U.S. patent number RE48,852 [Application Number 16/902,903] was granted by the patent office on 2021-12-14 for wearable terminal and control method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA. The grantee listed for this patent is PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA. Invention is credited to Hideshi Aoki, Tetsuji Fuchikami, Kazuki Funase, Akinori Ozeki.
United States Patent |
RE48,852 |
Funase , et al. |
December 14, 2021 |
Wearable terminal and control method
Abstract
A wearable terminal includes: a body having a display that
performs display, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation
by which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis
as an axis of rotation, and a controller that controls the display
according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that is
connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an arcuate
shape, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a second axis and
is parallel to a direction in which the forearm extends, when the
first angle of rotation is within a first angle range, the
controller causes a first display image displayed, and when the
first angle of rotation changes the first angle range to a second
angle range, the controller causes a part of the first display
image and a part of a second display image simultaneously
displayed.
Inventors: |
Funase; Kazuki (Osaka,
JP), Fuchikami; Tetsuji (Osaka, JP), Ozeki;
Akinori (Osaka, JP), Aoki; Hideshi (Osaka,
JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA |
Torrance |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
CORPORATION OF AMERICA (Torrance, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
58721783 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/902,903 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
15344643 |
Nov 7, 2016 |
10126838 |
Nov 13, 2018 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Nov 19, 2015 [JP] |
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2015-227042 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/163 (20130101); G06F 3/0487 (20130101); G06F
3/017 (20130101); G06F 3/0485 (20130101); G06F
1/1694 (20130101); G04C 3/002 (20130101); G06F
3/002 (20130101); G06F 3/0346 (20130101); G06F
3/04845 (20130101); G06F 2200/1637 (20130101); G06F
2203/04803 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09G
5/00 (20060101); G06F 3/0484 (20130101); G06F
3/01 (20060101); G06F 1/16 (20060101); G06F
3/0346 (20130101); G06F 3/0487 (20130101); G06F
3/0485 (20130101); G04C 3/00 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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104090649 |
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Oct 2014 |
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CN |
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104423794 |
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Mar 2015 |
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CN |
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104756059 |
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Jul 2015 |
|
CN |
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2010-277465 |
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Dec 2010 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
English Translation of Chinese Search Report dated Sep. 29, 2021
for the related Chinese Patent Application No. 202011517807.4.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Nasser; Robert L
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greenblum & Bernstein,
P.L.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. A wearable terminal that is wearable on a forearm of a user,
comprising: a body having a display that performs display in a
display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by
which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as
an axis of rotation, and a controller that controls the display
according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that is
connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an arcuate
shape, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a second axis and
is parallel to a direction in which the forearm extends, the first
axis forms, with the second axis, a plane that is parallel to a
display surface of the display when the wearable terminal on the
forearm of the user, when the first angle of rotation is within a
first angle range, the controller causes a first display image to
be displayed in the display area, and when the first angle of
rotation changes from the first angle range to a second angle range
that does not overlap with the first angle range, the controller
causes at least part of the first display image and at least part
of a second display image, that is different from the first display
image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area..].
.[.2. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein, when
after the at least part of the first display image and the at least
part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed
in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the
second angle range to an angle range that does not overlap the
second angle range, the controller causes the second display image
to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to
not be displayed in the display area..].
.[.3. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein, when
after the at least part of the first display image and the at least
part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed
in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the
second angle range to the first angle range, the controller causes
the second display image to be displayed in the display area and
the first display image to not be displayed in the display
area..].
.[.4. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first
display image represents a first application that is executable in
the wearable terminal, and the second display image represents a
second application that is different from the first application and
is executable in the wearable terminal..].
.[.5. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the
sensor further detects a second angle of rotation by which the
display has been rotated with respect to the second axis as an axis
of rotation, the controller further controls the display according
to the second angle of rotation, when the second angle of rotation
is within a third angle range and the first angle of rotation is
within the first angle range, the controller causes the first
display image to be displayed in the display area, and when the
second angle of rotation is within the third angle range and the
first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to the
second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the
first display image and the at least part of the second display
image, that is different from the first display image, to be
simultaneously displayed in the display area..].
.[.6. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the
sensor is a triaxial angular velocity sensor that further detects a
third angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with
respect to a third axis as an axis of rotation, the third axis
being perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis..].
.[.7. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the first
angle range is between -15 and 15 degrees when the display surface
is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel
to a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravitational force and
faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational
force, the second angle range is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees
when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the
display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the
direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite
to the direction of gravitational force and a positive direction of
rotation is a direction in which forearm of the user turns so that
the display surface faces farther away from the user's body, and
the third angle range is between 0 and 45 degrees when the display
surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is
parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational
force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of
gravitational force and the positive direction of rotation is a
direction in which the forearm of the user twists so that the
display surface faces closer to the user's body..].
.[.8. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the
controller turns off display on the display when the second angle
of rotation changes to an angle range that does not overlap the
third angle range..].
.[.9. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein the
second angle range includes a fourth angle range and a fifth angle
range and an angle of rotation from the fourth angle range to the
first angle range is smaller than an angle of rotation from the
fifth angle range to the first angle range, when the first angle of
rotation changes from the fifth angle range to the first angle
range, the controller causes the second display image to be
displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be
displayed in the display area, and when the first angle of rotation
changes from the fourth angle range to the first angle range, the
controller causes the first display image to be displayed in the
display area and the second display image to not be displayed in
the display area..].
.[.10. The wearable terminal according to claim 9, wherein when the
first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle range to the
fifth angle range, the at least part of the first display image and
the at least part of the second display image are simultaneously
displayed in the display area and a third display image, suggesting
switching from the first display image to the second display image,
is displayed in the display area..].
.[.11. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the
at least part of the first display image and the at least part of
the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the
display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the
second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the
second display image to be displayed in a first display region of
the display area and causes at least part of the first display
image to be displayed in a second display region of the display
area, the display area is divided into to two regions by a boundary
line that is perpendicular to the first axis, the first display
region is one of the two regions which is facing towards a body of
the user, and the second display region is the other of the two
regions which is facing away from a body of the user..].
.[.12. The wearable terminal according to claim 1, wherein when the
at least part of the first display image and the at least part of
the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the
display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the
second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the
first display image to be displayed in a first display region of
the display area and causes at least part of the second display
image to be displayed in a second display region of the display
area, the display area is divided into the two regions by a
boundary line that is parallel to the first axis, the first display
region is one of the two regions which is located on a fingertip
side of the user, and the second display area is the other of the
two areas which is located on an elbow side of the user..].
13. A wearable terminal that is wearable on a forearm of a user,
comprising: a body having a display that performs display in a
display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by
which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as
an axis of rotation, the first axis being parallel to a direction
in which the forearm extends, and a controller that controls the
display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that
is connected to the body and extends around the forearm .Iadd.in
.Iaddend.an arcuate shape .Iadd.when worn on the forearm of the
user.Iaddend., wherein, when the first angle of rotation is within
a first angle range, the controller causes a first display image to
be displayed in the display area, .[.and.]. when the first angle of
rotation changes from the first angle range to a second angle range
that does not overlap the first angle range, the controller causes
at least part of the first display image and at least part of a
second display image, that is different from the first display
image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.Iadd.,
and the controller causes part of the first display image to be
slid out from the display area while causing part of the second
display image to be slid into the display area, when performing a
screen transition from a first screen, in which the first display
image is displayed, to a second screen, in which the rest of the
first display image and the part of the second display image are
simultaneously displayed.Iaddend..
14. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein, when
after the at least part of the first display image and the at least
part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed
in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the
second angle range to an angle range that does not overlap the
second angle range, the controller causes the second display image
to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to
not be displayed in the display area.
15. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein, when
after the at least part of the first display image and the at least
part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed
in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the
second angle range to the first angle range, the controller causes
the second display image to be displayed in the display area and
the first display image to not be displayed in the display
area.
16. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein the first
display image represents a first application that is executable in
the wearable terminal, and the second display image represents a
second application that is different from the first application and
is executable in the wearable terminal.
17. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein the sensor
further detects a second angle of rotation by which the display has
been rotated with respect to a second axis as an axis of rotation,
the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis and forms, with
the first axis, a plane that is parallel to a display surface of
the display when the user is wearing the wearable terminal on the
forearm, the controller further controls the display according to
the second angle of rotation, when the second angle of rotation is
within a third angle range and the first angle of rotation is
within the first angle range, the controller causes the first
display image to be displayed in the display area, and when the
second angle of rotation is within the third angle range and the
first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to the
second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the
first display image and the at least part of the second display
image, that is different from the first display image, to be
simultaneously displayed in the display area.
18. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein the sensor
is a triaxial angular velocity sensor that further detects a
.[.third.]. .Iadd.further .Iaddend.angle of rotation by which the
display has been rotated with respect to a .[.third.].
.Iadd.further .Iaddend.axis as an axis of rotation, the .[.third.].
.Iadd.further .Iaddend.axis being perpendicular to the first axis
and the second axis.
19. The wearable terminal according to claim .[.18.].
.Iadd.17.Iaddend., wherein the first angle range is between -15
degrees and 15 degrees when the display surface of the display is
assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to
a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravitational force and
faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational
force, the second angle range is between 15 degrees and 45 degrees
when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the
display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the
direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite
to the direction of gravitational force and a positive direction of
rotation is a direction in which the forearm of the user turns so
that the display surface faces farther away from the user's body,
and the third angle range is between 0 degree and 45 degrees when
the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display
surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of
gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the
direction of gravitational force and the positive direction of
rotation is a direction in which the forearm of the user twists so
that the display surface faces closer to the user's body.
20. The wearable terminal according to claim .[.18.].
.Iadd.17.Iaddend., wherein the controller turns off display on the
display when the second angle of rotation changes to an angle range
that does not overlap the third angle range.
21. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein the second
angle range includes a .[.fourth.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.angle
.Iadd.sub .Iaddend.range and a .[.fifth.]. .Iadd.second
.Iaddend.angle .Iadd.sub .Iaddend.range and an angle of rotation
from the .[.fourth.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.angle .Iadd.sub
.Iaddend.range to the first angle range is smaller than an angle of
rotation from the .[.fifth.]. .Iadd.second .Iaddend.angle .Iadd.sub
.Iaddend.range to the first angle range, when the first angle of
rotation changes from the .[.fifth.]. .Iadd.second .Iaddend.angle
.Iadd.sub .Iaddend.range to the first angle range, the controller
causes the second display image to be displayed in the display area
and the first display image to not be displayed in the display
area, and when the first angle of rotation changes from the
.[.fourth.]. .Iadd.first .Iaddend.angle .Iadd.sub .Iaddend.range to
the first angle range, the controller causes the first display
image to be displayed in the display area and the second display
image to not be displayed in the display area.
22. The wearable terminal according to claim 21, wherein when the
first angle of rotation changes from the .[.fourth.]. .Iadd.first
.Iaddend.angle .Iadd.sub .Iaddend.range to the .[.fifth.].
.Iadd.second .Iaddend.angle .Iadd.sub .Iaddend.range, the at least
part of the first display image and the at least part of the second
display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area and
a third display image suggesting switching from the first display
image to the second display image is displayed in the display
area.
23. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein when the
at least part of the first display image and the at least part of
the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the
display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the
second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the
second display image to be displayed in a first display region of
the display area and causes at least part of the first display
image to be displayed in a second display region of the display
area, the display area is divided into to two regions by a boundary
line parallel to the forearm .Iadd.when the band is worn on the
forearm of the user.Iaddend., the first display region is one of
the two regions which is located on a fingertip side of the user
.Iadd.when the band is worn on the forearm of the user.Iaddend.,
and the second display region is the other of the two regions which
is located on an elbow side of the user .Iadd.when the band is worn
on the forearm of the user.Iaddend..
24. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein when the
at least part of the first display image and the at least part of
the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the
display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the
second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the
first display image to be displayed in a first display region of
the display area and causes at least part of the second display
image to be displayed in a second display region of the display
area, the display area is divided into the two regions by a
boundary line that is .[.parallel.]. .Iadd.perpendicular
.Iaddend.to the forearm .Iadd.when the band is worn on the forearm
of the user.Iaddend., the first display region is one of the two
regions which is located on a fingertip side of the user .Iadd.when
the band is worn on the forearm of the user.Iaddend., and the
second display area is the other of the two areas which is located
on an elbow side of the user .Iadd.when the band is worn on the
forearm of the user.Iaddend..
25. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, when, after the
first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range into a
.[.sixth.]. .Iadd.further .Iaddend.angle range that does not
overlap the first angle range or the second angle range, the first
angle of rotation changes from the .[.sixth.]. .Iadd.further
.Iaddend.angle range to the first angle range, the controller
causes the first display image to be displayed in the display area
and the second display image to not be displayed in the display
area.
26. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein the second
angle range is an angle range between the first angle range and the
.[.sixth.]. .Iadd.further .Iaddend.angle range.
.[.27. A control method for wearable terminal that is wearable on a
forearm of a user, the wearable terminal including: a body having a
display that performs display in a display area, a sensor that
detects a first angle of rotation by which the display has been
rotated with respect to a first axis as an axis of rotation, and a
controller that controls the display according to the first angle
of rotation; and a band that is connected to the body and extends
around the forearm in an arcuate shape, wherein the first axis is
perpendicular to a second axis and is parallel to a direction in
which the forearm extends, the first axis forms, with the second
axis, a plane that is parallel to a display surface of the display
when the wearable terminal is on the forearm of the user, the
method comprising: when the first angle of rotation is within a
first angle range, causing a first display image to be displayed in
the display area, and when the first angle of rotation changes from
the first angle range to a second angle range that does not overlap
with the first angle range, causing at least part of the first
display image and at least part of a second display image, that is
different from the first display image, to be simultaneously
displayed in the display area..].
28. A control method for a wearable terminal that is wearable on a
forearm of a user, the wearable terminal including: a body having a
display that performs display in a display area, a sensor that
detects a first angle of rotation by which the display has been
rotated with respect to a first axis as an axis of rotation, the
first axis being parallel to a direction in which the forearm
extends, and a controller that controls the display according to
the first angle of rotation; and a band that is connected to the
body and extends around the forearm in an arcuate shape .Iadd.when
worn on the forearm of the user.Iaddend., the method comprising:
when the first angle of rotation is within a first angle range,
causing a first display image to be displayed in the display area,
.[.and.]. when the first angle of rotation changes from the first
angle range to a second angle range that does not overlap with the
first angle range, causing at least part of the first display image
and at least part of a second display image, that is different from
the first display image, to be simultaneously displayed in the
display area.Iadd., and causing part of the first display image to
be slid out from the display area while causing part of the second
display image to be slid into the display area, when performing a
screen transition from a first screen, in which the first display
image is displayed, to a second screen, in which the rest of the
first display image and the part of the second display image are
simultaneously displayed.Iaddend..
.Iadd.29. The wearable terminal according to claim 13, wherein the
first display image and the second display image are slid in a
direction in which the display has been rotated..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The control method according to claim 28, wherein, in the
screen transition, the first display image and the second display
image are slid in a direction in which the display has been
rotated..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The control method according to claim 28, further
comprising: causing the second display image to be displayed in the
display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the
display area, when after the at least part of the first display
image and the at least part of the second display image have been
simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first angle of
rotation changes from the second angle range to an angle range that
does not overlap the second angle range..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The control method according to claim 28, further
comprising: causing the second display image to be displayed in the
display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the
display area, when after the at least part of the first display
image and the at least part of the second display image have been
simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first angle of
rotation changes from the second angle range to the first angle
range..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The control method according to claim 28, wherein the
first display image represents a first application that is
executable in the wearable terminal, and the second display image
represents a second application that is different from the first
application and is executable in the wearable
terminal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A wearable terminal that is wearable on a forearm of a
user, comprising: a body having a display that performs display in
a display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by
which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as
an axis of rotation, the first axis being parallel to a direction
in which the forearm extends, and a controller that controls the
display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that
is connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an
arcuate shape when worn on the forearm of the user, wherein, when
the first angle of rotation is within a first angle range, the
controller causes a first display image to be displayed in the
display area, when the first angle of rotation changes from the
first angle range to a second angle range that does not overlap the
first angle range, the controller causes at least part of the first
display image and at least part of a second display image, that is
different from the first display image, to be simultaneously
displayed in the display area, and when after the at least part of
the first display image and the at least part of the second display
image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the
first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to an
angle range that does not overlap the second angle range, the
controller causes the second display image to be displayed in the
display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the
display area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The wearable terminal according to claim 34, wherein the
first display image represents a first application that is
executable in the wearable terminal, and the second display image
represents a second application that is different from the first
application and is executable in the wearable
terminal..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A wearable terminal that is wearable on a forearm of a
user, comprising: a body having a display that performs display in
a display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by
which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as
an axis of rotation, the first axis being parallel to a direction
in which the forearm extends, and a controller that controls the
display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that
is connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an
arcuate shape when worn on the forearm of the user, wherein, when
the first angle of rotation is within a first angle range, the
controller causes a first display image to be displayed in the
display area, when the first angle of rotation changes from the
first angle range to a second angle range that does not overlap the
first angle range, the controller causes at least part of the first
display image and at least part of a second display image, that is
different from the first display image, to be simultaneously
displayed in the display area, and when after the at least part of
the first display image and the at least part of the second display
image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the
first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to the
first angle range, the controller causes the second display image
to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to
not be displayed in the display area..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The wearable terminal according to claim 35, wherein the
first display image represents a first application that is
executable in the wearable terminal, and the second display image
represents a second application that is different from the first
application and is executable in the wearable terminal..Iaddend.
Description
.Iadd.NOTICE: More than one reissue application has been filed for
the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,838 B2. The present application
is a Reissue Application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,838 B2. Reissue
Application Ser. No. 17/094,179, filed Nov. 10, 2020, is also a
Reissue Application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,838 B2..Iaddend.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to a wearable terminal that detects
a posture and switches display images according to the posture thus
detected and a method for display control of such a wearable
terminal.
2. Description of the Related Art
There has conventionally been disclosed an art directed to a
portable terminal device that detects, with an acceleration sensor,
a rotating operation that causes a housing of the device to rotate
and changes display images in a case where the rotating operation
thus detected has been detected.
However, the conventional art requires further improvement.
SUMMARY
In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a
wearable terminal that is able to be worn on a forearm of a user,
including: a body having a display that performs display, a sensor
that detects a first angle of rotation by which the display has
been rotated with respect to a first axis as an axis of rotation,
and a controller that controls the display according to the first
angle of rotation; and a band that is connected to the body and
extends around the forearm in an arcuate shape, wherein the first
axis is perpendicular to a second axis and is parallel to a
direction in which the forearm extends, when the first angle of
rotation is within a first angle range, the controller causes a
first display image displayed, and when the first angle of rotation
changes from the first angle range to a second angle range, the
controller causes a part of the first display image and a part of a
second display image simultaneously displayed.
The foregoing aspect makes it possible to achieve further
improvement.
These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a
system, a method, and a computer program, and any combination of
systems, methods, and computer programs.
Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments
will become apparent from the specification and drawings. The
benefits and/or advantages may be individually obtained by the
various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings,
which need not all be provided in order to obtain one or more of
such benefits and/or advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an appearance diagram of a wearable terminal according to
Embodiment 1;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the
wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the
wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case where a first angle of
rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a first angle
range;
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case where the first angle of
rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a second angle
range;
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where a second angle of
rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a third angle
range;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart or explaining an example of sleep control of
the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image
that is displayed during sleep control performed by a controller
according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable
terminal;
FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control
of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image
that is displayed during display control performed by the
controller according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the
wearable terminal;
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a case where a first angle of
rotation according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 falls within a
fourth angle range or a fifth angle range;
FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining an example of display
control of the wearable terminal according to Modification 1 of
Embodiment 1;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image
that is displayed during display control performed by a controller
according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case of a change
out of the fourth angle range into the first angle range and the
posture of the wearable terminal;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image
that is displayed during display control performed by the
controller according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case
of a change out of the fifth angle range into the first angle range
and the posture of the wearable terminal;
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an angle range of a first angle
of rotation according to Embodiment 2;
FIG. 16 is a flow chart for explaining an example of display
control of a wearable terminal according to Embodiment 2;
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image
that is displayed during display control performed by a controller
according to Embodiment 2 and the posture of the wearable terminal;
and
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image
that is displayed during display control performed by the
controller according to Embodiment 2 and the posture of the
wearable terminal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Underlying Knowledge Forming Basis of the Present Disclosure
The inventor of the present invention found that the portable
terminal device described in sections "Description of the Related
Art" has the following problems.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No, 2010-277465
discloses a portable phone as a portable terminal device, and in
recent years, a wearable terminal that is worn on a human body has
been under development as a portable terminal device. An example of
such a wearable terminal is a wristwatch-type wearable terminal
that is worn on an arm.
Since such a wearable terminal is worn on one arm, the wearable
terminal needs to be operated by a hand on the side of an arm
opposite to the arm on which the wearable terminal is worn. Even in
the case of a comparatively easy operation such as switching the
wearable terminal's applications or switching from displaying one
image to displaying another image, both arms are needed to operate
the wearable terminal. For this reason, for example, in a case
where one hand is busy, such as a case of carrying baggage or a
case of hanging on to a strap in a train or bus, it is undesirably
difficult to perform an operation on the wearable terminal.
In order to solve this problem, there has been a demand for causing
the wearable terminal to perform display control according to a
rotating operation by performing the rotating operation on the
wearable terminal per se.
However, for example, even when display control is performed in
which display images are switched in a case where the wearable
terminal is rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation in a
predetermined direction of rotation and then rotated in a direction
opposite to the predetermined direction of rotation back to the
original position, the user cannot confirm how he/she should rotate
the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image. That is,
the user can only confirm the result of having switched to the next
display image. This undesirably makes the user unable to even know
whether display images are switched, unless he/she knows in advance
an operating method of rotating the wearable terminal to switch to
the next display image.
Incidentally, the wearable terminal has a small housing and
therefore only has a small space to store a battery. As such, the
wearable terminal is undesirably less sufficient in battery
capacity than other portable terminals such as smartphones. For
this reason, a wearable terminal has been known which is brought
into a sleep state when it is determined, by detecting the posture
of the terminal per se, that the wearable terminal is in such a
posture that the user is not viewing the wearable terminal.
Specifically, a wearable terminal has been known which is brought
into a sleep state by detecting a rotating operation performed on
the terminal per se.
As mentioned above, in a case where the user does not know an
operating method of rotating the wearable terminal to switch to the
next display image, he/she needs to perform an operation with the
hand on the side of the arm opposite to the arm on which the
wearable terminal is worn. This requires the user to take time to
switch display images, especially in a state where one hand is
busy. Accordingly, with information kept displayed on the display,
the wearable terminal waits for much more time than is necessary
until an operation for switching display images is performed, thus
ending up consuming electricity unnecessarily. Such an increase in
power consumption is not desirable in the wearable terminal, which
is small in battery capacity.
Further, as described above, the conventional wearable terminal has
been known to perform either of the two processes, namely the
process of switching display images and the process of switching to
a sleep state, according to whether a predetermined rotating
operation has been performed. However, no consideration has been
given to how switching is performed in a case where the two
processes are performed at the same time. That is, further
consideration has been needed to cause the wearable terminal to
perform the two processes, which differ in function from each
other, by detecting a rotating operation.
Under such circumstances, the following measures were considered in
order to improve the functions of a wearable terminal.
(1) A wearable terminal according to an aspect of the present
disclosure is a wearable terminal that is able to be worn on a
forearm of a user, including: a body having a display that performs
display in a display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of
rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a
first axis as an axis of rotation, and a controller that controls
the display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band
that is connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an
arcuate shape, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a second
axis and is parallel to a direction in which the forearm extends,
the first axis forms, with the second axis, a plane that is
parallel to a display surface of the display when the wearable
terminal on the forearm of the user, when the first angle of
rotation is within a first angle range, the controller causes a
first display image to be displayed in the display area, and when
the first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to a
second angle range that does not overlap with the first angle
range, the controller causes at least part of the first display
image and at least part of a second display image, that is
different from the first display image, to be simultaneously
displayed in the display area.
According to this, a transition from a state where the first
display image is displayed to a state where the at least part of
the first display image and the at least part of the second display
image are displayed is made in a case where the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor of the wearable terminal has
changed out of the first angle range into the second angle range.
This allows the user to confirm a display image suggesting
switching to the second display image, which is a display image
that comes after the first display image. This allows the user to
know how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal to switch to
the next display image, thus allowing the user to easily switch to
the next display image. This allows the user to switch display
images without taking much time, thus allowing the wearable
terminal to consume less electricity.
(2) In the aspect, when after the at least part of the first
display image and the at least part of the second display image
have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first
angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to an angle
range that may not overlap the second angle range, the controller
may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display
area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display
area. (3) In the aspect, when after the at least part of the first
display image and the at least part of the second display image
have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first
angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to the first
angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to
be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not
be displayed in the display area.
This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of
rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range
into the first angle range in a state where the simultaneous
display is performed, switch the display from displaying the first
display image to displaying the second display image via the
simultaneous display.
(4) In the aspect, the first display image may represent a first
application that is executable in the wearable terminal, and the
second display image may represent a second application that is
different from the first application and is executable in the
wearable terminal.
This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of
rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range
into the first angle range, change from causing a display image
representing the first application to be displayed in the display
area to causing at least part of the display image representing the
first application and at least part of a display image representing
the second application to be simultaneously displayed in the
display area.
(5) In the aspect, the sensor may further detect a second angle of
rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to the
second axis as an axis of rotation, the controller may further
control the display according to the second angle of rotation, when
the second angle of rotation is within a third angle range and the
first angle of rotation is within the first angle range, the
controller may cause the first display image to be displayed in the
display area, and when the second angle of rotation is within the
third angle range and the first angle of rotation changes from the
first angle range to the second angle range, the controller may
cause the at least part of the first display image and the at least
part of the second display image, that is different from the first
display image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display
area.
This allows the wearable terminal to switch display images on the
display not only according to the first angle of rotation in the
first direction of rotation but also according to the second angle
of rotation in the second direction of rotation. This allows the
controller to utilize a change in the second angle of rotation to
switch to a display image that is different from the simultaneous
display.
(6) In the aspect, the sensor may be a triaxial angular velocity
sensor that further detects a third angle of rotation by which the
display has been rotated with respect to a third axis as an axis of
rotation, the third axis being perpendicular to the first axis and
the second axis. (7) In the aspect, the first angle range may be
between -15 and 15 degrees when the display surface is assumed to
be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane
perpendicular to a direction of gravitational force and faces in a
direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force, the
second angle range may be between 15 degrees and 45 degrees when
the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display
surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of
gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the
direction of gravitational force and a positive direction of
rotation is a direction in which forearm of the user turns so that
the display surface faces farther away from the user's body, and
the third angle range may be between 0 and 45 degrees when the
display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display
surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of
gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the
direction of gravitational force and the positive direction of
rotation is a direction in which the forearm of the user twists so
that the display surface faces closer to the user's body.
This allows a user wearing the wearable terminal on his/her wrist
to change the first angle of rotation, which is detected by the
sensor of the wearable terminal, for example, by simply turning
his/her forearm in such a direction that the wrist comes closer to
his/her face. This allows the user to easily switch from a state
where the first display image is displayed to the simultaneous
display.
(8) In the aspect, the controller may turn off display on the
display when the second angle of rotation changes to an angle range
that does not overlap the third angle range.
This allows the wearable terminal not only to switch from the first
display image to the simultaneous display according to a change in
the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but
also to switch from the first display image or the simultaneous
display to the turning off of display on the display according to a
change in the second angle of rotation. This makes it possible to
turn off display on the display, for example, in a case where the
controller has determined, according to a result of detection
performed by the sensor, that the user is in such a posture that
the user is not viewing the display, thus making it possible to
reduce power consumption. Further, by assigning the function of
display control and the function of sleep control according to
results of detection of the first and second angles of rotation
about two different axes of rotation, respectively, the display
control process and the sleep control process can be performed
without confusion. This makes it possible to effectively achieve
two different functions by detecting a rotating operation.
(9) In the aspect, the second angle range may include a fourth
angle range and a fifth angle range and an angle of rotation from
the fourth angle range to the first angle range is smaller than an
angle of rotation from the fifth angle range to the first angle
range, when the first angle of rotation changes from the fifth
angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the
second display image to be displayed in the display area and the
first display image to not be displayed in the display area, and
when the first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle
range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the first
display image to be displayed in the display area and the second
display image to not be displayed in the display area.
This allows different display images to be displayed after the
simultaneous display, depending On whether the first angle of
rotation fell within the fifth angle range, which is located
further from the first angle range, of the second angle range
before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation
in a state where the simultaneous display is performed or the first
angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range, which is
located closer to the first angle range, of the second angle range
before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation
in a state where the simultaneous display is performed. Further, in
this case, when the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth
angle range, which is located farther from the first angle range,
switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image
takes place, and when the first angle of rotation fell within the
fourth angle range, which is located closer to the first angle
range, switching to the first display image takes place instead of
switching to the second display image. Thus, in a case where a
rotation from a posture in which the first display image is
displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is large,
switching to the second display image takes place if the original
posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation, and in a case
where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image is
displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is small,
returning to the first display image takes place even if the
original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation. This
allows the user to, by adjusting the degree of the angle by which a
rotation is made, choose between switching to the second display
image and switching to the first display image after having
confirmed the simultaneous display.
(10) In the aspect, when the first angle of rotation changes from
the fourth angle range to the fifth angle range, the at least part
of the first display image and the at least part of the second
display image may be simultaneously displayed in the display area
and a third display image, suggesting switching from the first
display image to the second display image, may be displayed in the
display area.
This allows the user to know that the display image to be displayed
in the case of returning to the first angle range next as a result
of a rotation is the second display image, which comes after the
first display image, as the third display image is displayed in a
case where the first angle of rotation has changed into the fifth
angle range. This allows the user to, after having confirmed the
simultaneous display, easily determine whether switching to the
second display image takes place or switching to the first display
image takes place, thus allowing the user to choose between
switching to the second display image and switching to the first
display image.
(11) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display
image and the at least part of the second display image are
simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first
angle of rotation is within the second angle range, the controller
causes the at least pail o fate second display image to be
displayed in a first display region of the display area and causes
at least part of the first display image to be displayed in a
second display region of the display area, the display area may be
divided into to two regions by a boundary line that is
perpendicular to the first axis, the first display region may be
one of the two regions which is facing towards a body of the user,
and the second display region may be the other of the two regions
which is facing away from a body of the user.
For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching
from the simultaneous display to the second display image by
changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range,
the user can be given the sensation of pulling up the second
display image, which is to be displayed next, from below and
display it on the display.
(12) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display
image and the at least part of the second display image are
simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first
angle of rotations is within the second angle range, the controller
causes the at least part of the first display image to be displayed
in a first display region of the display area and causes at least
part of the second display image to be displayed in a second
display region of the display area, the display area may be divided
into the two regions by a boundary line that is parallel to the
first axis, the first display region may be one of the two regions
which is located on a fingertip side of the user, and the second
display area may be the other of the two areas which is located on
an elbow side of the user.
For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching
from the simultaneous display to the second display image by
changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range,
the user can be given the sensation of dropping the second display
image, which is to be displayed next, in the direction of
gravitational force and thereby display it on the display.
(13) A wearable terminal according to another aspect of the present
disclosure is a wearable terminal that is able to be worn on a
forearm of a user, including: a body having a display that performs
display in a display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of
rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a
first axis as an axis of rotation, the first axis being parallel to
a direction in which the forearm extends, and a controller that
controls the display according to the first angle of rotation; and
a band that is connected to the body and extends around the forearm
an arcuate shape, wherein, when the first angle of rotation is
within a first angle range, the controller causes a first display
image to be displayed in the display area, and when the first angle
of rotation changes from the first angle range to a second angle
range that does not overlap the first angle range, the controller
causes at least part of the first display image and at least part
of a second display image, that is different from the first display
image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.
According to this, a transition from a state where the first
display image is displayed to a state where the at least part of
the first display image and the at least part of the second display
image are displayed is made in a case where the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor of the wearable terminal has
changed out of the first angle range into the second angle range.
This allows the user to confirm a display image suggesting
switching to the second display image, which is a display image
that comes after the first display image. This allows the user to
know how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal to switch to
the next display image, thus allowing the user to easily switch to
the next display image. This allows the user to switch display
images without taking much time, thus allowing the wearable
terminal to consume less electricity.
(14) In the aspect, when after the at least part of the first
display image and the at least part of the second display image
have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first
angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to an angle
range that may not overlap the second angle range, the controller
may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display
area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display
area. (15) In the aspect, when rafter the at least part of the
first display image and the at least part of the second display
image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the
first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to the
first angle range, the controller may cause the second display
image to be displayed in the display area and the first display
image to not be displayed in the display area.
This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of
rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range
into the first angle range in a state where the simultaneous
display is performed, sit itch the display from displaying the
first display image to displaying the second display image via the
simultaneous display.
(16) In the aspect, the first display image may represent a first
application that is executable in the wearable terminal, and the
second display image may represent a second application that is
different from the first application and is executable ins the
wearable terminal.
This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of
rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range
into the first angle range, change from causing a display image
representing the first application to be displayed in the display
area to causing at least part of the display image representing the
first application and at least part of a display image representing
the second application to be simultaneously displayed in the
display area.
(17) In the aspect, the sensor may further detect a second angle of
rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a
second axis as an axis of rotation, the second axis is
perpendicular to the first axis and forms, with the first axis, a
plane that is parallel to a display surface of the display when the
user is wearing the wearable terminal on the forearm, the
controller may further control the display according to the second
angle of rotation, when the second angle of rotation is within a
third angle range and the first angle of rotation is within the
first angle range, the controller may cause the first display image
to be displayed in the display area, and when the second angle of
rotation is within the third angle range and the first angle of
rotation changes from the first angle range to the second angle
range, the controller may cause the at least part of the first
display image and the at least part of the second display image,
that different from the first display image, to be simultaneously
displayed in the display area.
This allows the wearable terminal to switch display images on the
display not only according to the first angle of rotation in the
first direction of rotation but also according to the second angle
of rotation in the second direction of rotation. This allows the
controller to utilize a change in the second angle of rotation to
switch to a display image that is different from the simultaneous
display.
(18) In the aspect, the sensor may be a triaxial angular velocity
sensor that further detects a third angle of rotation by which the
display has been rotated with respect to a third axis as an axis of
rotation, the third axis being perpendicular to the first axis and
the second axis. (19) In the aspect, the first angle range may be
between -15 degrees and 15 degrees when the display surface of the
display is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is
parallel to a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravitational
force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of
gravitational force, the second angle range may be between 15
degrees and 45 degrees a when the display surface is assumed to be
at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane
perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force and faces in
a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force and a
positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the forearm
of the user turns so that the display surface faces farther away
from the user's body, and the third angle range may be between 0
degree and 45 degrees when the display surface is assumed to be at
0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane
perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force and faces in
a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force and
the positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the
forearm of the user twists so that the display surface faces closer
to the user's body.
This allows a user wearing the wearable terminal on his/her wrist
to change the first angle of rotation, which is detected by the
sensor of the wearable terminal, for example, by simply turning
his/her forearm in such a direction that the wrist comes closer to
his/her face. This allows the user to easily switch from a state
where the first display image is displayed to the simultaneous
display.
(20) In the aspect, the controller may turn off display on the
display when the second angle of rotation changes to an angle range
that does not overlap the third angle range.
This allows the wearable terminal not only to switch from the first
display image to the simultaneous display according to a change in
the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but
also to switch from the first display image or the simultaneous
display to the turning off of display on the display according to a
change in the second angle of rotation. This makes it possible to
turn off display on the display, for example, in a case where the
controller has determined, according to a result of detection
performed by the sensor, that the user is in such a posture that
the user is not viewing the display, thus making it possible to
reduce power consumption. Further, by assigning the function of
display control and the function of sleep control according to
results of detection of the first and second angles of rotation
about two different axes of rotation, respectively, the display
control process and the sleep control process can be performed
without confusion. This makes it possible to effectively achieve
two different functions by detecting a rotating operation.
(21) In the aspect, the second angle range may include a fourth
angle range and a fifth angle range and an angle of rotation from
the fourth angle range to the first angle range is smaller than an
angle of rotation from the fifth angle range to the first angle
range, when the first angle of rotation changes from the fifth
angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the
second display image to be displayed in the display area and the
first display image to not be displayed in the display area, and
when the first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle
range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the first
display image to be displayed in the display area and the second
display image to not be displayed in the display area.
This allows different display images to be displayed after the
simultaneous display, depending on whether the first angle of
rotation fell within the fifth angle range, which is located
farther from the first angle range, of the second angle range
before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation
in a state where the simultaneous display is performed or the first
angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range, which is
located closer to the first angle range, of the second angle range
before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation
in a state where the simultaneous display is performed. Further, in
this case, when the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth
angle range, which is located farther from the first angle range,
switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image
takes place, and when the first angle of rotation fell within the
fourth angle range, which is located closer to the first angle
range, switching to the first display image takes place instead of
switching to the second display image. Thus, in a case where a
rotation from a posture in which the first display image is
displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is large,
switching to the second display image takes place if the original
posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation, and in a case
where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image is
displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is small,
returning to the first display image takes place even if the
original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation. This
allows the user to, by adjusting the degree of the angle by which a
rotation is made, choose between switching to the second display
image and switching to the first display image after having
confirmed the simultaneous display.
(22) In the aspect, when the first angle of rotation changes from
the fourth angle range to the fifth angle range, the at least part
of the first display image and the at least part of the second
display image may be simultaneously displayed in the display area
and a third display image suggesting switching from the first
display image to the second display image may be displayed in the
display area.
This allows the user to know that the display image to be displayed
in the case of returning to the first angle range next as a result
of a rotation is the second display image, which comes after the
first display image, as the third display image is displayed in a
case where the first angle of rotation has changed into the fifth
angle range. This allows the user to, after having confirmed the
simultaneous display, easily determine whether switching to the
second display image takes place or switching to the first display
image takes place, thus allowing the user to choose between
switching to the second display image and switching to the first
display image.
(23) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display
image and the at least part of the second display image are
simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first
angle of rotation is within the second angle range, the controller
causes the at least part of the second display image to be
displayed in a first display region of the display area and causes
at least part of the first display image to be displayed in a
second display region of the display area, the display area may be
divided into to two regions by a boundary line parallel to the
forearm, the first display region may be one of the two regions
which is located on a fingertip side of the user, and the second
display region may be the other of the two regions which is located
on at elbow side of the user.
For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching
from the simultaneous display to the second display image by
changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range,
the user can be given the sensations of pulling up the second
display image, which is to be displayed next, from below and
display it on the display.
(24) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display
image and the at least part of the second display image are
simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first
angle of rotation is within the second angle range, the controller
may cause the at least part of the first display image to be
displayed in a first display region of the display area and cause
at least part of the second display image to be displayed in a
second display region of the display area, the display area may be
divided into the two regions by a boundary line that is parallel to
the forearm, the first display region may be one of the two regions
which is located on a fingertip side of the user, and the second
display area may be the other of the two areas which is located on
an elbow side of the user.
For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching
from the simultaneous display to the second display image by
changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range,
the user can be given the sensation of dropping the second display
image, which is to be displayed next, in the direction of
gravitational force and thereby display it on the display.
(25) In the aspect, when, after the first angle of rotation changes
front the second angle range into a sixth angle range that does not
overlap the first angle range or the second angle range, the first
angle of rotation changes from the sixth angle range to the first
angle range, the controller may cause the first display image to be
displayed in the display area and the second display image to not
be displayed in the display area.
Further, in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by
the sensor has changed out of the second angle range into the sixth
angle range, which does not overlap the first angle range or the
second angle range, and then changed out of the sixth angle range
into the first angle range, the controller may cause the display to
display the first display image and does not cause the display to
the second display image.
(26) In the aspect, the second angle range may be an angle range
between the first angle range and the sixth angle range.
Further, the second angle range may be an angle range provided
between the first angle range and the sixth angle range.
It should be noted that these general or specific embodiments may
be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a
computer program, a storage medium such as a computer-readable
CD-ROM, or any selective combination thereof. Further, these
general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a combination
of some or all of the disclosures described in different
embodiments.
A wearable terminal according to an aspect of the present
disclosure and a method for display control of such a wearable
terminal are described in detail below with reference to the
drawings.
It should be noted that an embodiment described below is a specific
example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes,
materials, constituent elements, and the locations and topology of
the constituent elements, and the like that are shown in the
embodiment below are examples, and are not intended to limit the
present disclosure. Those of the constituent elements in the
embodiment below which are not recited in an independent claim
representing the most superordinate concept are described as
optional constituent elements.
Embodiment 1
Embodiment 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to
10.
1-1. Configuration
In Embodiment 1, a wearable terminal is described which switches,
according to a detected posture, from displaying one display image
on a display to displaying another display image on the
display.
FIG. 1 is an appearance diagram of a wearable terminal according to
Embodiment 1.
As shown in FIG 1, the wearable terminal 100 is a wristwatch-type
terminal that is worn on a user's arm like a wristwatch. The
wearable terminal 100 includes a body 10 and a band 20.
The body 10 has a rectangular flat shape. The body 10 includes
hardware for achieving a functional configuration of a display
unit, a controller, and a sensor. The body 10 includes a display
surface 11 that faces in a direction opposite to an arm in a state
where the wearable terminal 100 is worn on the arm. The hardware
configuration and the functional configuration will be described
later. It should be noted that the body 10 may have an elliptical
flat shape, a circular flat shape, or the like instead of having a
rectangular flat shape. The body 10 is made, for example, of metal,
glass, resin, or the like.
The band 20 is a band-shaped member that is connected to both ends
of the body 10 in a predetermined direction and wound around the
user's arm in a circular pattern together with the body 10, It
should be noted that the band 20 needs only be worn on the user's
arm by being wound around the user's arm in a circular pattern and
does not need to have such a shape as to surround the entire
perimeter of the area together with the body 10. That is, the band
20 may be a band-shaped member having such a shape as to surround
4/5 of the arm together with the body 10. The band 20 is made, for
example, of resin such as silicone, metal, leather (including
synthetic leather), or the like.
Let it be assumed here that the X axis is an axis of rotation that,
when the wearable terminal 100 is worn on an arm (forearm), extends
in a direction in which the arm (forearm) extends, Further, let it
be also assumed that the Y axis is an axis of rotation that extends
in the predetermined direction in the body 10 in a state where the
display surface 11 of the body 10 is horizontal and facing a
ceiling side (i.e. a side opposite to the direction of
gravitational force). The following assumes that a direction
parallel to the X axis is an X-axis direction and a direction
parallel to the Y axis is a Y-axis direction. Further, let it be
also assumed that a direction that is vertical (i.e. a direction
perpendicular to the display surface 11) in a state where the
display surface 11 of the body 10 is horizontal and facing the
ceiling side (i.e. the side opposite to the direction of
gravitational force) is a Z-axis direction.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the
wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1.
As shown in FIG. 2, the wearable terminal 100 includes a hardware
configuration of a CPU 101 (central processing unit), a main memory
102, a storage 103, a communication IF 104 (interface), an
acceleration sensor 105, a triaxial angular velocity sensor 106,
and a display 107.
The CPU 101 is a processor that executes a control program stored
in the storage 103 or the like.
The main memory 102 is a volatile storage area that is used as a
work area when the CPU 101 executes the control program.
The storage 103 is a nonvolatile storage area in which the control
program, content, and the like are stored.
The communication IF 104 is a network interface that exchanges data
with another device over a network. The communication IF 104 is for
example a wireless LAN (local area network) interface compatible
with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard.
The acceleration sensor 105 is a sensor that detects the
acceleration of the wearable terminal 100.
The triaxial angular velocity sensor 106 is a sensor that detects
angular velocities of the wearable terminal 100 rotating on three
axes extending, in three different directions, respectively.
The display 107 is a display device that displays pictures
including, images. For example, the display 107 is a liquid crystal
display, an organic EL display, or the like.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the
wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1.
As shown in FIG. 3, the wearable terminal 100 includes a functional
configuration of a sensor 111, a controller 112, and a display unit
113.
The sensor 111 detects a first angle of rotation of the display
unit 113 of the wearable terminal 100 in a first direction of
rotation. Further, the sensor 111 may also detect a second angle of
rotation of the display unit 113 in a second direction of rotation
that is different in axis of rotation from the first direction of
rotation. Further, the sensor 111 may also detect a third angle of
rotation of the display unit 113 in a third direction of rotation
that is different in axis of rotation from the first direction of
rotation and the second direction of rotation. That is, the sensor
111 is implemented using the triaxial angular velocity sensor 106.
It should be noted that the sensor 111 may be implemented using the
acceleration sensor 105 or a combination of the acceleration sensor
105 and the triaxial angular velocity sensor 106.
The first, second, and third angles of rotation, which are detected
by the sensor 111, are described in detail here with reference to
FIGS. 4 to 6.
First, the first, second, and third directions of rotation refer to
a direction of rotation about the Y axis, a direction of rotation
about the X axis, and a directions of rotation about the axis
parallel to the Z-axis direction. In Embodiment 1, the first,
second, and third directions of rotation are directions that are
orthogonal to one another.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a case where the first angle of
rotations according to Embodiment 1 falls within a first angle
range. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case where the first
angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a second
angle range. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a case where the
second angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a
third angle range.
First, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, both the first and second angles
of rotation are angles of rotation from a reference posture in
which the display surface 11 of the display 107 constituting the
display unit 113 is horizontal to the ground and facing the ceiling
side (i.e. the side opposite to the ground). That is, the first and
second angles of rotation indicate extents of rotation from 0
degree at which the display surface 11 intersects the direction of
gravitational force at a substantially right angle and the display
surface 11 laces a side opposite to a side of application of
gravitational force.
As shown in FIG. 4, the first angle range .theta.1 is an angle
range, for example, of not less than -15 degrees to less than 15
degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the
first direction of rotation about the Y axis.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second angle range .theta.2 is an angle
range, for example, of not less than 15 degrees to less than 45
degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the
first direction of rotation about the Y axis and a positive
direction of rotation is a direction in which the user turns
his/her arm so that the display surface 11 faces away from the
user's body. It should be noted that although FIG. 5 shows an
example where the user wears the wearable terminal 100 on his/her
left wrist, the angle range is reversed in the X-axis direction in
a case where the user wears the wearable terminal 100 on his/her
right wrist. That is, while a left rotation is positive direction
of rotation in FIG. 5, a right rotation is the positive direction
of rotation in a case where the wearable terminal 100 is worn on
the right wrist. It should be noted that the user may be allowed to
wear the wearable terminal 100 on his/her left or right wrist first
and then set whether the wearable terminal 100 is worn on the left
or right wrist and, in this case, the controller 112 may determine,
according to the information thus set, whether the direction of
rotation is positive or negative. Alternatively, a left rotation is
set in advance to be the positive direction of rotation on the
premise that the wearable terminal 100 is worn on the left wrist.
It should be noted that, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper side of a
display image displayed on the screen faces away from the front
toward the paper plane. That is, m a case where the wearable
terminal 100 is worn on the left wrist, the hand comes onto the
right side of the wearable terminal 100 as seen from the front and
the arm comes onto the left side of the wearable terminal 100 as
seen from the front. Therefore, in a case where the wearable
terminal 100 is worn on the left wrist, a change out of the first
angle range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2 can be
made by shifting the arm from a substantially horizontal position
to a position in which the wrist side is higher.
It should be noted that although, in FIG. 5, the first angle range
.theta.1 and the second angle range .theta.2 are angle ranges that
are adjacent to each other, this does not imply any limitation and
there may be a gap of a predetermined angle (e.g. 2 degrees)
between the first angle range .theta.1 and the second angle range
.theta.2.
As shown in FIG. 6, the third angle range .theta.3 is an angle
range, for example, of not less than 0 degrees to less than 45
degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the
second direction of rotation about the X axis and the positive
direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists
his/her arm so that the display surface 11 faces toward the user's
body. That is, in a case where the user adopts a posture of looking
at the display surface 11 of the wearable terminal 100 by placing
his/her forearm so that it is located. along a horizontal direction
in front of his/her body, the positive direction of rotation is a
direction of rotation (direction of left rotation in FIG. 6) in
which the user twists his/her arm so that the display surface 11
inclines toward the user's body (negative side of the Y-axis
direction in FIG. 6), It should be noted that, in the second
direction of rotation, the direction of left rotation in FIG. 6 is
the positive direction of rotation regardless of whether the
wearable terminal 100 is worn on the left or right wrist.
Since the first angle range .theta.1. the second angle range
.theta.2, and the third angle range .theta.3 are defined as
described above, a user wearing the wearable terminal 100 on
his/her wrist can change the first angle of rotation, which is
detected by the sensor 111 of the wearable terminal 100. for
example, by simply turning his/her forearm in such a direction that
the wrist comes closer to his/her face. This allows the user to
easily switch from a state where a first display image 201 is
displayed to simultaneous display.
The controller 112 controls display on the display unit 113. The
controller 112 determines whether the second angle of rotation
detected by the sensor 111 falls within the third angle range
.theta.3 and whether the first angle of rotation detected by the
sensor 111 falls within the first angle range .theta.1, and in a
case where the controller 112 has determined, as a result of the
determination, that the second angle of rotation fails within the
third angle range .theta.3 and the first angle of rotation falls
within the first angle range .theta.1, the controller 112 causes
the display unit 113 to display the first display image 201.
Further, the controller 112 determines whether the second angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 falls within the third angle
range .theta.3 and whether the first angle of rotation detected by
the sensor 111 has changed out of the first angle range .theta.1
into the second angle range .theta.2, and in a case where the
controller 112 has determined, as a result of the determination,
that the second angle of rotation falls within the third at range
.theta.3 and the first angle of rotation has changed out of the
first angle range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2,
the controller 112 performs simultaneous display in which part of
the first display image 201 and part of a second display image 202
that is different from the first display image 201 are
simultaneously displayed in a display area 12 of the display unit
113.
Further, in a case where the second angle of rotation has changed
into an angle range that does not overlap the third angle range
.theta.3, the controller 112 may turn off display on the display
unit 113.
Further, after having performed the simultaneous display, the
controller 112 may determine whether the first angle of rotation
detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the second angle
range .theta.2 back into the first angle range .theta.1, and in a
case where the controller 112 has determined, as a result of the
determination, that the first angle of rotation has changed out of
the second angle range .theta.2 back into the first angle range
.theta.1, the controller 112 may perform display control to cause
the display unit 113 to display the second display image 202 and
does not cause the display unit to display the first display image
201.
The display unit 113 performs display in the display area 12.
1-2. Operation
Operation of the wearable terminal 100 thus configured is described
with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10.
First, sleep control of the wearable terminal 100 is described with
reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining an example of sleep control
of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a
diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is
displayed during sleep control performed by the controller
according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable
terminal.
First, the controller 112 determines whether the second angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 falls within the third angle
range .theta.3 (S101).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the second
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 falls within the third
angle range .theta.3 (Yes in S101), the controller 112 causes the
display unit 113 to display an appropriate display image according
to that occasion such as the first display image 201, the second
display image 202. or the simultaneous display (S102).
Specifically, in a case where the controller 112 has determined
that the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle
range .theta.3, the controller 112 causes the display unit 113, for
example, to display the first display image 201 in the display area
12 of the display unit 113 as shown in (a) of FIG. 8.
Note here that the first display image 201 is a display image that
represents a first application that is executable in the wearable
terminal 100, In Embodiment 1, the first application is for example
an application for graphically displaying a clock (at least either
an analog clock or a digital clock) that shows the current
time.
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the second
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 does not falls within
the third angle range .theta.3 (i.e. falls within an angle range
that does not overlap the third angle range .theta.3) (No in S101),
the controller 112 turns off display on the display unit 113 and
causes the display unit 113 to sleep (S103). By so doing, the
controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to display nothing
In this way, the controller 112 switches, according to whether the
second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range
.theta.3, between causing the display unit 113 to display a display
image and causing, the display unit 113 to display no display
image. In this sleep control, whether the user is looking at the
display surface 11 of the wearable terminal 100 is determined
according to whether the second angle of rotation fails within the
third angle range .theta.3. In a case where the second angle of
rotation falls within the third angle range .theta.3, it is
determined that user is looking at the display surface 11. In a
case where the second angle of rotation does not fail within the
third angle range .theta.3, it is determined that user is not
looking at the display surface 11. By thus causing the display unit
113 to sleep in a case where the user is not looking at the display
surface 11, a reduction in power consumption is achieved.
It should be noted that this sleep control is always performed in a
state where the wearable terminal 100 is on. That is, the sleep
control is performed in parallel with display control that is
described next.
Next, display control of the wearable terminal 100 is described
with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control
of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a
diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is
displayed during display control performed by the controller
according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable terminal.
It should be noted that this display control, which is performed in
parallel with the sleep control, is performed when it has been
determined in the sleep control that the display unit 113 is
allowed to display a display image.
First, the controller 112 determines whether the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 falls within the first angle
range .theta.1 (S201).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 falls within the first
angle range .theta.1 (Yes in S201), the controller 112 causes the
display unit 113 to display the first display image 201 in the
display area 12 (S202), Specifically, the controller 112, which is
also performing the sleep control at the same time, causes the
display unit 113, for example, to display only the first display
image 201 in the display area 12 in a case where, as shown in (a)
of FIG. 10, the second angle of rotation falls within the third
angle range .theta.3 and the first angle of rotation falls within
the first angle range .theta.1. It should be noted that instead of
causing only the first display image 201 to be displayed, the
controller 112 may cause the display unit 113 to display, together
with the first display image 201, a display image (such as a
display image of notification of apps) that is different from the
first display image 201.
On the other hand, in a case where the controller 112 has
determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor
111 does not falls within the first angle range .theta.1 (No in
S201), the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to sleep
(S209).
Next, the controller 112 determines whether the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the first
angle range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2
(S203).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the
first angle range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2
(Yes in S203), the controller 112 performs simultaneous display in
which the display unit 113 simultaneously displays part of the
first display image 201 and part of the second display image 202 in
the display area 12 (S204). Specifically, the controller 112, which
is also performing the sleep control at the same time, causes a
left part of the first display image 201 and a tight part of the
second display image 202 to be simultaneously displayed in the same
display area 12 in a case where, as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG.
10, the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range
.theta.3 and the first angle of rotation has changed out of the
first angle range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2
(the first angle of rotation has changed from being as shown in (a)
of FIG. 10 to being as shown in (b) of FIG. 10). It should be noted
here that the second display image 202 is a display image that
represents a second application that is different from the first
application and executable in the wearable terminal 100. In
Embodiment 1, the second application is for example an application
that serves as a music player that plays back a music file. That
is, the second display image 202 serves as a GUI (graphic user
interface) of the music player.
It should be noted that the first display image 201 and the second
display image 202 are not limited to display images that represent
different applications, but may be a first image and a second image
that are displayed in an image-viewing app. Alternatively, the
first display image 201 and the second display image 202 may be
images that represent first and second pieces of music (albums),
respectively, that are played back in a music player app. in this
case, control of a skip from one music track to another may also be
performed by switching from the first display image 201 to the
second display image 202. In addition, the first display image 201
and the second display image 202 may be any images such as
different images of different applications or different images in
the same application.
Further, in the simultaneous display, the controller 112 causes the
display unit 113 to display part (e.g. the right part) of the
second display image 202 in a first display area 12a and display
part (e.g. the left part) of the first display image 201 in a
second display area 12b. It should be noted that, in the posture
that the wearable terminal 100 adopts when the first angle of
rotation fails within the second angle range .theta.2, the first
display area 12a is a lower part of the display area 12 (i.e. part
of the display area 12 on a negative side of the Z-axis direction)
and the second display area 12b is an upper part of the display
area 12 (i.e. part of the display area 12 on a positive side of the
Z-axis direction). Since, in this case, the simultaneous display is
performed in a posture inclined in the direction of rotation about
the Y axis, the first display area 12a is the left one of the two
display areas divided from each other in a direction (horizontal
direction on the paper plane of (b) of FIG. 10) orthogonal to the
predetermined direction of the body 10 and the second display area
12b is the right one of the two display areas divided from each
other in the direction (horizontal direction on the paper plane of
(b) of FIG. 10) orthogonal to the predetermined direction. For this
reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the
simultaneous display to the second to display image 202 by changing
out of the second angle range .theta.2 into the first angle range
.theta.1, the user can be given the sensation of pulling up the
second display image 202, which is to be displayed next, from below
and display it on the display unit 113.
It should be noted that, in the simultaneous display, the
controller 112 may put the display images in each other's
positions. That is, in the simultaneous display, the controller 112
may cause the display unit 113 to display part (e.g. a right part)
of the first display image 201 in the first display area 12a and
display part (e.g. a left part) of the second display image 202 in
the second display area 12b. It should be noted that, in the
posture that the wearable terminal 100 adopts when the first angle
of rotation falls within the second angle range .theta.2, the first
display area 12a is the lower part of the display area 12 and the
second display area 12b is the upper part of the display area 12.
For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching
from the simultaneous display to the second display image 202 by
changing out of the second angle range .theta.2 into the first
angle range .theta.1, the user can be given the sensation of
dropping the second display image 202, which is to be displayed
next, in the direction of gravitational force and thereby display
it on the display unit 113.
Further, in shifting from a state where the first display image 201
is displayed to the simultaneous display, the controller 112 may
cause the display unit 113 to perform such display that the first
display image 201 and the second display image 202 are slid
rightward so that only the left part of the first display image 201
is displayed by sliding the first display image 201 rightward and,
at the same time, only the right part of the second display image
202 is displayed by sliding the second display image 202 rightward
from an outer left side of the display area 12 toward the display
area 12.
Further, in shifting from the simultaneous display to displaying
the second display image 202, the controller 112 may cause the
display unit 113 to perform such display that the simultaneous
display is slid rightward as it is, the left part of the first
display image 201 is slid to an outer side of the display area 12,
and the second display image 202 is slid so as to gradually change
from displaying only its right part to displaying its entirety.
Further, although, in the case of simultaneous display, the
controller 112 causes the left part of the first display image 201
and the right part of the second display image 202 to be displayed,
this does not imply any limitation and the controller 112 may cause
an entirely scaled-down version of the first display image 201 and
an entirely scaled-down version of the second display image 202 to
be displayed. In this case, the entirely scaled-down versions of
the first and second display images 201 and 202 may be ones with
their aspect ratios kept the same, ones with their aspect ratios
varied, or ones deformed into trapezoids, rhombuses, circles, and
the like.
Continued reference is made to step S203. On the other hand, in a
case where the controller 112 has determined that the first angle
of rotation detected by the sensor 111 has not changed out of the
first angle range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2 (No
in S203), the controller 112 determines whether the first angle of
rotation remains within the first angle range .theta.1 (S205). If
the first angle of rotation remains within the first angle range
.theta.1 (Yes in S205), the controller 112 returns to step S202 and
keeps the first display image 201 displayed. In a case where the
controller 112 has determined, as a result of the determination of
S205, that the first angle of rotation does not fail within the
first angle range .theta.1 (i.e. does not fail within the first
angle range .theta.1 or the second angle range .theta.2) (No in
S205), the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to sleep
(S209).
After the simultaneous display in step S204, the controller 112
determines whether the first angle of rotation has changed out of
the second angle range .theta.2 into the first angle range .theta.1
(S206).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the
second angle range .theta.2 into the first angle range .theta.1
(Yes in S206), the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to
display the second display image 202 in the display area 12 and
does not cause the display unit 113 to display the first display
image 201 in the display area 12 (S208). Specifically, in a case
where, as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 10, the second angle of
rotation falls within the third angle range .theta.3 and the first
angle of rotation has changed out of the second angle range
.theta.2 into the first angle range .theta.1 (the first angle of
rotation has changed from being as shown in (b) of FIG. 10 to being
as shown in (c) of FIG. 10), the controller 112 can switch from the
simultaneous display to causing the display unit 113 to display
only the second display image 202 in the display area 12. It should
be noted that instead of causing only the second display image 202
to be displayed, the controller 112 may cause the display unit 113
to display, together with the second display image 202, a display
image (such as a display image of notification of apps) that is
different from the second display image 202.
On the other hand, in a case where the controller 112 has
determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor
111 has not changed out of the second angle range .theta.2 into the
first angle range .theta.1 (No in S206), the controller 112
determines that the first angle of rotation remains within the
second angle range .theta.2 (S207). If the first angle of rotation
remains within the second angle range .theta.2 (Yes in S207), the
controller 112 returns to step S204 and continues the simultaneous
display. In a case where the controller 112 has determined, as a
result of the determination of S207, that the first angle of
rotation does not fall within the second angle range .theta.2 (i.e.
does not fill within the first angle range .theta.1 or the second
angle range .theta.21 (No in S207), the controller 112 causes the
display unit 113 to sleep (S209).
1-3. Advantageous Effects and the Like
As described above, the wearable terminal 100 according to the
present embodiment is configured such that a transition from a
state where the first display image is displayed to a state where
part of the first display image 201 and part of the second display
image 202 are displayed is made in a case where the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 of the wearable terminal 100
has changed out of the first angle range .theta.1 into the second
angle range .theta.2. This allows the user to confirm the
simultaneous display, which suggests switching to the second
display image 202, which is a display image that comes after the
first display image 201. This allows the user to know how he/she
should rotate the wearable terminal 100 to switch to the next
display image, thus allowing the user to easily switch to the next
display image. This allows the user to switch display images
without taking much time, thus allowing the wearable terminal 100
to consume less electricity.
Further, the wearable terminal 100 is configured such that in a
case where, after the simultaneous display has been performed, the
first angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out
of the second angle range .theta.2 back into the first angle range
.theta.1, the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to display
the second display image 202 and does not cause the display unit
113 to display the first display image 201. This allows the user
to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable
terminal 100 into the first angle range .theta.1 in a state where
the simultaneous display is performed, switch the display unit 113
from displaying the first display image 201 to displaying the
second display image 202 via the simultaneous display.
Further, the first display image 201 is a display image that
represents the first application that is executable in the wearable
terminal 100, and the second display image 202 is a display image
that represents the second application that is different from the
first application and executable in the wearable terminal 100. This
allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation
of the wearable terminal 100 out of the second angle range .theta.2
into the first angle range .theta.1 in a state where the
simultaneous display is performed, cause the display unit 113 to
simultaneously display, in the display area 12, a display image
representing the first application and a display image representing
the second application.
Further, the wearable terminal 100 is configured such that the
sensor 111 detects the second angle of rotation in the second
direction of rotation that is different in axis of rotation from
the first direction of rotation, that in a case where, in a result
of the detection performed by the sensor 111, the second angle of
rotation fills within the third angle range .theta.3 and the first
angle of rotation falls within the first angle range .theta.1, the
controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to display the first
display image 201, and that in a case where, in the result of the
detection performed by the sensor 111, the second angle of rotation
fills within the third angle range .theta.3 and the first angle of
rotation has changed out of the first angle range .theta.1 into the
second angle range .theta.2, the controller 112 performs
simultaneous display. This allows the wearable terminal 100 to
switch display images on the display unit 113 not only according to
the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but
also according to the second angle of rotation in the second
direction of rotation. This allows the controller 112 to utilize a
change in the second angle of rotation to switch to a display image
that is different from the simultaneous display.
Further, when the X axis is an axis of rotation that, when the
wearable terminal 100 is worn on an arm, extends in a direction in
which the arm extends and the Y axis is an axis of rotation that
extends in the predetermined direction in the body 10, the first
direction of rotation indicates a direction of rotation about the Y
axis and the second direction of rotation indicates a direction of
rotation about the X axis. This allows a user wearing the wearable
terminal 100 on his/her wrist to change the first angle of
rotation, which is detected by the sensor 111 of the wearable
terminal 100, for example, by simply turning his/her forearm in
such a direction that the wrist comes closer to his/her face. This
allows the user to easily switch from the first display image 201
to the simultaneous display.
Further, the wearable terminal 100 is configured such that in a
case where the second angle of rotation has changed into an angle
range that does not overlap the third angle range .theta.3, the
controller 112 turns off display on the display unit 113. This
allows the wearable terminal 100 not only to switch from the first
display image 201 to the simultaneous display according to a change
in the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation
but also to switch from the first display image 201 or the
simultaneous display to the turning off of display on the display
unit 113 according to a change in the second angle of rotation.
This makes it possible to turn off display on the display unit 113,
for example, in a case where the controller 112 has determined,
according to a result of detection performed by the sensor 111,
that the user is in such a posture that the user is not viewing the
display unit 113, thus making it possible to reduce power
consumption. Further, by assigning the function of display control
(display switch process) and the function of sleep control (process
of switching to sleep state) according to results of detection of
the first and second angles of rotation about two different axes of
rotation, respectively, the display control process and the sleep
control process can be performed without confusion. This makes it
possible to effectively achieve two different functions by
detecting a rotating operation.
Modification 1
Next, Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 is described.
Although Embodiment 1 is configured such that in a case where,
after the simultaneous display has been performed, the first angle
of rotation of the wearable terminal 100 has changed out of the
second angle range .theta.2 into the first angle range .theta.1,
the display unit 113 displays the second display image 202 in the
display area 12, this does not imply any limitation. Specifically,
the second angle range .theta.2 may be further divided into two
angle ranges, and it may be determined whether there has been a
change out of either of the two angle ranges, which are segmented
by being divided, into the first angle range .theta.1, whereby
according to a result of the determination, a change from the state
of simultaneous display to displaying either the first display
image 201 or the second display image 202 may be made.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a case where a first angle of
rotation according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 fails within a
fourth angle range or a fifth angle range.
As shown in FIG. 11, the second angle range .theta.2 is segmented
into a fourth angle range .theta.21 provided on the side of the
first angle range .theta.1 (negative side of the direction of
rotation) and a fifth angle range .theta.22 provided on a side
opposite to the first angle range .theta.1 across the fourth angle
range .theta.21 (positive side of the direction of rotation of the
fourth angle range .theta.21). That is, the second angle range
.theta.2 includes the fourth angle range .theta.21 and the fifth
angle range .theta.22. It should be noted that although, in FIG.
11, the fourth angle range .theta.21 and the fifth angle range
.theta.22 are angle ranges that are adjacent to each other, this
does not imply any limitation and there may be a gap of a
predetermined angle (e.g, 2 degrees) between the fourth angle range
.theta.21 and the fifth angle range .theta.22.
Next, operation of the wearable terminal 100 according to
Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 is described with reference to FIG.
12.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining an example of display
control of the wearable terminal according to Modification 1 of
Embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between a
display image that is displayed during display control performed by
a controller according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the
case of a change out of the fourth angle range into the first angle
range and the posture of the wearable terminal. FIG. 14 is a
diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is
displayed during display control performed by the controller
according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case of a change
out of the fifth angle range into the first angle range and the
posture of the is terminal.
Since the display control according to Modification 1 of Embodiment
1 described with reference to FIG. 12 only differs from the display
control according to Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG.
9 in that a determination of step S210 is made after a "Yes"
determination has been made in step S206, only step S210 is
described here.
In a case where the controller 112 has made a "Yes" determination
in step S206, the controller 112 determines whether the first angle
of rotation has changed out of the fourth or fifth angle range
.theta.21 or .theta.22 of the second angle range .theta.2 into the
first angle range .theta.1 in step S206 (S210).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth angle range
.theta.21 into the first angle range .theta.1 (FOURTH ANGLE RANGE
in S210), the controller 112 returns to step S202 and causes the
first display image 201 to be displayed. Specifically, in a case
where the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth
angle range .theta.21 into the first angle range .theta.1 as shown
in (a) and (b) of FIG. 13 (the first angle of rotation has changed
from being as shown in (a) of FIG. 13 to being as shown in (b) of
FIG. 13), the controller 12 switches from the simultaneous display
to causing the display unit 113 to display only the first display
image 201 in the display area 12. It should be noted that instead
of causing only the first display image 201 to be displayed, the
controller 112 may cause the display unit 113 to display, together
with the first display image 201, a display image (such as a
display image of notification of apps) that is different from the
first display image 201 to be displayed together with the first
display image 201.
On the other hand, in a case where the controller 112 has
determined that the first angle of rotation has changed out of the
fifth angle range .theta.22 into the first angle range .theta.1
(FIFTH ANGLE RANGE in S210), the controller 112 shifts to step S208
and causes the second display image 202 to be displayed.
Specifically, in a case where the first angle of rotation has
changed out of the fifth angle range .theta.22 into the first angle
range .theta.1 as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 14 (the first angle
of rotation has changed from being as shown in (a) of FIG. 14 to
being as shown in (b) of FIG. 14), the controller 12 switches from
the simultaneous display to causing the display unit 113 to display
only the second display image 202 in the display area 12. It should
be noted that instead of causing only the second display image 202
to be displayed, the controller 112 may cause a display image (such
as a display image of notification of apps) that is different from
the second display image 202 to be displayed together with the
second display image 202.
By thus executing step S210, the controller 112 causes the display
unit 113 to display the second display image 202 in the display
area 12 and does not cause the display unit 113 to display the
first display image 201 in the display area 12 in a case where, in
a result of detection performed by the sensor 111, the first angle
of rotation has changed out of the fifth angle range .theta.22 back
into the first angle range .theta.1, and the controller 112 causes
the display unit 113 to display the first display image 201 in the
display area 12 and does not cause the display unit 113 to display
the second display image 202 in the display area 12 in a case
where, in a result of detection performed by the sensor 111, the
first angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth angle range
.theta.21 back into the first angle range .theta.1.
This allows different display images to be displayed after the
simultaneous display, depending on whether the first angle of
rotation fell within the fifth angle range .theta.22, which is
located farther from the first angle range .theta.1, of the second
angle range .theta.2 before returning to the first angle range
.theta.1 as a result of a rotation in a state where the
simultaneous display is performed or the first angle of rotation
fell within the fourth angle range .theta.21, which is located
closer to the first angle range .theta.1, of the second angle range
.theta.2 before returning to the first angle range .theta.1 as a
result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is
performed. Further, in this case, when the first angle of rotation
fell within the fifth angle range .theta.22, which is located
farther from the first angle range .theta.1, switching from the
simultaneous display to the second display image 202 takes place,
and when the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle
range .theta.21, which is located closer to the first angle range
.theta.1, switching to the first display image 201 takes place
instead of switching to the second display image 202. Thus, in a
case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display
image 201 is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is
large, switching to the second display image 202 takes place if the
original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation, and
in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first
display image 201 is displayed to the posture of simultaneous
display is small, returning to the first display image 201 takes
place even if the original posture is adopted as a result of a
reverse rotation. This allows the user to, by adjusting the degree
of the angle by which a rotation is made, choose between switching
to the second display image 202 and switching to the first display
image 201 after having confirmed the simultaneous display.
Further, in the simultaneous display, as shown in (a) of FIG. 14, a
third display image 203 indicating that the first angle of rotation
has changed into the fifth angle range .theta.22 may be displayed
together with the simultaneous display. The third display image 203
is for example a display image obtained by changing the overall
color of the simultaneous display, a display image obtained by
changing the outer circumferential color of the simultaneous
display, and the like. That is, in a case where the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the fourth
angle range .theta.21 into the fifth angle range .theta.22, the
controller 112 may perform the simultaneous display and display the
third display image 203, which suggests switching from the first
display image 201 to the second display image 202.
This allows the user to know that the display image to be displayed
in the case of returning to the first angle range .theta.1 next as
a result of a rotation is the second display image 202, which comes
after the first display image 201, as the third display image 203
is displayed in a case where the first angle of rotation has
changed into the fifth angle range .theta.22. This allows the user
to, after having confirmed the simultaneous display, easily
determine whether switching to the second display image 202 takes
place or switching to the first display image 201 takes place, thus
allowing the user to choose between switching to the second display
image 202 and switching to the first display image 201,
Modification 2
Next, Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 is described.
In Embodiment 1 described above, the sleep control is performed by
determining the second angle of rotation in addition to the first
angle of rotation. However, it is not necessary to determine the
second angle of rotation, nor is it necessary to perform the sleep
control. In this case, specifically, the controller 112 determines
whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111
falls within the first angle range .theta.1, and in a case where
the controller 112 has determined, as a result of the
determination, that the first angle of rotation falls within the
first angle range .theta.1, the controller 112 causes the display
unit 113 to display the first display image 201. Further, the
controller 112 determines whether the first angle of rotation
detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the first angle range
.theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2, which does not
overlap the first angle range .theta.1, and n a case where the
controller 112 has determined, as a result of the determination,
that the first angle of rotation has changed out of the first angle
range .theta.1 into the second angle range .theta.2, the controller
112 performs simultaneous display in which part of the first
display image 201 being displayed by the display unit 113 and part
of the second display image 202 that is different from the first
display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area 12
of the display unit 113.
Embodiment 2
Embodiment 2 is described below with reference to FIGS. 15 to
17.
A wearable terminal 100 according to Embodiment 2 is the same as
the wearable terminal 100 according to Embodiment 1 in terms of
configuration but different in terms of the content of display
control performed by the controller 112.
Although, in Embodiment 1, the controller 112 determines an angle
range assuming that the first direction of rotation is a direction
of rotation about the Y axis, the controller 112 may alternatively
determine an angle range assuming that the first direction of
rotations is a direction of rotation about the X axis.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an angle range of a first angle
of rotation according to Embodiment 2. It should be noted that the
reference posture is the same as that of Embodiment 1.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the first angle range .theta.1a
is an angle range, for example, of not less than 0 degree to less
than 45 degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree
in the first direction of rotation about the X axis and a positive
direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists
his/her arm so that the display surface 11 faces toward the user's
body.
As shown in FIG. 15, the second angle range .theta.2a is an angle
range, for example, of not less than -30 degrees to less than 0
degree in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the
first direction of rotation about the X axis and the positive
direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists
his/her arm so that the display surface 11 faces toward the user's
body.
As shown in FIG. 15, the sixth angle range .theta.6 is an angle
range, for example, of not less than 45 degrees to less than 180
degrees and not less than -180 degrees to less than -30 degrees in
a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the first
direction of rotation about the X axis and the positive direction
of rotation is a direction in which the user twists his/her arm so
that the display surface 11 faces toward the user's body.
It should be noted that these angle ranges may be denoted as
positive angle ranges instead oi'being denoted as negative angle
ranges, That is, when denoted as positive angle ranges, the second
angle range .theta.2a is an angle range of not less than 330
degrees to less than 360 degrees and the sixth angle range .theta.6
is an angle range of not less than 45 degrees to less than 330
degrees.
Thus, the second angle range .theta.2a is an angle range provided
between the first angle range .theta.1a and the sixth angle range
.theta.6. It should be noted that although, in FIG. 15, the first
angle range .theta.1a and the second angle range .theta.2a are
angle ranges that adjacent to each other, this does not imply any
limitation and there may be a gap of a predetermined angle (e.g. 2
degrees) between the first angle range .theta.1a and the second
angle range .theta.2a. The same applies to a relationship between
the second angle range .theta.2a and the sixth angle range .theta.6
and a relationship between the sixth angle range .theta.6 and the
first angle range .theta.1a.
Operation of the wearable terminal 100 thus configured is described
with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18.
First, the controller 112 determines whether the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 falls within the first angle
range .theta.1a (S301).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 hills within the first
angle range .theta.1a (Yes in S301), the controller 112 causes the
display unit 113 to display the first display image 201 in the
display area 12 as shown in (a) of FIG. 17 (S302).
On the other hand, in a case where the controller 112 has
determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor
111 does not within the first angle range .theta.1a (No in S301),
the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to sleep (S309).
Next, the controller 112 determines whether the first angle of
rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the first
angle range .theta.1a into the second angle range .theta.2a
(S303).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the
first angle range .theta.1a into the second angle range .theta.2a
as shown in (b) of FIG. 17 (Yes in S303), the controller 112
performs simultaneous display in which the display unit 113
simultaneously displays part of the first display image 201 and
part of the second display image 202 in the display area 12 (S304).
As in Embodiment 1, in the simultaneous display, the controller 112
causes the display unit 113 to display part of the second display
image 202 in a first display area 12c and display part (e.g. the
left part) of the first display image 201 in a second display area
12d. It should be noted that, in the posture that the it terminal
100 adopts in the simultaneous display, the first display area 12c
is a lower part of the display area 12 (i.e. part of the display
area 12 on a negative side of the Z-axis direction) and the second
display area 12d is an upper part of the display area 12 (i.e. part
of the display area 12 on a positive side of the Z-axis direction).
However, unlike in Embodiment 1, since, in Embodiment 2, the
simultaneous display is performed in a posture inclined in the
direction of rotation about the X axis, the first display area 12c
is the lower one of the two display areas divided from each other
in the predetermined direction of the body 10 (vertical direction
on the paper plane of (b) of FIG. 17) and the second display area
12b is the upper one of the two display areas divided from each
other in the predetermined direction (vertical direction on the
paper plane of (b) of FIG. 17). Further, an upper part of the first
display image 201 is displayed in the first display area 12c as the
part of the first display image 201, and a lower part of the second
display image 202 is displayed in the second display area 12d as
the part of the second display image 202.
Thus, even in a case where display control is performed according
to the angle range of the direction of rotation about the X axis,
when the user performs an operation of switching from the
simultaneous display to the second display image 202 by changing
out of the second angle range .theta.2 into the first angle range
.theta.1, the user can be given the sensation of pulling up the
second display image 202, which is to be displayed next, from below
and display it on the display unit 113.
On the other hand, in a case where the controller 112 has
determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor
111 has not changed out of the first angle range .theta.1a into the
second angle range .theta.2a (No in S303), the controller 112
determines whether the first angle of rotation falls within the
sixth angle range .theta.6 (S305), and if the first angle of
rotation falls within the sixth angle range .theta.6 (Yes in S305),
the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to sleep as shown in
(b) of FIG. 18 (S309). In a case where the controller 112 has
determined, as a result of the determination of S305, that the
first angle of rotation does not fail within the sixth angle range
.theta.6 (No in S305), the controller 112 returns to step S302 and
causes the display unit 113 to display the first display image 201,
as the first angle of rotation remains within the first angle range
.theta.1a.
After the simultaneous display in step S304, the controller 112
determines whether the first angle of rotation has changed out of
the second angle range .theta.2a into the first angle range
.theta.1a (S306).
In a case where the controller 112 has determined that the first
angle of rotation detected by the sensor 111 has changed out of the
second angle range .theta.2a into the first angle range .theta.1a
(Yes in S306), the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to
display the second display image 202 in the display area 12 and
does not cause the display unit 113 to display the first display
image 201 in the display area 12 as shown in (c) of FIG. 17
(S308).
On the other hand, in a case where the controller 112 has
determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor
111 has not changed out of the second angle range .theta.2a into
the first angle range .theta.1a (No in S306), the controller 112
determines whether the first angle of rotation falls within the
sixth angle range .theta.6 (S307), and if the first angle of
rotation falls within the sixth angle range .theta.6 (Yes in S307),
the controller 112 causes the display unit 113 to sleep (S309). In
a case where the controller 112 has determined, as a result of the
determination of S307, that the first angle of rotation does not
fall within the sixth angle range .theta.6 (No in S307), the
controller 112 continues the simultaneous display, as the first
angle of rotation remains within the second angle range
.theta.2a.
As described above, the controller 112 determines an angle range
with the first direction of rotation as the direction of rotation
about the Y axis. Alternatively, the controller 112 can also bring
about similar advantageous effects by determining an angle range
with the first direction of rotation as the direction of rotation
about the X axis.
It should be noted that, as shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 18, a sleep
state is brought about in a case where a shift is made from the
first angle range .nu.1a to the sixth angle range .theta.6, and the
first display image is displayed even in a case where a shift is
made to the first angle range .theta.1a. In so doing, the second
angle range .theta.2a may be temporarily passed through in the
process of shifting from the first angle range .theta.1a to the
sixth angle range .theta.6. However, even in such a case, not the
second display image but the first display image is displayed. In
the case of such a state, the user is unlikely to have the
intention to cause the second display image to be displayed, and
there is a high possibility that the user might have happened to
pass through the second angle range .theta.2a in the process of
bringing about a sleep state. Therefore, by displaying not the
second display image but the first display image in such a case
where return to the first angle range .theta.1a is made again after
a sleep state is brought about once, the user can be prevented from
unintentionally switching display images.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS
Although, in the embodiment described above, the controller 112
performs simultaneous display by determining, as a trigger, within
which angle range the first angle of rotation of the wearable
terminal 100 falls, this does not imply any limitation. For
example, a myoelectric sensor that detects a person's handgrip of
the wearable terminal may be provided in advance as the sensor, and
simultaneous display may be performed according to a result of
detection performed by the myoelectric sensor. Specifically, the
simultaneous display may be performed when a handgrip has been
detected. Further, if the first angle of rotation of the wearable
terminal 100 falls within a predetermined angle range in a state
where a handgrip has been detected, switching from the first
display image to the second display image or a skip from one music
track to another by the music player may be performed.
Further, wireless cooperation with an external terminal may allow
simultaneous display to be performed when a predetermined operation
has been performed on the external terminal. A possible example of
the external terminal is a ring-shaped terminal. The ring-shaped
terminal includes an acceleration sensor and a triaxial angular
velocity sensor and can detect a gesture. Thus, simultaneous
display may be performed by using, as a trigger, a gesture detected
by the external terminal. Further, the ring-shaped terminal may
include a button that accepts an input, and if the first angle of
rotation of the wearable terminal 100 falls within a predetermined
angle range in a state where the button has been pressed, switching
from the first display image to the second display image or a skip
from one music track to another by the music player may be
performed.
It should be noted that, in each of the embodiments described
above, each constituent element may be constituted by dedicated
hardware or may be achieved by executing a software program suited
to that constituent element. Each constituent element may be
achieved by a program executer such as a CPU or a processor reading
out and executing a software program stored in a storage medium
such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Note here that
software by which a display control method according to each of the
embodiments described above is achieved may be the following
software.
This program causes a computer to execute a method for display
control of a wearable terminal including: a display unit that
performs display in a display area; a sensor that detects a first
angle of rotation of the display unit in a first direction of
rotation; and a controller that controls display on the display
unit, wherein simultaneous display is performed in which the
display unit displays a first display image in a case where the
first angle of rotation detected by the sensor falls within a first
angle range and at least part of the first display image and at
least part of a second display image that is different from the
first display image are simultaneously displayed in the display
area in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the
sensor has changed out of the first angle range into a second angle
range that does not overlap the first angle range.
The wearable terminal according to one or more aspects of the
present disclosure has been described above on the basis of the
embodiment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this
embodiment. Various modifications to the present embodiment that a
person skilled in the art can conceive of and forms that are built
by combining constituent elements in different embodiments may be
encompassed in the scope of one or more aspects of the present
disclosure, provided such modifications and forms do not depart
front the spirit of the present disclosure.
The present disclosure is useful as a wearable terminal or the like
that allows the user to know how he/she should rotate the wearable
terminal to switch to the next display image.
* * * * *