book.
[0120]
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1. Fourth Embodiment
SP263219WO00
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The
fourth embodiment relates to guiding the mobile device 200 to a location providing
favorable communication when the mobile device 200 is held on the information
5 processing apparatus 300. For example, a UI indicating the location of the antennas
304 is displayed on the display unit 302 only when wireless communication is used.
In addition, when the mobile device 200 is held on the display unit 302 and the
location of the mobile device 302 deviates from the location of the antennas 304, a
UI guiding the device to a proper location of the antenna is displayed. Further, a
10 UI for guidance is displayed on the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200.
[0121]
Fig. 41 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which, when the mobile
device 200 is placed on the display unit 302, a UI for guidance is displayed on the
display units 202 and 302. As illustrated in Fig. 41, by displaying arrows indicating
15 proper directions on the display unit 202 of the mobile device 200 and moving the
mobile device 200 in those directions, it is possible to guide the mobile device 200 to
the location of the antennas 304. In the example illustrated in Fig. 41, the arrow in
the upper left side of the display unit 202 is displayed brighter than other arrows (or
displayed in a flickering manner), and the mobile device 200 is set to be guided in
20 the corresponding direction. When the mobile device 200 is located on the
antennas 304 and accordingly in the best communication state, the state is displayed.
In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 41, cross lines indicating a "target" for guidance to
the location of the antenna may be displayed on the display unit 302. In this case,
the location detection section 120 of the mobile device 200 or the information
25 processing apparatus 300 detects a current location of the mobile device 200 and a
location with the best intensity of a reception signal based on the intensity of a
reception signal detected by the reception signal intensity (electric field intensity)
detection section 114. The display processing section 118 performs a display
process of guiding the device to the direction providing the best intensity of a
30 reception signal.
[0122]
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SP263219W000
In addition, as another method, a method of guiding by causing the held
mobile device 200 to make a sound, vibration, or the like can be used. In this case,
since the antenna sensitivities (distributions) of devices are different, guidance is
performed while the difference is corrected. The sound-vibration output section
5 126 shown in Fig. 5 outputs a sound or a vibration for performing guidance in the
direction with the best intensity of a reception signal. As an example, when a sound
is to be output, a sound indicating the direction with the best intensity of a reception
signal is set to be output, and another sound indicating the best intensity of a
reception signal is set to be output at the corresponding location. In addition, when
10 a vibration is to be output, a vibration indicating the direction with the best intensity
of a reception signal is set to be output and the vibration is set to stop at the location
with the best intensity of a reception signal.
[0123]
5. Fifth Embodiment
15 Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The
fifth embodiment relates to an electronic pen 400 performing communication with
the information processing apparatus 300. The electronic pen 400 includes a
recording unit (storage device) 402 for recording data and a wireless communication
unit 404. The wireless communication unit 404 has the same configuration as that
20 described in Fig. 4. The electronic pen 400 performs various kinds of content
movement operations such as absorbing and recording displayed folders, and the like
surrounded by an operation of the pen, using gestures of the pen.
[0124]
Fig. 42 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the electronic pen
25 400. The front end of the electronic pen 400 forms a normal stylus with a sharp
shape. An antenna 406 for wireless communication is mounted on the rear end
thereof.
[0125]
Figs. 43 and 44 are schematic diagrams showing states in which the
30 electronic pen 400 is used. First, the absorption (accumulation)' of data by the
electronic pen 400 will be described. The absorption of data is performed in three
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SP263219 WO00
steps. First, as illustrated in Fig. 43, the front end of the electronic pen 400
performs drawing as if contents on the display unit 302 are surrounded. Then, the
touch sensor 170 detects the drawing, and a line is drawn on the display unit 302
along the trace of the pen tip. At this moment, one or a plurality of contents can be
5 surrounded together.
[0126]
Next, with the electronic pen 400 being held upside down, the antenna 406
at the rear end of the electronic pen 400 faces the display unit 302. Then, the rear
end of the electronic pen 400 is held over the display unit 302. Accordingly, the
10 electronic per, 400 is connected to the information processing apparatus 300 by
wireless communication, and data of the surrounded contents is transferred from the
information processing apparatus 300 to the electronic pen 400. Since the
information processing apparatus 300 recognizes the trace of the pen tip, if
connection with the electronic pen 400 is established, the data of the contents
15 included in the range is transmitted. The data of the contents transferred to the
electronic pen 400 is saved in the recording unit 402.
[0127]
Next, dumping (transmission) of data by the electronic pen 400 will be
described. Dumping of data is performed in one step. In the state of the recording
20 unit 402 with the data saved therein, if the rear end of the electronic pen 400 is held
facing the display unit 302 as illustrated in Fig. 44, wireless communication
connection is performed between the electronic pen 400 and the information
processing apparatus 300, and the data held in the recording unit 402 is transferred to
the information processing apparatus 300. Accordingly, the data held in the
25 recording unit 402 is copied to the desktop of the display unit 302.
[0128]
Note that, with regard to a location at which the electronic pen 400 is held,
when the antennas 304 are provided on the circumference of the information
processing apparatus 300 as described in Fig. 3, the electronic pen 400 is set to be
30 held'in the vicinity of the antennas 304. In addition, when the antennas 304 are
provided over the entire region of the display unit 302 as shown in Fig. 2, the
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electronic pen 400 is set to be held over the display unit 302.
[0129]
SP263219W000
In addition, it is possible to perform setting such that, if the electronic pen
400 is held over a predetermined selected area provided on the display unit 302, data
5 is absorbed, and further, a function is selected by clicking an icon, and if the
electronic pen is held over an area other than the selected area, data is dumped.
[0130]
Note that the electronic pen 400 may be equipped with the functions of the
mobile device 200 described in the first to the fourth embodiments. In this case, the
10 electronic pen 400 does not have a display, but can display a menu, or the like.
Without a display, although the electronic pen 400 is light and suitable for carrying,
user convenience and excitement of checking contents retained in the electronic pen
400 through the display unit 302 (large-sized display) of the information processing
apparatus 300 each time can still be provided.
15 [0131]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described
above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present invention is
not limited to the above examples, of course. A person skilled in the art may find
various alternations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and
20 it should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the
present invention.
'Reference Signs List
[0132]
25 106 Transmission processing unit
108 Reception processing unit
116 Reception data processing section
118 Display processing section
200 Mobile device
30 300 Information processing apparatus
302 Display unit
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CLAIMS
Claim I
SP263219WO00
An information processing apparatus comprising:
a communication unit that performs near-field one-to-one communication
5 with a first communication counterpart device;
an information acquisition unit that acquires content information retained by
the first communication counterpart device through communication with the first
communication counterpart device;
a display processing unit that performs a process for displaying the content
10 information acquired by the information acquisition unit; and
a display unit that displays the content information.
Claim 2
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
15 wherein the content information retained by the first communication
counterpart device is moving image content being reproduced by the first
communication counterpart device, and
wherein the display unit displays the moving image content being
reproduced by the first communication counterpart device midstream in reproduction.
20
Claim 3
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising:
an information transmission unit that transmits the content information
25 retained by the first communication counterpart device to the second communication
counterpart device,
wherein the communication unit performs near-field one-to-one
communication with a second communication counterpart device in addition to the
first communication counterpart device.
30
Claim 4
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The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising:
an operation detection unit that detects an operation on the display unit,
wherein the information transmission unit transmits the content information
5 when an operation for the content information displayed on the display unit is
detected.
Claim 5
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
10 wherein the information transmission unit transmits the content information
retained by the first communication counterpart device by converting the format
thereof.
Claim 6
15 The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the information transmission unit transmits content information that
the first communication counterpart device does not retain among content
information that the its own apparatus retains.
20 Claim 7
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising:
a location detection unit that detects the locations of the first and the second
communication counterpart devices,
25 wherein the information transmission unit changes content information to be
transmitted to the second communication counterpart device according to the
distance between the first communication counterpart device and the second
communication counterpart device.
30 Claim 8
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
5 1/52
uP2d 7.0VV000
wherein the content transmission unit transmits the content information so
that the ratio of synchronizing the content information of the first communication
counterpart device and the second communication counterpart device increases as the
distance between the first communication counterpart device and the second
communication counterpart device becomes shorter.
Claim 9
An information processing system comprising:
a first device that performs communication with a second device using near-
10 field one-to-one cornrnunication; and
a. second device that includes a communication unit that performs near-field
one-to-one communication with the first device, an information acquisition unit that
acquires content information retained by the first device through communication
with the first device, a display processing unit that performs a process for displaying
15 the content information acquired by the information acquisition unit, and a display
unit that displays the content information.
Claim 10
A program that causes a computer to function as'
20 means for performing near-field one-to-one communication with a
communication counterpart device; -
means for acquiring content information retained by the first communication
counterpart device through communication with the communication counterpart
device; and
25 - means for performing a process for displaying the content information.