Image displaying apparatus

This application is a Division of Ser. No. 09/017,070 filed Feb. 2, 1998 U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,071 which is a Division of Ser. No. 08/681,702 filed Jul. 29, 1996 U.S. Pat. No. 6,043,822, which is a Division of Ser. No. 08/287,850 filed Aug. 9, 1994, U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,646.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image displaying apparatus used in an electronic appliance which displays previously stored image data in response to operation of a key switch or operation of a non-contact switch.

2. Description of the Related Art

In an image displaying apparatus of a conventional electronic appliance for displaying an image of a character such as, for example, an animal, the displayed character image is modified or moved on the image displaying apparatus in response to an operation of a particular key.

For example, images of a dog that wags its head may be selectively displayed on the image displaying apparatus by selectively operating cursor keys (up, down, left and right keys).

However, in the conventional image displaying apparatus, an instruction based on particular mechanical operation is required to modify or move the displayed character image. Therefore, the conventional image displaying apparatus inherently has a drawback that the character image displayed thereon can not be moved or modified in accordance with an instruction given by an user's sense.

The present invention has been made to overcome the above mentioned drawback, and has an object to provide an image displaying apparatus, an image of an object displayed on which can be freely modified or moved in accordance with the user's sense.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image displaying apparatus which comprises:

image-data storing means for storing a plurality of image data;

displaying means for displaying at least one of the plurality of image data stored in said image-data storing means;

switching means; and

display controlling means for selecting image data other than the image data displayed on said displaying means among from the plurality of image data stored in said image-data storing means when said switching means is operated, and for displaying the selected image data on said displaying means in place of the previously displayed image data

On the image displaying apparatus with the above mentioned structure, for example, an image of an animal displayed thereon can be moved or changed by the user with sense as if he is with his pet such as a dog.

It would be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments that the present invention may be modified in various manners and may be applicable to other apparatus.

Other objects and structures of the present invention will be more fully understood from the description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a first electronic notebook incorporating a first embodiment of an image displaying apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing image data of elements previously stored in a read only memory (ROM) of the first electronic notebook;

FIG. 3 is a view showing image data of a plant (plant image data) previously stored in the ROM of the first electronic notebook;

FIG. 4 is a view showing registers in a random access memory (RAM) of the first electronic notebook;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main process of the first electronic notebook;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a notebook-mode process of the first electronic notebook;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an image-display mode process of the first electronic notebook;

FIGS. 8A-8C are views showing indications displayed in the image-display mode process, in which

FIG. 8A is a view showing a displayed indication illustrating a plant corresponding to a plant address M=1 in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 8B is a view showing a displayed indication illustrating water-elements for selecting a water-element;

FIG. 8C is a view showing a displayed indication illustrating a plant corresponding to a plant address M=2 when a water-element is selected in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a second electronic notebook incorporating a second embodiment of the image displaying apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view showing image data of plants previously stored in ROM of the second electronic notebook;

FIG. 11 is a view showing registers in RAM of the second electronic notebook;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a main process of the second electronic notebook;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a plant-selecting process in an image-display mode process of the second electronic notebook;

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of a third electronic notebook incorporating a third embodiment of the image displaying apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a view showing image data of an object and effect-sound data previously stored in ROM of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 16 is a view showing registers in RAM of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a main process of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a notebook-mode process of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of an image-display mode process of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a light detecting process (performed when light is received) in the image-display mode process of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a light detecting process (performed when no is light received) in the image-display mode process of the third electronic notebook;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an image displaying process in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 23 is a view showing relationship between non-contact operation patterns and orders (a user's intention), and motions in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating motions of a character (dog) shown when a “start” key is operated in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating motions of the character (dog) shown when non-contact operation of the user is performed within a period of not more than 0.3 seconds in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating motions of the character (dog) shown when non-contact operation of the user is performed twice within a predetermined period in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram of a fourth electronic notebook incorporating a fourth embodiment of the image displaying apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a view showing image data of a character (dog) and sound-effect data previously stored in ROM of the fourth electronic notebook;

FIG. 29 is a view showing registers in RAM of the fourth electronic notebook;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of an image-display mode process of the fourth electronic notebook;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an image-display process in the image-display mode process of the fourth electronic notebook;

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating initial motions of a character (dog) in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating indications corresponding to a ROM address “M=3” in an order setting mode in the image-display mode process;

FIG. 34 is a view illustrating motions of the character (dog) shown in response to an order given by non-contact operation of the user in the image-display mode process; and

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a pass-word mode process performed immediately after power supply is turned on.

Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a first electronic notebook incorporating a first embodiment of the image displaying apparatus according to the present invention.

The first electronic notebook is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) 11 .

The CPU 11 is driven by a key input signal supplied from a key input unit 12 to control operations of peripheral circuits in accordance with a system program stored in a read only memory (ROM) 13 . The CPU 11 is connected with the key input unit 12 , the ROM 13 , a random access memory (RAM) 14 , a display driving circuit 15 and a liquid crystal display unit (LCD unit or display unit) 16 through the display driving circuit 15 .

The key input unit 12 is installed with letter keys 12 a , ten keys 12 b , a mode key 12 c , a search key 12 d and a write key 12 e . The letter keys 12 a are operated to input “names” etc. The ten keys 12 b are used to input “phone numbers” and numerals to designate data to be searched. The mode key 12 c is operated to set a notebook mode and/or an image display mode. The search key 12 d is operated to search and display data through notebook data registered in the RAM 14 in the notebook mode and to search and display plural sorts of element data through element data (water, light and manure for raising plants) previously registered in the ROM 13 in the image display mode. The write key 12 e is used in the notebook mode to register notebook data input by operation of the letter keys 12 a and ten keys 12 b in the RAM 14 , and further is used in the image display mode to give a plant the element searched and displayed by operation of the search key 12 d by amount specified by numerals input by the ten keys 12 b.

In the ROM 13 are previously stored the system program for the CPU 11 to perform a control operation, image data representative of elements for raising plants and plural image data of a plant which illustrate how the plant grows.

FIG. 2 is a view showing image data representative of elements previously stored in the ROM 13 of the first electronic notebook. More specifically, in the ROM 13 are stored bit map data representing three sorts of plant growing elements such as water, light and manure, each of the plant growing elements (water element, light element and manure element) corresponding to four amounts represented by (1) NO, (2) A LITTLE, (3) AVERAGE and (4) MUCH, as shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 3 is a view showing image data of a plant (plant image data) previously stored in the ROM 13 of the first electronic notebook. The plant image data are stored as bit map data in the ROM 13 . The plant image data represent a growing course (six stages) of a plant, and correspond respectively to addresses “M=0, 1, . . . and 5”. (Each plant image data represents one stage of the growing plant in the growing course.)

FIG. 4 is a view showing a structure of registers in the RAM 14 of the first electronic notebook. The RAM 14 comprises a notebook data register 14 a , a display register 14 b , a mode flag register N, a plant-address register M, a water register 14 c , a light register 14 d and a manure register 14 e . Personal data (notebook data) for a predetermined number of person including names and phone numbers are registered at areas designated by a pointer P in the notebook data register 14 a . Display data to be displayed on the LCD unit 16 is written as image data in the display register 14 b . The mode flag register N is set to a value “0” in the notebook mode, and to a value “1” in the image display mode. The plant address register M represents addresses (“M=0, 1, . . . and 5”) in the ROM 13 indicating areas where the plant image data (FIG. 3) are stored. Numeral data representing amounts of respective elements (water, light and manure), which are set by operation of the write key 12 e in the image display mode, are stored in the water register 14 c , light register 14 d and the manure register 14 e , respectively.

On the LCD unit 16 , either notebook data input by operation of the letter keys 12 a and the ten keys 12 b or notebook data searched through the notebook data register 14 a of the RAM 14 in response to operation of the search key 12 d is displayed in the notebook mode.

In the image display mode, either element data of the respective elements read out from the ROM 13 in response to operation the search key 12 d or plant image data read out from the area in the ROM 13 designated by the plant address register M of the RAM 14 is displayed on the LCD unit 16 .

In the plant address register M of the RAM 14 is set one of the plant addresses, “M=0, 1, 2, . . . and 5”, each corresponding to a growing rate of the plant, which growing rate is designated by the amounts of elements (water element, light element and manure element) that are set in the water register 14 c , the light register 14 d and the manure register 14 e by operation of the write key 12 e in the image display mode.

Now, operation of the first electronic notebook with the above mention structure will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main process of the first electronic notebook.

In the case that a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 14 when the mode key 12 c of the key input unit 12 is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 11 has been set to the notebook mode, the mode flag register N is set to a value “1” and the CPU 11 is switched to the image display mode (steps S 1 , S 2 , and S 3 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 ).

In the case that a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 14 when the mode key 12 c is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 11 has been set to the image display mode, the mode flag register N is set to a value “0” and the CPU 11 is switched to the notebook mode (steps S 1 , S 2 , and S 4 ).

In the notebook mode where a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N, the CPU 11 performs the notebook mode process (steps S 5 , SA, FIG. 6 ).

In the image display mode where a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N, the CPU 11 performs the image-display mode process (steps S 5 , SB, FIG. 7 ).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the notebook-mode process in the first electronic notebook.

In the notebook mode where a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 14 , when notebook data such as a “name” and A “phone number” are entered by operation of the letter keys 12 a and the ten keys 12 b of the key input unit 12 , the CPU 11 drives the display driving circuit 15 to display the entered notebook data on the LCD unit 16 (steps A 1 , A 2 and A 3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 ).

Further, when the write key 12 e of the key input unit 12 is operated, the notebook data that are displayed on the LCD unit 16 are registered in the notebook data register 14 a of the RAM 14 (steps A 4 , A 5 ).

When the search key 12 d is operated, the notebook data pointer P of the RAM is incremented every operation of the search key 12 d , and the CPU 11 searches for notebook data through the notebook data register 14 a and drives the display driving circuit to display searched notebook data on the LCD unit 16 (steps A 6 , A 7 and A 3 ).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the image-display mode process in the first electronic notebook.

FIGS. 8A-8C are views showing indications displayed on the LCD unit 16 in the image-display mode process. FIG. 8A is a view showing an indication of a plant corresponding to a plant address M=1 in the image-display mode process. FIG. 8B is a view showing an indication illustrating water-elements for selecting a water-element. FIG. 8C is a view showing an indication illustrating the plant corresponding to a plant address M=2 when a water-element is selected in the image-display mode process.

In the case that, for example, a value “1” has been set to the plant address register M in the RAM 14 in the image-display mode process of FIG. 7, the CPU 11 reads out and displays on the display unit 16 plant image data of a second growing stage corresponding to the plant address “M=1” from the ROM 13 as shown in FIG. 8A (step B 1 of FIG. 7 ).

When the search key 12 d is operated to determine amounts of water to be supplied or fed to a plant represented by the plant image data of the second growing stage displayed on the display unit 16 (FIG. 8 B), the CPU 11 reads out and displays image data of the water element (water image data) corresponding to four amounts, (1) NO, (2) A LITTLE, (3) AVERAGE and (4) MUCH (FIG. 2) on the LCD unit 16 (steps B 2 , B 3 ).

When, for example, water element of amount (3) AVERAGE is selected on the LCD unit 16 by operation of the ten keys 12 b , numeral data “3” corresponding to the selected water element of amount (3) AVERAGE is set to the water register 14 c in the RAM 14 (step B 4 ).

On the LCD unit 16 , image data of the light element (light image data) corresponding to four amounts, (1) NO, (2) A LITTLE, (3) AVERAGE and (4) MUCH (FIG. 2) are displayed in place of the water element data. When, for example, light element of amount (3) AVERAGE is selected on the LCD unit 16 by operation of the ten keys 12 b , numeral data “3” corresponding to the selected light element of amount (3) AVERAGE is set to the light register 14 d (steps B 5 , B 3 and B 4 ).

On the LCD unit 16 , image data of the manure element (manure image data) corresponding to four amounts, (1) NO, (2) A LITTLE, (3) AVERAGE and (4) MUCH (FIG. 2) are displayed in place of the light element data. When, for example, manure element of amount (3) AVERAGE is selected on the LCD unit 16 by operation of the ten keys 12 b , numeral data “ 3 ” corresponding to the selected manure element of amount (3) AVERAGE is set to the light register 14 e (steps B 5 , B 3 and B 4 ).

When the write key 12 e is operated to supply the plant of the second growing stage shown on the LCD unit 16 with the selected amounts of water, light and manure, the CPU 11 searches for numeral data through the registers 14 c - 14 d , and determines whether the searched, i.e., selected numeral data of water, light and manure elements are equivalent to one another (steps B 5 , B 6 ).

Since the amount (3) AVERAGE is selected for the water, light and manure elements, the CPU determines “YES”, and further determines whether the numeral data is (3) AVERAGE or (4) MUCH (steps B 6 , B 7 ).

In other words, the CPU 11 determines whether the three elements are fed enough to the plant in well balanced state (steps B 6 , B 7 ). Since the amount (3) AVERAGE has been selected for all the water, light and manure elements, the CPU determines “YES” in step B 7 , and further searches through the plant address register M of the RAM 14 to determine whether the plant address corresponding to the present growing stage of the plant is “M=4” or “M=5”, that is, determines whether the plant is in the most growing stage (fifth growing stage) or in the final stage (sixth growing stage) in the growing course (steps B 7 , B 8 ).

Since “M=1” is set to the plant address register M in the RAM 14 , and the plant is in the second growing stage at present, the CPU 11 determines “NO” in step B 8 , and the plant address register is renewed from “M=1” (second growing stage) to “M=2” (third growing stage) (steps B 8 , B 9 ).

Then, the CPU 11 reads out and displays plant image data of the third growing stage (FIG. 3) corresponding to the renewed plant address “M=2” on the LCD unit 16 as shown in FIG. 8C (step B 10 ).

When the plant is in the first (“M=0”) to fourth growing stages (“M 3 ”) and elements (water, light and manure) are fed enough to the plant, the plant address is incremented by “+1” and thereby the plant image data of the following growing stage is displayed.

Even though the CPU determines “YES” in steps B 6 and B 7 , i.e., determines that water, light and manure elements are fed enough to the plant in well balance state, the plant address M is set to “0” when the CPU 11 determines “YES” in step B 8 , i.e., determines that the plant is in the fifth growing stage (“M=4”) or in the sixth growing stage (“M=5”). Therefore, the plant of the first growing stage (“M=0”) (FIG. 3) is displayed on the display unit 16 (steps B 8 , B 11 and B 10 ).

Even though the CPU determines “YES” in steps B 6 and B 7 , i.e., determines that water, light and manure elements are fed to the plant in well balance state, the plant address M is not renewed when the CPU 11 determines “NO” in step B 7 , i.e., determines that numeral data of the selected amount (1) NO or (2) A LITTLE is not enough. Therefore, the plant of the second growing stage (“M=1”) displayed in step B 1 is kept displayed on the display unit 16 (steps B 7 to B 10 )(, which indicates that the plant does not grow).

Meanwhile, when the CPU determines “NO” in step B 6 , i.e., determines that water, light and manure elements are not fed to the plant in well balance state, and further when the CPU 11 determines “NO” in step B 12 , i.e., determines that amounts, (1) NO and (4) MUCH are selected, and that water, light and manure elements are not fed to the plant in well balance state, the CPU 11 determines whether the present plant address M is “0” in step 13 . When the CPU 11 determines “M=0”, the plant of the first growing stage (“M=0”) displayed in step B 1 is kept displayed on the display unit 16 (steps B 12 , B 13 and B 10 )(, which indicates that the plant does not grow).

Further, when the CPU determines “YES” in step B 12 , i.e., determines that amounts, (1) No and (4) MUCH are selected, and that water, light and manure elements are fed to the plant in extremely unbalanced state, and further when the CPU 11 determines “NO” in step B 13 , i.e., determines that the present plant address M is in the range of “M=1” (the second growing stage) and “M=4” (the fifth growing stage), the plant address M is set to “5” (the sixth growing stage) and the plant of the sixth growing stage (final growing stage, withering plant, FIG. 3) is displayed on the display unit 16 (steps B 12 , B 13 , B 14 and B 10 ).

When, in step B 12 , the CPU determines “NO”, i.e., determines that water, light and manure elements are fed to the plant in well balanced state, the plant address M is not renewed and the plant displayed in step B 1 is kept displayed on the display unit 16 (the plant does not grow)(steps B 12 , B 10 ).

In the first electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure, one of the plant image data corresponding to the first (M=0) to sixth growing stages (M=5) is read out from the ROM 13 and is displayed on the LCD unit 16 . Further, image data representing the plant growing elements (water, light and manure) are read out from the ROM 13 and are displayed. When amounts are selected for the water, light and manure elements respectively by setting numerals by means of the key input unit 12 , the selected amounts are set in the water register 14 c , the light register 14 d and the manure register 14 e respectively. When the plant of the selected growing stage displayed on the display unit 16 is fed with the plant growing elements of the selected amounts, a plant of renewed growing stage is read out from the ROM 13 and is displayed in place of the previously displayed plant. Therefore, the user can not only review the growing stages of the plant on the display unit 16 but also he (or she) can confirm, as if he actually grows the plant, how the plant grows when some amounts of the plant growing elements are fed to the plant. In this way, using the first electronic notebook, the user can learn how to glow a plant even if he does not actually grow the plant.

Second Embodiment

Now, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a second electronic notebook incorporating the second embodiment of the image displaying apparatus according to the present invention.

The second electronic notebook is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) 21 .

The CPU 21 is driven by a key input signal supplied from a key input unit 22 to control operations of peripheral circuits in accordance with a system program stored in a read only memory (ROM) 23 . The CPU 21 is connected with the key input unit 22 , the ROM 23 , a random access memory (RAM) 24 , a timer 21 a including an oscillator circuit 21 b and a frequency dividing circuit 21 c , a display driving circuit 25 and a liquid crystal display unit (LCD unit or display unit) 26 through the display driving circuit 25 .

The CPU 21 is connected with a temperature sensor 28 and an illumination sensor 29 through a sensor control unit 27 .

The key input unit 22 is installed with letter/ten keys 22 a , a mode key 22 b , a write key 22 c , a search key 22 d and a selection key 22 e . The letter/ten keys 22 a are operated to input “names” and “phone numbers” to be registered as notebook data. The mode key 22 b is operated to set a notebook mode and/or an image display mode. The write key 22 c is used to register notebook data input by operation of the letter/ten keys 22 a in the RAM 24 . The search key 22 d is operated to search and display data through notebook data registered in the RAM 24 . The selection key 22 e is operated to select a sort of plants (a tulip, “T=0” and wheat, “T=1”).

In the ROM 23 are previously stored the system program for the CPU 11 to perform a control operation and a plurality of plant image data representative of growing stages of two plants (tulip and wheat).

FIG. 10 is a view showing plant image data previously stored in the ROM 23 of the second electronic notebook. More specifically, the plant image data are bit map data stored in the ROM 23 , which represent the two sorts of plants (tulip: “T=0” and wheat: “T=1”) in 21 growing stages (corresponding to addresses “M=1” to “M=21”) in a growing course.

FIG. 11 is a view showing a structure of registers in the RAM 24 of the second electronic notebook. The RAM 24 comprises a notebook data register 24 a , a display register 24 b , a time counting register 24 c , a mode flag register N, a plant-address register M, a sort register T, a temperature register 24 d , an illumination register 24 e . The notebook data register 14 a stores personal data (notebook data) for the predetermined number of persons including names and phone numbers at areas designated by a pointer P. Display data to be displayed on the LCD unit 26 is written as image data in the display register 24 b . Time counting data corresponding to a time counting signal sent from the timer 21 a are successively renewed and set to the time counting register 24 c . The mode flag register N is set to a, value “0” in the notebook mode, and to a value “1” in the image display mode. The plant address register M indicates addresses (“M=0, 1, . . . and 5”) in the ROM 23 representing areas where the plant image data (FIG. 10) are stored. The sort register T indicates a sort of plants image data (FIG. 10 ). Environmental temperatures which are detected by the temperature sensor 28 every hour based on time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c are successively accumulated in the temperature register 24 d . Environmental illuminations which are detected every hour bathe illumination sensor 29 are successively accumulated in the illumination register 24 e.

On the LCD unit 26 , either notebook data input by operation of the letter/ten keys 22 a or notebook data searched through the notebook data register 24 a of the RAM 24 in response to operation of the search key 22 d is displayed in the notebook mode.

In the image display mode, plant image data of a tulip or wheat in one of the growing stages, which data is read out from the ROM 23 in accordance with a plant address indicated by the plant address register M and a sort indicated by the sort register T, is displayed on the LCD unit 26 .

In the plant address register M of the RAM 24 is set one of the plant addresses, “M=0, 1, 2, . . . and 21”, corresponding to a growing rate of the plants, which growing rate is designated based on temperature accumulated value set in the temperature register 24 d and the illumination accumulated value set in the illumination register 24 e , when it is determined based on the time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c that 24 hours have lapsed.

The timer 21 a sends a time counting signal to the CPU 21 all the time to reset the time data in the time counting register 24 c of the RAM 24 . The temperature accumulated value set in the temperature register 24 d and the illumination accumulated value set in the illumination register 24 e are cleared every 24 hours based on the time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c.

Now, operation of the second electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure will be described in detail.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a main process of the second electronic notebook.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a plant-selecting process in an image-display mode process of the second electronic notebook.

In the case that a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 24 when the mode key 22 b of the key input unit 22 is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 21 has been set to the notebook mode, a value “1” is set to the mode flag register N and the CPU 21 is switched to the image display mode (steps X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 4 of FIG. 12 ).

In the case that a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 24 when the mode key 22 b is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 21 has been set to the image display mode, the mode flag register N is set to a value “0” and the CPU 21 is switched to the notebook mode (steps X 1 , X 2 , X 3 , X 5 ).

In the notebook mode where a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 24 , the CPU 21 performs the notebook mode process (steps X 6 , XA of FIG. 12, FIG. 6 ).

In the image display mode where a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N, the CPU 21 performs the image-display mode process (steps X 6 , XC of FIG. 12, FIG. 13 ).

In the image display mode where a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N in the RAM 24 , a plant image data (tulip or wheat) is read out from the ROM 23 and displayed on the display unit 26 in accordance with a plant address indicated by the plant address register M and a sort of plants indicated by the sort register T (steps X 7 , X 8 ).

Meanwhile, a time counting pulse signal is supplied to the CPU 21 from the timer 21 a to renew a time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c of the RAM 24 . It is judged based on the time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c every time the time counting data is renewed, whether one hour period has lapsed. As long as it is determined “NO”, the operation advances to step X 7 , where, in the image display mode, the plant image data (tulip or wheat) are successively read out from the ROM 23 and displayed on the display unit 26 in accordance with the plant addresses indicated by the plant address register M and a sort of plants indicated by the sort register T (steps X 1 to X 9 , X 10 to X 7 to X 8 ).

When the time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c is renewed by the time counting pulse signal transferred from the timer 21 a , and when it is determined at step X 10 that one hour period has lapsed, an environmental temperature and an environmental illumination are detected by the temperature sensor 28 and the illumination sensor 29 , respectively. The detected environmental temperature and environmental illumination are measured by the CPU 21 through the sensor control unit 27 , and are stored in the temperature register 24 d and the illumination register 24 e , respectively (steps X 10 , X 11 , X 12 and X 13 ).

At step X 14 , it is judged based on the time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c whether a twenty-four hour period has lapsed. When it is determined “NO”, the operation advances to step X 7 , where, in the image display mode, the plant image data (tulip or wheat) are successively read out from the ROM 23 and displayed on the display unit 26 in accordance with the plant addresses indicated by the plant address register M and a sort of plants indicated by the sort register T (steps X 14 , X 7 , X 8 ).

More specifically, every time it is determined at step X 10 that one hour period has lapsed, an environmental temperature and an environmental illumination are measured accumulated in the temperature register 24 d and the illumination register 24 e , respectively. Thereafter, when it is determined, at step X 14 , based on the time counting data set in the time counting register 24 c that twenty four hours have lapsed, it is judged whether the temperature accumulated in twenty four hours and stored in the temperature register 24 d and the illumination accumulated in twenty four hours and stored in the illumination register 24 e exceed certain values, respectively (steps X 14 , X 15 ).

When it is determined at step X 15 that the temperature and illumination accumulated in twenty four hours exceed the certain values which are necessary for the plant to grow, it is judged at step X 16 whether the plant address M of the plant address register M has been set to “20” or “21”.

In other words, it is judged at step X 16 whether the plant is in a twentieth growing stage or in a twenty-first growing stage, the plant image data of which plant is read out from the ROM 23 in accordance with the plant address M and is displayed on the display unit 26 . In the present embodiment, a plant in the twentieth growing stage or in the twenty-first growing stage seems to stop growing. For example, when the plant address M is “2” and it is determined “NO” at step X 16 , the plant address M is incremented to “3” (steps X 16 , X 17 ).

Then, when the image display mode is set after the accumulated temperature in the temperature register 24 d and the accumulated illumination in the illumination register 24 e are cleared, the plant image data (FIG. 10) of the plant (tulip or wheat) designated by the sort register T and of the third growing stage corresponding to the plant address “M=3” of the plant address register M is read out and displayed on the display unit 26 in place of the previously displayed image (steps X 20 , X 7 , X 8 ).

More specifically, when the temperature and illumination accumulated in twenty four hours reach certain values, respectively, which are necessary for the plant to grow, and when the selected plant address falls within a range of “M=1” to “M=19” (that is, in a plant growing range), the plant address M is incremented by “+1”, whereby the plant image data of the next growing stage is displayed on the display unit 26 .

When it is determined at step X 15 that the temperature and illumination accumulated in twenty four hours exceed the certain values which are necessary for the plant to grow, and further when it is determined at step X 16 that the plant address M of the plant address register M has been set to “20” or “21”, the plant address M is set to “1”, and the plant image data (of tulip or wheat) of the first growing rate is displayed on the display unit 26 in place of the previously displayed image. (steps X 16 , X 18 , X 20 , and steps X 7 , X 8 ).

When it is determined at step X 15 that the temperature and illumination accumulated in twenty four hours do not reach the certain values which are necessary for the plant to grow, the plant address M is set to “21” (the twenty-first growing rate) and the plant image data (withered-plant image data) of the plant (tulip or wheat) is displayed on the display unit 26 in place of the image previously displayed thereon (steps X 15 to X 19 , X 20 , X 7 , XS).

Meanwhile, when the selection key 22 e on the key input unit 22 is operated in the image display mode, in which the mode flag register N is set to “1” and the plant image data of the plant designated by the sort register T is read out from the ROM 23 in accordance with the plant address set in the plant address register M and is displayed on the display unit 26 , the CPU 21 starts a image display mode process (FIG. 13) in the image display mode.

More specifically, when a value “0” is set to the sort register T of the RAM 24 , i.e., when a “tulip” is selected or designated, a value “1” is set to the sort register T and the plant is switched to “wheat” (steps C 1 , C 2 , C 3 of FIG. 13 ).

When a value “1” is set to the sort register T of the RAM 24 at the time the selection key 22 e is operated, i.e., when a “wheat” is selected or designated, a value “0” is set to the sort register T and the plant is switched to “tulip” (steps C 1 , C 2 , C 4 of FIG. 13 ).

In either case that the plant is switched from the “tulip” to the “wheat” or case that the plant is switched from the “wheat” to the “tulip”, the plant address M is set to a value “1”, which represents an initial growing rate (step CS).

In the second electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure, plant image data of each of the plants, which correspond respectively to the first growing rate “M=1” to the twenty-first growing rate “M=21”, are previously stored in the ROM 23 , and one of the plant image data of one of the plants is read out from the ROM 23 and displayed on the LCD unit 26 . Meanwhile, time counting data registered in the RAM 24 is updated by the time counting pulse signal sent from the timer 21 a and the CPU 21 judges it based on the updated time counting data, whether an one-hour period has lapsed. Environmental temperature and illumination are detected by the temperature sensor 28 and the illumination sensor 29 , respectively, every time an one-hour period has lapsed, and the detected temperatures and illuminations are accumulated in the temperature register 24 d and the illumination register 24 e , respectively. When twenty four hours have lapsed, the CPU 21 judges whether the accumulated temperature and illumination exceed the predetermined values respectively. Then, another plant image data of the plant corresponding to another growing rate is read out from the ROM 23 depending on the result of the judgement by the CPU 21 and the growing rate of the previously displayed plant image data, and the read out plant image data is newly displayed on the LCD unit 26 . Therefore, the user can observe the growing course of the plant on the LCD unit 26 , and can make it displayed on the LCD unit 26 how the growing course of the plant is affected by the environmental conditions. As a result, even if the user does not grow a plant actually, he (or she) can learn how the plant grows under various environmental conditions.

In the second embodiment, plant image data of a new growing rate is selected among from those stored in the ROM 23 depending on the temperature and illumination accumulated in a twenty-four hour period, but this period may be arbitrarily selected.

Further, in the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 28 and the illumination sensor 29 are used to detect environmental conditions, but other sensor such as a humidity sensor may be employed in addition to the above two sensors to detect more actual environmental conditions for growing a plant.

A device with such a structure as determining a growing rate of a plant depending on combination of the plant growing elements (water, light, manure) of the first embodiment and the environmental conditions (temperature, illumination) of the second embodiment will allow the user to watch how the plant grows under environmental conditions which are more similar to natural conditions.

In the above embodiments, plants are selected as an object to be observed but animals such as a cat and a dog may be selected.

Third Embodiment

Now, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the third electronic notebook incorporating a switching device according to the present invention.

The third electronic notebook is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) 31 .

The CPU 31 is driven by a key input signal supplied from a key input unit 32 to control operations of peripheral circuits in accordance with a system program stored in a read only memory (ROM) 33 . The CPU 31 is connected with the key input unit 32 , the ROM 33 , a transferring unit 34 , a receiving unit 35 and a random access memory (RAM) 36 .

Further, the CPU 31 is connected with a timer 31 a including an oscillator circuit 31 b and a frequency dividing circuit 31 c , a display driving circuit 37 , a liquid crystal display unit (LCD unit or display unit) 38 through the display driving circuit 37 , an amplifier circuit 39 and a speaker 40 through the amplifier circuit 39 .

The key input unit 32 is installed with letter/ten keys 32 a , a mode key 32 b , a start key 32 c , an end key 32 d , a receiving key 32 e , a write key 32 f and a search key 32 g . The letter/ten keys 32 a are used to input “names” and “phone numbers” to be registered as notebook data. The mode key 32 b is operated to set a notebook mode and/or an image display mode. The start key 32 c is operated to start transferring notebook data to other electronic appliance in the notebook mode and is operated to send an infrared light in the image display mode. The end key 32 d is operated to stop receiving notebook data from other electronic appliance in the notebook mode and is operated to stop sending the infrared light in the image display mode. The receiving key 32 e is operated to receive notebook data sent from other electronic appliance in the notebook mode. The write key 32 f is used to register in the RAM 36 notebook data input by operation of the letter/ten keys 32 a and notebook data sent from other electronic appliance. The search key 32 g is operated to search and display data through notebook data registered in the RAM 36 .

In the ROM 33 are previously stored the system program for the CPU 31 to perform a control operation, a plurality of image data, and effect-sound data corresponding respectively to the image data.

FIG. 15 is a view showing image data of an object and effect-sound data previously stored in the ROM 33 of the third electronic notebook.

Six combination data (( 1 ), ( 2 )), each including two image data of a dog in a bit map format, and corresponding effect-sound data (PCM data) are stored at corresponding addresses “M=1 to 5” in the ROM 33 , respectively.

The transferring unit 34 is provided with a transferring circuit 34 a and a light emitting element 34 b , which emits the infrared light in response to a, transfer data sent from the CPU 31 . When the start key 32 c is operated in the notebook mode, the infrared light emitted by the light emitting element 34 b is modulated by means of the transferring circuit 34 a in accordance with the notebook data input and displayed on the display unit 38 by operation of the letter/ten keys 32 a and/or notebook data searched and displayed by operation of the search key 32 g , and the modulated infrared light is transferred as infrared light data from the transferring unit 34 .

In the image display mode, an infrared light of a predetermined frequency is transferred through the transferring circuit 34 a and the light emitting element 34 b in response to an instruction of the CPU 31 .

The receiving unit 35 is provided with a receiving circuit 35 a and a light receiving element 35 b for receiving an infrared light data externally supplied thereto. When the receiving key 32 e is operated in the notebook mode, notebook data sent from an external electronic appliance is received and demodulated by the receiving circuit 35 a and the light receiving element 35 b . The demodulated data is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 38 .

In the image display mode, an externally supplied infrared light is received by the light receiving element 35 b , and the received infrared light is transmitted to the CPU 31 through the receiving circuit 35 a.

FIG. 16 is a view showing registers in the RAM 36 of the third electronic notebook.

The RAM 36 comprises a notebook data register 36 a , a display register 36 b , a two-second timer register T 0 , a receiving timer register T 1 , a display timer register T 2 , a mode flag register N, a ROM-address register M, a receiving flag register F 0 , a light emitting flag register F 1 , an object designating register H, a light receiving flag register S, and a number-of-receiving-time register G. The notebook data register 36 a stores personal data (notebook data) for the predetermined number of persons including names and phone numbers at areas designated by a pointer P. Display data to be displayed on the LCD unit 38 is written as image data in the display register 36 b . The two-second timer register T 0 serves to define a time duration based on a timer signal from the timer 31 a , during which the transferring unit 34 emits the infrared light in the image display mode. An infrared light receiving time duration is renewed and set to the receiving timer register T 1 based on the timer signal from the timer 31 a , during which time duration the infrared light is received. The display timer register T 2 defines a switching time based on the timer signal from the timer 31 a , at which time a displayed image data is switched in the image display mode. The mode flag register N is set to a value “0” in the notebook mode, and to a value “1” in the image display mode. The ROM address register M indicates addresses in the ROM 23 where the image data and the effect-sound data are stored. The receiving flag register F 0 is set to a value “1” while notebook data is received in the notebook mode. The light emitting flag register F 1 is set to a value “1” while the infrared light is emitted in the image display mode. The object designating register H is alternatively set to “0” and “1” every switching time (every two seconds) defined by the display timer register T 2 , thereby alternatively designating image data ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) indicated by the ROM address register M. The light receiving flag register S is set to a value “1” when the receiving unit 35 starts receiving an infrared light in the image display mode, and is set to a value “0” when the unit 35 stops receiving the infrared light. The number-of-receiving-time register G is incremented by “+1” every time the infrared light is received in the image display mode.

On the LCD unit 38 , any one of notebook data input by operation of the letter/ten keys 32 a , notebook data searched through the notebook data register 36 a of the RAM 36 in response to operation of the search key 32 g and notebook data received through the receiving unit 35 in response to operation of the receiving key 32 e is displayed in the notebook mode.

In the image display mode, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ), which are included in at least one combination data read out from the ROM 33 in accordance with a ROM address indicated by the ROM address register M of the RAM 36 , are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 every two seconds based on the designation by the object designating register H.

Further, an effect sound is output through the speaker 40 , based on effect-sound data which are read out from the ROM 33 in accordance with a ROM address indicated by the ROM address register M.

The timer 31 a supplies the CPU 31 with a timer signal of 32 Hz. A time counting data is added to the two-second timer register T 0 , the receiving timer register T 1 and the display timer register T 2 in response to the timer signal of 32 Hz. For example, these registers count 1 sec. when T=32 and 2 sec. when T=64.

The two-second timer register T 0 and the receiving timer register T 1 are cleared to start counting operation again, when the transferring unit 34 sends the infrared light by operation of the start key 32 c in the image display mode and the receiving unit 35 receives a reflected infrared light. When the time counting data written in the two-second register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, the transferring unit 34 stops sending the infrared light.

The transferring unit 34 sends or emits the infrared light only for a period of 2 seconds after the receiving unit 35 receives the reflected infrared light form the transferring unit 34 , whereby unnecessary power consumption may be avoided or minimized. The number-of-receiving-time register G is incremented by “+1” in accordance with the number of times the receiving unit 35 receives the infrared light in the period of 2 seconds in response to non-contact operation by the user.

When time counting data which is read out from the receiving timer register T 1 at the time when the receiving unit 35 stops receiving the infrared light, i.e., a time length during which the receiving unit 35 receives the infrared light continuously is not less than 0.3 seconds but not more than 1 second, a value “2” is set to the ROM address register M. When the time counting data is not less than 1 second, a value “3” is set to the ROM address register M.

When time counting data read out from the receiving timer register T 1 , i.e., a time length during which the receiving unit 35 receives the infrared light continuously is, for example, less than 0.3 seconds, and “1” has been set to the number-of-receiving-time register G when the time counting data of the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, a value “1” is set to the ROM address register M. And when a value “2” has been set to the number-of-receiving-time register G when the time counting data of the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, a value “4” is set to the ROM address register M. Further, when a value of not less than “3” has been set to the number-of-receiving-time register G, a value “5” is set to the ROM address register M.

That is, an address is set to the ROM address register M, which address is determined in accordance with a time duration and the number of times of the non-contacting operation performed by the user while the receiving unit 35 receives the infrared light.

Now, operation of the third electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure will be described.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a main process of the third electronic notebook.

In the case that a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 36 when the mode key 32 b of the key input unit 32 is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 31 has been set to the notebook mode, the mode flag register N is set to a value “1” and the CPU 31 is switched to the image display mode (steps W 1 , W 2 , W 3 of in the flowchart of FIG. 17 ).

When the CPU 31 has been set to the image display mode, a value “0” is set to the ROM address register M (step W 4 ).

In the case that a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 36 when the mode key 32 b is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 31 has been set to the image display mode, the mode flag register N is set to a value “0” and the CPU 31 is switched to the notebook mode (steps W 1 , W 2 , W 5 ).

In the notebook mode where a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 36 , the CPU 31 performs the notebook mode process (steps W 6 , WA of FIG. 17, FIG. 18 ).

In the image display mode where a value “1” has been set to the mode flag register N, the CPU 31 performs the image-display mode process (steps W 6 , WB of FIG. 17, FIGS. 19 - 26 ).

The notebook-mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 18, which is a flowchart of the notebook-mode process of the third electronic notebook.

In the notebook mode, where a value “0” is set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 36 , when notebook data such as “name”, and “phone number” are entered by operation of the letter/ten keys 32 a of the key input unit 32 , the entered notebook data are successively displayed on the LCD unit 38 through the CPU 31 and the display driving circuit 37 (steps D 1 , D 2 , D 3 of FIG.

When the write key 32 f of the key input unit 32 is operated, the notebook data which is displayed on the LCD unit 38 at present is registered in the notebook data register 36 a of the RAM 36 (steps D 4 , D 5 ).

Every operation of the search key 32 g of the key input unit 32 increments the notebook-data pointer P of the RAM 36 . Then, the CPU 31 successively searches for notebook data of a predetermined number of persons through the notebook-data register 36 a , and displays the searched data on the LCD unit 38 through the display driving circuit 37 (steps D 6 , D 7 , D 3 ).

Operation of the start key 32 c of the key input unit 32 makes the transferring circuit 34 a of the transferring unit 34 modulate the infrared light of the light emitting element 34 b with the notebook data which is displayed on the LCD unit 38 at present. The modulated infrared light is output from the transferring unit 34 as infrared light data (steps D 8 , D 9 ).

Operation of the receiving key 32 e of the key input unit 32 sets a value “1” to the receiving flag register F 0 of the RAM 36 . Then, the receiving unit 35 receives infrared light data from an external electronic appliance, and the CPU 31 displays the received infrared light data on the display unit 38 through the display driving circuit 37 (steps D 10 , D 11 , D 12 , D 3 ).

Operation of the end key 32 d of the key input unit 32 sets a value “0” to the receiving flag register F 0 of the RAM 36 . Then, the receiving unit 35 stops receiving the infrared light data transferred from the external electronic appliance (steps D 13 , D 14 , D 15 ).

The image-display mode process will be described with reference to FIG. 19, which is a flowchart of the image-display mode process of the third electronic notebook.

In the image display mode, operation of the start key 32 c of the key input unit 32 sets a value “1” to the light emitting flag register F 1 of the RAM 36 . Then, the light emitting element 34 b of the transferring unit 34 start emitting infrared light (steps E 1 , E 2 in the flowchart of FIG. 19 ).

Further, a value “0” is set to the ROM address register M of the RAM 36 (step E 3 ).

Operation of the end key 32 d of the key input unit 32 sets a value “0” to the light emitting flag register F 1 of the RAM 36 , while the light emitting flag register F 1 is set to a value “1” and the light emitting element 34 b is emitting infrared light. Then, the light emitting element 34 b stope emitting infrared light, and the ROM address register M is initialized to a value “0” (steps E 4 , E 5 , E 6 , E 7 ).

In the image display mode, when neither the start key 32 c nor the end key 32 d is operated, a light detecting process (FIGS. 20, 21 ) will be performed (E 1 , E 4 , EC).

More specifically, when the start key 32 c is operated, the transferring unit 34 starts emitting infrared light. When no non-contacting operation is performed by the user after a value “1” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and a value “0” is set to the ROM address register M (steps E 1 , E 2 , E 3 ), it is determined “NO” at step F 1 in the illumination detecting operation (FIGS. 20, 21 ), because the light receiving element 35 b of the receiving unit 35 receives no reflected infrared light.

Since a value “1” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and a value “1” is not set to the light receiving flag register S, it is determined “YES” at step F 2 and “NO” at step F 3 . Then, time counting data of 32 Hz is added to the two-second timer register T 0 (step F 4 of FIG. 21 ).

Time counting data is read out from the two-second timer register T 0 and it is judged at step F 5 whether an infrared-light emitting period of 2 seconds has lapsed. When “NO” is determined at step F 5 , i.e., it is determined at step F 5 that no period of 2 seconds has not lapsed after the light emitting element 34 b starts emitting infrared light or after the start key 32 c is =operated, an image display process (FIG. 22) will be performed (steps F 5 , FD).

In the image display process, time counting data of 32 Hz is added to the display timer register T 2 (step G 1 of FIG. 22 ), and it is judged from the display timer register T 2 at step G 2 whether a period of 2 seconds has lapsed. When it is determined at step G 2 that the period of 2 seconds has not lapsed, it is judged at step G 3 whether the object designating register H has been set to a value “0”.

Since the object designating register H has been initialized to “0”, a first image data ( 1 ) is read out from the ROM 33 (FIG. 15) in accordance with the ROM address “M.=0” of the ROM address register M, and the read out first image data ( 1 ) is displayed on the LCD unit 38 (steps G 3 , G 4 ).

Then, processes at steps F 1 to F 5 , FD (FIGS. 20, 21 ) are repeatedly performed until the time counting data of the two-second timer register T 0 reaches “2” seconds. Meanwhile, processes at steps G 1 to G 4 (FIG. 22 ) are also repeatedly performed until timer counting data of the display timer register T 2 reaches “2” seconds.

When it is determined at step F 5 from the two-second timer register T 0 that the infrared light emitting period of 2 seconds has lapsed, and further it is determined at step F 6 that a value “0” has been set to the number-of-receiving-time register G, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and the transferring unit 34 stops emitting infrared light (steps F 6 , F 7 ).

When it is determined from the display timer register T 2 at step G 2 that the first image data ( 1 ) of the ROM address “M=0” corresponding to the object designating register “H=0” is displayed for 2 seconds, the display timer register T 2 is cleared and a value “1” is set to the object designating register H (steps G 2 , G 5 to G 7 ).

Then, a second image data ( 2 ) is read out from the ROM 33 (FIG. 15) in accordance with the ROM address “M=0” of the ROM address register M, and the read out second image data ( 2 ) is displayed on the LCD unit 38 in place of the first image data ( 1 ) previously displayed thereon (step G 8 ).

At step G 9 , effect sound data is read out from the ROM 33 in accordance with the ROM address “M=0” of the ROM address register M, but effect sound data is for making no sound. Therefore, the second image data of the ROM address “M=0” is displayed with no sound.

Through the processes at steps F 1 to F 7 , FD, the image display process is repeatedly performed, and through the processes at steps G 1 to G 3 , G 8 , G 9 , the second imaged data ( 2 ) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” is displayed. When it is judged from the display timer register T 2 that the second image data ( 2 ) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” is displayed for 2 seconds, the display timer register T 2 is cleared and a value “0” is set to the object designating register H (steps G 2 to G 5 , G 6 to G 10 ).

When the image display process is performed again, the first image data ( 1 ) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” is read out from the ROM 33 and displayed on the LCD unit 38 in place of the second image data ( 2 ).

In other words, when the start key 32 c is operated, and a value “0” is set to the ROM address register M of the RAM 36 at step E 3 , the CPU 31 alternatively reads out a pair of image data (first and second image data) ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 15) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” in accordance with time counting data of the display timer register T 2 and object designating data of the object designating register H, and alternatively displays the read out the pair of image data for 2 seconds. That is, the first image data ( 1 ) of a doghouse is displayed for first 2 seconds and then the second image data ( 2 ) of a dog coming out from the doghouse is displayed for the second 2 seconds, as shown in FIG. 24 (steps F 1 to F 7 , FD of FIGS. 20, 21 ).

When the user puts his (her) hand in front of the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b of the third electronic notebook, as shown in FIG. 25, before time counting data of the two-second register T 0 reaches 2 seconds, while infrared light is emitted by operation of the start key 32 c , and image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 as shown in FIG. 24, then the infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 34 b is reflected on the user's palm towards the light receiving element 35 b . Then, the light-receiving element 35 b receives the reflected light, and it is determined “YES” at step F 1 .

When the infrared light emitted from the transferring unit 35 is reflected on the user's palm and is detected by the light receiving element 35 b of the receiving unit 35 at step EC, it is determined that the light receiving flag register S and the number-of-receiving-time register G have been set to a value “0” and two-second timer register T 0 and the receiving timer register T 1 are cleared (steps F 1 , F 8 to F 19 ).

Then, the number-of-receiving-time register G is added with “+1”, and is set to “1”, whereby indicating that the reflected infrared light is received once by the receiving unit 35 . Further, the light receiving flag register S is set to a value “1”, whereby indicating the infrared light is received, and the image display process is performed (steps F 11 , F 12 , FD). Since the ROM address register M is kept set to “M=0”, image display data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are still alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 as shown in FIG. 24 (steps G 1 to G 10 ).

When processes of steps F 1 , F 8 , F 13 , FD are repeatedly performed while the receiving unit 35 continuously receives the infrared light reflected from the user's palm, an adding process of an infrared light emitting time duration from the time at which the receiving starts receiving the reflected infrared light is repeatedly performed to the two-second timer register T 0 and an adding process of a light receiving time duration from the time at which the receiving starts receiving the reflected infrared light is repeatedly performed to the receiving timer register T 1 , and also image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed.

When the user keeps his hand apart from the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 d , and the infrared light reflected from the his palm is not detected by the light receiving element 34 b , it is confirmed that the light emitting flag register F 1 is set to “1” and the light receiving flag register S is set to “1” and then the light receiving flag register S is set to a value “0” and an adding process of an infrared light emitting time duration is performed to the two-second timer register T 0 (steps F 1 to F 3 , F 14 , F 15 ).

When the user executes the non-contacting operation instantaneously as if he hits a head of the dog displayed on the LCD unit 38 with his hand, and the light receiving time duration of the reflected infrared light, which corresponds to a time duration of the non-contacting operation performed by the user, falls within a range of not less than 0.1 seconds to less than 0.3 seconds, the number-of-receiving-time register G is set to “G=1” at step F 11 . Since the receiving timer register T 1 has been set to “T 1 =0.1 to 0.3” at step F 13 , it is determined “YES” at step F 16 , “NO” at steps F 17 and F 18 . In the image display process at step FD, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed again.

Through the processes at steps F 1 to F 5 , FD, the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed repeatedly until the infrared light emitting time duration represented by the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds. When it is determined that the infrared light emitting time duration represented by the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, it is determined at step F 19 that the number of receiving times of the reflected infrared light represented by the number-of-receiving-time register G has been set to “1” at step F 11 . At step F 20 , the ROM address register M is set to “1” (steps F 5 , F 6 , F 19 , F 20 ).

Then, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 , and the transferring unit 34 stops emitting of infrared light, and further image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=1” are alternatively displayed (steps F 7 , FD).

More specifically, in the image display process of FIG. 22, the CPU 31 alternatively reads out from the ROM 33 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 15) corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=1” in accordance with time counting data of the display timer register T 2 and object designating data of the object designating register H, and displays the read out image data on the LCD unit 38 . Image data ( 1 ) of a rear view of a dog in front of the doghouse and image data ( 2 ) of a looking-back disheartened dog are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 each for 2 seconds in place of the image data corresponding to the ROM address “M=0”.

At this time, the CPU 31 reads out effect sound data from ROM address “M=1” of the ROM 33 , and outputs a sound of “UUH” (a groaning of a dog showing disheartenment) from the speaker 40 through the amplifier circuit 39 while the image data ( 2 ) of the looking back dog is being displayed on the LCD unit 38 (steps F 1 , F 2 , FD, G 1 to G 10 ).

That is, when the user performs non-contacting operation as if he hits on the head of the dog with his hand, the disheartened dog is displayed on the LCD unit 38 with a groaning sound output through the speaker 40 .

Meanwhile, when the user performs the non-contacting operation, the number-of-receiving-time register G is set to “G=1” and the receiving timer register T 1 is set to “T 1 ≦0.3” at step F 13 . Then it is determined “YES” at step F 16 , and “NO” at steps F 17 , F 18 , and further predetermined processes are performed at steps FD, F 1 to F 5 , FD. In the image displaying process at step FD, where image data ( 1 ) (the doghouse) and ( 2 ) (the dog in front of the doghouse), corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed before the infrared light emitting time duration of the two-second timer register T 0 reaches 2 seconds, when the light receiving element 35 b of the receiving unit 35 detects the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operation of the user, it is determined that the light receiving flag register S is not set to “0” and the number-of-receiving-time register G is not set to “0”, and the infrared light emitting time duration is added to the two-second timer register T 0 (steps F 1 , F 8 , F 9 , F 21 ).

Then, the number-of-receiving-time register G is incremented by “+1” and is set to “2”, which indicates that the reflected infrared light is received twice. Further, the light receiving flag register S is set to “1”, which indicated that the reflected infrared light is received. Then, the image display process of FIG. 22 is performed (steps F 11 , F 12 , FD).

Since the ROM address register M has been set to the ROM address “M=0”, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed as shown in FIG. 24 (steps G 1 to G 10 of FIG. 22 ).

When the user keeps his hand away from the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 25 b and the reflected infrared light is not detected, the light receiving flag register S is set to “0” and the infrared light emitting time duration is added to the two-second timer register T 0 because the light emitting flag register F 1 has been set to “1” and the light receiving flag register S has been set to “1” (steps F 1 to F 3 , F 14 , F 15 ).

The user can order the dog displayed on the LCD unit 38 to sit down by moving his hand so as to make itself pass by the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b twice. When the user moves his hand to pass by the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b twice, and when the number-of-receiving-time register G has been set to “G=2” at step F 11 , it is determined “NO” at step F 11 and image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are repeatedly and alternatively displayed in the image display process at step FD.

When it is determined that the infrared light emitting time duration of the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, and further when it is determined at step F 22 that the number-of-receiving-time register G has been set to “G=2” at step F 11 , which means that the reflected infrared light has been received twice, the ROM address register is set to “4” at step F 23 (steps F 5 , F 6 , F 22 , F 23 ).

Then, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 , the transferring unit 34 stops emitting infrared light and image data of a dog corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=4” are displayed (steps F 7 , FD).

More specifically, in the image display process of FIG. 22, the CPU 31 reads out from the ROM 33 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 15) corresponding to the ROM address “M=4” alternatively, in accordance with time counting data of the display timer register T 2 and object designating data of the object designating register H, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog on the LCD unit 38 . In other words, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog sitting in front of the doghouse are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 each for 2 seconds in place of the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of ROM address “M=0” n previously displayed thereon. At this time, the CPU 31 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=4” from the ROM 33 to generate a sound, and outputs a generated sound of “BOWWOW” through the amplifier circuit 39 and the speaker 40 while the image data ( 2 ) of the dog sitting in front of the doghouse is being displayed (steps F 1 , F 2 , FD, steps G 1 to G 10 of FIG. 22 ).

As described above, when the user moves his hand so as to make itself pass by the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b twice and orders the dog displayed on the LCD unit 28 to sit down, image data of the dog sitting down is selected and displayed with the sound of “BOWWOW” outputted through the speaker 40 .

The user can give good words to the dog displayed on the LCD unit 38 by moving his hand so as to make itself pass by the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b three times before the infrared light emitting time duration of the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, while the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed during the processes at steps F 1 to F 5 , FD. When the user waves his hand in front of the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b three times, and when the number-of-receiving-time register G has been set to “G=3” at step F 11 , it is determined “NO” at step F 16 after the processes at steps F 1 to F 3 , F 14 , F 15 . Then, in the image display process at step FD, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are alternatively displayed.

Thereafter, during the processes at steps F 1 to F 5 , FD, the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” will be alternatively displayed until the infrared light emitting time duration of the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds. When it is determined that the infrared light emitting time duration of the two-second timer register T 0 exceeds 2 seconds, it is determined at step F 22 that the number-of-receiving-time register G has not been set to any of “0”, “1” and “2” at step F 11 , and the ROM address register M is set to “5” at step F 24 (steps F 5 , F 6 , F 19 , F 22 , F 24 ).

Then, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 , the transferring unit 34 stops emitting infrared light, and an image display process corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=5” will be performed (steps F 7 , FD).

More specifically, in the image display process of FIG. 22, the CPU 31 reads out from the ROM 33 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 15) corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=5” alternatively, in accordance with time counting data of the display timer register T 2 and object designating data of the object designating register H, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog on the LCD unit 38 . In other words, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog showing pleasure are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 each for 2 seconds in place of the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of ROM address “M=0” previously displayed thereon. At this time, the CPU 31 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=5” from the ROM 33 to generate a sound, and outputs a generated sound of “FAWNING BARKING” through the amplifier circuit 39 and the speaker 40 while the image data ( 2 ) of the dog showing pleasure is being displayed (steps F 1 , F 2 , FD, steps G 1 to G 10 of FIG. 22)

As described above, when the user moves his hand so as to make itself pass by the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b three times, thereby giving good words to the dog displayed on the LCD unit 28 to sit down, image data of the dog showing pleasure is selected and displayed with the sound of “FAWNING BARKING” outputted through the speaker 40 .

The user can order the dog in front of the doghouse, displayed on the LCD unit 38 , to give him hand or to give him another hand, by performing non-contacting operation temporarily in front of the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 . When the reflected infrared light receiving time duration representative of a time duration of the non-contacting operation by the user falls within a range of not less than 0.3 seconds to less than one second, it is determined at steps F 16 , F 17 “YES”, and ROM address register M is set to “2” at step F 25 because the number-of-receiving-time register G has been set to “G=1” at step F 11 and the receiving timer register T 1 has been set to “T 1 =0.3 to 1.0” at step F 13 (steps F 17 to F 25 ).

Then, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 , the transferring unit 34 stops emitting infrared light, and an image display process corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=2” will be performed (steps F 7 , FD).

More specifically, in the image display process of FIG. 22, the CPU 31 reads out from the ROM 33 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 15) corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=2” alternatively, in accordance with time counting data of the display timer register T 2 and object designating data of the object designating register H, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog on the LCD unit 38 . In other words, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog giving its hand to the user are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 each for 2 seconds in place of the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of ROM address “M=0” previously displayed thereon. At this time, the CPU 31 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=2” from the ROM 33 to generate a sound, and outputs a generated sound of “BOWWOW BOWWOW” through the amplifier circuit 39 and the speaker 40 while the image data ( 2 ) of the dog giving its hand to the user is being displayed (steps F 1 , F 2 , FD, steps G 1 to G 10 of FIG. 22)

As described above, when the user performs the non-contacting operation temporarily in front of the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b , thereby ordering the dog in front of the dog house, displayed on the LCD unit 28 , to give its hand to the user or to give another hand to the user, image data of the dog giving its hand to the user or giving another hand is selected and displayed with the sound of “BOWWOW BOWWOW” outputted through the speaker 40 .

The user can order the dog in front of the doghouse, displayed on the LCD unit 38 , to wait or to lie down, by performing non-contacting operation continuously. When the reflected infrared light receiving time duration representative of a time duration of the non-contacting operation by the user is not less than one second, it is determined “YES” at step F 16 , “NO” at step F 17 and “YES” at step 18 , and ROM address register M is set to “3” at step F 26 , because the number-of-receiving-time register G has been set to “G=1” at step F 11 and the receiving timer register T 1 has been set to “T 1 >1” at step F 13 (steps F 18 to F 26 ).

Then, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 , the transferring unit 34 stops emitting infrared light, and an image display process corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=3” will be performed (steps F 7 , FD).

More specifically, in the image display process of FIG. 22, the CPU 31 reads out from the ROM 33 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 15) corresponding to the updated ROM address “M=3” alternatively, in accordance with time counting data of the display timer register T 2 and object designating data of the object designating register H, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog on the LCD unit 38 . In other words, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog waiting or lying down are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 38 each for 2 seconds in place of the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of ROM address “M=0” previously displayed thereon. At this time, the CPU 31 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” from the ROM 33 to generate a sound, and outputs a generated sound of “KUH” (a groan of a dog) through the amplifier circuit 39 and the speaker 40 while the image data ( 2 ) of the dog lying down is being displayed (steps F 1 , F 2 , FD, steps G 1 to G 10 of FIG. 22)

As described above, when the user performs the non-contacting operation continuously in front of the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b , thereby ordering the dog in front of the dog house, displayed on the LCD unit 28 , to wait or to lie down, image data of the dog waiting or lying down is selected and displayed with the sound of “KUH” outputted through the speaker 40 .

When the end key 32 d of the key input unit 32 is operated while the light emitting flag register F 1 is set to “1” and infrared light is being emitted, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and thereby the transferring unit 35 stops emitting infrared light. Then, the ROM address register M is initialized to a value “0”, and image data corresponding to ROM address “M=0” is displayed again, as shown in FIG. 24 (steps E 4 to E 7 , F 1 , F 2 , FD).

As described above, in the electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure, when the user moves his hand in front of the light emitting element 34 b and the light receiving element 35 b installed on the body of the electronic notebook, infrared light emitted from the light emitting element 34 b is reflected on the user's hand and the reflected infrared light is received by the light receiving element 35 b . Then, ROM address of ROM address register M is determined depending upon a reflected infrared receiving time duration of the light the receiving timer register T 1 and data of the number-of-receiving-time register G. The CPU 31 selectively reads out from the ROM 33 image data of a dog corresponding to the ROM address determined as described above together with pertinent effect sound data. In the present embodiment, the image data represent a dog in various movements such as a dog sitting in front of the doghouse, a dog showing pleasure, a disheartened dog, a dog giving its hand and so on. The read out image data is displayed on the LCD unit 38 and the pertinent effect sound data is audibly output from the speaker 40 . The user can make his desired image of a dog on the display unit 38 by moving his hand as if he actually orders the dog without performing mechanical operations, which are required in conventional display apparatus. For example, the user can selectively display an image of a disheartened dog and/or a sitting dog on the display unit 38 , as desired, in which the user will find numerous entertainments.

In the present embodiment of the electronic notebook, reflection of infrared light emitted from the body of the electronic notebook is detected to judge whether the user has performed non-contacting operation. For example, however, interruption of external light with user's hand, reflection on user's hand of a sound wave generated from the notebook body, interruption with user's hand of an externally supplied sound wave, changes in magnetic force caused by a magnet held in the user' hand may be used to determine what the user has intended or ordered. As described above, image data to be displayed on the display unit may be switched as desired by the user by executing non-contacting operation.

Further, changes in waveforms of the infrared light, a sound wave and/or magnetic force may be also used to switch images displayed on the display unit.

Further in the present embodiment, the images displayed on the display unit are switched in accordance with either a time duration of non-contacting operation or the frequency of performed non-contacting operations. The images displayed on the display unit, however, may be switched in accordance with a combination of time durations of non-contacting operation and the frequency of performed operations.

Furthermore in the present embodiment, the images displayed on the display unit are switched in accordance with non-contacting operation, but another controlling operations such as switching of mechanical operations may be performed in accordance with the non-contacting operation.

Fourth Embodiment

Now, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 27 is a circuit diagram of the third electronic notebook incorporating a switching device according to the present invention.

The fourth electronic notebook is provided with a central processing unit (CPU) 41 .

The CPU 41 is driven by a key input signal supplied from a key input unit 42 to control operations of peripheral circuits in accordance with a system program stored in ROM 43 . The CPU 41 is connected with the key input unit 42 , the ROM 43 , a transferring unit 44 , a receiving unit 45 and RAM 46 .

Further, the CPU 41 is connected with a timer 41 a including an oscillator circuit 41 b and a frequency dividing circuit 41 c , a display driving circuit 47 , a liquid crystal display unit (LCD unit or display unit) 48 through the display driving circuit 47 , an amplifier circuit 49 and a speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 .

The key input unit 42 is installed with letter/ten keys 42 a , a mode key 42 b , a start key 42 c , an end key 42 d , a receiving key 42 e , a write key 42 f , a search key 42 g , a display switching key 42 h and an enter key 42 i . The letter/ten keys 42 a are used to input “names” and “phone numbers” to be registered as notebook data. The mode key 42 b is operated to set a notebook mode and an image display mode. The start key 42 c is operated to start transferring notebook data to other electronic appliance in the notebook mode and is operated to send an infrared light in the image display mode and in the password mode. The end key 42 d is operated to stop receiving notebook data from other electronic appliance in the notebook mode and is operated to stop sending the infrared light in the image display mode. The receiving key 42 e is operated to receive notebook data sent from other electronic appliance in the notebook mode. The write key 42 f is used to register in the RAM 46 notebook data input by operation of the letter/ten keys 42 a and notebook data sent from other electronic appliance. The search key 42 g is operated to search and display data through notebook data registered in the RAM 46 . The display switching key 42 h is operated to selectively switch image data of the ROM 43 to be displayed on the LCD unit 48 in the image display mode. The enter key 42 i is operated to switch a normal mode and a display instruction setting mode in the image display mode, and to set a user's pass word in the password mode.

In the ROM 43 are previously stored the system program for the CPU 41 to perform a control operation, a plurality of image data, and effect-sound data corresponding respectively to the image data.

FIG. 28 is a view showing image data of an object and effect-sound data previously stored in the ROM 43 of the third electronic notebook.

Four combination data (( 1 ), ( 2 )), each including two image data of a dog in a bit map format, and four corresponding effect-sound data (PCM data) are stored at corresponding addresses “M=1 to 3” in the ROM 43 , respectively.

The transferring unit 44 is provided with a transferring circuit 44 a and a light emitting element 44 b , which emits the infrared light in response to a transfer data sent from the CPU 41 . When the start key 42 c is operated in the notebook mode, the infrared light emitted by the light emitting element 44 b is modulated by means of the transferring circuit 44 a in accordance with the notebook data input and displayed on the display unit 48 by operation of the letter/ten keys 42 a and/or notebook data searched and displayed by operation of the search key 42 g , and the modulated infrared light is transferred as infrared light data from the transferring unit 44 .

In the image display mode, or in the password mode immediately after the power is turned on, an infrared light of a predetermined frequency is transferred through the transferring circuit 44 a and the light emitting element 44 b in response to an instruction of the CPU 41 .

The receiving unit 45 is provided with a receiving circuit 45 a and a light receiving element 45 b for receiving an infrared light data externally supplied thereto. When the receiving key 42 e is operated in the notebook mode, notebook data sent from an external electronic appliance is received and demodulated by the receiving circuit 45 a and the light receiving element 45 b . The demodulated data is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 48 .

In the image display mode or in the password mode, an externally transmitted infrared light or reflected infrared light of the transferring unit 44 is received by the light receiving element 45 b , and the received infrared light is transmitted to the CPU 41 through the receiving circuit 45 a.

FIG. 29 is a view showing registers in the RAM 46 of the fourth electronic notebook.

The RAM 46 comprises a notebook data register 46 a , a display register 46 b , a mode flag register N, a ROM-address register M, a receiving flag register F 0 , a light emitting flag register F 1 , a number-of-receiving-time register L, an image-display mode flag register T, a time register 46 c , display-instruction setting registers M 1 -M 3 , a password register PW and an alarm register 46 d . The notebook data register 46 a stores personal data (notebook data) for the predetermined number of persons including names and phone numbers at areas designated by a pointer P. Display data to be displayed on the LCD unit 48 is written as image data in the display register 46 b . The mode flag register N is set to a value “0” in the notebook mode, and to a value “1” in the image display mode. The ROM address register M indicates addresses in the ROM 43 where the image data of an object and the effect-sound data are stored. The receiving flag register F 0 is set to a value “1” while notebook data is received in the notebook mode. The light emitting flag register F 1 is set to a value “1” while the infrared light is emitted in the image display mode and in the password mode. The number-of-receiving-time register L indicates the number of receiving times of reflected infrared light, i.e., indicates how many times the receiving unit 45 has received reflected infrared light in the image display mode and/or in the password mode. The image-display mode flag register T is set to a value “0” in a normal mode of the image display mode and to a value “1” in a display-instruction mode of the display mode. In the time register 46 c is registered time counting data from the timer 41 a , which is repeatedly cleared and set to the register 46 c in response to start/stop of the timer 41 a . In the display-instruction setting registers M 1 -M 3 are set display-instruction data L 1 -L 3 , respectively, which correspond to three image data of a dog represented by three ROM addresses “M=1-3” of the ROM 43 . The password register PW is set with passwords of users. The alarm register 46 d stores PCM data of an alarm sound (bark of a dog) generated when a wrong password is inputted in the password mode set immediately after the power is turned on.

On the LCD unit 48 , any one of notebook data input by operation of the letter/ten keys 42 a , notebook data searched through the notebook data register 46 a of the RAM 46 in response to operation of the search key 42 g and notebook data received through the receiving unit 45 in response to operation of the receiving key 42 e is displayed in the notebook mode.

In the image display mode and the password mode, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ), which are included in at least one combination data read out from the ROM 43 in accordance with a ROM address indicated by the ROM address register N of the RAM 46 , are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second.

Further, an effect sound is output through the speaker 50 in the image display mode, based on effect-sound data which are read out from the ROM 43 in accordance with a ROM address indicated by the ROM address register N, and the alarm sound of the alarm sound register 46 d of the RAM 46 is output through the speaker 50 when a wrong password is input.

The time 41 a installed in the CPU 41 starts a time counting operation in the image display mode at the same time when the receiving unit 45 receives reflected infrared light after the transferring unit 44 emits infrared light in response to operation of the start key 42 c , and starts the time counting operation in the password mode at the same time when the transferring unit 44 emits infrared light in response to operation of the start key 42 c . The time counting data of the timer 41 a is written in the time register 46 c of the RAM 46 .

Now, operation of the forth electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure will be described.

In the case that a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 46 when the mode key 42 b of the key input unit 42 is operated, i.e., in the case that the CPU 41 has been set to the notebook mode, the mode flag register N is set to a value “1” and the CPU 41 is switched to the image display mode.

When a value “0” has been set to the mode flag register N of the RAM 46 , the CPU 41 performs a notebook mode process. The notebook mode process is the same as that performed in the third embodiment, and the further description thereof will be omitted.

When a value “1” is set to the mode flag register N in response to operation of the mode key 42 b of the key input unit 42 , and the ROM address register M is initialized to “0”, an image-display mode process is performed in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 30 .

Since the ROM address register M has been to “M=0” at the initiation of the image-display mode process, an image display process starts at step KC when the start key 42 c of the input unit 42 is operated (steps K 1 , K 2 , K 3 , K 4 , K 5 , KC of FIG. 30 ).

More specifically, in the image display process of FIG. 31, the CPU 41 alternatively reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” previously set to the ROM address register M, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ) of and ( 2 ) of a dog on the LCD unit 48 . In other words, image data ( 1 ) of a doghouse and ( 2 ) of a dog sitting in front of the doghouse are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second in place of the image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (steps L 1 , L 2 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out from the ROM 33 effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” set to the ROM address register M. Since effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” is for making no sound, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) are displayed as described above with no sound (step L 3 ).

Meanwhile, when the user operates the display switching key 42 h of the key input unit 42 to set a display instruction with respect to image data of a lying dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” of the ROM 43 , the ROM address register M on the ROM address M is incremented by “+1” every operation of the displaying switching key 42 h and image data of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=1 to 3” are repeatedly displayed (steps K 3 , K 6 , KC of FIG. 30 ).

More specifically, when a value “1” is set to the ROM address register M in response to the first operation of the display switching key 42 h by the user, the CPU 41 alternatively reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=1”, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) on the LCD unit 48 . That is, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a disheartened dog are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second (steps K 3 , K 6 , KC of FIG. 30, steps L 4 , L 5 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=1” of the ROM 43 , and outputs a sound of “UUH” (a groan of a dog showing disheartenment) from the speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 (step L 6 ).

When a value “2” is set to the ROM address register M in response to the second operation of the display switching key 42 h by the user, the CPU 41 alternatively reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=2”, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) on the LCD unit 48 . That is, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog giving hand are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second (steps K 3 , K 6 , KC of FIG. 30, steps L 7 , L 8 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=2” of the ROM 43 , and outputs a sound of “BOWWOW” (a groaning of a dog) from the speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 (step L 9 ).

When a value “3” is set to the ROM address register M in response to the third operation of the display switching key 42 h by the user as shown in FIG. 33, the CPU 41 alternatively reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=3”, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) on the LCD unit 48 . That is, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a lying dog are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second (steps K 3 , K 6 , KC of FIG. 30, steps L 7 , L 10 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” of the ROM 43 , and outputs a sound of “KUH” (a groan of a dog) from the speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 (step L 11 ).

As described above, when the user operates the input unit 42 i to set a display instruction with respect to image data corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” while the image data of a lying dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” of the ROM 43 is displayed on the LCD unit 48 , the image-display mode flag register T is set to “0” in the normal mode, in which the flag register T has been set to “1”, and the operation mode is switched to the display instruction mode (steps K 2 , K 7 , K 8 ).

In the display-instruction setting mode in which the image-display mode flag register T has been set to “1”, the image-display mode flag register T is set to “0” in the normal mode, the operation mode is switched to the normal mode (steps K 7 , K 9 ).

When the user operates the start key 42 c with the image data of a lying dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” of the ROM 43 being displayed on the LCD unit 48 as shown in FIG. 33 and with the display-instruction setting mode flag register T being set to “T=1”, the light emitting flag register F 1 is set to “1”. Then, the light emitting element 44 b of the transferring unit 44 emits infrared light and the image-display mode flag register T is set to “0” and the number-of-receiving-time register L is reset to “0” (steps K 1 , K 10 , K 11 ).

The display instruction with respect to image data corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” of the ROM 43 (the image data of a lying dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=3”) displayed on the LCD unit 48 is set as follows: When the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives infrared light reflected on the user's hand in response to the first non-contacting operation at the time when the user waves his hand twice, the timer 41 a starts time counting operation and the time counting data is written in the time register 46 c , a time counting operation start counts a predetermined time duration (for example, two seconds), and the number-of-receiving-time register L is incremented by “+1” thereby being set to “1” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 13 , K 14 ).

When the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives infrared light reflected on the user's hand in response to the second non-contacting operation in the similar manner described above, the number-of-receiving-time register L is further incremented by “+1”, thereby being set to “2” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 14 ).

During the time counting operation of the time register 46 c before the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds a predetermined time duration, image data of a lying dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” are repeatedly displayed and pertinent effect sound data are audibly output (steps K 5 , K 15 , KC, L 7 , L 10 , L 11 ).

When the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds the predetermined time duration, the timer 41 a stops time counting operation and the time register 46 c is cleared (steps K 15 , K 16 ).

Since the image-display mode flag register T is set to “1”, which sets the display instruction setting mode with respect to the image data of a dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=3”, the number of receiving times of the reflected infrared light “2” is set and stored in the number-of-receiving-time register L (steps K 17 , K 18 ).

Then, the image-display mode flag register T is reset to “0”, and thereby the operation mode is switched to the normal mode. (step K 19 ).

Thereafter, similar display-instruction setting processes are performed with respect to the image data of a disheartened dog corresponding to the ROM address “M=1” and the image data of a dog giving hand corresponding to the ROM address “M=2”. The frequencies of receipts of the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operations performed respectively in the display-instruction setting processes are set and stored as display-instruction data L 1 , L 2 to the display-instruction setting registers M 1 , M 2 (steps K 3 , K 6 , K 2 , K 7 , K 8 , K 4 , K 12 to K 19 ).

Now, we assume that, for example, the frequency (“1”) of receipts of the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operation is set as display instruction data L 1 to the display instruction setting register M 1 , and the frequency (“3”) of receipts of the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operation is set as display instruction data L 2 to the display instruction setting register M 2 .

When the start key 42 c is operated to display a desired image of a dog in accordance with an instruction of non-contacting operation after the display instruction data L 1 -L 3 have been set to the display instruction setting registers M 1 -M 3 respectively and a value “0” has been set to the image-display mode flag register T, thereby the operation mode has been switched to the normal mode, then a value “1” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and the light emitting element 44 b of the transferring unit 44 emits infrared light and, further, the number-of-receiving-time register L is reset to “0” (steps K 1 , K 10 , K 11 ).

When the user performs the non-contacting operations twice (waves his hand twice), as shown in FIG. 34, to display the image data of a lying dog stored in the ROM 43 and the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives reflected infrared light in response to the first non-contacting operation, the timer 41 a starts the time counting operation and time counting data is written in the time register 46 c . Then, the time counting process starts to count a predetermined time duration (for example, 2 seconds) and the number-of-receiving-time register L is set to “1” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 13 , K 14 ).

When the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives reflected infrared light in response to the second non-contacting operation, the number-of-receiving-time register L is incremented to “2” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 14 ).

During the time counting operation of the time register 46 c before the time data in the time register 46 c exceeds the predetermine time duration, the image data of a dog coming out of the doghouse corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are repeatedly displayed and pertinent effect sound data are audibly output as shown in FIG. 32 (steps K 5 , K 15 , KC, L 1 , L 2 , L 3 ).

When the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds the predetermined time duration, the timer 41 a stops time counting operation and the time register 46 c is cleared (steps K 15 , K 16 ).

Since the image-display mode flag register T is set to “0”, which sets the normal display mode, the display instruction setting register M 3 is searched, in which the frequency “2” of receipts of the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operation by the user set in the number-of-receiving-time register L is set as the display instruction data L 3 , and the ROM address is set to “M=3” (steps K 17 , K 20 ).

Then, the CPU 41 reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=3”, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) on the LCD unit 48 . That is, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a lying dog are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second (steps K 20 , KC of FIG. 30, steps L 7 , L 10 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=3” of the ROM 43 , and outputs a sound of “KUH” (a groan of a dog) from the speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 (step L 11 ).

With the light emitting flag register F 1 set to “1” by operation of the start key 42 c and infrared light being emitted from the light emitting element 44 d of the transferring unit 44 and further with the light receiving register L reset to “0”, when the user waves his hand once to display image data of a disheartened dog stored in the ROM 43 , the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives infrared light reflected on the user's hand. Then, the timer 41 a starts the time counting operation and time counting data is written in the time register 46 c , whereby the time counting process starts counting a predetermined time duration (for example, 2 seconds) (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 13 ).

And the number-of-receiving-time register L is incremented by (+1) and is set to “1” (step K 14 ).

During the time counting operation of the time register 46 c before the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds a predetermined time duration, image data of a dog coming out from the doghouse corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are repeatedly displayed and pertinent effect sound data are audibly output (steps K 5 , K 15 , KC, L 1 , L 2 , L 3 ).

When the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds the predetermined time duration, the timer 41 a stops time counting operation and the time register 46 c is cleared (steps K 15 , K 16 ).

Since the image-display mode flag register T is set to “0”, which sets the normal display mode, the display instruction setting register M 1 is searched, in which the frequency “1” of receipts of the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operation by the user set in the number-of-receiving-time register L is set as the display instruction data L 1 , and the ROM address is set to “M=1” (steps K 17 , K 20 ).

Then, the CPU 41 reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=1”, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) on the LCD unit 48 . That is, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a disheartened dog are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second (steps K 20 , KC of FIG. 30, steps L 4 , L 5 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=1” of the ROM 43 , and outputs a sound of “UUH” (a groaning of a dog showing disheartenment) from the speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 (step L 11 ).

With the light emitting flag register F 1 set to “1” by operation of the start key 42 c and infrared light being emitted from the light emitting element 44 d of the transferring unit 44 and further with the light receiving register L reset to “0” (steps K 1 , K 10 , K 11 ), when the user waves his hand three times, i.e., performs non-contacting operations three times, to display image data of a dog giving hand stored in the ROM 43 , the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives infrared light reflected on the user's hand in response to the user's first non-contacting operation. Then, the timer 41 a starts the time counting operation and time counting data is written in the time register 46 c , whereby the time counting process starts counting a predetermined time duration (for example, 2 seconds) and the number-of-receiving-time register L is incremented by (+1) and is set to “1” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 13 , K 14 ).

When the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives infrared light reflected on the user's hand in response to the user's second non-contacting operation, the number-of-receiving-time register L is incremented by (+1) and is set to “2” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 14 ).

When the light receiving element 45 b of the receiving unit 45 receives infrared light reflected on the user's hand in response to the user's third non-contacting operation, the number-of-receiving-time register L is incremented by (+1) and is set to “3” (steps K 4 , K 12 , K 14 ).

During the time counting operation of the time register 46 c before the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds a predetermined time duration, image data of a dog coming out from the doghouse corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are repeatedly displayed and pertinent effect sound data are audibly output (steps K 5 , K 15 , KC, L 1 , L 2 , L 3 ).

When the time counting data to be written in the time register 46 c exceeds the predetermined time duration, the timer 41 a stops time counting operation and the time register 46 c is cleared (steps K 15 , K 16 ).

Since the image-display mode flag register T is set to “0”, which sets the normal display mode, the display instruction setting register M 2 is searched, in which the frequency “3” of receipts of the reflected infrared light in response to the non-contacting operation by the user set in the number-of-receiving-time register L is set as the display instruction data L 2 , and the ROM address is set to “M=2” (steps K 17 , K 20 ).

Then, the CPU 41 reads out from the ROM 43 image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) (FIG. 28) corresponding to the ROM address “M=2”, and displays the read out image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) on the LCD unit 48 . That is, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog giving hand are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second (steps K 20 , KC of FIG. 30, steps L 7 , L 8 of FIG. 31 ).

At this time, the CPU 41 reads out effect sound data corresponding to the ROM address “M=2” of the ROM 43 , and outputs a sound of “BOWWOW” (a groaning of a dog) from the speaker 50 through the amplifier circuit 49 (step L 11 ).

As described above, the user can display his desired image data of a dog on the LCD unit 48 by waving his hand in predetermined manners.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a password mode process to be performed immediately after the power is turned on.

When the input key 42 i and the start key 42 c are operated to set a password, a value “1” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and the light emitting element 44 b of the transferring unit 44 emits infrared light. At the same time, the timer 41 a starts time counting operation, time counting data is written in the time register 46 c , and time counting process is performed to count a predetermined time duration (2 seconds) (steps R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 of FIG. 35 ).

When the user executes non-contacting operations twice in front of the light emitting element 44 b and the light receiving element 45 b in token of a password, the light receiving element 45 b receives reflected infrared light twice in response to the con-contacting operations and a value “2” is set to the number-of-receiving-time register L (steps R 5 , R 6 ).

When the time counting data written in the time register 46 c exceeds 2 seconds, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and the light emitting element 44 b stops emitting infrared light. Then, the timer 41 a stops time counting operation and the time register 46 c is cleared (steps R 7 , R 8 , R 9 ).

As described above, the frequency “2” of light receipts registered in the number-of-receiving-time register L is set and memorized as a password in the password register PW (steps R 10 ).

When the power of the electronic notebook in which the password “2” is registered in the password register PW is turned on, it is indicated that a password has been registered, and a value “0” is set to the ROM address register M. And, then, image data ( 1 ), ( 2 ) of a dog coming out from the doghouse corresponding to the ROM address “M=0” are read out from the ROM 43 and are alternatively displayed on the LCD unit 48 each for one second, as shown in FIG. 32 (steps R 11 , R 12 ).

When the start key 42 c is operated to enter a password, a value “1” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and the light emitting element 44 b of the transferring unit 44 emits infrared light. And at the same time, the timer 41 a starts time counting operation, time counting data is written in the time register 46 c , and time counting process is performed to count a predetermined time duration (2 seconds) (steps R 13 , R 14 , R 15 ).

When the user executes non-contacting operations twice in front of the light emitting element 44 b and the light receiving element 45 b to enter the password, the light receiving element 45 b receives reflected infrared light twice in response to the con-contacting operations and a value “2” is set to the number-of-receiving-time register L (steps R 16 , R 17 ).

When the time counting data written in the time register 46 c exceeds 2 seconds, a value “0” is set to the light emitting flag register F 1 and the light emitting element 44 b stops emitting infrared light. Then, the timer 41 a stops time counting operation and the time register 46 c is cleared (steps R 18 , R 19 , R 20 ).

Then, it is judged whether the frequency “2” of light receipts corresponding to the non-contacting operations by the user and registered in the number-of-receiving-time register L coincides with the password “2” previously registered in the password register PW. When it is determined that the value registered in the number-of-receiving-time register L coincides with the password registered in the password register PW, other processes such as the notebook mode process and the image display mode process will be performed depending on the key input operations (steps R 21 , R 22 , other process).

When it is determined that the value registered in 2 does not coincide with the password registered in the password register PW, no other process will be performed and an alarm sound stored in the alarm register 46 d is audibly output from the speaker 50 and at the same time the power source is compulsorily turned off (steps R 21 , R 22 , R 23 , R 24 ).

In this case, a cover of a hard case of the electronic notebook may be closed as if a dog bites.

In other words, the user can enter a password by executing a predetermined hand-waving operation, that is, the user can make the electronic notebook execute a his desired process such as the notebook mode process and the image display mode process by the predetermined hand-waving operation.

Therefore, in the electronic notebook with the above mentioned structure, the user can make the light receiving element 45 b receive reflected infrared light by waving his hand so as to pass by the light emitting element 44 b and the light receiving element 45 b . Then, the frequency (L) of the light receipts by the light receiving element 45 b is previously memorized in the display instruction register of the RAM 46 . This frequency (L) of the light receipts by the light receiving element may be used as an order to the dogs which are selectively displayed on the LCD unit 48 by operation of the display switching key 42 h . Therefore, the CPU 41 selectively reads out image data (of a dog showing pleasure or dog showing disheartenment or dog giving hand) and corresponding effect sound data from the ROM 43 in accordance with the frequency (L) of the light receipts by the light receiving element 45 b , and displays the read out image data on the LCD unit 48 , and further audibly outputs an effect sound based on the read out effect sound data through the speaker 50 . Therefore, with the present electronic notebook, the user is not required to perform mechanical operation such as key inputting operation, but can make display on the LCD unit 48 image data of a dog showing various movements by performing the predetermined hand-waving operation.

Since the frequency “L” of light receipts by the light receiving element 45 b is registered as a password in the password register PW, the user can enter a password by performing non-contacting operations. When the password registered in the password register PW coincides with a password entered by performing the non-contacting operations (the frequency of light receipts by the light receiving element 45 b ), a desired process such as the notebook mode process and the image display mode process may be performed. In conventional electronic notebooks, users are required to enter a password by mechanical operation such as a key input operation but, in the electronic notebook of the present invention, the user is not required to perform the mechanical operations.

In the present embodiment of the electronic notebook, reflection of infrared light emitted from the body of the electronic notebook is detected to judge whether the user has performed non-contacting operation. For example, however, interruption of external light with user's hand, reflection on user's hand of a sound wave generated from the notebook body, interruption with user's hand of an externally supplied sound wave, changes in magnetic force caused by a magnet held in the user' hand may be used to determine what the user has intended or ordered. As described above, image data to be displayed on the display unit may be selected and the process may be controlled as desired by the user by executing non-contacting operation.

Further, changes in waveforms of the infrared light, a sound wave and/or magnetic force may be also used to judge how non-contacting operation has performed for selecting image data or detecting the password.

Further in the present embodiment, the images displayed on the display unit are switched and the password is determined, in accordance with the frequency of non-contacting operations. Control operation such as mechanical switching operation in the electronic notebook, however, may be performed in accordance with the frequency of performed non-contacting operations.

Several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail but these embodiments are simply illustrative and not restrictive. The present invention may be modified in various manners. All the modifications and applications of the present invention will be within the scope and spirit of the invention, so that the scope of the present invention should be determined only by what is recited in the present appended claims and their equivalents.