Electronic clock, display control method, and program

Abstract

To easily expand a display screen.SOLUTION: A display unit 12 is disposed such that a first display portion 12a is placed atop and a second display portion 12b is layered thereunder. An electronic timepiece 1 determines whether to set a non-expanded state or an expanded state according to whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the non-expanded state, various contents and the like are displayed only on the first display portion 12a. In the expanded state, engagement by a hook 5 is released, and the first display portion 12a is rotated about a hinge 4 by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring. As a result, the second display portion 12a, which is layered under the first display portion 12b, is exposed. In the expanded state, various contents are displayed on both the first display portion 12a and the second display portion 12b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic clock, a display control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when displaying a lot of content on a small screen, such as learning, train transfer times, weather forecasts (temperature, humidity, wind speed, caution / warning information), etc., the characters have to be made small or words have to be cut out, sacrificing readability for display. To solve this, there are means such as scrolling the display or enlarging the screen of the display unit. However, when scrolling, the whole cannot be viewed, and there are problems such as cumbersome operations. When enlarging the display screen, the portability as a list-type wearable terminal is impaired, so there is a limit to enlarging the display screen.

[0003] Therefore, in a list-type wearable terminal, in order to achieve both portability and operability, it is provided with a large display unit that can be folded into two, and a small display unit provided on the outer surface (1 / 2 surface) of the large display unit folded into two. Usually, the large display unit is folded into two and displayed on the small display unit, and when necessary, the folded large display unit is unfolded to double the display area. A technique has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the list-type wearable terminal according to Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the user has to manually unfold the display unit, which is cumbersome.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to enable easy expansion of the display screen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electronic clock according to this invention is characterized by comprising: a first display unit; a second display unit disposed to overlap the first display unit; and a control unit that, when the display content displayed on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions, moves the first display unit or the second display unit to transition from a non-expanded state in which the first display unit overlaps the second display unit to an expanded state in which the display screen of the first display unit and the display screen of the second display unit are visible to the user.

[0008] The display control method according to this invention is a display control method for an electronic clock comprising at least one processor, a first display unit, and a second display unit disposed below the first display unit, wherein the at least one processor includes the steps of: determining whether the content displayed on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions; and, if the predetermined conditions are met, controlling the first display unit or the second display unit to transition from a non-expanded state in which the first display unit is overlapping the second display unit to an expanded state in which the display screen of the first display unit and the display screen of the second display unit are visible to the user by moving the first display unit or the second display unit.

[0009] The program according to this invention is a program executed on an electronic clock comprising at least one processor, a first display unit, and a second display unit disposed below the first display unit, and is characterized by realizing a function for determining whether the content displayed on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions, and a function for controlling the transition from a non-expanded state in which the first display unit is overlapping the second display unit to an expanded state in which the display screen of the first display unit and the display screen of the second display unit are visible to the user by moving the first display unit or the second display unit when the predetermined conditions are met. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, the display screen can be easily expanded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic clock 1 and the deployment mechanism of the display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic clock 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic clock 1 and the deployment mechanism of the display unit according to another embodiment of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from the retracted state to the unfolded state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment, as well as an example of the display. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from the retracted state to the deployed state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment, as well as an example of the display. [Figure 13]This is a schematic diagram for explaining the transition from the housed state to the deployed state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to the second embodiment and the display example. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram for explaining the transition from the housed state to the deployed state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to the second embodiment and the display example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are technically preferably limited in various ways for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. The electronic clock according to the present embodiment is one of the so-called wrist-wearable terminals used by wearing on the wrist.

[0013] A. Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic clock 1 and the deployment mechanism of the display unit 12 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the electronic clock 1 includes a main body 2 and a band 3 for wearing the electronic clock 1 on the wrist. The main body 2 includes a housing (not shown) for housing an electronic circuit and the like, and a display unit 12 disposed on the upper part of the housing.

[0014] The display unit 12 is arranged such that the first display unit 12a overlaps the second display unit 12b on the upper side. Hereinafter, the state where the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b overlap is defined as the non-deployed state, and the state where the first display unit 12a moves and the second display unit 12b is exposed is defined as the deployed state. The electronic clock 1 determines whether to be in the non-deployed state or the deployed state according to the content (display content) displayed on the display unit 12, the usage status of the electronic clock 1, etc. (predetermined conditions).

[0015] For example, when the amount of information of the content to be displayed on the display unit 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, it may be determined that the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied. The amount of information of the content may include information on the display area or the number of characters of the image included in the content. Also, when supplementary information for the content already displayed on the first display unit 12a is acquired, it may be determined that the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied. Further, when an instruction to duplicate and display the content already displayed on the first display unit 12a is received, it may be determined that the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied. Furthermore, if the display on a single screen is appropriate, it may be set to the non-expanded state, and if the display on two screens is appropriate, it may be set to the expanded state.

[0016] In the non-expanded state, the first display unit 12a is engaged (fixed) with the main body 2 by the hook (engaging portion) 5, and displays, for example, the date, day of the week, time, etc. as a clock, and various contents. Also, as shown by the arrow A, when the engagement by the hook 5 is released, the first display unit 12a rotates in the direction shown by the arrow B about the hinge 4 disposed at the peripheral portion (frame portion) by the force of an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring. The first display unit 12a stops at the position rotated by 180° and is fixed by the force of an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring. As a result, the second display unit 12b stored under the first display unit 12a is exposed and becomes the expanded state. In the expanded state, various contents are displayed on both the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b. To return from the expanded state to the non-expanded state, the user manually rotates it in the direction opposite to the arrow B. When the first display unit 12a is returned to the original position by the manual operation of the user, it is engaged (fixed) with the main body 2 again by the hook 5.

[0017] Note that although the state in which the second display unit 12b is exposed by moving the first display unit 12a is set as the expanded state, a structure in which the state is changed to the expanded state by moving the second display unit 12b without moving the first display unit 12a may also be used.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic clock 1 of this first embodiment. The electronic clock 1 comprises a CPU 10, a memory 11, a display unit 12 (first display unit 12a, second display unit 12b), an operation unit 13, and a hook drive unit 14. The CPU 10 is a CPU that controls various operations of the electronic clock 1 according to a program stored in the memory 11 (ROM). The CPU 10 may be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc. Furthermore, the CPU 10 may be composed of two or more CPUs.

[0019] The CPU 10 operates as a determination unit that determines the input of a specific operation key among the operation unit 13. The CPU 10 also operates as a control unit that changes the processing to be executed in response to the operation of a specific operation key. In particular, in this embodiment, the CPU 10 determines whether to display the content to be displayed on the display unit 12 only on the first display unit 12a in an unfolded state, or to display it on both the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b in an unfolded state, depending on the amount of information of the content to be displayed on the display unit 12, the type of content, or the usage status of the content (predetermined conditions), and controls the hook drive unit 14, which will be described later, to rotate the first display unit 12a.

[0020] Memory 11 stores a system program (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the electronic clock 1, a program for controlling the deployment operation of the display unit 12, and a program for displaying content on the first display unit 12a and / or the second display unit 12b. The first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b are m x n dot displays such as liquid crystal displays, and display various types of content.

[0021] The operation unit 13 consists of various keys for the user to operate the electronic clock 1. When an operation using the operation unit 13 is received, an input signal corresponding to that operation is transmitted to the CPU 10. The hook drive unit 14 consists of an electromagnetic drive mechanism or a motor, and under the control of the CPU 10, it releases the hook 5 that fixes the first display unit 12a. When the hook 5 is released, the first display unit 12a automatically rotates (moves) around a hinge 4 located on its periphery (frame portion) by the force of an elastic member such as a spring (not shown), and the second display unit 12b appears.

[0022] B. Operation of the first embodiment Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this first embodiment. The CPU 10 determines whether or not to put the display unit 12 into an expanded state (step S10). Here, it is determined that it is necessary to put the display unit into an expanded state when certain conditions are met and it is easier for the user to recognize the content if it is displayed on two screens. If it is determined that it is not necessary to put the display unit into an expanded state (NO in step S10), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is necessary to put the display unit into an expanded state (YES in step S10), an expansion process is executed to display on both the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b (step S12). After that, the process ends.

[0023] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation (unfolding process) of the electronic clock 1 according to this first embodiment. In the unfolding process, the CPU 10 releases the hook 5 using the hook drive unit 14 (step S20). Once the hook 5 is released, the first display unit 12a rotates (moves) in the direction indicated by arrow B around the hinge 4 disposed on the periphery (frame portion) by the force of an elastic member (not shown), such as a spring, as shown in Figure 1 (step S22). The first display unit 12a is then fixed in place at a 180° rotation by the force of an elastic member (not shown), such as a spring (step S24). As a result, the second display unit 12b, which was stored below the first display unit 12a, is exposed and the clock is unfolded. In the unfolded state, the CPU 10 displays content on both the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b (step S26). An example of content display will be described later.

[0024] After the user has confirmed the content displayed on both the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b, they manually rotate the first display unit 12a around the hinge 4 in the opposite direction to arrow B in order to return it from the expanded state to the unexpanded state. Once the first display unit 12a is returned to its original position, it engages (fixes) to the main body 2 by the hook 5.

[0025] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic clock 1 and the deployment mechanism of the display unit according to another embodiment of the first embodiment. Note that parts corresponding to those in Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted. In Figure 5, in the undeployed state, the first display unit 12a is engaged (fixed) to the main body 2 by the hook 5, and displays, for example, the date, day of the week, time, and various other content. When the engagement by the hook 5 is released, as shown by arrow C, the first display unit 12a slides (moves) along the slits 6a and 6b in the direction of arrow D due to the force of a spring (not shown) stored in the slits 6a and 6b. The first display unit 12a is fixed in a predetermined position by the force of the spring. As a result, the second display unit 12b, which was stored below the first display unit 12a, is exposed and the unit is deployed. To return from the deployed state to the undeployed state, the user manually slides it in the opposite direction to arrow D. When the first display unit 12a is returned to its original position by the user's manual operation, it is engaged (fixed) to the main body 2 by the hook 5.

[0026] C. Second Embodiment In this second embodiment, the structure is basically the same as that of the electronic clock 1 of the first embodiment described above, but the deployment / retraction of the first display unit 12a is automatically performed by the driving force of a motor. In the following description, we will explain using as an example an electronic clock 1 in which the display unit 12 is set to a non-deployed state and an deployed state by rotating (moving) the first display unit 12a on a hinge 4 arranged on the peripheral part (frame part) as an axis, as shown in Figure 1, but the same can be achieved with a structure in which the first display unit 12a slides, as shown in Figure 5.

[0027] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic clock 1 of this second embodiment. Note that parts corresponding to those in Figure 2 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The motor drive unit 15 drives the motor 16 under the control of the CPU 10. The motor 16 rotates the first display unit 12a around the hinge 4, thereby switching the display unit 12 between a non-extended state and an extended state. The gyro (angular velocity) sensor 17 detects the orientation of the electronic clock 1 (the state in which the user is looking at the display unit 12). The acceleration sensor 18 detects the acceleration generated in the electronic clock 1 (the user's arm swing while walking).

[0028] D. Operation of the second embodiment Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. The processes shown in Figures 7 and 8 are executed when content is displayed on the display unit 12, and are also executed at predetermined time intervals while content is being displayed on the display unit 12.

[0029] The CPU 10 determines whether the display unit 12 is unfolded, that is, whether the first display unit 12a is unfolded (step S30). If the display unit 12 is unfolded (YES in step S30), the CPU 10 determines whether it is necessary to unfold it (step S32). If it is not necessary to unfold it, that is, if predetermined conditions are met and there is no need to display content on both screens (NO in step S32), the CPU 10 closes the first display unit 12a in the display unit 12 storage process described later, putting it into an unfolded state (step S34). After that, the process ends.

[0030] On the other hand, if it is necessary to put the display in an unfolded state, that is, if predetermined conditions are met and it is necessary to display content on two screens (YES in step S32), the system determines whether or not arm-swinging walking has been detected by the accelerometer 18, that is, whether or not the user is walking (step S36), and further determines whether or not a specific posture has been detected by the gyro sensor 17, that is, whether or not the user is raising their arms and looking at the display unit 12 (step S38). If arm-swinging walking is not detected (NO in step S36) and a specific posture is detected by the gyro sensor 17 (YES in step S38), the system determines that the user is not walking and is looking at the display unit 12 of the electronic clock 1, and displays content on the unfolded display unit 12, that is, on the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b (step S40). After that, the process ends.

[0031] If, while content is displayed on the unfolded display unit 12, there is no longer a need to unfold it (NO in step S32), the first display unit 12a is closed in the display unit 12 storage process described later, returning it to the unfolded state (step S34). After that, the process is terminated. Also, if, while content is displayed on the unfolded display unit 12, the user starts walking or stops a specific posture (YES in step S36 or NO in step S38), the first display unit 12a is closed in the display unit 12 storage process described later, returning it to the unfolded state (step S42). In other words, in the unfolded state, if the detected values ​​obtained from the acceleration sensor 18 and the gyro sensor 17 are within the range of the second threshold (not in a running state or a specific posture), the system transitions from the unfolded state to the unfolded state.

[0032] On the other hand, if the display unit 12 is not in the unfolded state (NO in step S30), or if, while content is being displayed on the unfolded display unit 12 (first display unit 12a and second display unit 12b), the user starts walking or stops in a specific posture (YES in step S36 or NO in step S38), and the first display unit 12a is closed and the display unit 12 is returned to the unfolded state during the storage process of the display unit 12 (step S42), the CPU 10 determines whether or not it is necessary to return the display unit to the unfolded state (step S44). If it is not necessary to return the display unit to the unfolded state, that is, if the predetermined conditions are not met and there is no need to display content on both screens (NO in step S44), the process is terminated.

[0033] On the other hand, if it is necessary to put the device into an unfolded state, that is, if predetermined conditions are met and it is necessary to display content on both screens (YES in step S44), the system determines whether or not arm-swinging walking has been detected by the acceleration sensor 18, that is, whether or not the user is walking (step S46), and further determines whether or not a specific posture has been detected by the gyro sensor 17, that is, whether or not the user is raising their arms and looking at the display unit 12 (step S48).

[0034] Then, if the user is walking (YES in step S46) or not in a specific posture (not looking at the display unit 12) (NO in step S48), the system returns to step S44 and waits until the user is looking at the display unit 12.

[0035] On the other hand, if arm-swinging walking is not detected (NO in step S46), and a specific posture (looking at the display unit 12) is detected by the gyro sensor 17 (YES in step S48), it is determined that the user is in a state where they can view the content displayed on the display unit 12, and the first display unit 12a is unfolded in the unfolding process of the display unit 12 described later (step S50). That is, if the display content shown on the first display unit 12a satisfies predetermined conditions, and the detected values ​​obtained from the gyro sensor 17 and the acceleration sensor 18 are within the range of the first threshold (non-moving state, specific posture state), the system transitions from the non-unfolded state to the unfolded state. After that, the content is displayed on the unfolded display unit 12, i.e., the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b (step S40), and the process ends.

[0036] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation (unfolding process) of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. In the unfolding process, the CPU 10 drives the motor 16 with the motor drive unit 15 and rotates the first display unit 12a around the hinge 4 located on the periphery (frame portion) to unfold it (step S60). Next, the CPU 10 stops the motor 16 with the motor drive unit 15 to fix the first display unit 12a (step S62). After that, it returns to the main routine.

[0037] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation (storage process) of the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment. In the storage process, the CPU 10 drives the motor 16 with the motor drive unit 15 and rotates the first display unit 12a around the hinge 4 located on the periphery (frame portion) to put it in the unfolded state (step S70). Next, the CPU 10 stops the motor 16 with the motor drive unit 15 to fix the first display unit 12a in place (step S72). After that, it returns to the main routine.

[0038] E. Display example of the second embodiment Next, the transition of the display unit 12 from the stored state to the deployed state and an example of the display in the electronic clock 1 according to the second embodiment described above will be explained, but the example of the display is the same for the electronic clock 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from the retracted state to the unfolded state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment, as well as an example of the display. If there is additional content to be added in addition to the normal content, the display switches from a single screen to a two-screen display. For example, as shown in Figure 11, in a scenario where the first display unit 12a is normally displaying train transfer times, if there are train delays in the surrounding area, the first display unit 12a is unfolded in the direction of arrow E, and the surrounding train delay information is displayed on the first display unit 12a, while the train transfer times are displayed on the second display unit 12b. In the illustrated example, after unfolding, the train transfer times that were initially displayed on the first display unit 12a are displayed on the second display unit 12b, and the surrounding train delay information is displayed on the first display unit 12a. This is to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable because the display positions would be swapped if the train transfer times that were initially displayed on the first display unit 12a were left as they were while the surrounding train delay information was displayed on the second display unit 12b. However, the content displayed on the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b may be swapped for better readability. Also, while the timing for displaying surrounding train delay information on the first display unit 12a and train transfer times on the second display unit 12b is set to after the first display unit 12a is fully deployed, the display may be switched before the first display unit 12a is fully deployed, i.e., at the time the surrounding train delay information is acquired.

[0040] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from the retracted state to the unfolded state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment, as well as an example of the display. When there is supplementary content that is not sufficient to display on one screen in relation to the content on one screen, it is expanded and displayed on two screens only when the "supplementary content display mode" is turned on. In the illustrated example, in an English vocabulary list, supplementary content that is preferable to have as knowledge for memorization, but not essential, is displayed on the first display unit 12a, which is expanded in the direction of arrow E. Here, the "supplementary content display mode" may be set manually separately, or it may be set to automatically switch on / off according to the level of learning proficiency. In this example as well, after expansion, the English word length that was initially displayed on the first display unit 12a is displayed on the second display unit 12b, and the supplementary content is displayed on the first display unit 12a, but this may be rearranged as appropriate for ease of viewing. In this case, as in Figure 11, the English vocabulary list that was displayed on the first display unit 12a is displayed on the second display unit 12b, and the timing for displaying supplementary content on the first display unit 12a is set to after the first display unit 12a is expanded. However, this is not the only option; the display may be switched before the expansion is complete, that is, at the time the supplementary content is acquired.

[0041] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from the retracted state to the unfolded state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to the second embodiment, as well as an example of the display. In situations where a continuous horizontal display, such as a table or figure, is required, the display can be switched from a single screen to a two-screen display. In this case, as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b, which are unfolded in the direction of arrow E, are a borderless square-type display unit that can form an integrated display. In the illustrated example, a fill-in-the-blank historical timeline is displayed continuously on the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b. This is expected to make the flow of history clearer and improve learning efficiency. In this case as well, the historical timeline that was displayed on the first display unit 12a is displayed on the second display unit 12b, and the timing of displaying the additional historical timeline on the first display unit 12a is after the first display unit 12a has been unfolded. However, the display may be switched before it is completely unfolded, that is, at the time the additional historical timeline is acquired.

[0042] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from the retracted state to the deployed state of the display unit in the electronic clock 1 according to this second embodiment, as well as an example of the display. In situations where it is desired to share the same information with someone facing you, the display switches from a single screen to a two-screen display. The first display unit 12a, which is deployed in the direction of arrow E, displays the content upside down, while the second display unit 12b displays the content upright for easy viewing by the user. In the illustrated example, in a scenario where learning using a vocabulary list is presented to two users facing each other, the content is displayed upside down on the deployed first display unit 12a. This is particularly effective when two people want to study in a confined space, such as on a crowded train. In this case, whether or not to deploy the display unit 12 may be determined by whether or not there has been a connection with the mobile information terminal (such as a smartphone) owned by the person facing you for a certain period of time or longer. In this case as well, the timing for displaying the content that was displayed on the first display unit 12a on the second display unit 12b and inverting the same content on the first display unit 12a was set to after the first display unit 12a was unfolded. However, this is not limited to this, and the display may be switched before it is completely unfolded, that is, at the time when it is decided to unfold the display unit 12.

[0043] According to the embodiment described above, the second display unit 12b is arranged to overlap the first display unit 12a, and when the content displayed on the first display unit 12a satisfies predetermined conditions, the first display unit 12a is moved so that the display screen of the second display unit 12b becomes visible to the user while the display screen of the first display unit 12a remains visible to the user. This allows the display screen to be expanded as needed without compromising portability and durability.

[0044] According to the embodiment described above, the display screen of the second display unit 12b can be made visible to the user by rotating the first display unit 12a horizontally around the hinge 4 provided on its periphery. This allows the display screen to be expanded as needed with a simple structure without compromising portability or durability.

[0045] According to the embodiment described above, the display screen of the second display unit 12b becomes visible to the user by sliding the first display unit 12a in one direction. Therefore, the display screen can be expanded as needed with a simple structure without compromising portability and durability.

[0046] According to the embodiment described above, when the content displayed on the first display unit 12a satisfies predetermined conditions, the hook 5 engaging the first display unit 12a in a position overlapping the second display unit 12b is released, and the first display unit 12a is moved by an elastic member such as a spring to a position where the display screen of the second display unit 12b becomes visible to the user. Thus, the display screen can be expanded as needed with a simple structure without compromising portability and durability.

[0047] According to the embodiment described above, in the non-expanded state where the first display unit 12a overlaps the second display unit 12b, content is displayed on the first display unit 12a. In the expanded state where the first display unit 12a is moved so that the display screen of the second display unit 12b is visible to the user, content is displayed on both the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b. Thus, the display screen can be expanded as needed without compromising portability and durability.

[0048] According to the embodiment described above, in the unfolded state, the content displayed on the first display unit 12a in the unfolded state is displayed on the second display unit 12b, and supplementary content is displayed on the first display unit 12a. This allows the display screen to be expanded as needed without compromising portability and durability, and improves visibility.

[0049] According to the embodiment described above, in the unfolded state, a continuous horizontal content is displayed from the first display unit 12a to the second display unit 12b. Therefore, the display screen can be expanded as needed without compromising portability and durability, and visibility can be improved.

[0050] According to the embodiment described above, in the unfolded state, the content of either the first display unit 12a or the second display unit 12b is displayed upside down. This allows the display screen to be expanded as needed without compromising portability and durability, and also allows content to be shared with other users facing the device.

[0051] According to the embodiment described above, the predetermined conditions are set to at least one of the amount of information in the content, the type of content, and the usage status of the content. Therefore, the display screen can be expanded as needed without compromising portability and durability, and the content can be effectively displayed for various types of content and in various usage situations.

[0052] In the embodiments described above, the first display unit 12a may be a transparent liquid crystal, and the second display unit 12b may be visible to the user even when not deployed. The electronic clock 1 may also include a wearable device that is worn on the user's body. Furthermore, it may have not only the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b, but also a third display unit, or three or more display units, all of which may be deployable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1…Electronic clock, 2…Main unit, 3…Band, 4…Hinge, 5…Hook, 6a, 6b…Slit, 10…CPU, 11…Memory, 12…Display unit, 12a…First display unit, 12b…Second display unit, 13…Operation unit, 14…Hook drive unit, 15…Motor drive unit, 16…Motor, 17…Gyro sensor, 18…Accelerometer

Claims

1. The first display unit and A second display unit is arranged to overlap the first display unit, A control unit that, when the display content displayed on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions, moves the first display unit or the second display unit to transition from a non-expanded state in which the first display unit is overlapping the second display unit to an expanded state in which the display screen of the first display unit and the display screen of the second display unit are visible to the user, An electronic clock characterized by having the following features.

2. The control unit determines that the predetermined conditions are met when the amount of information in the displayed content is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

3. The amount of information in the displayed content includes information on the display area of ​​the image or the number of characters in the displayed content. The electronic clock according to feature 2.

4. When the control unit acquires supplementary information for the display content already displayed on the first display unit, it determines that the predetermined conditions are met. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

5. When the control unit receives an instruction to duplicate and display the display content already displayed on the first display unit, it determines that the predetermined conditions are met. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

6. Equipped with an angular velocity sensor, The control unit transitions from the non-deployed state to the deployed state when the display content shown on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions and the detected value obtained from the angular velocity sensor is within the range of a first threshold. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

7. The device further comprises at least one of an acceleration sensor or an angular velocity sensor, The control unit, in the deployed state, transitions from the deployed state to the undeployed state if the detected value obtained from the acceleration sensor or the angular velocity sensor is within the range of the second threshold. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

8. The first display unit is configured to rotate horizontally around a hinge provided on its periphery by the control unit, thereby making the display screen of the second display unit visible to the user. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

9. The first display unit is configured to slide in one direction by the control unit so that the display screen of the second display unit becomes visible to the user. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

10. The engagement portion is engaged with the first display portion at a position where it overlaps the second display portion, When the engagement by the aforementioned engaging portion is released, an elastic member constantly applies an external force to move the first display unit to a position where the display screen of the second display unit becomes visible to the user. Furthermore, The control unit releases the engagement by the engagement part when the content displayed on the first display unit satisfies the predetermined conditions. The electronic clock according to feature 1.

11. The electronic clock according to claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that, when the first display unit is in a non-expanded state where it overlaps the second display unit, causes the first display unit to display the display content, and when the first display unit is moved so that the display screen of the second display unit is visible to the user in an expanded state, causes the first display unit and the second display unit to display the same or different display content, respectively.

12. The electronic clock according to claim 11, characterized in that, in the unfolded state, the display control unit causes the display content displayed on the first display unit in the unfolded state to be displayed on the second display unit, and the supplementary content to be displayed on the first display unit as the display content.

13. The electronic clock according to claim 11, characterized in that, in the unfolded state, the display control unit causes a continuous horizontal content from the first display unit to the second display unit to be displayed as the display content.

14. The electronic clock according to claim 11, characterized in that the display control unit, in the unfolded state, displays the display content of either the first display unit or the second display unit upside down.

15. The electronic clock according to claim 14, characterized in that, when the display content to be displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit are substantially the same, the display control unit displays the content of either one of them upside down.

16. A display control method for an electronic clock comprising at least one processor, a first display unit, and a second display unit disposed below the first display unit, The aforementioned at least one processor is A step of determining whether the content displayed on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions, If the predetermined conditions are met, the first display unit or the second display unit is moved to transition from a non-expanded state in which the first display unit is overlapping the second display unit to an expanded state in which the display screens of the first display unit and the second display unit are visible to the user. A display control method characterized by including the following.

17. A program executed on an electronic clock comprising at least one processor, a first display unit, and a second display unit disposed below the first display unit, A function to determine whether the content displayed on the first display unit satisfies predetermined conditions, A function to control the transition from a non-expanded state, where the first display unit is overlapping the second display unit, to an expanded state, where the display screens of both the first and second display units are visible to the user, by moving the first or second display unit when the predetermined conditions are met. To achieve A program characterized by the following features.

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