JP5709205B2 - Portable electronic device and control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable electronic device having a display screen such as a cellular phone and a control method thereof.

  A multifunctional electronic device such as a cellular phone usually has rectangular display screens having different aspect ratios. Depending on the function to be used, the operator can use a vertically long display screen (hereinafter referred to as “vertical screen”) whose longitudinal direction is the vertical direction of display, and a horizontally long display screen (hereinafter “horizontal screen” whose longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction of display). ”). For example, in a foldable mobile phone with separate key buttons and display screen, the operator uses the vertical screen when viewing the display screen while operating the keys, and the horizontal screen when watching TV. May be used.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a portable terminal whose screen display can be switched between portrait and landscape by changing the orientation of the terminal body. The portable terminal described in Patent Document 1 is integrated with a main unit having an operation unit, a sub unit having a display unit, and a main unit and a sub unit that are integrally housed or a hinge that couples the main unit and the sub unit so as to be opened and closed. The sub unit has a sensor unit that detects the vertical direction parallel to the display screen of the display unit, and controls the display direction so that the lower direction detected by the sensor unit is the lower side of the display screen.

JP 2005-229490 A

  The following analysis is given from the perspective of the present invention.

  In a mobile phone, since the size of the screen is limited, when one function uses a display screen, it is difficult for another function to share the display screen. For example, when receiving a mail (E-mail) while watching a television on a horizontal screen, the reception of the mail is possible even while watching the television by light emission of the LED or the like, or a telop display or icon display on the display screen. I can tell you that there was. However, due to restrictions on the size of the display screen of the mobile phone, it is difficult to display the TV image and the mail contents at the same time.

  Therefore, in order to confirm the contents of the received mail, the operator must change the display screen from the horizontal screen state to the vertical screen state, stop or stop the TV function by key operation, and then start the mail function. was there.

  Then, after recognizing the contents of the received mail, when resuming the TV viewing, after the key operation for ending the mail function, the key operation for restarting the TV function or the key operation for releasing the stop of the TV function is performed. It was necessary. Furthermore, it has been necessary to return the display screen from the vertical screen state to the horizontal screen state.

  Therefore, when one function uses the display screen, it is necessary to perform a troublesome key operation in order to switch the function to be used so that another function uses the display screen.

  The portable terminal described in Patent Document 1 only switches the screen direction and cannot switch functions.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first function uses the display unit, the function of using the display unit when the orientation of the display unit changes within a set time after notification to the operator is provided. An electronic device including a control unit that switches from a first function to a second function is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an electronic device comprising a control unit that executes the first function and the second function, a display unit, and a sensor unit that detects a change or rotation of the direction of the display unit or the electronic device. Is provided. When the display unit displays the first function and the sensor unit detects a change or rotation of the direction of the display unit, the control unit changes the direction of the display unit within a set time after notification to the operator. In this case, the function displayed on the display unit is switched from the first function to the second function.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, a step of displaying the first function on the display unit, and a display on the display unit when the first function detects a change or rotation of the display unit while the display unit is being used. And a step of switching the function to be performed from the first function to the second function. When the first function detects the change or rotation of the direction of the display unit within a predetermined time after giving a notification to the operator while using the display unit, the function displayed on the display unit from the first function Switch to 2 functions.

  The present invention has at least one of the following effects.

  In the present invention, the display on the display unit is switched from the first function to the second function (for example, a mail function) simply by changing the orientation of the display unit during execution of the first function (for example, a television function or a moving image playback function). Thereby, the key operation for switching the function to be displayed becomes unnecessary or the number of key operations is reduced, and the convenience of the operator can be improved.

  In particular, when the orientation of the display unit suitable for display is different between the first function and the second function, the function is switched to change the orientation of the display unit from the orientation suitable for the first function to the orientation suitable for the second function. It can also be used as a means. Thereby, the operation required for the operator when switching the function is reduced, and the convenience for the operator can be improved.

1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation and control method of the electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. 1 is a schematic plan view of an electronic device for explaining an example of the operation and control method of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of an operation and control method of an electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

  An electronic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The electronic device of the present invention is, for example, a portable electronic device having multiple functions. In particular, in a plurality of functions, preferred directions for using the display screen are different for each function. Hereinafter, the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using a mobile phone as an example.

  FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100 includes a display unit 10, a control unit 20, a sensor unit 30, and a function unit 40.

  The display unit 10 includes a display mechanism such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display unit 10 may be a touch panel type. As the shape of the display unit 10, various shapes such as a rectangle, a circle, and an ellipse can be selected. When the display unit 10 is rectangular, the aspect ratio may be other than 1 (that is, a rectangle) or may be 1 (that is, a square).

  The display unit 10 preferably has a plurality of displayable directions. For example, when the display unit 10 is rectangular, when the longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction (first direction) and when the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction (second direction), the display unit 10 is in each state. It is preferable that it can be utilized in. Further, the display unit 10 may be capable of switching the display every 90 ° rotation, for example.

  When changing the orientation of the display unit 10, the orientation of the display unit 10 may be changed by changing the orientation of the entire electronic device 100, or the orientation of only the display unit 10 without changing the orientation of the entire electronic device 100. The orientation of the display unit 10 may be changed by changing (rotating).

  The control unit 20 includes an information processing mechanism such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 20 executes (controls, etc.) each function of the electronic device and controls it. That is, the control unit 20 controls the operation of each mechanism. The control unit 20 displays each function on the display unit 10.

  When the display unit 10 has a plurality of displayable directions, the control unit 20 preferably displays each function on the display unit according to the orientation of the display unit 10. For example, when the display unit 10 is rectangular, when the operator (user) uses the display unit 10 in a horizontal screen state, the left-right direction of display content (for example, the left-right direction of characters) matches the longitudinal direction of the display unit 10. When the operator uses the display unit 10 in a vertical screen state, it is preferable to display the display content so that the vertical direction of the display content (for example, the vertical direction of the characters) matches the longitudinal direction of the display unit 10.

  The sensor unit 30 detects the direction (direction) and rotation of the display unit 10. The sensor unit 30 may detect the direction and rotation of the display unit 10 based on the direction and rotation of the electronic device 100 itself. The sensor unit 30 is, for example, a direction detection mechanism such as an acceleration sensor (gravity sensor) that detects the orientation of the electronic device 100 or the display unit 10, or a detection mechanism such as a rotation detection mechanism that detects the rotation of the electronic device 100 or the display unit 10. At least one of them. In the electronic device 100 that can change the orientation of only the display unit 10 (only the display unit 10 can rotate), the sensor unit 30 may be a switch that detects the orientation of the display unit.

  The function unit 40 has a plurality of functions for the operator to use the display unit 10. The function unit 40 includes, for example, a mechanism such as a television mechanism, a mail mechanism, an Internet site browsing mechanism, a moving image reproduction mechanism, a music reproduction mechanism, a camera mechanism, and a game mechanism. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the functional unit 40 may include a mechanism that does not use the display unit 10, such as a call mechanism or an alarm mechanism.

  Next, the operation and control method of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation and control method of the electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an electronic device for explaining an example of the operation and control method of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a foldable mobile phone as an example of an electronic device. In the following example, the shape of the display unit 10 is a rectangle.

  First, the operator executes a first function (for example, a television function) in the horizontal screen state. The control unit 20 executes the first function (for example, activates the television mechanism) and displays it on the display unit 10 (FIG. 2 (S11), FIG. 3 (a)). At this time, the control unit 20 displays the display content on the display unit 10 in a direction that the operator can recognize. That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display content (for example, characters) is displayed so that the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction of the display unit 10.

  Next, when a predetermined condition is satisfied or an event occurs, the control unit 20 notifies the operator (FIGS. 2 (S12 to S13) and FIG. 3 (b)). Examples of the predetermined condition and event include execution of the second function, for example, mail reception and incoming call. The method for notifying the operator is not particularly limited, and various methods can be adopted, and a plurality of methods may be combined. For example, an icon (mark) indicating mail reception or incoming call may be displayed on the display unit 10, characters may be displayed or circulated like a telop. Alternatively, a light emitting unit such as an LED may be turned on or blinked. Alternatively, the electronic device 100 may be vibrated.

  Next, when the operator displays the second function (for example, the mail function) on the display unit 10, for example, when confirming the content of the received mail or replying the mail, the operator The direction is changed (FIG. 2 (S14)). At this time, when the sensor unit 30 detects a change in direction or rotation of the display unit 10, the control unit 20 executes the second function (for example, activates the mail mechanism) and displays the function displayed on the display unit 10. The function is automatically switched from the first function to the second function (FIG. 2 (S15), FIG. 3 (c)). Thereby, the operator can shift from the first function to the second function without performing a key operation.

  In order for the control unit 20 to switch the display, the reference for the sensor unit 30 to detect the change or rotation of the display unit 10, that is, the degree to which the direction of the display unit 10 is changed or rotated (for example, the rotation angle) is: It can be set appropriately. Preferably, for example, when the orientation of the display unit 10 suitable for the first function is a horizontal screen state and the orientation of the display unit 10 suitable for the second function is a vertical screen state, the orientation of the display unit 10 is changed. The control unit 20 switches the display of the display unit 10 when it is rotated about 90 °, that is, when the horizontal screen state is changed to the vertical screen state. Moreover, it is preferable that the control unit 20 displays the second function on the display unit 10 so that the operator can view characters and images in the forward direction in the vertical screen state. That is, as shown in FIG. 3C, it is preferable to display the display content (for example, characters) so that the vertical direction is the longitudinal direction of the display unit 10. Thereby, the operation in which the operator changes the orientation of the display unit 10 to a direction suitable for display can be used for function switching instead of the key operation, and the convenience of the operator can be improved.

  When the second function is displayed on the display unit 10, the first function may be in a paused state (suspended state), being executed, or when switched to the second function. You may end it.

  The function switching when the sensor unit 30 detects the change in the orientation or rotation of the display unit 10 may be performed regardless of whether or not there is a notification to the operator, or a notification to the operator is issued. It may be executed only when For example, regardless of whether or not mail is received, if the operator changes the orientation of the display unit 10 to the vertical screen state while watching the television in the horizontal screen state, the screen is automatically switched to the mail function screen or other function screen. You may do it. Or, for example, even if the operator is watching the television in the horizontal screen state and the display unit 10 is in the vertical screen state without receiving mail, the mail function screen or other function screen is not automatically switched. When the display unit 10 is set to the vertical screen state in a state where a notification to the operator is issued (there is an unconfirmed received mail), the screen may be automatically switched to a mail function screen or another function screen.

  Further, the switching of the function when the sensor unit 30 detects a change in the orientation or rotation of the display unit 10 may be limited to a predetermined time after the notification to the operator is issued. For example, when an operator receives a mail while watching a television in a horizontal screen state and issues a notification to the operator, the operator changes the orientation of the display unit 10 within a predetermined time (for example, within one minute) after the notification. If the screen is changed to the vertical screen state, the display is shifted to the mail function, and the display is not switched to the mail function even if the operator changes the orientation of the display unit 10 to the vertical screen state after a predetermined time (for example, when exceeding 1 minute). You may do it.

  When the operator confirms the notification content, the control unit 20 preferably ends the display of the notification.

  When the operator does not change the direction of the display unit 10, that is, when the sensor unit 30 does not detect the change in direction or rotation, the control unit 20 continues to display the first function (FIG. 2 (S18)). ).

  Next, when the operator displays the first function (for example, a television function) again on the display unit 10, the operator changes the orientation of the display unit 10 (S16). For example, the display unit 10 is changed from the vertical screen state to the horizontal screen state. At this time, when the sensor unit 30 detects a change in direction or rotation of the display unit 10, the control unit 20 cancels the temporary stop of the first function or re-executes the first function to display the display unit. 10 automatically switches from the second function to the first function (FIG. 2 (S17), FIG. 3 (d)). You may switch to the 3rd function different from the 1st function. The second function may be terminated or stopped. Thus, the operator can shift from the second function to the first function (or the third function) without performing key operations.

  In order for the control unit 20 to switch the display, the reference for the sensor unit 30 to detect the change or rotation of the display unit 10, that is, the degree to which the direction of the display unit 10 is changed or rotated (for example, the rotation angle) is: It can be set appropriately. Preferably, for example, when the orientation of the display unit 10 suitable for the first function is a horizontal screen state and the orientation of the display unit 10 suitable for the second function is a vertical screen state, the orientation of the display unit 10 is changed. The control unit 20 switches the display of the display unit 10 when it is rotated about 90 °, that is, when it is changed from the vertical screen state to the horizontal screen state (that is, when the original state is restored). Alternatively, the control unit 20 may switch the display of the display unit 10 when the display unit 10 is further rotated by 90 ° without returning to the original state (that is, when rotated by 180 ° from the original state). Also in this case, the display unit 10 is in a vertical screen state. Moreover, it is preferable that the control unit 20 displays the first function on the display unit 10 so that the operator can view characters and images in the forward direction in the horizontal screen state. That is, as shown in FIG. 3D, it is preferable to display the display content (for example, characters) so that the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction of the display unit 10. Thereby, an operation in which the operator changes the orientation of the display unit 10 to a direction suitable for display can be used for function switching instead of the key operation, and the operator can perform the first operation without performing the key operation. One function can be used again.

  In the form shown in FIG. 3, display portions having different aspect ratios are taken as an example, but the present invention can be applied even when the aspect ratios of the display portions 10 are the same (for example, squares and circles). . In the above example, the display unit 10 is rotated by 90 °. However, the rotation angle can be set as appropriate within the range of the detection capability of the sensor unit 30.

  In the form shown in FIG. 3, an example (horizontal screen and vertical screen) in which the orientation of the display unit 10 displaying two functions to be executed is different has been described, but the orientation of the display unit 10 of the two functions is the same. Even can be applied. In this case, for example, the function may be switched by changing the direction of the display unit 10 stepwise to return to the original direction. For example, when the display unit 10 is switched to the mail function when an e-mail notification is received while using the TV function or the game function in the vertical screen state, the original image is displayed after being rotated about 90 ° in the left (right) direction. The function displayed on the display unit 10 may be switched to the mail function by returning to the state (rotating about 90 ° in the right (left) direction).

  In the form shown in FIG. 3, the rotation direction of the display unit 10 or the electronic device 100 is a direction that does not change the surface direction of the screen of the display unit 10 or the electronic device 100, but the rotation direction is different from this. There may be. For example, when the first function is used, if the screen direction of the display unit 10 or the electronic device 100 is in the horizontal direction, the function is changed by changing the surface direction of the screen of the display unit 10 upward (or downward). You may switch. Alternatively, the function may be switched by rotating the screen of the display unit 10 or the electronic device 100 about the axis along the longitudinal direction.

  According to the present invention, the function of using the display screen can be switched without changing the direction of the display unit 10 or the electronic device 100 without the operator performing key operations. In particular, for example, in switching between functions with different display screen orientations suitable for use, such as TV functions and e-mail functions, it is possible to use the functions simply by changing the orientation of the display screen to a direction suitable for the functions. become able to.

  Next, the operation and control method of the electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation and control method of the electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, the function of automatically displaying on the display unit 10 is changed by simply changing the orientation of the display unit 10 or the electronic device 100. However, in the second embodiment, the sensor unit 30 is switched to the display unit 10. Alternatively, after a change in direction or rotation of the electronic device 100 is detected, the display function is switched or the operator is confirmed.

  S21 to S24 are the same as S11 to S14 of the first embodiment.

  For example, after the notification to the operator while using the first function (S23), if the sensor unit 30 detects a change in orientation in S24, the operator confirms whether to switch the function to be displayed (S25). At this time, when the operator inputs a switching instruction, the display is switched from the first function to the second function (S26). On the other hand, when the operator refuses switching, the display of the first function is continued (S29).

  Alternatively, in S25, a plurality of functions that can be transferred may be shown, and the operator may select which function to switch to. In this case, in S26, the control unit 20 switches to the function selected by the operator.

  If the sensor unit 30 detects a change in orientation in S27 after switching to the second function, the operator confirms whether to switch the function to be displayed (S28). At this time, when the operator inputs a switching instruction, the display is returned to the first function (S30). On the other hand, when the operator refuses switching, the display of the second function is continued (S31).

  Alternatively, in S28, a plurality of functions that can be transferred are shown, and the operator may select which function to switch to. In this case, in S30, the control unit 20 switches to the function selected by the operator.

  The confirmation to the operator may be both S25 and S28, or only one of S25 and S28.

  Other aspects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, the display can be switched by a minimum number of key operations, and the switching of functions not desired by the operator can be prevented.

  The electronic device and the control method thereof according to the present invention have been described based on the above embodiment, but are not limited to the above embodiment, and are within the scope of the present invention and based on the basic technical idea of the present invention. It goes without saying that various modifications, changes, and improvements can be included in the embodiment. Further, various combinations, substitutions, or selections of various disclosed elements are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

  Further problems, objects, and developments of the present invention will become apparent from the entire disclosure of the present invention including the claims.

  A part or all of the above embodiment may be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited to the following description.

(Appendix 1)
When the first function uses the display unit, the control unit is configured to switch the function that uses the display unit from the first function to the second function when the orientation of the display unit changes. Electronic equipment.

(Appendix 2)
When the first function is using the display unit, the control unit switches a function to use the display unit when the orientation of the display unit is changed after the operator is notified. The electronic device as set forth in Appendix 1, wherein

(Appendix 3)
The electronic device according to appendix 2, wherein the control unit switches a function of using the display unit when the direction of the display unit changes within a set time after the notification.

(Appendix 4)
After switching to the second function, when the orientation of the display unit returns to the original orientation, the function of using the display unit is switched from the second function to the first function. 4. The electronic device according to any one of 3.

(Appendix 5)
A control unit for executing the first function and the second function;
A display unit;
A sensor unit for detecting a change in direction or rotation of the display unit or the electronic device,
When the display unit displays the first function and the sensor unit detects a change or rotation of the direction of the display unit, the control unit displays the function displayed on the display unit. An electronic apparatus characterized by switching from a function to the second function.

(Appendix 6)
The supplementary note 5 is characterized in that the control unit displays the second function on the display unit so that the operator can recognize the state in which the direction of the display unit is changed or the display unit is rotated. Electronic equipment.

(Appendix 7)
After switching the display of the display unit to the second function, when the sensor unit detects a change or rotation of the direction of the display unit, the control unit displays the function displayed on the display unit. The electronic device according to appendix 5 or 6, wherein the electronic device is switched to the first function.

(Appendix 8)
The display unit has a plurality of displayable directions,
The control unit displays the first function on the display unit in a first direction, displays the second function on the display unit in a second direction,
When the display unit displays the first function in the first direction, the sensor unit detects a change in the direction of the display unit from the first direction to the second direction. The said control part switches the function displayed on the said display part from the said 1st function to the said 2nd function, The electronic device as described in any one of the supplementary notes 5-7 characterized by the above-mentioned.

(Appendix 9)
When the display unit displays the first function in the first direction, after the notification to the operator is given, the sensor unit moves the display unit from the first direction to the second direction. The electronic device according to appendix 8, wherein the control unit switches the function displayed on the display unit from the first function to the second function when a change in orientation is detected.

(Appendix 10)
The electronic device according to appendix 9, wherein the notification is a notification of mail reception or incoming call.

(Appendix 11)
When the sensor unit detects a change in the orientation of the display unit from the first direction to the second direction, the control unit confirms with an operator whether to switch the function displayed on the display unit. The electronic device according to any one of appendices 8 to 10, characterized in that:

(Appendix 12)
After the function displayed on the display unit is switched to the second function, when the sensor unit detects a change in the direction of the display unit from the second direction to the first direction, the control unit The electronic device according to any one of appendices 8 to 11, wherein the function displayed on the display unit is switched from the second function to the first function.

(Appendix 13)
The shape of the display unit is a rectangle,
The first direction is a direction in which an operator can recognize the display when the longitudinal direction of the display unit is a horizontal direction,
The electronic device according to any one of appendices 8 to 12, wherein the second direction is a direction in which an operator can recognize the display when the longitudinal direction of the display unit is a vertical direction.

(Appendix 14)
The first function is a television function or a video playback function,
The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 13, wherein the second function is a mail function.

(Appendix 15)
Displaying the first function on the display unit;
A step of switching the function displayed on the display unit from the first function to the second function when a change or rotation of the display unit is detected while the first function is using the display unit;
A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:

(Appendix 16)
16. The method of controlling an electronic device according to appendix 15, wherein the second function is displayed on the display unit so that the operator can recognize the display unit in a state where the orientation of the display unit is changed or rotated.

(Appendix 17)
When the first function detects the change or rotation of the display unit after notifying the operator while the display unit is being used, the function to display on the display unit is changed from the first function to the first function. 17. The electronic device control method according to appendix 15 or 16, wherein the function is switched to two functions.

(Appendix 18)
Appendix 17 characterized in that when a change in direction or rotation of the display unit is detected within a set time after issuing the notification, the function displayed on the display unit is switched from the first function to the second function. The control method of the electronic device as described.

(Appendix 19)
The method further includes a step of switching the function displayed on the display unit from the second function to the first function when the change or rotation of the display unit is detected after displaying the second function. The control method of an electronic device as described in any one of supplementary notes 15-18.

(Appendix 20)
The method for controlling an electronic device according to appendix 19, wherein the function of displaying on the display unit when the direction of the display unit returns to the original direction is switched from the second function to the first function.

(Appendix 21)
The electronic device according to any one of appendices 15 to 20, wherein the first function is displayed on the display unit so that an operator can recognize the display unit in a state where the orientation of the display unit is changed or rotated. Control method.

(Appendix 22)
Before switching the function to be displayed on the display unit, further comprising confirming whether to switch the function to be displayed on the display unit for the operator;
The method for controlling an electronic device according to any one of appendices 15 to 21, wherein a function to be displayed on the display unit is switched when an operator inputs a switching instruction.

(Appendix 23)
The first function is a television function or a video playback function,
The method for controlling an electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 15 to 22, wherein the second function is a mail function.

  The present invention can be applied to an electronic device having a plurality of functions, and in particular, can be preferably applied to a portable electronic device in which an operator can easily change the orientation. Examples of electronic devices to which the present invention can be applied include a mobile phone, a portable audio player, a portable game machine, a notebook computer, a camera / video, and an electronic dictionary. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a personal computer or a television set whose display unit is rotatable, not a portable electronic device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Display part 20 Control part 30 Sensor part 40 Function part 100 Electronic device

Claims (10)

When the first function uses the display unit and the orientation of the display unit changes within a set time after notification to the operator, the function to use the display unit is changed from the first function to the second function. An electronic device comprising a control unit for switching to The control unit switches the function of using the display unit from the second function to the first function when the direction of the display unit returns to the original direction after switching to the second function. The electronic device according to claim 1 . A control unit for executing the first function and the second function;
A display unit;
A sensor unit for detecting a change in direction or rotation of the display unit or the electronic device,
When the display unit displays the first function and the sensor unit detects a change in the orientation or rotation of the display unit, the control unit displays the display within a set time after notification to the operator. An electronic apparatus characterized in that, when the orientation of a part changes, the function displayed on the display part is switched from the first function to the second function. Wherein, in claim 3, characterized in that changed state or the display unit of the orientation of the display unit to display the second function to be recognized by the operator in a state of being rotated on the display unit The electronic device described. After switching the display of the display unit to the second function, when the sensor unit detects a change or rotation of the direction of the display unit, the control unit displays the function displayed on the display unit. the electronic device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that switching to the first feature from.   When the sensor unit detects a change in the orientation of the display unit from the first direction to the second direction, the control unit confirms with an operator whether to switch the function displayed on the display unit. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein Displaying the first function on the display unit;
A step of switching the function displayed on the display unit from the first function to the second function when a change or rotation of the display unit is detected while the first function is using the display unit;
Only including,
When the first function detects a change or rotation of the direction of the display unit within a predetermined time after giving a notification to the operator while using the display unit, the function of displaying on the display unit is A method for controlling an electronic device, wherein the function is switched from one function to a second function .   The method of controlling an electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the second function is displayed on the display unit so that an operator can recognize the display unit in a state where the orientation of the display unit is changed or rotated. The method further includes a step of switching the function displayed on the display unit from the second function to the first function when the change or rotation of the display unit is detected after displaying the second function. method of controlling an electronic device according to any one of claims 7-8 for.   Before switching the function to be displayed on the display unit, further comprising confirming whether to switch the function to be displayed on the display unit for the operator;
  The method for controlling an electronic device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a function displayed on the display unit is switched when an operator inputs a switching instruction.

Images