Mobile electronic apparatus, display method for use in mobile electronic apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable recording medium

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-211533, filed on Oct. 28, 2015, entitled “MOBILE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND DISPLAY METHOD FOR USE IN MOBILE ELECTRONIC APPARATUS”. The content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to mobile electronic apparatuses, a display method for use in mobile electronic apparatuses, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium.

Mobile electronic apparatuses each including a display and a touch panel have conventionally been proposed. In such a mobile electronic apparatus, the display receives an operation performed by a user with a finger or the like, and the touch panel detects the received operation. The mobile electronic apparatus performs processing corresponding to the received operation.

A mobile electronic apparatus, a display method for use in a mobile electronic apparatus, and a non-transitory computer readable recording medium are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile electronic apparatus comprises a display, an input unit, and at least one processor. The display includes a display area having a first edge. The display is configured to display a display screen on the display area. The input unit includes a detector configured to detect an operation performed on the display area. The at least one processor is configured to place a mode change element adjacent to the first edge or the second edge of the display area, scale down the display screen in response to detection of a first operation performed on the mode change element, and display the display screen, which is scaled down, as a scaled-down screen on a part of the display area. The at least one processor is configured to determine, in response to a user's input to the input unit, which one of the first edge and the second edge is to be adjacent to the mode change element.

In another embodiment, a display method for use in a mobile electronic apparatus comprises placing a mode change element adjacent to a first edge or a second edge of a display area, scaling down a display screen in response to detection of a first operation performed on the mode change element, and displaying the display screen, which is scaled down, as a scaled-down screen on a part of the display area. The display method also comprises determining, in response to a user's input to an input unit, which one of the first edge and the second edge is to be adjacent to the mode change element.

In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable recording medium is configured to store a control program so as to cause a mobile electronic apparatus to perform first and second steps below. In the first step, a mode change element is placed adjacent to a first edge or a second edge, a display screen is scaled clown in response to detection of a first operation performed on the mode change element, and the display screen, which is scaled down, is displayed as a scaled-down screen on a part of a display area. In the second step, in response to a user's input to the input unit, which one of the first edge and the second edge is to be adjacent to the mode change element is determined.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example of an overview of a mobile electronic apparatus.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the example of the overview of the mobile electronic apparatus.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of an electrical configuration of the mobile electronic apparatus.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the mobile electronic apparatus is held in a left hand.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the mobile electronic apparatus is held in a right hand.

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example configuration of a controller.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a display area.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of the display area.

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of the display area.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of a GUI controller.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of the display area.

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of a mode change element is set.

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of a GUI setting unit.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 23 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is set.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element and the position of a scaled-down screen are set.

FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element and the position of the scale-down screen are set.

FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 29 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element and the position of the scaled-down screen are set.

FIG. 30 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element, the position of the scaled-down screen, and the size of the scaled-down screen are set.

FIG. 31 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 32 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen is set.

FIG. 33 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen is set.

FIG. 34 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 35 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the scaled-down screen is set.

FIG. 36 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 37 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which a notification screen is displayed.

FIG. 38 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the mode change element is changed.

FIG. 39 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 40 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen is set.

FIG. 41 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen is set.

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the position of the scaled-down screen is set.

FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the SUI setting unit.

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which a normal mode is enabled.

FIG. 46 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which a scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 47 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI setting unit.

FIG. 48 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 49 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 50 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 51 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI controller.

FIG. 52 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 53 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI controller.

FIG. 54 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 55 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 56 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI controller.

FIG. 57 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI controller.

FIG. 58 schematically illustrates an example of the electrical configuration of the mobile electronic apparatus.

FIG. 59 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the mobile electronic apparatus is held in portrait orientation.

FIG. 60 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the mobile electronic apparatus is held in landscape orientation.

FIG. 61 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI controller.

FIG. 62 schematically illustrates an example of an incoming call screen.

FIG. 63 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of a specific action of the GUI controller.

FIG. 64 schematically illustrates an example of the display area in the scale-down mode.

FIG. 65 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which a notification screen is displayed.

FIG. 66 schematically illustrates an example of the display area in the scale-down mode.

FIG. 67 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled.

FIG. 68 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which an operation is performed on a background area.

FIG. 69 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which an operation is performed on the background area.

FIG. 70 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which display contents on the background area and display contents on the scaled-down screen are interchanged with each other.

FIG. 71 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which a dual screen mode is enabled.

FIG. 72 schematically illustrates an example of the display area in the scale-down mode.

First Embodiment

Mobile Electronic Apparatus

External Appearance

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an overview of a mobile electronic apparatus 1 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of an example of the overview of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The mobile electronic apparatus 1 is, for example, a tablet, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone (such as a smartphone), or a portable personal computer.

In the illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mobile electronic apparatus 1 includes a cover panel 2 and a case part 3 . The combination of the cover panel 2 and the case part 3 forms a housing 4 (hereinafter also referred to as an “apparatus case”) having, for example, an approximately rectangular plate shape in a plan view.

The cover panel 2 , which may have an approximately rectangular shape in a plan view, is the portion other than the periphery in the front surface part of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The cover panel 2 is made of, for example, transparent glass or a transparent acrylic resin. In some embodiments, the cover panel 2 is made of, for example, sapphire. Sapphire is a single crystal based on aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ). Herein, sapphire refers to a single crystal having a purity of Al 2 O 3 of approximately 90% or more. The purity of Al 2 O 3 is preferably greater than or equal to 99%, which provides a greater resistance to damage of the cover panel.

The cover panel 2 may be a multilayer composite panel (laminated panel) including a layer made of sapphire. For example, the cover panel 2 may be a double-layer composite panel including a layer (a sapphire panel) made of sapphire and located on the surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 and a layer (a glass panel) made of glass and laminated on the sapphire panel. The cover panel 2 may be a triple-layer composite panel including a layer (a sapphire panel) made of sapphire and located on the surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , a layer (a glass panel) made of glass and laminated on the sapphire panel, and another layer (another sapphire panel) made of sapphire and laminated on the glass panel. The cover panel 2 may also include a layer made of crystalline materials other than sapphire, such as diamond, zirconia, titania, crystal, lithium tantalite, and aluminum oxynitride.

The case part 3 forms the periphery of the front surface part, the side surface part, and the rear surface part of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The case part 3 is made of, for example, a polycarbonate resin.

The front surface of the cover panel 2 includes a display area 2 a on which various pieces of information such as characters, signs, graphics, or images are displayed. The display area 2 a has, for example, a rectangular shape in a plan view. The periphery of cover panel 2 that surrounds the display area 2 a is opaque because of, for example, a film laminated thereon, and thus, is a non-display part on which no information is displayed. On the rear surface of the cover panel 2 is laminated a touch panel 52 , which will be described below. The user can provide various instructions to the mobile electronic apparatus 1 by performing operations on the display area 2 a on the front surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with, for example, a finger. Also, the user can provide various instructions to the mobile electronic apparatus 1 by performing operations on the display area 2 a with an operator other than the finger, that is, for example, with a pen for electrostatic touch panels such as a stylus pen.

The apparatus case 4 houses, for example, at least one operation key 5 . The individual operation key 5 is, for example, a hardware key and is located in, for example, the lower edge portion of the front surface of the cover panel 2 . In the illustrations of FIGS. 1 and 2 , examples of the operation key 5 include a power key 5 A. The power key 5 A is located in, for example, the side surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 .

The touch panel 52 and the operation key 5 (including the power key 5 A, hereinafter) are examples of an input unit used to perform an input to the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . Various types of input operations, which will be described below, may be performed through the use of the touch panel 52 or the operation key 5 .

In various embodiments, the input unit may be implemented using any input technology or device known in the art such as, for example, a QWERTY keyboard, a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), a joy stick, a stylus, a touch screen display panel, a key pad, one or more buttons, etc., or any combination of these technologies.

Electrical Configuration

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The mobile electronic apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes, for example, a controller 10 , a wireless communication unit 20 , a display 41 , a first sound output unit (herein receiver) 42 , a second sound output unit (herein speaker) 44 , a sound input unit 46 , the touch panel 52 , a key operation unit 54 , and an imaging unit 60 . The apparatus case 4 houses these constituent elements of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 .

The controller 10 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 101 , a digital signal processor (DSP) 102 , and a storage 103 . The controller 10 can manage the overall action of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 by controlling other constituent elements of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The storage 103 includes, for example, a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The storage 103 can store, for example, a main program and a plurality of application programs (hereinafter also simply referred to as “applications”). The main program is a control program for controlling the action of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , specifically, the individual constituent elements of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 such as the wireless communication unit 20 and the display 41 . The CPU 101 and the DSP 102 can execute various programs stored in the storage 103 , so that various functions of the controller 10 are performed. Although one CPU 101 and one DSP 102 are illustrated in FIG. 3 , a plurality of CPUs 101 and a plurality of DSPs 102 may be included in the controller 10 . The CPUs 101 and the DSPs 102 may cooperate with one another to perform the various functions. Although the storage 103 is included in the controller 10 in the illustration of FIG. 3 , the storage 103 may be located outside of the controller 10 . That is to say, the storage 103 may be separated from the controller 10 . All or some of the functions of the controller 10 may be performed by hardware.

The controller 10 may include at least one processor for providing control and processing capability to perform various functions as described in further detail below. In accordance with various embodiments, the at least one processor may be implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as multiple communicatively coupled ICs and/or discrete circuits. It is appreciated that the at least one processor can be implemented in accordance with various known technologies.

In one embodiment, the processor includes one or more circuits or units configurable to perform one or more data computing procedures or processes. For example, the processor may include one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any combination of these devices or structures, or other known devices and structures, to perform the functions described herein.

The wireless communication unit 20 includes an antenna 21 . The wireless communication unit 20 can receive a signal transmitted from another mobile electronic apparatus or a signal transmitted from a communication device such as a web server connected to the Internet through the antenna 21 via a base station or the like. The wireless communication unit 20 can amplify and down-convert the reception signal and then output a resultant signal to the controller 10 . The controller 10 can, for example, demodulate the input reception signal. Further, the wireless communication unit 20 can up-convert and amplify a transmission signal generated by the controller 10 to wirelessly transmit the processed transmission signal through the antenna 21 . The transmission signal from the antenna 21 is received, via the base station or the like, by another mobile electronic apparatus or a communication device connected to the Internet.

The display 41 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic electroluminescent (EL) panel. The display 41 can receive, for example, a display signal indicating a display screen from the controller 10 and display the display screen. That is to say, the display 41 can display various pieces of information such as characters, signs, graphics, or images under the control of the controller 10 . The information displayed on the display 41 is displayed on the display area 2 a on the front surface of the cover panel 2 . In other words, the display 41 displays information on the display area 2 a . The display area 2 a has an oblong shape elongated in a longitudinal direction D 1 .

The touch panel 52 is a detector that can detect an operation performed on the display area 2 a of the cover panel 2 with an operator such as a finger. The touch panel 52 is, for example, a projected capacitive touch detector and is attached to the rear surface of the cover panel 2 . When the user performs an operation on the display area 2 a of the cover panel 2 with an operator such as an operating finger, a signal corresponding to the operation is input from the touch panel 52 to the controller 10 . The controller 10 can specify, based on the signal from the touch panel 52 , the purpose of the operation performed on the display area 2 a and perform processing appropriate to the purpose. The touch panel 52 may be a pressure-sensitive touch panel.

The touch panel 52 can detect a user's operation on the display area 2 a of the display 41 , and thus, it can be described that the touch panel 52 and the display 41 cooperate with each other to form an input unit. The touch panel 52 and the display 41 may be integrally formed. For example, a combination of the touch panel 52 and the display 41 may be formed by incorporating a touch sensor into each display element of the display panel. This configuration is employed in, for example, in-cell displays or on-cell displays. The combination of the touch panel 52 and the display 41 can be referred to as a touch-sensor-equipped display, regardless of whether the touch panel 52 and the display 41 are integrally formed.

The key operation unit 54 can detect press down operations performed on the individual operation key 5 by the user. The key operation unit 54 can determine whether the individual operation key 5 is pressed down. When the operation key 5 is not pressed down, the key operation unit 54 outputs, to the controller 10 , a non-operation signal indicating that no operation is performed on the operation key 5 . When the operation key 5 is pressed down, the key operation unit 54 outputs, to the controller 10 , an operation signal indicating that an operation is performed on the operation key 5 . The controller 10 can thus determine whether an operation is performed on the individual operation key 5 .

The touch panel 52 and the operation key 5 function as an input unit 50 used to perform an input to the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . Each operation key 5 can be used to perform the corresponding input through the touch panel 52 , which will be described below.

The first sound output unit (e.g., the receiver) 42 can output a received sound and the like, and is, for example, a dynamic speaker. The receiver 42 can convert an electric sound signal from the controller 10 into a sound, and then output the sound. The sound is output from the receiver 42 to the outside through a receiver hole 80 a in the front surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The volume of the sound output from the receiver hole 80 a is set to be lower than the volume of the sound output from the second sound output unit 44 through speaker holes 34 a.

The receiver 42 may be replaced with a piezoelectric vibration element. The piezoelectric vibration element is controlled by the controller 10 and vibrates based on a sound signal. The piezoelectric vibration element is located on, for example, the rear surface of the cover panel 2 . The vibrations of the piezoelectric vibration element based on the sound signal cause the cover panel 2 to vibrate. Thus, the vibrations of the cover panel 2 are transmitted as voice to a user's ear. In this configuration, the receiver hole 80 a is not necessary.

The second sound output unit (e.g. the speaker) 44 is, for example, a dynamic speaker and can convert an electric sound signal from the controller 10 into a sound and then output the sound. The sound is output from the second sound output unit 44 to the outside through the speaker holes 34 a in the rear surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . The volume of the sound output from the speaker holes 34 a is set to be a degree such that the sound can be heard at a location apart from the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . That is to say, the volume of the sound output from the second sound output unit (speaker) 44 is set to be higher than the volume of the sound output from the first sound output unit (the receiver 42 or the piezoelectric vibration element).

The sound input unit 46 is, for example, a microphone, and can convert a sound from the outside of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 into an electric sound signal and then output the electric sound signal to the controller 10 . The sound from the outside of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is taken into the mobile electronic apparatus 1 through a microphone hole in the front surface of the cover panel 2 and then is received by a microphone 46 .

The imaging unit 60 includes, for example, a first imaging unit 62 and a second imaging unit 64 . The first imaging unit 62 includes an imaging lens 6 a and an image sensor. The first imaging unit 62 can capture a still image and video under the control of the controller 10 . As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the imaging lens 6 a is located in the front surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . Thus, the first imaging unit 62 can capture an image of an object in front of the front surface (the cover panel 2 ) of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 .

The second imaging unit 64 includes, for example, an imaging lens 7 a and an image sensor. The second imaging unit 64 can capture a still image and video under the control of the controller 10 . As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the imaging lens 7 a is located in the rear surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . Thus, the second imaging unit 64 can capture an image of an object in front of the rear surface of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 .

How User Operates Mobile Electronic Apparatus

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate examples of the state in which the user operates the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . In the illustration of FIG. 4 , the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in a left hand 80 and performs an operation on the display area 2 a with a thumb 81 of the left hand 80 . In the illustration of FIG. 5 , the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in a right hand 90 and performs an operation on the display area 2 a with a thumb 91 of the right hand 90 . In the illustrations of FIGS. 4 and 5 , the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in one hand, which bridges across the mobile electronic apparatus 1 along a transverse direction D 2 .

The edges of the display are 2 a that are located side by side along the transverse direction D 2 are hereinafter referred to as edges 2 A and 2 B. For example, the edges 2 A and 2 B both extend along the longitudinal direction D 1 and face each other in the transverse direction D 2 . The edge 2 A is located close to the thumb 81 when the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in the left hand 80 of the user.

As the size of the display area 2 a increases, it becomes more difficult for the user, who is holding the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in one hand, to operate every part of the display area 2 a . In the illustration of FIG. 4 , the user can easily touch and operate, with the thumb 81 of the left hand 80 , the area inside an imaginary arc A 1 of a circle with the center at the base of the thumb 81 . Conversely, it is difficult for the user to touch and operate, with the thumb 81 , the area that is close to the edge 2 B beyond the imaginary arc A 1 . Similarly, in the illustration of FIG. 5 , the user can easily touch and operate, with the thumb 91 of the right hand 90 , the area inside an imaginary arc A 2 of a circle with the center at the base of the thumb 91 . Conversely, it is difficult for the user to touch and operate, with the thumb 91 , the area that is close to the edge 2 A beyond the imaginary arc A 2 .

One embodiment therefore has an object to control the display screen displayed on the display area 2 a , thereby enabling the user to easily operate the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with one hand. This will be described below in detail.

Controller

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example configuration of the controller 10 . The controller 10 includes a GUI controller 11 , a GUI setting unit 12 , and a processor 13 . These functions may be performed by software. All or some of these functions may be performed by hardware.

The processor 13 can perform various functions of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . For example, the processor 13 can perform a keyguard processing for eliminating or reducing inadvertent operations on the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , perform a lock processing for eliminating or reducing operations of an unauthorized outsider, and cause the display 41 to display an initial screen (hereinafter also referred to as a “home screen”).

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a display screen 40 displayed on the display area 2 a in response to the execution of the keyguard processing. The display screen is a screen for eliminating or reducing inadvertent operations on the mobile electronic apparatus 1 and is also referred to as a keyguard screen. Unless the keyguard screen is removed, a user's input to the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is restricted. The keyguard screen can be removed in response to a user's appropriate operation.

The display screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 7 shows, for example, a keyguard removing element KG 1 . The processor 13 can remove the keyguard screen in response to an appropriate operation performed on the keyguard removing element KG 1 . Such an appropriate operation is, for example, an operation of bringing an operator close to the keyguard removing element KG 1 and then moving the operator in a predetermined direction (in the right direction on the paper plane), with the operator kept close to the keyguard removing element KG 1 . When being brought close to the element, the operator may be in close proximity to the display area 2 a or may be in contact with the display area 2 a . The operation is detected by the touch panel 52 and then is output to the processor 13 .

The keyguard removing element KG 1 may be a graphic symbol that can prompt the user to perform the operation mentioned above. For example, the keyguard removing element KG 1 may include an arrow showing the user an appropriate operation direction or may include text describing how to perform the operation.

In response to an appropriate operation on the keyguard removing element KG 1 , the processor 13 ends the keyguard processing. When ending the keyguard processing, the processor 13 may execute, for example, the lock processing. FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example of the display screen 40 at the execution of the lock processing. In response to an appropriate operation on the display screen 40 (the lock screen), the processor 13 can remove the lock screen. For example, the display screen 40 shows a removal pattern input element RR 1 . The removal pattern input element RR 1 includes a plurality of points rr 1 . In the illustration of FIG. 8 , nine points rr 1 are arranged in a lattice pattern. The lock screen can be removed in repose to operations performed on predetermined points rr 1 among the plurality of points rr 1 in, for example, a predetermined order. These operations are detected by the touch panel 52 and then are output to the processor 13 .

In response to appropriate operations on the removal pattern input element RR 1 , the processor 13 ends the lock processing. When ending the lock processing, the processor 13 may display, for example, the display screen 40 , which is also referred to as the home screen, on the display area 2 a . FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of the display screen 40 . On the display screen 40 (the home screen), elements E 1 (e.g., icons) for executing various applications are displayed. An operation on the individual element E 1 is detected by the touch panel 52 and then is output to the processor 13 . The processor 13 reads, from the storage 103 , the application corresponding to the individual element E 1 on which the operation has been performed and then executes the application. Various kinds of functions can be performed accordingly.

The GUI controller 11 can place and display a mode change element ME 1 adjacent to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B of the display area 2 a . The mode change element ME 1 can be displayed while any processing is performed by the processor 13 . For example, the mode change element ME 1 can be displayed on the display area 2 a in any of FIGS. 7 to 9 .

In the illustrations of FIGS. 7 to 9 , the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B. The user can easily touch the edge 2 B with the thumb 91 of the right hand 90 and can easily operate the mode change element ME 1 with the thumb 91 accordingly (see FIG. 5 as well). Unlike the mode change element ME 1 displayed in the center of the display area 2 a , the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B is less likely to interfere with displaying of other elements (e.g., the keyguard removing element KG 1 , the removal pattern input element RR 1 , and the elements E 1 ). When a first operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 , the first operation is detected by the touch panel 52 and then is output to the GUI controller 11 . Examples of the first operation include an operation (a “tap operation”) of bringing an operator close to the display area 2 a and then moving the operator away from the display area 2 a.

In response to the first operation, the GUI controller 11 can scale down the display screen 40 and display the resultant display screen 40 , as a scaled-down screen 40 A, on a part of the display area 2 a . FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of an action of the GUI controller 11 . FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of the display area 2 a in which the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed.

Firstly, in Step ST 1 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether the first operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining that the first operation has not been performed on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 1 again. If determining that the first operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 , in Step ST 2 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays the resultant display screen 40 , as the scaled-down screen 40 A, on the display area 2 a (see FIG. 11 as well). Here, the mode in which the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed is also referred to as a scale-down mode, and the mode in which the display screen 40 is displayed is also referred to as a normal mode.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , in the scale-down mode, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed on a part of the display area 2 a . The scaled-down screen 40 A illustrated in FIG. 11 corresponds to the display screen 40 (the lock screen) illustrated in FIG. 8 . That is to say, FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the display area 2 a in which the mode change element ME 1 shown in FIG. 8 is operated.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the GUI controller 11 may display the scaled-down screen 40 A, which is slid sideways on the display area 2 a so as to adjoin one side of the display area 2 a . In the illustration of FIG. 11 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B.

As described above, in the scale-down mode, the contents of the display screen 40 in the normal mode are displayed in the scaled-down screen 40 A. In the illustration of FIG. 11 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B, so that the user can easily touch every part of the scaled-down screen 40 A with the thumb 91 of the right hand 90 . In this configuration, the user can readily perform an operation with the right hand 90 . Naturally, when the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin edge 2 A, the user can easily touch every part of the scaled-down screen 40 A with the thumb 81 of the left hand 80 . In this configuration, the user can readily perform an operation with the left hand 80 .

The mode change element ME 1 in the scale-down mode may be displayed in the same position and the same size as the mode change element ME 1 in the normal mode. Alternatively, similarly to the display screen 40 , the mode change element ME 1 may be displayed after being scaled down.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , subsequent to Step ST 2 , the GUI controller 11 determines in Step ST 3 whether the first operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining that the first operation has not been performed on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 3 again. If determining that the first operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 , in Step ST 4 , the GUI controller 11 scales up the scaled-down screen 40 A and then displays the resultant display screen 40 on the display area 2 a . That is to say, in response to the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 performs the switching between the normal mode and the scale-down mode.

The GUI setting unit 12 can determine, based on a user's input to the input unit 50 , which one of the edge 2 A and the edge 2 B is to be adjacent to the display position of the mode change element ME 1 . A specific example of the setting method will be described below.

In the case where the user operates the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with the right hand 90 , the mode change element ME 1 may be set to be displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B. The user can easily touch the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B with the thumb 91 of the right hand 90 , and thus, can easily operate the mode change element ME 1 . Meanwhile, in the case where the user operates the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with the left hand 80 , the mode change element ME 1 may be set to be displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A. The user can easily touch the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to edge 2 A with the thumb 81 of the left hand 80 , and thus, can easily operate the mode change element ME 1 .

Unlike the mode change element ME 1 displayed in the center of the display area 2 a , the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B is less likely to interfere with displaying of other elements. The user can thus comfortably view the display screen and readily perform operations on other elements.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIG. 11 , the graphic symbol representing the mode change element ME 1 in the normal mode may be different from the graphic symbol representing the mode change element ME 1 in the scale-down mode. In the normal mode in the illustrations of FIGS. 7 to 9 , the mode change element ME 1 is represented by a double circle. In the scale-down mode in the illustration of FIG. 11 , the mode change element ME 1 is represented by a double circle enclosing a diagonal double-headed arrow pointing down and to the left side of the paper plane and pointing up and to the right side of the paper plane.

In one embodiment mentioned above, the mode change element ME 1 is displayed on the display area 2 a in any of the illustrations of FIGS. 7 to 9 . In some embodiments, the mode change element ME 1 is placed neither on the keyguard screen nor on the lock screen, but the mode change element ME 1 is placed on the home screen. In other words, the scale-down mode cannot be enabled while the keyguard screen or the lock screen is displayed. The mode change element ME 1 may be displayed, as appropriate, on any screen that replaces the home screen.

Method for Setting Display Position of Mode Change Element ME 1

The display position of the mode change element ME 1 may be set (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) as will be described below. As illustrated in FIG. 12 , for example, an imaginary reference line B 1 is provided to divide the display area 2 a . In the illustration of FIG. 12 , for example, a set of points located at an equal distance from the edge 2 A and the edge 2 B constitute the reference line B 1 . The reference line B 1 extends in the longitudinal direction D 1 of the display area 2 a and divides the display area 2 a in two equal parts located side by side along the transverse direction D 2 . The reference line B 1 divides the display area 2 a into a first area 2 b and a second area 2 c . The first area 2 b extends from the reference line B 1 to the edge 2 A and the second area 2 c extends from the reference line B 1 to the edge 2 B.

In response to a second operation on the first area 2 b adjoined by the edge 2 A, the GUI setting unit 12 can set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 A. In response to the second operation on the second area 2 c adjoined by the edge 2 B, the GUI setting unit 12 can set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 B. Performing the second operation means, for example, ending a drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 . A drag operation on the individual element refers to an operation of bringing an operator close to the element and then moving the operator in parallel with the display area 2 a , with the operator kept close to the element. The element, which is the target for the drag operation, is displayed in a manner to follow the operator.

When the user performs a drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 and then when the user ends the drag operation in the first area 2 b , the GUI setting unit 12 can set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 A. Similarly, when the user ends the drag operation in the second area 2 c , the GUI setting unit 12 can set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 B. This will be described below in further detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14 .

Firstly, the GUI setting unit 12 accepts a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the user performs a drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B and accordingly moves the mode change element ME 1 toward the edge 2 A. In the illustration of FIG. 12 , a block arrow indicates the direction of the movement of the operator caused by the drag operation and broken lines indicate the mode change element ME 1 on which the drag operation has not been performed yet. Also, FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an operating finger with which the drag operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 . The mode change element ME 1 is displayed in a manner to follow the operating finger.

Then, the user ends the drag operation in the first area 2 b (see FIG. 13 as well). The user ends the drag operation by moving the operating finger away from the display area 2 a . That is to say, the user releases the operating finger from the first area 2 b and moves the finger away from the display area 2 a . In the illustration of FIG. 13 , broken lines indicate the mode change element ME 1 and the operating finger at the instant preceding the end of the drag operation. The position in which the drag operation has been ended is detected by the touch panel 52 and then is output to the GUI setting unit 12 . Here, since the endpoint of the drag operation is located in the first area 2 b , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 A. The GUI controller 11 accordingly displays the mode change element ME 1 , which is located adjacent to the edge 2 A. In the illustration of FIG. 13 , a block arrow indicates that the mode change element ME 1 has moved toward the edge 2 A in response to the end of the drag operation.

When the drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 is ended in the second area 2 c (see FIG. 14 ), the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 B. Similarly to the above, in the illustration of FIG. 14 , broken lines indicate the mode change element ME 1 and the operating finger at the instant preceding the end of the drag operation and a block arrow indicates that the mode change element ME 1 has moved toward the edge 2 B in response to the end of the drag operation. The GUI controller 11 accordingly displays the mode change element ME 1 , which is located adjacent to the edge 2 B.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . Note that a “GUI setting mode”, which is included in FIG. 15 , will be described later. Firstly, in Step ST 11 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether a drag operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining that no drag operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 11 again. If determining that a drag operation has been performed, in Step ST 12 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays the mode change element ME 1 in such a manner that the mode change element ME 1 follows the operating finger. Then, in Step ST 13 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether the drag operation is ended. If determining that the drag operation is not ended, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 12 again.

If determining that the drag operation is ended, in Step ST 14 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines the display position of the mode change element ME 1 based on the endpoint of the drag operation. FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the action in which the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is determined based on the endpoint of the drag operation. In Step ST 141 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines in which of the first area 2 b and the second area 2 c the drag operation is ended. If determining that the drag operation is ended in the first area 2 b , in Step ST 142 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 A. That is to say, the mode change element ME 1 is set to be displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A. If determining that the drag operation is ended in the second area 2 c , in Step ST 143 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 B.

As described above, the user can set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 A or to the edge 2 B by performing the second operation (e.g., by ending a drag operation) on the first area 2 b adjoined by the edge 2 A or the second area 2 c adjoined by the edge 2 B. In this configuration, the user can intuitively perform an operation to set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 .

GUI Setting Mode

The mobile electronic apparatus 1 may have a mode (herein referred to as the “GUI setting mode”) in which the setting associated with the mode change element ME 1 is performed. The GUI setting unit 12 may enable the GUI setting mode when, for example, a third operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 is detected. In the GUI setting mode, the GUI setting unit 12 can accept an input for determining which one of the edge 2 A and the edge 2 B is to be adjacent to the mode change element ME 1 . Conversely, the GUI setting unit 12 does not accept an operation for setting the display position of the mode change element ME 1 while the GUI setting mode is disabled. Examples of the third operation, which is different from the first operation, include an operation (a “long tap operation”) of keeping an operator close to the display area 2 a for a predetermined period of time and then moving the operator away from the display area 2 a . The predetermined period of time is set to be longer than the period of time over which the user performing a tap operation keeps the operator close to the display area 2 a . Examples of the third operation also include several iterations of tap operations performed in a short period of time (e.g., a double tap operation).

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 21 . In Step ST 21 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether the third operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining that the third operation has not been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 21 again. In Step ST 22 , the GUI setting unit 12 enables the GUI setting mode. In the GUI setting mode, the GUI setting unit 12 accepts an operation for performing the setting associated with the mode change element ME 1 (see, for example, FIGS. 12 to 16 ).

As described above, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 cannot be set unless the GUI setting mode is enabled. In this configuration, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is less likely to be set by mistake in response to an inadvertent operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 .

The GUI setting mode may be disabled in response to the third operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . That is to say, the switching between enabling and disabling the GUI setting mode may be performed in response to the third operation on the mode change element ME 1 .

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the GUI setting mode is enabled in response to the third operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . In some embodiments, an element dedicated to enabling the GUI setting mode may be placed separately from the mode change element ME 1 . The dedicated element may be displayed on, for example, a setting screen (not shown) on which various types of setting associated with the mobile electronic apparatus 1 can be performed.

In some embodiments, the mode change element ME 1 in the normal mode and the mode change element ME 1 in the GUI setting mode may be represented by different graphic symbols. At a glance at the mode change element ME 1 , the user can tell whether the GUI setting mode is enabled.

In some embodiments, the user is allowed to perform, only while the GUI setting mode is enabled, various types of setting associated with the mode change element ME 1 and various types of setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A, which will be described below.

Display Position of Mode Change Element ME 1 in Longitudinal Direction D 1

The GUI setting unit 12 may set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 in response to a user's input to the input unit 50 . FIGS. 18 and 19 schematically illustrate examples of the state in which the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 is set. As described above, for example, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the mode change element ME 1 in a such a manner that the mode change element ME 1 follows a drag operation. In the illustration of FIG. 18 , broken lines indicate the mode change element ME 1 at the instant preceding the drag operation, and a block arrow indicates the direction of the movement of the operator caused by the drag operation. In the illustration of FIG. 18 , the user moves the mode change element ME 1 downward along the longitudinal direction D 1 . The user drags the mode change element ME 1 to a desired point and then ends the drag operation. In other words, the user moves the operating finger away from the display area 2 a . When the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 . Specifically, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the above-mentioned display position to the position of the operating finger in the longitudinal direction D 1 at the end of the drag operation. Then, the GUI controller 11 displays the mode change element ME 1 in the set position. When the drag operation is ended at, for example, the point illustrated in FIG. 18 , the mode change element ME 1 is displayed in the endpoint of the drag operation (see FIG. 19 ). In this configuration, the user can end a drag operation at a desired point in the longitudinal direction D 1 , thereby setting the desired position to the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 .

The display position in the transverse direction D 2 (the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) and the display position in the longitudinal direction D 1 may be both set in accordance with a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is set. As illustrated in, for example, FIG. 20 , the user performs a drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 in a manner to move the mode change element ME 1 in a slanting direction. In the illustration of FIG. 20 , the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B is moved toward the lower left. Then, the drag operation is ended in the first area 2 b . Since the drag operation is ended in the first area 2 b , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the edge 2 A. Also, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 to the endpoint of the drag operation in the longitudinal direction D 1 .

In this configuration, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the transverse direction D 2 and the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 can be both set in accordance with a continuous drag operation. This configuration can facilitate the setting.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In addition to the steps of FIG. 16 , FIG. 21 includes Step ST 144 . Step ST 144 is executed subsequently to, for example, Step ST 142 or ST 143 . In Step ST 144 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 to the endpoint of the drag operation in the longitudinal direction D 1 .

In the illustration of FIG. 21 , Step ST 144 may be executed prior to a set of steps including Steps ST 141 to ST 143 .

No-Display of Mode Change Element

In some embodiments, the GUI controller 11 places the mode change element ME 1 on the display area but does not display it: There is no display of the mode change element ME 1 . FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an example of the display screen 40 in the configuration above. In the illustration of FIG. 22 , an alternate long and two short dashes line indicates an imaginary area corresponding to the mode change element ME 1 . The alternate long and two short dashes line is not displayed on the actual display screen 40 . In the illustration of FIG. 22 , the area corresponding to the mode change element ME 1 has, for example, a rectangular shape and extends along the longitudinal direction D 1 so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. In response to the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then display the resultant display screen 40 as the scaled-down screen 40 A. That is to say, the scale-down mode is enabled.

The display position of the mode change element ME 1 may be set in the following manner. FIG. 23 schematically illustrates an example of the display screen 40 on which the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is to be set. The above-mentioned display screen 40 may be displayed when, for example, the GUI setting mode is enabled. That is to say, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the above-mentioned display screen 40 in response to, for example, the third operation (e.g., a long tap operation or a double tap operation) performed on the mode change element ME 1 .

As illustrated in FIG. 23 , a plurality of candidate positions ME 11 to ME 18 , each of which is a candidate position of the mode change element ME 1 adjacent to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B, are displayed on the display screen 40 . In the illustration of FIG. 23 , four candidate positions including the candidate positions ME 11 to ME 14 are arranged along the edge 2 A from top to bottom of the paper plane in the stated order, and four candidate positions including the candidate positions ME 15 to ME 18 are arranged along the edge 2 B from top to bottom of the paper plane in the stated order. The candidate positions ME 11 to ME 18 each have, for example, a rectangular shape extending along the longitudinal direction D 1 .

In response to an operation (e.g., a tap operation) on any of the candidate positions ME 11 to ME 18 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the position of the mode change element ME 1 to the candidate position on which the operation is performed. The display position of the mode change element ME 1 is set in this manner. In other words, the position of the mode change element is set to one of the plurality of candidate positions that is selected by the user through the use of the input unit 50 .

As described above, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is set to one of the predetermined display positions (the candidate positions ME 11 to ME 18 ). Although eight candidate positions are displayed in the illustration of FIG. 23 , the number of candidate positions may be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 31 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays, on the display area 2 a , the plurality of candidate positions ME 11 to ME 18 of the mode change element ME 1 . Then, in Step ST 32 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed on the individual candidate position. If determining that no such operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 32 again. If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 33 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the candidate position on which the operation has been performed.

Setting Display Position of Scaled-Down Screen 40 A (to Edge 2 A or Edge 2 B)

The GUI setting unit 12 may set the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in accordance with a user's input to the input unit 50 . For example, the GUI setting unit 12 determines which one of the edge 2 A and the edge 2 B is to adjoin the scaled-down screen 40 A. More specifically, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set in accordance with the display position of the mode change element ME 1 . In the case where the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is set in response to the second operation (e.g., the end of a drag operation) on the first area 2 b or the second area 2 c , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is also set in response to the second operation on the first area 2 b or the second area 2 c . Specifically, the scaled-down screen 40 A is set to be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A in response to the second operation performed on the first area 2 b , and the scaled-down screen 40 A is set to be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B in response to the second operation performed on the second area 2 c.

In other words, the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by one of the edges which the mode change element ME 1 is adjacent to.

The mode change element ME 1 is set to be displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A assuming that the user operates the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with the left hand 80 . In this case, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A accordingly. The user can thus easily operate both the mode change element ME 1 and the scaled-down screen 40 A with the left hand 80 . Similarly, the mode change element ME 1 is set to be displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B assuming that the user operates the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with the right hand 90 . In this case, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B accordingly. The user can thus easily operate both the mode change element ME 1 and the scaled-down screen 40 A with the right hand 90 .

FIG. 25 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B). In the illustration of FIG. 25 , a hatched block arrow is sandwiched between two display areas 2 a . This illustrates the transition of the display area 2 a . The same holds true for other drawings.

In the illustration of FIG. 25 , in the initial state, the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B accordingly (see the display area 2 a illustrated on the left side in FIG. 25 ). Then, a drag operation or the like is performed on the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B, so that the mode change element ME 1 is moved to the first area 2 b . In the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side in FIG. 25 , broken lines indicate the operating finger and the mode change element ME 1 moved to the first area 2 b by the drag operation.

The GUI setting unit 12 may change the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in accordance with the display position of the mode change element ME 1 set by the drag operation. Specifically, when the mode change element ME 1 is displayed on the first area 2 b in response to a drag operation, the scaled-down screen 40 A may be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. When the mode change element ME 1 is displayed on the second area 2 c in response to a drag operation, the scaled-down screen 40 A may be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 25 , the mode change element ME 1 is displayed on the first area 2 b . In this case, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 A accordingly.

When the drag operation is ended in the first area 2 b , the GUI setting unit 12 performs the setting based on the endpoint in such a manner that the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A.

Although not shown in the drawing, when the drag operation is ended in the second area 2 c , the GUI setting unit 12 performs the setting based on the endpoint in such a manner that the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B.

FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart showing the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In addition to the steps of FIG. 16 , FIG. 26 includes Steps ST 145 and ST 146 . Step ST 145 is executed subsequently to, for example, Step ST 142 . In Step ST 145 , the GUI setting unit 12 performs the setting in such a manner that scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. Step ST 146 is executed subsequently to, for example, Step ST 143 . In Step ST 146 , the GUI setting unit 12 performs the setting in such a manner that the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B.

Steps S 142 and ST 145 may be executed in reverse order. Also, Steps ST 143 and ST 146 may be executed in reverse order. The position of the mode change element ME 1 and the position of the scaled-down screen 40 A, which are set in separate steps in the illustration of FIG. 26 , may be set in the same step. In this case, the storage 103 or the like may store setting information with which the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. The storage 103 or the like may also store setting information with which the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B.

Setting of Display Position of Scaled-Down Screen 40 A in Longitudinal Direction

The GUI setting unit 12 may set the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 in accordance with the position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 . FIG. 27 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 is set. The display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 may be set in response to, for example, a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . This will be described below in detail.

As described above, for example, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the mode change element ME 1 in such a manner that the mode change element ME 1 follows a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . For example, the user performs a drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 to move the mode change element ME 1 downward. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 27 , broken lines indicate the mode change element ME 1 at the instant preceding the drag operation and an outlined block arrow indicates the direction of the movement of the operator caused by the drag operation.

Also, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in such a manner that the scaled-down screen 40 A moves along the longitudinal direction D 1 to follow the movement of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 caused by the drag operation. Specifically, when the mode change element ME 1 is dragged downward along the longitudinal direction D 1 , the GUI setting unit 12 can accordingly move the scaled-down screen 40 A downward. When the mode change element ME 1 is dragged upward along the longitudinal direction D 1 , the GUI setting unit 12 can accordingly move the scaled-down screen 40 A upward.

The user moves the mode change element ME 1 and the scaled-down screen 40 A to the desired position and then ends the drag operation. In other words, the user moves the operating finger away from the display area 2 a . When the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 and also sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 . Specifically, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 is set to the position in which the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed at the end of the drag operation. As described above, the user can set the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 by ending a drag operation on the mode change element ME 1 at a desired position. In this configuration, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 can be set in conjunction with each other.

When the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is set to the lower side of the display area 2 a , it is conceivable that the lower side of the display area 2 a is easier for the user to operate. Together with the display position of the mode change element ME 1 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set to the lower side accordingly. The user can thus cause not only the mode change element ME 1 but also the scaled-down screen 40 A to be displayed in a position which is easier to operate. Similarly, when the upper side of the display area 2 a is easier for the user to operate, the user sets the display position of the mode change element ME 1 to the upper side. Together with the display position of the mode change element ME 1 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set to the upper side accordingly. The user can thus cause not only the mode change element ME 1 but also the scaled-down screen 40 A to be displayed in the position which is easier to operate.

FIG. 28 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In addition to the steps of FIG. 21 , FIG. 28 includes Step ST 147 . Step ST 147 is executed subsequently to, for example, Step ST 144 . In Step ST 147 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 in the above-described manner based on the endpoint of the drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 .

The order of Step ST 144 , Step ST 147 , and a set of steps including ST 141 to ST 143 is not limited to the order of FIG. 28 and may be changed as appropriate.

The display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 may be set in the following manner. For example, with reference to FIG. 29 , an imaginary reference line Pmin is located closer to a lower edge 2 C of display area 2 a than an upper edge 2 D of the display area 2 a . The reference line Pmin is an imaginary line extending along the transverse direction D 2 . When the mode change element ME 1 is located on the upper edge 2 D side with respect to the reference line Pmin, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set in accordance with the display position of the mode change element ME 1 as described above. Specifically, the scaled-down screen 40 A is moved closer to the lower side as the mode change element ME 1 is moved closer to the lower side. When the mode change element ME 1 is located on the reference line Pmin, the scaled-down screen 40 A is located on the lowermost part of the display area 2 a (see the display area 2 a illustrated on the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 29 .)

When the mode change element ME 1 is located on the lower edge 2 C side with respect to the reference line Pmin (see the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 29 ), the scaled-down screen 40 A is located on a part of the display area 2 a that is closest to the lower edge 2 C, regardless of the position of the mode change element ME 1 . That is to say, when the mode change element ME 1 is located above the reference line Pmin, the scaled-down screen 40 A is moved downward in a manner to follow a downward movement of the mode change element ME 1 caused by a drag operation. Once the mode change element ME 1 is moved to the reference line Pmin such that the scaled-down screen 40 A is located on the lowermost part, the scaled-down screen 40 A is not moved downward any further when the mode change element ME 1 is moved downward beyond the reference line Pmin.

An imaginary reference line Pmax may be located closer to the upper edge 2 D of the display area 2 a than the lower edge 2 C of the display area 2 a . When the mode change element ME 1 is located below the reference line Pmax, the scaled-down screen 40 A, the scaled-down screen 40 A is moved upward in a manner to follow an upward movement of the mode change element ME 1 caused by a drag operation. Once the mode change element ME 1 is moved to the reference line Pmax such that the scaled-down screen 40 A is located on the uppermost part, the scaled-down screen 40 A is not moved upward any further when the mode change element ME 1 is moved upward beyond the reference line Pmax.

Setting of Size of Scaled-Down Screen

The GUI setting unit 12 may set the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A in response to an input to the input unit 50 . FIG. 30 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set in response to, for example, a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . This will be described below in detail.

As described above, for example, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the mode change element ME 1 in a such manner that the mode change element ME 1 follows a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . Also, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in such a manner that the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is increased or reduced in accordance with the amount of movement of the mode change element ME 1 in the transverse direction D 2 caused by a drag operation. Specifically, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed in increased size as the mode change element ME 1 is moved closer to the reference line B 1 along the transverse direction D 2 in response to the drag operation. In the illustration of FIG. 30 , as shown in the display area 2 a on the upper left of the paper plane, the mode change element ME 1 is initially displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B. Then, as illustrated in the display area 2 a of the upper right of the paper plane in FIG. 30 , the mode change element ME 1 is dragged toward the reference line B 1 . The GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in increased size as the amount of the movement of the mode change element ME 1 along the transverse direction D 2 increases. In the display area 2 a shown on the upper right of the paper plane in FIG. 30 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the original size.

When the mode change element ME 1 is dragged toward the edge 2 A beyond the reference line B 1 , the GUI setting unit 12 accordingly displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 A (see the display area 2 a illustrated on the lower left of the paper plane in FIG. 30 ). That is to say, when a drag operation is performed in the first area 2 b , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. When a drag operation is performed in the second area 2 c , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the lower left of the paper plane in FIG. 30 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A illustrated on the upper right of the paper plane in FIG. 30 .

In this case as well, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is increased as the mode change element ME 1 is moved closer to the reference line B 1 . Conversely, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is reduced as the mode change element ME 1 is moved closer to the edge 2 A in the first area 2 b . In the display area 2 a illustrated on the lower right of the paper plane in FIG. 30 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A illustrated on the lower left of the paper plane.

As described above, in response to a drag operation in the first area 2 b , the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is changed while the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. In response to a drag operation in the second area 2 c , the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is changed while the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B.

When the user ends a drag operation, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) and sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A based on the endpoint of the drag operation. Specifically, when the endpoint belongs to the first area 2 b , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. When the endpoint belongs to the second area 2 c , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set in such a manner that the size increases with decreasing distance between the endpoint and the reference line B 1 .

In this configuration, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A (the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) and the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A can be set at the same time in response to a continuous drag operation.

According to the above-mentioned setting method, when the mode change element ME 1 is located on the reference line B 1 , the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is maximized. When the mode change element ME 1 is located adjacent to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is minimized. For example, the maximum value and the minimum value of the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set in advance.

The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be increased or reduced, in such a manner that the ratio between the length in the longitudinal direction D 1 and the length in the transverse direction D 2 (the aspect ratio of the scaled-down screen 40 A) is changed accordingly. Alternatively, the aspect ratio may be fixed. For example, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the scale-down mode may be increased or reduced in such a manner that the aspect ratio of the display screen 40 in the normal mode ( FIGS. 7 to 9 ) is maintained.

The scaled-down screen 40 A may be resized in such a manner that the barycenter of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 remains unchanged. When the scaled-down screen 40 A is located on the lower part of the display area 2 a , the scaled-down screen 40 A may be resized to a larger extent toward the upper side and may be resized to a lesser extent toward the lower side.

FIG. 31 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 41 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether a drag operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining that no drag operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 41 again. If determining that a drag operation has been performed, in Step ST 42 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays the mode change element ME 1 in such a manner that the mode change element ME 1 follows the operating finger. Then, in Step ST 43 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines which one of the first area 2 b and the second area 2 c the position (hereinafter referred to as a drag operation position) of the operating finger, with which the drag operation is performed, belongs to. When the drag position belongs to the first area 2 b , in Step ST 44 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 A in the size corresponding to the drag position. The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A increases with decreasing distance between the drag position and the reference line B 1 .

When the drag position belongs to the second area 2 c , in Step ST 45 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 B in the size corresponding to the drag position. The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A increases with decreasing distance between the drag position and the reference line B 1 .

Subsequently to Step ST 44 or ST 45 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines in Step ST 46 whether the drag operation is ended. If determining that the drag operation is not ended, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 42 again.

If determining in Step ST 46 that the drag operation is ended, in Step ST 47 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in accordance with the endpoint of the drag operation in the above-described manner.

When the mode change element ME 1 is also moved in the longitudinal direction D 1 in response to the drag operation, that is, when the mode change element ME 1 is also moved in a slanting direction, the setting associated with the mode change element ME 1 and the setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A may be performed in the following manner. As described above, in accordance with the drag position in the transverse direction D 2 , the display position of the mode change element ME 1 may be set (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B). Additionally, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) and the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set. Also, in accordance with the drag position in the longitudinal direction D 1 , the display position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 may be set and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 may be set. For example, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be moved downward as the drag position in the longitudinal direction D 1 moved downward.

Second Embodiment

According to the description of the first embodiment, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is set in conjunction with the display position and/or the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A in response to an operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . Alternatively, when an operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 , it may not be required that the display position of the mode change element ME 1 be set in conjunction with the display position and/or the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A.

The mobile electronic apparatus 1 may have, for example, an element setting mode in which the setting associated with the mode change element ME 1 can be performed and a screen setting mode in which the setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A can be performed. For example, the GUI setting unit 12 enables the element setting mode in response to a predetermined operation (e.g., a long tap operation) performed on the mode change element ME 1 and enables the screen setting mode in response to another operation (e.g., a double tap operation) performed on the mode change element ME 1 . The operations on the mode change element ME 1 for enabling the scale-down mode, the element setting mode, and the screen setting mode are different from one another. The following will describe the setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A for the case where the screen setting mode is enabled.

In the illustration of, for example, FIG. 25 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the transverse direction D 2 is set (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) in response to a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 as in the first embodiment. Note that, in the screen setting mode, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is not set. Assume that the drag operation is ended in the first area 2 b as indicated by the broken lines in the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 25 . In contrast to FIG. 25 , the mode change element ME 1 is displayed in the position in which the mode change element ME 1 was displayed just before the drag operation (here, the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B).

In the illustration of, for example, FIG. 27 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 is set in response to a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 as in the first embodiment. Note that, in the screen setting mode, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is not set. When the drag operation is ended, the mode change element ME 1 is displayed in the position in which the mode change element ME 1 was displayed just before the drag operation.

In the illustration of, for example, FIG. 30 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A and sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the transverse direction D 2 (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) in response to a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 as in the first embodiment. Note that, in the screen setting mode, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is not set (to the edge 2 A nor the edge 2 B). Similarly to the above, when the drag operation in ended, the mode change element ME 1 is displayed in the position in which the mode change element ME 1 was displayed just before the drag operation.

The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A alone may be set in response to a drag operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . FIG. 32 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. The GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in increased size or in reduced size corresponding to the amount of the movement of the mode change element ME 1 in the transverse direction D 2 caused by the drag operation. Specifically, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed in increased size as the mode change element ME 1 is dragged further along the transverse direction D 2 . In the illustration of FIG. 32 , as shown in the display area 2 a on the left side of the paper plane, the mode change element ME 1 is initially displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B. Then, as illustrated in the display area 2 a on the right side of the paper plane, the mode change element ME 1 is moved toward the edge 2 A. The GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in increased size corresponding to the amount of the movement of the mode change element ME 1 along the transverse direction D 2 . In the illustration of FIG. 32 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the original size.

When obtaining the scaled-down screen 40 A in the desired size, the user ends the drag operation. In other words, the user moves the operating finger away from the display area 2 a . When the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A. Specifically, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set to the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A displayed at the end of the drag operation.

Third Embodiment

In the first and second embodiments, at least one of the display position and the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set in response to an operation performed on the mode change element ME 1 . In one embodiment, at least one of the display position and the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set in response to an operation different from the operation mentioned above.

Setting of Size of Scaled-Down Screen 40 A

The GUI setting unit 12 may resize the scaled-down screen 40 A in response to a fourth operation performed on a corner of the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A, which has a rectangular shape. Examples of the fourth operation include a drag operation. The GUI setting unit 12 may set the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A based on the endpoint of the drag operation performed on the corner.

FIG. 33 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. In the illustration of FIG. 33 , a corner of the scaled-down screen 40 A, such as a corner 40 a on the upper left of the paper plane (see the display area 2 a on the left side of the paper plane), is dragged toward the upper left direction (see the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane). In accordance with this movement, the GUI setting unit 12 resizes and displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in such a manner that the corner 40 a coincides with the drag position. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 33 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A displayed just before the drag operation.

When the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A based on the endpoint. Specifically, the scaled-down screen 40 A is resized in such a manner that the corner 40 a coincides with the endpoint.

The target for a drag operation may include the corners of the scaled-down screen 40 A, namely, the corner 40 a , a corner 40 b , a corner 40 c , and a corner 40 d . The target for such a drag operation may include the corners adjoining neither the edge 2 A nor the edge 2 B. In the illustration of FIG. 33 , the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoins the edge 2 B. In this case, the target for such an operation may include the corner 40 a on the upper left of the paper plane and the corner 40 b on the lower left of the paper plane. It may not be required that the target for such an operation include the corner 40 c on the upper right of the paper plane and the corner 40 d on the lower right of the paper plane. In the case where the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoins the edge 2 A, the target for such an operation may include the corner 40 c on the upper right of the paper plane or the corner 40 d on the lower right of the paper plane, and it may not be required that the target for such an operation include the corner 40 a on the upper left of the paper plane and the corner 40 b on the lower left of the paper plane.

As illustrated in FIG. 33 , the GUI setting unit 12 may display graphic symbols 40 Z on the corners 40 a and 40 b of the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, each graphic symbol 40 Z is displayed when the user performs an operation on the individual corner. In response to an operation performed on the corner by the user, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the graphic symbol 40 Z. The graphic symbol 40 Z is, for example, the symbol for indicating that the fourth operation is performed on the corner in an appropriate manner.

In the illustration of FIG. 33 , the graphic symbol 40 Z includes a double-headed arrow extending in a slanting direction. The double-headed arrow extends approximately along the diagonal line of the scaled-down screen 40 A. The user can intuitively learn that the scaled-down screen 40 A can be resized in response to a drag operation on the corner.

FIG. 34 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 51 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether a drag operation has been performed on the individual corner of the scaled-down screen 40 A. If determining that no drag operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 51 again. If determining that a drag operation has been performed, in Step ST 52 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in the size corresponding to the drag position. That is to say, the scaled-down screen 40 A is resized and displayed in such a manner that the corner of the scaled-down screen 40 A coincides with the drag position.

Then, in Step ST 53 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether the drag operation is ended. If determining that the drag operation is not ended, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 52 again. If determining that the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A in accordance with the endpoint of the drag operation. That is to say, the scaled-down screen 40 A is resized in such a manner that the corner of the scaled-down screen 40 A coincides with the endpoint.

Position of Scaled-Down Screen 40 A in Longitudinal Direction

The GUI setting unit 12 may change the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in response to a fifth operation performed on any one of the sides that define the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A. Examples of the fifth operation include a drag operation. For example, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 based on the endpoint of a drag operation performed on the side.

FIG. 35 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. In the illustration of FIG. 35 , one of the sides of the scaled-down screen 40 A, such as a side 40 g on the lower side of the paper plane (see the display area 2 a on the left side of the paper plane), is dragged. When the user moves the operating finger downward, the GUI setting unit 12 moves the scaled-down screen 40 A downward over the distance corresponding to the amount of the movement of the operating finger and displays the resultant screen 40 A (see the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane). For example, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed in such a manner that the side 40 g passes through the drag position. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 35 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A displayed just before the drag operation.

When the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 based on the endpoint of the drag operation. Specifically, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set in such a manner that the side 40 g passes through the endpoint.

The target for such a drag operation may include the sides of the scaled-down screen 40 A, namely, a side 40 e , a side 40 f , the side 40 g , and a side 40 h . The target for such a drag operation may include the sides adjoining neither the edge 2 A nor the edge 2 B. In the illustration of FIG. 35 , the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoins the edge 2 B. In this case, the target for such an operation may include the side 40 e on the upper side of the paper plane, the side 40 f on the left side of the paper plane, and the side 40 g on the lower side of the paper plane. It may not be required that the target for such an operation include the side 40 h on the right side of the paper plane. In the case where the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoins the edge 2 A, the target for such an operation may include the side 40 e on the upper side of the paper plane, the side 40 h on the right side of the paper plane, and the side 40 g on the lower side of the paper plane. It may not be required that the target for such an operation include the side 40 f on the left side of the paper plane.

Also, the GUI setting unit 12 may set the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the transverse direction D 2 (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) in accordance with an operation performed on the individual side of the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, the GUI setting unit 12 moves the scaled-down screen 40 A along the transverse direction D 2 in accordance with the movement of the operator in the transverse direction D 2 caused by the drag operation. For example, when a drag operation is performed to move the operator toward the left side of the paper plane, the scaled-down screen 40 A is moved toward the left side of the paper plane accordingly.

When the center of the scaled-down screen 40 A displayed at the end of the drag operation is located on the edge 2 A side with respect to the reference line B 1 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set to the edge 2 A. When the center is located on the edge 2 B side with respect to the reference line B 1 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set to the edge 2 B.

In this configuration, in response to the fifth operation performed on the individual side of the scaled-down screen 40 A, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 can be set and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the transverse direction D 2 can be set (to the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B).

As illustrated in FIG. 35 , the GUI setting unit 12 may display a graphic symbol 40 Y on each of the sides 40 e , 40 f , and 40 g of the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, each graphic symbol 40 Y is displayed when the user performs an operation on the individual side. In response to an operation performed on the side by the user, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the graphic symbol 40 Y. The graphic symbol 40 Y is, for example, the symbol for indicating that the fifth operation is performed on the side in an appropriate manner.

In the illustration of FIG. 35 , the graphic symbol 40 Y includes arrows radially extending toward the upper side, the lower side, the right side, and the left side of the paper plane. The user can intuitively lean that the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A can be changed in response to a drag operation performed on the side.

FIG. 36 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 55 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether a drag operation has been performed on the individual side of the scaled-down screen 40 A. If determining that no drag operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 55 again. If determining that a drag operation has been performed, in Step ST 56 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in the position corresponding to the drag position. That is to say, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to follow the operating finger moved along the longitudinal direction D 1 over a distance corresponding to the amount of the movement of the operating finger.

Then, in Step ST 57 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether the drag operation is ended. If determining that the drag operation is not ended, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 56 again. If determining that the drag operation is ended, the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in accordance with the endpoint of the drag operation.

In a case where the processing to be performed in response to an operation on the individual side of the scaled-down screen 40 A is different from the setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A, it may not be required that the relevant side be the target for the above-mentioned operation of moving the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 37 , the side 40 e of the scaled-down screen 40 A on the upper side of the paper plane is assigned the processing of displaying a notification screen in response to a predetermined operation. In response to a downward slide operation performed by the user from above the side 40 e , the processor 13 displays a notification screen NR 1 . For example, during the movement of the operator caused by the slide operation, the notification screen NR 1 is displayed so as to extend from the top of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the position of the operator (see FIG. 37 ). In the illustration of FIG. 37 , a block arrow indicates the direction in which the operating finger is slid. When the slide operation is performed toward the lower side of the scaled-down screen 40 A and then is ended, the notification screen NR 1 is displayed all over the scaled-down screen 40 A (not shown). The notification screen NR 1 includes information of which the user should be notified, such as various types of setting information or incoming call information.

As described above, in the case where the side 40 e is assigned the processing other than the processing of setting the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A, it may not be required that the side 40 e be the target for the operation of performing the setting. This configuration can eliminate or reduce unintended operations. In the case where the side 40 e is not the target for the operation of performing the setting, it may not be required that the graphic symbol 40 Y be displayed on the side 40 e.

To sum up, in the case where it is indicated that the individual side of the scaled-down screen 40 A is assigned the processing other than the setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A, the relevant side may not be the target for the operation of setting the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A.

The graphic symbols 40 Y and 40 Z may be displayed all the time, regardless of whether an operation is performed by the user. In the case where the GUI setting mode is available, the graphic symbols 40 Y and 40 Z may be displayed in response to an operation of enabling the GUI setting mode. In response to a user's operation on the individual corner, the graphic symbol 40 Y may disappear and the graphic symbol 40 Z may be kept displayed. In response to a user's operation on the individual side, the graphic symbol 40 Z may disappear and the graphic symbol 40 Y may be kept displayed.

The user can intuitively learn how to change the size or how to change the position from glancing at the graphic symbols 40 Y or 40 Z that are displayed in advance before the user performs an operation on the individual corner or the individual side.

When the GUI setting mode is enabled, the outline of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be displayed in a predetermined color (e.g., blue) so as to indicate that the GUI setting mode is enabled. Thus, the user can easily recognize that the setting associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A can be changed.

Fourth Embodiment

Similarly to the above, a fourth embodiment is aimed to set the display position and/or the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A. In the fourth embodiment, the GUI setting unit 12 displays, on the display area 2 a , setting elements that function as setting buttons. Specifically, the GUI setting unit 12 displays, on the display area 2 a , at least one of the setting element for determining which one of the edge 2 A and the edge 2 B is to adjoin the scaled-down screen 40 A, the setting element for setting the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 , and the setting element for setting the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A. The following will describe specific examples.

Display Position of Scaled-Down Screen in Transverse Direction (Edge 2 A or Edge 2 B)

For example, FIG. 38 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. As illustrated in FIG. 38 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays a setting element PE 11 on the display area 2 a . The setting element PE 11 may be displayed in, for example, part of the display area 2 a that is not occupied by the scaled-down screen 40 A. That is to say, the setting element PE 11 may be displayed when the scale-down mode or the GUI setting mode is enabled. In this configuration, the setting element PE 11 does not interfere with the display contents on the scaled-down screen 40 A.

In the display area 2 a illustrated on the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 38 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B and the setting element PE 11 is located on the edge 2 A side with respect to the scaled-down screen 40 A. The setting element PE 11 is the element for changing the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A from the edge 2 B to the edge 2 A. As illustrated in the display area 2 a on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 38 , in response to an operation (e.g., a tap operation) on the setting element PE 11 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the edge 2 A. Concurrently, the GUI setting unit 12 displays a setting element PE 12 . In the illustration of FIG. 38 , the setting element PE 12 is located on the edge 2 B side with respect to the scaled-down screen 40 A. The setting element PE 12 is the element for changing the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A from the edge 2 A to the edge 2 B. In response to an operation (e.g., a tap operation) on the setting element PE 12 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the edge 2 B. That is to say, in response to tap operations on the setting elements PE 11 and PE 12 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is switched (between the edge 2 A and the edge 2 B) as illustrated in FIG. 38 .

The setting elements PE 11 and PE 12 may be graphic symbols that indicate the respective functions to the user. For example, in the illustration of FIG. 38 , the graphic symbol serving as the setting element PE 11 include an arrow pointing toward the edge 2 A and the graphic symbol serving as the setting element PE 12 includes an arrow pointing toward the edge 2 B.

In the illustration of FIG. 38 , the display position of the mode change element ME 1 is affected by neither the operation on the setting element PE 11 nor the operation on the setting element PE 12 . Alternatively, the display position of the mode change element ME 1 may, be set as with the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A.

FIG. 39 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 61 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed on the setting element PE 11 . If determining that no such operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 61 again. If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 62 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the edge 2 A. Concurrently, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the setting element PE 12 on the display area 2 a.

Then, in Step ST 63 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed on the setting element PE 12 . If determining that no such operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 63 again. If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 64 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the edge 2 B. Concurrently, the GUI setting unit 12 displays the setting element PE 11 on the display area 2 a . Then, the GUI setting unit executes Step ST 61 .

In the case where the setting element PE 11 or PE 12 is displayed on the area that is not occupied by the scaled-down screen 40 A ( FIG. 38 ), the upper limit of the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be set in advance such that the scaled-down screen 40 A overlaps neither the setting element PE 11 nor the setting element PE 12 .

Size of Scaled-Down Screen

FIG. 40 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scaled-down screen 40 A is resized. As illustrated in FIG. 40 , on the display area 2 a , a setting element SE 10 is displayed which functions as the button for specifying the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A. The setting element SE 10 includes, for example, a plurality of setting elements, namely, setting elements SE 11 to SE 13 . The setting elements SE 11 to SE 13 function as buttons for specifying the respective sizes, which are different from one another.

In response to an operation (e.g., a tap) on, for example, the setting element SE 11 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the size specified by the setting element SE 11 . The GUI controller 11 accordingly displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in the specified size. Similarly, in response to an operation on the setting element SE 12 or SE 13 , the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set to the size specified by the setting element SE 12 or SE 13 . The sizes respectively assigned to the setting element SE 11 to SE 13 may be, for example, set in advance and stored in the storage 103 or the like. The scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed in, for example, the size specified by the setting element SE 12 . In the illustration of FIG. 40 , an alternate long and short dash line indicates the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A specified by, for example, the setting element SE 11 .

FIG. 41 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 65 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed on any one of the setting elements SE 11 to SE 13 . If determining that no operation has been performed on the setting elements SE 11 to SE 13 , the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 65 again. If determining that an operation has been performed on any one of the setting elements SE 11 to SE 13 , in Step ST 66 , the GUI setting unit 12 sets the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the size specified by the setting element on which the operation has been performed.

Display Position and Size of Scaled-Down Screen

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. In the illustration of FIG. 42 , a setting element group E 10 is displayed on the display area 2 a so as to be adjacent to the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, the setting element group E 10 is located above the scaled-down screen 40 A. The setting element group E 10 includes, for example, the mode change element ME 1 , a position setting element PE 1 , and a size setting element SE 1 . In the illustration of FIG. 42 , these elements are arranged side by side along the transverse direction D 2 . The position setting element PE 1 functions as the button for setting the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A. The size setting element SE 1 functions as the button for setting the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A.

In response to an operation on the size setting element SE 1 , the GUI setting unit 12 resizes the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, in response to a drag operation on the size setting element SE 1 , the scaled-down 40 A is resized as with the case in which a drag operation is performed on one of the corners of the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, in response to a drag operation on the size setting element SE 1 in the display area 2 a illustrated on the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 42 , the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is increased as shown in the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane.

Alternatively, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be changed to a predetermined value in response to an operation on the size setting element SE 1 . The predetermined value may be provided in advance and may be stored in the storage 103 or the like. A plurality of predetermined values may be provided. Every time an operation is performed on the size setting element SE 1 , one of the plurality of predetermined values may be selected in sequence. Assuming that N (N being an integer greater than or equal to 2) pieces of predetermined values are stored in the storage 103 or the like, every time an operation is performed on the size setting element SE 1 , the size may be switched from the k-th predetermined value (k being a natural number smaller than N) to the (k+1)th predetermined value. The size set to the Nth predetermined value may be switched to the first predetermined value in response to such an operation.

The setting element group E 10 may be resized in accordance with the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A. That is to say, the size of the setting element group E 10 may increase with increasing size of the scaled-down screen 40 A. The scaled-down screen 40 A is resized in a manner to enhance its operability, and the size of the setting element group E 10 is set accordingly. Consequently, the setting element group E 10 is also resized in a manner to enhance its operability.

In response to an operation on the position setting element PE 1 , the GUI setting unit 12 changes the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A. For example, in response to a drag operation on the position setting element PE 1 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is changed as with the case in which a drag operation is performed on one of the sides of the scaled-down screen 40 A. FIG. 43 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is set. For example, when a drag operation is performed on the position setting element PE 1 in the display area 2 a illustrated on the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 43 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is changed as shown in the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane.

Alternatively, the GUI setting unit 12 may set the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A to a predetermined position in response to an operation performed on the position setting element PE 1 . The predetermined position may be provided in advance and stored in the storage 103 or the like. A plurality of predetermined positions may be provided. Assuming that N pieces of predetermined positions are stored in the storage 103 or the like, every time an operation is performed on the position setting element PEI, the display position may be switched from the k-th predetermined position to the (k+1)th predetermined position. The display position set to the Nth predetermined may be switched to the first predetermined position in response to such an operation.

The mode change element ME 1 , the position setting element PE 1 , and the size setting element SE 1 that are included in the setting element group E 10 may be arranged in a different order suitable for the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the transverse direction D 2 . In the illustration of FIG. 43 , when the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A, the mode change element ME 1 is closest to the edge 2 A and the size setting element SE 1 is closest to the edge 2 B, with the position setting element PE 1 in between. As illustrated in FIG. 43 , when the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B, meanwhile, the mode change element ME 1 is closest to the edge 2 B and the size setting element SE 1 is closest to the edge 2 A, with the position setting element PE 1 in between.

In this arrangement, the mode change element ME 1 , which is most frequently operated, is adjacent to the side adjoined by the scaled-down screen 40 A, so that the mode change element ME 1 is located close to the operating finger (the thumb). Thus, the mode change element ME 1 can be easily operated.

The size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is usually set corresponding to the size of the hand of the user. Consequently, the scaled-down screen 40 A is less likely to be resized. The size setting element SE 1 is thus located apart from the operating finger (the thumb).

Meanwhile, the position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction is adjusted depending on in which hand the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 and which part of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 the user holds. When the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in the left hand 80 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A. When the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in the right hand 90 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. When the user holds the lower part of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed on the lower side. When the user holds the upper part of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed on the upper side. The user may hold the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in different hands at different times and may hold different parts of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 at different times. The display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A is more likely to be changed than the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is.

Thus, the position setting element PE 1 is located closer to the operating finger (the thumb) than the size setting element SE 1 is.

FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI setting unit 12 . In Step ST 71 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed on the size setting element SE 1 . If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 72 , the GUI setting unit 12 resizes the scaled-down screen 40 A.

Subsequently to Step ST 72 or when the GUI setting unit 12 determines in Step ST 71 that no such operation has been performed, in Step ST 73 , the GUI setting unit 12 determines whether an operation has been performed on the position setting element PE 1 . If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 74 , the GUI setting unit 12 switches the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A to the predetermined position.

Subsequently to Step ST 74 or when the GUI setting unit 12 determines in Step ST 73 that no such operation has been performed, the GUI setting unit 12 executes Step ST 71 again.

FIG. 45 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which an operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . In response to an operation (e.g., a tap operation) on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 scales up the scaled-down screen 40 A, thereby displaying the display screen 40 , for example, all over the display area 2 a . In other words, the normal mode is enabled.

Fifth Embodiment

In a fifth embodiment, a trigger for enabling the scale-down mode will be described.

First Operation on Mode Change Element ME 1

In the first embodiment, a tap operation has been given as an example of the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 . Here, the first operation is an operation of brining the operator close to the mode change element ME 1 and then moving the operator along a predetermined course. FIG. 46 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the first operation is performed. Although the predetermined course may be any course, the predetermined course in one example is approximately circular and extends counterclockwise. In the illustration of FIG. 46 , the relevant course is indicated by a thick arrow. In this configuration, the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 is distinctive and thus is less likely to be confused with other operations. The relevant course may be determined in advance and stored in the storage 103 or the like.

Also, the operation of moving the operator close to the mode change element ME 1 and then moving the operator along the predetermined course may be used as a trigger for switching from the scale-down mode to the normal mode. The predetermined course may coincide with or differ from the course of the first operation in enabling the scale-down mode.

The course of the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 located adjacent to the edge 2 A and the course of the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 located adjacent to the edge 2 B may be mirror images of each other. For example, in the illustration of FIG. 46 , the operating finger is moved counterclockwise from the position of the mode change element ME 1 displayed adjacent to the edge 2 B. When the mode change element ME 1 is displayed adjacent to the edge 2 A, the operating finger may be moved clockwise from the position of the mode change element ME 1 .

FIG. 47 schematically illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . In Step ST 81 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether an operation has been performed from the position of the mode change element ME 1 along the predetermined course. If determining that no such operation has been performed, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 81 again. If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 82 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays the resultant display screen 40 as the scaled-down screen 40 A. In other words, the scale-down mode is enabled. Then, in Step ST 83 the GUI controller 11 determines whether an operation has been performed from the position of the mode change element ME 1 along the predetermined course. If determining that no such operation has been performed, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 83 again. If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 84 , the GUI controller 11 scales up the scaled-down screen 40 A and then displays the resultant screen as the display screen 40 . In other words, the normal mode is enabled.

Slide Operation From Lower Side of Display Area 2 a

In one example, no mode change element ME 1 is used. FIG. 48 schematically illustrates an example of the operation of enabling the scale-down mode. The GUI controller 11 enables the scale-down mode in response to the following operation performed by the user. As illustrated on the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 48 , in response to a user's slide operation performed from the lower edge of the display area 2 a , the GUI controller 11 enables the scale-down mode (see the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 48 ). In the illustration of FIG. 48 , a thick arrow indicates the direction of the movement of the operating finger caused by the slide operation. Similarly, such thick arrows in other drawings each indicate, as appropriate, the direction of the slide operation.

Depending on the direction of the slide operation, the scaled-down screen 40 A may be determined to be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A or may be determined to be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. FIG. 49 schematically illustrates an example of the operation of enabling the scale-down mode. For example, the user performs a slide operation in such a manner that the operating finger approaches the edge 2 B as it moves upward from the lower edge of the display area 2 a . In response to the slide operation, the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 B. That is to say, in response to a slide operation toward the edge 2 B, the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B.

Also, the user may perform a slide operation in such a manner that the operating finger approaches the edge 2 A as it moves upward from the lower edge of the display area 2 a . FIG. 50 schematically illustrates an example of the operation of enabling the scale-down mode. In response to the slide operation, the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 A.

As described above, the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A (the edge 2 A or the edge 2 B) may be determined depending on the direction of the slide operation. Moreover, the user can easily move the thumb along an arc of a circle with the center at the base of the thumb (see FIGS. 4 and 5 ). Thus, the user can easily perform a slide operation from the lower edge of the display area 2 a toward the edge 2 B with the thumb 91 of the right hand 90 . When the user performs a simple slide operation with the right hand 90 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. The scaled-down screen 40 A displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B enhances the usability for the user who performs an operation with the right hand 90 . Similarly, when the user performs a simple slide operation with the left hand 80 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 A.

FIG. 51 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . In Step ST 91 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether a slide operation has been performed from the lower edge of the display area 2 a toward the edge 2 A. If determining that such a slide operation has been performed, in Step ST 92 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays, as the scaled-down screen 40 A, the resultant screen adjoined by the edge 2 A. If determining in Step ST 91 that no such slide operation has been performed, in Step ST 93 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether a slide operation has been performed from the lower edge of the display area 2 a toward the edge 2 B. If determining that such a slide operation has been performed, in Step ST 94 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays, as the scaled-down screen 40 A, the resultant screen adjoined by the edge 2 B. If determining in Step ST 93 that no such slide operation has been performed, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 91 again.

A set of steps including Steps ST 91 and ST 92 and a set of steps including Steps ST 93 and ST 94 may be executed in reverse order.

FIG. 52 schematically illustrates another example of the operation of enabling the scale-down mode. In response to an upward slide operation performed by the user from the lower edge of the display area 2 a (see the display area 2 a illustrated in the upper left of the paper plane), the GUI controller 11 displays mode change elements M 1 and M 2 (see the display area 2 a in the upper right of the paper plane). The mode change elements M 1 and M 2 are located on the display area 2 a below its center. For example, the mode change element M 1 is located close to the edge 2 A and the mode change element M 2 is located close to the edge 2 B. From the viewpoint of design, a partial ellipse may be displayed in response to the above-mentioned slide operation, and the mode change elements M 1 and M 2 may he superimposed on the circumference of the ellipse.

When the operator is slid to reach, for example, the mode change element M 2 (see the display area 2 a illustrated in the upper right of the paper plane), the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 B (see the display area 2 a in the lower left of the paper plane). That is to say, the scaled-down screen 40 A can be displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B when a slide operation is performed to the mode change element M 2 , which is located close to the edge 2 B.

Conversely, when the operator is slid to reach the mode change element Ml, the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A adjoined by the edge 2 A (not shown).

As described above, when a slide operation is performed from the lower edge of the display area 2 a , the mode change elements M 1 and M 2 are displayed. This can readily prompt the user to operate the mode change element M 1 or the mode change element M 2 . In other words, the user can easily learn how to enable the scale-down mode.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . Firstly, in Step ST 101 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether an upward slide operation has been performed from the lower edge of the display area 2 a . If determining that no such operation has been performed, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 101 again. If determining that such an operation has been performed, in Step ST 102 , the GUI controller 11 displays the mode change elements M 1 and M 2 on the display area 2 a . Then, in Step ST 013 , the GUI controller 11 determines which one of the mode change elements M 1 and M 2 is reached by the operator. If determining that the mode change element M 1 is reached by the operator, in Step ST 104 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays, as the scaled-down screen 40 A, the resultant screen adjoined by the edge 2 A. If determining that the mode change element M 2 is reached by the operator, in Step ST 105 , the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays, as the scaled-down screen 40 A, the resultant screen adjoined by the edge 2 B.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 54 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled. In the illustration of FIG. 54 , the mode change element ME 1 is not displayed and is located close to the power key 5 A. To be more specific, the mode change element ME 1 , which is adjacent to the edge 2 B close to the power key 5 A, is opposed to the power key 5 A.

The user is more likely to hold the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in a manner to easily operate the power key 5 A. Thus, it is easier for the user to operate the mode change element ME 1 located close to the power key 5 A.

In the illustration of FIG. 54 , the first operation to be performed on the mode change element ME 1 is, for example, a slide operation. As illustrated in FIG. 54 , a slide operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 from the outer edge of the display area 2 a toward the inner side thereof. In response to the slide operation, the GUI controller 11 scales down the display screen 40 and then displays the resultant screen as the scaled-down screen 40 A.

The GUI controller 11 may display the scaled-down screen 40 A in the size corresponding to the amount of slide caused by the slide operation. The GUI controller displays the scaled-down screen 40 A, whose size is reduced as the amount of slide increases. In the illustration of FIG. 55 , when the operator in the upper right of the paper plane is slid even further, the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A is reduced as illustrated in the lower left of the paper plane.

When the slide operation is ended, the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in the size corresponding to the point in time at which the slide operation is ended.

FIG. 56 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . In Step ST 111 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether a slide operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining that no such slide operation has been performed, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 111 again. If determining that such a slide operation has been performed, in Step ST 112 , the GUI controller 11 displays the scaled-down screen 40 A in the size corresponding to the amount of slide caused by the slide operation.

In this configuration, the scale-down mode can be enabled and the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A can be determined in accordance with a continuous slide operation.

The first operation may be a tap operation and the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A may be determined in accordance with the number of tap operations performed. For example, in response to a tap operation on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 may display the scaled-down screen 40 A. Then, every time an additional tap operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 may reduce the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A and display the resultant screen.

Standby Mode

The controller 10 can enable a standby mode. The standby mode refers to the mode in which the supply of electricity to the individual constituent elements of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is interrupted as appropriate to reduce power consumption. For example, the display 41 does not perform display in the standby mode. The standby mode may be enabled when no operation has been detected for a predetermined period of time. The standby mode may be enabled or disabled every time the power key 5 A is pressed down. When the power key 5 A is pressed down in the standby mode, the standby mode is disabled. When the power key 5 A is pressed down with the standby mode disabled, the standby mode is enabled.

In the case where the standby mode is disabled in response to a press down operation performed on the power key 5 A, the GUI controller 11 may place the mode change element ME 1 adjacent to the edge 2 B, which is closer to the power key 5 A. The power key 5 A is located closer to the edge 2 B than the edge 2 A and is opposed to a part of the edge 2 B. The mode change element ME 1 is placed adjacent to the relevant part of the edge 2 B. In this configuration, the user can readily operate the mode change element ME 1 immediately after operating the power key 5 A.

Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the standby mode was disabled, the GUI controller 11 may display the mode change element ME 1 in the set display position. Alternatively, the GUI controller 11 may display the mode change element ME 1 . in the set display position when the first operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 .

FIG. 57 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . In Step ST 121 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether the standby mode has been disabled in response to a press down operation performed on the power key 5 A. For example, when the power key 5 A is pressed down in the standby mode, the GUI controller 11 makes an affirmative determination. When the GUI controller 11 determines in Step ST 121 that the standby mode has not been disabled, the GUI controller 11 executes Step 121 again. If determining that standby mode has been disabled, in Step ST 122 , the GUI controller 11 places the mode change element ME 1 close to the power key 5 A.

Then, in Step ST 123 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether the predetermined period of time has elapsed since Step ST 121 was executed. If determining that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed, in Step ST 124 , the GUI controller determines whether the first operation has been performed on the mode change element ME 1 . If determining in Step ST 124 that the first operation has not been performed, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 123 again.

Upon an affirmative determination in Step ST 123 or Step ST 124 , in Step ST 125 , the GUI controller 11 places the mode change element ME 1 in the set position.

Seventh Embodiment

Orientation of Mobile Electronic Apparatus Held by User

FIG. 58 illustrates an example of the electrical configuration of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 according to a seventh embodiment. In addition to the constituent elements of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 , the mobile electronic apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 58 includes a hold orientation detector 70 . The mobile electronic apparatus 1 can be held by the user in different orientations at different times. FIGS. 59 and 60 schematically illustrate examples in which the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held by the user. The mobile electronic apparatus 1 is sometimes held in such a manner that the longitudinal direction D 1 of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is vertical (the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in portrait orientation) (see FIG. 59 ). Also, the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is sometimes held in such a manner that the longitudinal direction D 1 of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is horizontal to the user (the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation) (see FIG. 60 ). The hold orientation detector 70 can detect the orientation of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held by the user.

The hold orientation detector 70 includes, for example, an accelerometer to measure the acceleration of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 . To be more specific, the accelerometer obtains acceleration components in three orthogonal directions. The gravitational acceleration is included in the acceleration. Thus, the orientation of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 relative to the ground can be detected based on the measured acceleration.

In the illustration of FIG. 59 , the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in portrait orientation and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed on the display area 2 a . In the illustration of FIG. 59 , the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in the right hand 90 and the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed so as to adjoin the edge 2 B. Thus, the user can easily operate the scaled-down screen 40 A.

For example, an imaging screen is displayed on the scaled-down screen 40 A. The processor 13 displays the imaging screen when the processor 13 captures an image using the imaging unit 60 . On the imaging screen, elements such as a recording element CE 1 , an imaging element CE 2 , a setting element CE 3 are superimposed. The recording element CE 1 functions as the button for capturing video. The imaging element CE 2 functions as the button for capturing a still image. The setting element CE 3 functions as the button for performing various types of setting associated with the camera function. In the illustration of FIG. 59 , the recording element CE 1 and the imaging element CE 2 are located on the scaled-down screen 40 A on the lower side of the paper plane and are arranged side by side along the transverse direction D 2 . The setting element CE 3 is located on the upper left of the scaled-down screen 40 A. Although not shown in FIG. 59 , an image captured by the imaging unit 60 is also displayed on the imaging screen.

Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 60 , the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in landscape orientation can be held in, for example, both hands of the user. In this case, the user is more likely to operate the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with both hands. Unlike the case in which the user holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in one hand and operates the mobile electronic apparatus 1 with the hand (see FIG. 59 ), the user can easily operate every part of the display area 2 a.

When the GUI controller 11 detects that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the scale-down mode is held in landscape orientation, the GUI controller 11 may disable the scale-down mode and enable the normal mode. In other words, when the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the scale-down mode is held in such a manner that the longitudinal direction D 1 of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is nearly horizontal rather than vertical, the scaled-down screen 40 A may be scaled up and then the resultant screen may be displayed as the display screen 40 on the display area 2 a . When the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation, the normal mode is enabled on the basis of the prediction that the user neither holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in one hand nor operates it with the hand. Thus, the user can enable the normal mode by holding the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in landscape orientation, without the need to operate the mode change element ME 1 . This configuration can eliminate the need for the operation of enabling the normal mode. This enhances the convenience of the user.

In the illustration of FIG. 60 , when it is detected that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation, the processor 13 changes the placement of the recording element CE 1 , the imaging element CE 2 , and the setting element CE 3 . For example, the recording element CE 1 and the imaging element CE 2 are located on display screen 40 as shown on the left side of the paper plane and are arranged side by side along the transverse direction D 2 . The setting element CE 3 is located on the display screen 40 on the upper right of the paper plane.

When it is detected that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation, the GUI controller 11 may inhibit the scale-down mode from being enabled. For example, the GUI controller 11 does not place the mode change element ME 1 on the display area 2 a . In this configuration, the scale-down mode cannot be enabled while the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation. This can avoid enabling the scale-down mode in response to an inadvertent operation.

The hold orientation detector 70 may detect the orientation of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held by the user based on the image captured by the first imaging unit 62 . Specifically, in a case where the both eyes of the user are shown in the captured image, the orientation is detected based on the position of the eyes. For example, when it is determined that the straight line joining both eyes of the user is approximately orthogonal to the longitudinal direction D 1 of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , the hold orientation detector 70 may detect that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in portrait orientation. When it is determined that the straight line is parallel with the longitudinal direction D 1 of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , the hold orientation detector 70 may detect that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation. In this configuration, when the user, who is lying down, holds the mobile electronic apparatus 1 in portrait orientation, the hold orientation detector 70 can correctly detect that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is in portrait orientation.

FIG. 61 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . In Step ST 131 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether the hold orientation detector 70 detects that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation. When the hold orientation detector 70 fails to detect the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in landscape orientation, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 131 again.

When the hold orientation detector 70 detects that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation, in step ST 132 , the GUI controller 11 enables the normal mode in which the display screen 40 is displayed on the display area 2 a . Assuming that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operates in the scale-down mode in Step ST 131 , the scale-down mode is disabled and the normal mode is enabled. Assuming that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operates in the normal mode in Step ST 131 , the operation in the normal mode is continued.

Subsequently to Step ST 132 , in Step ST 133 , the GUI controller 11 may inhibit the scale-down mode from being enabled. When the first operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in such a manner that the longitudinal direction D 1 is nearly horizontal rather than vertical (the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation), the scaled-down screen 40 A is not displayed. Subsequently to Step ST 133 , in Step ST 134 , the GUI controller 11 in the above-mentioned configuration determines whether the hold orientation detector 70 detects that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in portrait orientation. When the GUI controller 11 determines that the hold orientation detector 70 fails to detect the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in portrait orientation, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 134 again. When the GUI controller 11 determines that the hold orientation detector 70 detects the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in portrait orientation, in Step ST 135 , the GUI controller 11 enables the scale-down mode. Specifically, the GUI controller 11 places the mode change element ME 1 .

In a case where the mobile electronic apparatus 1 was operating in the scale-down mode immediately before being rotated from portrait to landscape orientation, when the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is then rotated from landscape to portrait orientation, the GUI controller 11 may restore the mobile electronic apparatus 1 to the scale-down mode. This configuration allows the user to readily operate the scaled-down screen 40 A with one hand. As a matter of course, in a case where the mobile electronic apparatus 1 was operating in the normal mode before being rotated from portrait to landscape orientation, when the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is then rotated from landscape to portrait orientation, the operation in the normal mode may be continued.

The controller 10 may rotate the display contents on the display area 2 a depending on the orientation of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 , which may be held in portrait orientation or landscape orientation. The display contents of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in landscape orientation may be obtained by rotating, through 90 degrees, the display contents of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in portrait orientation. This function can be enabled and disabled. For example, the user enables or disables the function by performing input through the input unit 50 . When the function is disabled, the GUI controller 11 may put the mobile electronic apparatus 1 held in landscape orientation into the scale-down mode.

The GUI controller 11 may cause the storage 103 or the like to store the mode (the normal mode or the scale-down mode) in which the mobile electronic apparatus 1 was operating just before the detection of its rotation to landscape orientation. When it is detected that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in portrait orientation, the GUI controller 11 may enable the stored mode. Specifically, when the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the scale-down mode is held in landscape orientation and then when it is rotated from landscape to portrait orientation, it may be placed in the scale-down mode. Similarly, when the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the normal mode is held in landscape orientation and then when it is rotated from landscape to portrait orientation, it is placed in the normal mode.

In some embodiments, the mobile electronic apparatus 1 may be placed in the normal mode whenever it is rotated from landscape to portrait orientation.

Mobile Electronic Apparatus 1 being Laid Stationary

In a case where the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is horizontal to the ground, the GUI controller 11 may enable the normal mode. When the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is laid stationary, it is conceivable that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is not being operated with one hand of the user and the GUI controller 11 accordingly enables the normal mode. When the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the scale-down mode is placed in a horizontal position, the normal mode is enabled. When the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is picked up by the user in a manner to incline toward the ground, the GUI controller 11 enables the mode in which the mobile electronic apparatus 1 was placed before being laid stationary.

Standby Mode

The GUI controller 11 may cause the storage 103 or the like to store the mode (the normal mode or the scale-down mode) in which the mobile electronic apparatus 1 was placed immediately before being placed in the standby mode. The GUI controller 11 may enable the stored mode when the standby mode is disabled at the press of the power key 5 A. In a case where the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the scale-down mode is placed in the standby mode, when the standby mode is then disabled at the press of the power key 5 A, the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is placed in the scale-down mode.

Incoming Call

The processor 13 can perform a voice call function. When the processor 13 receives, through the wireless communication unit 20 , an incoming call signal for voice call communication from another communication apparatus, the processor 13 displays an incoming call screen on the display area 2 a . FIG. 62 schematically illustrates an example of the display area 2 a on which the incoming call screen is displayed. In the illustration of FIG. 62 , the normal mode is enabled. The incoming call screen shows information IN 1 on a calling party as well as elements AE 1 and HE 1 respectively function as a button for taking the incoming call and a button for blocking the incoming call. The information IN 1 on the calling party includes, for example, the telephone number or the name of the calling party. The processor 13 starts a voice call in response to an operation (e.g., a tap operation) performed on the element AE 1 and interrupts the communication with the calling party in response to an operation (e.g., a tap operation) on the element HE 1 .

The information IN 1 on the calling party is preferably displayed in close-up on the incoming call screen. This makes it easier for the user to obtain information IN 1 on the calling party. When an incoming call signal is received by the mobile electronic apparatus 1 operating in the scale-down mode, the GUI controller 11 preferably enables the normal mode before the processor 13 displays the incoming call screen.

FIG. 63 illustrates a flowchart showing an example of the above-mentioned action of the GUI controller 11 . In Step ST 151 , the GUI controller 11 determines whether an incoming call signal has been received. If determining that no incoming call signal has been received, the GUI controller 11 executes Step ST 151 again. If determining that an incoming call has been received, in Step ST 152 , the GUI controller 11 enables the normal mode. That is to say, in response to an incoming call signal received during the operation in the scale-down mode, the scale-down mode is disabled and the normal mode is enabled. When an incoming call signal is received during the operation in the normal mode, the operation in the normal mode is continued. Then, in Step ST 153 , the processor 13 displays the incoming call screen on the display area 2 a.

When an incoming call signal is received during the operation in the standby mode, the controller 10 disables the standby mode. In this case as well, the GUI controller 11 may enable the normal mode. That is to say, when an incoming call signal is received, the GUT controller 11 enables the normal mode, regardless of whether the mobile electronic apparatus 1 has been operating in the standby mode. This can provide an easy-to-see incoming call screen, from which the user can readily obtain the information IN 1 on the calling party.

Eighth Embodiment

In an eighth embodiment, the display area 2 a during the operation in the scale-down mode will be described.

Status Notification Area

With reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 , the display screen 40 includes a status notification area SB 1 . For example, the processor 13 displays the status notification area SB 1 adjoined by the upper edge of the display screen 40 . The status notification area SB 1 has, for example, a rectangular shape extending along dig transverse direction D 2 . The status notification area SB 1 shows information which the user is to be notified of, such as the radio wave reception condition in wireless communication, the remaining battery life, and the current time. The radio wave reception condition in wireless communication can be determined based on, for example, the strength of a reception signal received through the wireless communication unit 20 . The individual constituent elements of the mobile electronic apparatus 1 receive electric supply from a battery (not shown). The processor 13 can measure the remaining battery life. The processor 13 measures the remaining battery life based on, for example, the voltage across the battery. The current time can be acquired by a predetermined clock circuit (e.g., a timer circuit).

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , in the scale-down mode, the GUI controller 11 may scale down the status notification area SB 1 . That is to say, the status notification area SB 1 may be displayed so as to adjoin, for example, the upper edge of the scaled-down screen 40 A. This configuration is not an absolute must. As illustrated in FIG. 64 , in the scale-down mode, the GUI controller 11 may display the status notification area SB 1 in the original size and in the original position.

In this configuration, the status notification area SB 1 is easy to see during the operation in the scale-down mode. When no element that functions as a button is displayed on the status notification area SB 1 , scaling down the status notification area SB 1 does not contributed to enhanced operability. For the sake of the foremost readability of the display contents on the status notification area SB 1 , the status notification area SB 1 is displayed in the original size during the operation in the scale-down mode.

Notification Screen

In the scale-down mode, the notification screen NR 1 may be displayed in response to an operation (e.g., a downward slide operation) performed on, for example, the upper edge of the scaled-down screen 40 A (see FIG. 37 as well). In response to such an operation, the notification screen NR 1 may be displayed on the scaled-down screen 40 A.

Alternatively, in the scale-down mode, the notification screen NR 1 may be displayed in response to an operation (e.g., a downward slide operation) performed on the upper edge of the display area 2 a . FIG. 65 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the notification screen NR 1 is displayed. When the user slides the operator from the upper edge of the display area 2 a in a downward direction, the notification screen NR 1 is displayed. FIG. 65 shows the display area 2 a during the slide operation, where only part of the notification screen NR 1 is displayed. When the user slides the operator further in a downward direction, the notification screen NR 1 is displayed all over the display area 2 a.

Even if the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is operating in the scale-down mode, the notification screen is displayed in a larger size. The user can easily obtain the notification information included in the notification screen.

Background Area (Notification Information)

On a portion (hereinafter referred to as a background area 2 d ) of the display area 2 a that is not occupied by the scaled-down screen 40 A, no image may be displayed or a background image may be displayed.

On the background area 2 d , predetermined notification information may be displayed. The processor 13 has, for example, an email function. Upon receipt of an email, the processor 13 may display, on the background area 2 d , notification of the receipt of the email and information on the sender of the email. FIG. 66 schematically illustrates an example of the display area 2 a . As illustrated in FIG. 66 , the background area 2 d includes a notification area NE 1 . For example, in the notification area NE 1 , notification of the receipt of an email and the sender of the email are displayed.

The notification information is not necessarily associated with an email. Notification information of any type may be displayed.

Background Area (Dual Screen)

The display screen 40 displayed just before the switch to the scale-down mode may be displayed on the background area 2 d . FIG. 67 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the scale-down mode is enabled. In response to an operation performed on, for example, the mode change element ME 1 , the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed. In the illustration of FIG. 67 , the display screen 40 displayed just before the switch to the scale-down mode is displayed on the background area 2 d . As illustrated in FIG. 67 , the display screen 40 may be displayed all over the display area 2 a and the scaled-down screen 40 A may be displayed in a translucent manner so as to be superimposed on the display screen 40 .

The processor 13 may determine the validity of an operation performed on the background area 2 d . In other words, the processor 13 may accept an operation performed on the background area 2 d . In the area on which the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed, it is only required that the processor 13 accept operations associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A. In the case where the display contents displayed on the background area 2 d are displayed all over the display area 2 a , when an operation associated with the display contents displayed all over the display area 2 a is performed on the area on which the scaled-down screen 40 A is displayed, the processor 13 does not need to accept the operation. The user can thus easily perform an operation associated with the scaled-down screen 40 A.

FIG. 68 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which an operation is performed on the background area 2 d . On the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 68 , the element E 1 indicative of the telephone function is displayed on the background area 2 d . When an operation (e.g., a tap operation) is performed on the element E 1 on the background area 2 d , the processor 13 executes an application corresponding to the element E 1 and then displays the result of execution on the scaled-down screen 40 A and the background area 2 d . In response to an operation performed on, for example, the element E 1 indicative of the telephone function, the processor 13 displays an outgoing call screen all over the display area 2 a and concurrently displays the outgoing call screen on the scaled-down screen 40 A in a translucent manner.

As described above, operations performed on the background area 2 d are valid, resulting in improved operability.

In one example mentioned above, the background area 2 d and the scaled-down screen 40 A are linked to each other. However, the result of an operation performed on the background area 2 d may be displayed only on the background area 2 d , without being reflected on the scaled-down screen 40 A. FIG. 69 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which an operation is performed on the background area 2 d . In the illustration of FIG. 69 , the home screen is displayed on the background area 2 d . In response to, for example, an upward slide operation on the operator in the background area 2 d , the processor 13 moves the home screen upward in the background area 2 d , so that other elements E 1 placed further below are also displayed on the background area 2 d . Meanwhile, the processor 13 does not reflect the operation performed on the background area 2 d upon the scaled-down screen 40 A, in which display contents remain unchanged.

As illustrated in FIG. 69 , the processor 13 may display the result of the operation performed on the background area 2 d all over the display area 2 a and concurrently display the scaled-down screen 40 A, which is unaffected by the operation, in a translucent manner.

Alternatively, in response to an operation on, for example, the element E 1 in the background area 2 d , the processor 13 executes the application corresponding to the element E 1 and then displays the display contents produced by the execution of the application on the background area 2 d but not on the scaled-down screen 40 A.

In this configuration, the background area 2 d and the scaled-down screen 40 A can be used separately.

In the case where different display contents can be displayed on the background area 2 d and the scaled-down screen 40 A, the display contents on the background area 2 d and the display contents on the scaled-down screen 40 A can be interchanged with each other in response to a predetermined operation. Examples of the predetermined operation include a slide operation of crossing the border between the scaled-down screen 40 A and the background area 2 d . FIG. 70 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the above-mentioned operation is performed. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the left side of the paper plane in FIG. 70 , the home screen is displayed all over the display area 2 a and the outgoing call screen is displayed on the scaled-down screen 40 A in a translucent manner. For example, when the user slides the operator from the scaled-down screen 40 A to the background area 2 d , the processor 13 interchanges the display contents on the background area 2 d and the display contents on the scaled-down screen 40 A with each other. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the right side of the paper plane in FIG. 70 , the outgoing call screen is displayed all over the display area 2 a and the home screen is displayed on the scaled-down screen 40 A.

As described above, the display contents on the background area 2 d and the display contents on the scaled-down screen 40 A can be interchanged with each other in response to the predetermined operation. This results in improved operability.

Landscape Orientation

As described in the sixth embodiment, the scale-down mode may be inhibited from being enabled while the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation. However, while the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation, the GUI controller 11 may display the mode change element ME 1 . In this case, in response to the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 , the GUI controller 11 does not enable the scale-down mode and enables a dual screen mode. When the hold orientation detector 70 detects that the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation, the GUI controller 11 keeps the scale-down mode disabled and regards enabling the dual screen mode as the processing corresponding to the first operation on the mode change element ME 1 .

FIG. 71 schematically illustrates an example of the state in which the first operation is performed on the mode change element ME 1 while the electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation. In the display area 2 a illustrated on the upper side of the paper plane in FIG. 71 , an imaging screen or the like is displayed all over the display area 2 a . The mode change element ME 1 is displayed while the mobile electronic apparatus 1 is held in landscape orientation. In response to the first operation (e.g., a tap operation) on the mode change element ME 1 , the processor 13 splits the display area 2 a into a plurality of areas and then displays the imaging screen and other screens in the corresponding split areas. The display area 2 a illustrated on the lower side of the paper plane in FIG. 71 is split in two in such a manner that split areas 2 aa and 2 ab are located side by side along the longitudinal direction D 1 . In the split area 2 aa , the imaging screen displayed just before the operation on the mode change element ME 1 is displayed. In the split area 2 ab , the home screen is displayed.

Ninth Embodiment

When enabling the GUI setting mode, the GUI setting unit 12 may display, on the display area 2 a , a text describing how to perform setting associated with the mode change element ME 1 or the scaled-down screen 40 A. FIG. 72 schematically illustrates an example of the display area 2 a . As illustrated in FIG. 72 , the GUI setting unit 12 displays, for example, a description element DE 1 on the display area 2 a . The description element DE 1 describes how to set at least one of the display position of the mode change element ME 1 , the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A, or the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A.

While the mobile electronic apparatus has been described above in detail, the foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is understood that numerous modifications which have not been exemplified can be devised without departing from the scope of the mobile electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure.

Embodiments are applicable in combination as long as they are consistent with each other. The method for setting the position of the mode change element ME 1 in the transverse direction D 2 and the position of the mode change element ME 1 in the longitudinal direction D 1 , the method for setting the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the transverse direction D 2 and the display position of the scaled-down screen 40 A in the longitudinal direction D 1 , and the method for setting the size of the scaled-down screen 40 A are applicable in combination.