Patent Publication Number: US-8988349-B2

Title: Methods and apparatuses for operating a display in an electronic device

Description:
RELATED REFERENCES 
     U.S. application Ser. No. 13/297,965, entitled “Display Device, Corresponding Systems, and Methods for Orienting Output on a Display,” with Dickinson, et al. as inventors, which was filed Nov. 16, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Also, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/297,952, entitled “Methods and Devices for Clothing Detection about a Wearable Electronic Device,” with Dickinson, et al. as inventors, which was filed Nov. 16, 2011, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to wearable electronic devices. 
     2. Background Art 
     Electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, smart phones, gaming devices, multimedia devices, portable computers, and the like, present information to users on a display. As these devices have become more sophisticated, so too have their displays. For example, not too long ago a mobile phone included only a rudimentary light emitting diode display capable of only presenting numbers and letters configured as seven-segment characters. Today, high-resolution liquid crystal and other types of displays, which are included with many portable electronic devices, have sufficient resolution to render high-definition video. 
     The display output is generally oriented so as to be aligned with geometric configuration of the overall device. Said differently, many electronic devices have an identifiable top and bottom. Display output is aligned in a complementary manner, with the top of the display output appearing towards the identifiable top of the device, and the bottom of the display output being aligned with the bottom of the device. Some devices even allow the display output to be rotated. For example, some devices have a gravity detector that is configured to rotate the output based on a detected gravitational field. Thus, as the device is rotated, the “top” of the output always stays above the bottom of the output. 
     While rotating display output based on gravity can be useful, it fails to provide suitable display output alignment in all situations. It would be advantageous to have an improved display device with improved display orientation capabilities 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-away view of one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates one explanatory schematic block diagram of a wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic block diagram of one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another schematic block diagram of one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 6-10  illustrate various examples of display configurations suitable for use in a wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates one explanatory embodiment of a wearable electronic device having a physically rotatable display configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention when the physically rotatable display is in a first orientation. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates one explanatory embodiment of a wearable electronic device having a physically rotatable display configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention when the physically rotatable display is in a second orientation. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates one explanatory wearable electronic device with active display portions configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a user gazing at one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a user gazing at, and gesturing to, one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates two users gazing at one explanatory wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a method and apparatus for altering the presentation of data on a display of a wearable electronic device in response to a detected gaze direction in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a method an apparatus for responding to user gestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates another method an apparatus for responding to user gestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 20  illustrates another method and apparatus for altering the presentation of data on a display of a wearable electronic device in response to a detected gaze direction in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a method and apparatus for prioritizing portions of a display in a wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 22-25  illustrate methods and apparatuses for configuring prioritized portions of a display in a wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 26  illustrates a method an apparatus for responding to user gestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 27  illustrates another method an apparatus for responding to user gestures in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 28  illustrates a method and apparatus for configuring prioritized portions of a display in a wearable electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 29  illustrates a method and apparatus for rendering a background image on a display configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 30  illustrates a method and apparatus for rendering a background image on a display configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 31  illustrates a method and apparatus with a rotatable display in operation in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIGS. 32-34  illustrate various devices having rotatable displays along with their rotation mechanisms, each being configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 35  illustrates one wearable electronic device in two different physical and operational modes in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 36  illustrates an exploded view of one explanatory electronic device with separable components configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 37  illustrates a schematic block diagram of one explanatory electronic device configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 38  illustrates one explanatory wearable electronic device having gesture detection capabilities configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 39  illustrates another explanatory wearable electronic device having gesture detection capabilities configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 40  illustrates a user wearing two explanatory wearable electronic devices operating in tandem in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to altering a presentation orientation of visual indicia on a display in response to user gaze, detection, and/or input. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code that include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations are included, and it will be clear that functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 
     It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention described herein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of altering presentation orientations of data presented on a display as described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, gesture detectors, touch-sensitive devices, gaze detectors, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method to perform presentation orientation alteration and reversion. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation. 
     Embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device ( 10 ) while discussing figure A would refer to an element,  10 , shown in figure other than figure A. 
     From an electrical perspective, embodiments described below provide an electronic device having a dynamic display system. The display system is suitable for integration into an electronic device, and is configured to alter a presentation orientation of visual output, prioritize display portions, render images, and so forth. For ease of discussion, one explanatory electronic device used in the figures is a wearable electronic device configured as a wristwatch, strap, or bracelet. However, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the display systems, control circuits, and associated modules used to alter the presentation orientation, prioritize displays, or otherwise reconfigured the electronic device could be integrated into any of a number of portable electronic devices, including mobile telephones, personal digital assistants, smart phones, palm-top computers, tablet devices, portable computers, and so forth. 
     The display is configured to present visual output having a presentation orientation. The presentation orientation refers to how the visual output is oriented on the display relative to the user, as well as where the visual output is located on the display. In some embodiments, the presentation orientation is configured in response to a detected user&#39;s gaze. In other embodiments, the presentation orientation is configured in response to a detected orientation of the electronic device relative to the user&#39;s head, body, or torso. A control circuit that is operable with the display is configured to alter the presentation orientation in response to user input, detected gaze direction, orientation of the device relative to the user, and so forth. 
     In some embodiments, the display is further responsive to touch. For example, if the display is a touch sensitive display, the user may swipe a finger or stylus across the display to further alter the presentation orientation on the display. For instance, a user may be holding a tablet-style computer horizontally, with the user&#39;s body located on a first side of the tablet-style computer. An orientation detector in the device may be configured to detect an orientation of the device relative to the user&#39;s torso, and may accordingly present data on the display so it is “right side up” for the user. However, a friend may be standing near the tablet-style computer, with the friend&#39;s body being positioned on a second side of the tablet-style computer opposite the first side. When the user wants to show a picture being presented as visual output from the display to the friend that has a “correct” presentation orientation for the friend, the user may make a rotating motion along the display to rotate the picture such that the top of the picture, initially disposed towards the friend, rotates 180 degrees to be nearer the user. In response to this user input, the control circuit alters the presentation orientation from the initial orientation to a second orientation, which is rotated 180 degrees from the initial orientation. As an alternative to the rotating motion, in another embodiment, the user may move a finger or stylus in a linear direction across the display, beginning from a position closer to the user and ending at a position nearer the friend to alter the presentation orientation from the initial orientation to the second orientation. 
     When the device is a wearable electronic device, it is contemplated that a user would benefit from an easy method to alter the presentation orientation without providing specific, intentional gesture or touch input. To wit, suppose a user is wearing a wearable electronic device on a wrist like a bracelet. Now suppose that the user needs to show another person information presented on the display, such as a picture, message, phone number, or other data. Ordinarily, the user may have to either remove the wearable electronic device or to contort their arm and/or wrist in an awkward manner. To remedy this situation, embodiments of the invention include gaze detectors, orientation detectors, or combinations thereof that to prioritize one or more portions of the display in response to a detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user and/or alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction. These components allow a user to quickly and easily see information, as well as show it to others, without the need of performing awkward contortions. Where multiple displays or multiple portions of a single display are present on the wearable electronic display, embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for prioritizing those displays or portions so that more prioritized portions present data more relevant to a user. Other, less prioritized portions can present less prioritized information or can be turned OFF. 
     Several different features are described in the specification below. These features can be integrated into an electronic device alone or in combination. For example, in one embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes a flexible housing configured to enfold about an appendage of a user and a display disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. A gaze detector is then operable with a control circuit. The control circuit is then configured to alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction. The control circuit can be configured to determine a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction and, in one embodiment, alter the presentation of the data by presenting the data on a portion of the display disposed within the gaze cone. The alteration of the presentation can occur by rotating the data based upon the detected gaze direction, moving the data on the display based upon the detected gaze direction, combinations thereof, or other factors. The rotation can be continuous, in which the data rotates smoothly like a needle on a compass in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the rotation can be discrete, with rotational regions or zones being in predefined increments, such as 5, 10, or 15 degrees, with the rotation between regions being when the user crosses a certain threshold, such as moving at least 5 degrees when the predefined increment is 10 degrees, and so forth. Where the display is touch-sensitive, the control circuit can be further configured to additionally alter the presentation of the data in response to touch input along the touch sensitive display. The additional alteration can be in conjunction with the detected gaze detection presentation in one embodiment, or in another embodiment can override alteration of the presentation of the data on the display in response to the detected gaze direction. 
     In another embodiment, a wearable electronic device comprises a flexible housing configured to enfold about an appendage of a user and a display disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. An orientation detector, which can be an imaging device, an infra-red sensor, an acoustic sensor, or other sensor, is configured to determine a location of the wearable electronic device relative to the user. Other orientation detectors can include accelerometers, thermal sensors, gyroscopes, or combinations thereof. The orientation detector can determine the relative location of the user by detecting the location of the user&#39;s torso, head, or by detecting gestures to determine upon what appendage the wearable electronic device is being worn. A control circuit, operable with the display and the orientation detector, is then configured to prioritize one or more portions of the display in response to a detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user. 
     Once prioritized, the control circuit can be configured to treat more prioritized portions and less prioritized portions differently. For example, in one embodiment the control circuit is operable to configure a more prioritized portion of the display with a first appearance and a less prioritized portion of the display with a second appearance. The first appearance and second appearance can be the same, or can be different. For instance, the first appearance can be the more prioritized portion of the display being ON, while the second appearance can be the less prioritized portion of the display being in a low power, sleep, or OFF mode. In another embodiment, the first appearance can correspond to a first operational mode of the wearable electronic device, such as an email presentation mode, while the second appearance corresponds to a second operational mode of the wearable electronic device, such as a music player mode. Where the device is worn on the wrist, radially disposed portions of the display can prioritized above ulnarly disposed portions of the display such that those disposed above the radius, i.e., towards the user, are prioritized above those disposed above the ulna. 
     If the wearable electronic device includes both a gaze detector and orientation detector, the control circuit can also be configured to determine a detected gaze direction of the user and optionally to determine a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction. The control circuit can then prioritize portions of the display disposed within the gaze cone as a more prioritized portions of the display and to prioritize other portions of the display disposed outside the gaze cone as less prioritized portions of the display. 
     The control circuit can present data only in the more prioritized portions of the display. If the display comprises a segmented display having a plurality of individual display devices, a more prioritized portion of the display can be a first display device of the segmented display, while a less prioritized portion of the display is at least a second display device. 
     In yet another embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes a wearable housing, a display disposed along a major face of the wearable housing, an orientation detector, and a control circuit, operable with the display and the orientation detector. In this embodiment, the control circuit is configured to activate one or more portions of the display in response to a detected orientation and deactivate other portions of the display in response to the detected orientation. Accordingly, those facing away from—or otherwise less visible to—the user can be turned OFF or placed into a low-power mode to conserve energy. Where represented as a method, the control circuit can be configured to execute code stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium to detect to which side of the wearable electronic device a user is disposed and actuate portions of the display facing the user. Optionally, portions facing away from the user can be turned OFF or otherwise deactuated. 
     Other embodiments of the invention provide other features. For example, a wearable electronic device can include a wearable housing, a display disposed along a major face of the wearable housing, a communication circuit, and a control circuit, operable with the display and the communication circuit. The control circuit can be configured to receive a display image via the communication circuit and then render the display image as a background image on the display. Accordingly, the user can configure the wearable electronic device to appear as having different colors, patterns, and so forth. These patterns and colors can be changed to match the person&#39;s wardrobe or state of mind. In some embodiments, the control circuit can be configured to change the background image when a predetermined criterion is met. Examples of predetermined criteria causing the display presentation to change include the expiration of a timer, the detected mood of a wearer, and/or the detected health condition of a wearer. Where the display is touch sensitive, the control circuit can be configured to change presentation when an object touches the display. 
     In one mechanically changeable embodiment, the wearable electronic device includes a primary display disposed along a major face of the wearable housing that is configured to alter a physical geometry as the wearable housing bends or flexes. A secondary display can then be coupled to the wearable housing by a hinged connection so as to be rotatable relative to the wearable housing to an opened, angularly-displaced orientation. The hinged connection can be preloaded with a tensioning device configured to open the secondary display from the first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation. Optionally, the hinged connection can further include a retaining device configured to oppose preloading of the tensioning device to retain the secondary display in the first orientation. 
     In another embodiment, the hinged connection can include a motor configured to automatically open the secondary display from the first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation. The motor can configured to open the secondary display from the first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation in response to a device event, such as an incoming telephone call or text message. The control circuit can be configured to display data with either continuity between the primary display and the secondary display, such as when the secondary display is in the first orientation, or alternatively to display data with discontinuity between the primary display and the secondary display when the secondary display is in the second, angularly displaced orientation. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , illustrated therein is a user  101  wearing an illustrative wearable electronic device  100  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the wearable electronic device  100  is configured as a bracelet, with a flexible housing that is configured to enfold about an appendage  102  of the user  101 . The illustrative wearable electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1  resembles a bracelet, as the appendage  102  about which the wearable electronic device  100  is wrapped is the wrist. The wearable electronic device  100  in this configuration has “radially” disposed portions  103  that are disposed atop the radius  104  of the wrist, and thus closer to the thumb  107 , and “ulnarly” disposed portions  105  that are disposed atop the ulna  106 , and thus closer to the little finger  108 . When the user  101  holds his arm horizontally, the radially disposed portions  103  will be facing the user  101 , while the ulnarly disposed portions  105  will be disposed away from the user  101 . 
     As will be shown in subsequent figures, the wearable electronic device  100  in one embodiment includes a display. The display can be continuous or segmented. One example of a continuous display suitable for use with the wearable electronic device  100  is a continuous, flexible, organic light emitting diode display. Such a display can be disposed along a major face of the flexible housing, and is capable of altering its physical geometry as the wearable housing bends or flexes. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , illustrated therein is a cut-away view of one illustrative wearable electronic device  200  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The wearable electronic device  200  is referred to as an “active strap” because it includes electronic circuitry and power sources for that circuitry. Moreover, it is configured to resemble a traditional watchstrap. As will be shown in subsequent figures, the wearable electronic device  200  can include other electronic devices that attach to the wearable electronic device  200 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the wearable electronic device  200  is configured to resemble a strap or bracelet rather than a conventional wristwatch. As will be shown and described, the wearable electronic device  200  can be configured as a communication device, a personal digital assistant, a health monitoring device, an exercise-monitoring device, a gaming device, a media player, or any number of other devices. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the wearable electronic device  200  can be configured as other devices as well. 
     In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the wearable electronic device  200  includes a flexible housing  201  configured to enfold about an appendage of a user. The flexible housing  201  can be configured to enfold about a wrist, ankle, or other object. One or more displays can be disposed along a major face of the wearable electronic device  200 . In  FIG. 2 , two displays  202 , 203  are disposed along the top major face  204  of the wearable electronic device  200 . As will be shown in subsequent figures, the display of the wearable electronic device  200  can be a single display, segmented display, multiple displays, and so forth. The displays  202 , 203  are configured to provide visual output, data, information, images, or other visible indicia to a user. 
     In one embodiment, the displays  202 , 203  are flexible displays that are configured to alter their physical geometry as the flexible housing  201  bends or flexes. For example, in one embodiment the displays  202 , 203  comprise flexible, organic light emitting diode displays that can bend and flex with the flexible housing. Alternatively, where the display(s) are segmented displays, portions of the flexible housing  201  linking each segment of the display can bend. The segments of the display then change their geometry by altering their geometric relationship relative to each other much in the same way the links of a bracelet change their geometric relationship relative to each other when the bracelet is wrapped about a wrist. 
     The displays  202 , 203  of  FIG. 2  will be disposed along different portions of the user&#39;s appendage when the flexible housing  201  enfolds about that image. For example, using the image shown in  FIG. 2 , presume that the wearable electronic device  200  is to be worn on a user&#39;s right wrist. The user would place the wrist beneath the plan view of  FIG. 2  with the thumb closer to display  203  and the little finger closer to display  202 . Accordingly, when the flexible housing  201  is enfolded about the wrist, display  202  will be disposed above the ulna bone while display  203  is disposed above the radius. Display  202  is thus “ulnarly disposed” about the appendage of the user, while display  203  is “radially disposed.” As will be described below, the displays  202 , 203  can be prioritized or controlled independently in some embodiments. Embodiments described herein contemplate that it can be advantageous for the user in some embodiments with the radially disposed display is prioritized above ulnarly disposed displays. However, in other embodiments, such as when the user wishes to show data to a friend, it can be advantageous to make the ulnarly disposed displays take priority over the radially disposed displays. 
     Since the wearable electronic device  200  can be configured as a wristband or a wristwatch-type wearable device, flexible displays disposed on the wearable electronic device  200  can “wrap” around the wearer&#39;s wrist without compromising operational performance. While the display can include non-flexible displays as well, the inclusion of flexible display devices not only increases comfort for the wearer but also allows the display to be larger as well. 
     In one embodiment, each display  202 , 203  comprises a touch-sensitive display. Accordingly, the displays  202 , 203  can be configured to receive user input when an object, such as a stylus or finger, is touching a surface of the display  202 , 203 . For example, if the displays  202 , 203  are touch sensitive displays, the user may swipe a finger or stylus across the display to deliver input to the wearable electronic device  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the displays  202 , 203  each comprise a touch sensor  206  to provide touch-sensitive capabilities and to receive user input across the surface of each display  202 , 203 . The displays  202 , 203  can also be configured with a force sensor  207 . Where configured with both a touch sensor  206  and force sensor  207 , a control circuit  205 , operable with each display  202 , 203  can determine not only where the user contacts the displays  202 , 203 , but also how much force the user employs in contacting the displays  202 , 203 . Where configured with a force sensor  207  but no touch sensitive capabilities, the displays  202 , 203  can effectively be used as large “push button” or input controls for the wearable electronic device  200 . In one embodiment, outer lenses of the displays  202 , 203  can be configured with piezoelectric transducers  208  configured to slightly move the lenses to use the displays  202 , 203  as acoustic transducers. Actuation of the piezoelectric transducers can cause the lens of the displays  202 , 203  to vibrate, thereby emitting acoustic output. An example of a piezo-driven lens speaker is described in commonly assigned, pending U.S. Ser. No. 12/967,208, filed Dec. 14, 2010, entitled “A Portable Electronic Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The touch sensor  206 , where included, can comprise a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, or another touch-sensitive technology. Capacitive touch-sensitive devices include a plurality of capacitive sensors, e.g., electrodes, which are disposed along a substrate. Each capacitive sensor is configured, in conjunction with associated control circuitry, e.g., control circuit  205  or another display specific control circuit, to detect an object in close proximity with—or touching—the surface of the displays  202 , 203  or, alternatively, the flexible housing  201 , by establishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitive sensors and then detecting perturbations of those field lines. The electric field lines can be established in accordance with a periodic waveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or other periodic waveform that is emitted by one sensor and detected by another. The capacitive sensors can be formed, for example, by disposing indium tin oxide patterned as electrodes on the substrate. Indium tin oxide is useful for such systems because it is transparent and conductive. Further, it is capable of being deposited in thin layers by way of a printing process. The capacitive sensors may also be deposited on the substrate by electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, or other various sputter deposition techniques. For example, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/679,228, entitled “Adaptable User Interface and Mechanism for a Portable Electronic Device,” filed Feb. 27, 2007, published as US Published Patent Application No. US-2008-0204418-A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a touch sensitive display employing a capacitive sensor. 
     Like the touch sensor  206 , the force sensor  207  can take various forms. For example, in one embodiment, the force sensor  207  comprises resistive switches or a force switch array configured to detect contact with either the displays  202 , 203  or the flexible housing  201  of the wearable electronic device. An “array” as used herein refers to a set of at least one switch. The array of resistive switches can function as a force-sensing layer, in that when contact is made with either the surface of the displays  202 , 203  or the flexible housing  201  of the wearable electronic device  200 , changes in impedance of any of the switches may be detected. The array of switches may be any of resistance sensing switches, membrane switches, force-sensing switches such as piezoelectric switches, or other equivalent types of technology. In another embodiment, the force sensor  207  can be capacitive. One example of a capacitive force sensor is described in commonly assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/181,923, filed Jul. 29, 2008, published as U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,366, which is incorporated herein by reference. In yet another embodiment, piezoelectric transducers  208  can be configured to sense force as well. For example, where coupled with the lens of the displays  202 , 203 , the piezoelectric transducers  208  can be configured to detect an amount of displacement of the lens to determine force. The piezoelectric transducers  208  can also be configured to determine force of contact against the flexible housing  201  of the wearable electronic device  200  rather than the displays  202 , 203 . 
     In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device  200  includes a control circuit  205  operable with one or more of the displays  202 , 203 . The control circuit  205  can be operable with a memory  209 . The control circuit  205 , which may be any of one or more microprocessors, programmable logic, application specific integrated circuit device, or other similar device, is capable of executing program instructions associated with the functions of the wearable electronic device  200 , including driving the displays  202 , 203  and detecting input from a user. The program instructions and methods may be stored either on-board in the control circuit  205 , or in the memory  209 , or in other computer readable media coupled to the control circuit  205 , e.g., a memory card. One suitable example for control circuit  205  is the MSM7630 processor manufactured by Qualcomm, Inc. The control circuit  205  may operate one or more operating systems, such as the Android™ mobile operating system offered by Google, Inc. In one embodiment, the memory  209  comprises an 8-gigabyte embedded multi-media card (eMMC). The control circuit  205  can be configured to operate the various functions of the wearable electronic device  200 , and also to execute software or firmware applications and modules that can be stored in a computer readable medium, such as memory  209 . The control circuit  205  executes this software or firmware, in part, to provide device functionality. The memory  209  may include either or both static and dynamic memory components, may be used for storing both embedded code and user data. 
     A battery  210  or other energy source can be included to provide power for the various components of the wearable electronic device  200 . In one or more embodiments, the battery  210  is selectively detachable from the wearable electronic device  200 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the battery  210  is integrated into the flexible housing  201  of the wearable electronic device  200 . Charging circuitry (not shown) can be included in the wearable electronic device  200  as well. The charging circuitry can include over voltage and over current protection. In one embodiment, the battery  210  is configured as a flexible lithium polymer cell such that it can enfold about the appendage of the wearer when the flexible housing  201  enfolds about the appendage. 
     One or more microphones  211  can be included to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included. Piezoelectric devices can be configured to both receive input from the user and deliver haptic feedback to the user. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the principle components of the wearable electronic device  200  are shown. The control circuit  205  is shown being operable with the displays  202 , 203  and memory  209  as noted above. Other devices from  FIG. 2 , such as microphone ( 211 ), touch sensor ( 206 ), etc., are collectively shown as block  302 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment the wearable electronic device includes a detector  301  configured to detect relationships between the user and the wearable electronic device  200 . The detected relationship information can be used by the control circuit  205  to do many things: prioritize displays, control the presentation of data on the displays, alter the presentation of data on the displays, and other functions. In one embodiment, the detector  301  comprises a gaze detector  306 . In another embodiment, the detector  301  comprises an orientation detector  305 . In another embodiment, the detector  301  comprises a combination orientation and gaze detector. 
     Where the detector  301  comprises an orientation detector, the orientation detector is configured to detect a physical and/or spatial orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  relative to the user. The orientation detector can take a number of forms. 
     In one embodiment, the orientation detector comprises a light sensor configured to detect changes in optical intensity, color, light, or shadow in the near vicinity of the wearable electronic device  200 . For example, the light sensor can be configured as an imaging device that captures successive images about the device and compares luminous intensity, color, or other spatial variations between images to detect motion or the presence of an object, such as the user, near the wearable electronic device  200 . Such sensors can be useful in determining at which side of the wearable electronic device  200  a user is standing. 
     In another embodiment, the orientation detector can comprise an infrared sensor. The infrared sensor can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the light sensor. The infrared sensor can be configured to operate in a similar manner, but on the basis of infrared radiation rather than visible light. The light sensor and/or infrared sensor can also be used to detect gesture commands, which can be used to determine the orientation of the user relative to the wearable electronic device. The orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  relative to the user can be detected from a light-sensed user action or an infrared-sensed user action, such as movement of the user&#39;s body, hands, or limbs away from the wearable electronic device  200 . 
     In another embodiment, the orientation detector can comprise an accelerometer. The accelerometer can be configured to determine the orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  relative to the user by detecting motion of the wearable electronic device  200 . For example, a user wearing the wearable electronic device  200  on the right hand can only make certain types of gestures due to the way that the right arm is linked to the torso. These motions are distinct from those made by the left arm due to the complementary connection of the left arm to the torso as compared to the right. The accelerometer can be used to determine the location of the user relative to the wearable electronic device  200  by detecting a series of gestures and deducing upon which appendage the wearable electronic device  200  is being worn. The accelerometer can also be used to determine the spatial orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  in three-dimensional space by detecting a gravitational direction. In addition to, or instead of, the accelerometer, an electronic compass can be included to detect the spatial orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  relative to the earth&#39;s magnetic field. Similarly, one or more gyroscopes can be included to detect rotational motion of the wearable electronic device  200 . The gyroscope can be used to determine the spatial rotation of the wearable electronic device  200  in three-dimensional space. User input can be received by these devices by detecting gestures, such as movement of a body part to which the wearable electronic device  200  is connected. 
     In another embodiment, the detector  301  comprises one or more microphones. The microphones can be included to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included. Sounds received by the microphones can be used to determine the location of the user relative to the wearable electronic device  200 . The orientation detector can also comprise any of an audio sensor, an infrared sensor, a thermal sensor, a an imager, or combinations thereof. 
     In one or more embodiments, rather than simply detecting the orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  relative to the user, the detector  301  is capable of determining more specific information about the user. For example, in one embodiment the detector  301  comprises a gaze detector configured to detect a gaze direction from the user. 
     Gaze detectors are known in the art. Examples are provided, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,721 to Yamaguchi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,929 to Morita et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,460,150 to Coughlan et al., US Published Patent Application No. 2007/0162922 to Park, and US Published Patent Application No. 2010/0079508 to Hodge et al., Akira Tomono, Fumio Kishino, Sachio Kobayashi, “Attempt of Pupil Extraction and Gaze Detector Permitting Head Movements,” Transaction of Institute of Electronics and Communication Engineers of Japan (D) Vol. J76-D-II, No. 3, pp. 636-646 (1993), Published Unexamined Japanese Patent Application (JPA) No. 4-49943 (04049943), “Non-Intrusive Gaze Tracking Using Artificial Neural Network”, Shumeet Baluja, Dean Pomerleau, Advances in Neural Information Processing systems 6 Cowan J. D, Tesauro, G. &amp; Alspector, J. (eds) Morgan Kaufman Publishers, 1994, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The cited references are illustrative of the state of the art only, as numerous other references describing gaze detectors are known in the art. 
     Generally speaking, gaze detectors comprise sensors for detecting the user&#39;s gaze point. They can optionally include sensors for detecting the alignment of a user&#39;s head in three-dimensional space. Electronic signals can then be delivered from the sensors to the control circuit  205  for computing the direction of user&#39;s gaze in three-dimensional space. The gaze detector can further be configured to detect a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction, which is a field of view within which the user may easily see without diverting their eyes or head from the detected gaze direction. The gaze detectors can be configured to alternately estimate gaze direction by inputting to the control circuit  205  images representing a photograph of a selected area near or around the eyes. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that these techniques are explanatory only, as other modes of detecting gaze direction can be substituted in the detector  301  of  FIG. 3 . 
     As will be described below in further detail, the control circuit  205  can use the detector to alter the presentation of data on the displays  202 , 203 , 303 . Where the detector  301  comprises a gaze detector, the control circuit  205  can be configured to alter a presentation of data on the displays  202 , 203 , 303  in response to a detected gaze direction. Where the detector  301  comprises an orientation detector, the control circuit  205  can be configured to prioritize one or more portions of the displays  202 , 203 , 303  in response to a detected orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  relative to the user. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , illustrated therein are additional components, modules, and circuit elements that can be included in embodiments of the wearable electronic device  200 . Some of the components shown in  FIG. 4  have been described above with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and thus do not require additional discussion with reference to  FIG. 4 . It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the components and modules can be used in different combinations, with some components and modules included and others omitted. For altering the presentation orientation of visual output presented on the display  203 , the components of the display system can include a control circuit  205  and the display  203 . The other components or modules can be included or excluded based upon need or application. 
     A touch sensor  412 , which as noted above can be operable with the display  203 , can include a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, piezoelectric touch sensor, resistive touch sensor, or another touch-sensitive technology. As also noted above, capacitive touch-sensitive devices include a plurality of capacitive sensors, e.g., electrodes, which are disposed along a substrate. Each capacitive sensor is configured, in conjunction with associated control circuitry to detect an object in close proximity with—or touching—the surface of the display  203  or the flexible housing  201  of the wearable electronic device  200  by establishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitive sensors and then detecting perturbations of those field lines. The electric field lines can be established in accordance with a periodic waveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or other periodic waveform that is emitted by one sensor and detected by another. The capacitive sensors can be formed, for example, by disposing indium tin oxide patterned as electrodes on the substrate. Indium tin oxide is useful for such systems because it is transparent and conductive. 
     The wearable electronic device  200  can include a mobile communication circuit  413  to provide wide area communication capabilities. Where included, the mobile communication circuit  413  is operable with the control circuit  205 , and is used to facilitate electronic communication with various networks, such as cellular networks, data networks, or the Internet. Note that it is possible to combine the control circuit  205 , the memory  209 , and the mobile communication circuit  413  into a single device or into devices having fewer parts while retaining the functionality of the constituent parts. 
     The mobile communication circuit  413 , which may be one of a receiver or transmitter, and may alternatively be a transceiver, operates in conjunction with the control circuit  205  to electronically communicate through a communication network. For example, in one embodiment, the mobile communication circuit  413  can configured to communicate through a traditional cellular network, such as a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network. Other examples of networks with which the communication circuit may communicate include Push-to-Talk (PTT) networks, proprietary networks, dual band CDMA networks, or Dual Band Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks, and direct communication networks. The mobile communication circuit  413  can be configured to provide messaging functionality to the wearable electronic device  200 . In one or more embodiments, the wearable electronic device  200  can communicate with one or more social networking applications through the mobile communication circuit  413  as well. News feeds and other data can be received through the mobile communication circuit  413 . Moreover, context and location sensitive notifications can be sent and received via the mobile communication circuit  413 . 
     The battery  210  or other energy source can be included to provide power for the various components of the wearable electronic device  200 . While a battery  210  is shown in  FIG. 4 , it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other energy storage deices can be used instead of the battery  210 , including a fuel container or an electrochemical capacitor. The battery  210  can be a lithium ion technology or a nickel metal hydride technology, such cells having reasonably large energy capacity, wide operating temperature range, large number of charging cycles, and long useful life. Other energy sources that can be used in place of battery  210  are fuel cells, Stirling engines, and microturbines. The battery  210  may also include over voltage and over current protection and charging circuitry. In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device  200  includes two batteries. In one embodiment, the battery  210  is configured as an 800 mAh lithium polymer cell. The battery  210  can be configured to deliver energy to electronic components, e.g., the control circuit  205 , memory  209 , display  203 , etc., each of which is disposed only within the central housing of the wearable electronic device  200 . 
     As noted above, one or more microphones  211  can be included to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included for selective beam steering. For example a first microphone can be located on a first side  430  of the wearable electronic device  200  for receiving audio input from a first direction. Similarly, a second microphone can be placed on a second side  431  of the wearable electronic device  200  for receiving audio input from a second direction. In response to the detector ( 301 ) the control circuit  205  can then select between the first microphone and the second microphone to beam steer audio reception toward the user. Alternatively, the control circuit  205  processes and combines the signals from two or more microphones to perform beam steering. The one or more microphones  211  can be used for voice commands. When altering the presentation orientation of information presented on the display, the one or more microphones  211  can be configured to be responsive to the control circuit  205 . Accordingly, the control circuit  205  can switch between microphones upon altering the presentation orientation in response to the user input. 
     A near field communication circuit  407  can be included for communication with local area networks. Examples of suitable near field communication circuits include Bluetooth communication circuits, IEEE 801.11 communication circuits, infrared communication circuits, magnetic field modulation circuits, and Wi-Fi circuits. 
     A global positioning system device  408  can be included for determining where the wearable electronic device  200  is located. (Note that the global positioning system device  408  can also be used as the detector ( 301 ) to determine the spatial orientation of the wearable electronic device  200  in three-dimensional space by determining the change in position of the device relative to the earth.) The global positioning system device  408  is configured, in one embodiment, for communicating with a constellation of earth orbiting satellites or a network of terrestrial base stations to determine an approximate location. Examples of satellite positioning systems suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention include, among others, the Navigation System with Time and Range (NAVSTAR) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the United States of America, the Global Orbiting Navigation System (GLONASS) in Russia, and other similar satellite positioning systems. The satellite positioning systems based location fixes of the global positioning system device  408  autonomously or with assistance from terrestrial base stations, for example with assistance from a cellular communication network or other ground based network, or as part of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), as is well known by those having ordinary skill in the art. While a global positioning system device  408  is one example of a location determination module, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other location determination devices, such as electronic compasses or gyroscopes, could be used as well. 
     A user interface  409  can be included. As noted above, in one embodiment, the display  203  is configured as a touch sensitive display, and accordingly functions as a user interface in and of itself. However, some applications will be better served with additional user interface components as well. The user interface  409 , where included, can be operable with the control circuit  205  to deliver information to, and receive information from, a user. The user interface  409  can include a keypad, navigation devices, joysticks, rocker switches, slider pads, buttons, or other controls, and optionally a voice or touch command interface. These various components can be integrated together. 
     In one or more embodiments, the wearable electronic device can include one or more wellness sensors  434 . Where the wearable electronic device  200  is configured as a wellness device, or is capable of operating in a health monitoring mode or physical safety device, one or more wellness sensors  434  can be included as well. Examples of wellness sensors are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,621, filed Mar. 24, 2003, published as U.S. Pat. No. 7,215,991, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     For example, a heart monitor  416  can be configured to employ EKG or other sensors to monitor a user&#39;s heart rate. The heart monitor  416  can include electrodes configured to determine action potentials from the skin of a user. A temperature monitor  417  can be configured to monitor the temperature of a user. A pulse monitor  418  can be configured to monitor the user&#39;s pulse. The pulse monitor  418  lends itself to the wristwatch configuration of the electronic device ( 100 ) of  FIG. 1  because the wrist serves as an advantageous location from which to measure a person&#39;s pulse. 
     A moisture detector  419  can be configured to detect the amount of moisture present on a person&#39;s skin. The moisture detector  419  can be realized in the form of an impedance sensor that measures impedance between electrodes. As moisture can be due to external conditions, e.g., rain, or user conditions, perspiration, the moisture detector  419  can function in tandem with ISFETS configured to measure pH or amounts of NaOH in the moisture or a galvanic sensor  420  to determine not only the amount of moisture, but whether the moisture is due to external factors, perspiration, or combinations thereof. 
     The medical history of a user, as well as the determinations made by the various wellness sensors  434 , can be stored in a medical profile  421 . Periodic updates can be made to the medical profile  421  as well. The medical profile  421  can be a module operable with the control circuit  205 . Such modules can be configured as sets of instructions stored in the memory  209  that are usable by the control circuit  205  to execute the various wellness-monitoring functions of the wearable electronic device  200 . Alternatively, the modules could be configured in hardware, such as through programmable logic. The wellness sensors  434  shown in  FIG. 4  are illustrative only. Embodiments of the present invention may use various combinations of wellness sensors  434 , including subsets of the wellness sensors  434  shown in  FIG. 4 . Further, other modules may be added to further increase device functionality. The wellness sensors  434  can be used to provide the user with a sensor-based health and wellness data assessment. The wellness sensors  434  can be used in conjunction with the medical profile  421  to provide context sensitive recommendations on the display  203 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 5 , to demonstrate that the various modules and components can be used in different combinations, another wearable electronic device  500  is shown. The wearable electronic device  500  of  FIG. 5  has two displays  502 , 503 , while the wearable electronic device ( 200 ) of  FIGS. 2-4  included three. The wearable electronic device  500  of  FIG. 5  also includes a subset of components when compared to the wearable electronic device ( 200 ) of  FIG. 4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the wearable electronic device  500  includes a control circuit  505 . The control circuit  505  can be operable with a memory  559 . The control circuit  505 , which may be any of one or more microprocessors, programmable logic, application specific integrated circuit device, or other similar device, is capable of executing program instructions associated with the functions of the wearable electronic device  500 . 
     The wearable electronic device  500  of  FIG. 5  includes two displays  502 , 503 . The display  502 , 503  of this embodiment comprises flexible display devices. Since the wearable electronic device  500  can be configured as a wristband for a wristwatch-type wearable device, flexible displays  502 , 503  disposed on the wearable electronic device  500  can “wrap” around the wearer&#39;s wrist without compromising operational performance. While the displays  502 , 503  can include non-flexible displays as well, the inclusion of flexible display devices not only increases comfort for the wearer but also allows the displays  502 , 503  to be larger as well. The displays  502 , 503  can be configured to be touch sensitive also, thereby allowing the displays  502 , 503  to be used as a control input. The display is configured to provide visual output, images, or other visible indicia to a user. 
     A battery  510  or other energy source can be included to provide power for the various components of the wearable electronic device  500 . In one or more embodiments, the battery  510  is selectively detachable from the wearable electronic device  500 . Charging circuitry  550  can be included in the wearable electronic device  500  as well. The charging circuitry  550  can include over voltage and over current protection. In one embodiment, the battery  510  is configured as a flexible lithium polymer cell. 
     One or more microphones  511  can be included to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included for selective beam steering. A first microphone can be located on a first side of the wearable electronic device  500  for receiving audio input from a first direction, while a second microphone can be placed on a second side of the wearable electronic device  500  for receiving audio input from a second direction. In response to a sensor, perhaps part of a detector  551 , a user location direction can be determined. The control circuit  505  can then select between the first microphone and the second microphone to beam steer audio reception toward the user. Alternatively, the control circuit  505  can employ a weighted combination of the microphones to beam steer audio reception toward the user. 
     A near field communication circuit  507  can be included for communication with local area networks. A global positioning system device  508  can be included for determining location information. One or more audio output devices  509  can be included to deliver audio output to a user. Where desired, one or more wellness sensors  534  can be included as well. As described above, the wellness sensors  534  can include a heart monitor, moisture detector, temperature monitor, pulse monitor, galvanic devices, and so forth. 
     The display devices used with wearable electronics can take a variety of forms. Turning now to  FIGS. 6-10 , illustrated therein are explanatory embodiments of displays that can be used in accordance with embodiments of the invention. For example, in  FIG. 6 , the display  603  comprises a single, unitary, flexible, organic light emitting diode display. In  FIG. 7 , the display comprises two unitary, flexible, organic light emitting diode displays  702 , 703 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , two unitary, flexible, organic light emitting diode displays  802 , 803  are used with a third, rigid display  801 . This configuration resembles a wristwatch with the rigid display  801  serving as the watch face, while displays  802 , 803  provide flexible displays that wrap about the wrist. 
     In  FIG. 9 , the display device comprises a segmented display comprising a plurality of individual display devices, e.g., display devices  901 , 902 , 903 . Each display device  901 , 902 , 903  is individual and can be separately controlled from the others. In one embodiment, each display device  901 , 902 , 903  has an associated buffer of presentation information that can be updated as necessary by the control circuit. In one or more embodiments, the control circuit is capable of selectively turning the display devices  901 , 902 , 903  OFF and ON. In other embodiments, the control circuit can turn some display devices  901 , 903  ON, while placing other display devices  902  in a low power or sleep mode.  FIG. 10  illustrates another segmented display with individual display devices  1001 , 1002 , 1003  resembling links of a bracelet. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , illustrated therein is a wearable electronic device  1100  having a physically moveable display. As shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the wearable electronic device  1100  includes a primary display  1102  disposed along a major face of the wearable housing  1101 . In this embodiment, the primary display  1102  is flexible and is thus configured to alter its physical geometry as the wearable housing  1101  bends or flexes. In alternate embodiments, the primary display  1102  can be configured as a segmented display where the individual segments or devices change physical orientation with reference to each other when the wearable housing  1101  flexes or bends, even if the individual segments or devices are themselves not flexible. 
     The wearable electronic device  1100  also includes a secondary display  1103  that is coupled to the wearable housing  1101  by a hinged connection (not shown because it is disposed beneath the secondary display  1103 ). The hinged connection allows the secondary display  1103  to be mechanically rotatable relative to the wearable housing  1101 . 
     The hinged connection allows the secondary display  1103  to rotate between at least a first orientation relative to the wearable housing  1101 , shown in  FIG. 11 , and a second, angularly displaced orientation  1201  relative to the wearable housing  1101 , shown in  FIG. 12 . In this illustrative embodiment, the first orientation occurs where the longer side  1104  of the secondary display  1103  is substantially parallel with the wearable housing  1101 , while the second, angularly displaced orientation  1201  occurs where the longer side  1104  is substantially orthogonal with the wearable housing  1101 . In one or more embodiments, mechanical detents can be included in the hinged connection so that the secondary display  1103  can be rotated to selective angular relationships relative to the wearable housing  1101 . Additionally, frictional elements can be incorporated into the hinged connection to allow the user to select the angle between the secondary display  1103  and the wearable housing  1101 . 
     The hinged connection can be preloaded with a tensioning device, such as a spring, and configured to open the secondary display  1103  from the first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation  1201  with assistance from the tensioning device. In one embodiment, the user may initiate rotation of the secondary display  1103 , with the tensioning device carrying out the remainder of the rotation. A retaining device, such as a magnet or mechanical coupling, can be configured to oppose preloading of the tensioning device to retain the secondary display  1103  in the first orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the hinged connection includes a motor configured to automatically open the secondary display  1103  from the first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation  1201 . The motor can be configured to open the secondary display  1103  from the first orientation to the second, angularly displaced orientation  1201  in response to a device event, such as an incoming telephone call, text message, multimedia message, or alert. 
     In one or more embodiments, the wearable electronic device  1100  can include a control circuit operable with the primary display  1102  and the secondary display  1103 . The control circuit can be configured to display data with continuity between the primary display  1102  and the secondary display  1103  when the secondary display  1103  is in the first orientation. For instance, if the sentence “the quick red fox jumped over the lazy brown dog” is presented on the displays  1102 , 1103 , a portion of the sentence can appear on the primary display  1102 , while another portion of the sentence appears on the secondary display  1103 . The two portions can align so the sentence appears as if presented on a single, unitary display. The control circuit can be configured to display data with discontinuity between the primary display  1102  and the secondary display  1103  when the secondary display  1103  is in the second, angularly displaced orientation  1201 . For example, the sentence “the quick red fox jumped over the lazy brown dog” is presented on the primary display  1102 , while a photograph of a dog and fox appears on the secondary display  1103 . 
     Now that the various components of various systems have been described, a few use cases will assist in making operational features of various embodiments more clear. Beginning with  FIG. 13 , a user  1301  is shown wearing one explanatory wearable electronic device  1300  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. In this illustrative embodiment, the wearable electronic device includes three displays  1302 , 1303 , 1331 . Two displays  1302 , 1303  are flexible displays and are disposed along a major face of a wearable housing  1332 , while the third display  1331 , also disposed on the major face of the wearable housing  1332 , is rigid. As shown in  FIG. 13 , all three displays  1302 , 1303 , 1331  are ON. 
     The wearable electronic device  1300  is also equipped with a gaze detector configured to detect a gaze direction from the user  1301 . A control circuit, operable with the gaze detector, is configured to alter a presentation of data on one or more of the displays  1302 , 1303 , 1331  in response to a detected gaze direction. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , the user  1301  is gazing at the wearable electronic device  1300 . The gaze detector of the wearable electronic device is operable to detect a gaze direction  1401  associated with the user&#39;s gaze. When this occurs, the control circuit of the wearable electronic device  1300  is configured to alter the presentation of data on the displays of the wearable electronic device  1300 . In this illustrative embodiment, display ( 1302 ) has been turned OFF, as has a portion of display  1331 . Display  1303  is ON, and is presenting information to the user. Note that display  1303  is the display oriented closest to the user  1301 , and is therefore the most easily seen. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention are able to present information to the user in response to detected gaze direction  1401 , which means that the user  1301  can easily view the information without twisting or turning the wrist. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the gaze detector of the wearable electronic device is also operable to determine a gaze cone  1402  that corresponds to the gaze direction  1401 . The gaze detector can do this in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the gaze detector estimates the gaze cone from average gaze cone data stored in the memory. In another embodiment, the gaze cone size is user definable. In yet another embodiment, the gaze detector captures image data of the user  1301  and calculates a gaze cone based upon distance from the wearable electronic device, user eyelid and pupil information, and other information. 
     Regardless of determination method, when the gaze detector is operable to determine the gaze cone  1402 , the control circuit can be configured to alter the presentation of data on the display by presenting data on portions of the display disposed only within the gaze cone  1402 . This has been done in  FIG. 14 . All of display  1303  and a portion of display  1331  are disposed within the gaze cone  1402 . Accordingly, these portions are presenting data while other portions of the displays of the wearable electronic device  1300  are turned OFF. There are, of course, other ways in which the presentation of information can be altered in response to detected gaze direction or detected gaze cone. For example, the control circuit can be operable to alter the presentation of the data by one of rotating the data based upon the detected gaze direction, moving the data on the display based upon the detected gaze direction, or combinations thereof. Other presentation alteration techniques will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , in one or more embodiments, the displays ( 1302 , 1303 , 1332 ) of the wearable electronic device  1300  are touch sensitive. In such embodiments, when the user touches the displays ( 1302 , 1303 , 1332 ), the touch input can be used in conjunction with detected gaze information to further alter the presentation of information on the display. In one embodiment, the control circuit is further configured to additionally alter the presentation of the data in response to touch input along the touch sensitive display. This is what is occurring in illustrative FIG.  15 —the control circuit has reduced the size of the presented data to only a portion  1502  of display ( 1303 ) in response to the touch input  1501 . In other embodiments, when touch input  1501  is received, the control circuit can be configured to override any alteration of the presentation of the data on the display ( 1303 ) that has occurred in response to the detected gaze direction. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 16 , a second user  1601  has entered the scene. The second user  1601  may be a friend or co-worker of user  1301 . In one embodiment, the user  1301  can program the control circuit to be responsive to others, or alternatively, non-responsive to others. For instance, the user  1301  may configure the device to be responsive to third parties when touch input is received. This feature allows the user  1301  to turn third party responsiveness ON and OFF. When, for example, reading private information, the user  1301  may want third party responsiveness to be OFF. However, when showing pictures, the user  1301  may want third party responsiveness to be ON. 
     In this illustrative embodiment, the user  1301  has programmed the control circuit to be responsive to third parties. Accordingly, when the second user  1601  approaches, the control circuit is operable to detect the gaze direction  1602 , and optionally a gaze cone  1603  corresponding to the gaze direction  1602 , from the second user  1601 . The control circuit can then alter the presentation of data on the displays. In this example, the control circuit does this by turning on display  1302 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 17 , illustrated therein is a method, suitable for an electronic device, for altering the presentation of data, content, information, images, or other objects on a display in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. As shown at step  1701 , a display  1773  of an electronic device is configured to provide data  1774  as visual output having a presentation orientation associated therewith. The presentation orientation of step  1701  is initially that of displaying continuous information horizontally across the display  1773 . 
     At step  1702 , the control circuit of the electronic device is configured to alter  1775  the presentation of the data  1774  on the display  1773  in response to a detected gaze direction  1776 . As noted above, the alteration can take a variety of forms. It can include rotating the data  1774  based upon the detected gaze direction  1776 , moving the data  1774  on the display based upon the detected gaze direction, or combinations thereof. In this embodiment, the alteration includes both rotation and translation. 
     At optional step  1703 , the control circuit of the electronic device is configured to determine a gaze cone  1777  corresponding to the detected gaze direction  1776 . When this occurs, the control circuit can alter the presentation of the data  1774  by presenting the data  1774  on a portion  1778  of the display  1773  disposed within the gaze cone  1777 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 18 , step  1801  can occur where the display  1773  is a touch-sensitive display. The display  1773  can receive touch input  1881  along a portion of the display  1773  at step  1801 . At step  1802 , the control circuit can additionally alter the presentation of the data  1774  in response to touch input  1881  along the touch sensitive display  1773 . As shown in this illustrative embodiment, the control circuit has presented additional data  1874  at a location corresponding to the touch input  1881 , which is beneath the touch input  1881  in this example. 
     In  FIG. 18 , the alteration of the presentation of the data  1774  is a function of three elements: detected gaze direction  1776 , detected gaze cone  1771 , and touch input  1881 . While this is one viable embodiment, in other embodiments these elements can take priority over each other. Detected gaze direction  1776  can take priority over touch input  1881 , or vice versa. Detected gaze cone  1771  can take priority over touch input  1881 , or vice versa. 
     One example of this is shown in  FIG. 19 . Turning to  FIG. 19 , in this example, the control circuit is configured to override an alteration of the presentation of the data  1774  that has occurred in response to the detected gaze direction  1776  on the display  1773 . This occurs as follows: at step  1901 , the control circuit detects touch input  1881  on the display  1773 . At step  1902 , the control circuit overrides prior data presentation alteration by moving the data  1774  from the portion  1778  of the display  1773  corresponding to the gaze cone  1777  to a location corresponding to the touch input  1881 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 20 , illustrated therein are method steps corresponding to the use case described above with reference to  FIG. 16 . At step  2001 , the control circuit is configured to optionally detect the gaze direction  2076  from another user. At step  2002 , the control circuit is configured to alter the presentation of the data  1774  in response to the additionally detected gaze direction  2076 . The control circuit can also be configured to detect a gaze cone  2084  that corresponds to the additionally detected gaze direction  2076 . In this illustrative embodiment, the control circuit is configured to present additional data  2074  in a portion  2078  of the display  1773  that corresponds to the additionally detected gaze direction  2076 . Other alterations of the presentation of the data  1774  will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     As noted above, detected gaze direction or gaze cone is but one way to alter the presentation of data on a display. Not all electronic devices will lend themselves to the use of gaze detectors. Economic factors, manufacturing factors, and other external factors may result in the use of a gaze detector being impractical in some embodiments. For instance, a particular electronic device manufacturer may want to include gaze detectors in luxury products, while offering more basic options in non-luxury products. 
     Embodiments of the present invention contemplate that devices other than gaze detectors can be used as inputs for altering the presentation of data on a display. For example, in some embodiments, rather than using a gaze detector, the electronic device will use an orientation detector to detect the physical and geometric orientation of the electronic device relative to the user. As noted above, the orientation detector can be of an accelerometer, an audio sensor, an infrared sensor, a thermal sensor, a gyroscope, an imager, or combinations thereof. For example, where the orientation detector is an imaging device or camera, the orientation detector can not only detect an orientation of the electronic device relative to the user, but also relative to the ground by capturing images and detecting image data corresponding to the user, the horizon, or both. Other orientation detectors will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 20 , illustrated therein are the steps of a method for using an orientation detector in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. At step  2101 , an electronic device  2100  has three displays  2171 , 2172 , 2173 . The electronic device  2100  is in a default mode, with data  2174  being presented only on display  2172 . Optionally, displays  2171 , 2173  can be turned OFF or placed in a low-power or sleep mode. In one embodiment, displays  2171 , 2173  are configured to present soothing background images or wallpaper when not presenting data. These soothing background images or wallpaper can be user definable in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the soothing background images or wallpaper can be automatically selected based upon detected environmental conditions. For example, an imaging device of the electronic device  2100  may take pictures of the user&#39;s clothing. The control circuit of the electronic device  2100  may then choose wallpaper images that complement the user&#39;s clothing. This is but one example of how soothing background images or wallpaper can be selected. Others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     At step  2102 , an orientation detector of the electronic device  2100  detects an orientation of the electronic device  2100  relative to the user. In one embodiment, the control circuit of the electronic device  2100  is then configured to prioritize one or more portions of the display in response to a detected orientation  2176  of the electronic device  2100  relative to the user. Said differently, the orientation detector detects to which side of the wearable electronic device a user is disposed. 
     Prioritization can occur in a variety of ways. As noted above, where the electronic device  2100  is a wearable electronic device configured to enfold about the wrist of the user, radially disposed portions of the display are prioritized above ulnarly disposed portions of the display. In a more basic embodiment, portions of the display disposed closer to the detected orientation  2176  can be prioritized over portions of the display disposed farther from the detected orientation  2176 . In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 21 , at step  2102  the control circuit prioritizes display  2171  with the highest priority because it is closest to the detected orientation  2176 . Display  2172  is the next highest prioritized display because it is next closest to the detected orientation  2176 . Display  2173  is the least prioritized display because it is farthest from the detected orientation  2176 . 
     When the display comprises a segmented display comprising a plurality of individual display devices as shown above in  FIG. 9 , a more prioritized portion of the display can comprise a first display device of the segmented display, while a less prioritized portion of the display can comprises at least a second display device. Where the display is a single, flexible display, more on the other hand, more prioritized portions of the display can comprise partial sections or portions of the single, flexible display, while less prioritized portions can comprise other partial sections, portions, or areas of the display. Where, as in  FIG. 21 , the display comprises three displays  2171 , 2172 , 2713 , more prioritized portions can be a first display, e.g., display  2171 , or a portion of a first display, while less prioritized portions can be a second display, e.g., display  2173 , or portions of the second display, where the first display and second display are separate and distinct from each other. Combinations of the above can also be used in the prioritization architecture. 
     At step  2103 , the control circuit of the electronic device  2100  is operable to configure a more prioritized portion of the display with a first appearance and a less prioritized portion of the display with a second appearance. As shown at step  2103 , display  2171  has been configured with a first appearance  2184 , while display  2173  has been configured with a second appearance  2194 . In this illustrative embodiment, the first appearance  2184  and the second appearance  2194  are different, although in other embodiments they can be the same. 
     The first appearance  2184  and the second appearance  2194  can take a variety of forms. Turning briefly to  FIG. 22 , in one embodiment, the difference in appearance is the difference between a display being ON and OFF (or in a low-power or sleep mode). For example, in one embodiment the first appearance  2184  comprises the more prioritized portion of the display being ON, while the second appearance  2194  comprises the less prioritized portion of the display being OFF or in a low-power or sleep mode. Accordingly, display  2171  can be turned ON, while display  2172  is turned OFF. Said differently, in one embodiment the control circuit can be configured to actuate portions of the display facing the user and deactuate portions of the display facing away from the user. 
     In other embodiments, the first appearance  2184  and second appearance  2194  can be different. Turning briefly to  FIG. 24 , the first appearance  2184  can correspond to a first operational mode of the electronic device  2100 , while the second appearance  2194  can correspond to a second operational mode of the electronic device  2100 . For example, the first appearance  2184  presented on display  2171  can be an email application, while the second appearance  2194  presented on display  2173  is a multimedia player. The operational modes can be user definable, such that a particular portion of the display or display device can be configured to enter a predetermined operational mode upon the orientation detector detecting a detected orientation  2176 . 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 23 , in another embodiment, the first appearance  2184  can be the presentation of private information, while the second appearance  2194  is the presentation of public information. For example, the first appearance  2184  presented on display  2171  can be a text message sent from a friend, while the second appearance  2194  presented on display  2173  is a publicly available stock quote. 
     In yet another embodiment, the control circuit can be operable to present data only in the more prioritized portions of the display. Illustrating by example, and turning briefly to  FIG. 25 , the control circuit may present data  2575  only on display  2171 , while leaving display  2173  blank. The portion  2571  of display  2171  upon which the data  2575  is presented can be user definable, or can be in response to touch input. Such an embodiment is useful for privacy modes of operation when the user wants information to be present only on portions of the electronic device  2100  oriented towards or facing them. 
     While the above figures provide a few examples of how the first appearance  2184  can be different from the second appearance  2194 , it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other ways of configuring the first appearance  2184  and the second appearance  2194  can be used as well. For example, in one embodiment the first appearance  2184  can be presenting information with a first magnification, while the second appearance  2194  can be presenting information with a second magnification. The various magnification levels can, in one embodiment, be based upon a detected distance of users from the electronic device  2100 . For example, when a user is a first distance from the electronic device  2100 , and a friend is a second distance from the electronic device  2100 , the control circuit can present information on the displays with different magnifications for easier readability. 
     In another embodiment, the first appearance  2184  comprises presenting information with a first luminous intensity while the second appearance  2194  comprises presenting information with a second luminous intensity. In another embodiment, the first appearance  2184  comprises presenting information with a first backlighting intensity and the second appearance  2194  comprises presenting information with a second backlighting intensity. In another embodiment, the first appearance  2184  comprises presenting information with a first font, while the second appearance  2194  comprises presenting information with a second font. 
     In other embodiments, the first appearance  2184  and second appearance  2194  differ by non-visible output. The first appearance  2184  may be a presentation of images with sound, while the second appearance  2194  comprises presenting images with no sound or images with closed captioning. These examples are illustrative only, as others will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     On the subject of touch-sensitive displays turning now to  FIG. 26 , illustrated therein are steps of a method for altering the presentation of an electronic device  2600  having both an orientation detector and a touch-sensitive display. As shown at step  2601 , a control circuit of the electronic device has prioritized display  2671  over display  2673  in response to a detected orientation of the electronic device  2600  relative to the user. Accordingly, display  2671  has been configured with a first appearance  2684  that is different from a second appearance  2694  present on display  2673 . 
     As also shown at step  2601 , a user is providing touch input  2681  to display  2671 . At step  2602 , the control circuit of the electronic device  2600  alters the presentation of data on display  2671  in response to the touch input  2681 . In this illustrative embodiment, data present on display  2671  has been rotated about the location at which the touch input  2681  was received. Other options are available. For example, the control circuit in another embodiment is configured to present data within a predefined region of the display about the touch input, thereby reducing the available area of the display suitable for presenting data as was shown in  FIG. 15  above. In another embodiment, the control circuit can be configured to actuate the other portions of the display when the other portions of the display receive touch input. Other functions that can occur in response to the touch input will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, a user is able to employ touch input to change the prioritization of the various displays. Such a feature can be useful when the user wants to show something to a friend or co-worker that is facing them. The orientation detector may, for example, turn OFF a display facing away from the user. The user may then want to turn that display back ON to show pictures or other information to the friend. Steps for such a method are shown in  FIG. 26 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 26 , illustrated therein are steps of another method for altering the presentation of an electronic device  2600  having both an orientation detector and a touch-sensitive display. As shown at step  2701 , a control circuit of the electronic device has prioritized display  2671  over display  2673  in response to a detected orientation of the electronic device  2600  relative to the user. Accordingly, display  2671  has been configured with a first appearance  2684  that is different from a second appearance  2694  present on display  2673 . 
     As also shown at step  2701 , a user is providing touch input  2781  to display  2671 . In this embodiment, the control circuit of the electronic device is configured to change the prioritization of the displays in response to the touch input  2781 . The change can be making display  2673  have an equal priority with display  2173 . Accordingly, the control circuit may leave the first appearance  2684  on display  2671  and then change the presentation appearing on display  2673 . In this illustrative embodiment, the control circuit is configured to reverse the prioritization such that display  2673  is prioritized above display  2671 . Thus, as shown at step  2702 , the control circuit has configured display  2673  with a new appearance  2794 . Display  2671  has been placed into an idle mode. 
     The change in prioritization need not be in response to touch input. Turning to  FIG. 28 , the change in prioritization can be in response to a newly detected orientation of the electronic device  2600  relative to the user. The user may move their hand, move the electronic device  2600  from one arm to the other, or swing an appendage toward another user such that the dominant orientation direction changes. At step  2801 , the control circuit detects a change in detected orientation. At step  2802 , the control circuit accordingly changes the prioritization of the displays based upon the newly detected orientation  2876 . 
     While  FIGS. 17-20  illustrated method steps for use with a gaze detector, and  FIGS. 21-28  illustrated method steps for use with an orientation detector, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the devices can be combined. Said differently, the orientation detector can be combined with a gaze detector. For example, in one embodiment the orientation detector comprises a gaze detector operable to determine a detected gaze direction of the user. Where this is the case, the control circuit can be operable to determine a gaze cone corresponding to the detected gaze direction as described above. The control circuit can further be configured to prioritize portions of the display disposed within the gaze cone as a more prioritized portions of the display and to prioritize other portions of the display disposed outside the gaze cone as less prioritized portions of the display. 
     As will be understood at this point, electronic devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention are highly versatile in function and appearance. Yet another feature possible with such an electronic device is shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 29 , illustrated therein are steps of a method for yet another way of altering the presentation of data on a display in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. Beginning at step  2901 , a wearable electronic device  2900  includes a display  2971  disposed along a major face of the wearable housing of the wearable electronic device  2900 . The wearable electronic device  2900  also includes a communication circuit and a control circuit as described above. 
     In one embodiment, the communication circuit and control circuit are operable to receive  2910  a display image  2911  from a remote source  2912 . The display image  2911 , in one embodiment, is a wallpaper or background image. The remote source  2912  can be a data network service provider, a vendor of images, or another source. Once received, as shown at step  2902 , the control circuit can be configured to render the display image  2911  as a background image  2913  on the display  2971 . As shown at step  2903 , the control circuit can then be configured to present data  2974  atop the background image  2913 . The presentation of that data  2974  can be in accordance with any of the method set forth above: touch input, detected gaze direction, a detected gaze cone, detected orientation, or combinations thereof. 
     Turning to  FIG. 30 , the control circuit of the electronic device  2900  can be configured to change the background image  2913  in response to predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can vary. One example was explained above, i.e., detection of a person&#39;s wardrobe. The electronic device  2900  can include an imager configured to capture images of the clothing that the user is wearing. In another embodiment, the predetermined criteria can be the expiration of a timer. In another embodiment, the predetermined criteria can be a user&#39;s mood, which can be detected by temperature or other sensors described above. In yet another embodiment where the electronic device  2900  includes wellness sensors, the predetermined criteria can be a detected health condition of the user. Where the display  2971  is touch sensitive, the predetermined criterion can be an object touching the touch sensitive display. Regardless of which criterion or criteria is used, it is detected at step  3001 . When the predetermined condition is detected, the control circuit can be configured to change the background image  2913 . 
     Accordingly, at step  3002 , the control circuit can be configured to receive another display image  3011  from the remote source  2912 . For example, where the predetermined criterion detected at step  3001  was the color of the user&#39;s clothes, the new display image  3011  can be an image that is complementary with the user&#39;s clothes. At step  3003 , the control circuit can render the new display image  3011  as a new background image  3013 . 
     As mentioned above, in one or more embodiments the electronic devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be configured with a secondary display coupled to the wearable housing by a hinged connection so as to be rotatable relative to the wearable housing. Turning now to  FIG. 31 , illustrated therein are steps suitable for a method associated with such a device. 
     Beginning at step  3101 , a wearable electronic device  3100  includes a wearable housing. A primary display  3171  is disposed along a major face of the wearable housing. Where the primary display  3171  is a flexible display, the primary display  3171  will bend and flex to alter its physical geometry as the wearable housing bends and flexes. Where the primary display  3171  is a segmented display, or is made from discrete display devices, those devices can change physical relationships relative to each other when the wearable housing flexes to a physical geometry of the primary display  3171  as the wearable housing bends or flexes. 
     The wearable electronic device  3100  also includes a secondary display  3173  coupled to the wearable housing. In one embodiment, the secondary display  3173  is coupled to the wearable housing by a hinged connection so as to be rotatable relative to the wearable housing. The hinged connection can be configured to allow the secondary display  3173  to rotate between at least a first orientation relative to the wearable housing, shown in step  3101 , to a second, angularly displaced orientation relative to the wearable housing, shown in step  3102 . This rotation can be in response to user action, e.g., the user spinning the secondary display  3173  with a finger. Alternatively, the rotation can be assisted by a preloading device, or can be in response to a motor. 
     The first orientation and the second, angularly displaced orientation relative to the wearable housing can be as shown in  FIG. 31 . Alternatively, these orientations can be different. For example, the transition from the first orientation to second, angularly displaced orientation can be with a motion occurring parallel with the user&#39;s wrist in one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 31 . However, the transition from the first orientation to second, angularly displaced orientation can be with a motion occurring perpendicular with the user&#39;s wrist in another embodiment, with the secondary display  3173  sticking “out” from the arm. Other motional directions will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The presentation of data on the displays can change when the secondary display  3173  is rotated. In step  3101 , the control circuit of the wearable electronic device  3100  is configured to display data with continuity between the primary display  3171  and the secondary display  3173  when the secondary display  3173  is in a first orientation. The first orientation shown in step  3101  is where the secondary display  3173  is substantially parallel with the wearable housing of the wearable electronic device  3100 . Accordingly, in this embodiment the data  3174  is presented with continuity across the two displays. This is achieved in this embodiment by presenting “T DATA” on the primary display and “EXTUAL” on the secondary display  3173  such that the word “TEXTUAL DATA” is spelled across the displays. 
     When the secondary display rotates to the second, angularly displaced orientation in step  3102 , the control circuit can leave the data  3174  in a continuity presentation, or it may change it to another presentation. For the former, at step  3012 , the primary display  3171  may present “TEX DATA”, while the secondary display presents “TUAL” to provide continuity across its (now shortened) axis running parallel to the wearable housing. 
     However, in other embodiments, the control circuit is configured to change from a continuous display to a discontinuous display when the secondary display  3173  is rotated. This is shown in  FIG. 31  at step  3103 . Rather than providing continuous data that runs from display to display, the data  3175  of step  3103  is discontinuous. This is graphically illustrated with the word “TEXTUAL” being presented substantially orthogonal with the word “DATA.” The discontinuous presentation can take other forms, however. As an illustration, the data present on the primary display  2171  may be a stock quote and news about a company, while the data present on the secondary display  2173  is a chart of the stock&#39;s performance. Other examples will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 32-34 , illustrated therein are various ways that the hinged connection between the primary display and the secondary display can be configured. Beginning with  FIG. 32 , the hinged connection  3200  of this embodiment comprises a hinge  3201  and a tensioning device  3202 . The tensioning device  3202  can be a spring or other device configured to bias the hinge  3201  toward a particular direction or orientation, or a device that pre-loads the hinge  3201  to open in a particular direction. In the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 32 , the hinged connection  3200  is preloaded with the tensioning device  3202  such that the secondary display  3173  is configured to open a first orientation  3203  to the second, angularly displaced orientation  3204 . The tensioning device  3202  does this by applying a biasing force  3205  to the secondary display  3173 . Accordingly, when the secondary display  3173  is in the first orientation  3203 , the hinged connection  3200  is preloaded with the tensioning device  3202 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 33 , in this embodiment the hinged connection  3300  includes not only the hinge  3201  and tensioning device  3202 , but also a retention device  3301  configured to oppose preloading of the tensioning device  3202  to retain the secondary display  3173  in the first orientation  3203 . The retention device  3301  can be a magnetic coupling, a snap, a mechanical protrusion/detent configuration, or other device that holds the secondary display  3173  in the first orientation  3203 . Once the user overcomes the retaining force of the retention device  3301 , the tensioning device  3302  can open the secondary display  3173  to the second, angularly displaced orientation  3204 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 34 , in this embodiment the hinged connection  3400  includes a hinge  3401  and a motor  3402 . The motor  3402  can be operable to automatically open the secondary display  3173  from the first orientation  3203  to the second, angularly displaced orientation  3204 . The motor  3402  may be responsive to a user. For example, the user may touch the secondary display  3173  in one embodiment to actuate the motor  3402 . In other embodiments, the motor  3402  can be responsive to a device event, such as an incoming telephone call, incoming text message, incoming multimedia message, or other incoming data. When such information is received, to provide a mechanical alert to the user, the motor  3402  can be configured to at least partially rotate the secondary display  3173  towards the second, angularly displaced orientation  3204 . 
     Many methods and apparatuses for controlling electronic devices configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention have been described above. However, there are still more. As noted above, in one embodiment of a wearable electronic device the wearable housing is flexible. As the wearable housing is active in some embodiments, i.e., as it includes a control circuit capable of working with sensors and executing method steps, the physical configuration of the wearable housing can be used as an input. This input can be used in conjunction with the gaze detecting controls, orientation detecting controls, or touch sensing controls described above. 
     Turning to  FIG. 35 , illustrated therein is another wearable electronic device  3500  configured in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The illustrative wearable electronic device  3500  is shown being placed on a table  3500  in two physical configurations  3501 , 3502 . Physical configuration  3501  shows the wearable electronic device  3500  with its wearable housing elongated, while physical configuration  3502  shows the wearable electronic device  3500  with its wearable housing enfolded, as it might be when enfolded about the appendage of a wearer. The physical orientation of the wearable electronic device can be used to control the operational mode of the wearable electronic device  3500  in some embodiments. 
     In physical configuration  3501 , the wearable electronic device  3500  is in a first operational mode  3504 . An example of the operational mode  3504  is that of an alarm clock. This operational mode  3504  might be preferred, for example, when the wearable electronic device  3500  is placed on a nightstand in the evening. 
     In physical configuration  3502 , the wearable electronic device  3500  is in a second operational mode  3505 . An example of a second operational mode  3505  is that of a health monitoring mode. This operational mode  3505  might be preferred, for example, when a user is wearing the wearable electronic device  3500  about an appendage. These examples of operational modes are illustrative only, as others will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 35 , a control circuit of the wearable electronic device  3500  can configure the display  3573  in the second operational mode  3505  when the flexible housing is enfolded about the appendage of the user, and configure the display  3573  in the first operational mode  3504  when the flexible housing is elongated. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 36 , illustrated therein is an alternate embodiment of a wearable electronic device  3600  configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The explanatory electronic device  3600  of  FIG. 36  is configured as a wearable device. In  FIG. 36 , the electronic device  3600  includes an electronic module  3601  and a strap  3602  that are coupled together to form a wrist wearable device. The illustrative electronic device  3600  of  FIG. 36  has a touch sensitive display  3603  that forms a user input operable to detect gesture or touch input, and a control circuit operable with the touch sensitive display  3603 . 
     In one embodiment the electronic device  3600  includes a mobile communication circuit, and thus forms a voice or data communication device, such as a smart phone. Other communication features can be added, including a near field communication circuit for communicating with other electronic devices, as will be shown in  FIG. 39  below. Infrared sensors can be provided for detecting gesture input when the user is not “in contact” with the touch sensitive display  3603 . One or more microphones can be included for detecting voice or other audible input. The electronic device  3600  of  FIG. 36  has an efficient, compact design with a simple user interface configured for efficient operation with one hand (which is advantageous when the electronic device  3600  is worn on the wrist). 
     In one or more embodiments, in addition to the touch sensitive input functions offered by the touch sensitive display  3603 , the electronic device  3600  can be equipped with an accelerometer, disposed either within the electronic module  3601  or the active strap  3602 , which is operable with the control circuit for detecting movement. Such a motion detector can also be used as a gesture detection device. Accordingly, when the electronic device  3600  is worn on a wrist, the user can make gesture commands by moving the arm in predefined motions. Additionally, the user can deliver voice commands to the electronic device  3600  via the microphones (where included). 
     When the touch sensitive display  3603  is configured with a more conventional touch sensor, such as a capacitive sensor having transparent electrodes disposed across the surface of the touch sensitive display  3603 , control input can be entered with complex gestures. For instance, in some embodiments a single swiping action across the surface of the touch sensitive display  3603  can be used to scroll through lists or images being presented on the touch sensitive display  3603 . 
     The control circuit of the electronic device  3600  can be configured to execute a number of various functions. In one embodiment, the control circuit is configured to actuate an output device when the electronic device  3600  detects a gesture input received from a user. The gesture input may be detected from contact or motions of a finger or stylus across the touch-sensitive display  3603 . In another embodiment, gesture input may be detected from reflections of infrared signals from infrared sensors while the user is making gestures in close proximity to the electronic device  3600 . Where the user interface comprises a camera, the gesture input may be detected by capturing successive images of a user making a gesture. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device  3600  includes one or more microphones to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio input. In one embodiment, a single microphone can be used. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included to detect directions from which voice input is being received. For example a first microphone can be located on a first side of the electronic device  3600  for receiving audio input from a first direction. Similarly, a second microphone can be placed on a second side of the electronic device  3600  for receiving audio input from a second direction. The control circuit can then select between the first microphone and the second microphone to detect user input. 
     In yet another embodiment, gesture input is detected by light. The electronic device  3600  can include a light sensor configured to detect changes in optical intensity, color, light, or shadow in the near vicinity of the electronic device. The light sensor can be configured as a camera or image-sensing device that captures successive images about the device and compares luminous intensity, color, or other spatial variations between images to detect motion or the presence of an object near the user interface. Such sensors can be useful in detecting gesture input when the user is not touching the overall device. In another embodiment, an infrared sensor can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the light sensor. The infrared sensor can be configured to operate in a similar manner, but on the basis of infrared radiation rather than visible light. The light sensor and/or infrared sensor can be used to detect gesture commands. 
     Motion detection devices can also be included to detect gesture input. In one embodiment, an accelerometer can be included to detect motion of the electronic device. The accelerometer can also be used to determine the spatial orientation of the electronic device in three-dimensional space by detecting a gravitational direction. In addition to, or instead of, the accelerometer, an electronic compass can be included to detect the spatial orientation of the electronic device relative to the earth&#39;s magnetic field. Similarly, the motion detection devices can include one or more gyroscopes to detect rotational motion of the electronic device. The gyroscope can be used to determine the spatial rotation of the electronic device in three-dimensional space. Each of the motion detection devices can be used to detect gesture input. 
     An audio output can be included to provide aural feedback to the user. For example, one or more loudspeakers can be included to deliver sounds and tones. A motion generation device can be included for providing haptic feedback to a user. For example, a piezoelectric transducer or other electromechanical device can be configured to impart a force upon the wearable electronic device  3600  to provide a thump, bump, vibration, or other physical sensation to the user. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic module  3601  can be selectively detached from the active strap  3602  so as to be used as a stand alone electronic device. For example, the electronic module  3601  can be detached from the active strap  3602  and worn on a jacket. In this illustrative embodiment, both the active strap  3602  and the electronic module  3601  are “active” devices that include a power source and electronic circuitry and/or hardware. Active devices can include control circuits or processors as well. 
     In one or more embodiments, the electronic module  3601  can be detached from the active strap  3602  so that it can be coupled with, or can communicate or interface with, other devices. For example, where the electronic module  3601  includes wide area network communication capabilities, such as cellular communication capabilities, the electronic module  3601  may be coupled to a folio or docking device to interface with a tablet-style computer. In this configuration, the electronic module  3601  can be configured to function as a modem or communication device for the tablet-style computer. In such an application, a user may leverage the large screen of the tablet-style computer with the computing functionality of the electronic module  3601 , thereby creating device-to-device experiences for telephony, messaging, or other applications. The detachable nature of the electronic module  3601  serves to expand the number of experience horizons for the user. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 37 , illustrated are some of the components that can be included with the electronic module  3601  of  FIG. 36 . It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the components and modules can be used in different combinations, with some components and modules included and others omitted. For altering the presentation orientation of visual output presented on the display  3771 , such as in response to a gaze detector or orientation detector as described above, the components of the display system can include a control circuit  3701  and the display  3771 . The other components or modules can be included or excluded based upon need or application. 
     The control circuit  3701  is operable with the display  3771 . The control circuit  3701  can be operable with a memory  3702 . The control circuit  3701 , which may be any of one or more microprocessors, programmable logic, application specific integrated circuit device, or other similar device, is capable of executing program instructions and methods described herein. The program instructions and methods may be stored either on-board in the control circuit  3701 , or in the memory  3702 , or in other computer readable media coupled to the control circuit  3701 . The control circuit  3701  can be configured to operate the various functions of the electronic module  3601 , and also to execute software or firmware applications and modules that can be stored in a computer readable medium, such as memory  3702 . The control circuit  3701  executes this software or firmware, in part, to provide device functionality. The memory  3702  may include either or both static and dynamic memory components, may be used for storing both embedded code and user data. One suitable example for control circuit  3701  is the MSM7630 processor manufactured by Qualcomm, Inc. The control circuit  7301  may operate one or more operating systems, such as the Android™ mobile operating system offered by Google, Inc. In one embodiment, the memory  3702  comprises an 8-gigabyte embedded multi-media card (eMMC). 
     The control circuit  3701  can be configured to alter an operating mode of the electronic module to one of a plurality of functional modes. These functional modes can include a desktop mode, a telephone mode, a wristwatch mode, a health monitoring mode, a clock mode, a calendar mode, a gaming mode, or a media player mode. In one embodiment, the control circuit  3701  selects an operational mode from these functional modes by detecting an angularly displaced orientation of a first electronic module extension  3707 , the second electronic module extension  3708 , or combinations thereof, each of which can be pivotally attached to the electronic module  3601 . 
     The display  3771  is configured to provide visual output, images, or other visible indicia to a user. In one embodiment, the display  3771  comprises a 1.6 inch organic light emitting diode (OLED) device. In one embodiment, the display  3771  comprises a touch sensor  3712  to form touch sensitive display configured to receive user input across the surface of the display  3771 . The display  3771  can also be configured with a force sensor  3710 . Where configured with both a touch sensor  3712  and force sensor  3710 , the control circuit  3701  can determine not only where the user contacts the display  3771 , but also how much force the user employs in contacting the display  3771 . Where configured with a force sensor  3710  but no touch sensitive capabilities, the display  3771  can be used as a large “push button” or input control for the electronic module  13601 . In one embodiment, the outer lens of the display  3771  can be configured with piezoelectric sensors  3715  or other actuators to be used as both an input device and an acoustic transducer. 
     The touch sensor  3712  can include a capacitive touch sensor, an infrared touch sensor, or another touch-sensitive technology. Capacitive touch-sensitive devices include a plurality of capacitive sensors, e.g., electrodes, which are disposed along a substrate. Each capacitive sensor is configured, in conjunction with associated control circuitry, e.g., control circuit  3701  or another display specific control circuit, to detect an object in close proximity with—or touching—the surface of the display  3771  or the housing of the electronic module  3601  by establishing electric field lines between pairs of capacitive sensors and then detecting perturbations of those field lines. The electric field lines can be established in accordance with a periodic waveform, such as a square wave, sine wave, triangle wave, or other periodic waveform that is emitted by one sensor and detected by another. The capacitive sensors can be formed, for example, by disposing indium tin oxide patterned as electrodes on the substrate. Indium tin oxide is useful for such systems because it is transparent and conductive. Further, it is capable of being deposited in thin layers by way of a printing process. The capacitive sensors may also be deposited on the substrate by electron beam evaporation, physical vapor deposition, or other various sputter deposition techniques. 
     The force sensor  3710  can take various forms. For example, in one embodiment, the force sensor  3710  comprises resistive switches or a force switch array configured to detect contact with either the display  3771  or the housing of the electronic module  3601 . The array of resistive switches can function as a force-sensing layer, in that when contact is made with either the surface of the display  3771  or the housing of the electronic module  3601 , changes in impedance of any of the switches may be detected. The array of switches may be any of resistance sensing switches, membrane switches, force-sensing switches such as piezoelectric switches, or other equivalent types of technology. In another embodiment, the force sensor  3710  can be capacitive. In yet another embodiment, piezoelectric sensors  3715  can be configured to sense force as well. For example, where coupled with the lens of the display  3771 , the piezoelectric sensors  3715  can be configured to detect an amount of displacement of the lens to determine force. The piezoelectric sensors  3715  can also be configured to determine force of contact against the housing of the electronic module  3601  rather than the display  3771 . 
     A mobile communication circuit  3713  can be included to provide wide area communication capabilities. Where included, the mobile communication circuit  3713  is operable with the control circuit  3701 , and is used to facilitate electronic communication with various networks, such as cellular networks, data networks, or the Internet. Note that it is possible to combine the control circuit  3701 , the memory  3702 , and the mobile communication circuit  7303  into a single device or into devices having fewer parts while retaining the functionality of the constituent parts. 
     The mobile communication circuit  7313 , which may be one of a receiver or transmitter, and may alternatively be a transceiver, operates in conjunction with the control circuit  3701  to electronically communicate through a communication network. For example, in one embodiment, the mobile communication circuit  3713  can configured to communicate through a traditional cellular network, such as a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network or Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) network. Other examples of networks with which the communication circuit may communicate include Push-to-Talk (PTT) networks, proprietary networks, dual band CDMA networks, or Dual Band Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) networks, and direct communication networks. The mobile communication circuit  3713  can be configured to provide messaging functionality to the electronic module  3601 . In one or more embodiments, the detachable electronic module can communicate with one or more social networking applications through the mobile communication circuit  3713  as well. News feeds and other data can be received through the mobile communication circuit  3713 . Moreover, context and location sensitive notifications can be sent and received via the mobile communication circuit  3713 . 
     A battery  3704  or other energy source can be included to provide power for the various components of the electronic module  3601 . While a battery  3704  is shown in  FIG. 37 , it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other energy storage deices can be used instead of the battery  3704 , including a fuel container or an electrochemical capacitor. The battery  3704  can include a lithium ion cell or a nickel metal hydride cell, such cells having reasonably large energy capacity, wide operating temperature range, large number of charging cycles, and long useful life. The battery  3704  may also include over voltage and over current protection and charging circuitry. In one embodiment, the electronic module  3601  includes two batteries, with a battery being stored in each of the electronic module extensions  3707 , 3708 . In one embodiment, the battery  3704  is configured as an 800 mAh lithium polymer cell. 
     One or more microphones  3705  can be included to receive voice input, voice commands, and other audio input. A single microphone can be included. Optionally, two or more microphones can be included for selective beam steering. For example a first microphone can be located on a first side  3730  of the electronic module  3601  for receiving audio input from a first direction  3732 . Similarly, a second microphone can be placed on a second side  3733  of the electronic module  3601  for receiving audio input from a second direction  3731 . As described above, an infrared sensor  3714 , light sensor  3706 , or other sensor can be used as an orientation detector configured to detect a direction in which a user is located. The control circuit  3701  can then select between the first microphone and the second microphone to beam steer audio reception toward the user. Alternatively, the control circuit  3701  processes and combines the signals from two or more microphones to perform beam steering. The one or more microphones  3705  can be used for voice commands. When altering the presentation orientation of information presented on the display, the one or more microphones  3705  can be configured to be responsive to the control circuit  3701 . Accordingly, the control circuit  3701  can switch between microphones upon altering the presentation orientation in response to the user input. 
     A light sensor  3706  is configured to detect changes in optical intensity, color, light, or shadow in the near vicinity of the electronic module  3601 . For example, the light sensor  3706  can be configured as an image sensing device that captures successive images about the device and compares luminous intensity, color, or other spatial variations between images to detect motion or the presence of an object near the electronic module  3601 . Such sensors can be useful in determining at which side of the electronic module  3601  a user is standing. An infrared sensor  3714  can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, the light sensor  3706 . The infrared sensor  3714  can be configured to operate in a similar manner, but on the basis of infrared radiation rather than visible light. The light sensor  3706  and/or infrared sensor  3714  can be as an orientation detector as described above. 
     A near field communication circuit  3777  can be included for communication with local area networks. Examples of suitable near field communication circuits include Bluetooth communication circuits, IEEE 801.11 communication circuits, infrared communication circuits, magnetic field modulation circuits, and Wi-Fi circuits. 
     A global positioning system device  3778  can be included for determining where the electronic module  3601  is located. (Note that the global positioning system device  3778  can also be used to determine the spatial orientation of the electronic module  3601  in three-dimensional space by determining the change in position of the device relative to the earth.) The global positioning system device  3778  is configured for communicating with a constellation of earth orbiting satellites or a network of terrestrial base stations to determine an approximate location. Examples of satellite positioning systems suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention include, among others, the Navigation System with Time and Range (NAVSTAR) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in the United States of America, the Global Orbiting Navigation System (GLONASS) in Russia, and other similar satellite positioning systems. The satellite positioning systems based location fixes of the global positioning system device  308  autonomously or with assistance from terrestrial base stations, for example with assistance from a cellular communication network or other ground based network, or as part of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), as is well known by those having ordinary skill in the art. While a global positioning system device  3778  is one example of a location determination module, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that other location determination devices, such as electronic compasses or gyroscopes, could be used as well. 
     A user interface  3709  can be included. As noted above, in one embodiment, the display  3771  is configured as a touch sensitive display, and accordingly functions as a user interface in and of itself. However, some applications will be better served with additional user interface components as well. The user interface  3709 , where included, can be operable with the control circuit  3701  to deliver information to, and receive information from, a user. The user interface  3709  can include a keypad  3735 , navigation devices, joysticks, rocker switches, slider pads, buttons, or other controls, and optionally a voice or touch command interface. These various components can be integrated together. 
     In one or more embodiments, the lens of the display  3771  can be configured as a lens transducer  3711  to deliver audio output to a user. Piezoelectric transducers can be operably disposed with a lens of the display  3771 . Actuation of the piezoelectric transducers can cause the lens of the display  3771  to vibrate, thereby emitting acoustic output. 
     An accelerometer  3703  can be included to detect motion of the electronic module  3601 . The accelerometer  3703  can also be used to determine the spatial orientation of the electronic module  3601  in three-dimensional space by detecting a gravitational direction. In addition to, or instead of, the accelerometer  3703 , an electronic compass can be included to detect the spatial orientation of the electronic module  3601  relative to the earth&#39;s magnetic field. Similarly, one or more gyroscopes can be included to detect rotational motion of the electronic module  3601 . The gyroscope can be used to determine the spatial rotation of the electronic module  3601  in three-dimensional space. 
     Where the electronic module  3601  is configured as a wellness device, or is capable of operating in a health monitoring mode or physical safety device, one or more wellness sensors  3734  can be included as well. For example, a heart monitor  3716  can be configured to employ EKG or other sensors to monitor a user&#39;s heart rate. The heart monitor  3716  can include electrodes configured to determine action potentials from the skin of a user. A temperature monitor  3717  can be configured to monitor the temperature of a user. A pulse monitor  3718  can be configured to monitor the user&#39;s pulse. The pulse monitor  3718  lends itself to the wristwatch configuration of the electronic device  3600  because the wrist serves as an advantageous location from which to measure a person&#39;s pulse. 
     A moisture detector  3719  can be configured to detect the amount of moisture present on a person&#39;s skin. The moisture detector  3719  can be realized in the form of an impedance sensor that measures impedance between electrodes. As moisture can be due to external conditions, e.g., rain, or user conditions, perspiration, the moisture detector  3719  can function in tandem with ISFETS configured to measure pH or amounts of NaOH in the moisture or a galvanic sensor  3720  to determine not only the amount of moisture, but whether the moisture is due to external factors, perspiration, or combinations thereof. 
     The medical history of a user, as well as the determinations made by the various wellness sensors  3734 , can be stored in a medical profile  3721 . Periodic updates can be made to the medical profile  3721  as well. The medical profile  3721  can be a module operable with the control circuit  3701 . Such modules can be configured as sets of instructions stored in the memory  3702  that are usable by the control circuit  3701  to execute the various wellness monitoring functions of the electronic module  3601 . Alternatively, the modules could be configured in hardware, such as through programmable logic. The wellness sensors  3734  shown in  FIG. 37  are illustrative only. Embodiments of the present invention may use various combinations of wellness sensors  3734 , including subsets of the wellness sensors  3734  shown in  FIG. 37 . Further, other modules may be added to further increase device functionality. The wellness sensors  3734  can be used to provide the user with a sensor-based health and wellness data assessment. The wellness sensors  3734  can be used in conjunction with the medical profile  3721  to provide context sensitive recommendations on the display  3771 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 38 , illustrated therein is a user  3800  delivering gesture input  3802  to a wearable electronic device  3801 . Recall from  FIGS. 15 ,  18 - 19 , and  26 - 27  that touch input can be used in conjunction with both gaze detectors and orientation detectors. Where the wearable electronic device  3801  is configured to receive gesture input  3802 , the gesture input  3802  can be used in conjunction with, or instead of, the touch input described above to perform the touch input functions set forth above. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 39 , illustrated therein is another feature that can be achieved when the wearable electronic device  3801  is configured to receive gesture input  3902 . As shown in  FIG. 39 , a user  3800  is making gesture input  3902  to control the device. Gaze input and orientation input, described in detail above, can also be used as control inputs. 
     In  FIG. 39 , the wearable electronic device  3900  is in communication with a remote electronic device  3901 . The wearable electronic device can accordingly use gesture input  3902 , gaze input, or orientation detection input to control the remote electronic device  3901 . For example, the user  3800  can employ gaze input, orientation input, and gesture input  3902  to control a presentation occurring on the remote electronic device  3901  using the wearable electronic device  3801 . The wearable electronic device  3801 , which includes near field communication circuitry capable of sending one or more control signals  3903  corresponding to the gaze, orientation, or gesture input to the remote electronic device  3901 , allows the user to control the remote electronic device  3901  with a mere gaze. Where the remote electronic device  3901  is a projection screen capable of being viewed by an audience, the user can simply gaze upon the wearable electronic device  3801  to “magically” control images projected on the remote electronic device  3901 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 40 , illustrated therein are two wearable electronic devices  3801 , 4001 , each including near field communication circuitry capable of sending one or more control signals to the other wearable device. As they are being worn on the same appendage of a user, they can communicate to intelligently expand the available display area. For example, as shown in  FIG. 40 , display  3871  of wearable electronic device  3801  is being used with display  4071  of wearable electronic device  4001  to form a “common” display. In addition to providing a common display, the wearable electronic devices  3801 , 4001  can communicate in other ways as well. For example, in one embodiment they can preclude presenting the same information on their displays. In another embodiment, they can extend the information so that the data flows from one display to another. 
     In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.