Method for providing object information and electronic device thereof

An electronic device and method are disclosed herein. The electronic device includes a processor, a touch screen and a memory including instructions executable by the processor to execute the method, including: when detecting a first touch input to the touch screen, identifying an orientation for arranging a plurality of selectable objects, rearrange one or more objects from among the plurality of selectable objects according to the identified orientation relative to a location on the touch screen where the first touch input is detected, and outputting information associated with a particular object from among the rearranged one or more objects corresponding to detection of a second touch input.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to a Korean Patent Application entitled “METHOD FOR PROVIDING OBJECT INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE THEREOF” filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on “Nov. 11, 2016” and assigned Serial No. 10-2016-0150155, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for providing object information in an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

With the growth of information telecommunication technologies and semiconductor technologies, various electronic devices are developing into multimedia devices providing various multimedia services. For example, the multimedia service can include at least one of a voice call service, a message service, a broadcasting service, a wireless Internet service, a camera service, and a music play service.

By using applications installed in the electronic device, the electronic device can provide various services to a user. For example, the application can include at least one of a music application for playing a music source the user desires, a call application for a voice call service, and a camera application for a camera service.

SUMMARY

An electronic device can display, on a display, an application installed in the electronic device in the form of an icon so that a user may identify the application. The electronic device can execute an application corresponding to an icon having been selected by the user among the icons displayed on the display.

The electronic device can provide a service (e.g., talkback) of outputting, by a voice, icon information of a point where a user input (e.g., a touch input) has been detected, so that the user may select an icon of a desired application even when user's visual recognition is impossible. However, when the user of the electronic device fails to recognize an arrangement (i.e., a position) of an icon displayed on a display, an inconvenience can occur in which the user has to search the entire screen of the display one by one in order to find out an icon corresponding to an application that the user intends to execute. Also, when the user of the electronic device recognizes a schematic position of an icon corresponding to a specific application displayed on the display of the electronic device, the user can touch the position that the user has recognized so as to identify a position of the corresponding icon. However, when another icon is positioned in the touch point, the user of the electronic device cannot know whether the icon corresponding to the specific application is positioned in which direction with a criterion of the another icon, so an inconvenience can occur in which the user searches the entire screen of the display one by one.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus and method for providing object information selectable in an electronic device.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus and method for rearranging a region of an object selectable in an electronic device so that a user may easily search the object selectable in the electronic device.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is disclosed including at least one processor, a touch screen, and a memory operatively coupled with the at least one processor, storing instructions executable by the at least one processor to cause the at least one processor to: in response to detecting a first touch input via the touch screen, identify an orientation for arranging a plurality of selectable objects, rearrange one or more objects from among the plurality of selectable objects based on the identified orientation relative to a location on the touch screen where the first touch input is detected, and output information associated with a particular object from among the rearranged one or more objects corresponding to detection of a second touch input.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an operation method of an electronic device includes in response to detecting a first touch input, identifying an orientation for arranging a plurality of selectable objects, rearranging one or more objects from among the plurality of selectable objects based on the identified orientation relative to a location on the touch screen where the first touch input is detected, and outputting information associated with a particular object from among the rearranged one or more objects corresponding to detection of a second touch input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the present document are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the various example embodiments of the present document to the particular form disclosed, but, on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the various example embodiments of the present document. Like reference numerals denote like components throughout the drawings. A singular expression includes a plural concept unless there is a contextually distinctive difference therebetween.

In the present document, an expression “A or B”, “A and/or B”, or the like may include all possible combinations of items enumerated together. Although expressions such as “1st”, “2nd”, “first”, and “second” may be used to express corresponding constitutional elements, it is not intended to limit the corresponding constitutional elements. When a certain (e.g., 1st) constitutional element is mentioned as being “operatively or communicatively coupled with/to” or “connected to” a different (e.g., 2nd) constitutional element, the certain constitutional element is directly coupled with/to another constitutional element or can be coupled with/to the different constitutional element via another (e.g., 3rd) constitutional element.

An expression “configured to” used in the present document may be interchangeably used with, for example, “suitable for”, “having the capacity to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, “capable of”, or “designed to” in a hardware or software manner according to a situation. In a certain situation, an expressed “a device configured to” may imply that the device is “capable of” together with other devices or components. For example, “a processor configured to perform A, B, and C” may imply a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., Central Processing Unit (CPU) or an application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, for example, may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an electronic book (e-book) reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical appliance, a camera, and a wearable device (e.g., smart glasses, a head-mounted-device (HMD), electronic clothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic appcessory, an electronic tattoo, a smart mirror, or a smart watch).

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As used herein, the term “user” may indicate a person who uses an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

FIG. 1illustrates an electronic device101within a network environment100in various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, the electronic device101may include a bus110, a processor120(e.g., including processing circuitry), a memory130, an input output interface150(e.g., including input/output circuitry), and a communication interface160(e.g., including communication circuitry). In some example embodiment, the electronic device101may omit at least one of the constituent elements or additionally have another constituent element.

The bus110may, for example, include a circuitry connecting the constituent elements120to160with one another and forwarding a signal (e.g., a control message and/or data) between the constituent elements.

The processor120may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP) or an image signal processor (ISP). The processor120may, for example, execute an operation or data processing for control and/or communication of at least one another constituent element of the electronic device101.

According to an example embodiment, the processor120may set a priority of each object for rearranging a plurality of selectable objects based on a user input in the electronic device101. For example, the processor120may extract configuration information of the plurality of selectable objects based on the user input. For instance, the configuration information of the object may include at least one of a layout of the selectable object (e.g., a layout of a service screen including the selectable object), the number of the selectable objects, a position of the object, and/or information of the object (e.g., an icon name and an application name). For example, the processor120may set a priority of each object for rearranging the object based on a position of the object, a name of the object or a use history of the object. For instance, the use history of the object may include at least one of the number of use of the object, a use time point thereof, or a use time thereof. For example, when detecting a user input (e.g., touch input) for object rearrangement, the processor120may set a priority of each object for rearranging the object with a criterion of a user input point. For instance, the processor120may set a priority of each object based on a distance between the user input point and the object. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may set a priority of each object based on the distance between the user input point for a rearrangement direction of the object and the object.

According to an example embodiment, the processor120may select at least one object for rearranging among a plurality of selectable objects based on a user input in the electronic device101. For example, the processor120may set the number of objects for rearranging based on at least one of a size of a touch panel (e.g., a display), a position of a reference point, or a use pattern of a user. The processor120may select at least one object corresponding to the number of objects for rearranging based on a priority of the object. For example, the processor120may select at least one object satisfying a reference condition for selecting the object based on the use pattern of the user. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may set a priority of at least one object for rearranging.

According to an example embodiment, the processor120may rearrange at least one object. For example, the processor120may rearrange a region corresponding to at least one object in a rearrangement direction from a point where a user input (e.g., touch input) has been detected, based on a priority of the selected at least one object for rearranging among a plurality of objects. For instance, the region corresponding to the object may include a region capable of selecting a corresponding object based on a user input (e.g., touch input). Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may control to display identification information of a corresponding object in a region corresponding to a rearranged object, on a display electrically connected with the electronic device101. For instance, the identification information of the object may include at least one of an icon of the object or a name of the object (i.e., a name of an application corresponding to the object). For instance, the processor120may rearrange an object in various forms of at least one straight line, curve, polygon, circle or the like. The at least one straight line may include at least one straight line of the same direction or a mutually different direction with a criterion of a point where a user input (e.g., touch input) has been detected. For instance, a plurality of straight lines of mutually different directions may be arranged in a form in which the respective straight lines intersect such as a cross mark, etc.

According to an example embodiment, the processor120may control to output information of an object corresponding to a user input based on a position of the rearranged object. For example, the processor120may select an object for outputting object information based on at least one of a point where a touch input of the rearranged object has been detected, a touch holding time, a touch movement direction, or a touch movement distance. The processor120may control to output information of an object in the form of a sound, a vibration or the like. Additionally or alternatively, when rearranging an object in a plurality of directions, the processor120may determine a direction for searching based on touch movement information. The processor120may adjust a selection speed of an object based on an additional input (e.g., pressure intensity) as well.

According to an example embodiment, the processor120may execute a function corresponding to an object whose selection input has been detected among a rearranged object. For example, when a first object has been selected among the rearranged object based on a user input, the processor120may output information on the first object. When a selection input has been detected in course of outputting the information on the first object, the processor120may execute a function corresponding to the first object. For instance, the function corresponding to the first object may include at least one of execution of an application, control menu setting, or control menu execution.

The memory130may include a volatile and/or non-volatile memory. The memory130may, for example, store a command or data related to at least one another constituent element of the electronic device101. According to an example embodiment, the memory130may store a software and/or program140. For example, the program140may include a kernel141, a middleware143, an application programming interface (API)145, an application program (or “application”)147or the like. At least some of the kernel141, the middleware143, or the API145may be called an operating system (OS).

The kernel141may, for example, control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, the memory130or the like) which are used for executing operations or functions implemented in other programs (e.g., the middleware143, the API145, or the application program147). Also, the kernel141may provide an interface capable of controlling or managing the system resources of the electronic device101by enabling the middleware143, the API145, or the application program147to access the individual constituent element of the electronic device101.

The middleware143may, for example, perform a relay role of enabling the API145or the application program147to communicate and exchange data with the kernel141. Also, the middleware143may process one or more work requests received from the application program147according to priority. For example, the middleware143may grant at least one of the application programs147a priority of utilizing the system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, etc.) of the electronic device101, and process the one or more work requests. The API145is, for example, an interface enabling the application program147to control a function provided by the kernel141or the middleware143and may, for example, include at least one interface or function (e.g., instruction) for file control, window control, image processing, character control or the like.

The input output interface150may, for example, play a role of an interface capable of forwarding a command or data inputted from a user or another external device to the other constituent element(s) of the electronic device101.

According to an example embodiment, the input output interface150may include a touch panel and a pressure panel. For example, the input output interface150may receive a touch, gesture, proximity or hovering input utilizing an electronic pen or a part of the user's body, through the touch panel. For example, the input output interface150may, through the pressure panel, receive a pressure input of a part of the user's human body or a nonconductor.

The communication interface160may, for example, establish communication between the electronic device101and an external device (e.g., a first external electronic device102by networking164, a second external electronic device104, or a server106). For example, the communication interface160may be connected to a network162by a wireless communication or wired communication, to communicate with the external device (e.g., the second external electronic device104or the server106).

The wireless communication may, for example, include a cellular communication that utilizes at least one of long term evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-A), code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless broadband (WiBro), global system for mobile communications (GSM) or the like. According to an example embodiment, the wireless communication may, for example, include at least one of wireless fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), magnetic secure transmission (MST), radio frequency (RF), or body area network (BAN). According to an example embodiment, the wireless communication may include GNSS. The GNSS may, for example, be a global positioning system (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), Beidou (Beidou navigation satellite system), or Galileo (the European global satellite-based navigation system). Below, in the present document, the “GPS” may be used interchangeably with the “GNSS”. The wired communication may, for example, include at least one of a universal serial bus (USB), a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), recommended standard-232 (RS-232), power line communication, plain old telephone service (POTS) or the like. The network162may include a telecommunications network, for example, at least one of a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)), the Internet, or a telephone network.

The first and second electronic devices102and104each may be a device of the same or different type from that of the electronic device101. According to various example embodiments, all or some of operations executed in the electronic device101may be executed in another or a plurality of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices102and104or the server106). According to an example embodiment, when the electronic device101has to perform some function or service automatically or by a request, the electronic device101may, instead of or additionally to executing the function or service in itself, request at least a partial function associated with this to another device (e.g., the electronic devices102and104or the server106). The another electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices102and104or the server106) may execute the requested function or additional function, and forward the execution result to the electronic device101. The electronic device101may process the received result as it is or additionally, thereby providing the requested function or service. For this, a cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used, for example.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device101may further include a display capable of displaying various contents (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol and/or the like) to a user. For example, the display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or an electronic paper display.

FIG. 2illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device201according to various example embodiments. The electronic device201may, for example, include the entire or part of the electronic device101illustrated inFIG. 1. The electronic device201may include one or more processors (e.g., an AP)210, a communication module220, a subscriber identification module224, a memory230, a sensor module240, an input device250, a display260, an interface270, an audio module280, a camera module291, a power management module295, a battery296, an indicator297, and a motor298.

The processor210may, for example, operate an operating system or an application program, to control a plurality of hardware or software constituent elements connected to the processor210, and may perform various data processing and operations. The processor210may be, for example, implemented as a system on chip (SoC). According to an example embodiment, the processor210may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU) and/or an image signal processor (ISP). The processor210may include at least some (e.g., cellular module221) of the constituent elements shown inFIG. 2as well. The processor210may load, to a volatile memory, a command or data received from at least one of the other constituent elements (e.g., non-volatile memory) and process the loaded command or data, and may store the result data in the non-volatile memory.

According to an example embodiment, the processor210may rearrange a plurality of objects selectable in the electronic device201. The processor210may control to output information of an object corresponding to a user input based on a position of the rearranged object. The processor210may execute a function corresponding to an object whose selection input has been detected among the rearranged object.

The communication module220may have the same or similar construction with the communication interface160ofFIG. 1. The communication module220may, for example, include a cellular module221, a WiFi module223, a Bluetooth module225, a GNSS module227, a NFC module228, and a RF module229.

The cellular module221may, for example, provide a voice call, a video call, a text service, an Internet service or the like through a telecommunication network. According to an example embodiment, the cellular module221may perform the distinction and authentication of the electronic device201within the telecommunication network by using the subscriber identification module (e.g., SIM card)224. According to an example embodiment, the cellular module221may perform at least some functions among functions that the processor210may provide. According to an example embodiment, the cellular module221may include a communication processor (CP).

According to some example embodiment, at least some (e.g., two or more) of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the Bluetooth module225, the GNSS module227or the NFC module228may be included within one integrated chip (IC) or IC package.

The RF module229may, for example, transmit and/or receive a communication signal (e.g., a RF signal). The RF module229may, for example, include a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), an antenna or the like. According to another example embodiment, at least one of the cellular module221, the WiFi module223, the Bluetooth module225, the GNSS module227or the NFC module228may transmit and/or receive a RF signal through a separate RF module. The subscriber identification module224may, for example, include a card including a subscriber identification module, or an embedded SIM. And, the subscriber identification module224may include unique identification information (e.g., integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory230(e.g., the memory130ofFIG. 1) may, for example, include an internal memory232or an external memory234. The internal memory232may, for example, include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) or the like), and/or a non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically EPROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory, a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD)). The external memory234may include a flash drive, for example, a compact flash (CF), a secure digital (SD), a micro-SD, a mini-SD, an extreme digital (xD), a multimedia card (MMC), a memory stick or the like. The external memory234may be operatively or physically coupled with the electronic device201through various interfaces.

The sensor module240may, for example, measure a physical quantity or sense an activation state of the electronic device201, to convert measured or sensed information into an electrical signal. The sensor module240may, for example, include at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, a barometer240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G a color sensor240H (e.g., a red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), a medical sensor240I, a temperature-humidity sensor240J, an illumination sensor240K, or an ultra violet (UV) sensor240M. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240may, for example, include an e-nose sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris scan sensor, and/or a finger scan sensor. The sensor module240may further include a control circuitry for controlling at least one or more sensors belonging therein. In some example embodiment, the electronic device201may further include a processor configured to control the sensor module240as a part of the processor210or separately, to control the sensor module240while the processor210is in a sleep state.

The input device250may, for example, include a touch panel252, a (digital) pen sensor254, a key256, or an ultrasonic input device258. The touch panel252may, for example, use at least one scheme among a capacitive overlay scheme, a pressure sensitive scheme, an infrared beam scheme, or an ultrasonic scheme. Also, the touch panel252may further include a control circuitry as well. The touch panel252may further include a tactile layer, to provide a tactile response (i.e., a touch coordinate) to a user. The (digital) pen sensor254may, for example, be a part of the touch panel252, or include a separate sheet for recognition. The key256may, for example, include a physical button, an optical key, or a keypad. The ultrasonic input device258may detect an ultrasonic wave generated in an input tool through a microphone (e.g., a microphone288), to identify data corresponding to the detected ultrasonic wave.

The display260may include a panel262, a hologram device264, a projector266, and/or a control circuitry for controlling them. The panel262may, for example, be implemented to be flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel262may be configured as one or more modules with the touch panel252. According to an example embodiment, the panel262may include a pressure sensor (or force sensor) capable of measuring pressure information (e.g., a pressure coordinate and a pressure intensity) of a user's touch. The pressure sensor may be implemented integrally with the touch panel252, or be implemented as one or more sensors separate from the touch panel252. The hologram device264may show a three-dimensional image to the air by using the interference of light. The projector266may display an image by projecting light onto a screen. The screen may, for example, be disposed inside or outside the electronic device201. The interface270may, for example, include an HDMI272, a USB274, an optical interface276, or a D-subminiature (D-sub)278. The interface270may, for example, be included in the communication interface160illustrated inFIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the interface270may, for example, include a mobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, an SD card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module280may, for example, convert a sound and an electrical signal interactively. At least some constituent elements of the audio module280may, for example, be included in the input output interface150illustrated inFIG. 1. The audio module280may, for example, process sound information that is inputted or outputted through a speaker282, a receiver284, an earphone286, the microphone288or the like. The camera module291may be, for example, a device able to capture a still image and a video image. According to an example embodiment, the camera module291may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or rear sensor), a lens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., a LED, a xenon lamp or the like). The power management module295may, for example, manage power of the electronic device201. According to an example embodiment, the power management module295may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge. The PMIC may employ a wired and/or wireless charging scheme. The wireless charging scheme may, for example, include a magnetic resonance scheme, a magnetic induction scheme, an electromagnetic wave scheme or the like. And, the wireless charging scheme may further include a supplementary circuitry for wireless charging, for example, a coil loop, a resonance circuitry, a rectifier or the like. The battery gauge may, for example, measure a level of the battery296, a voltage in charge thereof, an electric current thereof or a temperature thereof. The battery296may, for example, include a rechargeable battery and/or a solar battery.

The indicator297may display a specific state (for example, a booting state, a message state, a charging state or the like) of the electronic device201or a part (e.g., the processor210) of the electronic device201. The motor298may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration, and may generate a vibration, a haptic effect or the like. The electronic device201may, for example, include a mobile TV support device (e.g., a GPU) capable of processing media data in compliance with the standards such as digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), mediaFlo™ or the like. The constituent elements depicted in the present document may each include one or more components, and a name of the corresponding constituent element may be different according to the kind of an electronic device. In various example embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device201) may omit some constituent elements, or further include additional constituent elements, or combine and configure some of the constituent elements as one entity, wherein the configured entity may identically perform functions of the corresponding constituent elements before combination.

FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram of a program module according to various example embodiments. According to one example embodiment, the program module310(e.g., the program140ofFIG. 1) may include an operating system (OS) controlling resources related to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG. 1) and/or various applications (e.g., the application program147ofFIG. 1) run on the operating system. The operating system may, for example, include Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™.

Referring toFIG. 3, the program module310may include a kernel320(e.g., the kernel141ofFIG. 1), a middleware330(e.g., the middleware143ofFIG. 1), an API360(e.g., the API145ofFIG. 1), and/or an application370(e.g., the application program147ofFIG. 1). At least some of the program module310may be preloaded onto an electronic device, or be downloaded from an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices102and104, the server106, etc. ofFIG. 1).

The kernel320may, for example, include a system resource manager321and/or a device driver323. The system resource manager321may perform control of a system resource, allocation thereof, or recovery thereof. According to an example embodiment, the system resource manager321may include a process management unit, a memory management unit, or a file system management unit. The device driver323may, for example, include a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetooth driver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a WiFi driver, an audio driver, a touch device driver, a pressure device driver, or an inter-process communication (IPC) driver.

The middleware330may, for example, provide a function that the application370commonly needs, or provide various functions to the application370through the API360so that the application370may make use of restricted system resources within an electronic device. According to an example embodiment, the middleware330may include at least one of a runtime library335, an application manager341, a window manager342, a multimedia manager343, a resource manager344, a power manager345, a database manager346, a package manager347, a connectivity manager348, a notification manager349, a location manager350, a graphic manager351, or a security manager352.

The runtime library335may, for example, include a library module that a compiler utilizes so as to add a new function through a programming language while the application370is executed. The runtime library335may perform input output management, memory management, or arithmetic function processing. The application manager341may, for example, manage a lifecycle of the application370. The window manager342may manage a GUI resource which is used for a screen. The multimedia manager343may grasp a format for playing media files, and perform encoding or decoding of the media file by using a codec suitable to the corresponding format. The resource manager344may manage a source code of the application370or a space of a memory. The power manager345may, for example, manage a battery capacity or power source, and provide power information utilized for an operation of an electronic device. According to an example embodiment, the power manager345may interwork with a basic input/output system (BIOS). The database manager346may, for example, generate, search or change a database that will be used in the application370. The package manager347may manage the installing or updating of an application that is distributed in the form of a package file.

The connectivity manager348may, for example, manage wireless connectivity. The notification manager349may, for example, provide an event such as an arrival message, an appointment, a proximity notification, etc. to a user. The location manager350may, for example, manage location information of an electronic device. The graphic manager351may, for example, manage a graphic effect that will be provided to a user, or a user interface related with this. The security manager352may, for example, provide system security or user authentication. According to an example embodiment, the middleware330may include a telephony manager for managing a voice or video call function of an electronic device, or a middleware module capable of forming a combination of functions of the aforementioned constituent elements. According to an example embodiment, the middleware330may provide a module specialized by type of an operating system. The middleware330may dynamically delete some of the existing constituent elements, or add new constituent elements. The API360is, for example, a set of API programming functions, and may be provided to have another construction in accordance with an operating system. For example, Android or iOS may provide one API set on a per-platform basis, and Tizen may provide two or more API sets on a per-platform basis.

The application370may, for example, include a home371, a dialer372, a short message service (SMS)/multimedia message service (MMS)373, an instant message (IM)374, a browser375, a camera376, an alarm377, a contact378, a voice dial379, an electronic mail (e-mail)380, a calendar381, a media player382, an album383, a watch384, a health care (e.g., measuring a momentum, a blood sugar or the like), or an environment information (e.g., air pressure, humidity, or temperature information) provision application. According to an example embodiment, the application370may include an information exchange application that may support information exchange between an electronic device and an external electronic device. The information exchange application may, for example, include a notification relay application for relaying specific information to the external electronic device, or a device management application for managing the external electronic device. For example, the notification relay application may relay, to the external electronic device, notification information generated from another application of the electronic device, or receive notification information from the external electronic device and provide the received notification information to a user. The device management application may, for example, install, delete, or update a function of the external electronic device (e.g., turn-on/turn-off of the external electronic device itself (or some constituent components) or adjustment of a display brightness (or resolution)) which communicates with the electronic device, or an application which operates in the external electronic device. According to an example embodiment, the application370may include an application (e.g., a health care application of a mobile medical instrument) designated according to an attribute of the external electronic device. According to an example embodiment, the application370may include an application received from the external electronic device. At least a part of the program module310may be implemented (e.g., executed) as software, firmware, hardware (e.g., the processor210), or a combination of at least two or more of them, and may include a module for performing one or more functions, a program, a routine, sets of instructions or a process.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include at least one processor, a touch screen and a memory operatively coupled with the at least one processor. The memory may store instructions executable by the at least one processor to cause the at least one processor to: in response to detecting a first touch input via the touch screen, identify an orientation for arranging a plurality of selectable objects, rearrange one or more objects from among the plurality of selectable objects based on the identified orientation relative to a location on the touch screen where the first touch input is detected, and output information associated with a particular object from among the rearranged one or more objects corresponding to detection of a second touch input.

According to various example embodiments, the rearranging the one or more objects further comprise: rearranging one or more regions, each region corresponding to each of the rearranged one or more objects, the one or more of regions rearranged according to the identified orientation relative to the location.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions further comprise setting a priority for each one or more objects, and wherein the one or more objects are further rearranged based on the set priorities of the objects.

According to various example embodiments, the priority of each of the objects is based on at least one of an arrangement of each object, a name of each object, a usage history for each object, and a distance between the location and each object.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions further comprise detecting an object having a highest priority, and wherein the orientation is identified based on a position of the detected object relative to the location where the first touch input is detected.

According to various example embodiments, the rearrangement comprises a menu in a form of at least one of a column, a row, a curve, a polygon or a circle.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions further comprise: in response to detect holding of the second touch input, switching selection of a present object to a next object within the rearranged one or more objects when a predetermined time lapses; and outputting information associated with the next object.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions further comprise: selecting a particular object of the rearranged one or more objects, responsive to detecting movement of the second touch input in a particular direction; and outputting information associated with the selected particular object.

According to various example embodiments, the outputting the information associated with the particular object includes output of at least one of a sound and a vibration.

According to various example embodiments, the instructions further comprise: in response to detecting the second touch input selecting the particular object, executing a function corresponding to the particular object.

FIG. 4illustrates a flowchart for outputting object information in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 4, in operation401, the electronic device may detect the occurrence of an event for object arrangement. For example, the processor120may detect a touch input corresponding to the event for object arrangement is. For instance, the processor120may detect whether the touch input corresponds to the event for executing object arrangement is detected based on at least one of the number of times of touch input, a touch holding time, a touch point, or a touch movement distance. For example, when a menu for object arrangement has been set, the processor120may detect whether a touch input to a display region (e.g., a touch region overlapped with the display region) of the electronic device101is detected. When detecting the touch input to the display region of the electronic device101, the processor120may determine that a request for object arrangement has been received.

In operation403, the electronic device may determine an arrangement configuration for rearranging an object. For example, the processor120may identify a direction for rearranging an object stored in the memory130, and a rearrangement form. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may update the direction for rearranging the object with a criterion of a detection point of the touch input corresponding to the event for object arrangement as well. For instance, when the direction for rearranging the object has been set as an up direction from a reference point but the touch input corresponding to the event for object arrangement has been detected at an upper end of the display region, the processor120may change the direction for rearranging the object into another direction (e.g., a down direction).

In operation405, the electronic device may rearrange the object based on the determined arrangement configuration. For example, the processor120may set a priority of selectable at least one object with a criterion of the detection point of the touch input corresponding to the event for object arrangement. The processor120may rearrange a region corresponding to each object in the rearrangement direction from the detection point of the touch input corresponding to the event for object arrangement according to the priority of the object. That is, the processor120may maintain the arrangement of the selectable at least one object, by rearranging a region capable of selecting each object, not each object themselves.

In operation407, the electronic device may output information for the object corresponding to the user input based on a position of the rearranged object. For example, the processor120may select any one object corresponding to the user input in an object rearrangement structure. The processor120may control to output the information of the object (e.g., a name of the object) by using at least one output scheme among a sound or vibration. For instance, the user input may include at least one of a point where a touch input has been detected, a touch holding time, a touch movement direction, or a touch movement distance.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device101may display information of the rearranged object on a display electrically connected with the electronic device101. For example, the processor120may control the display to display the information of the rearranged object in the form of an icon or text. The display may display the information of the rearranged object to overlap with a service screen. In this case, the display may display the information of the rearranged object, by using another display layer arranged on a display layer displaying the service screen.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of a flowchart for extracting object information in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description is made for an operation for detecting the occurrence of the event for object arrangement in operation401ofFIG. 4. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 5, in operation501, the electronic device may display a service screen on a display of the electronic device. For example, when detecting a selection input of a power button or home button, the processor120may control the display electrically connected with the electronic device101to display a service screen of an application being executed in the electronic device101.

In operation503, the electronic device may determine whether a control menu (e.g., a selectable option within a greater menu) for object arrangement has been set. For example, the processor120may determine whether the control menu corresponding to the object rearrangement among a menu for setting a control function of the electronic device101has been activated.

When the control menu for the object arrangement has not been set, the electronic device may determine not to perform object rearrangement. Accordingly, the electronic device may maintain display of the service screen in operation501. For example, the electronic device101may update the service screen based on input information received through the input output interface150in operation501.

In operation505, when the control menu for the object arrangement has been set, the electronic device may extract configuration information of at least one object selectable in the electronic device. For example, by analyzing the service screen displayed on the display, the processor120may extract at least one of a layout of the at least one object selectable in the service screen, the number of the objects selectable in the service screen, and/or object information (e.g., an icon name and/or an application name).

In operation507, the electronic device may determine whether a touch input is detected. For example, when the touch input is detected to the service screen in a state in which the control menu for object arrangement has been set, the processor120may determine that an event requesting object arrangement has occurred. For example, when the touch input is not detected, in operation501, the processor120may maintain the displaying of the service screen displayed on the display. Additionally or alternatively, in operation501, the processor120may control the display to update the service screen based on a user input as well.

FIG. 6illustrates another example of a flowchart for extracting object information in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description is made for an operation for detecting the occurrence of an event for object arrangement in operation401ofFIG. 4. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 6, in operation601, the electronic device may determine whether a touch input is detected. For example, the processor120may determine whether the touch input is detected through a touch panel. For instance, the processor120may determine whether the touch input is detected in a state in which a display panel overlapping with the touch panel has been activated or deactivated.

In operation603, the electronic device may detected whether the touch input is corresponds with an event requesting object arrangement. For example, the processor120may determine whether the touch input is matched with the event for object arrangement based on at least one of a detection point of the touch input, a holding time thereof, or the number of times of input thereof.

When the touch input is not matched with the event for object arrangement, the electronic device may determine that the event for object arrangement has not occurred. Accordingly to this, in operation601, the electronic device may again determine whether the touch input is detected.

When the touch input is matched with the event for object arrangement, the electronic device may determine that the event for object arrangement has occurred. According to this, in operation605, the electronic device may extract configuration information of each object selectable in the electronic device. For example, the processor120may analyze a service screen displayable on the display of the electronic device101, and extract at least one configuration information selectable in the service screen. For example, when the display has been deactivated (e.g., low power mode), the processor120may analyze a reference service screen, and extract at least one configuration information which is selectable in the reference service screen. For instance, the configuration information of the object may include at least one of a layout of at least one object, the number of the objects, a position of the object, and/or information of the object (e.g., an icon name and/or an application name). The reference service screen may include a service screen for displaying on a display at a time point when the display is activated, or a predetermined fixed service screen.

FIG. 7illustrates a flowchart for rearranging an object in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS. 8A to 8Dillustrate a configuration for rearranging the object in the form of a straight line according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description is made for an operation for rearranging the object in operation403to operation405ofFIG. 4. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 7, in operation701, when an event for object arrangement takes place (e.g., operation401ofFIG. 4), the electronic device may set a reference point for rearranging an object. For example, as inFIG. 8A, when detecting the occurrence of the event for object arrangement based on a touch input to a service screen800displayable on a display of the electronic device101, the processor120may set a point810where the touch input is detected as the reference point for rearranging the object. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may set, as the reference point, an object (e.g., a lock screen object802) which is most adjacent with the point810where the touch input has been detected as well.

In operation703, the electronic device may identify a direction for rearranging the object from or based on the reference point. For example, the processor120may identify the direction for rearranging the object from the reference point based on a predetermined rearrangement form and direction of the object. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may update the predetermined rearrangement direction of the object based on the reference point as well.

In operation705, the electronic device may determine a priority of the object for rearranging in the rearrangement direction of the object. For example, the processor120may set a priority of each object for rearrangement based on at least one of arrangement of the object selectable in the electronic device101, a name of the object, a use history of the object, or a distance with the reference point. For instance, the distance with the reference point may include a distance between the reference point and the object in the rearrangement direction of the object.

As in operation707, the electronic device may rearrange the object in consideration of the reference point, based on the arrangement direction of the object and the priority thereof. For example, as inFIG. 8B, the processor120may rearrange a region corresponding to the object in a vertically upwards direction from the reference point810as denoted by reference numeral820. For example, as inFIG. 8C, the processor120may rearrange the region corresponding to the object in both directions (e.g., a vertically upwards direction and a downwards direction) from the reference point810as denoted by reference numeral830. For example, as inFIG. 8D, the processor120may rearrange the region corresponding to the object in three directions (e.g., the upwards direction, the downwards direction and a rightwards direction) from the reference point810as denoted by reference numeral840. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may control the display260to display identification information capable of identifying each object in the rearranged region corresponding to the object.

FIGS. 9A to 9Dillustrate a configuration for rearranging an object in the form of a curve according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 9AtoFIG. 9D, the electronic device may rearrange an object using a curved format. According to an example embodiment, as inFIG. 9A, the processor120may set as a reference a service screen900including icons corresponding to an application installed in the electronic device101. For instance, the processor120may set, as a service screen displayable on a display, the service screen900including the icons. When detecting a touch input910at an upper end of a display region (i.e., a touch panel overlapped with the display region), the processor120may arrange a region corresponding to at least one object in the form of a semi-circle in consideration of the touch input910as denoted by reference numeral912. Additionally or alternatively, when an object not disposed within the display region of the display among the rearranged object exists, the processor120may display a shift icon914capable of indicating the existence of the object not disposed within the display region. When detecting a selection input of the shift icon914, the processor120may change an object disposed in the display region into another object not disposed in the display region. In this case, the processor120may control to dispose a predetermined number of objects in sequence in the display region in a direction corresponding to the shift icon914. For instance, the processor120may control the display to display identification information capable of identifying each object in a region corresponding to the rearranged object as well.

According to an example embodiment, as inFIG. 9B, when detecting a touch input920at a right edge of a display region (i.e., a touch panel), the processor120may rearrange a region corresponding to at least one object in the form of a semi-circle in consideration of the touch input920as denoted by reference numeral922. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may display shift icons924and926for shifting an object disposed within the display region to anther object. For instance, the first shift icon924and the second shift icon926may be set to have different directions for switching an object disposed within the display region to another presently undisplayed object.

According to an example embodiment, as inFIG. 9C, when detecting a touch input930at a lower edge of a display region (i.e., a touch panel), the processor120may rearrange a region corresponding to at least one object in the form of a semi-circle in consideration of the touch input930as denoted by reference numeral932. Additionally or alternatively, when displaying identification information capable of identifying a rearranged object on a display electrically connected with the electronic device101, the processor120may display shift icons934and936for shifting an object displayed on the display to another object. For instance, the processor120may control the display to switch at least a part of the rearranged object displayed on the display to another object of the menu that is not initially displayed, based on a selection input of the shift icon934or936.

According to an example embodiment, as inFIG. 9D, when detecting a touch input940at a corner of a display region (i.e., a touch panel), the processor120may rearrange a region corresponding to at least one object in the form of a fan shape with a criterion of the touch input940as denoted by reference numeral942. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may display shift icons944and946for switching an object disposed within the display region to another presently undisplayed object.

FIGS. 10A to 10Cillustrate a configuration for rearranging an object of a virtual keypad according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may rearrange a numeral or text object included in a virtual keypad. For example, as inFIG. 10A, the processor120may control the display to display a virtual keypad1002in at least a part of a service screen1000of a messenger application. When detecting a touch input1010corresponding to an event of object arrangement, the processor120may rearrange at least one numeral object into a curved of fanned shape in consideration of the location of the touch input1010as denoted by reference numeral1020. When detecting a selection input of a shift icon1022, the processor120may switch a rearranged numeral object displayed on the display into another numeral object or text object not yet displayed.

According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may rearrange a control function corresponding to a service screen. For example, as inFIG. 10B, when detecting a touch input1030corresponding to an event of object arrangement in a state in which a service screen1000of a messenger application has been displayed on a display, the processor120may detect a control function (e.g., emoticon insertion, recipient setting, etc.) capable of being provided in the service screen1000of the messenger application. The processor120may rearrange at least one control function in the form of a curved or fan shape in consideration of the touch input1030as denoted by reference numeral1040. When detecting a selection input of a shift icon1042, the processor120may change the rearranged control function displayed on the display into another control function not displayed. For example, as inFIG. 10C, when detecting a touch input1060corresponding to an event of object arrangement in a state in which a webpage1050has been displayed on a display, the processor120may detect a control function (e.g., scrolling, page turning, etc.) capable of being provided in the webpage1050. The processor120may rearrange at least one control function in the form of a column in consideration of a location of the touch input1060as denoted by reference numeral1070.

FIG. 11illustrates a flowchart for setting a priority of an object in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description is made for an operation for setting the priority of the object in operation705ofFIG. 7. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 11, in operation1101, when determining a reference point for rearranging an object and a rearrangement direction or orientation (e.g., operation701to operation703ofFIG. 7), the electronic device may identify at least one object which is selectable in the electronic device. For example, the processor120may identify at least one object information which is selectable in at least one service screen displayable on a display of the electronic device101.

In operation1103, the electronic device may select at least one object for rearranging among the at least one object selectable in the electronic device. For example, the processor120may identify a use history of the at least one object selectable in the electronic device101. The processor120may select at least one object having a usage history satisfying a reference condition among the at least one object selectable in the electronic device101. For instance, the use history of the object may include at least one of the number of use of the object, a use time point thereof, or a use time thereof.

In operation1105, the electronic device may set a priority of the at least one object having been selected for rearrangement. For example, the processor120may detect a user's preference for each object based on the use history of the object. The processor120may set a priority of each object based on the user's preference. In detail, the processor120may set the priority of the object in the order of the high number of times of use. For example, the processor120may set the priority of the object having been selected for rearrangement based on at least one of arrangement of the object included in a service screen, a name of the object, or a distance with the reference point.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device may select at least one object for rearranging based on the priority of the object determined in operation705ofFIG. 7. For example, the processor120may set the number of objects for rearranging based on at least one of a size of a display region, a position of a reference point, or a use pattern of a user. The processor120may select objects of the number for rearranging based on the priority of the at least one object selectable in the electronic device101.

FIG. 12illustrates a flowchart for setting a priority of an object based on a position of the object in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description is made for an operation for setting the priority of the object in operation705ofFIG. 7. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 12, in operation1201, when determining a reference point for rearranging an object and a rearrangement direction (e.g., operation701to operation703ofFIG. 7), the electronic device may identify a direction of each object with a criterion of the reference point for object rearrangement. For example, as in FIG.8A, when setting a touch point810for a display region (i.e., a touch panel) as the reference point, the processor120may detect direction information in which each object is positioned from the touch point810.

In operation1203, the electronic device may determine whether the direction of the object having been positioned from the reference point matches with an arrangement direction of the object. For example, as inFIG. 8B, when rearranging an object in an upwards direction, the processor120may determine that a lock screen object802and a data use object804having been arranged in the upwards direction with a criterion of the reference point810may be matched to the arrangement direction of the object.

In operation1205, when at least one object not matching with the arrangement direction of the object exists, the electronic device may update a position of the at least one object not matching with the arrangement direction of the object, into the arrangement direction of the object. For example, the processor120may virtually update the position of the object into an arrangement direction of an object which is adjacent with the position of the object, but not matching with the arrangement direction of the object. In this case, the processor120may determine the position of the object in the arrangement direction of the object based on at least one of a distance between the reference point and the object or a difference between the arrangement direction of the object and a direction of the object positioned from the reference point.

In operation1207, the electronic device may determine a priority of the object for rearranging based on a distance between the object positioned in the arrangement direction of the object and the reference point. For example, the processor120may allocate a relatively high priority to an object having a closer distance with the reference point in the arrangement direction of the object.

FIG. 13illustrates a flowchart for outputting object information corresponding to a user input in an electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS. 14A to 14Billustrate a configuration for outputting the object information based on the user input in the electronic device according to various example embodiments of the present disclosure. The following description is given for an operation for outputting the information of the object in operation407ofFIG. 4. In the following description, the electronic device may include the electronic device101ofFIG. 1or at least a part (e.g., the processor120) of the electronic device101.

Referring toFIG. 13, in operation1301, after having rearranged an object (e.g., operation405ofFIG. 4), the electronic device may determine whether a touch input of the rearranged object is detected. For example, the processor120may determine whether an additional touch input different from a touch input corresponding to an event for object arrangement is detected. For example, the processor120may determine whether the touch input corresponding to the event for object arrangement is maintained.

In operation1303, the electronic device may determine whether it has rearranged the object in a plurality of direction. For example, the processor120may determine whether there are a plurality of direction in which objects are rearranged. when having rearranged the object in a single direction, the processor120may determine the direction in which the object has been rearranged to be a rearrangement direction for selecting the object.

In operation1305, when having rearranged the object in the plurality of directions, the electronic device may determine a rearrangement direction for selecting the object based on touch information of the rearranged object. For example, when the object has been rearranged in the primary direction, the processor120may determine the rearrangement direction for selecting the object based on a movement direction of a touch input. For example, as seen inFIG. 14A, the processor120may rearrange at least one object selectable in a service screen1400in an upwards direction1412, a downwards direction1414, and a rightwards direction1416with a criterion of a reference point as denoted by reference numeral1410. As inFIG. 14A, when detecting a movement of a touch input to the right as denoted by reference numeral1420, the processor120may select the right side direction1416in which the object has been rearranged, as a direction for object selection. As inFIG. 14B, when detecting a movement of a touch input in an upwards direction as denoted by reference numeral1430, the processor120may select the upwards direction1412in which the object has been rearranged, as the direction for object selection.

In operation1307, when having rearranged the object in a single direction or determining the rearrangement direction for selecting the object, the electronic device may detect an object corresponding to a touch input in the rearranged direction. For example, the processor120may select the object having been arranged in the rearranged direction based on a holding time of a touch input of the rearranged object. In detail, as the touch holding time lapses, the processor120may select each object corresponding to a touch holding time in order of the rearranged object. That is, as a user maintains or holds a touch input, a presently selected object within an arrangement or menu of objects may be switched to a next object. Additionally or alternatively, the processor120may adjust a selection speed of an object based on at least one of touch release information, touch movement direction information or additional input information (e.g., touch intensity). For example, the processor120may select the object having been arranged in the rearranged direction based on a movement distance of a touch input of the rearranged object or the number of times of touch. For example, when a movement of the touch input of the rearranged object is detected, the processor120may sequentially select an object of a rearrangement direction corresponding to a touch movement direction to correspond to the number of detection of the movement of the touch input.

In operation1309, the electronic device may output information of the object corresponding to the touch input so that a user may recognize the information of the object. For example, the processor120may control to output, by a sound, the information of the object (e.g., a name of the object) which has been selected based on the touch input in operation1307. For example, the processor120may control to generate a vibration of a pattern corresponding to the information of the object (e.g., the name of the object) which has been selected based on the touch input in operation1307. Additionally or alternatively, when adjusting a selection speed of an object based on at least one of touch release information, touch movement direction information or additional input information (e.g., touch intensity), the processor120may convert a selection of the object into a second object in course of outputting information of a first object as well.

In operation1311, the electronic device may determine whether a selection input of the object corresponding to the touch input is detected. For example, the processor120may determine whether an additional touch input (i.e., user input) for selecting a corresponding object is detected in course of outputting the information of the object corresponding to the touch input.

When the selection input of the object corresponding to the touch input is not detected, in operation1301, the electronic device may determine whether a touch input for output of the information of the object is detected. For example, the processor120may determine whether the touch input capable of selecting the object for outputting the information is maintained.

In operation1313, when detecting the selection input of the object corresponding to the touch input, the electronic device may perform a function of the object corresponding to the selection input. For example, the processor120may execute an application or control function mapped to the object corresponding to the selection input. For example, the processor120may the control menu mapped to the object corresponding to the selection input.

According to various example embodiments of the present disclosure, an operation method of an electronic device may include, in response to detecting a first touch input via the touch screen, identifying an orientation for arranging a plurality of selectable objects, rearranging one or more objects from among the plurality of selectable objects arranged based on the identified orientation relative to a location on the touch screen where the first touch input is detected; and outputting information associated with a particular object from among the rearranged one or more objects corresponding to detection of a second touch input.

According to various example embodiments, rearranging the one or more objects further comprises rearranging one or more regions, each region corresponding to each of the rearranged one or more objects, the one or more regions rearranged according to the identified orientation relative to the location.

According to various example embodiments, further comprising: setting a priority for one or more object, wherein the one or more objects are further rearranged according to the set priorities of the objects.

According to various example embodiments, the priority of each of the objects is based on at least one of an arrangement of each object, a name of each object, a usage history for each object, and a distance between the location and each object.

According to various example embodiments, further comprising: detecting an object having a highest priority, and wherein the orientation is identified based on a position of the detected object relative to the location where the first touch input is detected.

According to various example embodiments, the rearrangement comprises a menu in a form of at least one of a column, a row, a curve, a polygon or a circle.

According to various example embodiments, further comprising: in response to detecting holding of the second touch input, switching selection of a present object to a next object within the rearranged one or more objects when a predetermined time lapses; and outputting information associated with the next object.

According to various example embodiments, further comprising: selecting a particular object of the rearranged one or more objects, responsive to detecting movement of the second touch input in a particular direction; and outputting information associated with the selected particular object.

According to various example embodiments, outputting the information associated with the particular object includes output of at least one of a sound and a vibration.

According to various example embodiments, further comprising: in response to detecting the second touch input selecting the particular object, executing a function corresponding to the particular object.

An electronic device and an operation method thereof according to various example embodiments may easily search an object that a user of the electronic device desires, by rearranging a region of an object selectable in an electronic device with a criterion of a user input.

An electronic device and an operation method thereof according to various example embodiments may enhance the efficiency of use of the electronic device for a user who is unavailable for visual recognition, by outputting information of an object based on a sequence of a rearrangement object with a criterion of a user input.

According to various embodiments, at least some of the devices (for example, modules or functions thereof) or the method (for example, operations) according to the present disclosure may be implemented by a command stored in a computer-readable storage medium in a program module form. The instruction, when executed by a processor (e.g., the processor120), may cause the one or more processors to execute the function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory130.

The computer readable recoding medium may include a hard disk, a floppy disk, magnetic media (for example, a magnetic tape), optical media (for example, a Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) and a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)), magneto-optical media (for example, a floptical disk), a hardware device (for example, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory), and the like. In addition, the program instructions may include high class language codes, which can be executed in a computer by using an interpreter, as well as machine codes made by a compiler. Any of the hardware devices as described above may be configured to work as one or more software modules in order to perform the operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

Any of the modules or programming modules according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above described elements, exclude some of the elements, or further include other additional elements. The operations performed by the modules, programming module, or other elements according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed in a sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic manner. Further, some operations may be executed according to another order or may be omitted, or other operations may be added.

The embodiments disclosed herein are provided merely to easily describe technical details of the present disclosure and to help the understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be construed that all modifications and changes or various other embodiments based on the technical idea of various embodiments of the present disclosure fall within the various embodiments of the present disclosure.