Automatic input style selection for an external display device

An electronic device, a method and a computer program product for providing a current input style and enabling a conversion of original inputs into modified inputs. The method includes identifying from device data received from an external display device, a first external display input style of the external display device and determining if the current input style of an electronic device corresponds to the first external display input style. In response to determining that the current input style of the electronic device does not correspond to the first external display input style, the method further includes converting original inputs received at the electronic device using the current input style into modified inputs corresponding to the first external display input style. The method further includes communicating the modified inputs to the external display device.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to electronic devices and in particular to an electronic device that displays information on an external display device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable or hand-held electronic devices, such as cell phones and smartphones are widely used by individuals for various functions such as communication, navigation, data transmission, and entertainment. These electronic devices typically have a small display screen, which can make it difficult for users to interact with various applications and programs on the electronic device. A possible solution to the small display screen is for the user to connect the electronic device to a larger external display where information from the electronic device is displayed on the external display. Unfortunately, using an external display can cause a problem because the external display may use a different input style than the electronic device. It can be frustrating for a user to utilize an external display that does not support the input style of the electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the illustrative embodiments provide an electronic device, a method, and a computer program product for converting original inputs into modified inputs based on the input style supported by the connected display device. In a first embodiment, an electronic device includes a communication device by which the electronic device communicatively couples to an external display device and a memory having stored thereon an input style module (ISM). The electronic device further includes at least one processor communicatively coupled to the communication device and to the memory. The at least one processor executes program code of the ISM, which enables the electronic device to identify, from device data received via the communication device, from the external display device, a first external display input style of the external display device and to determine if the current input style of the electronic device corresponds to the first external display input style of the external display device. In response to determining that the current input style of the electronic device does not correspond to the first external display input style of the external display device, the at least one processor converts original inputs received using the current input style at the electronic device into modified inputs corresponding to the first external display input style. The at least one processor generates and communicates the modified inputs to the external display device to enable use of the first external display input style during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device.

According to a second embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes identifying, via a processor, from device data received from an external display device, a first external display input style of the external display device. The method further includes determining if the current input style of an electronic device corresponds to the first external display input style of the external display device. In response to determining that the current input style of the electronic device does not correspond to the first external display input style of the external display device, the method further includes converting original inputs received using the current input style at the electronic device into modified inputs corresponding to the first external display input style. The method further includes communicating the modified inputs to the external display device to enable use of the first external display input style during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device.

According to an additional embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable storage device having stored thereon program code that, when executed by at least one processor of an electronic device that communicatively connects to an external display device, the program code enables the electronic device to complete the functionality of one or more of the above described methods.

The above contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the figures and the remaining detailed written description. The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware components and basic configuration depicted in the following figures may vary. For example, the illustrative components within electronic device100(FIG.1) are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather are representative to highlight components that can be utilized to implement the present disclosure. For example, other devices/components may be used in addition to, or in place of, the hardware depicted. The depicted example is not meant to imply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presently described embodiments and/or the general disclosure.

Within the descriptions of the different views of the figures, the use of the same reference numerals and/or symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items, and similar elements can be provided similar names and reference numerals throughout the figure(s). The specific identifiers/names and reference numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the described embodiments.

FIG.1depicts an example electronic device100within which various aspects of the disclosure can be implemented, according to one or more embodiments. Examples of such electronic devices include, but are not limited to, mobile devices, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a digital camera, a smart watch, a tablet computer and a communication device, etc. It is appreciated that electronic device100can be other types of devices. Electronic device100includes processor102. As illustrated, processor102is communicatively coupled to storage device104, system memory120, input devices, introduced below, output devices, such as display130, and image capture device (ICD) controller134. Processor102can include processor resources such as a central processing unit (CPU), one or more graphics processing units (GPU) and one or more digital signal processors (DSP) that support computing, classifying, processing, and transmitting of data and information.

ICD controller134is coupled to and controls operations of image capturing devices, of which front ICD132and rear ICD133are presented. For simplicity, throughout the disclosure, the term image capturing device (referencing ICD132/133) is utilized interchangeably to be synonymous with and/or refer to any one of front or rear facing cameras (132,133). Front facing camera (or image capture device (ICD))132is communicatively coupled to ICD controller134, which is communicatively coupled to processor102. ICD controller134supports the processing of signals from front facing camera132. Front facing camera132can capture images that are within the field of view (FOV) of image capture device132. While one front facing camera132is shown, electronic device100can have more than one front facing camera.

Electronic device100further includes rear facing camera133. Rear facing camera133is communicatively coupled to ICD controller134, which is communicatively coupled to processor102. ICD controller134supports the processing of signals from rear facing camera133. While one rear facing camera is shown, electronic device100can have more than one rear facing camera.

According to one or more embodiments, ICD controller134performs or supports functions such as, but not limited to, selecting and activating an active camera from among multiple cameras, adjusting the camera settings and characteristics (e.g., shutter speed, f/stop, ISO exposure, zoom control, etc.) of the active camera, etc. ICD controller134can perform these functions in response to commands received from processor102. In one or more embodiments, the functionality of ICD controller134is incorporated within processor102, eliminating the need for a separate ICD controller. For simplicity in describing the features presented herein, the various camera selection, activation, and configuration functions performed by the ICD controller134are described as being provided generally by processor102.

System memory120may be a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). System memory120can store program code or similar data associated with firmware128, an operating system124, applications122, input style module (ISM)136, and communication module138. ISM136includes program code that is executed by processor102to enable electronic device100to provide a current input style of the electronic device and enable a conversion of original inputs into modified inputs to match an input style of an external electronic device. Communication module138includes program code that is executed by processor102to enable electronic device100to communicate with other external devices and systems.

Although depicted as being separate from applications122, ISM136, and communication module138may be each implemented as an application. Processor102loads and executes program code stored in system memory120including program code associated with applications122, ISM136, and communication module138.

In one or more embodiments, electronic device includes removable storage device (RSD)105, which is inserted into an RSD interface (not shown) that is communicatively coupled via system interlink to processor102. In one or more embodiments, RSD105is a non-transitory computer program product or computer readable storage device. RSD105may have a version of ISM136stored thereon, in addition to other program code. Processor102can access RSD105to provision electronic device100with program code that, when executed by processor102, the program code causes or configures electronic device100to provide the functionality described herein.

Display130can be one of a wide variety of display screens or devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. In some embodiments, display130can be a touch screen device that can receive user tactile/touch input. As a touchscreen device, display130includes a tactile, touchscreen interface131that allows a user to provide input to or to control electronic device100by touching features presented within/below the display screen. Tactile, touch screen interface131can be utilized as an input device.

In one or more embodiments, tactile, touch screen interface131supports a gesture-based input style and a non-gesture-based input style. The gesture-based input style refers to receiving user inputs that are gestures on tactile, touch screen interface131, such as a finger swipe, a finger touch and hold, and a multi-finger swipe or movement. The non-gesture-based input style refers to receiving user inputs that are not gestures. In an example non-gesture-based input style embodiment, a user can select one or more buttons (e.g., pressing a virtual button or pressing a physical button). The buttons in a non-gesture-based input style can be virtual buttons displayed on tactile, touch screen interface131and are selected by tapping on the virtual button. The virtual buttons are activated if pressed. In another example non-gesture-based input style embodiment, a virtual keyboard can be shown on display130. The virtual keyboard can include virtual characters that can be individually selected by a user tapping the corresponding virtual character.

Electronic device100further includes one or more input devices such as physical input buttons107a-107n. Input buttons107a-107ncan provide controls for volume, power, and image capture device132. In one embodiment, one or more of physical input buttons107a-107ncan also be used to enable the non-gesture-based input style.

Electronic device100can further include data port198, charging circuitry135, and battery143. Electronic device100further includes microphone108, and one or more output devices such as speakers144. Microphone108can also be referred to as audio input device108. Microphone108can also be referred to generally as an input device.

Electronic device100further includes wireless communication subsystem (WCS)142, which is coupled to antennas148a-148n. In one or more embodiments, WCS142can include a communication module with one or more baseband processors or digital signal processors, one or more modems, and a radio frequency (RF) front end having one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. Wireless communication subsystem (WCS)142and antennas148a-148nallow electronic device100to communicate wirelessly with wireless network150via transmissions of communication signals194to and from network communication devices152a-152n, such as base stations or cellular nodes, of wireless network150. In one embodiment, communication network devices152a-152ncontain electronic communication equipment to allow communication with electronic device100.

Wireless network150further allows electronic device100to wirelessly communicate with second electronic device192which can be similarly connected to wireless network150via one of network communication devices152a-152n. In one or more embodiment, wireless network150can include one or more servers190that support exchange of wireless data and video and other communication between electronic device100and electronic device192.

Electronic device100further includes short range communication device(s)164, which is communicatively coupled to processor102. Short range communication device(s)164is/are low powered transceiver(s) that can wirelessly communicate with other devices. Short range communication device164can include one or more of a variety of devices, such as a near field communication (NFC) device, a Bluetooth device, and/or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) device. Short range communication device164can wirelessly communicate with WiFi router196via communication signals197. In one embodiment, electronic device100can receive Internet or Wi-Fi based calls via short range communication device164. In one embodiment, electronic device100can communicate with WiFi router196wirelessly via short range communication device164. In an embodiment, WCS142, antennas148a-148nand short-range communication device(s)164collectively provide communication interface(s) of electronic device100. These communication interfaces enable electronic device100to communicatively connect to at least one second electronic device192via at least one network. Wireless network150is communicatively coupled to wireless fidelity (WiFi) router196. Electronic device100can also communicate wirelessly with wireless network150via communication signals197transmitted by short range communication device(s)164to and from WiFi router196, which is communicatively connected to network150.

Electronic device100further includes input/output (I/O) communication device170. I/O communication device170is communicatively coupled to processor102and to data port198. I/O communication device170supports communications between electronic device100and other external devices that are connected to data port198. In one embodiment, I/O communication device170can use a standard interface such as the universal serial bus (USB) interface to communicate with other external devices.

Electronic device100can communicate with an external display device172using either short range communication device164, which supports a wireless connection, or I/O communication device170, which supports a wired connection. Electronic device100can be removably connected to external display device172via a docking station178and an electrical cable174A. In an alternate embodiment, electronic device100can communicate directly with external display device172via I/O communication device170and electrical cable174B. Electronic device100can also wirelessly communicate with external display device172via short range communication device164. External display device172can include a transceiver176. Short range communication device164can wirelessly communicate with transceiver176via communication signals193.

External display device172can be a variety of display devices. External display device172can be a standalone display device or can be part of another electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer or tablet computer). Examples of external display devices include, but are not limited to, a computer monitor, an all-in-one computer, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer. External display device172can be any suitable type of display including a liquid crystal display (LCD), and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.

Electronic device100further includes vibration device146, fingerprint sensor147, global positioning system (GPS) device160, and motion sensor(s)161. Vibration device146can cause electronic device100to vibrate or shake when activated. Vibration device146can be activated during an incoming call or message in order to provide an alert or notification to a user of electronic device100. According to one aspect of the disclosure, display130, speakers144, and vibration device146can generally and collectively be referred to as output devices.

Fingerprint sensor147can be used to provide biometric data to identify or authenticate a user. GPS device160can provide time data and location data about the physical location of electronic device100using geospatial input received from GPS satellites.

Motion sensor(s)161can include one or more accelerometers162and gyroscope163. Motion sensor(s)161can detect movement of electronic device100and provide motion data to processor102indicating the spatial orientation and movement of electronic device100. Accelerometers162measure linear acceleration of movement of electronic device100in multiple axes (X, Y and Z). For example, accelerometers162can include three accelerometers, where one accelerometer measures linear acceleration in the X axis, one accelerometer measures linear acceleration in the Y axis, and one accelerometer measures linear acceleration in the Z axis. Gyroscope163measures rotation or angular rotational velocity of electronic device100.

In the description of each of the following figures, reference is also made to specific components illustrated within the preceding figure(s). Similar components are presented with the same reference number.

Referring toFIG.2, there is shown one embodiment of example contents of system memory120of electronic device100. System memory120includes data, software, and/or firmware modules, including applications122, operating system124, firmware128, ISM136, and communication module138.

ISM136includes program code that is executed by processor102to enable electronic device100to perform various features of the present disclosure. In one or more embodiments, ISM136enables electronic device100to provide a current input style of the electronic device and enable a conversion of original inputs into modified inputs to match an input style of an external electronic device. In one or more embodiments, execution of ISM136by processor102enables/configures electronic device100to perform the processes presented in the flowcharts ofFIGS.4and5, as will be described below.

Communication module138enables electronic device100to communicate with wireless network150and with other devices, such as second electronic device192, and external display device172via one or more of audio, text, image and video communications.

System memory120further includes electronic device input style220. Electronic device input style220comprises gesture-based input style222, non-gesture-based input style224, and current input style226. The current input style226used by electronic device100is one of gesture-based input style222and non-gesture-based input style224. Gesture-based input style222are user inputs that are gestures on/above tactile, touch screen interface131such as a finger swipe, a finger touch and hold, and a multi-finger swipe or movement. Non-gesture-based input style224are user inputs that are not gestures such as pressing a virtual button or pressing a physical button. Non-gesture-based input style224can be provided by a user via one or more virtual buttons on tactile, touch screen interface131or via buttons107a-107n.

System memory120further includes original inputs230and modified inputs232. Original inputs230are inputs provided to electronic device100by a user of electronic device100. Modified inputs232are original inputs received using the original input style that have been converted from the input style of the original inputs to a different input style of a connected display device. The original inputs230can be either of one the gesture-based input style222or the non-gesture-based input style224. The corresponding modified inputs232can then be either one of the gesture-based input style222or the non-gesture-based input style224that aligns with the input style of the connected display device.

Electronic device100can receive external display device data240from an external display device172and determine if the current input style226of electronic device100matches the input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242or non-gesture-based input style244) of the external display device172. If the current input style226of electronic device100matches the input style of external display device172, electronic device100provides the original inputs230to external display device172. If the current input style226of electronic device100does not match the input style of external display device172, electronic device100converts the original inputs230into modified inputs232to match the input style of external display device172and provides the modified inputs232to external display device172.

System memory120further includes external display device data240. External display device data240is received from external display device172. External display device data240comprises one or both of gesture-based input style242and non-gesture-based input style244.

With reference toFIG.3A, electronic device100is shown communicating with several examples of external display devices172. A user of electronic device100may desire to view content on a larger display size than the display size of electronic device100and can utilize the larger display size of external display devices172to view content originating from electronic device100. In one embodiment, the external display device can be a standalone display device310. Standalone display device310can be an electronic device that includes a keyboard312, a pointing device314, such as a mouse, and a display316with a tactile touch screen interface318. A user of standalone display device310can provide non-gesture type inputs [B] to standalone display device310using the non-gesture-based input style244, via keyboard312and pointing device314. In a non-gesture-based input style mode, user interfacing with the standalone display device310is based on inputs to keyboard312and pointing device314. In another embodiment, keyboard312and/or pointing device314do not need to be attached to the display by a cable and can wirelessly communicate with standalone display device310via a short range wireless signal such as Bluetooth.

In another embodiment, external display device can be a laptop computer320. Laptop computer320can include a keyboard322, a pointing device324such as a touchpad, and a display326with a tactile touch screen interface328. A user of laptop computer320can provide gesture type inputs [A] to laptop computer320using the gesture-based input style242, via tactile touch screen interface328, and can provide non-gesture type inputs [B] using the non-gesture-based input style244, via keyboard322and pointing device324.

In an additional embodiment, external display device can be a tablet computer330. Tablet computer330can include a display336with a tactile touch screen interface338. A user of tablet computer330can provide gesture type inputs [A] to tablet computer330using the gesture-based input style242, via tactile touch screen interface338.

Electronic device100can communicate with any of external display devices172via one or both of a wireless signal193or a wired connection using an electrical cable174B and optionally docking station178. InFIG.3A, only standalone display device310is shown connected to electronic device100using an electrical cable174B. In other embodiments, laptop computer320and tablet computer330may also be connected to electronic device100using an electrical cable.

An electronic device user of electronic device100can provide original inputs [A]230to electronic device100. The original inputs [A]230can be in the gesture-based input style222or the non-gesture-based input style224. Electronic device100can receive external display device data240from an external display device172. In one embodiment, device input-style data (i.e., external display device data [input style A/B]240) can be automatically transmitted from the memory of the external display device172during a connection of the devices. For example, a handshake process between electronic device100and external display device172enables the initiation of inter-device communication exchange. Alternatively, electronic device100can transmit a request for the device input-style data (i.e., external display device data [input style A/B]240) if the device input-style data is not automatically received during the communication setup/handshake.

Electronic device100determines if the current input style226of electronic device100matches the input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242or non-gesture-based input style244) of the external display device172. If the current input style226of electronic device100matches the input style of external display device172, electronic device100provides (transmits) the original inputs [A]230to external display device172. If the current input style226of electronic device100does not match the input style of external display device172, electronic device100converts the original inputs [A]230into modified inputs [B]232to match the input style of external display device172and provides (transmits) the modified inputs [B]232to external display device172.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, electronic device100can identify a first external display input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242, or non-gesture-based input style244) of the external display device172from device data240received from external display device172, via communication device164and/or170. Electronic device100determines if the current input style226of electronic device100corresponds to the first external display input style of the external display device172. In response to determining that the current input style226of electronic device100does not correspond to the first external display input style of the external display device172, electronic device100converts original inputs [A]230received at electronic device100using the current input style226into modified inputs [B]232(e.g., one of gesture-based input style222, or non-gesture-based input style224) corresponding to the first external display input style. Electronic device100communicates the modified inputs [B]232to the external display device172to enable use of the first external display input style during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device172. In one embodiment, the gesture-based input style222can include different types of gesture-based input styles such as a finger swipe, a finger touch and hold, and a multi-finger swipe or movement. Each of the different types of gesture-based input styles can be separately identified and converted into corresponding non-gesture based input styles.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, when electronic device100is communicatively coupled or connected to an external display device172, electronic device100can automatically identify the input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242, or non-gesture-based input style244) being used by the external display device172. Electronic device100can automatically match the input style of external display device172by converting original inputs [A]230at electronic device100to modified inputs [B]232using one of gesture-based input style222, or non-gesture-based input style224and provide the modified inputs [B]232to external display device172.

In one example embodiment, the current input style226of electronic device100can be the gesture-based input style222and the input style of external display device172can be the non-gesture-based input style244. Electronic device100can convert the original inputs [A]230received in the gesture-based input style222at electronic device100to modified inputs [B]232in the non-gesture-based input style and provide the modified inputs [B]232to external display device172.

In another example embodiment, the current input style226of electronic device100can be the non-gesture-based input style224and the input style of external display device172can be the gesture-based input style242. Electronic device100can convert the original inputs [A]230received in the non-gesture-based input style224at electronic device100to modified inputs [B]232in the gesture-based input style and provide the modified inputs [B]232to external display device172.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, when electronic device100is communicatively coupled or connected to an external display device172, electronic device100continues to use the same current input style226, as selected by a user of electronic device100, and electronic device100automatically provides inputs (i.e., original inputs230or modified inputs232) to match the input style of the external display device172. Thus, the current input style226, as selected by a user of electronic device100, is independent of and not affected by the input style of the external display device172.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, if electronic device100determines that external display device172is operating in the gesture-based input style and electronic device100is operating in the non-gesture-based input style, electronic device100automatically converts the original inputs [A]230, in the non-gesture-based input style, to modified inputs [B]232, in the gesture-based input style and provides the modified inputs [A]232to external display device172. If electronic device100determines that external display device172is operating in the non-gesture-based input style and electronic device100is operating in the gesture-based input style, electronic device100automatically converts the original inputs [A]230, in the gesture-based input style, to modified inputs [B]232, in the non-gesture-based input style and provides the modified inputs [B]232to external display device172.

Referring toFIG.3B, another example of an external display device172is shown wirelessly receiving content from a connected electronic device100. In one embodiment, the external display device can be a tablet computer350with a display352and a detachable keyboard354. Display352can include a tactile touch screen interface353. Detachable keyboard354includes a set of keys356and a pointing device358, such as a touchpad. With the detachable keyboard354connected to tablet computer350, the external display device is operating in the non-gesture-based input style244. In another embodiment, keyboard354does not need to be physically attached to display352and can wirelessly communicate with display352via a short range wireless signal such as Bluetooth.

The display352is shown displaying content from electronic device100including a graphical user interface (GUI)360that contains multiple icons362. GUI360also includes a button bar364indicating that electronic device100is providing outputs in the non-gesture-based input style. Button bar364includes various buttons that can be selected to perform various operations supporting the gesture-based input style. In one embodiment, button bar364includes a triangle button (e.g., selectable to navigate back one step or screen), a circle button (e.g., selectable to navigate to a home screen or desktop view), and a square button (e.g., selectable to show all currently running applications).

Electronic device100can be operating in either the gesture-based input style222or the non-gesture-based input style224. If electronic device100determines that external display device172(i.e., tablet computer350) is operating in the non-gesture-based input style and electronic device100is operating in the gesture-based input style, electronic device100automatically converts the original inputs230, in the gesture-based input style, to modified inputs232, in the non-gesture-based input style and provides the modified inputs232to the external display device. Electronic device100provides outputs to display352that match the current input style of the external display device (i.e., the non-gesture-based input style) as shown by button bar364of GUI360. In other words, content received from electronic device100is viewed as the non-gesture-based navigation style when the external display device is enabled to use a non-gesture based input style.

Referring toFIG.3C, another example of an external display device172is shown wirelessly receiving content from a connected electronic device100. With the detachable keyboard354detached from tablet computer350, the external display device is operating in the gesture-based input style242via touch screen interface353.

The display352is shown displaying content from electronic device100including a graphical user interface (GUI)370that contains multiple icons372. GUI370also includes a gesture navigation bar374that indicates that electronic device100is providing outputs in the gesture-based input style. In one embodiment, gesture navigation bar374enables input in the gesture-based input style including swiping from up from the bottom of the electronic device display130to navigate to a home screen, swiping across the bottom of the electronic device display130to switch applications, and swiping from either side of the electronic device display130to navigate back one step or screen.

Electronic device100can be operating in either the gesture based input style222or the non-gesture-based input style224. If electronic device100determines that external display device172(i.e., tablet computer350) is operating in the gesture-based input style and electronic device100is operating in the non-gesture-based input style, electronic device100automatically converts the original inputs230, in the non-gesture-based input style, to modified inputs232, in the gesture-based input style and provides the modified inputs232to the external display device. Electronic device100provides outputs to display352that match the current input style of the external display device (i.e., the gesture-based input style) as shown by gesture navigation bar374. In other words, content received from electronic device100is viewed as the gesture-based navigation style when the external display device is enabled to use a gesture-based input style.

Turning now to the flow charts,FIG.4depicts method400by which electronic device100converts of original inputs into modified inputs to match an input style of an external electronic device.FIG.5depicts method500by which electronic device100monitors an input style of an external display device and adjusts the style of the communicated inputs accordingly. The description of methods400and500will be described with reference to the components and examples ofFIGS.1-3C.

The operations depicted inFIGS.4and5can be performed by electronic device100or any suitable electronic device that includes the one or more functional components of electronic device100that provide/enable the described features. One or more of the processes of the methods described inFIGS.4and5may be performed by processor102executing program code associated with ISM136.

With specific reference toFIG.4, method400begins at start block402. At decision block404, processor102determines if communication has been detected with at least one external display device172. Processor102can communicate with external display devices172via a wired connection using I/O communication device170and an electrical cable174B or wirelessly via short range communication device164, wireless signal193and transceiver176. In response to determining that communication has not been detected with at least one external display device172, method400ends at end block450.

In response to determining that communication has been detected with at least one external display device172, processor102triggers the external display device172to transmit external display device data240including the first external display input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242, or non-gesture-based input style244) to the electronic device100(block408). Processor102receives the external display device data240from external display device172(block410).

Processor102identifies, from the external display device data240, a first external display input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242, or non-gesture-based input style244) (block412). Processor102retrieves current input style226from system memory120(block414).

In an example embodiment, if the first external display input style is the gesture-based input style242, and the current input style226is the gesture-based input style222, processor102communicates content using the original inputs230to the external display device172.

In response to determining that the current input style226does not correspond to the first external display input style of the external display device172, processor102converts the original inputs230received at electronic device100using the current input style226into modified inputs232corresponding to the first external display input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242, or non-gesture-based input style244) (block422).

In an example embodiment, if the first external display input style is the non-gesture-based input style244, and the current input style226is the gesture-based input style222, processor102converts the original inputs230to modified inputs232based on the non-gesture-based input style224of electronic device100and communicates content using the modified inputs232to the external display device172. In one embodiment, the gesture-based input style222can include different types of gesture-based input styles such as a finger swipe, a finger touch and hold, and a multi-finger swipe or movement. Each of the different types of gesture-based input styles can be separately identified and converted into corresponding non-gesture based input styles.

In another example embodiment, if the first external display input style is the gesture-based input style242, and the current input style226is the non-gesture-based input style224, processor102converts the original inputs230to modified inputs232based on the gesture-based input style222of electronic device100and communicates content using the modified inputs232to the external display device172.

FIG.5illustrates method500by which electronic device100monitors an input style of an external display device and adjusts the style of the communicated inputs. With specific reference toFIG.5, method500begins at start block502. Processor102periodically triggers and receives external display device data240from external display device172to monitor for changes in the external display input style. At block504, processor102parses and evaluates the external display device data240received from external display device172.

Processor102determines if the first external display input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242, or non-gesture-based input style244) has changed to a different second external display input style (e.g., one of gesture-based input style242or non-gesture-based input style244) (decision block506). In response to determining that the first external display input style has not changed to a different second external display input style, processor102communicates the original inputs230to the external display device172to enable use of the first external display input style during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device172(block520). Method500then terminates at end block550.

In response to determining that the first external display input style has changed to a different second external display input style, processor102, determines if the second external display input style corresponds to the current input style226of electronic device100(decision block508).

In response to determining that the second external display input style corresponds to the current input style226of electronic device100, processor102communicates the original inputs230to the external display device172to enable use of the first external display input style during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device172(block520). Method500then terminates at end block550.

In response to determining that the second external display input style does not correspond to the current input style226of electronic device100, processor102converts the original inputs230received at the electronic device100using the current input style226into modified inputs232corresponding to the second external display input style (block510). Processor102communicates the modified inputs232to the external display device172to enable use of the second external display input style during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device172(block512). Method500ends at end block550.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the first external display input style can initially be the gesture-based input style242. Processor102monitors if the first external display input style (e.g. gesture-based input style242) changes to a second external display input style (e.g. non-gesture-based input style244). In response to the gesture-based input style242being changed to the non-gesture-based input style244at external display device172, processor102determines if the second external display input style (e.g. non-gesture-based input style244) corresponds to the current input style226(i.e., non-gesture-based input style224) of the electronic device100. In response to determining that the non-gesture-based input style244does not correspond to the current input style226(i.e., non-gesture-based input style224), processor102converts the original inputs230received at the electronic device using the current input style226into modified inputs232(i.e., gesture-based input style222) corresponding to the second external display input style (e.g. non-gesture-based input style244). Processor102communicates the modified inputs232to the external display device172to enable use of the second external display input style (e.g. non-gesture-based input style244) during presentation of and interaction with electronic device content displayed on the external display device172.

In the above-described methods ofFIGS.4and5, one or more of the method processes may be embodied in a computer readable device containing computer readable code such that operations are performed when the computer readable code is executed on a computing device. In some implementations, certain operations of the methods may be combined, performed simultaneously, in a different order, or omitted, without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. Further, additional operations may be performed, including operations described in other methods. Thus, while the method operations are described and illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specific sequence or operations is not meant to imply any limitations on the disclosure. Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of operations without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Use of a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device, or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.