Reordering content panes in a stacked tab view

Stacked tab views are described. A computing device can display multiple content panes in a web browser window. Each content pane can correspond to a different web site. The content panes can be arranged in a visual stack, where content pane are positioned one in front of another in a three-dimensional view. In the three-dimensional view, a distance between content panes can appear to separate the content panes. Each content pane can display snapshot image of content of a web site. The content panes can be used in place of tabs for navigating between web pages.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to graphical user interface items.

BACKGROUND

A web browser can implement a tabbed graphical user interface (GUI). A browser implementing tabbed GUI can allow a user to open multiple web pages in a single browser window. The browser can display multiple tabs side by side, usually at or near the top of the browser window. Each tab can correspond to a different web page. When the browser receives a user selection of a tab, a pane of the browser window, usually below the tabs, can display a corresponding web page. A user can switch between web pages by clicking different tabs.

SUMMARY

Stacked tab views are described. A computing device can display multiple content panes in a web browser window. Each content pane can correspond to a different web site. The content panes can be arranged in a visual stack, where content pane are positioned one in front of another in a three-dimensional view. In the three-dimensional view, a distance between content panes can appear to separate the content panes. Each content pane can display snapshot image of content of a web site. The content panes can be used in place of tabs for navigating between web pages.

The computing device can display content of a web page in a full screen mode upon receiving a user selection selecting a content pane corresponding to that web page. In addition, the computing device can order the content panes upon receiving a user input. In response to a user input moving a content pane from an original position to a new position, the computing device can move that content pane in an animated motion, where another content pane, if in the way between the original position and the new position, ducks in response to the movement of the moving content pane.

The features described in this specification can be implemented to achieve one or more advantages. For example, compared to a conventional tab control, a computing device implementing stacked tab view can provide a preview of multiple web pages in one display screen. The previews can help a user to select a web site that the user wishes to visit. Smooth animation provided in rearranging the content panes can be more life-like and intuitive than conventional tab controls.

The details of one or more implementations of stacked tab view are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of stacked tab view will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary Stacked Tab View

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an exemplary stacked tab view. The features and operations of the stacked tab view can be implemented by computing device102. Computing device102can be a stationary device (e.g., a cloud computing server) or a mobile device (e.g., a tablet computer, a smart phone, or a wearable computing device). Computing device102can include or be coupled to display surface106(e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen). Computing device102can execute a computer program (e.g., a web browser) that displays content on display surface106.

Computing device102can display content panes110,112,114, and116on display surface106. Each of content panes110,112,114, and116can be a visual area corresponding to a same or different web page. Each of content panes110,112,114, and116can include a snapshot (e.g., an image) of content of the corresponding web page. Content panes110,112,114, and116can be arranged as a three-dimensional visual stack. For example, each of content panes110,112,114, and116can appear standing upright from a base surface (e.g., a visible or invisible floor). A distance (e.g., distance118) on a Z-axis can separate each of content panes112,114,116from another content pane. Each of content panes112,114,116can be partially obscured by a content pane in front of it (e.g., that appears closer to a user). The obscured portions of content panes112,114,116are illustrated using dashed lines inFIG. 1.

Computing device102can receive a selection input (e.g., a touch input) selecting one of content panes112,114,116. Upon receiving the selection input, computing device102can display content of the web page corresponding to the selected content pane in full screen mode. Displaying the content in full screen mode can include rendering the content, and optionally, one or more control items (e.g., a navigation toolbar including control items for navigating between web pages) and/or one or more decorative items on the entire area of display surface106.

Computing device102can receive position gesture input120for moving content pane112forward. Position gesture input120can be a forward gesture, where a stylus or finger touches an un-obscured portion of content pane112and, while touching the un-obscured portion of content pane112, swipes down toward a bottom edge of display surface106, appearing toward a user. In response, computing device102can shift content pane112and content panes114and116, which are located behind content pane112, forward (e.g., toward a user). In various implementations, distances between content panes112,114, and116can increase, or, additionally or alternatively, a new content pane can appear behind content pane116. Computing device102can increase the distances, add the new content pane, or both, upon determining that the forward gesture has reached a threshold (e.g., a threshold distance or a threshold speed).

Position gesture input120can move content pane112in front of content pane110. Computing device102can determine that position gesture input120swipes, while touching display surface106, down to a position over content pane110, and then releases content pane112. In response, computing device102can position content pane112in front of content pane110in animation122.

Animation122can have the appearance of content pane110ducking under content pane112and reappearing behind content pane112. Computing device102can animate the ducking. In some implementations, computing device102can cause content pane110to move toward a bottom edge of display surface106until content pane110appears to be positioned lower than a visible or invisible floor on which content panes112,114, and116stand. In some implementations, computing device102can reduce a height of content pane110to make content pane110appear shorter until content pane reaches a height threshold. In some implementations, computing device102can change a display perspective of content pane110such that content pane110appears to be changing from a standing position to a lying down position.

Before, during, or after the ducking animation, computing device102can cause content pane112to move forward, e.g., to a position originally occupied by content pane110. Computing device102can then cause content pane110to move up behind content pane112, until content pane110is at a position originally occupied by content pane112. The movement in animation122can include keeping the proportions of content pane112, or changing the proportions (e.g., by reducing a height) of content pane112.

Computing device102can receive position gesture input124for moving content pane112backward. Position gesture input124can be a backward gesture, where a stylus or finger touches an un-obscured portion of content pane112and, while touching the un-obscured portion of content pane112, swipes up toward a top edge of display surface106, appearing in a direction away from a user. In response, computing device102can shift content pane112and content panes114and116, which are located behind content pane112, backward (e.g., away from a user). In various implementations, distances between content panes112,114, and116can decrease, or, additionally or alternatively, a last content pane (in this example, content pane116) can disappear. Computing device102can decrease the distances, remove content pane116, or both, upon determining that the backward gesture has reached a threshold (e.g., a threshold distance or a threshold speed).

Position gesture input124can move content pane112behind content pane114. Computing device102can determine that position gesture input124swipes, while touching content pane112, up to a position over content pane114, and then releases content pane112. In response, computing device102can position content pane112behind content pane114in an animation.

The animation can have the appearance of content pane114ducking under content pane112and reappear in front of content pane112. Computing device102can animate the ducking. In some implementations, computing device102can cause content pane114to move toward a bottom edge of display surface106until content pane114appears to be positioned lower than a visible or invisible floor on which content panes110,112, and116stand. In some implementations, computing device102can reduce a height of content pane114to make content pane110appear shorter until content pane reaches a height threshold. In some implementations, computing device102can change a display perspective of content pane114such that content pane114appears to be changing from a standing position to a lying down position.

Before, during, or after the ducking animation, computing device102can cause content pane112to move backward, e.g., to a position originally occupied by content pane114. Computing device102can then cause content pane114to move up in front of content pane112, until content pane114is at a position originally occupied by content pane112.

Computing device102can receive an add pane input. The add pane input can include an input moving all content panes110,112,114, and116backward (e.g., away from a user) for more than a threshold distance. A new content pane can appear in front of content pane110. In some implementations, the add pane input can include a user input by touching add pane virtual button128. In response to determining that a user touched add pane virtual button128, computing device102can cause content panes110,112,114, and116to move backward to make room for the new content pane. Computing device102can display the new content pane at the position originally occupied by content pane110.

Computing device102can adjust positions, display perspectives, or both, of content panes110,112,114, and116in response to tilt input132to simulate a parallax effect. Tilt input132can tilt display surface106such that a distance between one edge (e.g., left edge or bottom edge) of display surface106and a viewer (e.g., a user holding display surface106) is different from a distance between an opposite edge (e.g., right edge or top edge, respectively) and the viewer. Computing device102can detect tilt input132using a motion sensor (e.g., an accelerometer or a gyroscope or both) coupled to computing device102. In response, computing device102can adjust a position or an orientation of each of content panes110,112,114, and116to simulate a three-dimensional visual effect (e.g., a parallax effect) of the tilt.

For example, in some implementations, upon determining that display surface is tilted to the left, where a distance between a left edge of display surface106and a viewer is greater than a distance between a right edge of display surface106and a user, computing device102can shift the relative positions of content panes110,112,114, and116. Computing device102can move one or more of content panes110,112,114, and116horizontally, each for a distance determined based on an angle of the tilt and a respective distance between the content pane and the viewer. The movement of the one or more of content panes110,112,114, and116can have the visual effect of a content pane in a relative front position moves to a relative left, and a content pane in a relative back position moves to a relative right.

In some implementations, upon determining that display surface is tilted to the left, computing device102can change an orientation of each of content panes110,112,114, and116, such that each of content panes110,112,114, and116appear to be facing right at an angle that corresponds to an angle of the tilt.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare diagrams illustrating exemplary animations of re-arranging positions of content panes in a stacked tab view.FIG. 2Acan correspond to animation122ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2Ashows a conceptual view of the animation122from a right side of display surface106. A Z-axis, pointing to a viewer, illustrates the layered spatial relationship between content panes110,112,114, and116.

Content panes110,112,114, and116can be arranged in a parallel stack, where each of content panes110,112,114, and116is parallel to another. In some implementations, content panes110,112,114, and116can be arranged in a rolodex stack, where each of content panes110,112,114, and116appears to point upward or downward to a visible or invisible horizontal axis201. Horizontal axis201can be below a bottom edge of display surface106. In some implementations, content panes110,112,114can appear to be attached, each at a bottom edge, to roller202. Roller202can be displayed as a floor in display surface106. In some implementations, roller202can be invisible, and defined by a display perspective of content panes110,112,114, and116.

In animation122(where content pane112is selected to switch position with content pane110), computing device102can move content pane110downward toward a bottom edge of display surface106in motion204. After motion204, content pane110can appear in position110b, which can be a supine (e.g., content facing up) position or a prone (e.g., content facing down) position at a location in front of an original position of content pane110(e.g., closer to the user on the Z-axis). In some implementations, motion204can be a sliding motion along a path indicated by the arrow as shown in motion204. In the sliding motion, a top edge of content pane110can move down, a bottom edge of content pane110can move toward the viewer until content pane110appears to be in a horizontal supine position. In some implementations, motion204can be a flipping motion. In the flipping motion, a bottom edge of content pane110can remain unchanged a top edge of content pane110can move toward a viewer until content pane110appears to be in a horizontal prone position.

Computing device102can then move content pane112forward in motion206, to a position originally occupied by content pane110. Computing device102can move content pane110from position110bto a position originally occupied by content pane112in motion208. If position110bis a supine position, motion208can be a sliding motion along a path indicated by the arrow as shown in motion208. In the sliding motion, a top edge of content pane110(the right-most point of the line showing110b) can move up, a bottom edge of content pane110(the left-most point of the line showing110b) can move back (e.g., to the right inFIG. 2A, opposite to the direction as shown in the Z-axis) until content pane110stands up at the position occupies the position originally occupied by content pane112. If position110bis a prone position, motion208can be a flipping motion.

FIG. 2Bshows a right-sided view of the animation for moving content pane112behind content pane114. In the animation, computing device102can move content pane114down in motion210. After motion210, content pane114can appear in position114b.

Computing device102can then move content pane112backward in motion214, to a position originally occupied by content pane114. Computing device102can move content pane114from position114bto a position originally occupied by content pane114in motion216. Each of motion210and motion216can be a sliding motion or a flipping motion.

FIGS. 2C and 2Dare diagrams illustrating exemplary animations of rolodex-like operations of a stacked tab view.FIG. 2Cillustrates an exemplary rotating motion viewed from a right-side of display surface106. Upon receiving a rotation gesture, e.g., a gesture that swipes cross multiple content panes, computing device102can cause content panes110,112,114, and116to rotate (220) around horizontal axis201. For example, computing device102can receive a gesture moving up from a place at or proximate to a bottom edge of display surface106across all of content panes110,112,114, and116to a place at or proximate to a top edge of display surface106, which has the apparent trajectory of moving from the front to the back. In response, computing device102can cause the rotation (220) movement.

FIG. 2Dillustrates exemplary operations of adding a new content pane. In some implementations, computing device102can determine that rotation220has caused content pane110,112,114, and116to move back (e.g., away from a viewer on the Z-axis) a threshold distance sufficient to place new content pane222for display on display surface106. In response, computing device102can display content surface222at a position originally occupied by a front-most content pane (e.g., content pane110).

In some implementations, computing device102can receive a new content pane input (e.g., through new pane button128). In response, computing device102can move content pane110,112,114, and116backwards (e.g., away from a viewer) until sufficient space in front of content pane110is created to accommodate new content pane222. Computing device102can add new content pane222in the space in front of content pane110.

New content pane222can correspond to a new display area, initially not associated with a particular web page. Details on displayed items in new content pane222are described below in reference toFIGS. 3B and 3C. Alternatively, new content pane222can include a snapshot of a content page. The content page can be a web page previously opened but not displayed in the stacked tab view due to a pre-specified limit on number of content panes simultaneously displayed in a stacked tab view.

Computing device102can determine that, following rotation220content pane116has moved to a position that is invisible (e.g., below a virtual floor or completely obscured by other content panes). Additionally or alternatively, computing device102can determine, due to the addition of new content pane222, the total number of content panes, if including content pane116, which is located the farthest from a viewer, exceeds the pre-specified limit. In response, computing device102can designate content pane116as inactive, and remove content pane116from display in the stacked tab view. Computing device102can re-activate content pane116and display content pane116upon receiving an input to rotate content panes222,110,112, and114forward.

FIG. 3Ais a diagram illustrating exemplary operations of closing a content pane. Computing device102can receive deletion gesture input302. Deletion gesture input302can include a touch on display surface106on an un-obscured portion of content pane112. Deletion gesture input302can include a sideways swiping motion (e.g., toward a left edge or right edge of display surface106) while touching the un-obscured portion of content pane112. Computing device102can cause content pane112to move following a direction of the swiping motion. Computing device102can determine that a distance of the sideways swiping has satisfied a deletion threshold. In response, computing device102can remove content pane112from the stacked tab view.

Upon removal of content pane112, computing device102can move forward content panes114and116, originally behind content pane112, to occupy the position originally occupied by content pane112. Alternatively or additionally, upon removal of content pane112, computing device102can move content pane110, originally in front content pane112, backward to occupy the position originally occupied by content pane112.

FIG. 3Bis a diagram illustrating an exemplary content pane in grid mode upon selection from a stacked tab view. The exemplary content pane can be new content pane222ofFIG. 2.

New content pane222may be a new window unassociated with a web page. Upon receiving a selection input, new content pane222can enter a full screen display mode, where content in new content pane222occupies display surface106in place of a stack tab view. New content pane222can include input box308configured to receive text input for a uniform resource locator (URL) of a web site.

New content pane222can include grid view area310. Grid view area310is a portion of new content pane222, with or without a border, configured to display images in a grid layout. The grid layout can include X number of columns and Y number of rows. The images can include exemplary images312,314, and316. Images312,314, and316can correspond to a group of links to web sites or remote documents stored in a folder or in a bookmark file. Each of images312,314, and316can correspond to one of the links in the folder or bookmark file.

Computing device102can determine images312,314, and316based on their respective content sources. Computing device102can retrieve an image designated as a representative image (e.g., a favicon for identifying a web site or web page). For example, computing device102can retrieve a favicon from a first web site. Computing device102can determine that the retrieved favicon satisfies a size threshold (e.g., is at least as large as M×N pixels). In response, computing device102can adjust (e.g., enlarge or reduce) a size of the retrieved favicon to a predetermined size that fits a grid, and display the adjusted favicon as image312in grid view area310. Upon receiving a user input selecting image312, computing device102can provide content of the first web site for display on display surface106.

Computing device102can retrieve a representative image from a second web site. Computing device102can determine that the retrieved image fails to satisfy the size threshold. In response, computing device102can determine a dominant color of the retrieved image. Computing device102can determine the dominant color based on a color of most numerous non-white pixels of the retrieved image, or based on an average color of the non-white pixels. Computing device102can generate image314based on the dominant color. Generating image314can include determining an image based on the dominant color, a size specified for the grid, and an image315. Image315can be an image provided by computing device102having a color that contrasts to the dominant color. Upon receiving a user input selecting image314, computing device102can provide content of the second web site for display on display surface106.

Computing device102can determine that a third web site does not provide a representative image. In response, computing device102can determine image316, which can be a default image. Computing device102can then provide image316for display in grid view area310. Upon receiving a user input selecting image316, computing device102can provide content of the third web site for display on display surface106.

FIG. 3Cis a diagram illustrating an exemplary content pane in list mode upon selection from a stacked tab view. The content pane can be content pane110,112,114,116, or222.

Computing device102can display a list of content items saved on computing device102or a remote server. The list can include content items, e.g., locally or remotely saved articles or web pages. The list can be automatically aggregated from multiple devices based on content items viewed by a user on the devices (e.g., on computing device102and a second computing device).

Computing device102can determine images320,322and324, each corresponding to a respective article or web site, for display in the list. Determining each of images320,322and324can include identifying a representative image from the respective article or web site. Identifying the representative image can include determining a favicon of a web site, determining a largest image in an article or web site, or determining an image that includes a human face. Determining each of images320,322and324can include cropping the identified representative image or resizing the identified representative image.

FIG. 3Dis a diagram illustrating an exemplary snapshot operations of a content pane in a stacked tab view. The content pane can be content pane110,112,114,116, or222.

Computing device102can receive navigation input325. Navigation input325can be a swipe gesture input on display surface106displaying first content page326. First content page326can be a web page including first page content327. Computing device102can determine that, based on content size and user scroll history, navigation toolbar328has reduced height330when first content page326is displayed. In navigation toolbar328having reduced height330, computing device102can display a web page title and hide one or more tool items (e.g., a navigation box configured to receive user-typed URL).

Upon receiving navigation input325, computing device102can move first content page326out of display surface106in animation following a direction of the swipe gesture input (e.g., to the right). Computing device102can fill the space left by first content page326using snapshot332of a second content page. Snapshot332can include content item333. Computing device102can create snapshot332of the second content page upon determining a user is leaving the second content page. For example, upon receiving navigation input325, computing device102can generate a snapshot of first content page326, and store the generated snapshot for display in the future upon determining a user is navigating back to first content page326. Each content pane can be associated with multiple snapshots. For example, the exemplary content pane ofFIG. 3Dcan be associated with snapshot332and the snapshot of first content page326.

Snapshot332can be taken at a time when navigation toolbar328had full height334. Computing device can display navigation toolbar328in full height334based on browsing actions by a user on the second content page (e.g., when the user scrolls up to the top of the second content page). At a time when swipe gesture input is at position336(e.g., near a vertical center of display surface106), a first portion (e.g., a right side) of navigation toolbar328can have reduced height330, and a second portion (e.g., a left side) of navigation toolbar328can have full height334. Before first content page326completely moves out of display surface106, computing device can provide for display placeholder338to occupy a space that is not covered by snapshot332. The space can have a height that is the difference in height between reduced height330and full height334. The space can have a width that is the distance between a left edge of display surface106and position336. Computing device102can position placeholder338between navigation toolbar328and snapshot332.

Computing device102can determine content in placeholder338based on content of the second web page. For example, computing device102can determine a background color of the second web page, and designate the background color as a color of placeholder338. Upon determining that a rendering condition has been satisfied (e.g., upon determining that first content page326has completely moved out of display surface106), computing device102can replace the content of placeholder338with a user interface item of the full-height navigation toolbar328that is hidden when navigation toolbar328has reduced height. The user interface item can be a navigation box configured to receive user-typed URL.

While filling the space using snapshot332of the second content page, computing device102can download content from a web site serving the second content page. Upon determining that a replacement condition has been satisfied, computing device102can remove snapshot332, and render the downloaded content for display. The downloaded content can match snapshot332or be different from snapshot332. For example, the download content can include content item340, which can correspond to content item333of snapshot332but located at a position that is different from a position of content item333. Removing snapshot332can include cross fading snapshot332, where snapshot332, which overlays on the downloaded content, gradually becomes transparent to reveal the downloaded content, until snapshot332disappears.

The replacement condition can include one or more rules, examples of which are provided below. In some implementations, computing device102can determine that the replacement condition is satisfied upon determining that a duration of a download reaches or exceeds a timeout threshold (e.g., X seconds).

In some implementations, computing device102can determine that the replacement condition is satisfied upon determining that an amount of downloaded content has satisfied a size threshold. Computing device102can determine the amount of downloaded content based on a number of objects downloaded. Computing device102can compare the number of objects downloaded with a size of a render tree, which can be determined at a time when snapshot332was taken. The size of the render tree can include a number of objects for rendering the second content page. Computing device102can determine that the amount of downloaded content has satisfied the size threshold upon determining that the number of downloaded objects is more than X percent of the render tree size.

In some implementations, computing device102can determine that the replacement condition is satisfied upon determining that, based on information or instruction from a web site serving the second content page, that no download will occur. In response, computing device102can go to a previously viewed content page instead of downloading content from the web site. Computing device102can remove snapshot332after a pause period (e.g., X milliseconds).

In some implementations, computing device102can determine that the replacement condition is satisfied upon determining that downloaded content will not match the snapshot. For example, computing device102can determine that a root object of the downloaded content does not match a root object in a render tree associated with snapshot332.

Exemplary Device Components

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating components of exemplary stacked tab view subsystem402of a computing device102. Each component of tab view subsystem402can include hardware and software components.

Subsystem402can include content processing subsystem404. Content processing subsystem404can include one or more processors configured to execute an application program (e.g., a web browser) that displays a stacked tab view. Content processing subsystem404can include content pane manager406. Content pane manager406is a component of content processing subsystem404configured to generate a stacked view of content panes (e.g., content panes110,112,114,116, and222) and manage movements and animation of the content panes.

Content processing subsystem404can include page image manager408. Page image manager408is a component of content processing subsystem404configured to determine representative images (e.g., images312,314,316,320,322, and324) of content pages.

Content processing subsystem404can include snapshot manager410. Snapshot manager410is a component of content processing subsystem404configured to generate snapshots (e.g., snapshot332) of content pages and to manage the snapshots associated with multiple content panes.

Content processing subsystem404can include display interface412. Display interface412is a component of content processing subsystem404configured to interact with display surface106, including receiving inputs (e.g., a touch input or a gesture input) from display surface106and provide the input to content pane manager406, page image manager408, or snapshot manager410. Display interface412can provide content generated by content pane manager406, page image manager408, and snapshot manager410for display on display surface106.

Subsystem402can include communication subsystem424. Communication subsystem424is a component of subsystem402that includes an antenna, a wireless processor (e.g., a baseband processor, Wi-Fi™ processor, or Bluetooth™ processor), and software or firmware that causes the wireless processor to perform operations of downloading content from one or more websites, and provide the content to content pane manager406, page image manager408, or snapshot manager410.

Exemplary Procedures

FIG. 5Ais a flowchart of exemplary procedure500of non-intrusive region notification. Procedure500can be performed by computing device102.

Computing device102can provide (502), for display on a display surface (e.g., display surface106), a front content pane (e.g., content pane110) and a back content pane (e.g., content pane112). Each of the front content pane and the back content pane can be a web page or a snapshot of a web page. The snapshot can include an image of the web page. The front content pane can appear to be positioned in front of the back content pane and partially obscuring the back content pane. A distance in a depth dimension can appear to separate the front content pane and the back content pane.

In some implementations, the front content pane and the back content pane can be arranged to have an appearance that a vertical edge of the front content pane and a vertical edge of the back content pane point to a horizontal axis (e.g., horizontal axis201) below the front content pane and the back content pane. The horizontal axis can be a visible axis displayed on the display surface or an invisible axis defined by display perspectives of the front content pane and the back content pane as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2D. Computing device102can receive a pushback gesture input touching at least one of the front content pane or the back content pane and swiping upward. In response, computing device102can animate a rotation (e.g., rotation220) of the front content pane and back content pane around the horizontal axis, including reducing a size of the front content pane and the back content pane and changing display perspectives of the front content pane and the back content pane to have an appearance of moving away from a viewer.

Computing device102can receive (504) a position gesture input (e.g., position gesture input120) touching a portion of the back content pane not obscured by the front content pane and swiping to a position that appears to be in front of the front content pane.

In response to the position gesture input, computing device102can switch (506) positions of the front content pane and back content pane in an animated motion. In the animated motion, the front content pane can appear to move toward a bottom edge of the display surface. The back content pane can appear to move forward to occupy a position originally occupied by the front content pane. The front content pane can appear to move up behind the back content pane to occupy a position originally occupied by the back content pane.

In some implementations, after switching the positions in stage506, computing device102can receive (508) a second position gesture input (e.g., position gesture input124) touching the back content pane, which, after the switching, appears to be in front of the front content pane. The second position gesture can swipe to a position that appears to be behind the front content pane (now in the back).

In response to the second position gesture input, computing device102can move (510) the back content pane behind the front content pane in a second animated motion. In the second animated motion, the front content pane can appear to move toward the bottom edge of the display surface. The back content pane can appear to move back to occupy the position originally occupied by the back content pane. Then, the front content pane can appear to move up in front of the back content pane to occupy the position originally occupied by the front content pane.

In some implementations, computing device102can receive a deletion gesture input (e.g., deletion gesture input302). The deletion gesture input can touch a portion of the front content pane or the back content pane and swipe sideways. In response, computing device102can remove the touched content pane from display in an animation. In the animation, the touched content pane can slide off from the display surface according to a swiping direction of the deletion gesture input.

In some implementations, computing device102can receive a new content pane input for adding a new content pane to display in the display surface. In response, computing device102can add a new content pane in front of both the front content pane and the back content pane in an animation.

In some implementations, device102can receive a tilt input (e.g., tilt input132) tilting the display surface to a position where a distance between a first vertical edge of the display surface and a viewer is greater than a distance between a second vertical edge of the display surface to a viewer. In response, computing device can change an apparent plane of the front content pane and an apparent plane of the back content pane to simulate a three-dimensional effect of the tilt. The change can include an angular change or a shifting change.

FIG. 5Bis a flowchart illustrating exemplary procedure520of displaying a content pane in grid mode. Procedure520can be performed by computing device102.

Computing device102can receive (522) a request to populate a content pane. The request can include a user input to create a new content pane (e.g., new content pane222) or a user input to access a bookmark page.

Computing device102can retrieve (524) from a content repository, a collection of one or more links to web sites. The content repository can be a folder stored locally on computing device102or remotely from computing device102. The content repository can be a bookmark page or a read list.

Computing device102can determine (526) one or more images. Each image can correspond to a web site link in the collection. Determining each image can include, upon determining that a representative image provided by a corresponding web site satisfies a size threshold, designating the representative image as the image corresponding to the web site. Determining each image can include, upon determining that the representative image fails to satisfy the size threshold, generating the image based on the representative image, and designating the generated image as the image corresponding to the web site. Generating the image (e.g., image314) can include determining a dominating color based on the representative image, and generating an image corresponding to the web site based on the dominating color.

Computing device102can provide (528) the one or more images for display in a grid pattern (e.g., in grid view area310) or a list pattern (e.g., as shown inFIG. 3C) in the content pane in response to the request.

In response to a navigation input for navigating from a first content page to a second content page (e.g., navigation input325), computing device102can identify (542) a snapshot (e.g., snapshot332) of the second content page. The snapshot can include an image of the second content page and being associated with a web site serving the second content page.

Computing device102can determine (544) that a toolbar (e.g., navigation toolbar328) associated with the first content page have a first dimension (e.g., reduced height330) that is less than a second dimension (e.g., full height334) of a toolbar associated with the snapshot.

Computing device102can determine (546) a placeholder (e.g., placeholder338) based on a difference between the first dimension and the second dimension, and a background color associated with the second content page.

Computing device102can provide (548) the placeholder for display in association with the snapshot, in an animation navigating from the first content page to the second content page in response to the navigation input. Computing device102can replace (550) the placeholder with a content item of the toolbar upon completion of the animation.

In some implementations, computing device102can determine multiple snapshots. Each snapshot can be associated with a web site serving a web page. Each web site can associated with a content pane of a web browser having multiple content panes. For example, content panes110,112,114,116, and222each can be associated with multiple snapshots generated during navigation.

Computing device102can receive a signal from an operating system of computing device102or from an application program. The signal can indicate a level of memory usage pressure (e.g., medium, high, or critical). In response, computing device102can remove one or more snapshots based on the level of memory usage pressure.

For example, upon determining that the signal indicates a medium memory usage pressure level, computing device102can iterate through content panes designated as inactive (e.g., content panes not currently displayed in full screen mode). In the iteration, computing device102can remove one or more snapshots associated with the inactive content panes. Upon determining that the signal indicates a high memory usage pressure level, computing device102can remove one or more snapshots associated with the inactive content panes and one or more snapshots associated with an active content pane (e.g., a content pane currently displayed in full screen mode) except a current snapshot, a forward snapshot, and a previous snapshot. The current snapshot can be an image of a content page currently displayed in the content pane. The forward snapshot page reachable when navigating from the current displayed web page in a first direction (e.g., to a right side of the current displayed web page). The previous snapshot page reachable when navigating from the current displayed web page in a second direction (e.g., to a left side of the current displayed web page). Upon determining that the signal indicates a critical memory usage pressure level, computing device102can remove all snapshots.

Exemplary Device Architecture

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating exemplary device architecture600of computing device102implementing the features and operations ofFIGS. 1-5. Computing device102can be a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smart phone, or a wearable computing device (e.g., a smart wristwatch). Computing device102can include memory interface602, one or more data processors, image processors and/or processors604, and peripherals interface606. Memory interface602, one or more processors604and/or peripherals interface606can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. Processors604can include one or more application processors and one or more wireless processors. The various components in computing device102, for example, can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines.

Sensors, devices, and subsystems can be coupled to peripherals interface606to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, motion sensor610, light sensor612, and proximity sensor614can be coupled to peripherals interface606to facilitate orientation, lighting, and proximity functions of the mobile device. Location processor615(e.g., GPS receiver) can be connected to peripherals interface606to provide geopositioning. Electronic magnetometer616(e.g., an integrated circuit chip) can also be connected to peripherals interface606to provide data that can be used to determine the direction of magnetic North. Thus, electronic magnetometer616can be used as an electronic compass. Motion sensor610can include one or more accelerometers configured to determine change of speed and direction of movement of the mobile device. Barometer617can include one or more devices connected to peripherals interface606and configured to measure pressure of atmosphere around the mobile device.

Camera subsystem620and an optical sensor622, e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips.

Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more wireless communication subsystems624, which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem624can depend on the communication network(s) over which a mobile device is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device can include communication subsystems624designed to operate over a GSM network, a GPRS network, an EDGE network, a Wi-Fi™ or WiMax™ network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, the wireless communication subsystems624can include hosting protocols such that the mobile device can be configured as a base station for other wireless devices.

Audio subsystem626can be coupled to a speaker628and a microphone630to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions. Audio subsystem626can be configured to receive voice commands from the user.

I/O subsystem640can include touch surface controller642and/or other input controller(s)644. Touch surface controller642can be coupled to a touch surface646or pad. Touch surface646and touch surface controller642can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch surface646. Touch surface646can include, for example, a touch screen.

Other input controller(s)644can be coupled to other input/control devices648, such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of speaker628and/or microphone630.

In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of the touch surface646; and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power to computing device102on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. The touch surface646can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keyboard.

In some implementations, computing device102can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, computing device102can include the functionality of an MP3 player. Computing device102may, therefore, include a pin connector that is compatible with the iPod. Other input/output and control devices can also be used.

Memory interface602can be coupled to memory650. Memory650can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). Memory650can store operating system652, such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, iOS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. Operating system652may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations, operating system652can include a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel).

Memory650may also store communication instructions654to facilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computers and/or one or more servers. Memory650may include graphical user interface instructions656to facilitate graphic user interface processing; sensor processing instructions658to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions; phone instructions660to facilitate phone-related processes and functions; electronic messaging instructions662to facilitate electronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsing instructions664to facilitate web browsing-related processes and functions; media processing instructions666to facilitate media processing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions668to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes and instructions; camera instructions670to facilitate camera-related processes and functions; magnetometer data672and calibration instructions674to facilitate magnetometer calibration. The memory650may also store other software instructions (not shown), such as security instructions, web video instructions to facilitate web video-related processes and functions, and/or web shopping instructions to facilitate web shopping-related processes and functions. In some implementations, the media processing instructions666are divided into audio processing instructions and video processing instructions to facilitate audio processing-related processes and functions and video processing-related processes and functions, respectively. An activation record and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or similar hardware identifier can also be stored in memory650.

Memory650can store browser management instructions676. Browser management instructions can include content pane management instructions that, when executed, cause processor604to perform operations of content pane manager406, including executing procedure500. Browser management instructions676can include page image management instructions that, when executed, cause processor604to perform operations of page image manager408, including executing procedure520. Browser management instructions676can include snapshot management instructions that, when executed, cause processor604to perform operations of snapshot manager410, including executing procedure540.

Exemplary Operating Environment

FIG. 7is a block diagram of exemplary network operating environment700for the computing devices implementing the features and operations ofFIGS. 1-5. Each of mobile devices702aand702bcan be computing device102. Mobile devices702aand702bcan, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/or wireless networks710in data communication. For example, a wireless network712, e.g., a cellular network, can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)714, such as the Internet, by use of a gateway716. Likewise, an access device718, such as an 802.11g wireless access point, can provide communication access to the wide area network714.

In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established over wireless network712and the access device718. For example, mobile device702acan place and receive phone calls (e.g., using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, over wireless network712, gateway716, and wide area network714(e.g., using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP)). Likewise, in some implementations, the mobile device702bcan place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over the access device718and the wide area network714. In some implementations, mobile device702aor702bcan be physically connected to the access device718using one or more cables and the access device718can be a personal computer. In this configuration, mobile device702aor702bcan be referred to as a “tethered” device.

Mobile devices702aand702bcan also establish communications by other means. For example, wireless mobile device702acan communicate with other wireless devices, e.g., other mobile devices, cell phones, etc., over the wireless network712. Likewise, mobile devices702aand702bcan establish peer-to-peer communications720, e.g., a personal area network, by use of one or more communication subsystems, such as the Bluetooth™ communication devices. Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented.

Mobile device702aor702bcan, for example, communicate with one or more services730and740over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, first content service730can serve first content page326. Second content service740can serve, to mobile devices702aand702b, a second content page based on which mobile devices702aand702bcan create snapshot332.

Mobile device702aor702bcan also access other data and content over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, content publishers, such as news sites, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, web sites, blogs, social networking sites, developer networks, etc., can be accessed by mobile device702aor702b. Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching, for example, a Web object.

A number of implementations of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.