JP2018200344A - Portable electronic equipment, and control method and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide portable electronic equipment improved in convenience by diversifying displays by display units, and a control method and a control program.SOLUTION: A first display unit 2A displays an object, such as characters, an image, symbols, and a figure, within a screen. A second display unit 2B can be switched between a transmission state in which light made incident is transmitted and a reflection state in which the light made incident is reflected by applying a voltage to change array directions of liquid crystal molecules. The second display unit 2B is properly switched between the transmission state and reflection state, and can make a predetermined image display. The second display unit 2B does not use a light source such as a back light, but reflects ambient light.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present application relates to a portable electronic device, a control method, and a control program.

  Conventionally, a liquid crystal display mounted on a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like realizes display of a visible image by using a light source such as a backlight (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

International Publication No. 2014/175455

  In the mobile phone and the smartphone, if the display on the display is diversified, the convenience can be improved.

  A portable electronic device according to one aspect includes a first display, at least an operation unit provided at a position that does not overlap the first display, and at least a display region that overlaps the operation unit. A second display capable of switching between a transmissive state for transmitting light and a reflective state for reflecting incident light;

  A control method according to one aspect includes a first display, at least an operation unit provided at a position not overlapping with the first display, and at least a display region overlapping with the operation unit, and transmitting incident light. This is a control method that is executed by a portable electronic device that includes a second display capable of switching between a transmission state to be reflected and a reflection state to reflect incident light. The control method includes a step of displaying a first image on the second display when the first display is in a display state, and a second image on the second display when the first display is in a non-display state. Displaying.

  A control program according to one aspect includes a first display, at least an operation unit provided at a position that does not overlap the first display, and at least a display region that overlaps the operation unit, and transmits incident light. The portable electronic device including the second display capable of switching between the transmission state to be reflected and the reflection state to reflect the incident light is caused to execute the following steps. The control program includes a step of displaying a first image on the second display when the first display is in a display state, and a second image on the second display when the first display is in a non-display state. The step of displaying is executed.

FIG. 1 is an example of a front view of a smartphone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along the line II of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the smartphone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display principle of the second display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display control table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of first image configuration data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of second image configuration data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the smartphone according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an example of a front view of the smartphone according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 11 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of second configuration image data according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an example of a front view of the smartphone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 15 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is another example of a front view of the smartphone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display control table according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the smartphone according to the third embodiment.

  A plurality of embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a smartphone will be described as an example of the portable electronic device according to the present application. In the following description, the same code | symbol may be attached | subjected about the same component. Furthermore, duplicate descriptions may be omitted. In addition, matters that are not closely related to the smartphone according to the embodiment may be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
An example of the external configuration of the smartphone 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an example of a front view of a smartphone according to the first embodiment. In addition, the front of a smart phone is a surface which faces the user who uses the smart phone 1, or touches a user, and may be described as a "front" and a "display surface" in the following description. In the following description, a surface opposite to the “front” may be referred to as a “back”.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the smartphone 1 has a box-shaped housing, and has a front face 21 on the display surface side of the housing. The front face 21 is a display surface of the smartphone 1. The smartphone 1 includes a first display 2A, a second display 2B, and a touch screen 2C on a front face 21, and an illuminance sensor 4 (not shown), a proximity sensor 5 (not shown), a receiver 7, a camera 12, and a front A panel 22, a region 23a, and the like are included.

  The first display 2 </ b> A has a substantially rectangular shape along the periphery of the front face 21. The first display 2A has a substantially rectangular shape, but may take any shape such as a square or a circle. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first display 2A may be positioned so as to overlap the touch screen 2C. When the first display 2A and the touch screen 2C are positioned so as to overlap each other, for example, one or more sides of the first display 2A may not be along any side of the touch screen 2C.

  The second display 2B has a substantially rectangular shape along the periphery of the front face 21 as in the first display 2A. The second display 2B has a substantially rectangular shape, but can take any shape such as a square or a circle. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the second display 2B is positioned so as to cover all of the first display 2A, the front panel 22, and the region 23a from the display surface side (z-axis direction) of the first display 2A. It's okay. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second display 2B may be positioned so as to overlap the touch screen 2C. When the second display 2B and the touch screen 2C are positioned so as to overlap with each other, for example, one or more sides of the second display 2B may not be along any side of the touch screen 2C.

  The touch screen 2C may be physically integrated with the touch screen 2C that overlaps with the first display 2A and the touch screen 2C that overlaps with the second display 2B, or may be separated. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the touch screen 2C may be along the long side (y-axis direction of the coordinate axis) of the first display 2A and along the short side (x-axis direction of the coordinate axis) of the first display 2A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the touch screen 2C may be along the long side (the y-axis direction of the coordinate axis) of the second display 2B and along the short side (the x-axis direction of the coordinate axis) of the second display 2B.

  The area 23a is used as a display area where an image or the like is displayed on the second display 2B, and an operation area where a user operation is detected on the touch screen 2C. The area 23a used as the operation area is an example of an operation unit.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along the line II of FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the region 23 a is configured by laminating a cover glass 25, a touch screen 2 </ b> C, a second display 2 </ b> B, and a circuit board 26 in this order from the display surface of the smartphone 1 in the positive direction of the Z axis. . The cover glass 25 covers the entire front face 21. The cover glass 25, the touch screen 2 </ b> C, the second display 2 </ b> B, and the circuit board 26 may be stacked by bonding together using, for example, a photocurable resin, an adhesive, or the like.

  With reference to FIG. 3, an example of a functional configuration of the smartphone 1 according to an example of a plurality of embodiments will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the smartphone according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the smartphone 1 includes a first display 2A, a second display 2B, a touch screen 2C, various keys 3, an illuminance sensor 4, a proximity sensor 5, a communication unit 6, and a receiver 7. A microphone 8, a storage 9, a controller 10, a speaker 11, a camera 12, a camera 13, a connector 14, and a motion sensor 15. In the following description, the smartphone 1 may be referred to as “own device”.

  The first display 2A is a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL display (OELD: Organic Electro-Luminescence Display), or an inorganic EL display (IELD: Inorganic Electro-Luminescence Display). The first display 2A displays objects such as characters, images, symbols, and graphics on the screen. The screen including the object displayed on the first display 2A includes a screen called a lock screen, a screen called a home screen, and an application screen displayed during execution of the application. The home screen may be called a desktop, a standby screen, an idle screen, a standard screen, an application list screen, or a launcher screen. The case where the first display 2A is a conventional liquid crystal display having a backlight will be described. The first display 2A is an example of a first display.

  The second display 2B includes a display device using a network structure composed of a polymer, a polymer network liquid crystal (PNLC) in which a so-called polymer network is formed in a liquid crystal layer, or the like. In the following embodiment, a case where the second display 2B is a polymer network type liquid crystal display will be described. The second display 2B is an example of a second display.

  The second display 2B can switch between a transmission state in which incident light is transmitted and a reflection state in which incident light is reflected by applying a voltage to change the alignment direction of liquid crystal molecules. The second display 2B can execute predetermined image display by appropriately switching between the transmission state and the reflection state. Since the second display 2B has a configuration that reflects ambient light without using a light source such as a backlight, it is possible to realize image display with brightness according to the amount of ambient light.

  The display principle of the second display according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the display principle of the second display according to the first embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the crystal structure of the second display 2 </ b> B is mainly illustrated, and other substrates, circuits, wirings, and the like are not illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second display 2 </ b> B includes a substrate 31 made of glass or a transparent film (for example, made of an organic material) and a liquid crystal layer 32. The liquid crystal layer 32 includes liquid crystal molecules 33 and a polymer network 34.

  The transmission state M1 is a state in which the liquid crystal molecules 33 in the liquid crystal layer 32 are aligned in the electric field direction E by application of a voltage. In the transmissive state M1, light incident from the outside passes through the liquid crystal layer 32 without being reflected and scattered by the liquid crystal layer 32. In the transmissive state M1, the second display 2B exhibits a transparent state. When the entire display area of the second display 2B is in the transmissive state M1, the user passes the first display 2A and the like behind the second display 2B through the entire display area of the second display 2B in the transparent state. Can see. When a part of the display area of the second display 2B is in the transmissive state M1, the user uses a part of the first display 2A behind the second display 2B to the transparent state of the second display 2B. It can be seen through a part of the display area.

  The reflection state M2 is a state in which the liquid crystal molecules 33 are irregularly arranged by the action of the three-dimensional network polymer network 34 stretched around the liquid crystal layer 32 when no voltage is applied. In the reflection state M2, light incident from the outside is reflected and scattered by the liquid crystal layer 32. In the reflection state M2, the second display 2B exhibits a white turbid state (an opaque state). When the entire display area of the second display 2B is in the reflection state M2, the user can visually recognize a state in which the entire display area of the second display 2B is clouded. When a part of the display area of the second display 2B is in the reflection state M2, the user can visually recognize a state in which a part of the display area of the second display 2B is clouded. In addition, although the case where the 2nd display 2B will be in a transparent state by application of a voltage was illustrated above, the 2nd display 2B will be in the transparent state M1 in the state where the voltage is not applied, and the state where the voltage is applied The reverse configuration in which the reflection state M2 is obtained may be employed. In the following description, it is assumed that the second display 2B is in the transmissive state M1 when a voltage is applied to the substrate 31 and the second display 2B is in the reflective state M2 when no voltage is applied to the substrate 31. .

  The smartphone 1 realizes image display using the second display 2B by switching between the transmission state M1 and the reflection state M2 for the display area of the second display 2B. When the smartphone 1 performs image display using the second display 2B, it is easy for the user to visually recognize between the location in the transmission state M1 in the display area and the location in the reflection state M2 in the display area. The transparency of the second display 2B can be adjusted so that a gradation difference is produced. The smart phone 1 can reduce manufacturing cost by comprising the 2nd display 2B using a polymer network type liquid crystal rather than comprising the 2nd display 2B using the electronic paper using metal plating etc. In addition, since a polarizing plate for adjusting the vibration direction of light and an alignment film for controlling the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 33 are not required, the thickness can be made thinner than that of a conventional liquid crystal display. Respond flexibly to requests.

  The touch screen 2C can detect contact or proximity of one or more fingers, one or more pens, or one or more stylus pens (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “finger”) to the touch screen 2C. The touch screen 2C is a position on the touch screen 2C when one or more fingers, one or more pens, or one or more stylus pens contact or approach the touch screen 2C (hereinafter referred to as “contact position”). Can be detected). The touch screen 2C can notify the controller 10 of the contact of the finger with the touch screen 2C together with the detection position. The operation on the touch screen 2C can be rephrased as the operation on the smartphone 1 having the touch screen 2C. The touch screen 2C can detect contact or proximity to the area a and the area c described below. In an embodiment, the touch screen 2C can appropriately employ a capacitance method, a resistance film method, or a load detection method as a detection method.

  The controller 10 determines the number of contacts detected by the touch screen 2C, the position where the contact is detected, the change in the position where the contact is detected, the time length when the contact is detected, the time interval when the contact is detected, The type of gesture can be determined based on at least one of the number of times contact is detected. The smartphone 1 having the controller 10 can execute operations that the controller 10 can perform. In other words, the operation performed by the controller 10 may be performed by the smartphone 1. The gesture is an operation performed on the touch screen 2C using a finger. The operation performed on the touch screen 2C may be performed on the second display 2B positioned so as to overlap the first display 2A superimposed on the touch screen 2C. Examples of gestures that the controller 10 determines via the touch screen 2C include touch, long touch, release, swipe, tap, double tap, long tap, drag, flick, pinch in, and pinch out. It is not limited to.

  Various keys 3 receive an operation input from the user. When receiving the operation input from the user, the various keys 3 notify the controller 10 that the operation input has been received. The various keys 3 are generic names of virtual keys or physical keys such as operation keys, a power key, a screen lock key, and a volume adjustment key described below.

  The illuminance sensor 4 can detect the illuminance. The illuminance is the value of the light beam incident on the unit area of the measurement surface of the illuminance sensor 4. The illuminance sensor 4 may be used, for example, for adjusting the luminance of the first display 2A.

  The proximity sensor 5 can detect the presence of a nearby object without contact. The proximity sensor 5 detects the presence of an object based on a change in a magnetic field or a change in a feedback time of an ultrasonic reflected wave. The proximity sensor 5 may be used, for example, to detect that the user's face has approached the first display 2A (or the front face 21). The illuminance sensor 4 and the proximity sensor 5 may be configured as one sensor. The illuminance sensor 4 may be used as a proximity sensor.

  The communication unit 6 can communicate wirelessly. The communication unit 6 supports a wireless communication standard. The wireless communication standards supported by the communication unit 6 include cellular phone communication standards such as 2G, 3G, and 4G, and short-range wireless communication standards, for example. Cellular phone communication standards include, for example, LTE (Long Term Evolution), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), WiMAX (registered trademark) (Worldwide InterPirality, PD). Examples thereof include GSM (registered trademark) (Global System for Mobile Communications), PHS (Personal Handy-phone System), and the like. As short-range wireless communication standards, for example, IEEE 802.11 (IEEE is an abbreviation of The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.), Bluetooth (registered trademark), IrDA (InfraredD) Field Communication), WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), and the like are included. The WPAN communication standards include, for example, ZigBee (registered trademark), DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Communications), Z-Wave, and WiSun (Wireless Smart Network). The communication unit 6 may support one or more of the communication standards described above.

  The receiver 7 can output the sound signal transmitted from the controller 10 as sound. The receiver 7 can output, for example, the sound of a moving image reproduced on the smartphone 1, the sound of music, and the voice of the other party during a call. The microphone 8 converts a user's voice or the like into a sound signal and transmits the sound signal to the controller 10.

  The storage 9 can store programs and data. The storage 9 may be used as a work area for temporarily storing the processing result of the controller 10. The storage 9 may include any non-transitory storage medium such as a semiconductor storage medium and a magnetic storage medium. The storage 9 may include a plurality of types of storage media. The storage 9 may include a combination of a storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk and a storage medium reader. The storage 9 may include a storage device used as a temporary storage area such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The programs stored in the storage 9 include an application executed in the foreground or background and a basic program that supports the operation of the application. The application screen is displayed on the display 2A when executed in the foreground, for example. The basic program includes, for example, an OS (Operating System). The application and the basic program may be installed in the storage 9 via wireless communication by the communication unit 6 or a non-transitory storage medium.

  The storage 9 can store a control program 9A, a display control table 9B, setting data 9Z, and the like.

  9 A of control programs can each provide the function for implement | achieving the process regarding the various operation | movement of the smart phone 1. FIG. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function of adjusting the brightness of the first display 2A based on the detection result of the illuminance sensor 4. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function for invalidating the operation on the touch screen 2C based on the detection result of the proximity sensor 5. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function for realizing a call by controlling the communication unit 6, the receiver 7, the microphone 8, and the like. The functions provided by the control program 9 </ b> A include functions for controlling the photographing processing of the camera 12 and the camera 13. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function of controlling communication with an external device connected via the connector 14. The function provided by the control program 9A includes a function of performing various controls such as changing information displayed on the first display 2A according to a gesture determined based on the detection result of the touch screen 2C. Functions provided by the control program 9 </ b> A include functions for detecting movement, stop, and the like of the user carrying the smartphone 1 based on the detection result of the motion sensor 15.

  The function provided by the control program 9A is that the smartphone 1 displays the first image on the second display 2B when the first display 2A is in the display state and the second display when the first display 2A is in the non-display state. A function for executing a process of displaying the second image on the display 2B can be provided. The first image is determined by first image configuration data described later. The second image is determined by second image configuration data described later.

  The display control table 9B is referred to when the smartphone 1 executes a process using a function provided by the control program 9A. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display control table according to the first embodiment. In the display control table 9B, information on an image to be displayed on the second display 2B is set in association with the state of the first display 2A. In the example shown in FIG. 5, when the first display 2A is in the display state, it is set to display the first image on the second display 2B, and when the first display 2A is in the non-display state, the second display 2B. Is set to display the second image.

  The setting data 9Z includes various data used for processing in the smartphone 1. The setting data 9Z includes first image configuration data and second image configuration data.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of first image configuration data according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the first image configuration data is configured by associating a plurality of key symbols with key symbol display positions, key symbol display sizes, and display patterns that are key symbol designs. The key symbol is a mark used when a virtual key to which a function used for an operation such as an image displayed on the first display 2A is assigned is displayed in the area 23a. The display position stores a two-dimensional coordinate value (x, y) that specifies a position in the region 23a. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first image configuration data stores three key symbols: a return key symbol, a home key symbol, and a task key symbol. In the following description, the return key, home key, and task key may be collectively referred to as navigation keys.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of second image configuration data according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the second image configuration data includes information (ON / OFF) indicating the presence / absence of display of the component, the display position of the component, the display size of the component, and the configuration for the image component It is configured by associating display patterns or the like that are element designs. The components of the image include, for example, information and an application image. As shown in FIG. 7, the information includes information such as a clock, weather, temperature, precipitation probability, and remaining battery level. As shown in FIG. 7, the application image includes an image indicating a telephone, mail, camera, flash, music player, SNS (Social Network Service), and the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the second image is set to display information on a clock, weather, temperature, and remaining battery level, and phone, mail, camera, flash, and music player application images.

  The controller 10 can implement various functions by comprehensively controlling the operation of the smartphone 1. The controller 10 includes an arithmetic processing device. The arithmetic processing unit may include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an SoC (System-on-a-Chip), an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a coprocessor. It is not limited to these. Other components such as the communication unit 6 may be integrated in the SoC. The controller 10 is an example of a controller.

  Specifically, the controller 10 executes instructions included in the program stored in the storage 9 while referring to the data stored in the storage 9 as necessary. The controller 10 controls the functional unit according to data and instructions, thereby realizing various functions. The functional unit includes, for example, at least one of the first display 2A, the second display 2B, the communication unit 6, the microphone 8, and the speaker 11, but is not limited thereto. The controller 10 may change the control according to the detection result of the detection unit. The detection unit includes, for example, the touch screen 2C, various keys 3, the illuminance sensor 4, the proximity sensor 5, the microphone 8, the camera 12, the camera 13, and the motion sensor 15, but is not limited thereto.

  When the first display 2A is in the display state, the controller 10 displays the first image in the display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B by executing the control program 9A. When the display 2A is in the non-display state, a process of displaying the second image in the display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B is realized.

  The speaker 11 can output the sound signal transmitted from the controller 10 as sound. The speaker 11 may output a ring tone and music, for example. One of the receiver 7 and the speaker 11 may also function as the other.

  The camera 12 and the camera 13 can convert the captured image into an electrical signal. The camera 12 may be an in-camera that captures an object facing the first display 2A. The camera 13 may be an out-camera that captures an object facing the opposite surface of the first display 2A. The camera 12 and the camera 13 may be mounted on the smartphone 1 in a functionally and physically integrated state as a camera unit that can be used by switching between the in-camera and the out-camera.

  The connector 14 is a terminal to which another device is connected. The connector 14 may be a general-purpose terminal such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), Light Peak (Thunderbolt (registered trademark)), and an earphone microphone connector. . The connector 14 may be a dedicated terminal such as a dock connector. Devices connected to the connector 14 include, but are not limited to, external storage, speakers, and communication devices, for example.

  The motion sensor 15 can detect various information for determining the operation of the user carrying the smartphone 1. The motion sensor 15 may be configured as a sensor unit including an acceleration sensor, a direction sensor, a gyro sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an atmospheric pressure sensor.

  The smartphone 1 may include a GPS receiver and a vibrator in addition to the above functional units. The GPS receiver receives a radio signal in a predetermined frequency band from a GPS satellite. The GPS receiver demodulates the received radio signal and sends the processed signal to the controller 10. The GPS receiver supports the calculation processing of the current position of the smartphone 1. The smartphone 1 may include a receiver that can receive signals from positioning satellites other than GPS satellites, and may execute a calculation process of the current position. The vibrator vibrates a part or the whole of the smartphone 1. The vibrator includes, for example, a piezoelectric element or an eccentric motor in order to generate vibration. In addition to the GPS receiver and the vibrator, the smartphone 1 is a function unit that is naturally used to maintain the function of the smartphone 1, such as a battery, and a control that is naturally used to realize control of the smartphone 1. Implement the part.

  The smartphone 1 may access a storage server on the cloud via the communication unit 6 and acquire various programs and data.

  A display method by the smartphone 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in P1 of FIG. 8, when the first display 2A is in the display state, the smartphone 1 displays the first image G1 in the display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B. At this time, the smartphone 1 switches the display area overlapping the first display 2A among the display areas of the second display 2B to the transmissive state. For example, when the home screen 50 is displayed on the first display 2A, the smartphone 1 displays the first image G1 related to the home screen 50 on the second display 2B. In the example shown in P1 of FIG. 8, the first image G1 includes a return key symbol S1, a home key symbol S2, and a task key symbol S3 that constitute navigation keys.

  On the other hand, as shown in P2 of FIG. 8, when the first display 2A is in a non-display state (not lit), the smartphone 1 has a display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B. Display the second image G2. At this time, the smartphone 1 may switch the display area overlapping the first display 2A among the display areas of the second display 2B to the transmissive state, or may display an image different from the second image G2. As shown in FIG. 9, the second image G <b> 2 includes information on a clock, weather, temperature, and remaining battery level, and phone, mail, camera, flash, and music player application images.

  According to the display state of the first display 2A, the smartphone 1 switches from the display method shown in P1 of FIG. 8 to the display method shown in P2 of FIG. 8 and the display method shown in P2 of FIG. Switching from display to display by the display method indicated by P1 in FIG. 8 can be automatically executed.

  An example of the flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the smartphone according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 10 is realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A. The process illustrated in FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed even in a mode in which power supply is partially controlled, that is, a so-called power saving mode, as long as the smartphone 1 is operable.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 10 determines whether or not the first display 2A is in a display state (step S101).

  If the first display 2A is in the display state as a result of the determination (step S101, Yes), the controller 10 displays the first image on the second display 2B (step S102), and returns to the determination in step S101.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the first display 2A is not in the display state (step S101, No), the controller 10 displays the second image on the second display 2B (step S103), and the determination in step S101 above. Return.

  As described above, when the first display 2A is in the display state, the smartphone 1 displays the image displayed on the first display 2A in the display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B. A first image G1 composed of related key symbols is displayed. On the other hand, when the first display 2A is not in the display state (when it is in the non-display state), the smartphone 1 is configured with information and application images in the display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B. The second image G2 thus displayed is displayed. Thus, according to the embodiment, the convenience of the smartphone 1 can be improved by supplementarily using the second display 2B in accordance with the display state of the first display 2A. Further, by using the second display 2B, it is possible to reduce power consumption as compared with the case where all displays are performed by the liquid crystal display.

  In the above embodiment, when an operation on a navigation key that is a virtual key displayed as the first image G1 is detected, the smartphone 1 can execute a process corresponding to the operated navigation key. As described above, the smartphone 1 can accept an operation input via a virtually configured navigation key. In addition, when an operation on the application image included in the second image G2 is detected, the smartphone 1 can execute processing of an application corresponding to the application image. Thus, for example, even in the sleep state, the smartphone 1 can provide predetermined information to the user via the second image G2, and the user can also have a quick access environment to a desired application via the second image G2. Can be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the second display 2B does not have to be positioned so as to cover all of the first display 2A, the front panel 22, and the region 23a. For example, the second display 2B may be mounted with a size that can cover at least the region 23a.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the smartphone 1 mounts a key physically configured outside the display area of the first display 2A will be described. The smartphone 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the points described below.

  FIG. 11 is an example of a front view of the smartphone according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the smartphone 1 includes operation keys 27 a that are physically configured in a region 23 b of the front face 21. The operation key 27a is provided adjacent to the first display 2A along the y-axis direction at a position that does not overlap the first display 2A. For example, the operation key 27a is configured in a state where three mutually independent keys are connected. The second display 2B may be positioned so as to cover all of the first display 2A, the front panel 22, and the operation keys 27a. The area 23b is an example of an operation unit.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line II-II in FIG. 11 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the region 23b is configured by laminating the cover glass 25, the second display 2B, the operation keys 27a, and the circuit board 26 in this order from the display surface of the smartphone 1 in the positive direction of the Z axis. . The cover glass 25, the second display 2B, the operation keys 27a, and the circuit board 26 may be laminated by bonding them together using, for example, a photocurable resin, an adhesive, or the like. Since the touch screen 2C is not inserted in the region 23b, the smartphone 1 directly accepts a user operation on the operation key 27a from the cover glass 25 and the second display 2B.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of second configuration image data according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the second image configuration data includes information such as a clock, weather, temperature, precipitation probability, and remaining battery level as image components.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the second embodiment. As shown in P3 of FIG. 14, when the first display 2A is in the display state, the smartphone 1 displays the first image G1 in a display area corresponding to the area 23b in the display area of the second display 2B. At this time, the smartphone 1 displays the first image G1 so that the return key symbol S1, the home key symbol S2, and the task key symbol S3 are displayed directly above the keys of the operation keys 27a. The smartphone 1 may switch a display area overlapping the first display 2A among the display areas of the second display 2B to the transmissive state.

  On the other hand, as shown in P4 of FIG. 14, when the first display 2A is in a non-display state (not lit), the smartphone 1 has a display area corresponding to the area 23b in the display area of the second display 2B. Display the second image G2. At this time, the second image G2 displayed in the region 23b includes information on a clock, weather, temperature, precipitation probability, and remaining battery level. The smartphone 1 may switch the display area overlapping the first display 2A among the display areas of the second display 2B to the transmissive state, or may display an image different from the second image G2.

  According to the second embodiment, when the first display 2A is in the display state, the key symbols corresponding to the functions included in the navigation keys used for operations such as images displayed on the first display 2A are displayed on the second display 2B. Can be displayed on the operation key 27a, so that it is possible to provide the same use environment as the operation key in which the key symbol is engraved from the beginning. According to the second embodiment, when the first display 2A is in a non-display state, the second image G2 including various information is displayed in the display area corresponding to the area 23a in the display area of the second display 2B. Therefore, even if the first display 2A is not displayed, information can be provided to the user via the second display 2B. Thus, according to Embodiment 2, the convenience of the smartphone 1 can be improved.

  According to the display state of the first display 2A, the smartphone 1 switches from the display by the display method shown in P3 of FIG. 14 to the display by the display method shown in P4 of FIG. 14, and by the display method shown in P4 of FIG. Switching from the display to the display by the display method indicated by P3 in FIG. 14 can be automatically executed.

(Embodiment 3)
Hereinafter, the case where the smart phone 1 has mounted the virtual navigation key or the physical navigation key from the beginning is demonstrated.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a front view of the smartphone according to the third embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 15, the smartphone 1 includes a region 23 c in which virtual navigation keys 28 that perform operations such as a home screen 50 displayed on the first display 2 </ b> A are displayed. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 15 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the region 23 c is formed from, for example, the cover glass 25, the touch screen 2 </ b> C, the second display 2 </ b> B, the first display 2 </ b> A, and the circuit board 26 in the positive direction of the Z axis from the display surface of the smartphone 1. It is constructed by stacking in order. The region 23c is an example of an operation unit.

  FIG. 17 is another example of a front view of the smartphone according to the third embodiment. In the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the smartphone 1 includes operation keys 27 b that are physically configured in the area 23 d of the front face 21. The operation keys 27b are engraved with key symbols constituting navigation keys used for operations on the home screen 50 displayed on the first display 2A. The region 23d has the same stacked structure as the region 23b shown in FIG. The area 23d is an example of an operation unit.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a display control table according to the third embodiment. The display control table 9B shown in FIG. 18 differs from the other embodiments in setting values when the first display 2A is in the display state. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 18, when the first display 2A is in the display state, the second display 2B is set to be switched to the transmissive state, and when the first display 2A is in the non-display state, the second display 2B. Is set to display the second image.

  19 and 20 are diagrams illustrating an example of a display method by the smartphone according to the third embodiment. The display method shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is executed according to the display control table shown in FIG.

  A display method in the case where the smartphone 1 implements virtual navigation keys will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in P5 of FIG. 19, when the first display 2A is in the display state, the smartphone 1 switches the second display 2B to the transmission state. When the second display 2B is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the first display 2A, the smartphone 1 switches the entire display area of the second display 2B to the transmissive state. Accordingly, the user can operate the navigation keys 28 on the back surface of the second display 2B through the area 23c while looking through the area 23c.

  On the other hand, as shown in P6 of FIG. 19, when the first display 2A is in the non-display state, the smartphone 1 displays the second image G2 in the display area corresponding to the area 23c in the display area of the second display 2B. Let At this time, the smartphone 1 may switch the display area overlapping the first display 2A among the display areas of the second display 2B to the transmissive state, or may display an image different from the second image G2. As shown in P6 of FIG. 19, the second image G2 includes information on a clock, weather, temperature, and remaining battery level, and application images of a telephone, mail, camera, flash, and music player.

  According to the display state of the first display 2A, the smartphone 1 switches from the display method shown in P5 of FIG. 19 to the display method shown in P6 of FIG. 19 and the display method shown in P6 of FIG. Switching from the display to the display by the display method shown in P5 of FIG. 19 can be automatically executed.

  A display method in the case where the operation key 27b on which the key symbol corresponding to the navigation key is imprinted is mounted on the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in P <b> 7 of FIG. 20, when the first display 2 </ b> A is in the display state, the smartphone 1 switches the second display 2 </ b> B to the transmissive state. When the second display 2B is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the first display 2A, the smartphone 1 switches the entire display area of the second display 2B to the transmissive state. As a result, the user can operate while viewing the operation key 27b on the back surface of the first display 2B via the region 23d. As in the case shown in FIG. 12, the touch screen 2C is not inserted in the area 23d, and therefore the smartphone 1 directly accepts a user operation on the operation key 27b from the cover glass 25 and the second display 2B.

  On the other hand, as shown in P8 of FIG. 20, when the first display 2A is in the non-display state (not lit), the second image is displayed in the display region corresponding to the region 23d in the display region of the second display 2B. G2 is displayed. At this time, the second image G2 displayed in the region 23d includes information on a clock, weather, temperature, precipitation probability, and remaining battery level. The smartphone 1 may switch the display area overlapping the first display 2A among the display areas of the second display 2B to the transmissive state, or may display an image different from the second image G2.

  The smartphone 1 switches from the display by the display method shown in P7 of FIG. 20 to the display by the display method shown in P8 of FIG. 20 and the display method shown in P8 of FIG. 20 according to the display state of the first display 2A. Switching from the display to the display by the display method shown in P7 of FIG. 20 can be automatically executed.

  An example of the flow of processing executed by the smartphone 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by the smartphone according to the third embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 21 is realized by the controller 10 executing the control program 9A. The process shown in FIG. 21 is repeatedly executed even in a mode in which power supply is partially controlled, that is, a so-called power saving mode, as long as the smartphone 1 is operable. The process shown in FIG. 21 is different from the process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the controller 10 determines whether or not the first display 2A is in a display state (step S201).

  When the first display 2A is in the display state as a result of the determination (step S201, Yes), the controller 10 switches the second display 2B to the transmissive state (step S202), and returns to the determination in step S201.

  On the other hand, if the result of determination is that the first display 2A is not in the display state (step S201, No), the controller 10 displays the second image on the second display 2B (step S203), and the determination in step S201 is performed. Return.

  According to the third embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, the convenience of the smartphone 1 can be improved even when the smartphone 1 has a virtual navigation key or a physical navigation key mounted from the beginning.

  The characterizing embodiments have been described in order to fully and clearly disclose the technology according to the appended claims. However, the appended claims should not be limited to the above-described embodiments, but all modifications and alternatives that can be created by those skilled in the art within the scope of the basic matters shown in this specification. Should be embodied by a possible configuration.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the second display 2B is a polymer network type liquid crystal display has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second display 2B may be electronic paper.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Smart phone 2A 1st display 2B 2nd display 2C Touch screen 3 Various keys 4 Illuminance sensor 5 Proximity sensor 6 Communication unit 7 Receiver 8 Microphone 9 Storage 9A Control program 9Z Setting data 10 Controller 11 Speaker 12 Camera 13 Camera 14 Connector 15 Motion sensor

Claims (6)

A first display;
At least an operation unit provided at a position not overlapping the first display;
A portable electronic device comprising: a second display having at least a display region overlapping the operation unit and capable of switching between a transmission state that transmits incident light and a reflection state that reflects incident light. When the first display is in a display state, a first image is displayed in a display area overlapping the operation unit on the second display,
2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to display a second image in a display area overlapping the operation unit on the second display when the first display is in a non-display state.   The portable electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the first image includes information regarding the operation unit. When the first display is in a non-display state, a predetermined image is displayed in a display area overlapping the operation unit in the second display,
The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a controller that switches the second display to a transmissive state when the first display is in a display state. A first display;
At least an operation unit provided at a position not overlapping the first display;
Control that is executed by a portable electronic device that has at least a display area that overlaps the operation unit and includes a second display that can switch between a transmissive state that transmits incident light and a reflective state that reflects incident light. A method,
When the first display is in a display state, displaying the first image on the second display;
And displaying the second image on the second display when the first display is in a non-display state. A first display;
At least an operation unit provided at a position not overlapping the first display;
A portable electronic device having at least a second display that has a display area that overlaps the operation unit and can switch between a transmissive state that transmits incident light and a reflective state that reflects incident light.
When the first display is in a display state, displaying the first image on the second display;
A control program for executing a step of displaying a second image on the second display when the first display is in a non-display state;

Images