Electronic device, control method and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic apparatus, a control method, and a computer program product, which can make the visual recognition state of light transmitted through an exterior body close to an expected state. An electronic device is provided with: an exterior body; a light-emitting unit which is provided inside the exterior body and which is capable of emitting light to the outside by transmitting the light through the exterior body; and a processor that performs the following processes: acquiring exterior body information, which is information relating to the state of the exterior body; and performing control for adjusting the light emitting mode of the light emitting unit on the basis of the acquired exterior body information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a portable image forming device, which includes: a recording unit that records an image on a recording material; and a device body that internally accommodates the recording unit. The portable image forming device is characterized in that it includes: a loading and unloading unit that is configured to be loaded and unloaded on the device body and electrically connected to the device body; a pressurizing mechanism that pressurizes the loading and unloading unit along the unit-side connecting portion of the installed loading and unloading unit toward the main body-side connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the loading and unloading direction of the loading and unloading unit; and a movable component that holds the pressurizing mechanism and is capable of moving between a first position where the pressurizing mechanism is closest to the main body-side connecting portion and a second position farthest from the main body-side connecting portion.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a battery that is constructed by accommodating a circuit board on which a charging and discharging module having a secondary battery is installed in a frame composed of a watch case and a back case, and the secondary battery is charged by an external power supply, and can supply power from the secondary battery to a portable electronic device. The battery is characterized in that a decorative LED light is installed on the circuit board, at least one of the watch case and the back case is constructed so as to allow light emitted by the decorative LED light to pass through, and the decorative LED light is placed opposite to the inner side of at least one of the watch case and the back case that is constructed so as to allow light emitted by the decorative LED light to pass through.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes a portable electronic device comprising: a housing; a power generation unit, arranged on the outer surface of the housing, generating electricity by photoelectric conversion based on light incident from the outside; an ultraviolet detection unit, detecting the illuminance of ultraviolet rays contained in the light; a secondary battery capable of charging the electricity generated by the power generation unit; a posture detection unit, capable of detecting the posture of the housing; a control unit, controlling the charging state of the secondary battery with the electricity generated by the power generation unit; a display unit and an operation unit, arranged on the housing and having a light source unit; and a determination unit, determining a state in which charging is possible based on the illuminance of ultraviolet rays detected by the ultraviolet detection unit and the posture of the housing detected by the posture detection unit, wherein the control unit charges the secondary battery and controls the light source unit to be driven in a suppressed manner when the determination unit determines that the charging is possible, and controls the light source unit to be driven in a normal manner when the determination unit determines that the charging is not possible.

[0005] Patent document 4 describes a portable electronic device, which is characterized in that it includes: a drop detection unit for detecting when the device falls into water; a light-emitting body arranged inside a frame; and a light-emitting control circuit for causing the light-emitting body to emit light when the drop detection unit detects that the device has fallen into water, and a translucent portion is provided on a part of the frame.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-55282

[0009] Patent Document 2: Utility Model Registration No. 3196184

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-34448

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-156364 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] When a light emitting unit is provided inside an exterior body of an electronic device, the state in which light emitted from the interior of the exterior body is visually recognized may change from an expected state depending on the state of the exterior body.

[0014] Therefore, the technology of the present invention provides an electronic device, a control method, and a program that can make the visual recognition state of light transmitted through an exterior body close to a desired state.

[0015] Means for solving problems

[0016] A first embodiment of the technology of the present invention is an electronic device comprising: an exterior body; a light-emitting portion disposed within the exterior body and capable of transmitting light through the exterior body and emitting light to the outside; and a processor configured to: acquire exterior body information relating to a state of the exterior body; and execute control to adjust a light-emitting mode of the light-emitting portion based on the acquired exterior body information.

[0017] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first embodiment, the exterior body information includes exterior body color information, which is information related to the color of the exterior body, and the control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion based on the exterior body color information.

[0018] The third mode involved in the technology of the present invention is an electronic device involved in the first mode, wherein the outer casing information includes transmitted light color information, which is information related to changes in the color of light transmitted through the outer casing, and the control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion based on the transmitted light color information.

[0019] In the fourth embodiment of the technology of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first embodiment, the outer casing information includes transmitted light intensity information, which is information related to changes in the intensity of light transmitted through the outer casing, and the control includes adjusting the light emission amount of the light-emitting portion according to the transmitted light intensity information.

[0020] According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first embodiment, the processor further obtains ambient light information, which is information related to the ambient light around the outer body, and the control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting portion according to the obtained ambient light information.

[0021] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the fifth aspect, the ambient light information includes ambient light intensity information indicating brightness around the exterior body, and the control includes adjusting light emission of the light emitting unit based on the ambient light intensity information.

[0022] According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment, the ambient light information includes ambient light color information indicating the color of ambient light around the exterior body, and the control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion according to the ambient light color information.

[0023] According to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first embodiment, the exterior body information includes information related to a state of a movable portion of the exterior body, and the control includes adjusting a light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on the information related to the state of the movable portion.

[0024] The ninth mode involved in the technology of the present invention is an electronic device involved in the eighth mode, wherein the movable part is a cover member provided in an outer casing at a position opposite to the light-emitting part, and the control includes adjusting the light emission amount of the light-emitting part according to the opening and closing state of the cover member.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein the exterior housing information includes posture information indicating a posture of the electronic device, and the control includes adjusting a light emission mode of the light emitting unit based on the posture information.

[0026] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to any one of the second to tenth aspects, wherein the exterior information includes operating state information indicating an operating state of the electronic device, and the control includes adjusting a light emission mode of the light emitting unit based on the operating state information.

[0027] A twelfth aspect according to the present invention is the electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein a stripe pattern composed of periodic concavities and convexities is formed on the surface of the exterior body.

[0028] According to the 13th embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the 1st embodiment, the outer casing has a display portion that displays characters, symbols and / or graphics based on the difference in three-dimensional shape between the surface and the surroundings, and the display portion is formed at a position opposite to the light-emitting portion.

[0029] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic device according to the first aspect, a coating film is formed on the outer side of the exterior body, and the thickness of the coating film in the region through which light from the light-emitting portion is transmitted is set thinner than that in other regions.

[0030] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein the light emitting unit includes an LED light source, and the control includes control for adjusting a light emission mode of the LED light source.

[0031] The 16th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a control method, which is a control method for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises: an outer body; and a light-emitting portion, which is arranged inside the outer body and can transmit light through the outer body and emit it to the outside. The control method includes the following steps: obtaining outer body information, which is information related to the state of the outer body; and executing control to adjust the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting portion based on the obtained outer body information.

[0032] The 17th method involved in the technology of the present invention is a program, which is a program for controlling an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises: an outer body; and a light-emitting portion, which is arranged inside the outer body and can transmit light through the outer body and emit it to the outside. The program causes a computer to execute a process including the following steps: obtaining outer body information, which is information related to the state of the outer body; and executing control to adjust the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting portion based on the obtained outer body information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a plan view showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 It is a side view showing an example of the structure of an electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing an example of light emission control processing according to the embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 13 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 14 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 15 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 16 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the main functions of a processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0049] Explanation of symbols

[0050] 10-Electronic device, 11-Mobile printer, 12-Exterior body, 12A-Upper surface, 14-Export, 16-Display part, 18, 20-Protrusion, 19-Power button, 22-First component, 22A-Bottom plate, 22A1-Inner surface, 22B-Side wall, 23-Abutment part, 24-Second component, 24A-Bottom plate, 24B-Side wall, 26-Light emitting part, 26A, 26B, 26C-LED light source, 27-Light emitting element, 27A-R light emitting element, 27B-G light emitting element, 27C-B light emitting element, 28-Space, 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D-Transmission suppression layer, 32-Coating film, 34-Substrate, 36-Transmission part, 38-Receiving device, 40-Control device, 42-Processor, 42A-Acquisition Taking part, 42B-light source control part, 44-storage unit, 44A-control program, 46-RAM, 48-external I / F, 49-bus, 50-detection part, 51-light sensor, 52-exterior body information, 54-exterior body color information, 56, 78-setting table, 58-transmitted light color information, 60-transmitted light intensity information, 62, 70, 84, 88-light emission mode derivation formula, 64-ambient light information, 66-ambient light color information, 68-ambient light intensity information, 72-movable part, 72A-cover part, 74-contact sensor, 76-cover opening and closing information, 80-posture sensor, 82-posture information, 86-action status information, 100-smartphone, E-eye, F1-finger, F-film, IM-image data, L-emitted light DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] An example of an embodiment of an electronic device 10 according to the technology of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] In the following description, for ease of explanation, the three arrows X, Y, and Z are used to represent the width direction, front-to-back direction, and height direction of the electronic device 10. First, the height direction is represented by the arrow Z, and the direction indicated by the arrow Z is set as the upper direction of the electronic device 10, and the opposite direction is set as the lower direction. The width direction is represented by the arrow X that is perpendicular to the arrow Z, and the direction indicated by the arrow X is set as the right direction of the electronic device 10, and the opposite direction is set as the left direction. The front-to-back direction is represented by the arrow Y and is perpendicular to the arrows Z and X. The direction indicated by the arrow Y is set as the front direction of the electronic device 10, and the opposite direction is set as the rear direction. In addition, the meaning of the expressions of the use side such as the upper side, the lower side, the left side, the right side, the front side, and the rear side is the same as the meaning of the expressions of the use direction.

[0053] <First embodiment>

[0054] As an example, Figure 1As shown, electronic device 10, for example, has a printer function. Furthermore, electronic device 10 is, for example, a portable electronic device. For example, electronic device 10 is a mobile printer. Below, for ease of explanation, the embodiment is described using mobile printer 11 as an example. Electronic device 10 is an example of an "electronic device" within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] The mobile printer 11 is capable of communicating with external devices. Figure 1 In the example shown, the mobile printer 11 is capable of communicating with the smartphone 100. Examples of communication methods include wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)), but wired communication is also possible. The mobile printer 11 receives image data IM transmitted from the smartphone 100 and prints the subject image represented by the received image data IM onto film F. The film F is, for example, a film containing a photosensitive material (so-called instant film).

[0056] The mobile printer 11 includes an exterior body 12. Figure 1 In the example shown, the exterior body 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped frame structure with a longitudinal direction in the X direction. The exterior body 12 houses electronic components and other components that enable the mobile printer 11 to function as a printer and perform other functions. Furthermore, for example, printed films F are discharged from an outlet 14 provided on the left side of the exterior body 12. The exterior body 12 is an example of an "exterior body" within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] The display unit 16 is formed on the outer body 12. The display unit 16 displays at least one of characters, symbols, and graphics on the surface of the outer body 12. Figure 1 In the example shown, the display portion 16 is formed on the upper surface 12A of the exterior body 12. Figure 1 In the example shown, the display unit 16 displays the characters "ABCD." Examples of content displayed by the display unit 16 include company names, product names, personal names, slogans, trademarks, and / or pictograms. Furthermore, content displayed by the display unit 16 may include symbols (e.g., arrows indicating the film ejection direction) or graphics (e.g., a power button symbol) used to explain the operation of the mobile printer 11. The display unit 16 is an example of a "display unit" within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] As an example, Figure 2 As shown, a linear striped pattern is formed along the longitudinal direction (here, the X direction) of the outer body 12. Specifically, a striped pattern consisting of periodic concavities and convexities is formed on the surface of the outer body 12. The striped pattern will be described below using the upper surface 12A of the outer body 12 as an example, but it is understood that the striped pattern can also be formed on other surfaces of the outer body 12.

[0059] When viewed in a cross section with the longitudinal direction as the normal (cross-section), protrusions 18 are periodically formed on the upper surface 12A of the outer body 12. When viewed in cross section, protrusions 18 have a triangular shape, with the apex portions continuing along the longitudinal direction, thus forming a linear striped pattern. Thus, the periodic presence of protrusions 18 creates a striped pattern composed of periodic concavities and convexities.

[0060] Here, the display unit 16 displays at least one of characters, symbols, and graphics based on the difference in three-dimensional shape between the surface of the exterior body 12 and the surroundings. Figure 2 In the example shown, the display portion 16 protrudes further outward (in this case, upward) from the outer body 12 than the surrounding portion. This creates a difference in the three-dimensional shape from the surrounding portion. Specifically, in the stripe pattern, the portion corresponding to the display portion 16 becomes a protrusion 20 that is higher than the protrusion 18 that exists in the surrounding portion. That is, in Figure 2 In the example shown, the difference in three-dimensional shape is the difference in height of the convex portions of the stripe pattern.

[0061] The difference in the three-dimensional shape between the display unit 16 and other areas causes a difference in the way natural light (here, ambient light) is reflected. Thus, the display unit 16 can be visually identified (here, the characters ABCD appear to be visible) based on the difference in the three-dimensional shape from the surrounding area.

[0062] As an example, Figure 3 As shown, the outer housing 12 is constructed to include a first component 22 and a second component 24 arranged adjacent to the first component 22. The first component 22 is, for example, a cover component constituting the upper side of the outer housing 12, and the second component 24 is, for example, a cover component constituting the lower side of the outer housing 12. In addition, the mobile printer 11 includes a light-emitting portion 26 inside the outer housing 12. The light-emitting portion 26 is provided inside the outer housing 12 at a position opposite to the display portion 16. The light-emitting portion 26 is configured to allow the emitted light L to pass through the outer housing 12 and be emitted to the outside. The emitted light L is, for example, light having a wavelength including the visible light region. The light-emitting portion 26 is an example of a "light-emitting portion" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0063] exist Figure 3In the example shown, the light-emitting portion 26 is configured to include, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) light sources 26A to 26C. The LED light sources 26A to 26C are arranged in a straight line from the right side inside the outer casing 12. Here, an example in which three LED light sources 26A to 26C are arranged is described, but this is only an example, and there may be two or less or four or more LED light sources. In addition, the arrangement interval, arrangement position, and arrangement method of the LED light sources (for example, arranged in a circular shape or arranged at the vertices of a quadrilateral, etc.) can also be appropriately set. In addition, the LED light sources 26A to 26C respectively include RGB light-emitting elements, and by controlling the light-emitting method of each light-emitting element, the color and light amount of the emitted light L can be changed. The LED light sources 26A to 26C are an example of an "LED light source" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0064] And, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the light-emitting portion 26 is housed inside the first component 22 constituting the upper portion of the outer body 12. The first component 22 includes a contact portion 23, which is a portion that contacts the second component 24. Specifically, the first component 22 includes: a bottom plate portion 22A, which is a plate-like portion having a plate thickness in the height direction; and a side wall portion 22B, which is erected along the height direction from the peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion 22A. Here, in the state where the first component 22 and the second component 24 are combined, the side wall portion 22B is erected toward the second component 24. The side wall portion 22B contacts the second component 24 and also performs the function of the contact portion 23, the details of which will be described later.

[0065] The light emitting portion 26 is provided at a position opposing the inner surface of the bottom plate portion 22A. Furthermore, light L emitted from the light emitting portion 26 transmits through the bottom plate portion 22A and is emitted to the exterior of the exterior body 12. Here, the transmission of the emitted light L includes the light L being scattered by the exterior body 12 and emitted to the exterior. Since the exterior body 12 is made of a resin material, the emitted light L is scattered when passing through the bottom plate portion 22A, thereby widening the range of the emitted light L emitted to the exterior.

[0066] Furthermore, a space 28 capable of accommodating a film F is formed in the second component 24 constituting the lower portion of the outer body 12. The film F is accommodated within the space 28 via a cover (not shown). For ease of explanation, a single film F is depicted here, but it is of course possible to accommodate multiple films F within the space 28. The space 28 can be open relative to the lower surface of the outer body 12. In other words, a light-emitting portion 26 is provided in the outer body 12 at a position opposite to the display portion 16, which is formed on the surface (here, the upper surface) opposite to the side that accommodates the film F. The second component 24 also has the same shape as the first component 22.

[0067] As an example, Figure 4 As shown, the transmissive portion 36 is determined by the distance between the light emitting section 26 and the inner surface of the exterior body 12 and the divergence angle of the emitted light L. This transmissive portion 36 is the region of the exterior body 12 through which the emitted light L is transmitted. Specifically, the transmissive portion 36 is determined by the distance between the LED light sources 26A-26C of the light emitting section 26 and the inner surface 22A1 of the bottom plate 22A, and the divergence angle of the emitted light L from the LED light sources 26A-26C. In other words, the first member 22 of the exterior body 12 includes the transmissive portion 36 that transmits the light L emitted from the light emitting section 26. The transmissive portion 36 is an example of a "transmissive portion" within the present invention.

[0068] In the mobile printer 11, the light emitting unit 26 is sometimes made to emit light (for example, light up or flash). In this way, the operating status of the mobile printer 11 can be notified, or the user experience can be improved (for example, the fun felt by the user when using it can be improved). Here, when looking down at the outer body 12 of the mobile printer 11 (here, when observing from the upper surface), the light emitted by the light emitting unit 26 overlaps with the position of the display unit 16 (that is, the light emitting unit 26 and the display unit 16 are opposite). In this case, it is difficult to recognize the display unit 16 due to the light emission of the light emitting unit 26. That is, if the light emitting unit 26 emits light, it is easy to visually recognize the emitted light L that passes through the outer body 12, making it difficult to visually recognize the reflected light at the display unit 16 (for example, the reflected light caused by the difference from the surrounding three-dimensional shape). As a result, the visual recognition of the display unit 16 is reduced.

[0069] So, as an example, Figure 5 As shown, in the present embodiment, in the outer casing 12, the transmittance of the emitted light L emitted from the light emitting portion 26 is made different between the region corresponding to the display portion 16 and the surrounding region. Specifically, a transmission suppression layer 30 containing a material having lower light transmittance than the surrounding region is formed on the inner surface of the outer casing 12. More specifically, in the first component 22 of the outer casing 12, the transmission suppression layer 30 is formed on the inner surface 22A1 of the bottom plate portion 22A. The transmission suppression layer 30 is formed in the region corresponding to the display portion 16. The region corresponding to the display portion 16 is, for example, a range on the back side of the display portion 16 of the same size as the display portion 16. In Figure 5 In the example shown, transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed to have shapes that are inverted from the characters "ABCD" displayed on display unit 16. The area corresponding to display unit 16 may be appropriately sized, rather than being the same size as display unit 16.

[0070] Transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed on the inner surface 22A1 of the first member 22 by printing. Specifically, transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed by printing using a coating containing a material that absorbs wavelengths in the visible light range. For example, transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are printed using black coating. The emitted light L is absorbed or partially reflected by interacting with the transmission suppression layer 30. This suppresses the transmission of the emitted light L within the region corresponding to the display unit 16.

[0071] As described above, the light emitting section 26 is provided at a position facing the display section 16. Furthermore, a transmission suppression layer 30 is formed inside the exterior body 12 in a region corresponding to the display section 16. Therefore, a portion of the emitted light L from the light emitting section 26 is suppressed from transmitting by the transmission suppression layer 30. Here, a portion of the emitted light L is absorbed by the black paint contained in the transmission suppression layer 30. Figure 5 In the illustrated example, when the first member 22 is viewed from the inner surface (here, from below), the transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D have shapes formed by inverting the characters "ABCD." Therefore, within the regions formed by the inverted shapes of the characters "ABCD," the emitted light L is suppressed from transmitting through the exterior body 12.

[0072] As an example, Figure 6 As shown, in the mobile printer 11, when the light emitting unit 26 emits light, the transmission suppression layer 30 provided in the area corresponding to the display unit 16 suppresses the transmission of the emitted light L as described above. As a result, the emitted light L is less likely to be transmitted to the display unit 16, making it easier to visually recognize the display unit 16. Figure 6 In the example shown, the transmission suppression layer 30 having the shape of the characters “ABCD” reversed makes it easy to visually recognize the characters “ABCD” on the display unit 16 .

[0073] Thus, even if the area corresponding to the display unit 16 is recognized as another area due to differences in the degree of visual recognition and the light-emitting unit 26 provided inside the exterior body 12 is illuminated, the display unit 16 can be easily recognized. In addition, within the range illuminated by the emitted light L, the content displayed by the transmission suppression layer 30 (here, the characters "ABCD") is shaded and stands out, thereby improving the design.

[0074] The portion of the exterior body 12 facing the light emitting portion 26 is required to contain a relatively highly transmissive material to transmit the light L emitted from the light emitting portion 26. On the other hand, the portion opposite the portion facing the light emitting portion 26 is required to contain a relatively less transmissive material. This is to prevent unwanted external light from entering the interior of the exterior body 12.

[0075] When combining two components with different optical properties (e.g., light transmittance) to form the exterior body 12, the difference in optical properties becomes noticeable at the point where the two components abut. This results in a lack of unity within the exterior body 12 as a whole, sometimes impairing its appearance.

[0076] So, as an example, Figure 7 As shown, in the first part 22 of the outer body 12, the thickness of the coating 32 is adjusted. The first part 22 has a coating 32 and a base 34. The coating 32 is formed on the surface of the base 34. The base 34 is formed to contain a translucent material. Here, the translucent material refers to a material that transmits light while scattering light. The base 34 is, for example, a milky white resin. In addition, the coating 32 is a film formed by the paint being fixed on the surface of the base 34, and the type of paint is appropriately set according to the color change of the outer body 12. As described above, the emitted light L from the light-emitting portion 26 is emitted to the outside through the first part 22. By forming the first part 22 from a translucent material, the emitted light L is easily emitted to the outside of the outer body 12, so that the emitted light L is easily visually recognized. The coating 32 is an example of a "coating" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0077] The coating film 32 has a thickness of t1 on the side wall portion 22B of the first component 22. On the other hand, the coating film 32 has a thickness of t2 on the bottom plate portion 22A of the first component 22. The thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B is thicker than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A. In other words, the transmission portion 36 (refer to FIG. 2 ) through which the emitted light L is transmitted in the bottom plate portion 22A is formed. Figure 4 ), the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 is thinner than the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 of the side wall portion 22B.

[0078] Specifically, the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 of the side wall portion 22B is 1.5 times or more the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 of the bottom plate portion 22A. More specifically, the thickness t1 is, for example, approximately 20 μm, and the thickness t2 is, for example, approximately 10 to 12 μm.

[0079] The second component 24 includes a bottom plate portion 24A and a side wall portion 24B extending vertically from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 24A. The second component 24 is formed from a non-transparent material. Here, a non-transparent material refers to a material that blocks light. Specifically, the non-transparent material is, for example, a material in which titanium oxide particles are dispersed in a resin serving as a base material. In other words, the second component 24 is formed from, for example, a resin containing titanium oxide. As described above, a space 28 for accommodating the film F is formed in the second component 24. By forming the second component 24 from a non-transparent material, external light is prevented from entering the interior of the second component 24.

[0080] The first component 22 and the second component 24 are joined in an adjacent state. Furthermore, the first component 22 abuts against the second component 24 via the abutting portion 23. Figure 7 In the example shown, the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 abuts the side wall portion 24B of the second member 24. That is, in the first member 22, the side wall portion 22B serves as the abutment portion 23. Specifically, the lower surface of the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 contacts the upper surface of the side wall portion 24B of the second member 24. Furthermore, as described above, the thickness t1 of the coating 32 of the side wall portion 22B is thicker than the thickness t2 of the coating 32 of the bottom plate portion 22A. In other words, the thickness t1 of the coating 32 of the abutment portion 23 is thicker than the thickness t2 of the coating 32 of the transmissive portion 36.

[0081] With the side wall portion 22B and the side wall portion 24B in contact with each other, the first component 22 and the second component 24 are joined. The method of joining the first component 22 and the second component 24 is not particularly limited. For example, mechanical fastening may be achieved by combining a fixing mechanism in which fixing claws are fitted into holes and a screw fastening portion, or bonding may be achieved by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0082] As an example, Figure 8 As shown on the left side of FIG, consider a case where the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 (hereinafter referred to as coating film thickness t1) is thinner than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A of the first member 22 (hereinafter referred to as coating film thickness t2). In this case, the difference in light transmittance between the portions where the first member 22 and the second member 24 abut (here, the side wall portion 22B and the side wall portion 24B) are different components becomes noticeable.

[0083] On the other hand, Figure 8 As shown on the right side of FIG, consider a case where the coating thickness t1 of the side wall portion 22B of the first component 22 is thicker than the coating thickness t2 of the bottom plate portion 22A of the first component 22. In this case, the light transmittance of the side wall portion 22B of the first component 22 approaches that of the side wall portion 24B of the second component 24, making the difference between the first component 22 and the second component 24 less noticeable. As a result, the overall sense of unity of the exterior body 12 is enhanced, improving its design.

[0084] Next, the hardware structure of the electrical system of the mobile printer 11 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 9As shown, the mobile printer 11 includes a control device 40. The control device 40 controls the overall operation of the mobile printer 11. The control device 40 includes a processor 42, a storage unit 44, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 46, and an external I / F (interface) 48. The processor 42, RAM 46, storage unit 44, and external I / F 48 are connected to a bus 49. The processor 42 is an example of a "processor" within the scope of the present invention. The control device 40 is an example of a "computer" within the scope of the present invention.

[0085] A memory is connected to the processor 42. The memory includes a storage unit 44 and a RAM 46. The processor 42 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Alternatively, the processor 42 may include a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) dedicated to image processing in addition to the CPU.

[0086] The RAM 46 is a memory for temporarily storing information and is used as a working memory by the processor 42. Examples of the RAM 46 include DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0087] The storage unit 44 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores various programs and parameters. Examples of the storage unit 44 include flash memory (e.g., EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory) and SSD (Solid State Drive)) and / or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Flash memory and HDD are merely examples; at least one of these, a flash memory, an HDD, a magnetoresistive memory, and a ferroelectric memory, can be used as the storage unit 44.

[0088] The external I / F 48 controls transmission and reception of various information with devices existing outside the control device 40. The external I / F 48 is connected to the light emitting unit 26, the receiving device 38, and the detecting unit 50 so as to be communicable.

[0089] The light emitting unit 26 can emit light L having various colors and intensities depending on parameter settings. Specifically, as described above, the mobile printer 11 includes the LED light source 26A, the LED light source 26B, and the LED light source 26C as the light emitting unit 26. The LED light source 26A is composed of an R (red) light emitting element 27A, a G (green) light emitting element 27B, and a B (blue) light emitting element 27C. The light intensity and color of the light emitted by the LED light source 26A can be adjusted by changing the parameter settings related to the light emission of each light emitting element of the LED light source 26A.

[0090] Similarly, LED light sources 26B and 26C are composed of R (red) light emitting elements 27A, G (green) light emitting elements 27B, and B (blue) light emitting elements 27C. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between R (red) light emitting elements 27A, G (green) light emitting elements 27B, and B (blue) light emitting elements 27C, they may be simply referred to as "light emitting elements 27."

[0091] Furthermore, the light intensity and emission color of LED light sources 26B and 26C are also adjusted by changing the parameter settings of light emitting element 27. As a result of adjusting the light intensity and emission color of LED light sources 26A to 26C, light emitting unit 26 emits light L.

[0092] The light emitting element 27 is an LED that emits pulsed light in response to periodically input drive pulses. Parameters of the light emitting element 27 include a duty ratio of the drive pulse and / or a light emission time determined by the number of repetitions of the drive pulse.

[0093] The detection unit 50 can detect information related to the outer casing 12 of the mobile printer 11. Figure 9 In the illustrated example, a light sensor 51 is shown as the detection unit 50. The light sensor 51 is, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the color and illuminance of light incident on a light receiving element.

[0094] As described above, by making the light-emitting portion 26 emit light, it is possible to notify the operating status of the mobile printer 11 or improve the user experience. In this case, the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion 26 is affected by the state of the outer body 12. For example, in the case where the outer body 12 is red, it is assumed that white light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 26. In this case, although the white light is intended to be visually recognized, the user will visually recognize the emitted light L as a reddish color due to the red outer body 12 being transmitted. In this way, the user's visual recognition state of the emitted light L will change from the expected state. Here, the user's visual recognition state includes the color of the emitted light L recognized by the user and the degree of intensity of the emitted light L recognized by the user (for example, brightness).

[0095] Therefore, in view of this situation, in the mobile printer 11 according to this embodiment, in the control device 40, the processor 42 reads the control program 44A from the storage unit 44 and executes the read control program 44A on the RAM 46. In this way, the processor 42 operates as the acquisition unit 42A and the light source control unit 42B. The control program 44A is an example of a "program" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0096] As an example, Figure 10 As shown, in the processor 42, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the outer body information 52 from the storage unit 44. The outer body information 52 is information related to the outer body 12. The outer body information 52 includes information about the outer body 12 and its surroundings, including information related to the outer body 12 itself. The outer body information 52 includes outer body color information 54. The outer body color information 54 is information related to the color of the outer body 12. The outer body color information 54 is stored in the storage unit 44, for example, during the manufacturing stage of the mobile printer 11. Alternatively, for example, the outer body color information 54 can be acquired by detecting the color of the outer body 12 by the detection unit 50. Furthermore, when the outer body 12 is replaced, the outer body color information 54 can be updated by reading a non-contact storage medium (not shown) provided in the outer body 12 using a non-contact reading device (not shown). The acquisition unit 42A then outputs the outer body color information 54 to the light source control unit 42B. The exterior body information 52 is an example of the “exterior body information” according to the technology of the present invention, and the exterior body color information 54 is an example of the “exterior body color information” according to the technology of the present invention.

[0097] The light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the exterior body information 52. Specifically, the light source control unit 42B acquires the exterior body color information 54 from the acquisition unit 42A. Furthermore, the light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the color of the exterior body 12 indicated by the exterior body color information 54. Here, the light emission mode control includes controlling the color of light emitted by the light emitting unit 26 and controlling the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 26. Furthermore, the light emission mode control also includes controlling whether the light emitting unit 26 emits light (e.g., turns on or flashes), or controlling which of the multiple LED light sources 26A to 26C is to be emitted and in what order.

[0098] Specifically, light source control unit 42B controls the setting parameters. More specifically, light source control unit 42B retrieves setting table 56 from storage unit 44. Setting table 56 is a table that uses the color of outer body 12 as input information and parameters for the light emission conditions of light emitting unit 26 as output information. Setting table 56 is obtained, for example, by adjusting the emission color according to the color of outer body 12 during a sensory test using an actual device, and using light L that passes through the outer body as a reference color.

[0099] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, settings table 56 displays parameters for each of LED light sources 26A to 26C as corresponding output information when red or blue is input as the color of exterior housing 12. Parameters include the duty ratio (ratio of pulse width to pulse interval) of the drive pulses for each of the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light-emitting elements 27 that comprise LED light sources 26A to 26C, respectively, and the total light-emission time T for each of LED light sources 26A to 26C. Although not shown, settings table 56 also stores parameters for exterior housing 12 colors other than red and blue.

[0100] The light source control unit 42B uses the setting table 56 to read the parameters of the LED light sources 26A to 26C based on the outer body color information 54. Specifically, the parameters of the LED light sources 26A to 26C corresponding to the color of the outer body 12 represented by the outer body color information 54 are read. Then, the light source control unit 42B executes the setting of the parameters of the read LED light sources 26A to 26C. Specifically, the duty ratio of the drive pulses of the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light-emitting elements 27 constituting each LED light source 26A to 26C is set, and the total light-emitting time T of each LED light source 26A to 26C is set. In this way, the light source control unit 42B executes the control to adjust the light-emitting mode of the LED light sources 26A to 26C.

[0101] Adjusting the duty cycle of the drive pulses for each color light emitting element 27 means adjusting the amount of light emitted per unit time by each color light emitting element 27. Furthermore, by combining the amounts of light emitted by each color light emitting element 27, the LED light sources 26A to 26C, which are a collection of each color light emitting element 27, can produce light of various colors.

[0102] For example, if the emission intensity of the R (red) light-emitting elements 27 is relatively increased, the light from the LED light sources 26A-26C becomes more reddish, while if the emission intensity of the B (blue) light-emitting elements 27 is relatively increased, the light from the LED light sources 26A-26C becomes more bluish. By making the emission intensity of each light-emitting element 27 equal, the light from the LED light sources 26A-26C becomes white light. Furthermore, by fine-tuning the emission intensity of each color of light-emitting element 27, a wider variety of colors of light can be produced. Furthermore, by making the LED light sources 26A-26C emit different colors of light, the color can be varied for each region of each LED light source 26A-26C. In this way, by adjusting the ratio of the light intensity emitted by the R (red), G (green), and B (blue) light-emitting elements 27 in the LED light sources 26A-26C and varying the emission color of each LED light source 26A-26C, it is possible to emit light L corresponding to the color of the exterior body 12.

[0103] For example, if the color of the exterior body 12 is red and white light is desired to be emitted (i.e., the desired emission color is white), the amount of light emitted by the R (red) light emitting element 27 is relatively reduced, so that the color of the emitted light L after passing through the exterior body 12 approaches white. Furthermore, if the color of the exterior body 12 is blue and white light is desired to be emitted (i.e., the desired emission color is white), the amount of light emitted by the B (blue) light emitting element 27 is relatively reduced, so that the color of the emitted light L after passing through the exterior body 12 approaches white.

[0104] While the example of using setting table 56 to set parameters is shown here, this is merely an example. Instead of setting table 56, a parameter derivation formula (not shown) expressing setting table 56 as a function may be used to set parameters. The parameter derivation formula is an arithmetic expression with the value representing the exterior body color as the independent variable and the parameter value as the dependent variable.

[0105] The light source control unit 42B determines whether the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 26 has arrived. The light emission timing of the light emitting unit 26 can be, for example, during the activation of the mobile printer 11, during communication with an external device, or during the printing operation on the film F. When the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 26 has arrived, the light source control unit 42B causes the LED light sources 26A to 26C to emit light. As described above, the light emission mode of each LED light source 26A to 26C is adjusted according to the color of the outer body 12. The light L emitted from the light emitting unit 26 passes through the outer body 12. When the light L that has passed through the outer body 12 is recognized by the user's eyes E, the light L is recognized in a state close to the expected emission color.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 11 The light emission control process in the mobile printer 11 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 11This is a flowchart showing an example of light emission control processing. Figure 11 The illustrated flow of the light emission control process is an example of a “control method” according to the technology of the present invention.

[0107] As an example, in Figure 11 In the light emission control process shown, first, in step ST12, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the exterior body information 52 from the storage unit 44. The exterior body information 52 includes exterior body color information 54. After the process of step ST12 is executed, the light emission control process moves to step ST14.

[0108] In step ST14, light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of light emitting unit 26 based on exterior housing information 52 acquired in step ST12. Specifically, light source control unit 42B retrieves setting table 56 from storage unit 44 and uses the retrieved setting table 56 to set parameters for each of LED light sources 26A to 26C. After executing step ST14, the light emission control process proceeds to step ST16.

[0109] In step ST16, the light source control unit 42B determines whether the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 26 has arrived. If the light emission timing has arrived in step ST16, the determination is affirmative, and the light emission control process shifts to step ST18. If the light emission timing has not arrived in step ST16, the determination is negative, and the light emission control process shifts to step ST16 again.

[0110] In step ST18, the light source control unit 42B causes the light emitting unit 26 to emit light. After the process of step ST18 is executed, the light emission control process proceeds to step ST20.

[0111] In step ST20, the light source control unit 42B determines whether a condition for terminating the light emission control process (hereinafter referred to as the "termination condition") is satisfied. An example of a termination condition is that the receiving device 38 receives an instruction to terminate the light emission control process. If the termination condition is not satisfied in step ST20, the determination is negative, and the light emission control process transitions to step ST12. If the termination condition is satisfied in step ST20, the determination is positive, and the light emission control process terminates.

[0112] As described above, the electronic device 10 involved in this first embodiment is provided with an outer body 12 and a light-emitting unit 26. The light-emitting unit 26 is provided inside the outer body 12. In addition, the light-emitting unit 26 can transmit the light L through the outer body 12 and emit it to the outside. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 includes a processor 42, in which the acquisition unit 42A acquires the outer body information 52. The light source control unit 42B performs control to adjust the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit 26 based on the acquired outer body information 52. Thus, the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit 26 is adjusted according to the state of the outer body 12. Therefore, compared with the case where the light-emitting mode is always the same even if the state of the outer body 12 changes, it is easy to make the visual recognition state of the light L after transmitting the outer body 12 close to the expected state.

[0113] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment, the exterior housing information 52 includes exterior housing color information 54, which is information related to the color of the exterior housing 12. Furthermore, the control performed by the light source control unit 42B includes control for adjusting the color of light emitted by the light emitting unit 26 based on the exterior housing color information 54. Thus, by adjusting the color of light emitted by the light emitting unit 26 based on the color of the exterior housing 12, it is easier to make the color of light L that is visually recognized after transmitting through the exterior housing 12 closer to the intended state, compared to a case where the color of light emitted remains the same even if the color of the exterior housing 12 changes.

[0114] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment, a striped pattern consisting of periodic concave and convex portions is formed on the surface of the exterior body 12, and the difference in the three-dimensional shape of the display portion 16 is the difference in height of the convex portions of the striped pattern. To improve design, when a striped pattern is formed on the surface of the exterior body 12, the display portion 16 is formed based on the difference in height of the three-dimensional shape. In this case, the emitted light L is easily transmitted through the valleys of the concave and convex portions of the striped pattern. However, in this configuration, since the light emission pattern of the light emitting portion 26 can be adjusted, the light L that has transmitted through the exterior body 12 is easily visible.

[0115] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment, a display unit 16 is formed on the outer body 12. The display unit 16 displays at least one of characters, symbols, and graphics based on the difference in three-dimensional shape between the surface of the outer body 12 and the surrounding area. Furthermore, the display unit 16 is provided at a position opposite to the light-emitting unit 26. If the display unit 16 that displays characters, etc. is formed based on the difference in three-dimensional shape, it is easy to generate a difference in the transmittance of light L in the outer body 12. In this structure, since the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting unit 26 can be adjusted, the light L that has passed through the outer body 12 is easily recognizable.

[0116] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment, a coating film 32 is formed on the outer surface of the exterior body 12. The thickness t1 of the coating film 32 in the transmissive portion 36 through which light from the light-emitting portion 26 is transmitted is set to be thinner than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 in other areas. Even when the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 is set thin to facilitate transmission of the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion 26, in this configuration, the light L that has passed through the exterior body 12 is easily visible.

[0117] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment, the light emitting unit 26 includes LED light sources 26A to 26C, and the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control for adjusting the light emission pattern of the LED light sources 26A to 26C. Thus, the light emission pattern is adjusted by adjusting the duty cycle of the LED drive pulses and the light emission time determined by the number of repetitions of the drive pulses, making it easy to adjust the light emission pattern of the LED light sources 26A to 26C.

[0118] (First Modification)

[0119] In the first embodiment described above, an example of adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the exterior body color information 54 was used. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. In this first modified example, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 is adjusted based on the transmitted light color information 58 and the transmitted light intensity information 60.

[0120] As an example, Figure 12 As shown, in the processor 42, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the exterior housing information 52 from the storage unit 44. In this first modification, the exterior housing information 52 includes transmitted light color information 58 and transmitted light intensity information 60. The transmitted light color information 58 is information related to the change in color of the light L after transmitting through the exterior housing 12. Specifically, the transmitted light color information 58 is information that can determine the degree of change in the color of the light L after transmitting through the exterior housing 12 relative to the color of the light L emitted from the light emitting unit 26 (hereinafter also referred to as the "color change rate").

[0121] Furthermore, the transmitted light intensity information 60 is information related to changes in the intensity of the light L transmitted through the exterior body 12. Specifically, the transmitted light intensity information 60 is information that can determine the degree of change (hereinafter referred to as the "intensity change rate") in the intensity (e.g., brightness) of the light L transmitted through the exterior body 12 relative to the intensity (e.g., brightness) of the light L emitted from the light emitting portion 26. The color change rate and the intensity change rate are affected by, for example, the material of the exterior body 12, the type of coating, the thickness of the coating film 32, and the surface shape of the exterior body 12. The transmitted light color information 58 is an example of the "transmitted light color information" involved in the technology of the present invention, and the transmitted light intensity information 60 is an example of the "transmitted light intensity information" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0122] The transmitted light color information 58 and the transmitted light intensity information 60 are stored in the storage unit 44, for example, during the manufacturing phase of the mobile printer 11. Furthermore, the transmitted light color information 58 and the transmitted light intensity information 60 are obtained, for example, by measuring the color and brightness of the transmitted light using a colorimeter during testing using an actual device and calculating the rate of change relative to the expected emission color and brightness. The acquisition unit 42A then outputs the transmitted light color information 58 and the transmitted light intensity information 60 to the light source control unit 42B.

[0123] The light source control unit 42B acquires the transmitted light color information 58 and the transmitted light intensity information 60 from the acquisition unit 42A. The light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the color change rate indicated by the transmitted light color information 58 and the intensity change rate indicated by the transmitted light intensity information 60.

[0124] Specifically, light source control unit 42B controls the set parameters. More specifically, light source control unit 42B retrieves a light emission mode derivation equation 62 from storage unit 44. Light emission mode derivation equation 62 is an arithmetic expression with the color change rate and intensity change rate as independent variables and the values ​​of parameters (e.g., the duty cycle of the drive pulse and the total light emission time T) as dependent variables. Light emission mode derivation equation 62 is obtained, for example, as follows: in a sensory test using an actual device, the light emission color and light emission amount are adjusted based on the transmitted light measurement results to achieve the desired light emission color and brightness.

[0125] For example, if the red component of the exterior housing 12 tends to decrease in the color change rate, and if white light is desired to be emitted (i.e., the desired emission color is white), the emission amount of the R (red) light-emitting element 27 is relatively increased, so that the color of the emitted light L after passing through the exterior housing 12 approaches white. Furthermore, if the intensity of the light L tends to decrease by approximately 10% in the intensity change rate of the exterior housing 12, the brightness of the emitted light L after passing through the exterior housing 12 approaches the desired value by increasing the emission amount of each light-emitting element 27 by approximately 10%.

[0126] In addition, the example of using the light emission method derivation formula 62 to set the parameters is given here, but this is only an example, and a derivation table can also be used. The derivation table is a table that uses the color change rate and intensity change rate as input information and the parameter value as output information.

[0127] When the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 26 has arrived, the light source control unit 42B causes the LED light sources 26A to 26C to emit light. As described above, the light emission pattern of each LED light source 26A to 26C is adjusted based on the color change rate and the intensity change rate. When the light L that has passed through the exterior body 12 is perceived by the user's eye E, the light L is perceived in a state close to the expected emission pattern.

[0128] As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to the first variant, the outer casing information 52 includes transmitted light color information 58. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control to adjust the emission color of the light emitting unit 26 based on the transmitted light color information 58. Thus, the emission color is adjusted based on the color change rate of the light L after transmitting through the outer casing 12. Therefore, compared to a case where the emission color is always the same, the color of the light L after transmitting through the outer casing 12 can be made closer to the desired color. For example, if the color of the outer casing 12 changes, if the color form of the light L changes according to the color of the outer casing 12, the description of the color of the light L needs to be changed according to the color change. In this configuration, since the color of the light L after transmitting through the outer casing 12 is made closer to the desired color, the complexity of the description is reduced. Furthermore, the deviation in the form of the emission color of the product is reduced, which can also contribute to improved quality.

[0129] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the first modified example, the exterior housing information 52 includes transmitted light intensity information 60. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control for adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting unit 26 based on the transmitted light intensity information 60. Thus, the light emission amount is adjusted based on the rate of change in the intensity of the light L after transmitting through the exterior housing 12. Therefore, compared to a case where the light emission amount is always the same, the light L after transmitting through the exterior housing 12 can be made closer to a desired light intensity (e.g., brightness).

[0130] Furthermore, in this first modification, an example of adjusting the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 26 based on both the transmitted light color information 58 and the transmitted light intensity information 60 is described. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of adjusting the color of the light emitting unit 26 based only on the transmitted light color information 58 or a method of adjusting the amount of light emitted by the light emitting unit 26 based only on the transmitted light intensity information 60 may also be used.

[0131] <Second embodiment>

[0132] In the first embodiment, the light emission mode is adjusted based on the exterior body information 52 , but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the second embodiment, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 is adjusted based on the ambient light information 64 .

[0133] As an example, Figure 13As shown, the mobile printer 11 includes a light sensor 51. The light sensor 51 detects the ambient light (i.e., external light) around the outer body 12 via a light receiving element. Then, the light sensor 51 outputs ambient light information 64 to the processor 42 based on the detection result. The ambient light information 64 is information related to the ambient light around the outer body 12. The ambient light information 64 is an example of "ambient light information" involved in the technology of the present invention. The ambient light information 64 includes ambient light color information 66 and ambient light intensity information 68. The ambient light color information 66 is information indicating the color of the ambient light. The ambient light intensity information 68 is information indicating the brightness around the outer body 12 (i.e., the illuminance of the ambient light).

[0134] In the processor 42, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the ambient light color information 66 and the ambient light intensity information 68 from the light sensor 51 as the ambient light information 64. The acquisition unit 42A then outputs the ambient light color information 66 and the ambient light intensity information 68 to the light source control unit 42B.

[0135] The light source control unit 42B acquires the ambient light color information 66 and the ambient light intensity information 68 from the acquisition unit 42A. The light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the ambient light information 64. Specifically, the light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the color of the ambient light indicated by the ambient light color information 66 and the ambient brightness indicated by the ambient light intensity information 68.

[0136] Specifically, light source control unit 42B controls the set parameters. More specifically, light source control unit 42B retrieves light emission mode derivation equation 70 from storage unit 44. Light emission mode derivation equation 70 is an arithmetic expression with the color and illuminance of ambient light as independent variables and the values ​​of parameters (e.g., the duty cycle of the drive pulse and the total light emission time T) as dependent variables. Light emission mode derivation equation 70 is obtained, for example, by adjusting the light emission color and light emission amount based on the ambient light measurement results during a sensory test using an actual device.

[0137] For example, if the red component of the ambient light exceeds a threshold (e.g., indoors under red lighting or outdoors at sunset), and white light is desired (i.e., the desired emission color is white), the emission level of the R (red) light-emitting element 27 is relatively increased. Thus, even under reddish ambient light, the color of the emitted light L after passing through the exterior body 12 can be made close to white. Furthermore, for example, if the brightness of the ambient light exceeds a threshold, the emission level of each light-emitting element 27 is increased, so that the light level of the emitted light L after passing through the exterior body 12 approaches the desired value. This makes it easier to visually recognize the light emitted by the light-emitting portion 26 even in harsh environments such as sunlight.

[0138] In addition, the example of using the light emission method derivation formula 70 to set the parameters is given here, but this is only an example, and a derivation table can also be used. The derivation table is a table that uses the color and brightness of the ambient light as input information and the parameter values ​​as output information.

[0139] When the light-emitting unit 26 is set to emit light, the light source control unit 42B causes the LED light sources 26A to 26C to emit light. As described above, the light emission pattern of each LED light source 26A to 26C is adjusted according to the color and brightness of the ambient light. When the user's eyes E perceive the light L that has passed through the exterior body 12, the light L is perceived in a state close to the intended emission pattern.

[0140] As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to the second embodiment, the processor 42 acquires ambient light information 64, which is information related to the ambient light surrounding the exterior body. Furthermore, the control performed by the light source control unit 42B includes adjusting the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 26 based on the acquired ambient light information 64. Thus, by adjusting the light emission pattern based on the ambient light surrounding the exterior body 12, the light L transmitted through the exterior body 12 can be made closer to the desired recognition state, compared to a case where the light emission pattern remains the same even when the ambient light changes.

[0141] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the second embodiment, the ambient light information 64 includes ambient light intensity information 68. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control to adjust the light emission amount of the light emitting unit 26 based on the ambient light intensity information 68. Thus, the light emission amount is adjusted based on the brightness around the exterior body 12. Therefore, compared to a case where the light emission amount remains constant even when the brightness of the ambient light changes, the light L that passes through the exterior body 12 can be made closer to the desired brightness.

[0142] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the second embodiment, the ambient light information 64 includes ambient light color information 66. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control for adjusting the emission color of the light emitting unit 26 based on the ambient light color information 66. Thus, the emission color is adjusted based on the color of the ambient light surrounding the exterior body 12. Therefore, compared to a case where the emission color remains the same even when the color of the ambient light changes, the light L that passes through the exterior body 12 can be made closer to the desired emission color.

[0143] In addition, in the second embodiment, an example of adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on both the ambient light color information 66 and the ambient light intensity information 68 is described, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method of adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting unit 26 based only on the ambient light color information 66 or a method of adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting unit 26 based only on the ambient light intensity information 68 may also be used.

[0144] <Third embodiment>

[0145] In the first embodiment described above, an example of using the exterior body color information 54 as the exterior body information 52 and adjusting the light emission mode based on the exterior body color information 54 was described. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. In this third embodiment, the exterior body information 52 includes information related to the movable portion 72 of the exterior body 12.

[0146] As an example, Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer casing 12 includes a movable portion 72. The movable portion 72 is a portion that forms a part of the outer casing 12 and is movable relative to the main body of the outer casing 12. Figure 14 In the example shown, the movable portion 72 is a cover member 72A provided at a position facing the light emitting portion 26. The cover member 72A is openable and closable, and when the cover member 72A is opened, the light emitting portion 26 is exposed to the outside of the exterior body 12. The cover member 72A is, for example, a sliding cover.

[0147] Furthermore, the mobile printer 11 includes a contact sensor 74. The contact sensor 74 detects the position of the movable portion 72. Figure 14 In the example shown, the contact sensor 74 detects whether the cover member 72A is in the open position. The contact sensor 74 is, for example, a mechanical switch that is turned on when the cover member 72A is in the open position and turned off when the cover member 72A is in the closed position. Then, the contact sensor 74 outputs information related to the movable portion 72 as the exterior body information 52 based on the detection result. That is, in this embodiment, the exterior body information 52 includes information related to the movable portion 72. Figure 14 In the example shown, contact sensor 74 outputs lid opening / closing information 76 to processor 42. Lid opening / closing information 76 indicates the open / closed state of lid member 72A. Lid opening / closing information 76 is an example of "information regarding the state of the movable portion of the exterior body" within the scope of the present invention. Lid member 72A is an example of a "lid member" within the scope of the present invention.

[0148] In the processor 42, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the cover opening and closing information 76 from the contact sensor 74 as information related to the movable unit 72. Then, the acquisition unit 42A outputs the cover opening and closing information 76 to the light source control unit 42B.

[0149] Light source control unit 42B acquires lid opening / closing information 76 from acquisition unit 42A. Furthermore, light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of light emitting unit 26 based on the open / closed state of lid member 72A indicated by lid opening / closing information 76. Specifically, light source control unit 42B controls the parameters set using setting table 78. The parameter control method is the same as in the first embodiment described above, so details are omitted. While an example of parameter setting using setting table 78 is provided here, this is merely an example; a light emission mode derivation formula may also be used.

[0150] For example, when the cover member 72A is open, the light emission amount of the light emitting element 27 is relatively reduced. Thus, even when the user directly visually recognizes the emitted light L, the light amount of the emitted light L can be made close to a desired value.

[0151] When the light emission timing of the light emitting unit 26 has arrived, the light source control unit 42B causes the LED light sources 26A to 26C to emit light. As described above, the light intensity of each LED light source 26A to 26C is adjusted according to the open or closed state of the cover member 72A. Therefore, when the user's eyes E perceive light L, the light L is perceived at a light intensity close to the expected value.

[0152] As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to the third embodiment, the exterior body information 52 includes information related to the state of the movable portion 72 of the exterior body 12. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control to adjust the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 26 based on the information related to the state of the movable portion 72. Thus, by adjusting the light emission pattern based on the state of the movable portion 72 of the exterior body 12, the light L emitted from the light emitting unit 26 can be made closer to the desired recognition state, compared to a case where the light emission pattern remains the same even when the state of the movable portion 72 changes.

[0153] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to the third embodiment, the movable portion 72 is a cover member 72A provided in the exterior body 12 at a position opposing the light-emitting portion 26. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control to adjust the light emission amount of the light-emitting portion 26 according to the open or closed state of the cover member 72A. Thus, by adjusting the light emission amount according to the opening or closing of the cover member 72A of the exterior body 12, the light L emitted from the light-emitting portion 26 can be made closer to the desired brightness, compared to a case where the light emission amount is always the same regardless of whether the cover member 72A is open or closed.

[0154] In the third embodiment, the cover member 72A is used as an example of the movable portion 72 , but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the movable portion 72 may be a switch member or the like.

[0155] <Fourth embodiment>

[0156] In the first embodiment described above, an example of using the exterior body color information 54 as the exterior body information 52 and adjusting the light emission mode based on the exterior body color information 54 was described. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. In this fourth embodiment, the exterior body information 52 includes posture information 82, which is information indicating the posture of the electronic device 10.

[0157] As an example, Figure 15 As shown, the mobile printer 11 includes a posture sensor 80. The posture sensor 80 detects the posture of the mobile printer 11. The posture sensor 80 is, for example, an inertial sensor and an acceleration sensor. Then, the posture sensor 80 outputs posture information 82 as the outer body information 52. That is, in this embodiment, the outer body information 52 includes posture information 82. The posture information 82 is information indicating the posture of the electronic device 10 (here, the mobile printer 11). The posture of the electronic device 10 includes the rotation angle of the central axis in the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction from the reference position when the electronic device 10 is placed on a horizontal surface as the reference position. In addition, the posture of the electronic device 10 includes the moving speed of the electronic device 10 in each direction of the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction. The posture information 82 is an example of the "posture information" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0158] In the processor 42, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the posture information 82 from the posture sensor 80. Then, the acquisition unit 42A outputs the posture information 82 to the light source control unit 42B.

[0159] The light source control unit 42B acquires the posture information 82 from the acquisition unit 42A. The light source control unit 42B then controls the light emission of the light emitting unit 26 in accordance with the posture of the mobile printer 11 indicated by the posture information 82 .

[0160] Specifically, the light source control unit 42B performs control of setting parameters. More specifically, the light source control unit 42B obtains the light emitting mode derivation formula 84 from the storage unit 44. The light emitting mode derivation formula 84 is an arithmetic expression that takes the value representing the posture of the electronic device 10 (for example, the rotation angle on the XYZ axis) as an independent variable and the value of the parameter (for example, the duty cycle of the drive pulse and the total light emitting time T, etc.) as a dependent variable. The light emitting mode derivation formula 84 is obtained, for example, as follows: in a sensory test using an actual machine, the light emitting color and light emission amount are adjusted according to the posture of the electronic device 10. In addition, here, an example of the form of setting parameters using the light emitting mode derivation formula 84 is listed, but this is only an example, and of course a derivation table can also be used.

[0161] For example, if the electronic device 10 is turned upside down, the light emitting portion 26 stops emitting light. This allows the user to easily recognize that the posture of the electronic device 10 is different from the expected posture. Furthermore, for example, if the electronic device 10 is tilted, the light emission of the LED light sources 26A to 26C is sequentially changed according to the tilt of the light emitting portion 26 (for example, the closer to the lower side of the tilt, the smaller the light emission). This allows the light emission of the light emitting portion 26 to visually demonstrate the movement of the electronic device 10, which can be interesting to the user and thus improve the user experience.

[0162] As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to the fourth embodiment, the exterior housing information 52 includes posture information 82 indicating the posture of the electronic device 10. Furthermore, the control by the light source control unit 42B includes control to adjust the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 26 based on the posture information 82. Thus, by adjusting the light emission pattern based on the posture of the electronic device 10, the user experience is improved compared to a case where the light emission pattern remains the same even when the posture changes.

[0163] Furthermore, it is a matter of course that the techniques disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments and the first modification example can be implemented by combining them as appropriate.

[0164] (Second Modification)

[0165] In the second modification, in addition to the exterior housing information 52 of each of the above-described embodiments, the exterior housing information 52 also includes operation state information 86 indicating the operation state of the electronic device 10 .

[0166] As an example, Figure 16As shown, it is assumed that the user presses the power button 19 with the finger F1. In this case, the operation status information 86 is output from the power button 19 to the processor 42. Here, the operation status information 86 is information indicating that the power of the electronic device 10 (here, the mobile printer 11) is turned on. In this embodiment, the outer body information 52 includes the operation status information 86. In the processor 42, the acquisition unit 42A acquires the operation status information 86 of the mobile printer 11. Then, the acquisition unit 42A outputs the operation status information 86 to the light source control unit 42B. The operation status information 86 is an example of the "operation status information" involved in the technology of the present invention.

[0167] The light source control unit 42B obtains the operating status information 86 from the acquisition unit 42A. Furthermore, the light source control unit 42B controls the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 26 based on the operating status of the mobile printer 11 indicated by the operating status information 86. Specifically, the light source control unit 42B controls the setting of parameters using the light emission mode derivation formula 88. The parameter control method is the same as that in the fourth embodiment described above, and therefore the details are omitted. While an example of using the light emission mode derivation formula 88 to set parameters is provided here, this is merely an example; a derivation table can also be used.

[0168] For example, when the power is on, light emitting unit 26 emits white light until electronic device 10 completes its startup. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize that electronic device 10 is starting up. Furthermore, by visually demonstrating the startup of electronic device 10 using the light emitted by light emitting unit 26, the user can be entertained and experience an improved user experience.

[0169] As described above, in electronic device 10 according to the second modified example, exterior housing information 52 includes operational state information 86 indicating the operational state of electronic device 10. Furthermore, control by light source control unit 42B includes control to adjust the light emission pattern of light emitting unit 26 based on operational state information 86. Thus, by adjusting the light emission pattern based on the operational state of electronic device 10, the user experience is improved compared to a case where the light emission pattern remains the same even when the operational state changes.

[0170] In addition, in this second variant, the example of the power being turned on is cited as an example of the operating state of the electronic device 10 for explanation, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the electronic device 10 has a battery, the operating state of the electronic device 10 includes the remaining battery level. In this case, the remaining battery level can be indicated by the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26. For example, when the remaining battery level is below a threshold value, the light-emitting unit 26 can emit red light. Furthermore, when the electronic device 10 has a printer function, the operating state of the electronic device 10 includes the progress of the printing function. In this case, the plurality of LED light sources 26A to 26C can be lit in sequence along the discharge direction while the printed film F is being discharged. Furthermore, the operating state of the electronic device 10 includes the communication state of the electronic device 10. In this case, the communication speed of the electronic device 10 can be indicated by the amount of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26.

[0171] In addition, in the above embodiments, the display unit 16 is provided on the upper surface 12A of the exterior body 12. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The display unit 16 may be provided on other surfaces of the exterior body 12. Furthermore, a plurality of display units 16 may be provided on the surface of the exterior body 12.

[0172] Furthermore, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, an example of a form in which the transmission suppression layer 30 is formed by printing is cited for explanation, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The transmission suppression layer 30 can also be formed by pasting a film component (not shown). Specifically, in the first component 22 of the outer body 12, a film component is pasted on the inner surface 22A1 of the bottom plate portion 22A. The film component has, for example, a laminated structure and has an adhesive layer, a transmission suppression layer 30 and a coating layer. The film component is pasted to the outer body 12 via the adhesive layer. A transmission suppression layer 30 corresponding to the content displayed by the display unit 16 is formed on the adhesive layer. The transmission suppression layer 30 contains a material that absorbs wavelengths in the visible light region. Furthermore, the transmission suppression layer 30 is protected by the coating layer. By pasting the film component, the transmission suppression layer 30 is formed in the area corresponding to the display unit 16. As a result, the transmittance of the emitted light L emitted from the light-emitting unit 26 differs between the area corresponding to the display unit 16 and the surrounding area. As a result, the transmission suppression layer 30 can be formed simply by attaching a film member, which can contribute to a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 10 .

[0173] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the three-dimensional shape of the display portion 16 is described as an example in which the three-dimensional shape is more protruding than the surrounding area, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the three-dimensional shape of the display portion 16 may be more recessed than the surrounding area, or the surrounding area may be roughened while the display portion 16 is made smooth.

[0174] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate examples of the transmission suppression layer 30 being formed by printing, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the transmission suppression layer 30 may be formed by partially molding a resin that is less likely to transmit light, or by attaching a light-shielding cover that is a separate component from the exterior body 12 to the interior.

[0175] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate examples of methods for suppressing the transmission of emitted light L within the region corresponding to the display unit 16, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a method may also be employed to promote the transmission of emitted light L within the region corresponding to the display unit 16. Specifically, the transmission-suppressing layer 30 may be formed in a portion other than the region corresponding to the display unit 16 to promote the transmission of light within the region corresponding to the display unit 16. This creates a difference in light transmittance between the region corresponding to the display unit 16 and its surroundings.

[0176] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, examples have been given in which a striped pattern having periodic concave and convex portions is formed on the surface of the outer body 12. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The surface of the outer body 12 may also have a structure other than a striped pattern to enhance the design, or may be a smooth surface.

[0177] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate examples in which the first member 22 and the second member 24 have symmetrical shapes when viewed in cross section, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first member 22 may include a side wall portion 22B, and the second member 24 may be a plate-shaped member. In this case, the end surface of the side wall portion 22B abuts against the peripheral edge of the second member 24.

[0178] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the outer casing 12 is described as a rectangular parallelepiped, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the outer casing 12 may be square, spherical, or cylindrical.

[0179] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the electronic device 10 is described as a mobile printer 11, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic device 10 may also be a portable electronic device such as an instant camera, a digital camera, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop computer, or a portable battery. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 may also be a stationary electronic device such as a desktop computer, a printer, a television, or a monitor.

[0180] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the film F is described as an instant film containing a photosensitive material, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, photographic paper containing a heat-sensitive material may be used instead of the film F.

[0181] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the light emitting unit 26 is described as an example in which the light emitting unit 26 is composed of an LED light source, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the light emitting unit 26 may be composed of an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) element.

[0182] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the coating film 32 is described as thick throughout the side wall portion 22B, but the technology of the present invention is not limited thereto. The coating film 32 may be thicker in the half of the side wall portion 22B on the second member 24 side.

[0183] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments illustrate an example in which the coating film 32 is thin across the entire bottom plate portion 22A, the present invention is not limited thereto. The coating film 32 may be thin within the elliptical region including the transmissive portion 36, or may be thin only within the region corresponding to the transmissive portion 36.

[0184] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments illustrate examples in which the substrate 34 of the first member 22 is formed of a translucent material, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate 34 may also be formed of a transparent material. However, as described above, a translucent material is preferably used for the substrate 34 in order to facilitate adjustment of the appearance of the coating film 32.

[0185] Furthermore, while the above embodiments illustrate an example in which the second member 24 is made of a non-transparent resin, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second member 24 may also be constructed by forming a coating (e.g., a coating containing titanium oxide) on a translucent substrate. However, as mentioned above, from the perspective of suppressing the entry of external light, it is preferable that the second member 24 be formed of a non-transparent material.

[0186] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the control program 44A is stored in the storage unit 44 as an example, but the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control program 44A may be stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as an SSD or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The storage medium is a portable, computer-readable, non-temporary storage medium. The control program 44A stored in the storage medium is installed in the electronic device 10. The processor 42 executes the light emission control process according to the control program 44A.

[0187] Furthermore, the control program 44A may be stored in a storage device of another computer or server connected to the electronic device 10 via a network, and the control program 44A may be downloaded upon request from the electronic device 10 and installed in the electronic device 10. That is, the program (i.e., program product) described in this embodiment may be provided in a recording medium or in a form distributed from an external computer.

[0188] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the processor 42, storage unit 44, and RAM 46 of the electronic device 10 are exemplified as computers. However, the technology of the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of computers, devices including ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays), and / or PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) may be applied. Furthermore, a combination of hardware and software structures may be used instead of computers.

[0189] As hardware resources for executing the light emission control processing described in each of the above embodiments, various processors described below can be used. An example of a processor is a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that functions as a hardware resource by executing software (i.e., a program). Furthermore, an example of a processor is a dedicated circuit, such as an FPGA, PLD, or ASIC, which has a circuit structure specifically designed to execute specific processing. Regardless of the type of processor, memory is built in or connected, and all processors execute processing using memory.

[0190] The hardware resource for executing the light emission control process can be composed of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, the hardware resource for executing the light emission control process can also be a single processor.

[0191] As examples of systems composed of a single processor, there are firstly forms in which a processor is formed by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as a hardware resource for executing light emission control processing. Secondly, there are forms in which a processor, such as a SoC (System-on-a-Chip), uses a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip to implement the overall system functionality, including multiple hardware resources for executing light emission control processing. In this way, light emission control processing is implemented by using one or more of the various processors mentioned above as hardware resources.

[0192] More specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be a circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. Furthermore, the above-described process is merely an example. Therefore, it is of course possible to delete unnecessary steps, add new steps, or change the processing order without departing from the main purpose.

[0193] The records and diagrams shown above are detailed descriptions of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, and are only an example of the technology of the present invention. For example, the description of the above-mentioned structure, function, action and effect is a description of an example of the structure, function, action and effect of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention. Therefore, of course, unnecessary parts can be deleted, new elements can be added or replaced in the records and diagrams shown above without departing from the main purpose of the technology of the present invention. In addition, in order to avoid trouble and facilitate understanding of the parts involved in the technology of the present invention, the description of technical common sense that does not need to be specifically explained when implementing the technology of the present invention has been omitted in the records and diagrams shown above.

[0194] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B." That is, "A and / or B" can mean only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, when three or more items are linked using "and / or," the same concept as "A and / or B" applies.

[0195] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0196] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment, the following contents are further disclosed.

[0197] Note 1

[0198] An electronic device comprising:

[0199] outer body;

[0200] a light emitting portion disposed inside the outer casing and capable of transmitting light through the outer casing and emitting light to the outside; and

[0201] processor,

[0202] The above processor performs the following processing:

[0203] Acquiring outer body information, the outer body information being information related to the state of the outer body; and

[0204] A control is executed to adjust the light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on the acquired exterior housing information.

[0205] Note 2

[0206] The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0207] The outer body information includes outer body color information, which is information related to the color of the outer body.

[0208] The control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion based on the exterior body color information.

[0209] Note 3

[0210] The electronic device according to Supplement 1 or Supplement 2, wherein:

[0211] The outer casing information includes transmitted light color information, which is information related to changes in the color of light transmitted through the outer casing.

[0212] The control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion according to the transmitted light color information.

[0213] Note 4

[0214] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein:

[0215] The outer casing information includes transmitted light intensity information, which is information related to changes in the intensity of light transmitted through the outer casing.

[0216] The control includes adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting portion based on the transmitted light intensity information.

[0217] Note 5

[0218] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein:

[0219] The processor further acquires ambient light information, which is information related to the ambient light around the outer body.

[0220] The control includes adjusting the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting portion according to the acquired ambient light information.

[0221] <Note 6>

[0222] The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein:

[0223] The ambient light information includes ambient light intensity information indicating the brightness around the outer casing.

[0224] The control includes adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting portion according to the ambient light intensity information.

[0225] <Note 7>

[0226] The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6, wherein:

[0227] The ambient light information includes ambient light color information indicating the color of the ambient light around the outer casing.

[0228] The control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion according to the ambient light color information.

[0229] <Note 8>

[0230] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7, wherein:

[0231] The outer body information includes information related to the state of the movable portion of the outer body.

[0232] The control includes control for adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on information related to the state of the movable portion.

[0233] <Note 9>

[0234] The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein:

[0235] The movable portion is a cover member provided in the outer casing at a position facing the light emitting portion.

[0236] The control includes control for adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting portion according to the open / closed state of the cover member.

[0237] <Note 10>

[0238] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein:

[0239] The outer casing information includes posture information indicating the posture of the electronic device.

[0240] The control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit according to the posture information.

[0241] <Note 11>

[0242] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 to 10, wherein:

[0243] The outer body information includes operation state information indicating the operation state of the electronic device.

[0244] The control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit according to the operation state information.

[0245] <Note 12>

[0246] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11, wherein:

[0247] A striped pattern composed of periodic concavities and convexities is formed on the surface of the outer casing.

[0248] <Note 13>

[0249] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, wherein:

[0250] The outer casing has a display portion that displays characters, symbols, and / or graphics based on the difference between the three-dimensional shape on the surface and the surrounding area.

[0251] The display portion is formed at a position facing the light emitting portion.

[0252] <Note 14>

[0253] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, wherein:

[0254] In the above-mentioned outer body, a coating film is formed on the outer side.

[0255] The thickness of the coating film in a region through which light from the light-emitting portion is transmitted is set to be thinner than the thickness of the coating film in other regions.

[0256] <Note 15>

[0257] The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 14, wherein:

[0258] The light emitting portion includes an LED light source,

[0259] The above control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the above LED light source.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: outer body; a light emitting portion provided inside the outer casing and capable of transmitting light through the outer casing and emitting light to the outside; and processor, The processor performs the following processing: Acquiring outer body information, the outer body information being information related to a state of the outer body; and Control is performed to adjust the light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on the acquired exterior housing information.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The outer body information includes outer body color information, and the outer body color information is information related to the color of the outer body. The control includes control for adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion based on the exterior body color information.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The outer body information includes transmitted light color information, which is information related to changes in the color of light transmitted through the outer body. The control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion according to the transmitted light color information.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The exterior body information includes transmitted light intensity information, which is information related to changes in the intensity of light transmitted through the exterior body. The control includes adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting portion based on the transmitted light intensity information.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The processor further acquires ambient light information, wherein the ambient light information is information related to the ambient light around the outer body. The control includes adjusting the light emitting mode of the light emitting portion according to the acquired ambient light information. The electronic device according to claim 5 , wherein: The ambient light information includes ambient light intensity information indicating brightness around the outer body. The control includes adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting portion according to the ambient light intensity information.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, wherein: The ambient light information includes ambient light color information indicating the color of ambient light around the exterior body. The control includes adjusting the light emission color of the light emitting portion according to the ambient light color information.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The exterior body information includes information related to the state of the movable portion of the exterior body, The control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on information related to the state of the movable portion.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein: The movable portion is a cover member provided in the exterior body at a position facing the light emitting portion. The control includes control for adjusting the light emission amount of the light emitting portion according to the open / closed state of the cover member.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The exterior body information includes posture information indicating the posture of the electronic device. The control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit according to the posture information.

11. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein: The outer body information includes operation state information indicating the operation state of the electronic device. The control includes adjusting the light emission mode of the light emitting unit according to the operation state information.

12. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein A stripe pattern consisting of periodic concavities and convexities is formed on the surface of the outer casing.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The outer casing has a display portion that displays characters, symbols, and / or graphics by a difference in three-dimensional shape between the surface and the surroundings. The display portion is formed at a position facing the light emitting portion.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein In the outer body, a coating film is formed on the outer side, The thickness of the coating film in the region through which light from the light-emitting portion is transmitted is set to be thinner than the thickness of the coating film in other regions.

15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The light emitting portion includes an LED light source, The control includes adjusting the light emitting mode of the LED light source.

16. A control method for an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: an exterior body; and a light-emitting unit disposed within the exterior body and capable of transmitting light through the exterior body and emitting light to the outside, the control method comprising the following steps: Acquiring outer body information, the outer body information being information related to a state of the outer body; and Control is performed to adjust the light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on the acquired exterior housing information.

17. A computer program product for causing a computer to execute a process for controlling an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: an exterior body; and a light emitting unit disposed within the exterior body and capable of transmitting light through the exterior body and emitting light to the outside, the process comprising the following steps: Acquiring outer body information, the outer body information being information related to a state of the outer body; and Control is performed to adjust the light emission mode of the light emitting portion based on the acquired exterior housing information.

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