ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANAGING APPLICATION PROGRAMS THEREOF

A method of managing application programs and an electronic device adapted to the method are provided. In an electronic device with a touchscreen display including a first portion facing a first direction and a second portion facing a second direction differing from the first direction, the second portion extending from one edge of the first portion, the method includes storing an application program including a default function and a plurality of sub-functions, receiving a first input, displaying a user interface (UI) in response to the first input, the UI providing a first indication corresponding to the application program and a plurality of second indications corresponding to the plurality of sub-functions of the application program, receiving a second input selecting a second indication of a plurality of second indications, and displaying a third indication corresponding to a selected sub-function of the plurality of sub-functions in response to the selected second indication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed on Dec. 24, 2015 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and assigned Serial number 10-2015-0186792, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a method of registering links for executing various menus or functions included in application programs. The present disclosure also relates to an electronic device for collecting the registered links and allowing the user to select one of the links and a method of managing application programs of the electronic device.

BACKGROUND

In general, application programs are designed in such a way as to provide uniform resource identifier (URI) capable of executing the internal functions and to call the URIs.

Deep linking refers to a technology that allows tasks between application programs to be seamlessly switched. Deep linking makes it possible to search for internal information of application programs as well as content of web pages. When part of the search result, related to internal information of an application program, is selected, a corresponding menu of the application program, instead of a separate web, is immediately called.

Existing deep linking has not had a standard, and thus is disadvantageous because the deep links need to be implemented to comply with the purposes of application programs, respectively. Existing deep linking is also disadvantageous in that it does not collect information regarding deep links declared by a number of application programs and does not provide a shortcut that serves as a unit of detailed internal function of an application program, not a unit of application program.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method of managing the application programs and an electronic device adapted to the method. The method is performed by registering links for the execution of various menus or functions included in application programs, collecting the registered links, allowing the user to select one of the links, and executing the selected link.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device for managing application programs is provided. The electronic device includes a housing including a first surface facing a first direction, and a second surface facing a second direction that differs from the first direction, the second surface extending from one edge of the first surface and having a width smaller than the first surface. The electronic device further includes a touchscreen display configured to reveal a first portion through the first surface and a second portion revealed through the second surface. The electronic device further includes at least one processor electrically connected to the touchscreen display and a memory electrically connected to the at least one processor.

The memory is configured to store an application program including a default function and a plurality of sub-functions, and wherein the memory is further configured to store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to receive, from the touchscreen display, a first input, display, on the touchscreen display, a user interface (UI) in response to the first input, the UI including a first area displayed on the first portion, the first area including a first indication corresponding to the application program and a plurality of second indications corresponding to the plurality of sub-functions of the application program, and a second area displayed on the second portion, receive, from the touchscreen display, a second input selecting a second indication of the plurality of second indications of the first area, and display, on the touchscreen display, on the second area, a third indication corresponding to a selected sub-function of the plurality of sub-functions, in response to the selected second indication.

The memory is further configured to store instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to end the UI, display, on the second portion, the third indication, receive a third input selecting the third indication from the second portion, and activate the selected sub-function corresponding to the third indication in response to the third input, without activating the default function.

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of managing application programs is provided. The method includes storing, in a memory, an application program comprising a default function and a plurality of sub-functions, receiving, by at least one processor from a touchscreen display, a first input, displaying, on the touchscreen display, a user interface (UI) in response to the first input, the UI comprising a first area displayed on a first portion of the touchscreen display, the first area comprising a first indication corresponding to the application program and a plurality of second indications corresponding to the plurality of sub-functions of the application program, and a second area displayed on a second portion of the touchscreen display, receiving, by the at least one processor from the touchscreen display, a second input selecting a second indication of the plurality of second indications of the first area, and displaying, on the touchscreen display, on the second area, a third indication corresponding to a selected sub-function of the plurality of sub-functions, in response to the selected second indication.

The method further comprises ending the UI, displaying, on the second portion, the third indication, receiving a third input selecting the third indication from the second portion, and activating the selected sub-function of the plurality of sub-functions in response to the third input, without activating the default function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The expressions, such as “include” and “may include” which may be used in the present disclosure denote the presence of the disclosed functions, operations, and constituent elements and do not limit one or more additional functions, operations, and constituent elements. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the terms, such as “include” and/or “have” may be construed to denote a certain characteristic, number, operation, constituent element, component or a combination thereof, but may not be construed to exclude the existence of or a possibility of addition of one or more other characteristics, numbers, operations, constituent elements, components or combinations thereof.

Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the expression “and/or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed words. For example, the expression “A and/or B” may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, expressions including ordinal numbers, such as “first” and “second,” and the like, may modify various elements. However, such elements are not limited by the above expressions. For example, the above expressions do not limit the sequence and/or importance of the elements. The above expressions are used merely for the purpose to distinguish an element from the other elements. For example, a first user device and a second user device indicate different user devices although both of them are user devices. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be also termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In the case where a component is referred to as being “connected” or “accessed” to other components, it should be understood that not only the component is directly connected or accessed to the other component, but also there may exist another component between them. Meanwhile, in the case where a component is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly accessed” to other component, it should be understood that there is no component therebetween. The terms used in the present disclosure are only used to describe specific various embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

An electronic device according to the present disclosure may be a device including a communication function. For example, the device corresponds to a combination of at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital audio player, a mobile medical device, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic accessory, a camera, a wearable device, an electronic clock, a wrist watch, home appliances (for example, an air-conditioner, vacuum, an oven, a microwave, a washing machine, an air cleaner, and the like), an artificial intelligence robot, a television (TV), a digital versatile disc (DVD) player, an audio device, various medical devices (for example, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), a scanning machine, a ultrasonic wave device, and the like), a navigation device, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), a set-top box, a TV box (for example, Samsung HomeSync™, Apple TV™, or Google TV™), an electronic dictionary, vehicle infotainment device, an electronic equipment for a ship (for example, navigation equipment for a ship, gyrocompass, and the like), avionics, a security device, electronic clothes, an electronic key, a camcorder, game consoles, a head-mounted display (HMD), a flat panel display device, an electronic frame, an electronic album, furniture or a portion of a building/structure that includes a communication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, and the like. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the electronic device according to the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

FIG. 1is a network environment including an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 1, an electronic device100may include a bus110, a processor120, a memory130, a user input interface module150, a display module160, a communication interface module170, and other similar and/or suitable components.

The bus110may be a circuit which interconnects the above-described elements and delivers a communication (e.g., a control message) between the above-described elements.

The processor120may receive commands from the above-described other elements (e.g., the memory130, the user input interface module150, the display module160, the communication interface module170, and the like) through the bus110, may interpret the received commands, and may execute calculation or data processing according to the interpreted commands.

The memory130may store commands or data received from the processor120or other elements (e.g., the user input interface module150, the display module160, the communication interface module170, and the like) or generated by the processor120or the other elements. The memory130may include programming modules, such as a kernel141, middleware143, an application programming interface (API)145, one or more applications147, and the like. Each of the above-described programming modules may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof.

The kernel141may control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, and the like) used to execute operations or functions implemented by other programming modules (e.g., the middleware143, the API145, and the application147). In addition, the kernel141may provide an interface capable of accessing and controlling or managing the individual elements of the electronic device100by using the middleware143, the API145, or the application147.

The middleware143may serve to go between the API145or the application147and the kernel141in such a manner that the API145or the application147communicates with the kernel141and exchanges data therewith. In addition, in relation to work requests received from the one or more applications147and/or the middleware143, for example, may perform load balancing of the work requests by using a method of assigning a priority, in which system resources (e.g., the bus110, the processor120, the memory130, and the like) of the electronic device100can be used, to at least one of the one or more applications147.

The API145is an interface through which the one or more applications147are capable of controlling a function provided by the kernel141or the middleware143, and may include, for example, at least one interface or function for file control, window control, image processing, character control, and the like.

The user input interface module150, for example, may receive a command or data as input from a user, and may deliver the received command or data to the processor120or the memory130through the bus110. The display module160may display a video, an image, data, and the like, to the user.

The communication interface module170may connect communication between electronic devices102and104, and the electronic device100. The communication interface module170may support a short-range communication protocol164(e.g., wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (BT), and near field communication (NFC)), or a network communication162(e.g., the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a plain old telephone service (POTS), and the like). Each of the electronic devices102and104may be a device which is identical (e.g., of an identical type) to or different (e.g., of a different type) from the electronic device100. Further, the communication interface module170may connect communication between a server106and the electronic device100via the network162.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 2, the electronic device200may include one or more processors210, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card224, a memory230, a communication interface module220, a sensor module240, a user input interface module250, a display module260, an interface270, an audio coder/decoder (codec)280, a camera module291, a power management module295, a battery296, an indicator297, a motor298and any other similar and/or suitable components.

The processor210(e.g., the processor120) may include one or more application processors (APs), or one or more communication processors (CPs). The processor210may be, for example, the processor120illustrated inFIG. 1. The AP and the CP may be included in the processor210inFIG. 2, but may be included in different integrated circuit (IC) packages, respectively. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP and the CP may be included in one IC package.

The AP may execute an operating system (OS) or an application program, and thereby may control multiple hardware or software elements connected to the AP and may perform processing of and arithmetic operations on various data including multimedia data. The AP may be implemented by, for example, a system on chip (SoC). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor210may further include a graphical processing unit (GPU).

The CP may manage a data line and may convert a communication protocol in the case of communication between the electronic device200(e.g., the electronic device100) and different electronic devices connected to the electronic device200through a communication network. The CP may be implemented by, for example, an SoC. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the CP may perform at least some of multimedia control functions. The CP, for example, may distinguish and authenticate a terminal in a communication network by using a subscriber identification module (SIM) (e.g., the SIM card224). In addition, the CP may provide the user with services, such as a voice telephony call, a video telephony call, a text message, packet data, and the like.

Further, the CP may control the transmission and reception of data by the communication interface module220. InFIG. 2, the elements, such as the CP, the power management module295, the memory230, and the like are illustrated as elements separate from the processor210. However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor210may include at least some (e.g., the CP) of the above-described elements.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP or the CP may load, to a volatile memory, a command or data received from at least one of a non-volatile memory and other elements connected to each of the AP and the CP, and may process the loaded command or data. In addition, the AP or the CP may store, in a non-volatile memory, data received from or generated by at least one of the other elements.

The SIM card224may be a card implementing a SIM, and may be inserted into a slot formed in a particular portion of the electronic device200. The SIM card224may include unique identification information (e.g., integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory230may include an internal memory232and an external memory234. The memory230may be, for example, the memory130illustrated inFIG. 1. The internal memory232may include, for example, at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), and the like), and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a onetime programmable read only memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a not AND (NAND) flash memory, a not OR (NOR) flash memory, and the like). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal memory232may be in the form of a solid state drive (SSD). The external memory234may further 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 memory stick, and the like.

The communication interface module220may include a radio frequency (RF) module229and a plurality of modules for particular wireless communication technologies. The communication interface module220may be, for example, the communication module160illustrated inFIG. 1. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication module231may include a network interface (e.g., a LAN card), a modulator/demodulator (modem), and the like for connecting the electronic device200to a network (e.g., the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a POTS, and the like) (not illustrated).

The communication interface module220(e.g., the communication interface module170) may perform data communication with other electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices102and104, and the server106) through a communication network using the RF module229and the plurality of modules for particular wireless communication technologies. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of modules for particular wireless communication technologies may include a cellular module221, a Wi-Fi module223, a BT module225, a GPS module227, and an NFC module228, and a RF module229.

The RF module229may be used for transmission and reception of data, for example, transmission and reception of RF signals or electronic signals. Although not illustrated, the RF unit229may include, for example, a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), and the like. In addition, the RF module229may further include a component for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in a free space for wireless communication, for example, a conductor, a conductive wire, and the like.

The sensor module240may include, for example, at least one of a gesture sensor240A, a gyro sensor240B, a barometer sensor240C, a magnetic sensor240D, an acceleration sensor240E, a grip sensor240F, a proximity sensor240G, a red, green and blue (RGB) sensor240H, a biometric sensor2401, a temperature/humidity sensor240J, an illuminance sensor240K, and an ultra violet (UV) sensor240M. The sensor module240may measure a physical quantity or may detect an operating state of the electronic device200, and may convert the measured or detected information to an electrical signal. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240may include, for example, an Electronic nose (E-nose) sensor (not illustrated), an electromyography (EMG) sensor (not illustrated), an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor (not illustrated), an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor (not illustrated), a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated), and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor module240may include, for example, an E-nose sensor (not illustrated), an EMG sensor (not illustrated), an EEG sensor (not illustrated), an ECG sensor (not illustrated), a fingerprint sensor (not illustrated), and the like. The sensor module240may further include a control circuit (not illustrated) for controlling one or more sensors included therein.

The user input interface module250may include a touch panel252, a pen sensor254(e.g., a digital pen sensor), keys256, and an ultrasonic input device258. The user input interface module250may be, for example, the user input interface module150illustrated inFIG. 1. The touch panel252may recognize a touch input in at least one of, for example, a capacitive scheme, a resistive scheme, an infrared scheme, and an acoustic wave scheme. In addition, the touch panel252may further include a controller (not illustrated). In the capacitive type, the touch panel252is capable of recognizing proximity as well as a direct touch. The touch panel252may further include a tactile layer (not illustrated). In this event, the touch panel252may provide a tactile response to the user.

The pen sensor254(e.g., a digital pen sensor), for example, may be implemented by using a method identical or similar to a method of receiving a touch input from the user, or by using a separate sheet for recognition. For example, a key pad or a touch key may be used as the keys256. The ultrasonic input device258enables the terminal to detect a sound wave by using a microphone (e.g., a microphone288) of the terminal through a pen generating an ultrasonic signal, and to identify data. The ultrasonic input device258is capable of wireless recognition. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device200may receive a user input from an external device (e.g., a network, a computer, or a server), which is connected to the communication interface module220, through the communication interface module220.

The display module260may include a panel262, a hologram264, or a projector266. The display module260may be, for example, the display module160illustrated inFIG. 1. The panel262may be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AM-OLED) display, and the like. The panel262may be implemented so as to be, for example, flexible, transparent, or wearable. The panel262may include the touch panel252. The hologram264may display a three-dimensional image in the air by using interference of light. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display module260may further include a control circuit for controlling the panel262or the hologram264.

The interface270may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)272, a universal serial bus (USB)274, an optical interface276, and a d-subminiature (D-sub)278. Additionally or alternatively, the interface270may include, for example, SD/multi-media card (MMC) (not illustrated) or infrared data association (IrDA) (not illustrated).

The audio codec280may bi-directionally convert between a voice and an electrical signal. The audio codec280may convert voice information, which is input to or output from the audio codec280through, for example, a speaker282, a receiver284, an earphone286, the microphone288, and the like.

The camera module291may capture an image and a moving image. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module291may include one or more image sensors (e.g., a front lens or a back lens) (not illustrated), an image signal processor (ISP) (not illustrated), and a flash light emitting diode (LED) (not illustrated).

The power management module295may manage power of the electronic device200. Although not illustrated, the power management module295may include, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery fuel gauge.

The PMIC may be mounted to, for example, an IC or an SoC semiconductor. Charging methods may be classified into a wired charging method and a wireless charging method. The charger IC may charge a battery, and may prevent an overvoltage or an overcurrent from a charger to the battery. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the charger IC may include a charger IC for at least one of the wired charging method and the wireless charging method. Examples of the wireless charging method may include a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, an electromagnetic method, and the like. Additional circuits (e.g., a coil loop, a resonance circuit, a rectifier, and the like) for wireless charging may be added in order to perform the wireless charging.

The battery fuel gauge may measure, for example, a residual quantity of the battery296, or a voltage, a current or a temperature during the charging. The battery296may supply power by generating electricity, and may be, for example, a rechargeable battery.

The indicator297may indicate particular states of the electronic device200or a part (e.g., the AP) of the electronic device200, for example, a booting state, a message state, a charging state and the like. The motor298may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration. The processor210may control the sensor module240.

Although not illustrated, the electronic device200may include a processing unit (e.g., a GPU) for supporting a module TV. The processing unit for supporting a module TV may process media data according to standards, such as, for example, digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), media flow, and the like. Each of the above-described elements of the electronic device200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more components, and the name of the relevant element may change depending on the type of electronic device. The electronic device200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of the above-described elements. Some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the electronic device200, or electronic device200may further include additional elements. In addition, some of the elements of the electronic device200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be combined into one entity, which may perform functions identical to those of the relevant elements before the combination.

The term “module” used in the present disclosure may refer to, for example, a unit including one or more combinations of hardware, software, and firmware. The “module” may be interchangeable with a term, such as “unit,” “logic,” “logical block,” “component,” “circuit,” and the like. The “module” may be a minimum unit of a component formed as one body or a part thereof. The “module” may be a minimum unit for performing one or more functions or a part thereof. The “module” may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic device for performing certain operations which have been known or are to be developed in the future.

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a programming module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 3, a programming module300may be included (or stored) in the electronic device100(e.g., the memory130) or may be included (or stored) in the electronic device200(e.g., the memory230) illustrated inFIG. 1. At least a part of the programming module300may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof. The programming module300may be implemented in hardware (e.g., the electronic device200), and may include an OS controlling resources related to an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200) and/or various applications (e.g., an application370) executed in the OS. For example, the OS may be Android™, iOS™, Windows™, Symbian™ Tizen™, Bada™, and the like.

Referring toFIG. 3, the programming module300may include a kernel310, a middleware330, an API360, and/or the application370.

The kernel310(e.g., the kernel141) may include a system resource manager311and/or a device driver312. The system resource manager311may include, for example, a process manager (not illustrated), a memory manager (not illustrated), and a file system manager (not illustrated). The system resource manager311may perform the control, allocation, recovery, and the like of system resources. The device driver312may include, for example, a display driver (not illustrated), a camera driver (not illustrated), a BT driver (not illustrated), a shared memory driver (not illustrated), a USB driver (not illustrated), a keypad driver (not illustrated), a Wi-Fi driver (not illustrated), and/or an audio driver (not illustrated). In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device driver312may include an inter-process communication (IPC) driver (not illustrated).

The middleware330may include multiple modules previously implemented so as to provide a function used in common by the applications370. In addition, the middleware330may provide a function to the applications370through the API360in order to enable the applications370to efficiently use limited system resources within the electronic device. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the middleware330(e.g., the middleware143) may 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, a security manager352, and any other suitable and/or similar manager.

The runtime library335may include, for example, a library module used by a complier, in order to add a new function by using a programming language during the execution of the application370. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the runtime library335may perform functions which are related to input and output, the management of a memory, an arithmetic function, and the like.

The application manager341may manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one of the applications370. The window manager342may manage graphical user interface (GUI) resources used on the screen. The multimedia manager343may detect a format used to reproduce various media files and may encode or decode a media file through a codec appropriate for the relevant format. The resource manager344may manage resources, such as a source code, a memory, a storage space, and the like of at least one of the applications370.

The power manager345may operate together with a basic input/output system (BIOS), may manage a battery or power, and may provide power information and the like used for an operation. The database manager346may manage a database in such a manner as to enable the generation, search and/or change of the database to be used by at least one of the applications370. The package manager347may manage the installation and/or update of an application distributed in the form of a package file.

The connectivity manager348may manage a wireless connectivity, such as, for example, Wi-Fi and BT. The notification manager349may display or report, to the user, an event, such as an arrival message, an appointment, a proximity alarm, and the like in such a manner as not to disturb the user. The location manager350may manage location information of the electronic device. The graphic manager351may manage a graphic effect, which is to be provided to the user, and/or a UI related to the graphic effect. The security manager352may provide various security functions used for system security, user authentication, and the like. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device100) has a telephone function, the middleware330may further include a telephony manager (not illustrated) for managing a voice telephony call function and/or a video telephony call function of the electronic device.

The middleware330may generate and use a new middleware module through various functional combinations of the above-described internal element modules. The middleware330may provide modules specialized according to types of OSs in order to provide differentiated functions. In addition, the middleware330may dynamically delete some of the existing elements, or may add new elements. Accordingly, the middleware330may omit some of the elements described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure, may further include other elements, or may replace the some of the elements with elements, each of which performs a similar function and has a different name

The API360(e.g., the API145) is a set of API programming functions, and may be provided with a different configuration according to an OS. In the case of Android or iOS, for example, one API set may be provided to each platform. In the case of Tizen™, for example, two or more API sets may be provided to each platform.

The applications370(e.g., the applications147) may include, for example, a preloaded application and/or a third party application. The applications370may include, for example, a home application371, a dialer application372, a short message service (SMS)/multimedia message service (MMS) application373, an instant message (IM) application374, a browser application375, a camera application376, an alarm application377, a contact application378, a voice dial application379, an electronic mail (e-mail) application380, a calendar application381, a media player application382, an album application383, a clock application384, and any other suitable and/or similar application.

At least a part of the programming module300may be implemented by instructions stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the instructions are executed by one or more processors (e.g., the one or more processors210), the one or more processors may perform functions corresponding to the instructions. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, the memory230. At least a part of the programming module300may be implemented (e.g., executed) by, for example, the one or more processors210. At least a part of the programming module300may include, for example, a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, and/or a process for performing one or more functions.

Names of the elements of the programming module (e.g., the programming module300) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may change depending on the type of OS. The programming module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more of the above-described elements. Alternatively, some of the above-described elements may be omitted from the programming module. Alternatively, the programming module may further include additional elements. The operations performed by the programming module or other elements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be processed in a sequential method, a parallel method, a repetitive method, or a heuristic method. In addition, some of the operations may be omitted, or other operations may be added to the operations.

In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, an electronic device for managing application programs is implemented to include: a housing with a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction that differs from the first direction, wherein the second surface extends from one edge of the first surface and has a width smaller than that of the first surface; a touch panel; a touchscreen display with a first portion revealed through the first surface and a second portion revealed through the second surface; a processor, located in the housing and electrically connected to the touchscreen display; and a memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory stores an application program containing default functionality and a number of sub-functions. The memory stores instructions enabling the processor to: receive a first input via a first portion and/or a second portion of the touchscreen display; display a UI on the touchscreen display in response to the first input, wherein the UI is comprised of a first area displayed on the first portion and a second area displayed on the second portion, and the first area is comprised of a first indication representing the application program and a number of second indications that represent the sub-functions of the application program respectively; receive a second input for selecting one of the second indications via at least part of the first area; display, on the second area of the user interface, a third indication representing a sub-function selected in response to the selected second indication; end the UI and display the third indication on the second portion of the touchscreen display; receive a third input for selecting the third indication via the second portion of the touchscreen display; and activate the selected sub-function in response to the third input, without activating the default functionality.

In the embodiment according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the memory stores an instruction that enables the processor to display the first and second areas sequentially or simultaneously.

In the embodiment according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, each of the first, second, and third indications includes at least one of the following: a text, an icon, an image, a photograph, a thumbnail or a symbol.

In the embodiment according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the application program includes at least one of the following: a camera application program, a photograph gallery application program, a photograph application program, a contacts application program, a video conference or chatting application program, a memo application program, a message application program, a web browser application program, and a calendar application program.

In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, an electronic device for managing application programs is implemented to include: a housing with a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a second direction that differs from the first direction, wherein the second surface extends from one edge of the first surface and has a width smaller than that of the first surface; a touch panel; a touchscreen display with a first portion revealed through the first surface and a second portion revealed through the second surface; a processor, located in the housing and electrically connected to the touchscreen display; and a memory electrically connected to the processor. The memory stores an application program configured to receive a number of content items from the outside of the electronic device or to provide a number of stored content items. The memory stores instructions enabling the processor to: receive a first input via a first portion and/or a second portion of the touchscreen display; display a UI on the touchscreen display in response to the first input, wherein the UI is comprised of a first area displayed on the first portion and a second area displayed on the second portion, and the first area is comprised of a first indication representing the application program and a number of second indications that represent the content items respectively; receive a second input for selecting one of the second indications via at least part of the first area; display, on the second area of the user interface, a third indication representing a content item selected in response to the selected second indication; end the UI and display the third indication on the second portion of the touchscreen display; receive a third input for selecting the third indication via the second portion of the touchscreen display; and display the selected content item on the first portion of the touchscreen display in response to the third input.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the content includes media content corresponding to at least one of the following: a video, music, and an image.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the content includes: text content corresponding to at least one of the following: a document, a web browser access address, a search result, a memo, and a message.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the memory stores instructions that enable the processor to: search for data included in the electronic device via a search application program; output a search result; create a shortcut indication linked to the output search result; and register the created shortcut indication as the second indication.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4Care diagrams that describe a method of managing application programs according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 4A, an electronic device according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure is capable of providing a UI for managing application programs. The interface includes a top end401at the upper part. The top end401is capable of displaying the name of the UI or a portion for determining a condition as to whether it edits the user interface.

The interface includes a lower part with an area403where application programs running on the electronic device are arranged at one side. In an embodiment, the area403of the lower part displays indications for executing a default function of application programs therein, and shortcut indications for executing corresponding detailed functions of the application programs therein. The shortcut indications are used to execute a corresponding detailed function of the application program, without requiring a number of operations, such as executing a corresponding application, searching for a detailed menu, executing the menu, etc. Although the embodiment shown inFIG. 4Ais implemented in such a way that the area403is displayed at the left side of the lower part of the interface, it should be understood that the area403may be arranged at the right side of the lower part or at the horizontal direction of the lower part according to a user's setting.

The interface includes another area405at the other side of the lower part, where a number of indications related to application programs running on the electronic device are displayed in one or more columns or rows. Area405may include one of the indications included in the area403.

In an embodiment, when an input is applied to the portion for determining a condition as to whether to edit the user interface, included in the top end401, the indications included in the area403or405of the lower part may be edited. Indications displayed in the area403may be moved into the area405. Indications in the area405may be edited, e.g., deleted, re-arranged in a different order, etc.

FIG. 4Bis a diagram showing indications included in a UI according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The UI according to an embodiment is capable of including indications related to tasks of one or more application programs running on the electronic device. The UI displays a number of application programs using category information included in the individual application programs. The user interface is capable of including indications implemented with one or more icons corresponding to application programs.

For example, the UI may include an ‘add new memo’ indication for executing a function of adding a new memo. Since the ‘add new memo’ indication is used to add a new memo it may be included in a ‘memo’ category. Therefore, the category display area411may show ‘memo’. The ‘add new memo’ indication included in the ‘memo’ category may include a first icon413representing a memo application program. The user can recognize that the ‘add new memo’ indication is an indication for executing a function related to a memo application program, via the first icon413.

The first icon413may be displayed, at the bottom right, along with an added image related to a detailed function of an application program to be executed via the indication. That is, the first icon413may be displayed, at the bottom right, along with a second icon415representing at least one of the detailed functions of the memo application program. In the embodiment, since the ‘add new memo’ indication executes the addition of a new memo, the second icon415may be designed as a ‘+’ icon416.

The ‘add new memo’ indication may be displayed along with text explaining the indication below there. The first icon413and second icon415may be accompanied by a label417explaining the indications therein.

FIG. 4Cshows diagrams that describe a method of executing a UI according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A UI according to various embodiments may be arranged in a form of at least one column or row on the touchscreen of the display of the electronic device. When a click is applied to part of the display or a drag action is applied from the right to the left or from the left to the right on the screen of the display, a UI is executed and displayed as shown in diagram450. For example, when a drag action is applied to the display from the right to the left, a UI may be displayed in such a way that indications related to at least one application program running on the electronic device are arranged in a column at the right side of the display. The interface with indication arranged in a column is displayed in the same form as the area405shown inFIG. 4A.

According to an embodiment, the user may move at least one indication from the area403to the area405on the UI shown inFIG. 4A. After that, the UI is ended (i.e., not displayed) and the indications, moved to the area405in response to a preset gesture or a touch action, are displayed on the area405as shown in diagram450. The user selects one of the indications on the UI as shown in diagram450and executes at least one function of a corresponding application program. For example, the user may apply a touch to an indication455labeled as ‘Create event.’ In this case, ‘Create event’ function, as one of the functions of a calendar application program, may be executed, and a corresponding UI may be displayed, as shown in diagram460. As described above, according to an embodiment, the user does not need to execute a calendar application program, and search for and execute a ‘Create event’ function in the executed calendar application program to execute the ‘Create event’ function.

FIG. 5is a flowchart that describes a method of managing application programs in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 5, the electronic device according to an embodiment may include a touchscreen display. The touchscreen display includes a first portion facing a first direction and a second portion facing a second direction that differs from the first direction, wherein the second portion extends from one edge of the first portion.

At least one application program including a number of sub-functions and default functionality runs on the electronic device and is stored in a memory of the electronic device in operation510.

The electronic device determines whether it receives an input for executing at least one application program stored in the memory or a UI in operation520. The electronic device is capable of receiving the input via first portion and/or second portion of the touchscreen.

When the electronic device receives an input in operation520, it displays, on the touchscreen, the UI including the first portion displaying a first area (e.g., area403) and the second portion displaying a second area (e.g.,405), in response to the received input in operation530.

The first area of the UI further is configured to include a first indication (e.g.,421) representing an application program stored in the memory or a number of second indications (e.g.,423) which respectively represent a number of sub-functions in the application program in operation540. According to an embodiment, the first indication may refer to icons representing individual application programs. The second indication may be configured to include the first indication, according to types of application program. Alternatively, the second indication may be configured to include part of the first indication, which is modified, or not to include the first indication, according to types of application programs.

The electronic device is capable of receiving a second input for selecting one of the second indications via at least part of the first area of the UI in operation550. Alternatively, the electronic device is capable of display a third indication (e.g.,455) representing a sub-function selected by the selected second indication on the second area of the user interface.

For example, the selected second indication may be an indication corresponding to a ‘send message’ function. The ‘send message’ indication may be moved from the first area to the second area. While the ‘send message’ indication is moved to the second area, an additional UI may be displayed. According to an embodiment, the additional UI may be an interface for selecting a correspondent from which the user needs to receive a message. When a correspondent from which the user needs to receive a message is selected via the additional user interface, the ‘send message’ indication may be altered to and displayed as a third indication representing ‘send message to a specified person.’ Therefore, the third indication may include, in the form of icons, a photograph of a specified person, an image related to a ‘send message’ function, etc.

When the first to third indications have been edited using the executed user interface, the electronic device ends the first executed UI and displays the third indication in the second portion on the touchscreen display in operation560.

The electronic device is capable of receiving a third input for selecting the third indication via the second portion of the touchscreen display in operation570. The electronic device is capable of activating the selected sub-function of the application program, in response to the third input, without activating the default functionality of the application program, in operation580.

FIG. 6is a block diagram showing an electronic device for managing application programs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 6, the electronic device is capable of including an application group610, a quick link information collecting module620and a quick link manager630. The application group610includes one or more applications611to613running on the electronic device.

In an embodiment, the application (or application program) group610includes one or more of the following applications: home371, dialer372, short message service (SMS)/multimedia message service (MMS)373, instant message (IM)374, browser375, camera376, alarm377, contact378, voice dial379, email380, calendar381, media player382, album383, clock384, health care (e.g., an application for measuring the amount of exercise, exercise intensity, blood glucose, etc.), and an environmental information application (e.g., an application for providing atmospheric pressure information, humidity information, temperature information, and the like).

In an embodiment, the applications611to613may define <intent-filter> declaration interface as follows, in order to register its internal functions, i.e., tasks, and provides it.

add intent-filter for ExecutableInfo (“com.samsung.android.support.executable”) in your Activity, Service or Receiver component

The following table 1 is <intent-filter> declaration according to an embodiment. In particular, <action android:name=“com.samsung.android.app.test.INTENT_TEST”/> is used to execute Activity1 function.

In table 1, the action of the <Intent-filter> is required to call a corresponding menu from the external function, and may be defined in a corresponding application program, using a unique value.

In an embodiment, the quick link information collecting module620collects information regarding one or more application611to613running on the electronic device and stores the collected information in the memory of the electronic device. For example, the collected information regarding application programs may contain information related to modes for executing or accessing individual application programs. That is, the quick link information collecting module620collects and registers tasks of application programs.

In an embodiment, the quick link manager630receives: information for executing the default functionality that the quick link information collecting module620collects from application programs; added information such as names of functions and icons, actions for executing detailed functions in a corresponding application program; etc. The quick link manager630is capable of configuring a corresponding UI, based on information received from the individual applications611to613or the quick link information collecting module620. The quick link manager630is capable of classifying formation, received from the individual applications611to613or the quick link information collecting module620, into detailed information according to types of application programs. The quick link manager630is capable of executing functions of application programs corresponding to information received from the individual applications611to613or the quick link information collecting module620, in response to the user input.

In an embodiment, the electronic device may add an area to the information via <meta-data> declaration as follows so that quick link information collecting module620can determine information collecting targets.

add meta-data for ExecutableInfo(“com.samsung.android.support.executable”)

The following table 2 is a <meta-data> declaration according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, added information related to a task of published application program may be managed in the form of resource, i.e., executable.xml, as follows.

add file for the executable resource

The following table 3 describes added information related to tasks published according to an embodiment, which is managed in the form of resource, i.e., executable.xml. android:icon=“@mipmap/ic_launcher” is a first icon413showing a task to be published. android:smallIcon=“@drawable/app_small_icon” is a second icon (small icon)413showing a task to be published. android:label=“@string/title1” is a label417showing a task to be published, i.e., component type. <extras-attr android:name=“type” android:value=[“activity”|“service”|“broadcast”|“activityForResult”]> is an execution method.

In an embodiment, Android application may have three types of components such as Activity, Service, and BroadcastReceiver. Therefore, each task may be selected to comply with a corresponding type of component. Static tasks need to be registered via one of the three types of components. Dynamic tasks need to be registered by declaring a type, ActivityForResult, so that they can additionally cooperate with a quick link manager630,740or840.

In addition, a first icon413, second icon (smallIcon)415and a label417are items required to configure a UI showing corresponding tasks. Category411may be used to form a group of similar tasks. For example, when there a specified task of a preload messenger application and a task of a 3rd party IM message, and the messages need to be used for a common category, the tasks are organized into a category of messages, i.e., a message category, to configure a user interface. Action, packageName, componentName, and launchMode may be details used when corresponding tasks are executed by an external application program.

In an embodiment, the following table 4 describes items configuring a UI through which a type of component matching with a corresponding task is selected or tasks are shown.

In an embodiment, when the quick link information collecting module620collects or registers tasks of individual application programs or the quick link manager630provides a user interface, the processes may be performed by using the static data path640and/or the dynamic data paths650and660. The dynamic data paths650and660may include a path650through which the quick link manager630requests dynamic data from a specified application program and a path660through which the specified application program transmits at least part of the requested dynamic data to the quick link manager630.

For example, the static data path640may be used when a value used for movement, such as a specified menu shortcut of an application program, is not changed. Each of the application programs may contain information for executing the default functionality, added information, such as a name of a function, an icon, an action for executing a detailed function of a corresponding application program, etc. The quick link information collecting module620collects and manages the information of the individual application programs.

As shown inFIG. 6, path640is referred to as a static data path. That is, the static data path640transfers the content related to static data from among the content of application programs, e.g., content described via executable.xml.

The dynamic data paths650and660may be used when a target value is changed, not a case that a function of moving to a fixed menu, such as a function of calling a specified person or a function of previewing immediately a specified photograph, is performed. For example, in the case of a function of calling a specified person, the quick link manager630may receive an action for calling a specified person from an application program which provides a function of calling a specified person, so that it can make a call to the specified person via the action. The application program which provides a function of calling a specified person is capable of creating a UI for selecting a specified person from the contacts, providing the created UI to the user, and receiving information regarding the specified person from the user.

When the user selects a specified person via the UI and makes a call to the person, the application program is capable of creating a new action based on the information related to the specified person and transferring the created action to the quick link manager630. That is, the application program: receives the information related to the specified person; creates information, such as a call shortcut action for making a call immediately to the specified person, a function name, a caller ID, a small icon, etc.; and transmits the created information to the quick link manager630.

The transmission of information between the application program, providing a function of making a call to a specified person, and the quick link manager630may be performed through the dynamic data paths650and660.

FIG. 7is a block diagram showing an electronic device for managing application programs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 7, one or more applications (or application programs)711to713included in an application group710are capable of registering the shortcuts in the launcher group720. The launcher group720may refer to programs that customize the home screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment. A launcher program of the launcher group720enables users to download a corresponding program to the electronic device and to customize the initial screen, the arrangement of icons, etc.

In an embodiment, the quick link manager740queries information regarding application shortcuts managed by the launcher group720, classifies individual functions according to application programs, and executes the classified functions according to a user's input or a user's setting. The query is used in the same sense of inquiry. That is, the query is a request for obtaining content of a file, etc. from a database, based on codes or keys. The query is capable of supporting functions for searching for data from a database based on a user's setup condition and referring to the searched result.

For example, shortcuts for specified functions of a first application program711may be registered in a first launcher721to an nth launcher723. The quick link information collecting module730is capable of collecting shortcuts for at least one application program registered in at least one launcher in the launcher group720and storing the collected shortcuts in the memory of the electronic device. The quick link information collecting module730is capable of providing information regarding the collected and stored shortcuts to the quick link manager740. The quick link information collecting module730may be a quick link information collecting module620or830according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment may be modified in such a way that another component of the electronic device serves as the quick link information collecting module730.

In an embodiment, the static data path750may be used to transfer data whose value is not changed, such as a specified menu shortcut of an application program. The dynamic data path760may be used to transfer data that can be changed according to a user's selection or setting. For example, in the case of a ‘call a specified person’ function, information regarding specified person, i.e., a value which can be changed according to a user's settings, may be transmitted or received via the dynamic data path760.

FIG. 8is a block diagram that described above a method of managing application programs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 8, the electronic device searches for one or more application programs811to813included in the application group810, via a search application program820. For example, the electronic device is capable of searching for a specified function or a sub-menu of an application program, such as a phone number accessed via a contacts application program, a specified memo accessed by a memo application program, etc. The search application program820is capable of outputting a search result, such as a result value used for the immediate access to a sub-menu or a result value for immediately executing a specified function.

In an embodiment, the quick link manager840is capable of providing the user with a shortcut for the access to a specified function or a sub-menu of an application program, using the output result value.

For example, when the search application program820declares and registers a search function as its task, the quick link manager840is capable of calling the search function of the search application program. The quick link manager840is capable of providing the user with the output search function (UI for the search), so that the user can search for another application program. At least one search result (data) may contain shortcut values used for the immediate access to individual search result values. That is, when at least one of the searched results (data) is selected, the quick link manager840is capable of receiving a shortcut result value used for the access to the selected result (data) from the search application program.

In an embodiment, the static data path850may be used to transfer data whose value is not changed, such as a specified menu shortcut of an application program. The dynamic data paths860and870may be used to transfer data that can be changed according to a user's selection or settings. The dynamic data path860is a path through which the quick link manager840requests dynamic data from the search application program820. The dynamic data path870is a path through which the search application program820transfers at least part of the dynamic data requested by the quick link manager840. For example, in the case of a ‘call a specified person’ function, information regarding specified person, i.e., a value which can be changed according to a user's settings, may be transmitted or received via the dynamic data paths860and870.

FIG. 9is a block diagram showing a program module included in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 9, the electronic device is capable of including one or more applications910(e.g., application program147): for example, a message application program911for transmitting/receiving text, such as SMS or MMS, between one electronic device to another electronic device, search application program (e.g., S Finder912) for performing the search for application programs running on the electronic device and the web search, a UI application program (e.g., Task Edge913) for providing a quick link for the access to default functionality and sub-detailed functionality of application programs, etc.

Middleware920included in the electronic device provides functions commonly required by the application910. Middleware920provides various functions to the application910via API360, so that the application910can efficiently manage restricted system resources in the electronic device. In an embodiment, the middleware920(e.g., middleware143) may include at least one of the following: package manager921, search manager922, executable manager923, window manager924, resource manager925, activity manager926, and phone manager927, etc.

In an embodiment, library930of the electronic device may include a library module that a complier uses to add new functions via a programming language during the execution of the application910. In an embodiment, the library930may include at least one of the following: SQLite931, secure sockets layer (SSL)932, media framework933, FreeType934, Skia935, OpenGL/ES936, SGL937, surface manager938, and Android runtime library940.

In an embodiment, the Android runtime library940may include a core library941and the Dalvik virtual machine942.

FIG. 10shows diagrams that describe a method of setting shortcut menus in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 10., as shown in diagram1001, the application program running on the electronic device according to an embodiment is capable of proving a shortcut for a specified menu. An example of the application program is a messenger application program for performing the transmission/reception of messages between users via electronic devices. The user of the electronic device may transmit/receive messages to/from a chat participant ‘BCD mart’ via the messenger application program. The user of the electronic device may set a shortcut function for a chat room where the user exchanges messages with the chat participant ‘BCD mart.’ That is, as shown in diagram1001, the messenger application program may display an interface1010in response to a user input.

When the user selects an ‘add a shortcut’ menu in the interface1010, the messenger application program is capable of registering a data value for taking a shortcut to the selected menu in the launcher. The quick link information collecting module620,730, or830of the electronic device is capable of collecting and storing the shortcuts (or data) which are registered in the launcher or stored in each application program. The quick link manager630,740, or840of the electronic device is capable of receiving the collected/stored shortcut values (or data) from the quick link information collecting module620,730, or830, and providing the received data to the user via the UI provided by the quick link manager630,740or840, as shown in diagram1002. The user may create a shortcut icon1020for a chat room for exchanging messages with the ‘BCD mart’ in the UI shown in diagram1002.

As shown in diagram1002, the application program running on the electronic device according to an embodiment is capable of proving a user interface. More specifically, as shown in diagram1002, the UI is provided via the quick link manager630,740or840of the electronic device.

The launchers721to723of an electronic device according to an embodiment may store a specified shortcut value (or data) as a duplicate. For example, a value of a shortcut for making a call to a specified person ‘Ccc’1030may be duplicately stored in one or more launchers. In this case, the quick link manager630,740or840is capable of checking the identity of the shortcut values stored in the launchers721to823, and displaying only one shortcut indication, obtained via a process of selecting one of the duplicately stored shortcut values, on the UI (e.g., a task edge). In the embodiment, the UI may display an indication1030to make a call to a first chat participant ‘Ccc’ and an indication to make a call to a second chart participant ‘Ddd,’ which are not duplicated. It should be, however, understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the embodiment may be modified in such a way to duplicately display part of the indications, according to the settings, according to categories.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bshow diagrams that describe a method of managing a search application program in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to diagram1100ofFIG. 11A, the quick link manager630,740or840of the electronic device according to an embodiment is capable of providing a UI. The user may select a search indication1101related to the search application program from among the indications displayed on the user interface. The selected search indication1101may change the state to a movable state. In order to indicate the indication1101with a movable state, it may alter at least one icon413or415included therein or the color or shape of the label417.

As shown in diagram1110ofFIG. 11A, the selected search indication1101may be moved to a space111, one of the spaces in the right area of the user interface. For example, in a state where a gesture such as touch is applied to an indication and the indication has changed the state to a movable state, when an input such as a touch is applied to a space to which the indication is moved on the user interface, the indication in a movable state is moved to the touched space. Alternatively, the user touches the indication to be moved without losing the contact and then drags and drops it to a corresponding location.

In an embodiment, the user may touch the search indication moved to and located at the space1111, thereby calling the search function of the search application program. The search application program may search for web programs, application programs running on the electronic device, data stored in the memory, etc. For example, as shown in diagram1120, when a search function of the search application program is executed according to a user's operation, the user may enter a keyword or search word ‘puppy photograph’ to the search field1121. After searching the electronic device for the keyword, two puppy photographs obtained from the gallery application program, as the search results, are displayed on the search result output space1123. The user selects one of the search results (data) displayed on the search result output space1123and locates the selected result on the UI as shown in diagram1130.

In order to register at least one search result displayed on the search result output space1123in the shortcut indication1131located in the UI as shown in diagram1130or in order to move at least one search result to the UI for registration, the object may be registered or moved by a touch action, a drag-drop action, etc. For example, when a touch action is applied to a puppy photograph1125to be registered as a shortcut, displayed on the search result output space1123, the puppy photograph1125is registered as a shortcut indication1131. Alternatively, when a puppy photograph1125to be registered as a shortcut, displayed on the search result output space1123, is moved by applying a drag-drop action thereto, it is registered as a shortcut indication1131at the moved location.

After that, when the user touches the shortcut indication1131, the selected puppy photograph1125is activated, without executing the gallery application program, as shown in diagram1140.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG. 11B, a shortcut indication may be set in such a way that a number of data items are collectively selected and the selected data items are sequentially or simultaneously accessed.

As shown in diagram1170, the ‘puppy photograph’ as a search result may be displayed with a number of data items. For example, when a number of puppy photographs are searched, the user may select two or more of the searched photographs. In this case, the quick link manager630,740or840of the electronic device may receive shortcut data values for the access to the selected puppy photographs from the quick link information collecting module620,730or830. The quick link manager630,740or840is capable of creating a shortcut indication1181for the access to the selected data items displayed on the user interface, based on the shortcut data values, etc., received via the quick link information collecting module620,730or830, as shown in diagram1180. When the shortcut indication1181is selected, the selected photographs are sequentially or simultaneously displayed according to the settings, as shown in diagram1190. When the shortcut indication1181to be immediately accessed to the selected data items is created, it may be displayed with the number of selected data items. For example, as shown in diagram1170, when three data items are selected, the shortcut indication1181may be configured in such a way that part of the image includes the number icon (not shown), ‘3’.

FIG. 12is a diagram that describes a method of managing application programs according to various embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 12, the quick link information collecting modules620,730, and830are capable of collecting tasks of an application program. In particular, the quick link information collecting modules620,730, and830are capable of classifying registered task lists according to application programs, and configuring tasks, using information registered by the application program, to collect and display the detailed functions. For example, the quick link information collecting modules620,730, and830may collect a shortcut indication via the static data path, from among the indications included in the message category1220, and the shortcut indication may contain ‘compose new message’ indication1231and ‘send message’ indication1233displayed in the area1230.

In an embodiment, ‘xml’ described in the following table 5 refers to a form that is added to a message application program to support the functions of a message category1220, i.e., ‘compose new message’1231and ‘send message’1233. The UI may be configured to include first icon413, second icon (smallIcon)415, a label417, etc., which are added to represent corresponding functions. The embodiment is capable of receiving ‘message’1220, as application label, via a package name, and creating a category using the application label, without including <extras-attr android:name=“category” android:value=“string”/> as an attribute.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12, the indication1210-1may be moved to a location1215. While the edit related to the indication1210-1is in process, e.g., in process of moving or deleting the indication, the edit process may be set in such a way that the indication1210-1at a location1210before moving is dimly displayed, not to be selected by an additional input, thereby preventing the duplicate input from being applied to the same object and same function. The indication1210-2at a location1215after moving may be displayed normally or deeply. Alternatively, a mark1240may be added to the indication to represent a condition as to whether the indication has been moved or can be deleted. When a mark1240exists, it indicates a state where indications have not yet been moved or edited in the user interface. In addition, the mark1240may be used as a means to check whether an indication with the mark1240can be removed.

FIGS. 13A and 13Bshow diagrams that describe a method of managing application programs according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 13A, tasks registered by the quick link manager630,740or840may be configured to include different components depending on types. The following table 6 describes components according to types of tasks.

TABLE 6ComponentsTypeDescription(attribute)Communicatee.g.) Actions that enable a user toPersonwork with a specified personphotograph +using an electronic device, such asapplicationmaking a call, exchanging messages, etc.Newly createe.g.) Actions for creating specifiedapplication +content, such as creating alarm,actioncreating memo, taking selfie, etc.Opene.g.) Actions, such as opening a pathcontent +for specified content, opening a memo,applicationopening an image, opening folder, etc.Viewe.g.) Actions, such as viewing a favoriteapplication +list for searching for a particularactionitem/path, viewing a specified list, etc.

In a method of setting indications for tasks according to an embodiment, a ‘communication’ type1310may include tasks, such as, ‘making a call,’ ‘sending a message,’ etc. For example, an indication for a ‘calling’ function performed by a call application program may include a person photograph1311as a first icon413and an application icon1313of a call application program as a second icon415. Since a calling task allows a calling party to select a called party, different calling tasks according to selected persons (called parties) may be created, and thus different indications may be created.

In a method of setting indications for tasks according to an embodiment, a ‘create’ type1320may include tasks, such as, ‘creating an alarm,’ ‘creating a memo,’ ‘taking a selfie,’ etc. For example, a ‘create a memo’ task performed by a memo application program may include an application icon1321of a memo application program as a first icon413and a create action icon1323as a second icon415. That is, a memo application icon1321is applied to the first icon and an action icon1323in the form of plus symbol ‘+’ is applied to the second icon, thereby creating an indication for a ‘new memo’ function which is one of the internal functions of the memo application program.

In a method of setting indications for tasks according to an embodiment, an ‘open’ type1330may include tasks, such as, ‘opening a memo,’ ‘opening an image,’ ‘opening a folder,’ etc. For example, an ‘open a memo’ task performed by a memo application program may include an icon1331related to content to be opened, as a first icon413, and an application icon1333of the memo application program as a second icon415. That is, an icon1331related to content to be opened is applied to the first icon and an application icon1333of the memo application program is applied to the second icon415, thereby creating an indication for an ‘open memo’ function which is one of the internal functions of the memo application program.

In another embodiment of an open type1330, the search is performed via a search application program of an electronic device and content displayed as the search result is registered as a shortcut indication. As described above, the search is performed for ‘puppy photograph’ via a search application program of an electronic device and at least one of the puppy photographs output as the search result is directly registered as a shortcut indication. In this case, the content output as a search result or an image corresponding to the content is displayed as a first icon413, and an icon of an application program running corresponding content is displayed as a second icon415, thereby showing the source of the content. In the embodiment, an icon of the gallery application program is displayed as a second icon.

In another embodiment of an open type1330, shortcut indications for the access to websites via a web browser application program are set. For example, when a shortcut indication for the access to a website, which can be accessed via a web browser application program, is set, a thumbnail image of a corresponding website or a web page image reduced in size from a corresponding website is displayed as a first icon413, and an icon of an application program running corresponding content is displayed as a second icon415, thereby showing the source of the content. In the embodiment, an icon of the web browser application program is displayed as a second icon.

In another embodiment of an open type1330, shortcut indications for the access to content output by a media player application program are set. For example, a shortcut indication for the access to a video, a music file, etc., which can be played back via a media player application program, is set. In this case, an image related to corresponding content is displayed as a first icon413, and an icon of an application program running corresponding content is displayed as a second icon415, thereby showing the source of the content. In the embodiment, an icon of the media player application program is displayed as a second icon.

In another embodiment of an open type1330, shortcut indications for the access to various types of document files which can be written or edited by a document application program are set. For example, a shortcut indication for the access to various types of document files, etc., which can be written or edited by a document application program, is set. In this case, an image related to a corresponding document is displayed as a first icon413, and an icon of an application program opening a corresponding document is displayed as a second icon415, thereby showing the source of the content. In the embodiment, an icon of the document application program is displayed as a second icon.

In a method of setting indications for tasks according to an embodiment, a ‘view’ type1340may include tasks, such as ‘viewing a favorite list,’ ‘viewing a specified list,’ etc. For example, a ‘view an email’ task performed by an email application program may include an application icon1341of an email application program as a first icon413and a favorite action icon1343as a second icon415. That is, an icon of an email application1341is applied to a first icon, and a favorite action icon1343is applied to a second icon, thereby creating an indication for a function for viewing email set with a favorite, which is one of the internal functions of the memo application program.

With reference toFIG. 13B, indications representing tasks according to types of application program may vary in expression. For example, in the case of a task of making a call to a specified person, as one of the detailed functions of a call application program, the indication of making a call may vary in expression before and after selecting the specified person. That is, before a specified person is selected, the indication1370representing a task of making a call to the specified person may include the first icon and the label1375. The information that the quick link information collecting module collects from the call application program may be expressed, in a form, by indications located in the area1350as shown inFIG. 13B. That is, each item may be configured to include a default icon and a label.

In an embodiment, when a user selects a specified person, the items are altered to indications located in the area1360as shown inFIG. 13B. For example, when a user selects a specified person ‘Kate’ for a ‘make a call’ task, the first icon413is altered to a person photograph1380of Kate and the label417is altered to Kate's name1385. When a number of specified people are selected, the first icon413may be altered to the photographs1390of selected people and the label417may be altered to a form1935showing the selected people's names

In another embodiment, when a user selects content to be opened for an ‘open memo’ task, the first icon413may be altered to content or a photograph reduced from the selected content. The label417may be altered from a default label1377, View memo, to a text1387representing a title of the selected content, etc. For example, when a user selects memo content related to an anniversary, the label417of the altered task indication may be shown as ‘Anniversary.’

FIGS. 14A and 14Bshow diagrams that describe a method of managing application programs according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 14A, a UI of the electronic device according to an embodiment may be divided into two or more areas. The UI may display, in the left area1410, an indication for executing the default functionality of the application program running on the electronic device, a shortcut indication for executing detailed functions of the application program, etc. The shortcut indication is capable of executing a detailed function of the application program, without performing a number of processes, such as executing the application program, searching for and executing sub-menus, etc.

In an embodiment, when the user applies an input to a portion (e.g., ‘add app’ button or ‘EDIT’ button) to determine whether the user edits a UI included in the top end of the user interface, the indications included in the area1410or1420of the UI may be edited. The indications displayed on the area1410may be moved to the area1420. The indications located in the area1420may be edited, e.g., deleted, changed in the order of arrangement, etc.

In an embodiment, the area1420of the user interface, shown in the right diagram ofFIG. 14A, may include the same indications as the area1420of the user interface, shown in the left diagram ofFIG. 14A. For example, when the Task edge app is ended in the left diagram and a user's gesture is applied to the electronic device, a translucent UI may be displayed as in the right diagram. When the user selects one of the indications in the area1420in the right diagram ofFIG. 14A, the selected application program may execute the corresponding function.

FIG. 14Bshows diagrams that describe a ‘make a call to specified person’ function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in diagram1430, the user may select a default indication1435related to a ‘make a call to specified person’ function. As shown in diagram1440, the selected indication for the ‘make a call to specified person’ function is moved. The indication located in the left area1435of the UI is moved to the right area1445of the user interface. When an indication that needs to receive additional information from the user, such as a ‘make a call to specified person’ function, is moved, a UI corresponding to individual indications may be provided as shown in diagram1450. For example, the ‘make a call to specified person’ function may be provided with a UI for selecting a specified person. When the user selects a specified person, Bravo1455, the indication may be altered to information related to Bravo as shown in diagram1460. That is, the indication with a default icon413and a label417as shown in diagram1445may be altered to information related to Bravo as a specified person, as shown in diagram1465.

When the user selects (or touches) the indication1475, created in the UI shown in diagrams1430to1460, as shown in diagram1470, he/she can make a call with Bravo as shown in diagram1480.

FIG. 15shows diagrams that describe a method of managing application programs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG. 15, when one of the shortcuts supported according to application programs is selected, the detailed functions of the application program corresponding to the selected shortcut are listed on a UI according to an embodiment.

For example, when the user selects a phone application program1511on the screen including default applications as shown in diagram1510, shortcut functions related to the selected application program1511are displayed in animation, in list, below the selected application program, as shown in diagram1520. It should be understood that the present disclosure is no limited to the form of displaying the shortcuts in the bottom direction. The direction of listing shortcuts may vary depending on the relationship with the nearby application programs. That is, when the shortcut1511is selected, detailed functions1521to1527of the phone application program may be additionally listed.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bshow diagrams that describe the structure of a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments according to the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 16A and 16B, the electronic device according to an embodiment may be implemented in such a way that at least part of the display is bent (curved). The electronic device may provide (display) a UI to the curved part of the display.

As shown inFIG. 16A, the electronic device of the present disclosure may be designed to include a display at least one side of which is curved with a certain curvature, continuously extending from the flat part of the display.

As shown inFIG. 16A, the area1620is a flat part of the display. Both sides of the area1620have left and right bending parts1610and1630each of which has a certain curvature. The left and right bending parts1610and16230extend from the flat part of the area1620, respectively.

FIG. 16B, illustrates the electronic device from a front side to show the area1620and the left and right bending parts1610and1630inFIG. 16Afrom a different perspective. Although the embodiments are implemented in such a way that the display has left or right curved part and a flat part, it should be understood that the display may be designed in such a way that the left or right curved part and the flat part are formed as a single body, thereby forming a single display.

In another embodiment, the display may be designed to have a left or right curved part and a primary screen part. In another embodiment, the display may also be designed in such a way that the primary screen part is flat and the left and right curved parts are equipped with separate displays.

In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, a method of managing application programs is adapted to an electronic device with a touchscreen display which includes a first portion facing a first direction and a second portion facing a second direction that differs from the first direction, wherein the second portion extends from one edge of the first portion. The method includes: storing at least one application programing including a default functionality and a number of sub-functions; receiving a first input via the first portion and/or second portion of the touchscreen display; displaying a UI on the touchscreen display in response to the first input, wherein the UI is comprised of a first area displayed on the first portion and a second area displayed on the second portion; displaying a first indication representing the application program or a number of second indications representing the sub-functions of the application program on the first area; receiving a second input for selecting one of the second indications via at least part of the first area; displaying, on the second area of the user interface, a third indication representing a sub-function selected in response to the selected second indication; ending the user interface, and displaying the third indication on the second portion of the touchscreen display; receiving a third input for selecting the third indication via the second portion of the touchscreen display; and activating the selected sub-function in response to the third input, without activating the default functionality.

In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the method includes displaying the first and second areas sequentially or simultaneously.

In the method according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, each of the first, second, and third indications includes at least one of the following: a text, an icon, an image, a photograph, a thumbnail or a symbol.

In the method according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the application program includes at least one of the following: a camera application program, a photograph gallery application program, a photograph application program, a contacts application program, a video conference or chatting application program, a memo application program, a message application program, a web browser application program, and a calendar application program.

In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, a method of managing application programs is adapted to an electronic device with a touchscreen display which includes a first portion facing a first direction and a second portion facing a second direction that differs from the first direction, wherein the second portion extends from one edge of the first portion. The method includes: storing an application program configured to receive a number of content items from the outside of the electronic device or to provide a number of content items stored in a memory of the electronic device; receiving a first input via a first portion and/or a second portion of the touchscreen display; displaying a UI on the touchscreen display in response to the first input, wherein the UI is comprised of a first area displayed on the first portion and a second area displayed on the second portion; displaying a first indication representing the application program or a number of second indications that represent the content items respectively on the first area; receiving a second input for selecting one of the second indications via at least part of the first area; displaying, on the second area of the user interface, a third indication representing a content item selected in response to the selected second indication; ending the user interface, and displaying the third indication on the second portion of the touchscreen display; receiving a third input for selecting the third indication via the second portion of the touchscreen display; and displaying the selected content item on the first portion of the touchscreen display in response to the third input.

In the method according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the content includes media content corresponding to at least one of the following: a video, music, and an image.

In the method according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the content includes: text content corresponding to at least one of the following: a document, a web browser access address, a search result, a memo, and a message.

In the method according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the second indication representing at least one content item is configured to include information corresponding to the media content.

In the method according to various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the second indication representing at least one content item is configured to include information corresponding to the text content.

In various embodiments described in the present disclosure, the method further includes: searching for data included in the electronic device via a search application program; outputting a search result; creating a shortcut indication linked to the output search result; and registering the created shortcut indication as the second indication.

As described above, although the electronic device according to the present disclosure is described based on a simplified structure, it should be understood that each of the components or elements is more subdivided into detailed modules or the components or elements are combined or reconfigured into one or more modules.

As described above, various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of executing detailed function of an application program without requiring a number of operations to search for and execute detailed menus, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption.

In addition, various embodiments are capable of providing a user interface (UI) allowing the user to access an application program from any screen, and to execute a corresponding task via the application program, thereby providing user convenience.