Wearable terminal and control method

0001NOTICE: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,838 B2. The present application is a Reissue Application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,838 B2. Reissue Application Ser. No. 17/094,179, filed Nov. 10, 2020, is also a Reissue Application of U.S. Pat. No. 10,126,838 B2.

BACKGROUND

00021. Technical Field

0003The present disclosure relates to a wearable terminal that detects a posture and switches display images according to the posture thus detected and a method for display control of such a wearable terminal.

00042. Description of the Related Art

0005There has conventionally been disclosed an art directed to a portable terminal device that detects, with an acceleration sensor, a rotating operation that causes a housing of the device to rotate and changes display images in a case where the rotating operation thus detected has been detected.

0006However, the conventional art requires further improvement.

SUMMARY

0007In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a wearable terminal that is able to be worn on a forearm of a user, including: a body having a display that performs display, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as an axis of rotation, and a controller that controls the display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that is connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an arcuate shape, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a second axis and is parallel to a direction in which the forearm extends, when the first angle of rotation is within a first angle range, the controller causes a first display image displayed, and when the first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to a second angle range, the controller causes a part of the first display image and a part of a second display image simultaneously displayed.

0008The foregoing aspect makes it possible to achieve further improvement.

0009These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, a method, and a computer program, and any combination of systems, methods, and computer programs.

0010Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the specification and drawings. The benefits and/or advantages may be individually obtained by the various embodiments and features of the specification and drawings, which need not all be provided in order to obtain one or more of such benefits and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an appearance diagram of a wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where a first angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a first angle range;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where the first angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a second angle range;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where a second angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a third angle range;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flow chart or explaining an example of sleep control of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during sleep control performed by a controller according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable terminal;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by the controller according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable terminal;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where a first angle of rotation according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 falls within a fourth angle range or a fifth angle range;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control of the wearable terminal according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by a controller according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case of a change out of the fourth angle range into the first angle range and the posture of the wearable terminal;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by the controller according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case of a change out of the fifth angle range into the first angle range and the posture of the wearable terminal;

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a diagram for explaining an angle range of a first angle of rotation according to Embodiment 2;

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control of a wearable terminal according to Embodiment 2;

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by a controller according to Embodiment 2 and the posture of the wearable terminal; and

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by the controller according to Embodiment 2 and the posture of the wearable terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Underlying Knowledge Forming Basis of the Present Disclosure

0029The inventor of the present invention found that the portable terminal device described in sections “Description of the Related Art” has the following problems.

0030Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No, 2010-277465 discloses a portable phone as a portable terminal device, and in recent years, a wearable terminal that is worn on a human body has been under development as a portable terminal device. An example of such a wearable terminal is a wristwatch-type wearable terminal that is worn on an arm.

0031Since such a wearable terminal is worn on one arm, the wearable terminal needs to be operated by a hand on the side of an arm opposite to the arm on which the wearable terminal is worn. Even in the case of a comparatively easy operation such as switching the wearable terminal's applications or switching from displaying one image to displaying another image, both arms are needed to operate the wearable terminal. For this reason, for example, in a case where one hand is busy, such as a case of carrying baggage or a case of hanging on to a strap in a train or bus, it is undesirably difficult to perform an operation on the wearable terminal.

0032In order to solve this problem, there has been a demand for causing the wearable terminal to perform display control according to a rotating operation by performing the rotating operation on the wearable terminal per se.

0033However, for example, even when display control is performed in which display images are switched in a case where the wearable terminal is rotated by a predetermined angle of rotation in a predetermined direction of rotation and then rotated in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction of rotation back to the original position, the user cannot confirm how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image. That is, the user can only confirm the result of having switched to the next display image. This undesirably makes the user unable to even know whether display images are switched, unless he/she knows in advance an operating method of rotating the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image.

0034Incidentally, the wearable terminal has a small housing and therefore only has a small space to store a battery. As such, the wearable terminal is undesirably less sufficient in battery capacity than other portable terminals such as smartphones. For this reason, a wearable terminal has been known which is brought into a sleep state when it is determined, by detecting the posture of the terminal per se, that the wearable terminal is in such a posture that the user is not viewing the wearable terminal. Specifically, a wearable terminal has been known which is brought into a sleep state by detecting a rotating operation performed on the terminal per se.

0035As mentioned above, in a case where the user does not know an operating method of rotating the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image, he/she needs to perform an operation with the hand on the side of the arm opposite to the arm on which the wearable terminal is worn. This requires the user to take time to switch display images, especially in a state where one hand is busy. Accordingly, with information kept displayed on the display, the wearable terminal waits for much more time than is necessary until an operation for switching display images is performed, thus ending up consuming electricity unnecessarily. Such an increase in power consumption is not desirable in the wearable terminal, which is small in battery capacity.

0036Further, as described above, the conventional wearable terminal has been known to perform either of the two processes, namely the process of switching display images and the process of switching to a sleep state, according to whether a predetermined rotating operation has been performed. However, no consideration has been given to how switching is performed in a case where the two processes are performed at the same time. That is, further consideration has been needed to cause the wearable terminal to perform the two processes, which differ in function from each other, by detecting a rotating operation.

0037Under such circumstances, the following measures were considered in order to improve the functions of a wearable terminal.

0038(1) A wearable terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a wearable terminal that is able to be worn on a forearm of a user, including: a body having a display that performs display in a display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as an axis of rotation, and a controller that controls the display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that is connected to the body and extends around the forearm in an arcuate shape, wherein the first axis is perpendicular to a second axis and is parallel to a direction in which the forearm extends, the first axis forms, with the second axis, a plane that is parallel to a display surface of the display when the wearable terminal on the forearm of the user, when the first angle of rotation is within a first angle range, the controller causes a first display image to be displayed in the display area, and when the first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to a second angle range that does not overlap with the first angle range, the controller causes at least part of the first display image and at least part of a second display image, that is different from the first display image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.

0039According to this, a transition from a state where the first display image is displayed to a state where the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image are displayed is made in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor of the wearable terminal has changed out of the first angle range into the second angle range. This allows the user to confirm a display image suggesting switching to the second display image, which is a display image that comes after the first display image. This allows the user to know how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image, thus allowing the user to easily switch to the next display image. This allows the user to switch display images without taking much time, thus allowing the wearable terminal to consume less electricity.

0040(2) In the aspect, when after the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to an angle range that may not overlap the second angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display area. <br /> (3) In the aspect, when after the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display area.

0041This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range into the first angle range in a state where the simultaneous display is performed, switch the display from displaying the first display image to displaying the second display image via the simultaneous display.

0042(4) In the aspect, the first display image may represent a first application that is executable in the wearable terminal, and the second display image may represent a second application that is different from the first application and is executable in the wearable terminal.

0043This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range into the first angle range, change from causing a display image representing the first application to be displayed in the display area to causing at least part of the display image representing the first application and at least part of a display image representing the second application to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.

0044(5) In the aspect, the sensor may further detect a second angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to the second axis as an axis of rotation, the controller may further control the display according to the second angle of rotation, when the second angle of rotation is within a third angle range and the first angle of rotation is within the first angle range, the controller may cause the first display image to be displayed in the display area, and when the second angle of rotation is within the third angle range and the first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to the second angle range, the controller may cause the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image, that is different from the first display image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.

0045This allows the wearable terminal to switch display images on the display not only according to the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but also according to the second angle of rotation in the second direction of rotation. This allows the controller to utilize a change in the second angle of rotation to switch to a display image that is different from the simultaneous display.

0046(6) In the aspect, the sensor may be a triaxial angular velocity sensor that further detects a third angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a third axis as an axis of rotation, the third axis being perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. <br /> (7) In the aspect, the first angle range may be between −15 and 15 degrees when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force, the second angle range may be between 15 degrees and 45 degrees when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force and a positive direction of rotation is a direction in which forearm of the user turns so that the display surface faces farther away from the user's body, and the third angle range may be between 0 and 45 degrees when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force and the positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the forearm of the user twists so that the display surface faces closer to the user's body.

0047This allows a user wearing the wearable terminal on his/her wrist to change the first angle of rotation, which is detected by the sensor of the wearable terminal, for example, by simply turning his/her forearm in such a direction that the wrist comes closer to his/her face. This allows the user to easily switch from a state where the first display image is displayed to the simultaneous display.

0000(8) In the aspect, the controller may turn off display on the display when the second angle of rotation changes to an angle range that does not overlap the third angle range.

0048This allows the wearable terminal not only to switch from the first display image to the simultaneous display according to a change in the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but also to switch from the first display image or the simultaneous display to the turning off of display on the display according to a change in the second angle of rotation. This makes it possible to turn off display on the display, for example, in a case where the controller has determined, according to a result of detection performed by the sensor, that the user is in such a posture that the user is not viewing the display, thus making it possible to reduce power consumption. Further, by assigning the function of display control and the function of sleep control according to results of detection of the first and second angles of rotation about two different axes of rotation, respectively, the display control process and the sleep control process can be performed without confusion. This makes it possible to effectively achieve two different functions by detecting a rotating operation.

0049(9) In the aspect, the second angle range may include a fourth angle range and a fifth angle range and an angle of rotation from the fourth angle range to the first angle range is smaller than an angle of rotation from the fifth angle range to the first angle range, when the first angle of rotation changes from the fifth angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display area, and when the first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the first display image to be displayed in the display area and the second display image to not be displayed in the display area.

0050This allows different display images to be displayed after the simultaneous display, depending On whether the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth angle range, which is located further from the first angle range, of the second angle range before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is performed or the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range, which is located closer to the first angle range, of the second angle range before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is performed. Further, in this case, when the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth angle range, which is located farther from the first angle range, switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image takes place, and when the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range, which is located closer to the first angle range, switching to the first display image takes place instead of switching to the second display image. Thus, in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is large, switching to the second display image takes place if the original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation, and in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is small, returning to the first display image takes place even if the original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation. This allows the user to, by adjusting the degree of the angle by which a rotation is made, choose between switching to the second display image and switching to the first display image after having confirmed the simultaneous display.

0051(10) In the aspect, when the first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle range to the fifth angle range, the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image may be simultaneously displayed in the display area and a third display image, suggesting switching from the first display image to the second display image, may be displayed in the display area.

0052This allows the user to know that the display image to be displayed in the case of returning to the first angle range next as a result of a rotation is the second display image, which comes after the first display image, as the third display image is displayed in a case where the first angle of rotation has changed into the fifth angle range. This allows the user to, after having confirmed the simultaneous display, easily determine whether switching to the second display image takes place or switching to the first display image takes place, thus allowing the user to choose between switching to the second display image and switching to the first display image.

0053(11) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the second angle range, the controller causes the at least pail o fate second display image to be displayed in a first display region of the display area and causes at least part of the first display image to be displayed in a second display region of the display area, the display area may be divided into to two regions by a boundary line that is perpendicular to the first axis, the first display region may be one of the two regions which is facing towards a body of the user, and the second display region may be the other of the two regions which is facing away from a body of the user.

0054For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image by changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range, the user can be given the sensation of pulling up the second display image, which is to be displayed next, from below and display it on the display.

0055(12) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first angle of rotations is within the second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the first display image to be displayed in a first display region of the display area and causes at least part of the second display image to be displayed in a second display region of the display area, the display area may be divided into the two regions by a boundary line that is parallel to the first axis, the first display region may be one of the two regions which is located on a fingertip side of the user, and the second display area may be the other of the two areas which is located on an elbow side of the user.

0056For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image by changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range, the user can be given the sensation of dropping the second display image, which is to be displayed next, in the direction of gravitational force and thereby display it on the display.

0057(13) A wearable terminal according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a wearable terminal that is able to be worn on a forearm of a user, including: a body having a display that performs display in a display area, a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a first axis as an axis of rotation, the first axis being parallel to a direction in which the forearm extends, and a controller that controls the display according to the first angle of rotation; and a band that is connected to the body and extends around the forearm an arcuate shape, wherein, when the first angle of rotation is within a first angle range, the controller causes a first display image to be displayed in the display area, and when the first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to a second angle range that does not overlap the first angle range, the controller causes at least part of the first display image and at least part of a second display image, that is different from the first display image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.

0058According to this, a transition from a state where the first display image is displayed to a state where the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image are displayed is made in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor of the wearable terminal has changed out of the first angle range into the second angle range. This allows the user to confirm a display image suggesting switching to the second display image, which is a display image that comes after the first display image. This allows the user to know how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image, thus allowing the user to easily switch to the next display image. This allows the user to switch display images without taking much time, thus allowing the wearable terminal to consume less electricity.

0059(14) In the aspect, when after the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to an angle range that may not overlap the second angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display area. <br /> (15) In the aspect, when rafter the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image have been simultaneously displayed in the display area, the first angle of rotation changes from the second angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display area.

0060This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range into the first angle range in a state where the simultaneous display is performed, sit itch the display from displaying the first display image to displaying the second display image via the simultaneous display.

0061(16) In the aspect, the first display image may represent a first application that is executable in the wearable terminal, and the second display image may represent a second application that is different from the first application and is executable ins the wearable terminal.

0062This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal out of the second angle range into the first angle range, change from causing a display image representing the first application to be displayed in the display area to causing at least part of the display image representing the first application and at least part of a display image representing the second application to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.

0063(17) In the aspect, the sensor may further detect a second angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a second axis as an axis of rotation, the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis and forms, with the first axis, a plane that is parallel to a display surface of the display when the user is wearing the wearable terminal on the forearm, the controller may further control the display according to the second angle of rotation, when the second angle of rotation is within a third angle range and the first angle of rotation is within the first angle range, the controller may cause the first display image to be displayed in the display area, and when the second angle of rotation is within the third angle range and the first angle of rotation changes from the first angle range to the second angle range, the controller may cause the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image, that different from the first display image, to be simultaneously displayed in the display area.

0064This allows the wearable terminal to switch display images on the display not only according to the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but also according to the second angle of rotation in the second direction of rotation. This allows the controller to utilize a change in the second angle of rotation to switch to a display image that is different from the simultaneous display.

0065(18) In the aspect, the sensor may be a triaxial angular velocity sensor that further detects a third angle of rotation by which the display has been rotated with respect to a third axis as an axis of rotation, the third axis being perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. <br /> (19) In the aspect, the first angle range may be between −15 degrees and 15 degrees when the display surface of the display is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force, the second angle range may be between 15 degrees and 45 degrees a when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force and a positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the forearm of the user turns so that the display surface faces farther away from the user's body, and the third angle range may be between 0 degree and 45 degrees when the display surface is assumed to be at 0 degrees when the display surface is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravitational force and faces in a direction opposite to the direction of gravitational force and the positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the forearm of the user twists so that the display surface faces closer to the user's body.

0066This allows a user wearing the wearable terminal on his/her wrist to change the first angle of rotation, which is detected by the sensor of the wearable terminal, for example, by simply turning his/her forearm in such a direction that the wrist comes closer to his/her face. This allows the user to easily switch from a state where the first display image is displayed to the simultaneous display.

0000(20) In the aspect, the controller may turn off display on the display when the second angle of rotation changes to an angle range that does not overlap the third angle range.

0067This allows the wearable terminal not only to switch from the first display image to the simultaneous display according to a change in the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but also to switch from the first display image or the simultaneous display to the turning off of display on the display according to a change in the second angle of rotation. This makes it possible to turn off display on the display, for example, in a case where the controller has determined, according to a result of detection performed by the sensor, that the user is in such a posture that the user is not viewing the display, thus making it possible to reduce power consumption. Further, by assigning the function of display control and the function of sleep control according to results of detection of the first and second angles of rotation about two different axes of rotation, respectively, the display control process and the sleep control process can be performed without confusion. This makes it possible to effectively achieve two different functions by detecting a rotating operation.

0068(21) In the aspect, the second angle range may include a fourth angle range and a fifth angle range and an angle of rotation from the fourth angle range to the first angle range is smaller than an angle of rotation from the fifth angle range to the first angle range, when the first angle of rotation changes from the fifth angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the second display image to be displayed in the display area and the first display image to not be displayed in the display area, and when the first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the first display image to be displayed in the display area and the second display image to not be displayed in the display area.

0069This allows different display images to be displayed after the simultaneous display, depending on whether the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth angle range, which is located farther from the first angle range, of the second angle range before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is performed or the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range, which is located closer to the first angle range, of the second angle range before returning to the first angle range as a result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is performed. Further, in this case, when the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth angle range, which is located farther from the first angle range, switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image takes place, and when the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range, which is located closer to the first angle range, switching to the first display image takes place instead of switching to the second display image. Thus, in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is large, switching to the second display image takes place if the original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation, and in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is small, returning to the first display image takes place even if the original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation. This allows the user to, by adjusting the degree of the angle by which a rotation is made, choose between switching to the second display image and switching to the first display image after having confirmed the simultaneous display.

0070(22) In the aspect, when the first angle of rotation changes from the fourth angle range to the fifth angle range, the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image may be simultaneously displayed in the display area and a third display image suggesting switching from the first display image to the second display image may be displayed in the display area.

0071This allows the user to know that the display image to be displayed in the case of returning to the first angle range next as a result of a rotation is the second display image, which comes after the first display image, as the third display image is displayed in a case where the first angle of rotation has changed into the fifth angle range. This allows the user to, after having confirmed the simultaneous display, easily determine whether switching to the second display image takes place or switching to the first display image takes place, thus allowing the user to choose between switching to the second display image and switching to the first display image.

0072(23) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the second angle range, the controller causes the at least part of the second display image to be displayed in a first display region of the display area and causes at least part of the first display image to be displayed in a second display region of the display area, the display area may be divided into to two regions by a boundary line parallel to the forearm, the first display region may be one of the two regions which is located on a fingertip side of the user, and the second display region may be the other of the two regions which is located on at elbow side of the user.

0073For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image by changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range, the user can be given the sensations of pulling up the second display image, which is to be displayed next, from below and display it on the display.

0074(24) In the aspect, when the at least part of the first display image and the at least part of the second display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area and when the first angle of rotation is within the second angle range, the controller may cause the at least part of the first display image to be displayed in a first display region of the display area and cause at least part of the second display image to be displayed in a second display region of the display area, the display area may be divided into the two regions by a boundary line that is parallel to the forearm, the first display region may be one of the two regions which is located on a fingertip side of the user, and the second display area may be the other of the two areas which is located on an elbow side of the user.

0075For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image by changing out of the second angle range into the first angle range, the user can be given the sensation of dropping the second display image, which is to be displayed next, in the direction of gravitational force and thereby display it on the display.

0076(25) In the aspect, when, after the first angle of rotation changes front the second angle range into a sixth angle range that does not overlap the first angle range or the second angle range, the first angle of rotation changes from the sixth angle range to the first angle range, the controller may cause the first display image to be displayed in the display area and the second display image to not be displayed in the display area.

0077Further, in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor has changed out of the second angle range into the sixth angle range, which does not overlap the first angle range or the second angle range, and then changed out of the sixth angle range into the first angle range, the controller may cause the display to display the first display image and does not cause the display to the second display image.

0000(26) In the aspect, the second angle range may be an angle range between the first angle range and the sixth angle range.

0078Further, the second angle range may be an angle range provided between the first angle range and the sixth angle range.

0079It should be noted that these general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or any selective combination thereof. Further, these general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a combination of some or all of the disclosures described in different embodiments.

0080A wearable terminal according to an aspect of the present disclosure and a method for display control of such a wearable terminal are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

0081It should be noted that an embodiment described below is a specific example of the present disclosure. Numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, and the locations and topology of the constituent elements, and the like that are shown in the embodiment below are examples, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those of the constituent elements in the embodiment below which are not recited in an independent claim representing the most superordinate concept are described as optional constituent elements.

Embodiment 1

0082Embodiment 1 is described below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 10</figref>.

00001-1. Configuration

0083In Embodiment 1, a wearable terminal is described which switches, according to a detected posture, from displaying one display image on a display to displaying another display image on the display.

0084<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is an appearance diagram of a wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1.

0085As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG 1</figref>, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is a wristwatch-type terminal that is worn on a user's arm like a wristwatch. The wearable terminal <b>100</b> includes a body <b>10</b> and a band <b>20</b>.

0086The body <b>10</b> has a rectangular flat shape. The body <b>10</b> includes hardware for achieving a functional configuration of a display unit, a controller, and a sensor. The body <b>10</b> includes a display surface <b>11</b> that faces in a direction opposite to an arm in a state where the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the arm. The hardware configuration and the functional configuration will be described later. It should be noted that the body <b>10</b> may have an elliptical flat shape, a circular flat shape, or the like instead of having a rectangular flat shape. The body <b>10</b> is made, for example, of metal, glass, resin, or the like.

0087The band <b>20</b> is a band-shaped member that is connected to both ends of the body <b>10</b> in a predetermined direction and wound around the user's arm in a circular pattern together with the body <b>10</b>, It should be noted that the band <b>20</b> needs only be worn on the user's arm by being wound around the user's arm in a circular pattern and does not need to have such a shape as to surround the entire perimeter of the area together with the body <b>10</b>. That is, the band <b>20</b> may be a band-shaped member having such a shape as to surround ⅘ of the arm together with the body <b>10</b>. The band <b>20</b> is made, for example, of resin such as silicone, metal, leather (including synthetic leather), or the like.

0088Let it be assumed here that the X axis is an axis of rotation that, when the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on an arm (forearm), extends in a direction in which the arm (forearm) extends, Further, let it be also assumed that the Y axis is an axis of rotation that extends in the predetermined direction in the body <b>10</b> in a state where the display surface <b>11</b> of the body <b>10</b> is horizontal and facing a ceiling side (i.e. a side opposite to the direction of gravitational force). The following assumes that a direction parallel to the X axis is an X-axis direction and a direction parallel to the Y axis is a Y-axis direction. Further, let it be also assumed that a direction that is vertical (i.e. a direction perpendicular to the display surface <b>11</b>) in a state where the display surface <b>11</b> of the body <b>10</b> is horizontal and facing the ceiling side (i.e. the side opposite to the direction of gravitational force) is a Z-axis direction.

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1.

0090As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> includes a hardware configuration of a CPU <b>101</b> (central processing unit), a main memory <b>102</b>, a storage <b>103</b>, a communication IF <b>104</b> (interface), an acceleration sensor <b>105</b>, a triaxial angular velocity sensor <b>106</b>, and a display <b>107</b>.

0091The CPU <b>101</b> is a processor that executes a control program stored in the storage <b>103</b> or the like.

0092The main memory <b>102</b> is a volatile storage area that is used as a work area when the CPU <b>101</b> executes the control program.

0093The storage <b>103</b> is a nonvolatile storage area in which the control program, content, and the like are stored.

0094The communication IF <b>104</b> is a network interface that exchanges data with another device over a network. The communication IF <b>104</b> is for example a wireless LAN (local area network) interface compatible with the IEEE 802.11a/b/g standard.

0095The acceleration sensor <b>105</b> is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the wearable terminal <b>100</b>.

0096The triaxial angular velocity sensor <b>106</b> is a sensor that detects angular velocities of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> rotating on three axes extending, in three different directions, respectively.

0097The display <b>107</b> is a display device that displays pictures including, images. For example, the display <b>107</b> is a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like.

0098<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1.

0099As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> includes a functional configuration of a sensor <b>111</b>, a controller <b>112</b>, and a display unit <b>113</b>.

0100The sensor <b>111</b> detects a first angle of rotation of the display unit <b>113</b> of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> in a first direction of rotation. Further, the sensor <b>111</b> may also detect a second angle of rotation of the display unit <b>113</b> in a second direction of rotation that is different in axis of rotation from the first direction of rotation. Further, the sensor <b>111</b> may also detect a third angle of rotation of the display unit <b>113</b> in a third direction of rotation that is different in axis of rotation from the first direction of rotation and the second direction of rotation. That is, the sensor <b>111</b> is implemented using the triaxial angular velocity sensor <b>106</b>. It should be noted that the sensor <b>111</b> may be implemented using the acceleration sensor <b>105</b> or a combination of the acceleration sensor <b>105</b> and the triaxial angular velocity sensor <b>106</b>.

0101The first, second, and third angles of rotation, which are detected by the sensor <b>111</b>, are described in detail here with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 to 6</figref>.

0102First, the first, second, and third directions of rotation refer to a direction of rotation about the Y axis, a direction of rotation about the X axis, and a directions of rotation about the axis parallel to the Z-axis direction. In Embodiment 1, the first, second, and third directions of rotation are directions that are orthogonal to one another.

0103<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where the first angle of rotations according to Embodiment 1 falls within a first angle range. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where the first angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a second angle range. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where the second angle of rotation according to Embodiment 1 falls within a third angle range.

0104First, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 to 6</figref>, both the first and second angles of rotation are angles of rotation from a reference posture in which the display surface <b>11</b> of the display <b>107</b> constituting the display unit <b>113</b> is horizontal to the ground and facing the ceiling side (i.e. the side opposite to the ground). That is, the first and second angles of rotation indicate extents of rotation from 0 degree at which the display surface <b>11</b> intersects the direction of gravitational force at a substantially right angle and the display surface <b>11</b> laces a side opposite to a side of application of gravitational force.

0105As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the first angle range θ<b>1</b> is an angle range, for example, of not less than −15 degrees to less than 15 degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the first direction of rotation about the Y axis.

0106As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the second angle range θ<b>2</b> is an angle range, for example, of not less than 15 degrees to less than 45 degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the first direction of rotation about the Y axis and a positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the user turns his/her arm so that the display surface <b>11</b> faces away from the user's body. It should be noted that although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows an example where the user wears the wearable terminal <b>100</b> on his/her left wrist, the angle range is reversed in the X-axis direction in a case where the user wears the wearable terminal <b>100</b> on his/her right wrist. That is, while a left rotation is positive direction of rotation in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a right rotation is the positive direction of rotation in a case where the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the right wrist. It should be noted that the user may be allowed to wear the wearable terminal <b>100</b> on his/her left or right wrist first and then set whether the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the left or right wrist and, in this case, the controller <b>112</b> may determine, according to the information thus set, whether the direction of rotation is positive or negative. Alternatively, a left rotation is set in advance to be the positive direction of rotation on the premise that the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the left wrist. It should be noted that, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>, the upper side of a display image displayed on the screen faces away from the front toward the paper plane. That is, m a case where the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the left wrist, the hand comes onto the right side of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> as seen from the front and the arm comes onto the left side of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> as seen from the front. Therefore, in a case where the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the left wrist, a change out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b> can be made by shifting the arm from a substantially horizontal position to a position in which the wrist side is higher.

0107It should be noted that although, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the first angle range θ<b>1</b> and the second angle range θ<b>2</b> are angle ranges that are adjacent to each other, this does not imply any limitation and there may be a gap of a predetermined angle (e.g. 2 degrees) between the first angle range θ<b>1</b> and the second angle range θ<b>2</b>.

0108As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the third angle range θ<b>3</b> is an angle range, for example, of not less than 0 degrees to less than 45 degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the second direction of rotation about the X axis and the positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists his/her arm so that the display surface <b>11</b> faces toward the user's body. That is, in a case where the user adopts a posture of looking at the display surface <b>11</b> of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> by placing his/her forearm so that it is located. along a horizontal direction in front of his/her body, the positive direction of rotation is a direction of rotation (direction of left rotation in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) in which the user twists his/her arm so that the display surface <b>11</b> inclines toward the user's body (negative side of the Y-axis direction in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>), It should be noted that, in the second direction of rotation, the direction of left rotation in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is the positive direction of rotation regardless of whether the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on the left or right wrist.

0109Since the first angle range θ<b>1</b>. the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, and the third angle range θ<b>3</b> are defined as described above, a user wearing the wearable terminal <b>100</b> on his/her wrist can change the first angle of rotation, which is detected by the sensor <b>111</b> of the wearable terminal <b>100</b>. for example, by simply turning his/her forearm in such a direction that the wrist comes closer to his/her face. This allows the user to easily switch from a state where a first display image <b>201</b> is displayed to simultaneous display.

0110The controller <b>112</b> controls display on the display unit <b>113</b>. The controller <b>112</b> determines whether the second angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, and in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination, that the second angle of rotation fails within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b>. Further, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the second angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, and in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination, that the second angle of rotation falls within the third at range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, the controller <b>112</b> performs simultaneous display in which part of the first display image <b>201</b> and part of a second display image <b>202</b> that is different from the first display image <b>201</b> are simultaneously displayed in a display area <b>12</b> of the display unit <b>113</b>.

0111Further, in a case where the second angle of rotation has changed into an angle range that does not overlap the third angle range θ<b>3</b>, the controller <b>112</b> may turn off display on the display unit <b>113</b>.

0112Further, after having performed the simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> may determine whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> back into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, and in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination, that the first angle of rotation has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> back into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the controller <b>112</b> may perform display control to cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display the second display image <b>202</b> and does not cause the display unit to display the first display image <b>201</b>.

0113The display unit <b>113</b> performs display in the display area <b>12</b>.

00001-2. Operation

0114Operation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> thus configured is described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 to 10</figref>.

0115First, sleep control of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref>.

0116<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flow chart for explaining an example of sleep control of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during sleep control performed by the controller according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable terminal.

0117First, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the second angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> (S<b>101</b>).

0118In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the second angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> (Yes in S<b>101</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display an appropriate display image according to that occasion such as the first display image <b>201</b>, the second display image <b>202</b>. or the simultaneous display (S<b>102</b>). Specifically, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b>, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b>, for example, to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> of the display unit <b>113</b> as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0119Note here that the first display image <b>201</b> is a display image that represents a first application that is executable in the wearable terminal <b>100</b>, In Embodiment 1, the first application is for example an application for graphically displaying a clock (at least either an analog clock or a digital clock) that shows the current time.

0120In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the second angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> does not falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> (i.e. falls within an angle range that does not overlap the third angle range θ<b>3</b>) (No in S<b>101</b>), the controller <b>112</b> turns off display on the display unit <b>113</b> and causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep (S<b>103</b>). By so doing, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display nothing

0121In this way, the controller <b>112</b> switches, according to whether the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b>, between causing the display unit <b>113</b> to display a display image and causing, the display unit <b>113</b> to display no display image. In this sleep control, whether the user is looking at the display surface <b>11</b> of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is determined according to whether the second angle of rotation fails within the third angle range θ<b>3</b>. In a case where the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b>, it is determined that user is looking at the display surface <b>11</b>. In a case where the second angle of rotation does not fail within the third angle range θ<b>3</b>, it is determined that user is not looking at the display surface <b>11</b>. By thus causing the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep in a case where the user is not looking at the display surface <b>11</b>, a reduction in power consumption is achieved.

0122It should be noted that this sleep control is always performed in a state where the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is on. That is, the sleep control is performed in parallel with display control that is described next.

0123Next, display control of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>.

0124<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control of the wearable terminal according to Embodiment 1. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by the controller according to Embodiment 1 and the posture of the wearable terminal. It should be noted that this display control, which is performed in parallel with the sleep control, is performed when it has been determined in the sleep control that the display unit <b>113</b> is allowed to display a display image.

0125First, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (S<b>201</b>).

0126In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (Yes in S<b>201</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> (S<b>202</b>), Specifically, the controller <b>112</b>, which is also performing the sleep control at the same time, causes the display unit <b>113</b>, for example, to display only the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> in a case where, as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>. It should be noted that instead of causing only the first display image <b>201</b> to be displayed, the controller <b>112</b> may cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display, together with the first display image <b>201</b>, a display image (such as a display image of notification of apps) that is different from the first display image <b>201</b>.

0127On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> does not falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (No in S<b>201</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep (S<b>209</b>).

0128Next, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (S<b>203</b>).

0129In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (Yes in S<b>203</b>), the controller <b>112</b> performs simultaneous display in which the display unit <b>113</b> simultaneously displays part of the first display image <b>201</b> and part of the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b> (S<b>204</b>). Specifically, the controller <b>112</b>, which is also performing the sleep control at the same time, causes a left part of the first display image <b>201</b> and a tight part of the second display image <b>202</b> to be simultaneously displayed in the same display area <b>12</b> in a case where, as shown in (a) and (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (the first angle of rotation has changed from being as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> to being as shown in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>). It should be noted here that the second display image <b>202</b> is a display image that represents a second application that is different from the first application and executable in the wearable terminal <b>100</b>. In Embodiment 1, the second application is for example an application that serves as a music player that plays back a music file. That is, the second display image <b>202</b> serves as a GUI (graphic user interface) of the music player.

0130It should be noted that the first display image <b>201</b> and the second display image <b>202</b> are not limited to display images that represent different applications, but may be a first image and a second image that are displayed in an image-viewing app. Alternatively, the first display image <b>201</b> and the second display image <b>202</b> may be images that represent first and second pieces of music (albums), respectively, that are played back in a music player app. in this case, control of a skip from one music track to another may also be performed by switching from the first display image <b>201</b> to the second display image <b>202</b>. In addition, the first display image <b>201</b> and the second display image <b>202</b> may be any images such as different images of different applications or different images in the same application.

0131Further, in the simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display part (e.g. the right part) of the second display image <b>202</b> in a first display area <b>12</b>a and display part (e.g. the left part) of the first display image <b>201</b> in a second display area <b>12</b>b. It should be noted that, in the posture that the wearable terminal <b>100</b> adopts when the first angle of rotation fails within the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, the first display area <b>12</b>a is a lower part of the display area <b>12</b> (i.e. part of the display area <b>12</b> on a negative side of the Z-axis direction) and the second display area <b>12</b>b is an upper part of the display area <b>12</b> (i.e. part of the display area <b>12</b> on a positive side of the Z-axis direction). Since, in this case, the simultaneous display is performed in a posture inclined in the direction of rotation about the Y axis, the first display area <b>12</b>a is the left one of the two display areas divided from each other in a direction (horizontal direction on the paper plane of (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>) orthogonal to the predetermined direction of the body <b>10</b> and the second display area <b>12</b>b is the right one of the two display areas divided from each other in the direction (horizontal direction on the paper plane of (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>) orthogonal to the predetermined direction. For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second to display image <b>202</b> by changing out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the user can be given the sensation of pulling up the second display image <b>202</b>, which is to be displayed next, from below and display it on the display unit <b>113</b>.

0132It should be noted that, in the simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> may put the display images in each other's positions. That is, in the simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> may cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display part (e.g. a right part) of the first display image <b>201</b> in the first display area <b>12</b>a and display part (e.g. a left part) of the second display image <b>202</b> in the second display area <b>12</b>b. It should be noted that, in the posture that the wearable terminal <b>100</b> adopts when the first angle of rotation falls within the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, the first display area <b>12</b>a is the lower part of the display area <b>12</b> and the second display area <b>12</b>b is the upper part of the display area <b>12</b>. For this reason, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image <b>202</b> by changing out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the user can be given the sensation of dropping the second display image <b>202</b>, which is to be displayed next, in the direction of gravitational force and thereby display it on the display unit <b>113</b>.

0133Further, in shifting from a state where the first display image <b>201</b> is displayed to the simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> may cause the display unit <b>113</b> to perform such display that the first display image <b>201</b> and the second display image <b>202</b> are slid rightward so that only the left part of the first display image <b>201</b> is displayed by sliding the first display image <b>201</b> rightward and, at the same time, only the right part of the second display image <b>202</b> is displayed by sliding the second display image <b>202</b> rightward from an outer left side of the display area <b>12</b> toward the display area <b>12</b>.

0134Further, in shifting from the simultaneous display to displaying the second display image <b>202</b>, the controller <b>112</b> may cause the display unit <b>113</b> to perform such display that the simultaneous display is slid rightward as it is, the left part of the first display image <b>201</b> is slid to an outer side of the display area <b>12</b>, and the second display image <b>202</b> is slid so as to gradually change from displaying only its right part to displaying its entirety.

0135Further, although, in the case of simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> causes the left part of the first display image <b>201</b> and the right part of the second display image <b>202</b> to be displayed, this does not imply any limitation and the controller <b>112</b> may cause an entirely scaled-down version of the first display image <b>201</b> and an entirely scaled-down version of the second display image <b>202</b> to be displayed. In this case, the entirely scaled-down versions of the first and second display images <b>201</b> and <b>202</b> may be ones with their aspect ratios kept the same, ones with their aspect ratios varied, or ones deformed into trapezoids, rhombuses, circles, and the like.

0136Continued reference is made to step S<b>203</b>. On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has not changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (No in S<b>203</b>), the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation remains within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (S<b>205</b>). If the first angle of rotation remains within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (Yes in S<b>205</b>), the controller <b>112</b> returns to step S<b>202</b> and keeps the first display image <b>201</b> displayed. In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination of S<b>205</b>, that the first angle of rotation does not fail within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (i.e. does not fail within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> or the second angle range θ<b>2</b>) (No in S<b>205</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep (S<b>209</b>).

0137After the simultaneous display in step S<b>204</b>, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (S<b>206</b>).

0138In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (Yes in S<b>206</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b> and does not cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> (S<b>208</b>). Specifically, in a case where, as shown in (b) and (c) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the second angle of rotation falls within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (the first angle of rotation has changed from being as shown in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> to being as shown in (c) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>), the controller <b>112</b> can switch from the simultaneous display to causing the display unit <b>113</b> to display only the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b>. It should be noted that instead of causing only the second display image <b>202</b> to be displayed, the controller <b>112</b> may cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display, together with the second display image <b>202</b>, a display image (such as a display image of notification of apps) that is different from the second display image <b>202</b>.

0139On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has not changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (No in S<b>206</b>), the controller <b>112</b> determines that the first angle of rotation remains within the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (S<b>207</b>). If the first angle of rotation remains within the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (Yes in S<b>207</b>), the controller <b>112</b> returns to step S<b>204</b> and continues the simultaneous display. In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination of S<b>207</b>, that the first angle of rotation does not fall within the second angle range θ<b>2</b> (i.e. does not fill within the first angle range θ<b>1</b> or the second angle range θ<b>21</b> (No in S<b>207</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep (S<b>209</b>).

00001-3. Advantageous Effects and the Like

0140As described above, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> according to the present embodiment is configured such that a transition from a state where the first display image is displayed to a state where part of the first display image <b>201</b> and part of the second display image <b>202</b> are displayed is made in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>. This allows the user to confirm the simultaneous display, which suggests switching to the second display image <b>202</b>, which is a display image that comes after the first display image <b>201</b>. This allows the user to know how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal <b>100</b> to switch to the next display image, thus allowing the user to easily switch to the next display image. This allows the user to switch display images without taking much time, thus allowing the wearable terminal <b>100</b> to consume less electricity.

0141Further, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is configured such that in a case where, after the simultaneous display has been performed, the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> back into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the second display image <b>202</b> and does not cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b>. This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> in a state where the simultaneous display is performed, switch the display unit <b>113</b> from displaying the first display image <b>201</b> to displaying the second display image <b>202</b> via the simultaneous display.

0142Further, the first display image <b>201</b> is a display image that represents the first application that is executable in the wearable terminal <b>100</b>, and the second display image <b>202</b> is a display image that represents the second application that is different from the first application and executable in the wearable terminal <b>100</b>. This allows the user to, by simply changing the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> in a state where the simultaneous display is performed, cause the display unit <b>113</b> to simultaneously display, in the display area <b>12</b>, a display image representing the first application and a display image representing the second application.

0143Further, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is configured such that the sensor <b>111</b> detects the second angle of rotation in the second direction of rotation that is different in axis of rotation from the first direction of rotation, that in a case where, in a result of the detection performed by the sensor <b>111</b>, the second angle of rotation fills within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b>, and that in a case where, in the result of the detection performed by the sensor <b>111</b>, the second angle of rotation fills within the third angle range θ<b>3</b> and the first angle of rotation has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, the controller <b>112</b> performs simultaneous display. This allows the wearable terminal <b>100</b> to switch display images on the display unit <b>113</b> not only according to the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but also according to the second angle of rotation in the second direction of rotation. This allows the controller <b>112</b> to utilize a change in the second angle of rotation to switch to a display image that is different from the simultaneous display.

0144Further, when the X axis is an axis of rotation that, when the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is worn on an arm, extends in a direction in which the arm extends and the Y axis is an axis of rotation that extends in the predetermined direction in the body <b>10</b>, the first direction of rotation indicates a direction of rotation about the Y axis and the second direction of rotation indicates a direction of rotation about the X axis. This allows a user wearing the wearable terminal <b>100</b> on his/her wrist to change the first angle of rotation, which is detected by the sensor <b>111</b> of the wearable terminal <b>100</b>, for example, by simply turning his/her forearm in such a direction that the wrist comes closer to his/her face. This allows the user to easily switch from the first display image <b>201</b> to the simultaneous display.

0145Further, the wearable terminal <b>100</b> is configured such that in a case where the second angle of rotation has changed into an angle range that does not overlap the third angle range θ<b>3</b>, the controller <b>112</b> turns off display on the display unit <b>113</b>. This allows the wearable terminal <b>100</b> not only to switch from the first display image <b>201</b> to the simultaneous display according to a change in the first angle of rotation in the first direction of rotation but also to switch from the first display image <b>201</b> or the simultaneous display to the turning off of display on the display unit <b>113</b> according to a change in the second angle of rotation. This makes it possible to turn off display on the display unit <b>113</b>, for example, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, according to a result of detection performed by the sensor <b>111</b>, that the user is in such a posture that the user is not viewing the display unit <b>113</b>, thus making it possible to reduce power consumption. Further, by assigning the function of display control (display switch process) and the function of sleep control (process of switching to sleep state) according to results of detection of the first and second angles of rotation about two different axes of rotation, respectively, the display control process and the sleep control process can be performed without confusion. This makes it possible to effectively achieve two different functions by detecting a rotating operation.

Modification 1

0146Next, Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 is described.

0147Although Embodiment 1 is configured such that in a case where, after the simultaneous display has been performed, the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the display unit <b>113</b> displays the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b>, this does not imply any limitation. Specifically, the second angle range θ<b>2</b> may be further divided into two angle ranges, and it may be determined whether there has been a change out of either of the two angle ranges, which are segmented by being divided, into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, whereby according to a result of the determination, a change from the state of simultaneous display to displaying either the first display image <b>201</b> or the second display image <b>202</b> may be made.

0148<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a diagram for explaining a case where a first angle of rotation according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 fails within a fourth angle range or a fifth angle range.

0149As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the second angle range θ<b>2</b> is segmented into a fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> provided on the side of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (negative side of the direction of rotation) and a fifth angle range θ<b>22</b> provided on a side opposite to the first angle range θ<b>1</b> across the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> (positive side of the direction of rotation of the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b>). That is, the second angle range θ<b>2</b> includes the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> and the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b>. It should be noted that although, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> and the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b> are angle ranges that are adjacent to each other, this does not imply any limitation and there may be a gap of a predetermined angle (e.g, 2 degrees) between the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> and the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b>.

0150Next, operation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 is described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

0151<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a flow chart for explaining an example of display control of the wearable terminal according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by a controller according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case of a change out of the fourth angle range into the first angle range and the posture of the wearable terminal. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a diagram showing a relationship between a display image that is displayed during display control performed by the controller according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 in the case of a change out of the fifth angle range into the first angle range and the posture of the is terminal.

0152Since the display control according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 1 described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> only differs from the display control according to Embodiment 1 described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> in that a determination of step S<b>210</b> is made after a “Yes” determination has been made in step S<b>206</b>, only step S<b>210</b> is described here.

0153In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has made a “Yes” determination in step S<b>206</b>, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth or fifth angle range θ<b>21</b> or θ<b>22</b> of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> in step S<b>206</b> (S<b>210</b>).

0154In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (FOURTH ANGLE RANGE in S<b>210</b>), the controller <b>112</b> returns to step S<b>202</b> and causes the first display image <b>201</b> to be displayed. Specifically, in a case where the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> as shown in (a) and (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> (the first angle of rotation has changed from being as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> to being as shown in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>), the controller <b>12</b> switches from the simultaneous display to causing the display unit <b>113</b> to display only the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b>. It should be noted that instead of causing only the first display image <b>201</b> to be displayed, the controller <b>112</b> may cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display, together with the first display image <b>201</b>, a display image (such as a display image of notification of apps) that is different from the first display image <b>201</b> to be displayed together with the first display image <b>201</b>.

0155On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> (FIFTH ANGLE RANGE in S<b>210</b>), the controller <b>112</b> shifts to step S<b>208</b> and causes the second display image <b>202</b> to be displayed. Specifically, in a case where the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b> as shown in (a) and (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> (the first angle of rotation has changed from being as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> to being as shown in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>), the controller <b>12</b> switches from the simultaneous display to causing the display unit <b>113</b> to display only the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b>. It should be noted that instead of causing only the second display image <b>202</b> to be displayed, the controller <b>112</b> may cause a display image (such as a display image of notification of apps) that is different from the second display image <b>202</b> to be displayed together with the second display image <b>202</b>.

0156By thus executing step S<b>210</b>, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b> and does not cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> in a case where, in a result of detection performed by the sensor <b>111</b>, the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b> back into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, and the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> and does not cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b> in a case where, in a result of detection performed by the sensor <b>111</b>, the first angle of rotation has changed out of the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> back into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>.

0157This allows different display images to be displayed after the simultaneous display, depending on whether the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b>, which is located farther from the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> before returning to the first angle range θ<b>1</b> as a result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is performed or the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b>, which is located closer to the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> before returning to the first angle range θ<b>1</b> as a result of a rotation in a state where the simultaneous display is performed. Further, in this case, when the first angle of rotation fell within the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b>, which is located farther from the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image <b>202</b> takes place, and when the first angle of rotation fell within the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b>, which is located closer to the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, switching to the first display image <b>201</b> takes place instead of switching to the second display image <b>202</b>. Thus, in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image <b>201</b> is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is large, switching to the second display image <b>202</b> takes place if the original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation, and in a case where a rotation from a posture in which the first display image <b>201</b> is displayed to the posture of simultaneous display is small, returning to the first display image <b>201</b> takes place even if the original posture is adopted as a result of a reverse rotation. This allows the user to, by adjusting the degree of the angle by which a rotation is made, choose between switching to the second display image <b>202</b> and switching to the first display image <b>201</b> after having confirmed the simultaneous display.

0158Further, in the simultaneous display, as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref>, a third display image <b>203</b> indicating that the first angle of rotation has changed into the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b> may be displayed together with the simultaneous display. The third display image <b>203</b> is for example a display image obtained by changing the overall color of the simultaneous display, a display image obtained by changing the outer circumferential color of the simultaneous display, and the like. That is, in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the fourth angle range θ<b>21</b> into the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b>, the controller <b>112</b> may perform the simultaneous display and display the third display image <b>203</b>, which suggests switching from the first display image <b>201</b> to the second display image <b>202</b>.

0159This allows the user to know that the display image to be displayed in the case of returning to the first angle range θ<b>1</b> next as a result of a rotation is the second display image <b>202</b>, which comes after the first display image <b>201</b>, as the third display image <b>203</b> is displayed in a case where the first angle of rotation has changed into the fifth angle range θ<b>22</b>. This allows the user to, after having confirmed the simultaneous display, easily determine whether switching to the second display image <b>202</b> takes place or switching to the first display image <b>201</b> takes place, thus allowing the user to choose between switching to the second display image <b>202</b> and switching to the first display image <b>201</b>,

Modification 2

0160Next, Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 is described.

0161In Embodiment 1 described above, the sleep control is performed by determining the second angle of rotation in addition to the first angle of rotation. However, it is not necessary to determine the second angle of rotation, nor is it necessary to perform the sleep control. In this case, specifically, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, and in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination, that the first angle of rotation falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b>. Further, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, which does not overlap the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, and n a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination, that the first angle of rotation has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b> into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>, the controller <b>112</b> performs simultaneous display in which part of the first display image <b>201</b> being displayed by the display unit <b>113</b> and part of the second display image <b>202</b> that is different from the first display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area <b>12</b> of the display unit <b>113</b>.

Embodiment 2

0162Embodiment 2 is described below with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15 to 17</figref>.

0163A wearable terminal <b>100</b> according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the wearable terminal <b>100</b> according to Embodiment 1 in terms of configuration but different in terms of the content of display control performed by the controller <b>112</b>.

0164Although, in Embodiment 1, the controller <b>112</b> determines an angle range assuming that the first direction of rotation is a direction of rotation about the Y axis, the controller <b>112</b> may alternatively determine an angle range assuming that the first direction of rotations is a direction of rotation about the X axis.

0165<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a diagram for explaining an angle range of a first angle of rotation according to Embodiment 2. It should be noted that the reference posture is the same as that of Embodiment 1.

0166In this case, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a is an angle range, for example, of not less than 0 degree to less than 45 degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the first direction of rotation about the X axis and a positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists his/her arm so that the display surface <b>11</b> faces toward the user's body.

0167As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a is an angle range, for example, of not less than −30 degrees to less than 0 degree in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the first direction of rotation about the X axis and the positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists his/her arm so that the display surface <b>11</b> faces toward the user's body.

0168As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> is an angle range, for example, of not less than 45 degrees to less than 180 degrees and not less than −180 degrees to less than −30 degrees in a case where the reference posture is 0 degree in the first direction of rotation about the X axis and the positive direction of rotation is a direction in which the user twists his/her arm so that the display surface <b>11</b> faces toward the user's body.

0169It should be noted that these angle ranges may be denoted as positive angle ranges instead oi'being denoted as negative angle ranges, That is, when denoted as positive angle ranges, the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a is an angle range of not less than 330 degrees to less than 360 degrees and the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> is an angle range of not less than 45 degrees to less than 330 degrees.

0170Thus, the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a is an angle range provided between the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a and the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b>. It should be noted that although, in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>, the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a and the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a are angle ranges that adjacent to each other, this does not imply any limitation and there may be a gap of a predetermined angle (e.g. 2 degrees) between the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a and the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a. The same applies to a relationship between the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a and the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> and a relationship between the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> and the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a.

0171Operation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> thus configured is described with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 16 to 18</figref>.

0172First, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> falls within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a (S<b>301</b>).

0173In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> hills within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a (Yes in S<b>301</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> as shown in (a) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> (S<b>302</b>).

0174On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> does not within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a (No in S<b>301</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep (S<b>309</b>).

0175Next, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a (S<b>303</b>).

0176In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a as shown in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> (Yes in S<b>303</b>), the controller <b>112</b> performs simultaneous display in which the display unit <b>113</b> simultaneously displays part of the first display image <b>201</b> and part of the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b> (S<b>304</b>). As in Embodiment 1, in the simultaneous display, the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display part of the second display image <b>202</b> in a first display area <b>12</b>c and display part (e.g. the left part) of the first display image <b>201</b> in a second display area <b>12</b>d. It should be noted that, in the posture that the it terminal <b>100</b> adopts in the simultaneous display, the first display area <b>12</b>c is a lower part of the display area <b>12</b> (i.e. part of the display area <b>12</b> on a negative side of the Z-axis direction) and the second display area <b>12</b>d is an upper part of the display area <b>12</b> (i.e. part of the display area <b>12</b> on a positive side of the Z-axis direction). However, unlike in Embodiment 1, since, in Embodiment 2, the simultaneous display is performed in a posture inclined in the direction of rotation about the X axis, the first display area <b>12</b>c is the lower one of the two display areas divided from each other in the predetermined direction of the body <b>10</b> (vertical direction on the paper plane of (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>) and the second display area <b>12</b>b is the upper one of the two display areas divided from each other in the predetermined direction (vertical direction on the paper plane of (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>). Further, an upper part of the first display image <b>201</b> is displayed in the first display area <b>12</b>c as the part of the first display image <b>201</b>, and a lower part of the second display image <b>202</b> is displayed in the second display area <b>12</b>d as the part of the second display image <b>202</b>.

0177Thus, even in a case where display control is performed according to the angle range of the direction of rotation about the X axis, when the user performs an operation of switching from the simultaneous display to the second display image <b>202</b> by changing out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b> into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>, the user can be given the sensation of pulling up the second display image <b>202</b>, which is to be displayed next, from below and display it on the display unit <b>113</b>.

0178On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has not changed out of the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a into the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a (No in S<b>303</b>), the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation falls within the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> (S<b>305</b>), and if the first angle of rotation falls within the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> (Yes in S<b>305</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep as shown in (b) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> (S<b>309</b>). In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination of S<b>305</b>, that the first angle of rotation does not fail within the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> (No in S<b>305</b>), the controller <b>112</b> returns to step S<b>302</b> and causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b>, as the first angle of rotation remains within the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a.

0179After the simultaneous display in step S<b>304</b>, the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a (S<b>306</b>).

0180In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a (Yes in S<b>306</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to display the second display image <b>202</b> in the display area <b>12</b> and does not cause the display unit <b>113</b> to display the first display image <b>201</b> in the display area <b>12</b> as shown in (c) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> (S<b>308</b>).

0181On the other hand, in a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined that the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor <b>111</b> has not changed out of the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a into the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a (No in S<b>306</b>), the controller <b>112</b> determines whether the first angle of rotation falls within the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> (S<b>307</b>), and if the first angle of rotation falls within the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> (Yes in S<b>307</b>), the controller <b>112</b> causes the display unit <b>113</b> to sleep (S<b>309</b>). In a case where the controller <b>112</b> has determined, as a result of the determination of S<b>307</b>, that the first angle of rotation does not fall within the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b> (No in S<b>307</b>), the controller <b>112</b> continues the simultaneous display, as the first angle of rotation remains within the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a.

0182As described above, the controller <b>112</b> determines an angle range with the first direction of rotation as the direction of rotation about the Y axis. Alternatively, the controller <b>112</b> can also bring about similar advantageous effects by determining an angle range with the first direction of rotation as the direction of rotation about the X axis.

0183It should be noted that, as shown in (a) to (c) of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>, a sleep state is brought about in a case where a shift is made from the first angle range ν<b>1</b>a to the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b>, and the first display image is displayed even in a case where a shift is made to the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a. In so doing, the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a may be temporarily passed through in the process of shifting from the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a to the sixth angle range θ<b>6</b>. However, even in such a case, not the second display image but the first display image is displayed. In the case of such a state, the user is unlikely to have the intention to cause the second display image to be displayed, and there is a high possibility that the user might have happened to pass through the second angle range θ<b>2</b>a in the process of bringing about a sleep state. Therefore, by displaying not the second display image but the first display image in such a case where return to the first angle range θ<b>1</b>a is made again after a sleep state is brought about once, the user can be prevented from unintentionally switching display images.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

0184Although, in the embodiment described above, the controller <b>112</b> performs simultaneous display by determining, as a trigger, within which angle range the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> falls, this does not imply any limitation. For example, a myoelectric sensor that detects a person's handgrip of the wearable terminal may be provided in advance as the sensor, and simultaneous display may be performed according to a result of detection performed by the myoelectric sensor. Specifically, the simultaneous display may be performed when a handgrip has been detected. Further, if the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> falls within a predetermined angle range in a state where a handgrip has been detected, switching from the first display image to the second display image or a skip from one music track to another by the music player may be performed.

0185Further, wireless cooperation with an external terminal may allow simultaneous display to be performed when a predetermined operation has been performed on the external terminal. A possible example of the external terminal is a ring-shaped terminal. The ring-shaped terminal includes an acceleration sensor and a triaxial angular velocity sensor and can detect a gesture. Thus, simultaneous display may be performed by using, as a trigger, a gesture detected by the external terminal. Further, the ring-shaped terminal may include a button that accepts an input, and if the first angle of rotation of the wearable terminal <b>100</b> falls within a predetermined angle range in a state where the button has been pressed, switching from the first display image to the second display image or a skip from one music track to another by the music player may be performed.

0186It should be noted that, in each of the embodiments described above, each constituent element may be constituted by dedicated hardware or may be achieved by executing a software program suited to that constituent element. Each constituent element may be achieved by a program executer such as a CPU or a processor reading out and executing a software program stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory. Note here that software by which a display control method according to each of the embodiments described above is achieved may be the following software.

0187This program causes a computer to execute a method for display control of a wearable terminal including: a display unit that performs display in a display area; a sensor that detects a first angle of rotation of the display unit in a first direction of rotation; and a controller that controls display on the display unit, wherein simultaneous display is performed in which the display unit displays a first display image in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor falls within a first angle range and at least part of the first display image and at least part of a second display image that is different from the first display image are simultaneously displayed in the display area in a case where the first angle of rotation detected by the sensor has changed out of the first angle range into a second angle range that does not overlap the first angle range.

0188The wearable terminal according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure has been described above on the basis of the embodiment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. Various modifications to the present embodiment that a person skilled in the art can conceive of and forms that are built by combining constituent elements in different embodiments may be encompassed in the scope of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, provided such modifications and forms do not depart front the spirit of the present disclosure.

0189The present disclosure is useful as a wearable terminal or the like that allows the user to know how he/she should rotate the wearable terminal to switch to the next display image.