Portable electronic apparatus

According to an aspect, a portable electronic apparatus includes a housing, a first display unit, a first operating unit, a second display unit, a second operating unit, and a control unit. The housing is configured to change between a first form and a second form. The first display unit and the first operating unit are exposed to the outside in the first form, and the second display unit and second operating unit are exposed to the outside in the second form. The second display unit is configured to display information in a system different from the first display unit. The control unit is configured such that first information displayed on the first display unit is updated based on an operation received by the first operating unit, and second information displayed on the second display unit is updated based on an operation received by the second operating unit.

This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2010-288787, filed on Dec. 24, 2010, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a portable electronic apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been proposed a portable electronic apparatus including an electronic paper as a display device for displaying characters and graphic forms (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-243521). The electronic paper is characterized by being able to maintain display content without a continued supply of power, thus contributing to power saving in a portable electronic apparatus.

However, compared to a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an Organic Electro-Luminescence display (OELD), the electronic paper has drawbacks such as low response speed and difficulty in high definition display of color. Because of this, the above-discussed portable electronic apparatuses using the electronic paper as a display panel have not been suitable for appreciating or viewing images or moving pictures.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a portable electronic apparatus that can be used for a wider variety of purposes while achieving power saving.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, a portable electronic apparatus includes a housing, a first display unit, a second display unit, and a control unit. The housing is configured to change from a first form to a second form or from the second form to a first form. The first display unit is exposed to outside in the first form and provided with no light-emitting source. The first operating unit is exposed to the outside at least in the first form. The second display unit is exposed to the outside in the second form and configured to display information in a system different from the first display unit. The second operating unit is exposed to the outside in the second form. The control unit is configured such that first information displayed on the first display unit is updated based on an operation received by the first operating unit, and second information displayed on the second display unit is updated based on an operation received by the second operating unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the following explanation. In addition, this disclosure encompasses not only the components specifically described in the explanation below, but also those which would be apparent to persons ordinarily skilled in the art, upon reading this disclosure, as being interchangeable with or equivalent to the specifically described components. The present invention can be applied to any type of portable electronic apparatuses, including but not limited to personal handyphone systems (PHS), personal digital assistants (PDA), portable navigation units, personal computers (including but not limited to tablet computers, netbooks etc.), media players, portable electronic reading devices, and gaming devices.

The overall configuration of the portable electronic apparatus1that is one embodiment of the electronic apparatus according to the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.FIG. 1is a perspective view of the portable electronic apparatus1in a closed state.FIG. 2is a perspective view of the portable electronic apparatus in an open state.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the portable electronic apparatus1includes a first housing1A, a second housing1B, and a hinge mechanism8. The hinge mechanism8connects the first and second housings1A and1B so that they are rotatable relative to each other. That is, the portable electronic apparatus1has a foldable housing.

In the housing1A, one of the faces having the largest surface areas is provided with a first display unit32, buttons13aand13b, and a cover14. The first display unit32includes a display panel not provided with a light-emitting source but having a memory function, such as an electronic paper. Here, “having a memory function” refers to “being able to hold a display content even after the supply of power has been stopped”. The buttons13aand13bare used for operations such as turning a page of information displayed on the first display unit32. The cover14is a transparent or semitransparent member formed from, for example, resin.

Additionally, the first housing1A includes a second display unit34on a face opposite the face that is provided with the first display unit32. The second display unit34has a display panel (e.g., a liquid crystal display panel or organic EL panel) that displays information in a system different from the display panel of the first display unit32. The display panel of the second display unit34is superior to that of the first display unit32in at least response speed, the number of colors, or color definition.

In the second housing1B, one of the faces having the largest surface areas is provided with a third display unit36, buttons13cto13i, and a cover16. The display unit36has a display panel of the same type as that of the second display unit34. The buttons13cto13fare used for operations such as turning pages of information displayed on the second and third display units34and36. The buttons13gto13iare used for calling various functions provided by an operating system incorporated in the portable electronic apparatus1. The cover16is a transparent or semitransparent member made of the same material as that of the cover14.

In a closed state as illustrated inFIG. 1, the portable electronic apparatus1has a folded shape in that the face provided with the second display unit34of the first housing1A and the face provided with the third display unit36of the second housing1B are disposed opposite each other. In this shape, the surface area of exposed portions is minimized, and it is suitable for carrying the portable electronic apparatus1. In the closed state, the first display unit32and buttons13aand13bare exposed to the outside. This allows a user to read information displayed on the first display unit32or to switch information displayed on the first display unit32by operating the buttons13aand13b.

In an open state as illustrated inFIG. 2, the portable electronic apparatus1has a shape in which the face provided with the second display unit34of the first housing1A and the face provided with the third display unit36of the second housing1B are arranged in the same plane while exposed to the outside. In an open state, the second and third display units34and36are substantially identical in width in the direction parallel to the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B, and are arranged such that one of the ends of each of the second and third display units34and36is disposed close to the boundary. In the open state, the portable electronic apparatus1controls the thus connected second and third display units34and36as one display unit, and displays information over the second and third display units34and36.

As described above, the portable electronic apparatus1is usable in both the closed state and the open state. In the closed state, a user is able to read information displayed on the first display unit32. Since the display panel of the first display unit32has a memory function, power consumption is less when the portable electronic apparatus1is used in the closed state.

In the open state, the second and third display units34and36are disposed in the same plane, with almost no distance between them. Accordingly, the portable electronic apparatus1enables a user to read information in a wide display area over the second and third display units34and36. Furthermore, since the display panels of the second and third display units34and36are superior to the display panel of the first display unit32in respects other than power consumption, the portable electronic apparatus1in its open state can be used for a wider variety of purposes than that in its closed state.

As described above, the portable electronic apparatus1can save power and has more diverse possibilities for use.

The configuration of the portable electronic apparatus1will now be described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 3 to 11.FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of the portable electronic apparatus1.FIGS. 4 to 7are a front view, a plan view, a bottom view, and a side view, respectively, of the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state.FIGS. 8 and 9are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state.FIG. 10is a schematic view of a cross-section taken along a line A-A′ of the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state.FIG. 11is a schematic view of a cross-section taken along a line B-B′ of the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state. In FIGS.10and11, the configuration of the inner part of the apparatus is illustrated in a simple way.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3,8, and so on, the hinge mechanism8includes projecting structures8aand8bprovided on the first housing1A, and projecting structures8cand8dprovided on the second housing1B. The projecting structures8aand8care joined near one of the ends of the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B in the open state of the apparatus1. The projecting structures8band8dare joined near the other end of the boundary.

Thus, the hinge mechanism8is configured to connect the first and second housings1A and1B near both ends of the boundary of the first and second housing1A and1B in the open state. This eliminates the need for a middle part of the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B to have a structure for connecting the first and second housings1A and1B. Accordingly, the second and third display units34and36can be disposed close to each other near the boundary.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the portable electronic apparatus1is configured such that a face SA provided with the second display unit34of the first housing1A and a surface SB provided with the third display unit36of the second housing1B are arranged in a line in the same plane in the open state. Therefore, in the open state, the second and third displays34and36can be arranged without any level difference.

To implement the structure described above, the hinge mechanism8is disposed so that a rotation axis P is located on the line of intersection of the respective faces, extended from the faces SA and SB in the course of rotation. The rotation axis P is an axis around which the first and second housings1A and1B rotate relative to each other. Therefore, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the faces SA and SB in the open state of the portable electronic apparatus1are located in the same plane passing through the rotation axis P.

The portable electronic apparatus1has the following configurations so as to keep the faces SA and SB located in the same plane in the open state of the apparatus1: since a face and cover14of the first housing1A abut on a face of the second housing1B in an open state, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the portable electronic apparatus1is restricted so as to prevent the faces SA and SB from rotating more than 180 degrees relative to each other; and in the open state of the portable electronic apparatus1, the covers14and16engage with each other as illustrated inFIG. 9such that the apparatus1is prevented from being switched to the closed state unless force exceeding a predetermined magnitude is applied.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 11, the shape of the first housing1A is such that in an open state, the face SA extends into the second housing1B beyond the rotation axis P. By virtue of this, the second display unit34, disposed near the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B in the open state of the apparatus1, is partly exposed to the outside in the closed state, as illustrated inFIG. 6. The portable electronic apparatus1may display character(s) or symbol(s) on the exposed portion of the second display unit34, thereby notifying a user of incoming mail, or a registered schedule, or providing a variety of information.

As illustrated inFIG. 3and so on, in first and second housings1A and1B, the face opposite the face SA and the face opposite the face SB are covered with the cover14and the cover16respectively. The cover14is made of a transparent or semitransparent material, and protects the face opposite the face SA and the first display unit32while permitting content displayed on the first display unit32to pass through it. The cover16is made of the same material as the cover14, and protects the face opposite the face SB. The covers14and16may be of any color.

With regard to covers14and16, the face opposite the face that is in contact with the first housing1A and the face opposite the face that is in contact with the second housing1B are provided with minute recesses and projections to prevent sliding. Among the sides, at least one end face (i.e., a face substantially perpendicular to a face that is in contact with the first housing1A or second housing1B) is smooth and flat. Therefore, the covers14and16allow leakage of incident light through the end face, thus adding a distinctive, beautiful feature to the appearance of the portable electronic apparatus1.

The covers14and16have another functional effect. As illustrated inFIG. 4and so on, in the closed state, the cover14has a notch14ain a portion that contacts the cover16at the side opposite the hinge mechanism8. In the closed state, the cover16also has a notch16ain a portion that contacts the cover14at the side opposite the hinge mechanism8. Therefore, the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state has a step opposite the hinge mechanism8, the step corresponding to the thickness of the covers14and16. This step functions as a part around which a user's finger is hooked when he or she opens the portable electronic apparatus1from its closed state. Just either one of the notches14aand16asuffices to function as a part around which a finger may be hooked.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 6and so on, the cover16has a rectangular notch16bwith its curved ends opposite the notch16a, that is, near the boundary (i.e., near the rotation axis P) between the first and second housings1A and1B that is arranged in the open state of the portable electronic apparatus1. Therefore, steps (projections) corresponding to the thickness of the cover16are formed at both ends of the notch16bof the cover16and in a direction perpendicular to the boundary. These steps allow a user to hold the portable electronic apparatus1stably in both closed and open states.

Specifically, when using the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state, a user may grip a part near the middle of the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B that is defined in the open state of the apparatus1, with one side of the first housing1A pointing upwards. In this case, a finger of the hand gripping the apparatus1is caught by the step perpendicular to the boundary between the housings1A and1B. Thereby the position of the hand is prevented from moving in a longitudinal direction. The buttons13aand13bare disposed near the boundary so as to be easily operated by a finger of a hand holding the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state.

When using the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state, a user may grip parts (of the second housing1B) below the ends of the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B with one or both of his or her hands, while the first housing1A is positioned above the second housing1B. In this case, a finger of the hand gripping the portable electronic apparatus1is caught by the step perpendicular to the boundary. Thereby, the position of the hand is prevented from being moved sideways. The buttons13cand13dare disposed near the left side of the second housing1B so as to be easily operated with a finger of a left hand holding the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state. The buttons13eand13fare disposed near the right side of the second housing1B so as to be operated easily with a finger of a right hand gripping the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state.

The advantageous effect of holding the portable electronic apparatus1is yielded not only by the cover16but also by the structure of the second housing1B. As illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, the second housing1B accommodates a charging battery11, which is one of the heaviest components of the portable electronic apparatus1, near the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B that is defined in the open state of the apparatus1(i.e., near the rotation axis P). As described above, it is assumed that, when the portable electronic apparatus1is in use in either open or closed state, a part near the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B that is defined in an open state is gripped with a hand. Accordingly, when the portable electronic apparatus1is in use, a part near the center of gravity is gripped and held stably in both open and closed states of the apparatus1.

As illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, in order to accommodate the comparatively large charging battery11so as to ensure power source capacity, one part near the boundary between the first and second housings1A and1B that is defined in an open state (i.e., near the rotation axis P) is thicker than the rest. This thickness functions as a grip, thus making it easier for a user to grip the portable electronic apparatus1. This thickness adds a three-dimensional figure to the opposite side of the face SB of the second housing1B, thus increasing the mechanical strength of the second housing1B.

Next, the configuration of the portable electronic apparatus1will be described with reference toFIG. 12.FIG. 12is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the portable electronic apparatus1. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the portable electronic apparatus1includes a control unit22, a storage unit24, a communication unit26, a form detecting unit28, an operating unit13, the first display unit32, the second display unit34, and the third display unit36.

The storage unit24is a storage device for storing a variety of information. The storage unit24may be one that stores information onto a recording medium, such as flash memory, fixedly provided in the portable electronic apparatus1, or may be configured from a combination of a retrievable recording medium, such as a memory card, and a reading/writing device for the recording medium.

The storage unit24stores data and programs used for processing by the control unit22. Examples of programs stored in the storage unit24include a program that provides a reading function for an electronic book, a program that provides a reading function for a WEB page, and a program that provides the function of changing the display content of the first display unit32or the like in conjunction with a change in the form of the portable electronic apparatus1. Data stored in the storage unit24includes book data displayed on, for example, the first display unit32, and a database storing a variety of information.

The communication unit26has an antenna26a. This unit26establishes a wireless signal path of a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, or any other wireless communication protocols, between a base station and the communication unit26via a channel assigned by the base station, and carries out telephone communication and information communication between the base station and the communication unit26. Any other wired or wireless communication or network interfaces, e.g., LAN, BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, NFC (Near Field Communication) may also be included in lieu of or in addition to the communication unit26. The operating unit13includes buttons13ato13i. When these buttons are operated by a user, the operating unit13generates a signal corresponding to the operation. The signal thus generated is input to the control unit22as an instruction to be given by a user.

The form detecting unit28detects any change in the form of the portable electronic apparatus1, that is, a change to the open state of the portable electronic apparatus1from its closed state, or a change to the closed state from its open state, and inputs a signal indicating a detection result to the control unit22.

As described above, the first display unit32has a display panel for holding the content of a display even after the supply of power has been stopped. This display unit32is exposed to the outside in both the closed and open states of the apparatus1. As described above, the second and third display units34and36are configured so as to be able to display information via a combination of the display units34and36in the open state of the apparatus1. In a closed state, the second and third display units34and36other than the above-mentioned part of the second display unit34cannot be viewed from outside.

Each of the first, second, and third display units32,34, and36may be a touch panel able to detect a finger, or the like, touching the display unit. In this case, any system such as a pressure-sensitive system or capacitive system may be used for detecting the touch of a finger, or the like, on the display screen. Touch panels adopted for the first display unit32and the like enable a user to turn a page, or select a character string, etc., by performing an operation intuitively, thereby improving usability. In addition, since the second and third display units34and36are located in the same plane in the open state of the apparatus1, operations such as dragging or sweeping are easy to perform across the second and third display units34and36.

The control unit22exerts integrally overall control of the entire operation of the portable electronic apparatus1. Specifically, the control unit22controls the operations of the communication unit26, first, second, and third display units32,34, and36, and so on such that the various processes of the portable electronic apparatus1are performed in appropriate sequence according to signals, etc., input from the operating unit13and form detecting unit28.

The control unit22performs a process based on a computer program (e.g., an operating system program, application program, etc.) stored in the storage unit24. The control unit22includes, for example, a microprocessor unit (MPU) and performs various processes of the portable electronic apparatus1according to a procedure defined in the computer program. That is, the control unit22successively reads instruction sequences from a computer program stored in the storage unit24, and performs these processes.

As part of the control of the portable electronic apparatus1, the control unit22changes the contents of displays of the first display unit32, etc., in conjunction with a change in the form of the portable electronic apparatus1. This control is achieved by the control unit22with reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit24.

Referring toFIG. 13, next will be described a procedure for a control process for changing the contents of the displays of the first display units32, etc., in conjunction with a change in the form of the portable electronic apparatus1.FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for this control process.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, upon detection of a change in the form of the portable electronic apparatus1by the form detecting unit28(Step S11), the control unit22determines whether the change is from a closed state to an open state (Step S12). If the change is from the closed state to the open state (Yes at Step S12), the control unit22determines whether there is any character string selected on the first display unit32(Step S13).

As described above, the first display unit32is visible from outside even in the closed state of the apparatus1. Accordingly, even in the closed state, a user can read information shown on the first display unit32. Additionally, a user is able to select a character string, i.e., item of information, shown on the first display unit32, for example, by operating the buttons13aand13b. Where the first display unit32is configured as a touch panel, a user can select a required character string by sliding his or her finger on the surface of the first display unit32. If part of a text displayed on the first display unit32is selected, the control unit22may change the display mode of the selected portion, for example, by reversing a display such that the selected portion can be distinguished from the other portions.

If any character string is selected on the first display unit32(Yes, at Step S13), the control unit22carries out a search using the selected character string as a search key (Step S14). The search used here may be a process of extracting information corresponding to the search key, from dictionary data, database, or the like, stored in the storage unit24in advance. Alternatively, the search may be a process of transmitting a search key to a server on a network providing a search service, asking for the search, and receiving the result of the search.

At Step S15, the control unit22displays the search result over the second and third display units34and36; the search result may be shown on either one of the second and third display units34and36.

The electronic paper or the like of the first display unit32is characterized by offering less of a burden on user's eyes and reduced power consumption even when viewed for a long time. Accordingly, the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state is useful, for example, as a reading device for an electronic book. As described above, if the portable electronic apparatus1is opened from the closed state when a character string displayed on the first display unit32has been selected, the result of the search using the selected character string is displayed on, for example, the second display unit34.

In this configuration, if a user encounters an unfamiliar word while reading an electronic book on the display device of the portable electronic apparatus1in the closed state, the word is selected, and then the portable electronic apparatus1is opened. Thereby, the search result for the word can be displayed on, for example, the second display unit34.

By displaying a search result over the second and third display units34and36, a wide area can be ensured for displaying information, thus enabling a user to view more information at one time. Additionally, the length of time that a search result is shown may be brief. Therefore, as display panels for the second and third display units34and34, a liquid crystal display, organic EL panel display, or the like, which requires relatively high power consumption but is suitable for high speed display or color display, can be used, thus improving the visibility of a search result. In addition, in conjunction with the operation of exposing the second and third display units34and36by changing the form of the portable electronic apparatus1, a search result is displayed. This eliminates the need for a user to perform any operation, such as depressing buttons, in order to start a search or display a search result.

If any character string is not selected on the first display unit32(No, at Step S13), the control unit22displays information related to the contents displayed on the first display unit32, over the second and third display units34and36. A place for displaying related information may be either the second or third display units34and36.

In this case, if an electronic book is shown on the first display unit32, information related to the contents displayed on the first display unit32may be, for example, the profile of the author of the electronic book, a diagram showing the correlations between the personages in the electronic book, or an illustration of a scene shown on the first display unit32. Information related to a content displayed on the first display unit32may be included in advance in an electronic book or the like shown on the first display unit32, or may be captured by radio communication as required.

At Step S12, if the detected change is from the open state to the closed state (No, at Step S12), the control unit22determines whether there is any character string selected on the second display unit34or third display unit36(Step S17).

A user can select a character string, which is an item of information shown by the second display unit34or third display unit36, by operating buttons13cto13i, for example. Where the second and third display units34and36are configured as touch panels, a user can select a required character string by sliding his or her finger on the surface of the second display unit34or third display unit36. If part of a text displayed on the second display unit34or third display unit36is selected, the control unit22may change display mode for the selected portion, for example, by reversing a display such that the selected portion can be distinguished from the other portion.

If there is any character string selected on the second display unit34or third display unit36(Yes, at Step S17), the control unit22displays the selected character string on the first display unit32(Step S18). If no character string is selected on either the second display unit34or third display unit36(No, at Step S17), the control unit22does not exert an update process for display content resulting from change in the form of the portable electronic apparatus1.

If an image or the like is selected on the second display unit34or third display unit36, the selected image or the like may be shown on the first display unit32. If nothing is selected on the second display unit34or third display unit36, information shown on the second display unit34or third display unit36or all the information shown over the second and third display units34and36may be shown on the first display unit32.

As described above, in the open state of the portable electronic apparatus1, a wide display area can be ensured by using the second and third display units34and36as a connected display. Additionally, the second and third display units34and36are suitable for high speed or color display, and so on. Accordingly, the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state is useful as a device for viewing moving pictures, reading a WEB page, or editing a variety of data.

However, continuous display of information on the second and third display units34and36requires considerable power consumption. Therefore, if a user using the portable electronic apparatus1in the open state finds information which he or she wants to read carefully or information he or she needs to check later, he or she can select the information and display it on the first display unit32by switching the form of the portable electronic apparatus1to the closed state. This makes it possible to maintain display of the information on the first display unit32while power consumption is reduced. Furthermore, a user does not have to perform any operation, such as depressing a button, to transfer the information to the first display unit32to write thereon.

It should be noted that any changes and modifications may be made to the configuration of the portable electronic apparatus1described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the numbers, dispositions, and functions of buttons, such as button13a, are not limited to the foregoing embodiment.

In the foregoing embodiment, the first display unit32includes a display panel that has a memory function and the second and third display units34and36includes display panels that have no memory function. However, the display panel of each display unit does not have to be so. For example, the first display unit32may also include a display panel without memory function, and may be switched between display and non-display of information according by, for example, depression of a button. Also, each of the second and third display units34and36may include a display panel that has a memory function.

In the foregoing, a description was given of a portable electronic apparatus1that has a folding housing. However, the present invention can be applied to various types of portable electronic apparatus that change the way information is displayed according to a change in form of the apparatus. To be specific, the present invention can be applied to portable electronic apparatuses including a display unit that is exposed to the outside at least in an open state and another display unit that is exposed to the outside at least in a closed state. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15, the present invention can also be applied in a portable electronic apparatus2in which housings2A and2B are combined together so that one slides over the other such that the display unit36is not exposed in a closed state as illustrated inFIG. 14and is exposed in an open state as illustrated inFIG. 15.

As described above, in a closed state, a portion of the second display unit34is exposed to the outside. By virtue of this, a part of information displayed on the second display unit34or third display unit36may be displayed on the exposed portion of the second display portion34in conjunction with a change in form from an open state to a closed state. Alternatively, instead of a portion of the second display unit34, a portion of the third display unit36may be exposed in a closed state.

The advantages are that one embodiment of the invention provides a portable electronic apparatus that can be used for a wider variety of purposes while achieving power saving.