Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are herein provided for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input. A method may include receiving user input defining a slide gesture from a digit of a user on a touchscreen. The method may further include determining a characteristic of the user input. The method may further include determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit used by the user to provide the user input. In some cases, the method may further include causing modification of presentation of information on a display based on the digit determined to be used. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

An example embodiment of the present invention relates generally to user interface technology and, more particularly, relates to methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input.

BACKGROUND

The modern communications era has brought about a tremendous expansion of wireline and wireless networks. Wireless and mobile networking technologies have addressed related consumer demands, while providing more flexibility and immediacy of information transfer. Concurrent with the expansion of networking technologies, an expansion in computing power has resulted in development of affordable computing devices capable of taking advantage of services made possible by modern networking technologies. This expansion in computing power has led to a reduction in the size of computing devices and given rise to a new generation of mobile devices that are capable of performing functionality that only a few years ago required processing power that could be provided only by the most advanced desktop computers. Consequently, mobile computing devices having a small form factor have become ubiquitous and are used to access network applications and services by consumers of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present invention provide for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input. In some embodiments, the presentation of information on the display may be modified based on the digit being used by the user to provide input. In such a manner, some embodiments provide a dynamic display that is adaptable to the finger or thumb being used by the user to provide input such that a more user-friendly and versatile display may be presented to the user.

In one example embodiment, a method includes receiving user input defining a slide gesture from a digit of a user on a touchscreen. The method further includes determining a characteristic of the user input. The method further includes determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit used by the user to provide the user input.

In some embodiments, the method may include determining the digit by determining which of a right thumb, a left thumb, or another digit is used to perform the user input. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the digit used by the user to provide the user input by determining a length of the digit used to provide the user input. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the characteristic of the user input by determining a curvature of the user input. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method may include determining the characteristic of the user input by further determining at least one of a start point and an end point of the user input, a speed of the user input, a length of the user input, a radius of an elliptical representation of the user input, an orientation of the elliptical representation of the user input, or an area of the elliptical representation of the user input. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the characteristic of the user input by determining the characteristic based on output from at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a pressure sensor.

In some embodiments, the method may further include causing modification of presentation of information on a display based on the digit determined to be used. In some embodiments, the method may further include defining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, at least one of a size or a position of an input area. Additionally, the method may include causing modification of presentation of information by causing modification of presentation of information on the display such that the information is positioned within the input area. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the method may include causing modification of presentation of information by causing modification of presentation of information on the display such that the information is positioned outside of an area of the display obstructed by the digit determined to be used.

In some embodiments, the method may further include causing presentation of a keyboard on a display based on the digit determined to be used. A first keyboard may be presented in an instance in which a thumb is determined to be used. A second keyboard may be presented in an instance in which another digit is determined to be used.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory storing computer program code with the at least one memory and stored computer program code being configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to receive user input defining a slide gesture from a digit of a user on a touchscreen. The at least one memory and stored computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to determining a characteristic of the user input. The at least one memory and stored computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to further cause the apparatus to determine, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit used by the user to provide the user input.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product of this example embodiment includes at least one computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions stored therein. The program instructions of this example embodiment comprise program instructions configured to cause an apparatus to perform a method including receiving user input defining a slide gesture from a digit of a user on a touchscreen. The method further includes determining a characteristic of the user input. The method further includes determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit used by the user to provide the user input.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises means for receiving user input defining a slide gesture from a digit of a user on a touchscreen. The apparatus further comprises means for determining a characteristic of the user input. The apparatus further comprises means for determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit used by the user to provide the user input.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to singular or plural data capable of being transmitted, received, displayed and/or stored in accordance with various example embodiments. Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium configured to participate in providing information to a processor, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Transmission media include, for example, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include a magnetic computer readable medium (e.g., a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium), an optical computer readable medium (e.g., a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-Ray disc, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, or any other non-transitory medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. However, it will be appreciated that where embodiments are described to use a computer-readable storage medium, other types of computer-readable mediums may be substituted for or used in addition to the computer-readable storage medium in alternative embodiments.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus102configured for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input according to an example embodiment. It will be appreciated that the apparatus102is provided as an example of one embodiment and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. In this regard, the scope of the disclosure encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those illustrated and described herein. As such, whileFIG. 1illustrates one example of a configuration of an apparatus for performing operations and operational routing, other configurations may also be used to implement embodiments of the present invention.

The apparatus102may be embodied as either a fixed device or a mobile device such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, mobile terminal, mobile computer, mobile phone, mobile communication device, game device, digital camera/camcorder, audio/video player, tablet computer, e-book reader, smartphone, television device, radio receiver, digital video recorder, positioning device, a chipset, a computing device comprising a chipset, any combination thereof, and/or the like. In this regard, the apparatus102may comprise any computing device that comprises or is in operative communication with a user interface (e.g., a touch display capable of displaying a graphical user interface). In some example embodiments, the apparatus102is embodied as a mobile computing device, such as the mobile terminal illustrated inFIG. 2.

In this regard,FIG. 2illustrates a block diagram of a mobile terminal10representative of one example embodiment of an apparatus102. It should be understood, however, that the mobile terminal10illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of apparatus102that may implement and/or benefit from various example embodiments of the invention and, therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the disclosure. While several embodiments of the electronic device are illustrated and will be hereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of electronic devices, such as mobile telephones, mobile computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, positioning devices, tablet computers, televisions, tablet computer, e-book reader, smartphone, e-papers, and other types of electronic systems, may employ various embodiments of the invention.

As shown, the mobile terminal10may include an antenna12(or multiple antennas12) in communication with a transmitter14and a receiver16. The mobile terminal10may also include a processor20configured to provide signals to and receive signals from the transmitter and receiver, respectively. The processor20may, for example, be embodied as various means including circuitry, one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA (field programmable gate array), or some combination thereof. Accordingly, although illustrated inFIG. 2as a single processor, in some embodiments the processor20comprises a plurality of processors. These signals sent and received by the processor20may include signaling information in accordance with an air interface standard of an applicable cellular system, and/or any number of different wireline or wireless networking techniques, comprising but not limited to Wi-Fi, wireless local access network (WLAN) techniques such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, 802.16, and/or the like. In addition, these signals may include speech data, user generated data, user requested data, and/or the like. In this regard, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating with one or more air interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, access types, and/or the like. More particularly, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with various first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, third-generation (3G) communication protocols, fourth-generation (4G) communication protocols, Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) communication protocols (e.g., session initiation protocol (SIP)), and/or the like. For example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2G wireless communication protocols IS-136 (Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), IS-95 (Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)), and/or the like. Also, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 2.5G wireless communication protocols General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), and/or the like. Further, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with 3G wireless communication protocols such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), and/or the like. The mobile terminal may be additionally capable of operating in accordance with 3.9G wireless communication protocols such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and/or the like. Additionally, for example, the mobile terminal may be capable of operating in accordance with fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols and/or the like as well as similar wireless communication protocols that may be developed in the future.

Some Narrow-band Advanced Mobile Phone System (NAMPS), as well as Total Access Communication System (TACS), mobile terminals may also benefit from embodiments of this invention, as should dual or higher mode phones (e.g., digital/analog or TDMA/CDMA/analog phones). Additionally, the mobile terminal10may be capable of communicating according to Wi-Fi, Near Field Communications (NFC), BlueTooth, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) or other proximity-based communications protocols.

It is understood that the processor20may comprise circuitry for implementing audio/video and logic functions of the mobile terminal10. For example, the processor20may comprise a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and/or the like. Control and signal processing functions of the mobile terminal may be allocated between these devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may additionally comprise an internal voice coder (VC)20a, an internal data modem (DM)20b, and/or the like. Further, the processor may comprise functionality to operate one or more software programs, which may be stored in memory. For example, the processor20may be capable of operating a connectivity program, such as a web browser. The connectivity program may allow the mobile terminal10to transmit and receive web content, such as location-based content, according to a protocol, such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), and/or the like. The mobile terminal10may be capable of using a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to transmit and receive web content across the internet or other networks.

The mobile terminal10may also comprise a user interface including, for example, an earphone or speaker24, a ringer22, a microphone26, a display28, a user input interface, and/or the like, which may be operationally coupled to the processor20. In this regard, the processor20may comprise user interface circuitry configured to control at least some functions of one or more elements of the user interface, such as, for example, the speaker24, the ringer22, the microphone26, the display28, and/or the like. The processor20and/or user interface circuitry comprising the processor20may be configured to control one or more functions of one or more elements of the user interface through computer program instructions (e.g., software and/or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor20(e.g., volatile memory40, non-volatile memory42, and/or the like). Although not shown, the mobile terminal may comprise a battery for powering various circuits related to the mobile terminal, for example, a circuit to provide mechanical vibration as a detectable output. The display28of the mobile terminal may be of any type appropriate for the electronic device in question with some examples including a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a projector, a holographic display or the like. The display28may, for example, comprise a three-dimensional touch display, examples of which will be described further herein below. The user input interface may comprise devices allowing the mobile terminal to receive data, such as a keypad30, a touch display (e.g., some example embodiments wherein the display28is configured as a touch display), a joystick (not shown), sensor18, and/or other input device. In embodiments including a keypad, the keypad may comprise numeric (0-9) and related keys (#, *), and/or other keys for operating the mobile terminal10. Alternatively or additionally, the keypad30may include a conventional QWERTY keypad arrangement.

The mobile terminal10may comprise memory, such as a subscriber identity module (SIM)38, a removable user identity module (R-UIM), and/or the like, which may store information elements related to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the SIM, the mobile terminal may comprise other removable and/or fixed memory. The mobile terminal10may include volatile memory40and/or non-volatile memory42. For example, volatile memory40may include Random Access Memory (RAM) including dynamic and/or static RAM, on-chip or off-chip cache memory, and/or the like. Non-volatile memory42, which may be embedded and/or removable, may include, for example, read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disk drives, magnetic tape, etc.), optical disc drives and/or media, non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), and/or the like. Like volatile memory40non-volatile memory42may include a cache area for temporary storage of data. The memories may store one or more software programs, instructions, pieces of information, data, and/or the like which may be used by the mobile terminal for performing functions of the mobile terminal. For example, the memories may comprise an identifier, such as an international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, capable of uniquely identifying the mobile terminal10.

Returning toFIG. 1, in an example embodiment, the apparatus102includes various means for performing the various functions herein described. These means may comprise one or more of a processor110, memory112, communication interface114, user interface116, sensor118, or user interface (UI) control circuitry122. The means of the apparatus102as described herein may be embodied as, for example, circuitry, hardware elements (e.g., a suitably programmed processor, combinational logic circuit, and/or the like), a computer program product comprising computer-readable program instructions (e.g., software or firmware) stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g. memory112) that is executable by a suitably configured processing device (e.g., the processor110), or some combination thereof.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the means illustrated inFIG. 1may be embodied as a chip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus102may comprise one or more physical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structural assembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry included thereon. In this regard, the processor110, memory112, communication interface114, sensor118, and/or UI control circuitry122may be embodied as a chip or chip set. The apparatus102may therefore, in some cases, be configured to or may comprise component(s) configured to implement embodiments of the present invention on a single chip or as a single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipset may constitute means for performing one or more operations for providing the functionalities described herein and/or for enabling user interface navigation with respect to the functionalities and/or services described herein.

The processor110may, for example, be embodied as various means including one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers, processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other processing elements including integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC or FPGA, one or more other types of hardware processors, or some combination thereof. Accordingly, although illustrated inFIG. 1as a single processor, in some embodiments the processor110comprises a plurality of processors. The plurality of processors may be in operative communication with each other and may be collectively configured to perform one or more functionalities of the apparatus102as described herein. The plurality of processors may be embodied on a single computing device or distributed across a plurality of computing devices collectively configured to function as the apparatus102. In embodiments wherein the apparatus102is embodied as a mobile terminal10, the processor110may be embodied as or comprise the processor20(shown inFIG. 2). In some example embodiments, the processor110is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory112or otherwise accessible to the processor110. These instructions, when executed by the processor110, may cause the apparatus102to perform one or more of the functionalities of the apparatus102as described herein. As such, whether configured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof, the processor110may comprise an entity capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor110is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like, the processor110may comprise specifically configured hardware for conducting one or more operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor110is embodied as an executor of instructions, such as may be stored in the memory112, the instructions may specifically configure the processor110to perform one or more algorithms and operations described herein.

The memory112may comprise, for example, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or some combination thereof. In this regard, the memory112may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Although illustrated inFIG. 1as a single memory, the memory112may comprise a plurality of memories. The plurality of memories may be embodied on a single computing device or may be distributed across a plurality of computing devices collectively configured to function as the apparatus102. In various example embodiments, the memory112may comprise a hard disk, random access memory, cache memory, flash memory, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), an optical disc, circuitry configured to store information, or some combination thereof. In embodiments wherein the apparatus102is embodied as a mobile terminal10, the memory112may comprise the volatile memory40and/or the non-volatile memory42(shown inFIG. 2). The memory112may be configured to store information, data, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling the apparatus102to carry out various functions in accordance with various example embodiments. For example, in some example embodiments, the memory112is configured to buffer input data for processing by the processor110. Additionally or alternatively, the memory112may be configured to store program instructions for execution by the processor110. The memory112may store information in the form of static and/or dynamic information. The stored information may include, for example, images, content, media content, user data, application data, and/or the like. This stored information may be stored and/or used by the UI control circuitry122during the course of performing its functionalities.

The communication interface114may be embodied as any device or means embodied in circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising computer readable program instructions stored on a computer readable medium (e.g., the memory112) and executed by a processing device (e.g., the processor110), or a combination thereof that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to another computing device. In some example embodiments, the communication interface114is at least partially embodied as or otherwise controlled by the processor110. In this regard, the communication interface114may be in communication with the processor110, such as via a bus. The communication interface114may include, for example, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver and/or supporting hardware or software for enabling communications with one or more remote computing devices. In embodiments wherein the apparatus102is embodied as a mobile terminal10, the communication interface114may be embodied as or comprise the transmitter14and receiver16(shown inFIG. 2). The communication interface114may be configured to receive and/or transmit data using any protocol that may be used for communications between computing devices. In this regard, the communication interface114may be configured to receive and/or transmit data using any protocol that may be used for transmission of data over a wireless network, wireline network, some combination thereof, or the like by which the apparatus102and one or more computing devices may be in communication. As an example, the communication interface114may be configured to receive and/or otherwise access content (e.g., web page content, streaming media content, and/or the like) over a network from a server or other content source. Additionally or alternatively, the communication interface114may be configured to support communications in accordance with any proximity-based protocol including, for example, Wi-Fi, NFC, BlueTooth, WiMAX or the like. The communication interface114may additionally be in communication with the memory112, user interface116, and/or UI control circuitry122, such as via a bus.

The sensor118may be in communication with the processor110and/or UI control circuitry122. The sensor118may be configured to sense and/or detect input. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sensor118may be configured to detect or sense at least one characteristic of an input. For example, the sensor118may detect the degree of pressure used for an input. Additionally, the sensor118may be configured to provide output indicative of the characteristic to the apparatus102(e.g., the processor110). In embodiments wherein the apparatus102is embodied as a mobile terminal10, the sensor118may be embodied as or comprise the sensor18(shown inFIG. 2). In some embodiments, the processor110and/or UI control circuitry122may be configured to receive input from the sensor118and determine at least one characteristic of the input. In some embodiments, the sensor118may comprise at least one of a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a light sensor, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope.

The user interface116may be in communication with the processor110to receive an indication of a user input and/or to provide an audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to a user. As such, the user interface116may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a display, a touchscreen display, a microphone, a speaker, and/or other input/output mechanisms. In some embodiments, a display may refer to display on a screen, on a wall, on glasses (e.g., near-eye-display), in the air, etc. In embodiments wherein the apparatus102is embodied as a mobile terminal10, the user interface116may be embodied as or comprise the display28and keypad30(shown inFIG. 2). The user interface116may be in communication with the memory112, communication interface114, and/or UI control circuitry122, such as via a bus.

The UI control circuitry122may be embodied as various means, such as circuitry, hardware, a computer program product comprising computer readable program instructions stored on a computer readable medium (e.g., the memory112) and executed by a processing device (e.g., the processor110), or some combination thereof and, in some embodiments, is embodied as or otherwise controlled by the processor110. In some example embodiments wherein the UI control circuitry122is embodied separately from the processor110, the UI control circuitry122may be in communication with the processor110. The UI control circuitry122may further be in communication with one or more of the memory112, communication interface114, or user interface116, such as via a bus.

The UI control circuitry122may be configured to receive user input from a user interface116, such as a touch display (e.g., touchscreen). The user input or signal may carry positional information indicative of the user input. In this regard, the position may comprise a position of the user input in a two-dimensional space, which may be relative to the surface of the touch display user interface. For example, the position may comprise a coordinate position relative to a two-dimensional coordinate system (e.g., an X and Y axis), such that the position may be determined. Accordingly, the UI control circuitry122may determine a position of the user input such as for determining a portion of the display to which the user input correlates.

The touch display may also be configured to enable the detection of a hovering gesture input. A hovering gesture input may comprise a gesture input to the touch display without making physical contact with a surface of the touch display, such as a gesture made in a space some distance above/in front of the surface of the touch display. As an example, the touch display may comprise a capacitive touch display, which may be configured to enable detection of capacitance of a finger or other input object by which a gesture may be made without physically contacting a display surface. As another example, the touch display may be configured to enable detection of a hovering gesture input through use of acoustic wave touch sensor technology, electromagnetic touch sensing technology, near field imaging technology, optical sensing technology, infrared proximity sensing technology, some combination thereof, or the like.

The apparatus102, such as through the user interface116or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to receive input on a display (e.g., user interface116). The user input may indicate a user's desire for the apparatus102to perform a designated function (e.g., run an application, load a website, scroll through a document, etc.). In some embodiments, the different components and/or features of the apparatus102may determine the types of functions able to be performed. Some examples of gestures are shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3Aillustrates an example user input250for an apparatus200(e.g., apparatus102) with a touch display208(e.g., user interface116). In the depicted embodiment, a user205positions their finger207on or near the display, and particularly, on or near a portion210of the display. In some embodiments, the portion210of the display may correspond to a pre-determined point that is associated with a desired function. In other words, the portion210may correlate to a function that can be performed by the apparatus200(e.g., an icon representing an application). For example, the portion210may correlate to an application that grants access to the internet. Likewise, the portion210may correspond to another function, such as a hyperlink, game application, etc. Thus, by placing a finger207on or near the portion210(e.g., “touching”), the user205indicates a desire for the apparatus200to perform that related function (e.g., open the internet, access the linked website, launch the game application, etc.). Based on the user input detected, the apparatus102may respond, causing performance of the desired function.

FIG. 3Billustrates another example user input255, often referred to as a “slide gesture”, for an apparatus200(e.g., apparatus102) with a touch display208(e.g., user interface116). In the depicted embodiment, a user205positions a finger207on or near a portion of the display. The user205may slide their finger207along the display208(e.g., along arrow215). In some embodiments, a user may slide their finger in a generally linear direction to define a slide gesture. This user input often corresponds to a user's desire to “scroll” or move the display to show displayed content that may be currently off the display. Based on the user input detected by the user interface116, the processor110and/or UI control circuitry122may respond (e.g., scrolling the previously un-displayed content onto the display for the user). Though some example embodiments are shown herein with a slide gesture being performed in a vertical direction on a touchscreen, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate use of slide gestures performed in any direction on a touchscreen (e.g., downward, horizontal, at a 45° angle, etc.).

As indicated above, there are many types of user inputs that are recognizable by apparatus102. Some additional known user inputs include pinching or reverse pinching for zooming out or zooming in, respectively. Also, as is consistent with some example embodiments described herein, a user may use other digits, such as their thumbs, to perform the input.

User input may be provided to an apparatus, such as apparatus102, in a variety of different ways. Moreover, when an apparatus includes a touchscreen for user input, the user may practice a variety of different postures for interacting with the touchscreen. For example, a user may hold the apparatus in their left hand and use their right index finger to provide user input. Some of these postures may even limit the users' ability to interact (e.g., access or view) different features of the apparatus (e.g., application icons). For example, when holding an apparatus in one hand and using the same hand's thumb for providing user input, a user may not be able to access, or otherwise provide input to, features presented on a portion of the touchscreen certain distances away from the thumb being used for input. In other words, by holding the apparatus and using the thumb of the same hand, the distance the thumb may move to provide input may be less than the size of the touchscreen, thereby leaving a portion of the touchscreen that is not able to receive input. Additionally, in some cases, the thumb (or other finger) may obscure the user's view of the portion of the touchscreen it rests over.

As such, some embodiments of the present invention seek to determine the digit being used by the user to provide input. Once determination of the digit being used is made, in some embodiments, modifications to presentation of information may be applied to the apparatus to provide for an experience that is adapted for the specific digit being used.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the user interface116or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to receive user input from a digit (e.g., a finger or thumb) of a user on a touchscreen (e.g., user interface116). In some embodiments, such as shown inFIG. 3B, the user input may define a slide gesture. As noted above, a user may use any digit to provide user input to a touchscreen. For example,FIG. 4Aillustrates a user205using their right index finger207to perform a slide gesture260on the touchscreen of the device200. In some cases, as shown inFIG. 4B, the user205may use their right thumb209to perform a slide gesture270on the touchscreen of the device200. Likewise, in some cases, as shown inFIG. 4C, the user205may use their left thumb211to perform a slide gesture280on the touchscreen of the device200.

In the depicted embodiments ofFIGS. 4B and 4C, the user205is holding the device200in their right hand or left hand, respectively, while providing user input270,280to the device200. Though some of the depicted embodiments are described with respect to user input from a thumb that occurs while the user is holding the apparatus in the same hand, use of any of the embodiments described herein with respect to user input from a thumb that occurs while the user is not holding the apparatus in the same hand is also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, may be configured to determine at least one characteristic of the user input. Indeed, each user input may be defined by at least one characteristic. Some example characteristics of a slide gesture may include the curvature of the user input, the start point and end point of the user input, the speed of the user input, and the length of the user input. The apparatus102, such as through its components (e.g., UI control circuitry122, processor110, sensor118, etc.), may be configured to detect or sense at least one of the characteristics of the input. Further, the components of the apparatus102may be configured to provide output representing the characteristic of the input to the apparatus102(e.g., the processor110), such as for determination of the at least one characteristic of the input. Some example characteristics are described with respect toFIGS. 5A,5B, and5C which illustrate representative traces of example slide gestures, each being performed by different digits of a user.

FIG. 5Aillustrates representative traces of example slide gestures performed by an index finger of a user on an apparatus (e.g., apparatus102), such as the example slide gesture shown inFIG. 4A. As shown inFIG. 5A, traces261illustrate a number of similar inputs defining a slide gesture with a length SL261and a degree of curvature269. In the depicted embodiment, the curvature269or traces261is relatively minimal (e.g., straight). Along these same lines, a slide gesture may have a start point and an end point that define the length. Likewise, traces262,263,264, and265also have their own respective lengths, curvature, start point, and end point. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5A, traces265have a length (SL265) that is less than the length (SL261) of traces261.

FIG. 5Billustrates representative traces of example slide gestures performed by a right thumb of a user on an apparatus (e.g., apparatus102), such as the example slide gesture shown inFIG. 4B. As shown inFIG. 5B, traces271illustrate a number of similar inputs defining a slide gesture with a length SL271and a degree of curvature279. In the depicted embodiment, the degree of curvature279of traces271is pronounced and generally convex to the left (e.g., in the shape of a shallow “C”). Along these same lines, a slide gesture may have a start point and an end point that define the length. Likewise, traces272,273,274, and275also have their own respective lengths, curvature, start point, and end point. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, traces275have a length (SL275) that is less than the length (SL271) of traces271. Similarly, the curvature278of traces275is less pronounced than the curvature279of traces271.

FIG. 5Cillustrates representative traces of example slide gestures performed by a left thumb of a user on an apparatus (e.g., apparatus102), such as the example slide gesture shown inFIG. 4C. As shown inFIG. 5C, traces281illustrate a number of similar inputs defining a slide gesture with a length SL281and a degree of curvature289. In the depicted embodiment, the degree of curvature289of traces281is pronounced and generally convex to the right (e.g., in the shape of a shallow, reverse “C”). Along these same lines, a slide gesture may have a start point and an end point that define the length. Likewise, traces282,283,284, and285also have their own respective lengths, curvature, start point, and end point. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5C, traces285have a length (SL285) that is less than the length (SL281) of traces281. Similarly, the curvature288of traces285is less pronounced than the curvature289of traces281.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, may be configured to determine, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit used by the user to provide the user input. Each user input may have different characteristics that help define it or differentiate it from other user input. Moreover, as shown inFIGS. 5A,5B, and5C, performance of the same user input (e.g., a slide gesture) by different digits of a user's hand may also have different characteristics (e.g., length, curvature, start and end point, etc.). As such, in some embodiments, the apparatus102may be configured to determine which of a right thumb, a left thumb, or another digit is used based on the determined characteristics of the user input.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the apparatus102, such through the processor110, may be configured to determine the curvature of the user input. Additionally, in some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, may be configured to determine the digit used by the user to provide user input based on the curvature of the user input. For example, the curvature269(e.g., relatively straight) of the traces261of a slide gesture performed with a right index finger (shown inFIG. 5A) is different than the curvature279(e.g., convex to the left) of the traces271of a slide gesture performed with a right thumb (shown inFIG. 5B), which is also different than the curvature289(e.g., convex to the right) of the traces281of a slide gesture performed with a left thumb (shown inFIG. 5C). As such, in a circumstance where the apparatus102receives user input with a curvature that is similar to the curvature279of the traces271(e.g., the curvature is convex to the left), the apparatus102may determine that the user input was performed by a right thumb of the user. Along these same lines, if the curvature of the user input is determined to be relatively straight, the apparatus102may be configured to determine that the user input was performed by a finger other than a thumb (e.g., a right index finger).

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, User interface116, UI control circuitry122, or sensor118, may be configured to detect the degree of curvature of the input and, in an instance in which the degree of curvature is greater than a pre-determined threshold curvature to the left, the apparatus102may be configured to determine that the digit used is a right thumb. Likewise, in some embodiments, in an instance in which the degree of curvature is greater than a pre-determined threshold curvature to the right, the apparatus102may be configured to determine that the digit used is a left thumb. Similarly, in some embodiments, in an instance in which the degree of curvature is less than a pre-determined threshold curvature to either the left or the right, the apparatus102may be configured to determine that the digit used is a finger (e.g., not a right thumb or a left thumb).

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, may be configured to determine the digit being used based on additional characteristics of the user input. For example, in addition to determining the digit being used based on the curvature of the user input, the apparatus102may be configured to further determine the digit based on other characteristics, such as at least one of a start point and an end point of the user input, a speed of the user input, a length of the user input, a radius of an elliptical representation of the user input, an orientation of the elliptical representation of the user input, or an area of the elliptical representation of the user input. In such a manner, the apparatus102, in some cases, may be configured to more accurately determine the digit being used. In some cases, the additional characteristics may provide further evidence of which digit is being used, therefore, providing a more robust determination of the digit being used to provide input.

Though the above example of determination of the digit used to perform the user input is described with respect to curvature of the user input, some embodiments of the present invention may use other characteristics (e.g., the start point and end point of the user input, the speed of the user input, and the length of the user input, among others) to determine the digit used. For example, the length of the user input may be indicative of the type of digit being used. Along these same lines, user input may, in some embodiments, be represented by an ellipse. In such cases, some embodiments of the present invention may use at least one characteristic of the ellipse (e.g., the radius, the orientation, the area, etc.) as a characteristic for determination of the digit used to perform the user input.

In addition to providing an indication of the type of digit used to perform user input, characteristics of user input may also provide an indication of other characteristics of the digit used to perform the user input. In some embodiments, based on at least one determined characteristic, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, may be configured to determine a length of the digit used to provide the user input. For example, the length of the user input may provide an indication as to the length of the digit used to perform the user input. Indeed, a short thumb may not be able to reach as far on the touchscreen as a longer thumb. As such, the length of input of a slide gesture from the short thumb may likely be less than the length of input of a slide gesture from the longer thumb.

Though the above example of determination of the length of the digit used to perform the user input is described with respect to length of the user input, some embodiments of the present invention may use of other characteristics (e.g., the curvature of the user input, the start point and end point of the user input, and the speed of the user input, among others) to determine the length of the digit used. For example, the speed of the user input may be indicative of the length of digit being used.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, may be configured to collect characteristics of multiple user input over a period of time. In such an embodiment, the apparatus102may be configured to determine, based on the collection of characteristics of multiple user inputs, the digit being used by the user. Such an embodiment may help provide a more accurate determination of the digit being used to perform the user input.

As noted above, use of a certain digit for providing user input may limit further use of certain features or limit the user's ability to provide input to some portions of the apparatus102. As such, in some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to cause modifications to presentation of information in order to adapt the presentation for optimal use with the specific digit being used. As such, in some embodiments, the apparatus102may be configured to cause modification of presentation of information on a display based on the digit determined to be used.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to modify presentation of information such that the information is more easily accessible to the digit determined to be used by the user. For example, a digit of a user, such as due to its length or position, may be limited to an area (e.g., an input area) in which input can be applied to the apparatus102.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, may be configured to define, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, at least one of a size or a position of an input area. The size and/or position of the input area may be determined based on at least one characteristic of previous input that has been provided and/or the determination of the type or length of the digit being used to perform the input. For example, as noted above, the apparatus102may be configured to determine at least one of the position of the input, the start point and end point of the input, the length of the digit used by the user, the length of the input, or the type of digit used by the user. Based on this, the apparatus102may be configured to determine an input area. For example, with reference toFIG. 6A, a user205may provide input (e.g., perform slide gesture270) with their right thumb209to a touchscreen of a device200. The device200, such as described in some embodiments herein, may determine that the user is using their right thumb to perform the input. Additionally, in some embodiments, with reference toFIG. 6B, the device200may determine an input area230that corresponds to the area in which the right thumb209of the user205may be able to provide input. For example, the user's right thumb209may be able to stretch up to the boundaries of the input area230, but may not be able to stretch beyond, such as may be needed to provide input to, for example, icon225.

Though a rectangular input area230is shown inFIG. 6B, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate determination of any shape of input area (e.g., semi-circle, square, etc.).

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to cause modification of presentation of information on the display such that the information is positioned within the input area. In such a manner, the information (e.g., an icon for accessing an application) may be accessible to the user's digit that is performing the input. For example, with reference toFIGS. 6B and 6C, a Phone application icon227, a Calendar application icon226, and a Camera application icon225(shown inFIG. 6B) have been proportionality resized and positioned within the input area230(shown inFIG. 6C). As such, the user's right thumb209may now easily reach and provide input to the Phone application icon227′, Calendar application icon226′, and Camera application icon225′.

Likewise, thoughFIG. 6Cillustrates a proportional modification to the presentation of information, other modifications are contemplated by some embodiments of the present invention. For example, with reference toFIGS. 6B and 6D, a Phone application icon227, a Calendar application icon226, and a Camera application icon225(shown inFIG. 6B) have been repositioned within the input area230(shown inFIG. 6D) without being resized. As such, the user's right thumb209may now easily reach and provide input to the Phone application icon227″, Calendar application icon226″, and Camera application icon225″.

As noted above, in some cases, depending on what digit the user is using and how the user is holding the apparatus, the digit may actually obstruct the user's view of some of the information being presented on the display of the apparatus. Thus, in some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to cause modification of presentation of information on the display such that the information is positioned outside of an area (e.g., an obstruction area) of the display obstructed by the digit determined to be used. The size and/or position of the obstruction area may be determined based on at least one characteristic of previous input that has been provided and/or the determination of the type or length of the digit being used to perform the input. For example, as noted above, the apparatus102may be configured to determine at least one of the position of the input, the start point and end point of the input, the length of the digit used by the user, the length of the input, or the type of digit used by the user. Based on this, the apparatus102may be configured to determine an obstruction area. For example, with reference toFIG. 7A, a user205may provide input (e.g., perform slide gesture270) with their right thumb209to a touchscreen of a device200. The device200, such as described in some embodiments herein, may determine that the user is using their right thumb to perform the input. Additionally, in some embodiments, with reference toFIG. 7B, the device200may determine an obstruction area235that corresponds to the area in which the right thumb209of the user205obstructs the user's view of the display. For example, the user's right thumb209may be positioned at a resting state over a portion of the display (e.g., the obstruction area).

Though a rectangular obstruction area235is shown inFIG. 7B, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate determination of any shape of an obstruction area (e.g., semi-circle, square, etc.).

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to cause modification of presentation of information on the display such that the information is positioned outside of the obstruction area. In such a manner, the information (e.g., a map240) may be fully viewable to the user. For example, with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7C, a map240(shown inFIG. 7A) has been proportionality resized and repositioned outside of the obstruction area235(shown inFIG. 7C). As such, the user may view the entire map240′ without the user's right thumb209covering any portion of it. ThoughFIG. 7Cillustrates a proportional modification to the presentation of information, other modifications are contemplated by some embodiments of the presentation invention.

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to cause presentation of a keyboard on the display based on the digit determined to be used. In some embodiments, a first keyboard may be presented in an instance in which a thumb is determined to be used. Such a first keyboard may be designed for use with a thumb or two thumbs of a user (e.g., a two-digit keyboard). For example, with reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B, in response to a user205providing input (e.g., slide gesture270) with their right thumb209(shown inFIG. 8A), the device200may determine that the user's right thumb is being used to provide input. As such, with reference toFIG. 8B, the device200may cause presentation of a two-digit virtual keyboard293when the user indicates that they wish to enter input using a virtual keyboard. Along these same lines, other types of virtual keyboards that are designed for use with a thumb may be presented. For example, the virtual keys on the first keyboard may be scaled in proportion to the increased size of the thumb of a user (e.g., the virtual keys may be larger than normal when a thumb is determined to be used to provide input).

In some embodiments, the apparatus102, such as through the processor110, user interface116, or UI control circuitry122, may be configured to present a second keyboard in an instance in which a finger (e.g., an index finger) is determined to be used to provide input. The second keyboard, in some cases, may be a ten-digit keyboard that is designed for use by ten digits of a user. For example, with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B, in response to a user205providing input (e.g., slide gesture260) with their index finger207(shown inFIG. 9A), the device200may determine that the user's finger is being used to provide input. As such, with reference toFIG. 9B, the device200may cause presentation of a ten-digit virtual keyboard294when the user indicates that they wish to enter input using a virtual keyboard. Along these same lines, other types of keyboards that are designed for use with a finger of a user may be presented. For example, the virtual keys of the second keyboard for a finger may be smaller, allowing for more keys to be presented on the virtual keyboard. In some cases, the smaller virtual keys may be sized in proportion to the size of the finger determined to be used to provide user input.

Although the above described embodiments involve causing presentation of virtual keyboards designed for use with a determined digit, other user interface features may be modified based on the digit determined to be used (e.g., icons, input features for media playing, etc.).

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, apparatus and computer program products for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input. Various examples of the operations performed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be provided with reference toFIGS. 10-11.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input according to an example embodiment300. The operations illustrated in and described with respect toFIG. 10may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of one or more of the processor110, memory112, communication interface114, user interface116, sensor118, or UI control circuitry122. Operation302may comprise receiving user input from a digit of a user on a touchscreen, wherein the user input defines a slide gesture. The processor110, user interface116, sensor118, and/or UI control circuitry122may, for example, provide means for performing operation302. Operation304may comprise determining a characteristic of the user input. The processor110, user interface116, sensor118, and/or UI control circuitry122may, for example, provide means for performing operation304. Operation306may comprise determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit being used by the user to provide the user input. The processor110may, for example, provide means for performing operation306.

FIG. 11illustrates a flowchart according to an example method for determination of the digit being used by a user to provide input according to an example embodiment400. The operations illustrated in and described with respect toFIG. 11may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, and/or under the control of one or more of the processor110, memory112, communication interface114, user interface116, sensor118, or UI control circuitry122. Operation402may comprise receiving user input from a digit of a user on a touchscreen, wherein the user input defines a slide gesture. The processor110, user interface116, sensor118, and/or UI control circuitry122may, for example, provide means for performing operation402. Operation404may comprise determining a characteristic of the user input. The processor110, user interface116, sensor118, and/or UI control circuitry122may, for example, provide means for performing operation404. Operation406may comprise determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the user input, the digit being used by the user to provide the user input. The processor110may, for example, provide means for performing operation406. Operation408may comprise causing modification to presentation of information on a display based on the digit determined to be used. The processor110, user interface116, sensor118, and/or UI control circuitry122may, for example, provide means for performing operation408.

FIGS. 10-11each illustrate a flowchart of a system, method, and computer program product according to an example embodiment. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware and/or a computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable mediums having computer readable program instructions stored thereon. For example, one or more of the procedures described herein may be embodied by computer program instructions of a computer program product. In this regard, the computer program product(s) which embody the procedures described herein may be stored by one or more memory devices of a mobile terminal, server, or other computing device (for example, in the memory112) and executed by a processor in the computing device (for example, by the processor110). In some embodiments, the computer program instructions comprising the computer program product(s) which embody the procedures described above may be stored by memory devices of a plurality of computing devices. As will be appreciated, any such computer program product may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, an apparatus102) to produce a machine, such that the computer program product including the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus creates means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). Further, the computer program product may comprise one or more computer-readable memories on which the computer program instructions may be stored such that the one or more computer-readable memories can direct a computer or other programmable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the computer program product comprises an article of manufacture which implements the function specified in the flowchart block(s). The computer program instructions of one or more computer program products may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus (for example, an apparatus102) to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

The above described functions may be carried out in many ways. For example, any suitable means for carrying out each of the functions described above may be employed to carry out embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, a suitably configured processor (for example, the processor110) may provide all or a portion of the elements. In another embodiment, all or a portion of the elements may be configured by and operate under control of a computer program product. The computer program product for performing the methods of an example embodiment of the invention includes a computer-readable storage medium (for example, the memory112), such as the non-volatile storage medium, and computer-readable program code portions, such as a series of computer instructions, embodied in the computer-readable storage medium.