Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a portable apparatus and a method for controlling a display module of a portable apparatus.
Various techniques concerning portable apparatuses have been proposed.
A portable apparatus and a method for controlling a portable apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a portable apparatus includes a housing, a display area, an operation detection module, at least one first detection module, a second detection module, and at least one processor. The display area is located on a front face of the housing. The operation detection module is configured to detect an operation performed with an operating finger on the display area. The at least one first detection module is configured to detect a contact location of a holding finger holding the housing. The second detection module is configured to detect a tilt angle of the housing with respect to a reference position of the housing. The at least one processor is configured to translate, if the processor detects a change in the contact location, and the second detection module detects a change in the tilt angle of the housing, a display screen in a direction away from the contact location, and display the display screen in the display area.
In one embodiment, a portable apparatus includes a housing, a display area, a storage module, a detection module, and at least on processor. The display area is located on a front face of the housing. The storage module is configured to store a plurality of application programs. The detection module is configured to detect an input by a user. The at least on processor is configured to display a portion of a first display screen in a main area being a portion of the display area, and display a portion of a second display screen in a sub area being a portion of the display area other than the main area. The first display screen is displayed in the display area when a first application program is run. The second display screen is displayed in the display area when a second application program different from the first application program is run.
In one embodiment, a method for controlling a portable apparatus includes the step of translating, if a change in contact location of a holding finger holding a housing and a change in tilt angle of the housing are both detected, a display screen in a direction away from the contact location, and displaying the display screen in a display area. The portable apparatus includes the housing, the display area, an operation detection module, a holding finger detection module, and a tilt detection module. The display area is provided on a front face of the housing. The operation detection module is configured to detect an operation performed with an operating finger on the display area. The holding finger detection module is provided on the housing and is configured to detect the contact location. The tilt detection module is configured to detect the tilt angle of the housing with respect to a reference position of the housing.
In one embodiment, a method for controlling a portable apparatus includes the step of displaying a portion of a first display screen in a main area being a portion of a display area, and displaying a portion of a second display screen in a sub area being a portion of the display area other than the main area. The first display screen is displayed in the display area when a first application program is run. The second display screen is displayed in the display area when a second application program different from the first application program is run. The portable apparatus includes a housing, the display area, a storage module, and a detection module. The display area is provided on a front face of the housing. The storage module is configured to store a plurality of application programs. The detection module is configured to detect an input by a user.
<Appearance of Portable Apparatus>
The cover panel 2 may be approximately rectangular in a plan view, and form a portion of a front face of the portable apparatus 1 other than a peripheral portion. The cover panel 2 is made, for example, of transparent glass or a transparent acrylic resin. The case part 3 includes the peripheral portion of the front face, side faces, and a back face of the portable apparatus 1. The case part 3 is made, for example, of a polycarbonate resin.
A display area 2a is located on a front face of the cover panel 2. In the display area 2a, a variety of information including characters, signs, figures, and images may be displayed. Only a single display area 2a is herein located on the portable apparatus 1, and the display area 2a may be rectangular in a plan view, for example. A peripheral portion 2b surrounding the display area 2a of the cover panel 2 may be black, for example, because a film or the like has been stuck on the peripheral portion 2b. The peripheral portion 2b is a non-display portion on which no information is displayed. A touch panel 130, which is describe below, has been stuck on a back face of the cover panel 2. A user can provide various instructions to the portable apparatus 1 by operating the display area 2a on the front face of the portable apparatus 1 with a finger and the like. The user can provide various instructions to the portable apparatus 1 also by operating the display area 2a with an operator other than the finger, such as, a pen for electrostatic touch panels including a stylus pen.
A home key 5a, a menu key 5b, and a back key 5c are provided in the apparatus case 4. The home key 5a, the menu key 5b, and the back key 5c are hardware keys, and surfaces of the home key 5a, the menu key 5b, and the back key 5c are exposed from a lower end portion of the front face of the cover panel 2. The home key 5a is an operation key to display a home screen (an initial screen) in the display area 2a. The menu key 5b is an operation key to display an option menu screen in the display area 2a. The back key 5c is an operation key to return display in the display area 2a to the preceding display. Hereinafter, the home key 5a, the menu key 5b, and the back key 5c are each referred to as an “operation key 5” unless there is a need to particularly distinguish among them. The home key 5a, the menu key 5b, and the back key 5c are not limited to the hardware keys, and may be software keys displayed in the display area 2a so that the touch panel 130 detects an operation performed thereon.
The cover panel 2 has a microphone hole 6 in the lower end portion thereof, and has a receiver hole 7 in an upper end portion thereof. An imaging lens 180a of a front-face-side imaging module 180, which is described below, is exposed from the upper end portion of the front face of the cover panel 2 so as to be visible. As illustrated in
Touch sensors 90 are located in the apparatus case 4. The touch sensors 90 are provided at such locations that the touch sensors 90 are in contact with fingers holding the portable apparatus 1. As illustrated in
In the example of
<Electrical Configuration of Portable Apparatus>
The control module 100 may be a processor, and includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a digital signal processor (DSP) 102, and a storage module 103, and can control other components of the portable apparatus 1 to perform overall control of operation of the portable apparatus 1. The storage module 103 may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and the like. The storage module 103 can store a main program 103a, a plurality of application programs 103b (hereinafter, simply referred to as “applications 103b”), and the like. The main program 103a is a control program for controlling operation of the portable apparatus 1, specifically, components, such as the wireless communication module 110 and the display panel 120, of the portable apparatus 1. Various functions of the control module 100 are achieved by the CPU 101 and the DSP 102 running various programs stored in the storage module 103. In
The wireless communication module 110 has an antenna 111. The wireless communication module 110 can receive, from the antenna 111 through the base station and the like, a signal from a portable telephone other than the portable apparatus 1 or a communication apparatus, such as a web server, connected to the Internet. The wireless communication module 110 can amplify and down-convert the received signal, and output the resulting signal to the control module 100. The control module 100 can demodulate the received signal as input, for example. The wireless communication module 110 can also up-convert and amplify a transmission signal generated by the control module 100, and wirelessly transmit the up-converted and amplified transmission signal from the antenna 111. The transmission signal transmitted from the antenna 111 is received, through the base station and the like, by the portable telephone other than the portable apparatus 1 or the communication apparatus connected to the Internet.
The display panel 120 is a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL panel, for example. The display panel 120 can display a variety of information including characters, signs, figures, and images through control by the control module 100 and the display control module 122. Information displayed by the display panel 120 is displayed in the display area 2a located on the front face of the cover panel 2. It can therefore be said that the display panel 120 performs display in the display area 2a.
The display control module 122 can cause the display panel 120 to display a display screen based on an image signal received from the control module 100. For the sake of simplicity, the display panel 120 is hereinafter described to be controlled by the control module 100.
The detection module 132 can detect an input by the user into the portable apparatus 1, and notify the control module 100 of the input. The detection module 132 includes the touch panel 130, the key operation module 140, and the touch sensor 90, for example.
The touch panel 130 can detect an operation performed with an operator, such as an operating finger, on the display area 2a of the cover panel 2. The touch panel 130 is a projected capacitive touch panel, for example, and has been stuck on the back face of the cover panel 2. When the user performs an operation on the display area 2a of the cover panel 2 with the operator, such as the operating finger, a signal corresponding to the operation is input from the touch panel 130 into the control module 100. The control module 100 can specify the details of the operation performed on the display area 2a based on the signal input from the touch panel 130, and perform processing in accordance with the operation.
The touch sensor 90 is located on the apparatus case 4, and can detect movement of the holding fingers. More specifically, the touch sensor 90 can detect a contact location of the touch sensor 90 itself and the holding fingers, and output the contact location to the control module 100. The touch sensor 90 can detect the contact location of the holding fingers, for example, using a similar principle to that used by the touch panel 130. The touch sensor 90, however, is not required to allow visible light to pass therethrough as the touch sensor 90 is not required to have a display function. The control module 100 can know movement of the holding fingers based on a change in contact location detected by the touch sensor 90.
The tilt sensor 92 can detect a tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 (or the apparatus case 4) with respect to a reference position of the portable apparatus 1. Any position may be set as the reference position. For example, the reference position is a position in which the portable apparatus 1 (more specifically, the cover panel 2) is parallel to the horizontal plane.
The tilt sensor 92 can detect the following two tilt angles. That is to say, the tilt sensor 92 can detect a rotation angle (tilt angle) about one of x, y, and z axes perpendicular to one another and a rotation angle (tilt angle) about another one of the x, y, and z axes. The x, y, and z axes are fixed with respect to the portable apparatus 1, and, as illustrated in
The tilt sensor 92 is an acceleration sensor, for example. The acceleration sensor can detect gravitational acceleration components along the x, y, and z axes caused in the portable apparatus 1. The control module 100 can detect (or calculate) the tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 from a predetermined geometric relation using the gravitational acceleration components in the respective directions detected by the tilt sensor 92.
The key operation module 140 can detect an operation performed by the user to press each of the operation keys 5. The key operation module 140 can detect pressing of (an operation performed on) each of the operation keys 5. In a case where the operation key 5 is not pressed, the key operation module 140 can output, to the control module 100, a non-operation signal indicating that no operation is performed on the operation key 5. In a case where the operation key 5 is pressed, the key operation module 140 can output, to the control module 100, an operation signal indicating that an operation is performed on the operation key 5. As a result, the control module 100 can judge whether an operation is performed on each of the operation keys 5.
In a case where the key operation module 140 detects pressing of the home key 5a and then detects releasing from the home key 5a, the control module 100 causes the display panel 120 to display the home screen (initial screen). As a result, the home screen is displayed in the display area 2a. In a case where the key operation module 140 detects pressing of the menu key 5b and then detects releasing from the menu key 5b, the control module 100 causes the display panel 120 to display the option menu screen. As a result, the option menu screen is displayed in the display area 2a. In a case where the key operation module 140 detects pressing of the back key 5c and then detects releasing from the back key 5c, the control module 100 causes the display panel 120 to return the display to the preceding display. As a result, the display in the display area 2a is returned to the preceding display.
The microphone 150 can convert sound input from the outside of the portable apparatus 1 into electrical sound signals, and output the electrical sound signals to the control module 100. The sound input from the outside of the portable apparatus 1 is introduced into the portable apparatus 1 through the microphone hole 6 located in the front face of the cover panel 2, and input into the microphone 150.
The external speaker 170 is a dynamic loudspeaker, for example, and can convert electrical sound signals from the control module 100 into sound, and output the sound. The sound output from the external speaker 170 is output to the outside through the speaker holes 8 provided in the back face of the portable apparatus 1. The sound output through the speaker holes 8 can be heard even in a place remote from the portable apparatus 1.
The front-face-side imaging module 180 may include the imaging lens 180a, an imaging device, and the like, and can capture a still image and a moving image based on control by the control module 100. As illustrated in
The back-face-side imaging module 190 may include the imaging lens 190a, an imaging device, and the like, and can capture a still image and a moving image based on control by the control module 100. As illustrated in
The receiver 160 can output received sound, and may include a dynamic loudspeaker, for example. The receiver 160 can convert electrical sound signals from the control module 100 into sound, and output the sound. The sound output from the receiver 160 is output to the outside through the receiver hole 7 located in the front face of the portable apparatus 1. The volume of the sound output through the receiver hole 7 is smaller than the volume of the sound output through the speaker holes 8.
The battery 200 can output power to the portable apparatus 1. The power output from the battery 200 is supplied to electronic components included in the control module 100, the wireless communication module 110, and the like of the portable apparatus 1.
The storage module 103 can store the various applications 103b, which achieve various functions of the portable apparatus 1. The storage module 103 can store a telephone application for performing communication using a telephone function, a browser for displaying web sites, and a mail application for creating, viewing, and sending and receiving emails, for example. The storage module 103 can also store a camera application for capturing a still image and a moving image using the front-face-side imaging module 180 and the back-face-side imaging module 190, a television application for watching and recording television programs, a moving image playback control application for performing playback control of moving image data stored in the storage module 103, a music playback control application for performing playback control of music data stored in the storage module 103, and the like.
When the control module 100 reads and runs the applications 103b stored in the storage module 103 during running of the main program 103a stored in the storage module 103, the control module 100 controls other components, such as the wireless communication module 110, the display panel 120, and the receiver 160, of the portable apparatus 1, so that functions (processing) corresponding to the applications 103b are achieved by the portable apparatus 1. For example, if the control module 100 runs the telephone application, the control module 100 controls the wireless communication module 110, the microphone 150, and the receiver 160. As a result, in the portable apparatus 1, voice included in the received signal received by the wireless communication module 110 is output from the receiver 160, and the transmission signal including voice input into the microphone 150 is transmitted from the wireless communication module 110, so that communication using the telephone function is performed with a communication partner apparatus.
<Types of Operation Performed on Display Area>
Examples of a basic operation performed by the user on the display area 2a include a slide operation, a tap operation, a double-tap operation, a flick operation, a pinch-out operation and a pinch-in operation.
The slide operation refers to an operation to move the operator, such as the operating finger, with the operator in contact with or in close proximity to the display area 2a. This means that the slide operation refers to an operation to move the operator in the display area 2a. The user performs the slide operation on the display area 2a, for example, to scroll display in the display area 2a or to switch a page displayed in the display area 2a to another page.
As described above, in one embodiment, the operation to move the operator in the display area 2a includes both the operation to move the operator with the operator in contact with the display area 2a and the operation to move the operator with the operator in close proximity to the display area 2a.
The tap operation refers to an operation to release the operator from the display area 2a immediately after the operator is brought into contact with or into close proximity to the display area 2a. Specifically, the tap operation refers to an operation to release, within a predetermined time period after the operator is brought into contact with or into close proximity to the display area 2a, the operator from the display area 2a at a location where the operator is in contact with or in close proximity to the display area 2a. The user performs the tap operation on the display area 2a, for example, to select an application icon (hereinafter, referred to as an “app icon”) for running one of the applications 103b displayed in the display area 2a to thereby cause the portable apparatus 1 to run the application 103b.
The double-tap operation refers to an operation to perform the tap operation twice within a predetermined time period. The user performs the double-tap operation on the display area 2a, for example, to enlarge a display screen displayed in the display area 2a at a predetermined enlargement ratio, and display the enlarged display screen, or to reduce the display screen at a predetermined reduction ratio, and display the reduced display screen.
The flick operation refers to an operation to wipe the display area 2a with the operator. Specifically, the flick operation refers to an operation to move the operator by a predetermined distance or more within a predetermined time period with the operator in contact with or in close proximity to the display area 2a, and then release the operator from the display area 2a. The user performs the flick operation on the display area 2a, for example, to scroll display in the display area 2a in a direction of the flick operation or to switch a page displayed in the display area 2a to another page.
The pinch-out operation refers to an operation to increase a gap between two operators with the two operators in contact with or in close proximity to the display area 2a. The user performs the pinch-out operation on the display area 2a, for example, to enlarge the display screen in accordance with the gap between the two operators, and display the enlarged display screen in the display area 2a.
The pinch-in operation refers to an operation to reduce a gap between two operators with the two operators in contact with or in close proximity to the display area 2a. The user performs the pinch-in operation on the display area 2a, for example, to reduce the display screen in accordance with the gap between the two operators, and display the reduced display screen in the display area 2a.
<Method for Operating Portable Apparatus>
As illustrated in
An area that is difficult to operate is hereinafter referred to as a difficult-to-operate area. Thus, the difficult-to-operate area is the upper left end portion of the display area 2a in the case of operating the portable apparatus 1 with the thumb 31 of the right hand 30, and is the upper right end portion of the display area 2a in the case of operating the portable apparatus 1 with the thumb 21 of the left hand 20. An area that the operating finger easily reaches is referred to as an easy-to-operate area.
Operation performed when the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area is described next. A case where the user operates the difficult-to-operate area with the thumb 31 while holding the portable apparatus 1 with the right hand 30 (see
Such a change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 is made by pushing the back face of the portable apparatus 1 towards the user with the holding fingers 32. For example, the user pushes the back face with the holding fingers 32 while moving the holding fingers 32 from the side face to the back face of the portable apparatus 1.
The fact that the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area is thus known by detecting movement of the holding fingers 32 and a change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1.
Movement of the holding fingers 32 is detected by the touch sensor 90.
In the example of
As described above, the control module 100 can detect movement of the holding finger 32 using the touch sensor 90. For example, the control module 100 judges whether the amount of change (herein, the distance to the lines a, b, c, and d) in contact location of the holding finger detected by the touch sensor 90 exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the amount of change exceeds the threshold, the control module 100 judges that the holding finger 32 has moved.
In the example of
The tilt sensor 92 detects the tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 with respect to the reference position of the portable apparatus 1. A change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 can thus be detected based on a change in tilt angle over time. For example, the control module 100 judges whether the amount of change in tilt angle in a predetermined time period exceeds a threshold (e.g., a few degrees). If the amount of change in tilt angle exceeds the threshold, the control module 100 judges that the tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 has changed.
As described above, the touch sensor 90 can detect movement (the change in contact location) of the holding finger 32, and the tilt sensor 92 can detect the change in tilt position (change in tilt angle) of the portable apparatus 1. As a result, the control module 100 can recognize that the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area. When the touch sensor 90 detects movement of the holding finger 32, and the tilt sensor 92 detects the change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1, the control module 100 controls the display panel 120 so that contents displayed in the difficult-to-operate area are displayed in the easy-to-operate area. This is described in detail below with reference to a flowchart of
Next, in step S2, the control module 100 changes a screen shown in the display area 2a as described in detail below.
In addition to the home screen, information indicating the state of the portable apparatus 1 is displayed in an upper end portion 300 of the display area 2a. In the example of
If a particular event occurs in the portable apparatus 1, information concerning the event is displayed in the upper end portion 300 of the display area 2a. If the occurrence of the particular event in the portable apparatus 1 is detected, the control module 100 controls the display panel 120 so that the information concerning the event is displayed in the display area 2a. In the example of
The screen displayed in the upper end portion 300 is also displayed in the other display screens described below, and thus description on the screen displayed in the upper end portion 300 is not repeated below.
In step S2, as illustrated in
The control module 100 not only translates and displays the display screen 20a but also updates location information concerning operations. That is to say, the control module 100 sets the location information concerning operations performed on the display area 2a in accordance with the display screen 20a after translation. For example, portions (coordinates) where app icons 22a are displayed after translation are allocated to respective selection buttons for selecting applications 103b corresponding to the app icons 22a. As a result, if the tap operation is performed on an app icon 22a in the display screen 20a after translation, the control module 100 can properly run an application 103b corresponding to the app icon 22a on which the tap operation has been performed.
As described above, the portion of the display screen 20a having been displayed in the difficult-to-operate area (herein, the area in the upper left end portion) is displayed in the easy-to-operate area of the display area 2a. The user can thus easily operate the portion with the thumb 31 of the right hand 30.
Since a case where the user holds the portable apparatus 1 with the right hand 30 is described herein, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20a to the lower right towards the thumb 31 of the right hand 30. On the other hand, in a case where the portable apparatus 1 is held with the left hand 20, the display screen 20a is translated to the lower left so that an upper right end portion of the display screen 20a of
The control module 100 can determine a direction of translation of the display screen 20a based on a direction of the change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 in step S2. This is because, in a case where the difficult-to-operate area is operated with the right hand 30, the portable apparatus 1 is tilted so that the upper left end portion thereof approaches the thumb 31 of the user (see
The control module 100 recognizes the direction of the change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 based on the change in value (tilt angle) detected by the tilt sensor 92 over time. The control module 100 determines a direction of translation of the display screen 20a based on the direction of the change in tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1. More specifically, if the tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 changes so that the upper left end portion of the portable apparatus 1 approaches the user relative to the lower right end portion of the portable apparatus 1, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20a to the lower right as illustrated in
If the tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 changes so that the upper right end portion of the portable apparatus 1 approaches the user relative to a lower left end portion of the portable apparatus 1, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20a to the lower left. That is to say, when such a change in tilt angle is detected, the control module 100 judges that the portable apparatus 1 is held with the left hand 20, and translates the display screen 20a to the lower left. This means that the display screen 20a is translated towards a portion of the display area 2a moved relatively away from the user due to the tilt.
As described above, according to one embodiment, contents displayed in the difficult-to-operate area are automatically displayed in the easy-to-operate area when the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area. This facilitates operations performed on the display area 2a. Furthermore, even if the user knows nothing about this function, contents displayed in the difficult-to-operate area are displayed in the easy-to-operate area when the user only tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area. The user can thus use this function without having any special knowledge of operations, in other words, without reading a manual and the like.
<Determination on Whether Translation is Required Based on How Holding Fingers Move>
An event involving movement of the holding fingers and the change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 can occur in cases other than the case where the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area. For example, the holding fingers can move, and the tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 can change in the case of changing the holding position of the portable apparatus 1, or in the case of changing the hand with which the portable apparatus 1 is held. The aim herein is to more accurately detect the fact that the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area by focusing on how the holding fingers move.
When the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area, the holding fingers move from the front face to the back face as described above, for example. In this case, the value detected by the touch sensor 90 changes as shown in
The control module 100 thus determines how the holding fingers move (i.e., a direction of the change in contact location of the holding fingers) based on the change in detected value at locations in the touch sensor 90 over time. The control module 100 translates the display screen 20a if the direction of the change in contact location of the holding fingers as detected matches a direction (e.g., direction from the front face to the back face) determined in advance as the direction of the change when the difficult-to-operate area is tried to be operated. The direction determined in advance is stored, for example, in the storage module 103.
As a result, the fact that the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area can more accurately be detected. In other words, unnecessary translation of the display screen 20a can be suppressed.
When the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area, the holding fingers can move downwards along the side face of the portable apparatus 1. A condition that the holding fingers move downwards may be used. That is to say, the display screen may be translated if downward movement of the holding fingers and the change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 are detected. In short, the display screen 20a is translated if movement of the holding fingers when the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area and the change in tilt position are detected.
<Determination on Whether Translation is Required Based on Amount of Change in Tilt Angle>
The amount of change in tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 when the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area varies among individuals, but the amount of change is not so large. An average amount of change is about 20 degrees, for example. Whether the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area or the user simply tries to change the holding position or to change the hand with which the portable apparatus 1 is held may be determined based on the amount of change in tilt angle.
That is to say, in a case where the amount of change in tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 is smaller than the predetermined value, the control module 100 judges that the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area, and translates the display screen 20a. On the other hand, in a case where the amount of change in tilt angle is larger than the predetermined value, the control module 100 judges that the user does not try to operate the difficult-to-operate area, and does not perform processing in step S2. As a result, unnecessary translation of the display screen 20a can be reduced.
Alternatively, processing in step S3 may be performed after processing in step S2, and, if a negative judgment is made in step S3, the control module 100 may display the display screen 20a in the display area 2a as a whole. That is to say, the display screen 20a is once translated and displayed upon processing in step S1, but, if the amount of change in tilt angle exceeds the predetermined value, it is judged that the user does not try to operate the difficult-to-operate area, and the display is returned to the original state. The amount of change in tilt angle herein refers to the amount of change in tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1 made in the same time period as movement of the holding fingers, and is the amount of change from a start time point of the change in tilt angle in step S1 to the end of the change, for example.
<Determination of Direction of Movement of Display Screen>
In the above-mentioned example, the tilt sensor 92 detects the direction of the change in tilt angle, and, based on the results of detection, the direction of movement of the display screen 20a is determined. The direction of translation is herein determined based on information concerning which of the touch sensors 90 located on opposite side faces of the apparatus case 4 has detected movement of the holding fingers.
In a case where the portable apparatus 1 is held with the right hand 30, in
That is to say, the display screen 20a is translated downwards and towards a side face different from the side face on which the touch sensor 90 having detected movement of the holding fingers is located. This eliminates the need for the control module 100 to calculate the direction of the change in detected value to determine the direction of translation of the display screen 20a. As a result, processing is simplified.
When the tilt position of the portable apparatus 1 changes, the contact location of the touch sensor 90 and the base of the thumb can change. The change in contact location of the base of the thumb, however, is smaller than the change in contact location of the holding fingers. Therefore, by adjusting a threshold for detecting movement of the holding fingers, false detection of the change in contact location of the base of the thumb as movement of the holding fingers can be suppressed or avoided.
<Location of Touch Sensor>
In the above-mentioned example, the touch sensors 90 are located on the opposite side faces of the apparatus case 4. However, there is a case where the portable apparatus 1 cannot be held by being sandwiched from the side faces thereof with one hand. For example, in a case where the portable apparatus 1 of
As described above, in a case where the holding fingers 22 of the left hand 20 are brought into contact with the back face of the apparatus case 4, the user tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area (an end portion of the display area 2a on the right side of the plane of
If the touch sensor 90 detects movement of the holding fingers 22, and the tilt sensor 92 detects the change in tilt angle of the portable apparatus 1, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20a towards the thumb 21, and displays the display screen 20a.
The direction of translation is determined based on the direction of the change in tilt angle detected by the tilt sensor 92. For example, in
As a result, when the user only tries to operate the difficult-to-operate area, contents displayed in the difficult-to-operate area are displayed in the easy-to-operate area. Even in a case where the holding fingers are in contact with the back face of the portable apparatus 1, operations can be facilitated as described above.
The direction of translation may be determined based on how the holding fingers move. That is to say, the holding fingers 22 move to the left in the plane of
<Amount of Translation>
The size of the hand varies among individuals, and a user with large hands can operate the difficult-to-operate area without tilting the portable apparatus 1 so much. On the other hand, a user with small hands is required to significantly tilt the portable apparatus 1.
The control module 100 may thus increase the amount of translation as the amount of change in tilt angle increases. That is to say, for the user with small hands, the control module 100 moves the portion of the display screen 20a displayed in the difficult-to-operate area closer to the operating finger, and displays the moved portion.
On the other hand, for the user with large hands, the amount of translation is relatively small as the amount of change in tilt angle is relatively small. The area 2c in which the display screen 20a is displayed after translation thus has a relatively large size. It is rather difficult to operate an area of the display area 2a that is too close to the base of the operating finger with the operating finger. Thus, for a person with large hands, the display screen 20a is displayed so as to be relatively large to display contents of the display screen 20a in an area relatively distant from the base of the operating finger.
As described above, the size of the area in which the display screen 20a is displayed can properly be set in accordance with the size of the hand.
<Reduction of Display Screen>
The control module 100 may reduce and display the display screen 20a while translating the display screen 20a. The target for reduction is herein not the size of the area 2c in which the display screen 20a is displayed after translation but the scale of the display screen 20a.
On the other hand, the display screen 20a may be displayed without being reduced as illustrated in
<Return Display to Original State>
If the touch sensor 90 detects the change in contact location of the holding fingers as a predetermined operation in a case where the display screen 20a is translated and displayed in a portion (the area 2c) of the display area 2a, the control module 100 displays the display screen 20a in the display area 2a as a whole. An example of the predetermined operation includes, with reference to
<Display Screen Displayed in Display Area 2a>
<Display of Two Display Screens>
As described above, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20a, and displays the translated display screen 20a in the display area 2a, so that a portion of the display screen 20a is displayed in a portion (the area 2c) of the display area 2a. Hereinafter, the area 2c of the display area 2a in which the portion of the display screen 20a is displayed after translation is referred to as a main area 2c, and the other area is referred to as a sub area 2d (see also
In view of the demand regarding portable apparatuses for improvement in the amount of information included in the display screen, the aim below is to provide display technology enabling improvement in the amount of information.
In the above-mentioned example, the control module 100 translates and displays the display screen 20a if the touch sensor 90 detects movement of the holding fingers, and the tilt sensor 92 detects the change in tilt position of the portable apparatus 1. In the following description, however, the condition (trigger) for translating the display screen 20a is not limited to that described above. The condition (trigger) for translating the display screen 20a may appropriately be changed.
For example, an input module (a hard key or a soft key) for translating the display screen 20a may be provided on the portable apparatus 1, and the display screen 20a may be translated based on an input by the user into the input module. As for the direction of translation, an input module for inputting the direction of translation may be provided. With such configuration, the touch sensor 90 and the tilt sensor 92 are not essential components.
The touch sensor 90 may function as the input module. That is to say, a particular operation may be performed on the touch sensor 90 to cause the control module 100 to translate the display screen 20a. An example of the particular operation includes an operation to bring a finger into contact with the touch sensor 90, and release the finger after a predetermined time period. The direction of translation of the display screen 20a may also be input into the portable apparatus 1 through the touch sensor 90. For example, the direction of translation of the display screen 20a can be input based on which of the touch sensors 90 located on the opposite side faces has received the operation. As described above, in a case where the touch sensor 90 functions as the input module, the tilt sensor 92 is not an essential component.
In step S2, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20a and displays the portion of the display screen 20a in the main area 2c, and displays a display screen other than the display screen 20a in the sub area 2d. An example of the other display screen includes a display screen of one of the applications 103b that is run when processing in step S2 is performed. Alternatively, a predetermined one of the applications 103b may be run, and a display screen of the predetermined application 103b may be displayed as the other display screen.
If the touch panel 130 detects a tap operation performed on a portion of the display area 2a in which a link included in the web page is displayed, the control module 100 judges that the link has been selected by the user. The control module 100 then performs communication with the web server through the wireless communication module 110 to acquire a web page indicated by the link from the web server. The display panel 120 displays the web page acquired by the control module 100 in the display area 2a through control by the control module 100.
If the touch panel 130 detects an operation performed on a portion including one of the character input buttons 380, the control module 100 displays a character corresponding to the operation performed on the character input button 380 in the area 382. If the touch panel 130 detects an operation performed on a portion including the send button 384, the control module 100 sends the text to be sent displayed in the area 382 to a destination terminal through the wireless communication module 110.
If the touch panel 130 detects a slide operation performed on a portion including the display screen 20d, the control module 100 scrolls the map in a direction of the slide operation, and displays the scrolled map in the display area 2a. If the touch panel 130 detects a pinch-in operation performed on the display screen 20d, the control module 100 reduces the scale (i.e., increases the denominator of the scale) in accordance with the distance between two operators, and displays the map. If the touch panel 130 detects a pinch-out operation, the control module 100 increases the scale in accordance with the distance between two operators, and displays the map.
Assume that the three applications 103b (web browser, mail application, and map application) illustrated in
In this state, the control module 100 translates the display screen 20b, and displays the translated display screen 20b in the main area 2c (see
This allows the user to view not only the display screen 20b but also other information (i.e., the display screen 20c). As a result, the amount of information obtained from the display area 2a can be improved.
<Switching of Display Screens in Main Area and in Sub Area>
If the touch panel 130 detects a predetermined first operation (herein, a slide operation) performed on the display area 2a, for example, in a case where the main area 2c and the sub area 2d are displayed, the control module 100 recognizes the first operation as an operation to switch display screens in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d. That is to say, the control module 100 restricts the function (function of the control module 100 running the application 103b, hereinafter, the same applies) of the application 103b to be achieved by the first operation. For example, in
On the other hand, the control module 100 recognizes the first operation as the operation to switch the display screens in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d. That is to say, if the first operation performed on the display area 2a is detected, the control module 100 controls the display panel 120 so that the display screens in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d are switched to other display screens. For example, as illustrated in
If the touch panel 130 detects the first operation again in this state, the control module 100 switches the display screens in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d to other display screens again. For example, as illustrated in
According to such switching operation, display screens of applications 103b currently being run are sequentially displayed in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d. As a result, the user can easily check the applications 103b currently being run by repeatedly performing the first operation.
The display screen to be displayed in the main area 2c after switching is displayed in the sub area 2d before switching. As a result, the user can switch the screen while knowing the screen to be displayed in the main area 2c next beforehand.
Although description is made herein using the three display screens 20b to 20d, two display screens or four or more display screens may be used. The display screen 20a may be used.
Switching of the display screens in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d is herein performed upon the first operation performed on the display area 2a. Switching of the display screens, however, is not limited to that described above in one embodiment. The control module 100 may perform switching upon an input into another input module (a hard key or a soft key). In other words, the control module 100 may perform switching upon an input by the user into the detection module 132.
In a case where the touch sensor 90 is provided, for example, switching may be performed upon an operation performed on the touch sensor 90. In the case of using an input module other than the touch panel 130 as described above, the control module 100 is not required to impose the above-mentioned restriction on operations performed on the main area 2c and the sub area 2d. That is to say, the control module 100 may determine various operations performed on the main area 2c and the sub area 2d as operations performed on the applications 103b displayed in the main area 2c and the sub area 2d.
<Switching between Overall Display and Display in Main Area and in Sub Area>
In a case where the touch panel 130 detects a predetermined second operation (an operation different from the first operation, for example, a double-tap operation) performed on the main area 2c, the control module 100 also restricts the function of the application 103b displayed in the main area 2c to be achieved by the second operation. Instead, the control module 100 performs the following control by the second operation. That is to say, if the second operation performed on the main area 2c is detected, the control module 100 controls the display panel 120 so that the display screen displayed in the main area 2c is displayed in the display area 2a as a whole. For example, in the display area 2a illustrated in
In
The control module 100 further cancels the above-mentioned restriction on the function to be achieved by the operation performed on the display area 2a. This allows the user to achieve the function of the application 103b displayed in the display area 2a as a whole by the first operation and the second operation.
According to such a switching method, one of the main area 2c and the sub area 2d is displayed in the display area 2a as a whole in response to an operation performed on each of the main area 2c and the sub area 2d, and thus the user can easily understand the operation.
In the above-mentioned example, one of the main area 2c and the sub area 2d is displayed in the display area 2a as a whole upon the second operation performed on the main area 2c and the sub area 2d. Display control, however, is not limited to that described above, and may be performed upon an operation performed on another input module. In other words, the control module 100 may perform display in the display area 2a as a whole upon an input by the user into the detection module 132. However, an operation different from the above-mentioned operation to switch the screens in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d is used.
In a case where the touch sensor 90 is provided, for example, switching may be performed upon an operation performed on the touch sensor 90. That is to say, switching may be performed if the touch sensor 90 detects, as the operation, a predetermined change (e.g., a change made when the operating finger moves in one direction while being in contact with the touch sensor 90) in contact location of the holding finger. In this case, information concerning whether the display screen in the main area 2c is displayed in the display area 2a as a whole or the display screen in the sub area 2d is displayed in the display area 2a as a whole may be input into the portable apparatus 1 through the operation performed on the touch sensor 90. For example, this information may be input based on which of the touch sensors 90 located on the opposite side faces has received the operation.
In the case of using an input module other than the touch panel 130 as described above, the control module 100 is not required to impose the above-mentioned restriction on operations performed on the main area 2c and the sub area 2d. That is to say, the control module 100 may determine various operations performed on the main area 2c and the sub area 2d as operations performed on the applications 103b displayed in the main area 2c and the sub area 2d.
<Display Screen in Sub Area>
Assumed next is a case where the display screen (selection screen) 20a showing the app icons 22a is displayed in the main area 2c. In this case, if the touch panel 130 detects an operation (e.g., a tap operation) to select one of the app icons 22a, the control module 100 may run an application corresponding to the selected app icon 22a, and display a display screen of the application in the sub area 2d. As a result, the application being run can be viewed in the sub area 2d while the display screen 20a is displayed in the main area 2c. With this configuration, even if a wrong app icon 22a is selected, another app icon 22a can immediately be selected as the display screen 20a is displayed in the main area 2c, which is easily operated.
If the operation to display the display screen in the main area 2c in the display area 2a as a whole is detected in this state, the control module 100 may end the application 103b displayed in the sub area 2d while displaying the display screen in the main area 2c in the display area 2a as a whole. As a result, the application 103b can easily be ended compared to a case where an operation to end the application 103b is separately performed.
<Example of Operation of Control Module>
Processing in steps S1 and S3 is the same as that described above, and thus description thereof is not repeated. In step S2, the control module 100 translates the display screen and displays the translated display screen in the main area 2c, and also displays the display screen of the application 103b in the sub area 2d.
After processing in step S2 is performed, in step S11, the touch sensor 90 detects a particular operation (e.g., an operation to move the operating finger in one direction with the operating finger in contact with the touch sensor 90). Upon detection described above, in step S12, the control module 100 displays contents displayed in the main area 2c in the display area 2a as a whole, and waits.
After processing in step S2 is performed, in step S21, the touch panel 130 detects the first operation performed on the display area 2a. Upon detection described above, in step S22, the control module 100 switches contents displayed in the main area 2c and in the sub area 2d as described above, and waits.
After processing in step S2 is performed, in step S31, the touch panel 130 detects the second operation performed on the main area 2c. Upon detection described above, in step S32, the control module 100 displays the contents displayed in the main area 2c in the display area 2a as a whole.
After processing in step S2 is performed, in step S41, the touch panel 130 detects the second operation performed on the sub area 2d. Upon detection described above, in step S42, the control module 100 displays the contents displayed in the sub area 2d in the display area 2a as a whole.
After processing in step S2 is performed, in step S51, the touch panel 130 detects the operation (e.g., tap operation) to select one of the app icons 22a displayed in the main area 2c. Processing in step S51 is performed when the control module 100 displays the home screen in step S2. Upon detection described above, in step S52, the control module 100 runs one of the applications 103b corresponding to the selected app icon 22a, and displays the display screen of the application 103b in the sub area 2d.
In this state, in step S53, the touch panel 130 detects the second operation performed on the main area 2c. Upon detection described above, in step S54, the control module 100 ends the application 103b displayed in the sub area 2d, and displays the display screen displayed in the main area 2c in the display area 2a as a whole.
If the touch panel 130 detects the second operation performed on the sub area 2d in step S55 after step S52, the control module 100 displays, upon detection described above, the display screen displayed in the sub area 2d in the display area 2a as a whole in step S56.
<Other Modifications>
Although a case where the present disclosure is applied to a portable telephone has been described in the above-mentioned example, the present disclosure is applicable to portable apparatuses other than the portable telephone.
While the present disclosure has been described in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is therefore understood that numerous modifications that have not been described can be devised without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Various embodiments and modifications described above may be combined with one another unless any contradiction occurs. Numerous modifications that have not been described can be devised without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2013-113214 | May 2013 | JP | national |
2013-113285 | May 2013 | JP | national |
The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2014/064286, filed on May 29, 2014, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-113214, filed on May 29, 2013, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-113285, filed on May 29, 2013. International Application No. PCT/JP2014/064286 is entitled “PORTABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PORTABLE APPARATUS”, and both Japanese Patent Applications No. 2013-113214 and No. 2013-113285 are entitled “PORTABLE APPARATUS, CONTROL PROGRAM, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PORTABLE APPARATUS”. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/JP2014/064286 | May 2014 | US |
Child | 14952727 | US |