Electronic devices, display methods, and programs

Abstract

The system provides a way to easily detect the status of electronic devices using wireless communication. [Solution] The electronic device comprises an operation unit that accepts user input, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device, and a control unit that operates the device in one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode in which calculations are performed based on the operation of the operation unit, and a second mode in which the communication unit transmits the information input by the operation of the operation unit to the external device. During the execution of connection processing for wireless communication with an external device, the control unit causes information indicating that the device is performing connection processing to be displayed in the first display area 12a of the display unit 12, which displays a numerical value that is the result of a calculation in the first mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to an electronic device, a display method, and a program. It relates to.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for notifying whether a wireless connection has been established between a communication device and another device are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the lighting of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) provided in a communication device indicates the success of a Bluetooth (registered trademark) link connection.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the notification of the state by the LED is easily overlooked, there is a need for a technique that can notify the state of the device in a form that is difficult to overlook. Based on the above circumstances, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique for notifying the state of an electronic device that performs wireless communication in a form that is difficult to overlook.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation unit that accepts user operations, a communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external device, and a control unit that operates the device in any of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode in which calculations are performed based on operations to the operation unit, and a second mode in which information input by operations to the operation unit is transmitted to the external device by the communication unit, wherein the control unit causes information indicating that the device is performing the connection process to be displayed in a predetermined area in the display unit that displays a numerical value which is the result of the calculation in the first mode, while the connection process for performing wireless communication with the external device is being executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the above embodiment, the status of electronic devices performing wireless communication can be communicated in a way that is less likely to be overlooked. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a front view of an electronic device. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of electronic devices. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the concepts of CAL mode and PC mode. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the process of connecting electronic devices and external devices via wireless communication. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the transitions between the operating states of an electronic device. [Figure 6] This figure shows examples of displays on the display unit for each operating status of an electronic device. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of display processing performed by electronic devices. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing examples of operation and display of electronic devices. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of operation and display for an electronic device. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of response processing during connection processing performed by an electronic device. [Figure 11]This is a schematic diagram showing examples of operation and display of electronic devices. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing another example of operation and display for an electronic device. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of operation and display for electronic devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The electronic device 10 shown in Figure 1 can switch between two operating modes: a calculator mode (hereinafter referred to as CAL mode) in which it is used as a calculator for calculations, and an external connection mode (hereinafter referred to as PC mode) in which it communicates wirelessly with an external device to input information to the external device (the device itself is not used as a calculator).

[0009] The operation unit 11 of the electronic device 10 is the part that receives user input and is equipped with multiple physical keys. The numeric key area 11a of the operation unit 11 has a total of 11 numeric keys, from "0" to "9" and "00", as well as a decimal point key. The calculation command key area 11b of the operation unit 11 has arithmetic operation keys for selecting the type of operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and an equals key for selecting the completion of the operation. The memory key area 11c of the operation unit 11 has four keys for memory operation (MC, MR, M+, M-). The operation unit 11 also includes a clear key (C key) 11d, an all-clear key (AC key) 11e, a SEND key 11f, a PC / CAL key 11g, etc. When the electronic device 10 is used as a calculator, the clear key 11d is used to erase the most recently entered number, and the all-clear key 11e is used to erase all numbers. The SEND key 11f and the PC / CAL key 11g are used as operation keys for wireless communication with the external device 18, which will be described later, and constitute a setting unit for selectively setting either the first mode, CAL mode, or the second mode, PC mode. The operation unit 11 may also include keys other than those shown in Figure 1 (for example, function keys for tax calculation, function keys for function calculation, etc.) or slide switches other than push-button keys.

[0010] The display unit 12 of the electronic device 10 is the part that displays information and is composed of display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or LEDs. The display unit 12 has a first display area 12a and a second display area 12b. The first display area 12a is composed of multiple 7-segment display units 12c. In the electronic device 10, 12 7-segment display units 12c are arranged in a row, and the first display area 12a has a display capability of 12 digits. Each 7-segment display unit 12c has 7 segments, which are elongated bar-shaped display units, and the display of each segment can be switched on and off individually. The display content changes depending on the combination of on and off states of the 7 segments. Specifically, the 7-segment display unit 12c can display Arabic numerals from 0 to 9 and some Latin letters (alphabet). The second display area 12b is arranged with marks and icons that are specialized for displaying specific information in the electronic device 10. Specifically, the second display area 12b includes a communication indicator 12d that shows the status of communication and connection with external devices, an arithmetic operation indicator 12e that displays addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division (+, -, ×, ÷), and a memory indicator 12f that displays the status of memory calculations. The second display area 12b may also include display elements (marks, icons, etc.) other than the indicators shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, for convenience, the indicators of the second display area 12b are shown simultaneously, but in reality, for the arithmetic operation indicator 12e and the memory indicator 12f, only the indicator corresponding to the key operated by the user in the calculation command key area 11b or memory key area 11c is displayed, and the communication indicator 12d displays information corresponding to the communication status, which will be described later. The first display area 12a is an example of a predetermined area with variable display content that displays the numerical value that is the result of the calculation in the CAL mode described above. In contrast, the second display area 12b is an example of a second predetermined area that displays predetermined information (display elements).

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 13 of the electronic device 10 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, a memory 15, and a display driver 16 that drives and controls the display of the display unit 12. When each key on the operation unit 11 is operated, an operation signal is input to the control unit 13. The memory 15 comprises a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a program for controlling the electronic device 10 is stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a temporary data loading area. The program stored in the ROM of the memory 15 is read and the memory 15 performs calculation processing to control each part of the electronic device 10. The display driver 16 controls the display unit 12 based on control signals sent from the CPU 14 to display in the first display area 12a and the second display area 12b.

[0012] The communication unit 17 is a wireless communication module that enables the electronic device 10 to communicate wirelessly with another external device 18, and performs wireless communication with the external device 18. The external device 18 that communicates with the communication unit 17 is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc. The communication standard of the communication unit 17 is to exchange encryption keys with the external device 18 and perform encrypted data communication, and as an example, Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark) is applied. The following explanation will be based on the case where the electronic device 10 uses Bluetooth Low Energy as the communication standard, that is, the case where the communication unit 17 is a communication module for Bluetooth Low Energy. The external device 18 is equipped with a communication module that is capable of encrypted communication with the communication unit 17.

[0013] The electronic device 10 incorporates a power supply 19, and the electronic device 10 operates by the power supply from the power supply 19. The power supply 19 is a secondary battery (such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery) capable of repeating charge and discharge, and can be charged by supplying power to the power supply 19 through a power supply terminal 19a (FIG. 1). Further, the electronic device 10 may be equipped with a solar panel that converts light energy into electricity, and supply the electricity generated by the solar panel to the power supply 19.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, in the CAL mode of the electronic device 10, when the user operates the operation unit 11, the electronic device 10 functions as a calculator and performs calculations and the like according to the user's operation, and the operation content (for example, the numerical value input by operating the numeric keys) and the calculation result are displayed on the display unit 12. That is, the CAL mode is an example of the first mode of the electronic device 10 that executes calculations based on operations on the operation unit 11. As will be described later, in the CAL mode, there are cases where the electronic device 10 functions as a stand-alone terminal that does not communicate with the external device 18 (the CAL mode (non-connected) of ST1 shown in FIG. 5) and cases where the electronic device 10 can communicate with the external device 18 (the CAL mode (connected) of ST3 shown in FIG. 5), but in either case, the electronic device 10 functions alone as a calculator.

[0015] In PC mode, the electronic device 10 does not function as an independent calculator. When a user operates the control unit 11, a signal corresponding to the operation is wirelessly transmitted from the electronic device 10 to the external device 18 via the communication unit 17, and the external device 18 processes the reception of this signal. In other words, the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 can be used as an input device for the external device 18, and the result of the operation is reflected on the display unit 18a of the external device 18. To put it another way, PC mode is an example of a second mode of the electronic device 10 in which information entered by operations on the control unit 11 is transmitted to the external device 18 via the communication unit 17. The operation content of each key on the control unit 11 in PC mode is set appropriately according to the type of operating system of the external device 18 and the application running on the external device 18. For example, when the application on the external device 18 is in a state where numerical input is accepted, operating each key in the numeric key area 11a on the electronic device 10 in PC mode will input the numerical information corresponding to that key into the external device 18, allowing the electronic device 10 to be used as a numerical input device (a so-called numeric keypad device) on the external device 18. In addition, in PC mode, keys other than the numeric key area 11a on the operation unit 11 may be used as command keys to input predetermined commands other than numerical values ​​into the external device 18. For example, each key in the calculation command key area 11b or the memory key area 11c can be made to function as arrow keys for cursor movement or as command keys for copying and pasting strings. The operation content entered via the operation unit 11 in PC mode and the processing content based on that operation are displayed on the display unit 18a of the external device 18. As described above, the PC mode of the electronic device 10 is a mode in which information is input to the external device 18 without using the device itself as a calculator.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 4, communication between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is performed with the electronic device 10 side as the peripheral device and the external device 18 side as the central device. When the power of the communication unit 17 is on and the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 are in a non-connected state, the electronic device 10 performs advertising at a predetermined period. Advertising is a broadcast communication for transmitting data from the peripheral device to an unspecified number of partners, and is a state (a state of attempting to connect) of indicating the location of the own device to the central device and waiting for a connection. When the external device 18, which is the central device, makes a connection request to the electronic device 10 during advertising, the electronic device 10 stops advertising and switches to one-to-one communication with the external device 18.

[0017] Data communication between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is performed by encrypting the data. In the state where one-to-one communication is performed, pairing for exchanging the data encryption key between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is performed. When the pairing is established, the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 are in a connected state where data communication is possible. In the case of the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 with a past connection record, if bonding for saving the key exchanged in the previous pairing has been performed, when the communication between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is established, it shifts to a state where encrypted communication is possible without performing the pairing process.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 5, the electronic device 10 has five operating states from ST1 to ST5 roughly. ST0 and ST6 are states where the main power supply of the electronic device 10 is off. When an operation to turn on the main power supply is performed by the user in the state where the main power supply is off, the electronic device 10 starts up. Turning on and off the main power supply is performed, for example, by long-pressing the all clear key 11e or operating a power switch (not shown). The control unit 13 stores the operation mode when the main power supply of the electronic device 10 was turned off last time in the memory 15. When the previous operation mode was the CAL mode, the electronic device 10 is started in the CAL mode when the main power supply is turned on. When the previous operation mode was the PC mode, the electronic device 10 is started in the PC mode when the main power supply is turned on.

[0019] When the electronic device 10 starts up in CAL mode by turning on the main power, the CAL mode (disconnected) of ST1 is selected. In the CAL mode (disconnected) of ST1, the control unit 13 keeps the power of the communication unit 17 off and operates the electronic device 10 in a disconnected state without communicating with the external device 18. In other words, the electronic device 10 operates as a standalone calculator. If the user operates the SEND key 11f while operating in the CAL mode (disconnected) of ST1, the control unit 13 turns on the power of the communication unit 17 to put it into advertising mode and transitions to the CAL mode (AD in progress) of ST2. The processing performed in the CAL mode (AD in progress) of ST2 is an example of connection processing for wireless communication with the external device 18, and more specifically, it is an example of first connection processing. Note that the connection processing includes at least advertising and may also include other processing (e.g., pairing, bonding, etc.) performed to establish a connection in response to a connection request. When ST2 is in CAL mode (AD in progress) and receives a connection request from an external device 18, and a connection with the external device 18 is established (enables encrypted data communication), it transitions to ST3's CAL mode (connected).

[0020] In ST1's CAL mode (disconnected), if a user operates the control unit 11 to input a value into the electronic device 10 or has the electronic device 10 perform a calculation, the value that was input or the calculation result (the value displayed in the first display area 12a of the display unit 12) at the time the SEND key 11f is pressed is transmitted to the external device 18 when ST3 enters CAL mode (connected). Also, in ST3's CAL mode (connected), if a user operates the control unit 11 to input a value into the electronic device 10 or has the electronic device 10 perform a calculation, and then presses the SEND key 11f, the value that was input or the calculation result (the value displayed in the first display area 12a of the display unit 12) at the time the SEND key 11f is pressed is transmitted to the external device 18. In other words, in CAL mode, by pressing the SEND key 11f, the electronic device 10 can share the value input in CAL mode and the calculation result obtained in CAL mode with the external device 18 to which it is wirelessly connected.

[0021] If a specific amount of time elapses while ST2 is in CAL mode (AD in progress), or if a predetermined key operation such as the all-clear key 11e is performed, the control unit 13 turns off the power to the communication unit 17 to cancel the advertisement and transitions to ST1's CAL mode (disconnected). If, while ST3 is in CAL mode (connected), communication with the external device 18 is interrupted (for example, the power to the external device 18 is turned off, or the distance between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 becomes large), the system transitions to ST2's CAL mode (AD in progress).

[0022] When ST1 is operating in CAL mode (disconnected), if the user operates the PC / CAL key 11g, the control unit 13 turns on the power to the communication unit 17, putting it into advertising mode and transitioning to the mode switching state (AD in progress) of ST4. The processing performed in the mode switching state (AD in progress) of ST4 is an example of connection processing for wireless communication with an external device 18, and more specifically, an example of second connection processing. When a connection request is received from the external device 18 in the mode switching state (AD in progress) of ST4, and a connection with the external device 18 (a state in which encrypted data communication is possible) is established, the system transitions to the PC mode (connected) of ST5. Also, when ST3 is operating in CAL mode (connected), if the user operates the PC / CAL key 11g, the system transitions to the PC mode (connected) of ST5. In the CAL mode (connected) of ST3, since the connection between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 has already been established, the system can transition to the PC mode (connected) of ST5 without going through advertising. In this way, it is possible to switch from CAL mode to PC mode in response to any operation by the user. In ST5's PC mode (connected), the operations performed by the user on the control unit 11 of the electronic device 10 are input to the external device 18, and the electronic device 10 can be used as an input device for the external device 18. Also, in ST5's PC mode (connected), if the user operates the PC / CAL key 11g, it transitions to ST3's CAL mode (connected).

[0023] If a specific amount of time elapses while ST4 is in the mode switching state (AD mode), or if a predetermined key operation such as the all-clear key 11e is performed, the control unit 13 turns off the power to the communication unit 17 to cancel the advertisement and transitions to ST1's CAL mode (disconnected). If, while ST5 is in PC mode (connected), communication with the external device 18 is interrupted (for example, the power to the external device 18 is turned off, or the distance between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 becomes large), the system transitions to ST4's mode switching state (AD mode).

[0024] When the electronic device 10 starts up in PC mode by turning on the main power, the control unit 13 supplies power to the communication unit 17 to turn on the power and start advertising, putting it into the mode switching state (AD in progress) of ST4, and then connects it to the external device 18. Since the previous use of the electronic device 10 ended in PC mode, it has a history of pairing and connecting with the external device 18. Therefore, if the external device 18 is powered on and able to communicate with the electronic device 10 at this stage, the connection between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is immediately established, and the electronic device 10 enters the PC mode (connecting) of ST5. However, if the external device 18 is not powered on, or if the distance between the electronic device 10 and the external device 18 is too great for communication, the PC mode will not be established, and it will transition to the mode switching state (AD in progress) of ST4.

[0025] When the electronic device 10 is operating in CAL mode (ST1, ST3) or PC mode (PT5), if the user performs an operation to turn off the main power, the control unit 13 turns off the main power of the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 also has an auto power-off function that automatically turns off the main power after a certain period of time. If there is no user input operation in CAL mode (ST1, ST3) or PC mode (PT5) for a certain period of time, the control unit 13 turns off the main power of the electronic device 10. When the main power is turned off in CAL mode (ST1, ST3), ST0 enters a power-off state, and when the main power is turned off in PC mode (ST5), ST6 enters a power-off state. The control unit 13 monitors the operating mode of the electronic device 10 when the main power is turned off and stores in memory 15 whether the operating mode during the previous operation was CAL mode or PC mode. In other words, when ST0 transitions to the power-off state, the memory 15 stores information that it was in CAL mode during the previous operation, and when ST6 transitions to the power-off state, the memory 15 stores information that it was in PC mode during the previous operation. Therefore, when the main power of the electronic device 10 is turned on, the control unit 13 can refer to the information stored in the memory 15 to select whether to start it in CAL mode or PC mode.

[0026] The control unit 13, via the display driver 16, causes the display unit 12 to display information for each state from ST1 to ST5. The user can check the operating status of the electronic device 10 by looking at the display content of the display unit 12. Figure 6 shows examples of the display of the display unit 12 in each state. In CAL mode, whether disconnected from the external device 18 (ST1), advertising in progress (ST2), or connected to the external device 18 (ST3), the numerical values ​​and calculation results entered by the user are displayed in the first display area 12a. The display example in Figure 6 shows the operation of the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric key area 11a. During advertising (ST2, ST4), that is, while the connection process is being executed, the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b blinks. In ST2's CAL mode (during AD), numerical values ​​and calculation results are displayed in the first display area 12a as described above. However, in ST4's mode switching state (during AD), a special display using four 7-segment display units 12c (a display resembling a combination of two hyphens and two underscores) is displayed in the first display area 12a. When connected to an external device 18 (ST3, ST5), the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b lights up (continuously). In ST3's CAL mode (during connection), numerical values ​​and calculation results are displayed in the first display area 12a as described above. However, in ST5's PC mode (during connection), a special display using four 7-segment display units 12c (a display resembling a combination of two hyphens and the letters "PC") is displayed in the first display area 12a.

[0027] In the electronic device 10, the control unit 13 displays unique information ("-__-") in the first display area 12a while performing connection processing for wireless communication with the external device 18, as shown in the display example of ST4 in Figure 6. This allows the user to recognize that the electronic device 10 is performing connection processing without overlooking it. For example, if the user intentionally starts the connection processing, the operating mode of the electronic device 10 at that time is always CAL mode, and since the electronic device 10 is being used as a calculator, it is assumed that the user is working while paying attention to the display unit 12, in particular the first display area 12a which displays the results calculated by the calculator. Therefore, by displaying unique information indicating that connection processing is being performed in the first display area 12a, which is an existing display area of ​​the electronic device 10, it is possible for the user to recognize that the electronic device 10 is performing connection processing, and by extension, that the connection processing has been completed (successfully or unsuccessfully), without overlooking it, compared to the case where a dedicated LED lamp or the like is provided to notify the user of the status. Furthermore, if a connection process is initiated unintentionally by the user, for example, due to a communication interruption while ST5 is operating in PC mode, the electronic device 10 will cease to function properly as an input device. In such a case, a user who recognizes this fact will naturally shift their gaze from the external device 18 (display unit 18a) to the electronic device 10 to check its status. In this case as well, since information is displayed on the electronic device 10's existing display unit 12, particularly the first display area 12a, which is the most visible, the user can recognize the status of the electronic device 10 without overlooking it.

[0028] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10, as shown in the display example of ST5 in Figure 6, the control unit 13 displays unique information ("-PC-") in the first display area 12a when the device is operating in PC mode after the connection process involving mode switching of the operating mode is completed. By changing the information displayed in the first display area 12a from information indicating connection processing in progress ("-__-") to information indicating operation in PC mode ("-PC-"), the user can recognize that the electronic device 10 is operating in PC mode without overlooking it. In particular, the partial agreement between the information indicating connection processing in progress and the information indicating operation in PC mode makes it possible to recognize the connection (continuity) between states more intuitively. Specifically, the information displayed during connection processing is the same as the information displayed when operating in PC mode, but with the mode name "PC" replaced by two underscores. By using such information, it is possible to naturally recall the state before transitioning to PC mode, and the state of ST4 during connection processing can be correctly recognized as the state before transitioning to PC mode.

[0029] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10, as shown in the display examples of ST2 and ST4 in Figure 6, when the first connection process of ST2, which does not involve a mode switch of the operating mode, is started, the control unit 13 maintains the information displayed in the first display area 12a (in this example, "123"), whereas when the second connection process of ST4, which involves a mode switch from CAL mode to PC mode, is started, the control unit 13 changes the information displayed in the first display area 12a to information indicating that the connection process is in progress ("-__-"). This avoids displaying anything that would hinder the use of the electronic device 10 as a calculator while the first connection process of ST2, which continues to operate in CAL mode after the connection process, is in progress. At the same time, in the second connection process of ST4, which involves a mode switch after the connection process, it clearly indicates that a mode switch is in progress, allowing the user to prepare for the mode after the switch. In addition, as shown in the display examples of ST2 and ST4 in Figure 6, the control unit 13 displays information indicating that the connection process is in progress (a blinking BLE icon) in the second display area 12b, both during the execution of the first and second connection processes. This allows the user to recognize that a connection process is in progress while the electronic device 10 is being used as a calculator, without displaying anything that would interfere with the user's use of the device during a connection process that does not involve mode switching. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the electronic device 10 is configured such that the second display area 12b is smaller than the first display area 12a, and the predetermined information displayed in the second display area 12b is smaller than the numerical value displayed in the first display area 12a. With this relationship, the user can be reliably notified of the execution of a connection process that involves switching operating modes (second connection process) by the display in the first display area 12a, while the user can also be notified of the execution of a connection process that does not involve switching operating modes (first connection process) by an icon displayed in the second display area 12b in a way that does not interfere with the user's work.

[0030] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 13 turns on the power to the communication unit 17 in conjunction with the start of the connection process from ST1, and turns off the power to the communication unit 17 in conjunction with the cancellation of the connection process that returns to ST1. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the electronic device 10 when ST1 is in a state where communication functions are not required.

[0031] The process shown in Figure 7 is an example of display processing performed by the control unit 13 in the electronic device 10 when ST1 is in CAL mode (disconnected). The process shown in Figure 7 is started, for example, when the CPU 14 in the control unit 13 executes a program stored in memory 15. When the process shown in Figure 7 is started, the control unit 13 first determines the content of the key input (step S1). Here, the control unit 13 determines whether the content of the key input is a connection instruction (an instruction to perform connection processing for wireless communication with an external device 18). Specifically, the control unit 13 determines whether the key input is due to pressing the SEND key 11f or the PC / CAL key 11g. If the control unit 13 determines that the key input is not a press of either the PC / CAL key 11g or the SEND key 11f, and therefore the content of the key input is not a connection instruction (step S1NO), it updates the normal display shown in the first display area 12a (step S2) and terminates the display processing shown in Figure 7. In other words, in CAL mode (disconnected), if anything other than a connection instruction is entered, the electronic device 10 operates as a normal calculator, and the normal display of the first display area 12a is updated according to the input operation.

[0032] When the control unit 13 determines that the key input is a connection instruction (step S1 YES), it further determines whether the connection instruction is a connection instruction that involves mode switching (step S3). Specifically, the control unit 13 determines whether the key input is due to pressing the PC / CAL key 11g or the SEND key 11f. When the control unit 13 determines that the key input is due to pressing the PC / CAL key 11g, and therefore the connection instruction involves mode switching (step S3 YES), it controls the communication unit 17 to start the connection process, saves the information displayed in the first display area 12a to the memory 15, and then displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the electronic device 10 is executing the connection process that was started by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g. Specifically, the control unit 13 displays a special type of display ("-__-") in the first display area 12a (step S4), and further blinks the communication indicator 12d, which is a BLE icon, in the second display area 12b (step S5). In other words, the ST4 display shown in Figure 6 is performed. After that, the control unit 13 monitors the completion of the connection process (step S6). If the connection process is successful (step S6YES), the control unit 13 displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the electronic device 10 is operating in PC mode. Specifically, the control unit 13 displays a special type of display ("-PC-") in the first display area 12a (step S7), and further lights up the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S8). In other words, the ST5 display shown in Figure 6 is performed. If the connection process fails and is interrupted, such as when there is no connection request during advertising (step S6NO), the control unit 13 terminates the display of the information indicating that the connection process is in progress on the display unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 13 reads the information stored in the memory 15 before the display in step S4, restores the first display area 12a to normal display (step S9), and then turns off the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S10). In other words, the display of ST1 shown in Figure 6 is performed.Thus, in CAL mode (disconnected), when a connection instruction involving a mode switch is input, the electronic device 10 displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the device is performing the connection process while the connection process is being executed, and after the connection process is completed, it displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the device is operating in PC mode.

[0033] On the other hand, when the control unit 13 determines that the key input is due to the pressing of the SEND key 11f, and therefore the connection instruction does not involve mode switching (step S3NO), it controls the communication unit 17 to start the connection process and displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the electronic device 10 is performing the connection process. Specifically, the control unit 13 makes the communication indicator 12d, which is a BLE icon, blink in the second display area 12b (step S11). In other words, the display of ST2 shown in Figure 6 is performed. After that, the control unit 13 monitors for the completion of the connection process (step S12). If the connection process is successful (step S12YES), the control unit 13 displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the electronic device 10 is connected. Specifically, the control unit 13 lights up the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S13). In other words, the display of ST3 shown in Figure 6 is performed. If the connection process fails (step S12NO), the control unit 13 terminates the display of information indicating that the connection process is in progress on the display unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 13 turns off the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S14). In other words, the display shown in ST1 in Figure 6 is performed. In this way, even when a connection instruction without mode switching is input in CAL mode (disconnected), the electronic device 10 displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the device is in the process of performing the connection process while the connection process is being executed, and displays information on the display unit 12 indicating that the device is connected after the connection process is successfully completed.

[0034] Figure 8 shows the changes in the display unit 12 when the electronic device 10, which was being used as a standalone terminal in ST1's CAL mode (disconnected), is switched to PC mode midway through the process. More specifically, Figure 8 shows the case where the user presses the all-clear key 11e, the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric key area 11a, and the PC / CAL key 11g in sequence on the electronic device 10 in CAL mode (disconnected). Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c) show the display on the display unit 12 after pressing the all-clear key 11e, the [1], [2], and [3] keys in the numeric key area 11a, and the PC / CAL key 11g, respectively. Figures 8(d) and 8(e) show the display on the display unit 12 after the connection process initiated by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g is successful and after it fails, respectively. In CAL mode (disconnected), the display unit 12 is updated as appropriate by normal key operations such as the all-clear key 11e and numeric keys. In contrast, when a connection command is input via the PC / CAL key 11g, a unique change occurs on the display unit 12 that does not appear with normal key operations. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(c), the display in the first display area 12a changes to a special display that is different from the normal display, and the communication indicator 12d (BLE icon) flashes in the second display area 12b. This ensures that the user does not miss the fact that a connection process involving mode switching is taking place, and allows the user to properly recognize the status. Furthermore, when the connection process is successful and operation starts in PC mode, as shown in Figure 8(d), the first display area 12a changes to a special display indicating that it is operating in PC mode, and in the second display area 12b, the flashing of the communication indicator 12d stops and the communication indicator 12d lights up continuously. By changing to a display that is completely different from CAL mode in this way, the user can correctly recognize that it is operating in PC mode. Furthermore, if the connection process fails, it returns to CAL mode (not connected), and the display on the display unit 12 also returns to the state before the connection process started, as shown in Figure 8(e). This allows the user to recognize that the mode switch was unsuccessful and that the device is currently operating in CAL mode.

[0035] Figure 9 shows the changes in the display unit 12 when the electronic device 10, which was being used as a standalone terminal in ST1's CAL mode (disconnected), is switched to ST3's CAL mode (connected), which is capable of communicating with an external device 18. More specifically, Figure 9 shows the case when the user presses the all-clear key 11e, the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric key area 11a, and the SEND key 11f in sequence on the electronic device 10 in CAL mode (disconnected). Figures 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c) show the display on the display unit 12 after pressing the all-clear key 11e, the [1], [2], and [3] keys in the numeric key area 11a, and the SEND key 11f, respectively. Figures 9(d) and 9(e) show the display on the display unit 12 after the connection process initiated by pressing the SEND key 11f is successful and after it fails, respectively. In CAL mode (disconnected), the display unit 12 is updated as needed by normal key operations such as the all-clear key 11e and number keys. However, when a connection instruction is input by the SEND key 11f, the display in the first display area 12a is maintained, while the communication indicator 12d (BLE icon) in the second display area 12b blinks. This ensures that the calculator function continues to work before and after the connection process, while allowing the user to recognize that the connection process is in progress. Furthermore, when the connection process is successful and the device returns to CAL mode (connected), as shown in Figure 9(d), the display in the first display area 12a is maintained, while the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b changes from blinking to continuously lit. On the other hand, when the connection process fails and the device returns to CAL mode (disconnected), as shown in Figure 9(e), the display in the first display area 12a is maintained, while the blinking of the communication indicator 12d in the second display area 12b is turned off. This allows the CAL mode to continue functioning regardless of the success or failure of the connection process, while still allowing the user to be aware of the success or failure of the connection process.

[0036] The connection process and the display process associated with the connection process have been explained above with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Hereafter, the cancellation process for stopping the connection process and the display process associated with the cancellation process will be explained with reference to Figures 10 to 13. Communication devices generally have a function to stop the connection process in response to user key operations. In a calculator like electronic device 10, the AC key is widely recognized as a key to stop the process, and pressing the AC key is a typical example of a key operation to stop the connection process. In electronic device 10, the connection process can also be stopped by pressing the AC key. However, pressing the AC key cancels all processes, including the connection process. Therefore, if, for example, the user has entered a connection instruction due to an incorrect key operation and only wants to cancel the connection instruction, the AC key is insufficient.

[0037] Therefore, the electronic device 10 is configured such that if a key operation performed by the user to start the connection process is performed again before the connection process is completed, the control unit 13 cancels the connection process. This allows the user to easily cancel the connection process by immediately performing the same operation again, even if they have entered a connection instruction by mistake, and to cancel the connection instruction entered by the user with simple and intuitive operation. More specifically, after the control unit 13 detects a first operation (pressing the PC / CAL key 11g) that instructs the operation unit 11 to switch from CAL mode to PC mode, if it detects the first operation again before the completion of the connection process for wireless communication with the external device 18 started by that first operation, it cancels the started connection process and displays the information that was displayed on the display unit 12 before the start of the connection process. This allows the user to cancel the connection process and return the display state to the state before the connection process if the PC / CAL key 11g is pressed by mistake, simply by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g again. Thus, the impact of incorrect operation can be minimized.

[0038] Furthermore, after the control unit 13 detects a second operation (pressing the SEND key 11f) that instructs a connection process that does not involve mode switching to the operation unit 11, if it detects the second operation again before the completion of the connection process for wireless communication with the external device 18 initiated by that second operation, it cancels the started connection process. This allows the connection process to be canceled simply by pressing the SEND key 11f again, even if the SEND key 11f is pressed by mistake. Moreover, when the control unit 13 detects the second operation, it starts the connection process while maintaining the display in the first display area 12a, and if it detects the second operation again before the completion of the connection process, it cancels the connection process while maintaining the display in the first display area 12a. This allows the device to maintain the same state as before the connection process after canceling the connection process, even if the SEND key 11f is pressed by mistake. Therefore, the impact of erroneous operation can be minimized. In this way, the electronic device 10 enables intuitive and user-friendly cancellation operations for various key operations by having the control unit 13 cancel the previous instruction in response to the same key operation.

[0039] The process shown in Figure 10 is an example of a response process performed by the control unit 13 in the electronic device 10 to a key operation performed during connection processing, and includes a cancellation process to abort the connection processing. The process shown in Figure 10 is started, for example, when the CPU 14 in the control unit 13 executes a program stored in memory 15. When the process shown in Figure 10 is started, the control unit 13 determines whether the state of the electronic device 10 is ST2 or ST4 (step S21). In other words, it determines whether connection processing involving a mode switch of the operating mode is being performed, or whether connection processing without a mode switch of the operating mode is being performed. Specifically, the control unit 13 determines that the state is ST4 if the communication unit 17 is controlled and connection processing has been started by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g, and determines that the state is ST2 if the communication unit 17 is controlled and connection processing has been started by pressing the SEND key 11f. When the control unit 13 determines that the communication unit 17 has been controlled and the connection process has started due to the pressing of the PC / CAL key 11g, that is, that the state is ST4, it further determines the content of the key input (step S22). Here, the control unit 13 determines whether the content of the key input is the all clear key 11e, the PC / CAL key 11g, or something else.

[0040] If the key input is neither the All Clear key 11e nor the PC / CAL key 11g, the control unit 13 does not accept the key input. The control unit 13 terminates the process shown in Figure 10 without performing any processing. In this case, the connection process is not canceled. If the key input is the PC / CAL key 11g, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 17 to cancel the connection process (step S23). The control unit 13 further cancels the special display during the connection process and displays the information before the connection process started in the first display area 12a (step S24), turns off the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S25), and terminates the process shown in Figure 10. Since the information before the connection process started is stored in the memory 15 in advance when the connection process is started, the control unit 13 reads that information and displays it in the first display area 12a. If the key input is the all-clear key 11e, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 17 to cancel the connection process, and also cancels other processes (steps S26, S27). The control unit 13 further cancels the special display during the connection process and changes the first display area 12a to the initial display ("0") (step S28), turns off the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S29), and terminates the process shown in Figure 10.

[0041] On the other hand, when the control unit 13 determines that the communication unit 17 has been controlled by the pressing of the SEND key 11f and that the connection process has started, that is, that the state is ST2, it further determines the content of the key input (step S30). Here, the control unit 13 determines whether the content of the key input is the all-clear key 11e, the SEND key 11f, or something else. If the key input is neither the all-clear key 11e nor the SEND key 11f, the control unit 13 performs normal display processing according to the key input (step S33), and terminates the process shown in Figure 10 with the display updated. In this case, the connection process is not canceled. If the key input is the SEND key 11f, the control unit 13 controls the communication unit 17 to cancel the connection process (step S31), turns off the BLE icon (communication indicator 12d) in the second display area 12b (step S32), and terminates the process shown in Figure 10. The case when the key input is the all-clear key 11e is as described above.

[0042] Figure 11 shows the changes in the display unit 12 when an electronic device 10, which was being used as a standalone terminal in ST1's CAL mode (disconnected), is switched to PC mode midway through its operation, and then the same operation is performed again to cancel the instruction. More specifically, Figure 11 shows the case when a user presses the all-clear key 11e, the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric key area 11a, the PC / CAL key 11g, and the PC / CAL key 11g in sequence on the electronic device 10 in CAL mode (disconnected). Figures 11(a), 11(b), 11(c), and 11(d) show the display on the display unit 12 after pressing the all-clear key 11e, the [1], [2], and [3] keys in the numeric key area 11a, the first PC / CAL key 11g, and the second PC / CAL key 11g, respectively. As shown in Figures 11(b) to 11(d), if a connection process started by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g is canceled by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g again, the same display is shown on the display unit 12 both before and after the start and cancellation of the connection process, which is a special type of display. Therefore, after canceling a connection instruction that was made by mistake, the user can continue working without any particular inconvenience.

[0043] Figure 12 shows the changes in the display unit 12 when an electronic device 10, which was being used as a standalone terminal in CAL mode (disconnected), is switched to CAL mode (connected) that can communicate with an external device 18, and then the same operation is performed again to cancel the instruction. More specifically, Figure 12 shows the case when a user presses the all-clear key 11e, the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric key area 11a, the SEND key 11f, and the SEND key 11f in sequence on the electronic device 10 in CAL mode (disconnected). Figures 12(a), 12(b), 12(c), and 12(d) show the display on the display unit 12 after pressing the all-clear key 11e, the [1], [2], and [3] keys in the numeric key area 11a, the first SEND key 11f, and the second SEND key 11f, respectively. As shown in Figures 12(b) to 12(d), if the connection process started by pressing the SEND key 11f is canceled by pressing the SEND key 11f again, the display in the first display area 12a is always maintained. Therefore, even in this case, the user can continue working without any particular inconvenience after canceling a connection instruction that was made by mistake.

[0044] Figure 13 shows the changes in the display unit 12 when an electronic device 10, which was being used as a standalone terminal in CAL mode (disconnected), is switched to PC mode midway through its operation, and then the All Clear key 11e is pressed to cancel the instruction. More specifically, Figure 13 shows the case when a user presses the All Clear key 11e, the "1", "2", and "3" keys in the numeric key area 11a, the PC / CAL key 11g, and the All Clear key 11e in sequence on the electronic device 10 in CAL mode (disconnected). Figures 13(a), 13(b), 13(c), and 13(d) show the display on the display unit 12 after pressing the All Clear key 11e, the [1], [2], and [3] keys in the numeric key area 11a, the PC / CAL key 11g, and the All Clear key 11e, respectively. As shown in Figures 13(b) to 13(d), if the connection process started by pressing the PC / CAL key 11g is canceled by pressing the All Clear key 11e before the connection process is completed, the display unit 12 will not show the same display as before the connection process started after the cancellation of the connection process, but will instead show the initial display ("0"). Therefore, this is particularly useful not only for correcting incorrect connection instructions, but also when you want to reset all processes and start the work over from the beginning.

[0045] The embodiments described above are specific examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention should be understood not as being limited to the embodiments described above, but rather as encompassing various modifications and alternative forms of the embodiments described above.

[0046] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the electronic device operates in either CAL mode or PC mode, but the electronic device may operate in yet another operating mode. That is, the electronic device only needs to operate in one of several operating modes, including at least CAL mode and PC mode, and the control unit 13 only needs to operate the electronic device 10 in one of the several operating modes. Also, in the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the operation unit 11 of the electronic device 10 has multiple physical keys, but the display unit 12 only needs to be able to accept user operations and may be composed of software keys instead of physical keys.

[0047] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the control unit 13 displays information indicating that a connection process is being executed in the first display area 12a while the connection process is being executed with a mode switch. However, the control unit 13 may also display information indicating that a connection process is being executed in the first display area 12a while the connection process is being executed, regardless of whether or not a mode switch is involved. Whether or not to display information indicating that a connection process is being executed in the first display area 12a while the connection process is being executed without a mode switch can be changed by setting. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which, when the control unit 13 detects the same operation again after detecting an operation to instruct a mode switch but before the completion of the connection process started by that operation, it displays information that was displayed on the display unit before the connection process started, in addition to canceling the connection process. However, as long as the connection process is appropriately canceled, the process of displaying information that was displayed before the connection process started does not necessarily have to be performed. When the control unit 13 detects an operation to instruct a mode switch again, it may, for example, display another indication that the connection process has been canceled, or it may restore only the information that was displayed on the display unit before the connection process started that was displayed on the first display area 12a.

[0048] In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the electronic device 10 is equipped with a display unit 12. However, the display unit 12 only needs to display calculation results in the first mode, and may be, for example, another device (display device) connected to the electronic device 10.

[0049] Although the electronic device 10 in the above embodiment functions as a calculator in the first mode, the electronic devices to which the present invention applies are not limited to calculators. Any device that connects to an external device 18 and operates as an input device is acceptable. For example, the electronic device 10 may be a smartphone that can switch between a first mode in which it operates as a normal smartphone and a second mode in which it operates as an input device to the external device 18. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10: Electronic equipment, 11: Operation unit, 12: Display unit, 13: Control unit, 17: Communication unit, 18: External equipment

Claims

1. An operating unit that accepts user input, A communication unit that performs wireless communication with external devices, A control unit that operates the device in one of a plurality of operating modes, including a first mode in which calculations are performed based on operations on the operation unit, and a second mode in which information input by operations on the operation unit is transmitted to the external device by the communication unit, Equipped with, The control unit, while performing connection processing for wireless communication with the external device, causes the control unit to display information indicating that the device is performing the connection processing in a predetermined area in the display unit that displays a numerical value which is the result of the calculation in the first mode. electronic equipment.

2. In the electronic device according to claim 1, The control unit, When the first connection process, which is a connection process that does not involve switching the operating mode, is started, the information displayed in the predetermined area is maintained. When the second connection process, which is the connection process that involves switching from the first mode to the second mode, is started, the information displayed in the predetermined area is changed to information indicating that the connection process is in progress. electronic equipment.

3. In the electronic device according to claim 2, The control unit, After the second connection process is completed, while the device is operating in the second mode, information indicating that the device is operating in the second mode is displayed in the predetermined area. electronic equipment.

4. In the electronic device according to claim 3, The information indicating that the connection process is underway and the information indicating that the operation is in the second mode are partially identical. electronic equipment.

5. Electronic devices, It operates in one of several operating modes, including a first mode in which calculations are performed based on operations on an operation unit that accepts user input, and a second mode in which information input by operations on the operation unit is transmitted to an external device. During the execution of the connection process for wireless communication with the external device, information indicating that the connection process is being executed is displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the display unit that displays a numerical value which is the result of the calculation in the first mode. Display method.

6. In electronic devices, It operates in one of several operating modes, including a first mode in which calculations are performed based on operations on an operation unit that accepts user input, and a second mode in which information input by operations on the operation unit is transmitted to an external device. During the execution of the connection process for wireless communication with the external device, the process is executed to display information indicating that the connection process is being executed in a predetermined area of ​​the display unit that displays the numerical result of the calculation in the first mode of the display unit. program.

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