Playback control using a touch interface

This is directed to controlling media playback based on particular touch gestures detected by a touch-sensing interface. The electronic device can identify particular touch inputs, such as combinations of tapping and holding a touch sensitive surface, or circular motions. In response to detecting a particular touch gesture, the electronic device can perform a playback operation specifically associated with the detected touch gesture. To provide a consistent user interface with the device, some of the particular touch gestures can match other inputs provided using a button, for example a button integrated on a wired headset. In such an embodiment, the same combination of tapping and holding a touch input and pressing and holding a button can control the same electronic device operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A user can control the playback of media using a media playback device in different ways. In particular, the manner in which the user controls the media playback can be set by the particular input interfaces available to the device. If several buttons are available (e.g., buttons associated with dome switches), the user can control media playback by selecting buttons associated with different playback operations. Alternatively, if a display having displayed playback options is available, the user can direct an input interface to select the displayed playback options. For example, a user can select a displayed play/pause option, fast-forward option, rewind option, and volume option.

These input approaches, however, can require physical buttons on which to provide the inputs. This in turn can increase the overall size of the device, or require moving components extending from an exterior surface of the device. These input approaches can also require the display of selectable options, which can require additional power or prevent the user from controlling the media playback without looking at the display (e.g., when the device faces away from the user, for example during a workout).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This is directed to systems, methods and computer-readable media for controlling media playback based on specific combinations of touch inputs. In particular, this is directed to detecting different combinations of taps, and performing playback operations associated with each of the tap combinations.

In some embodiments, a user can control the playback of media on an electronic device by providing inputs to an input interface, such as a physical button. For example, the electronic device can include several buttons, each of which is associated with a different playback operation. The buttons can be incorporated in the electronic device or remotely coupled, for example wirelessly or using a wire (e.g., buttons in a headphone cable). Alternatively, the electronic device can instead or in addition display selectable playback options, which the user can select using an input interface. The selectable playback options can include, for example, play/pause options, fast forward and rewind options, next and last options, and volume control options. Upon receiving a selection of an option, the electronic device can perform the corresponding media playback operation.

An electronic device, however, may not have dedicated playback control buttons or interfaces. In addition, a user may wish to control media playback operations without needing to first look at a display to select a specific displayed option. To allow a user to control media playback using a touch sensing device without requiring the selection of displayed options, the electronic device can include a mode or configuration for which the touch sensing device can sense touch events, but not display any content on a display. For example, an electronic device with a touch screen can have a mode in which no content is displayed on the touch screen (e.g., the touch screen remains dark), but the touch screen is operative to detect touch events of the user.

The electronic device can associate any suitable combination of touch events with different media playback inputs. In some embodiments, the electronic device can associate tap events with different media playback operations. In particular, the electronic device can associate tap events that correspond to or mimic button press events from a remote input interface (e.g., an in-line button) with the corresponding media playback operations. In one implementation, the electronic device can associate single button presses and single touch events with the same playback operation, and combinations of button presses (e.g., short and long presses) and corresponding touch events (e.g., short and long taps) with the same playback operations.

In some embodiments, the user can control volume operations or other playback operations by providing touch events that do not correspond to button press events provided by a remote input interface. For example, the user can provide a circular touch event to control the volume of played back media. The electronic device can also allow other mechanisms for providing playback controls, such as selectable options selectively displayed on a display (e.g., displayed in response to a specific request from the user).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This is directed to providing instructions for media playback operations by detecting tap touches using a touch sensing device.

In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system50in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Computer system50can correspond to a personal computer system, such as desktops, laptops, tablets or handheld computers. Computer system50can also correspond to other computing devices, such as an iPod® available by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., a cellular telephone, a personal e-mail or messaging device (e.g., a Blackberry® or a Sidekick®), an iPhone® available from Apple Inc., pocket-sized personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), a music recorder, a video recorder, a gaming device, a camera, radios, or any other suitable consumer electronic device.

The exemplary computer system50shown inFIG. 1can include a processor56configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with computer system50. For example, using instructions retrieved for example from memory, processor56can control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of computing system50. Processor56can be implemented on a single-chip, multiple chips or multiple electrical components. For example, various architectures can be used for processor56, including dedicated or embedded processor, single purpose processor, controller, ASIC, and so forth.

In most cases, processor56together with an operating system can operate to execute computer code and produce and use data. Operating systems are generally well known and will not be described in greater detail. By way of example, the operating system can correspond to OS/2, DOS, Unix, Linux, Palm OS, and the like. The operating system can also be a special purpose operating system, such as can be used for limited purpose appliance-type computing devices. The operating system, other computer code and data can reside within memory block58that is operatively coupled to processor56. Memory block58generally provides a place to store computer code and data that are used by computer system50. By way of example, memory block58can include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive and/or the like. The information could also reside on a removable storage medium and loaded or installed onto computer system50when needed. Removable storage mediums include, for example, CD-ROM, PC-CARD, memory card, floppy disk, magnetic tape, and a network component.

Computer system50can also include display device68that is operatively coupled to processor56. Display device68can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) (e.g., active matrix, passive matrix and the like). Alternatively, display device68can be a monitor such as a monochrome display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display, enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, variable-graphics-array (VGA) display, super VGA display, cathode ray tube (CRT), and the like. Display device68can also correspond to a plasma display or a display implemented with electronic inks.

Display device68can generally be configured to display graphical user interface (GUI)69that can provide an easy to use interface between a user of the computer system and the operating system or application running thereon. Generally speaking, GUI69can represent programs, files and operational options with graphical images, objects, or vector representations. The graphical images can include windows, fields, dialog boxes, menus, icons, buttons, cursors, scroll bars, etc. Such images can be arranged in predefined layouts, or can be created dynamically to serve the specific actions being taken by a user. During operation, the user can select and/or activate various graphical images in order to initiate functions and tasks associated therewith. By way of example, a user can select a button that opens, closes, minimizes, or maximizes a window, or an icon that launches a particular program. GUI69can additionally or alternatively display information, such as non interactive text and graphics, for the user on display device68.

Computer system50can also include input device70that is operatively coupled to processor56. Input device70can be configured to transfer data from the outside world into computer system50. Input device70can, for example, be used to perform tracking and to make selections with respect to GUI69on display68. Input device70can also be used to issue commands in computer system50. Input device70can include a touch-sensing device or interface configured to receive input from a user's touch and to send this information to processor56. By way of example, the touch-sensing device can correspond to a touchpad or a touch screen. In many cases, the touch-sensing device can recognize touches, as well as the position and magnitude of touches on a touch sensitive surface. The touch-sensing device can detect and report the touches to processor56and processor56can interpret the touches in accordance with its programming. For example, processor56can initiate a task in accordance with a particular touch. A dedicated processor can be used to process touches locally and reduce demand for the main processor of the computer system. In some embodiments, input device70can be a touch screen that can be positioned over or in front of display68, integrated with display device68, or can be a separate component, such as a touch pad.

The touch-sensing device can be based on sensing technologies including but not limited to capacitive sensing, resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, pressure sensing, optical sensing, and/or the like. Furthermore, the touch-sensing means can be based on single point sensing or multipoint sensing. Single point sensing is capable of only distinguishing a single touch, while multipoint sensing is capable of distinguishing multiple touches that occur at the same time. The touch-sensing can include actual contact of the touch-sensing device, near-touch of the touch-sensing device (e.g. detecting hovering), or remote detection of the user by the touch-sensing device.

Computer system50can also include capabilities for coupling to one or more I/O devices80. By way of example, I/O devices80can correspond to keyboards, printers, scanners, cameras, microphones, speakers, and/or the like. I/O devices80can be integrated with computer system50or they can be separate components (e.g., peripheral devices). In some cases, I/O devices80can be connected to computer system50through wired connections (e.g., cables/ports). In other cases, I/O devices80can be connected to computer system80through wireless connections. By way of example, the data link can correspond to PS/2, USB, IR, Firewire, RF, Bluetooth or the like.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, computer system50can be designed to recognize gestures85applied to input device70and to control aspects of computer system50based on the gestures85. In some cases, a gesture can be defined as a stylized interaction with an input device that can be mapped to one or more specific computing operations. Gestures85can be made through various hand, and more particularly finger motions. Alternatively or additionally, the gestures can be made with a stylus. In all of these cases, input device70can receive gestures85and processor56can execute instructions to carry out operations associated with the gestures85. In addition, memory block58can include gesture operational program88, which can be part of the operating system or a separate application. Gesture operation program88can generally include a set of instructions that can recognize the occurrence of gestures85and can inform one or more software agents of the gestures85and/or what action(s) to take in response to the gestures85. Additional details regarding the various gestures that can be used as input commands is discussed further below.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, upon a user performing one or more gestures, input device70can relay gesture information to processor56. Using instructions from memory58, and more particularly, gesture operational program88, processor56can interpret the gestures85and control different components of computer system50, such as memory58, display68and I/O devices80, based on the gestures85. Gestures85can be identified as commands for performing actions in applications stored in memory58, modifying image objects shown on display68, modifying data stored in memory58, and/or for performing actions in I/O devices80.

Again, althoughFIG. 1illustrates input device70and display68as two separate boxes for illustration purposes, the two boxes can be realized on one device.

FIG. 2illustrates an exemplary computing system10that uses multi-touch panel24as an input device for gestures, though multi-touch panel24can at the same time be a display panel. Computing system10can include one or more multi-touch panel processors12dedicated to multi-touch subsystem27. Alternatively, multi-touch panel processor functionality can be implemented by dedicated logic, such as a state machine. Peripherals11can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdog timers and the like. Multi-touch subsystem27can include, but is not limited to, one or more analog channels17, channel scan logic18and driver logic19. Channel scan logic18can access RAM16, autonomously read data from analog channels17and provide control for analog channels17. This control can include multiplexing columns of multi-touch panel24to analog channels17. In addition, channel scan logic18can control driver logic19and stimulation signals being selectively applied to rows of multi-touch panel24. In some embodiments, multi-touch subsystem27, multi-touch panel processor12and peripherals11can be integrated into a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Driver logic19can provide multiple multi-touch subsystem outputs20and can present a proprietary interface that drives high voltage driver, which can include a decoder21and subsequent level shifter and driver stage22, although level-shifting functions could be performed before decoder functions. Level shifter and driver stage22can provide level shifting from a low voltage level (e.g. CMOS levels) to a higher voltage level, providing a better signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for noise reduction purposes. Decoder21can decode the drive interface signals to one out of N outputs, whereas N is the maximum number of rows in the panel. Decoder21can be used to reduce the number of drive lines needed between the high voltage driver and multi-touch panel24. Each multi-touch panel row input23can drive one or more rows in multi-touch panel24. It should be noted that driver22and decoder21can also be integrated into a single ASIC, be integrated into driver logic19, or in some instances be unnecessary.

Multi-touch panel24can include a capacitive sensing medium having a plurality of row traces or driving lines and a plurality of column traces or sensing lines, although other sensing media can also be used. The row and column traces can be formed from a transparent conductive medium, such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO), although other transparent and non-transparent materials, such as copper, can also be used. In some embodiments, the row and column traces can be formed on opposite sides of a dielectric material, and can be perpendicular to each other, although in other embodiments other non-orthogonal orientations are possible. In a polar coordinate system, for example, the sensing lines can be concentric circles and the driving lines can be radially extending lines (or vice versa). It should be understood, therefore, that the terms “row” and “column,” “first dimension” and “second dimension,” or “first axis” and “second axis” as used herein are intended to encompass not only orthogonal grids, but the intersecting traces of other geometric configurations having first and second dimensions (e.g. the concentric and radial lines of a polar-coordinate arrangement). The rows and columns can be formed on a single side of a substrate, or can be formed on two separate substrates separated by a dielectric material. In some instances, an additional dielectric cover layer can be placed over the row or column traces to strengthen the structure and protect the entire assembly from damage.

At the “intersections” of the traces of multi-touch panel24, where the traces pass above and below (cross) each other (but do not make direct electrical contact with each other), the traces can essentially form two electrodes (although more than two traces could intersect as well). Each intersection of row and column traces can represent a capacitive sensing node and can be viewed as picture element (pixel)26, which can be particularly useful when multi-touch panel24is viewed as capturing an “image” of touch. In other words, after multi-touch subsystem27has determined whether a touch event has been detected at each touch sensor in the multi-touch panel, the pattern of touch sensors in the multi-touch panel at which a touch event occurred can be viewed as an “image” of touch (e.g. a pattern of fingers touching the panel. The capacitance between row and column electrodes can appear as a stray capacitance on all columns when the given row is held at DC and as a mutual capacitance Csig when the given row is stimulated with an AC signal. The presence of a finger or other object near or on the multi-touch panel can be detected by measuring changes to Csig. The columns of multi-touch panel24can drive one or more analog channels17(also referred to herein as event detection and demodulation circuits) in multi-touch subsystem27. In some implementations, each column can be coupled to one dedicated analog channel17. However, in other implementations, the columns can be couplable via an analog switch to a fewer number of analog channels17.

Computing system10can also include host processor14for receiving outputs from multi-touch panel processor12and performing actions based on the outputs that can include, but are not limited to, moving an object such as a cursor or pointer, scrolling or panning, adjusting control settings, opening a file or document, viewing a menu, making a selection, executing instructions, operating a peripheral device connected to the host device, etc. Host processor14, which can be a personal computer CPU, can also perform additional functions that can not be related to multi-touch panel processing, and can be coupled to program storage15and display device13such as an LCD display for providing a user interface (UI) to a user of the device.

It should be noted that, whileFIG. 2illustrates a dedicated multi-touch panel processor12, the multi-touch subsystem can be controlled directly by the host processor14. Additionally, it should also be noted that multi-touch panel24and display device13can be integrated into one single touch-screen display device. Further details of multi-touch sensor detection, including proximity detection by a touch panel, is described in commonly assigned co-pending applications, including application Ser. No. 10/840,862 titled “Multipoint Touchscreen,” which was published on May 11, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. US2006/0097991; application Ser. No. 11/428,522 titled “Identifying Contacts On A Touch Surface,” which was published on Oct. 26, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. 2006/0238522, and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/649,998 entitled “Proximity and Multi-Touch Sensor Detection and Demodulation,” which was published on Jul. 3, 2008 as U.S. Publication No. 2008/0158172, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3illustrates a multipoint processing method300in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Multipoint processing method300can, for example, be performed with the system shown inFIG. 1orFIG. 2. Multipoint processing method300generally begins at step302where images are read from a multipoint input device, and more particularly a multipoint touch screen. Although the term “image” is used it should be noted that the data can come in other forms. In most cases, the image read from the touch screen provides magnitude (Z) as a function of position (x and y) for each sensing point or pixel of the touch screen. The magnitude can, for example, reflect the capacitance measured at each point.

Following step302, multipoint processing method300proceeds to step304where the image can be converted into a collection or list of features. Each feature can represent a distinct input such as a touch. In most cases, each feature can include its own unique identifier (ID), x coordinate, y coordinate, Z magnitude, angle θ, area A, and the like. By way of example,FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate a particular image420in time. In image420, there are two features422based on two distinct touches. The touches can for example be formed from a pair of fingers touching the touch screen. As shown, each feature422can include unique identifier (ID), x coordinate, y coordinate, Z magnitude, angle θ, and area A. More particularly, the first feature422A is represented by ID1, X1, Y1, Z1, θ1, A1and the second feature422B is represented by ID2, X2, Y2, Z2, θ2, A2This data can be outputted for example using a multi-touch protocol.

The conversion from data or images to features can be accomplished using methods described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/840,862 titled “Multipoint Touchscreen,” which is hereby again incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed therein, the raw data can be received in a digitized form, and can include values for each node of the touch screen. The values can be between 0 and 256 where 0 equates to no touch pressure and 256 equates to full touch pressure. Thereafter, the raw data can be filtered to reduce noise. Once filtered, gradient data, which indicates the topology of each group of connected points, can be generated. Thereafter, the boundaries for touch regions can be calculated based on the gradient data (i.e., a determination can be made as to which points are grouped together to form each touch region). By way of example, a watershed algorithm can be used. Once the boundaries are determined, the data for each of the touch regions can be calculated (e.g., X, Y, Z, θ, A).

Returning toFIG. 3, following step304, multipoint processing method300proceeds to step306where feature classification and groupings can be performed. During classification, the identity of each of the features can be determined. For example, the features can be classified as a particular finger, thumb, palm or other object. Once classified, the features can be grouped. The manner in which the groups are formed can widely vary. In most cases, the features can be grouped based on some criteria (e.g., they carry a similar attribute). For example, the two features shown inFIG. 4AandFIG. 4Bcan be grouped together because each of these features is located in proximity to each other or because they are from the same hand. The grouping can include some level of filtering to filter out features that are not part of the touch event. In filtering, one or more features can be rejected because they either meet some predefined criteria or because they do not meet some predefined criteria. By way of example, one of the features can be classified as a thumb located at the edge of a tablet PC. Because the thumb is being used to hold the device rather than being used to perform a task, the feature generated therefrom can be rejected (i.e., is not considered part of the touch event being processed).

Following step306, multipoint processing method300proceeds to step308where key parameters for the feature groups can be calculated. The key parameters can include distance between features, x/y centroid of all features, feature rotation, total pressure of the group (e.g., pressure at centroid), and the like. As shown inFIG. 5, the calculation can include finding the centroid C, drawing a virtual line530to each feature from the centroid C, defining the distance D for each virtual line (D1and D2), and then averaging the distances D1and D2Once the parameters are calculated, the parameter values can be reported. The parameter values can be typically reported with a group identifier (GID) and number of features within each group (in this case three). In most cases, both initial and current parameter values can be reported. The initial parameter values can be based on set down, for example when the user sets their fingers on the touch screen, and the current values can be based on any point within a stroke occurring after set down.

As should be appreciated, steps302-308of process300can be repetitively performed during a user stroke thereby generating a plurality of sequentially configured signals. The initial and current parameters can be compared in later steps to perform actions in the system.

Following step308, the process flow moves to step310where the group can be associated with a user interface (UI) element. UI elements can be buttons boxes, lists, sliders, wheels, knobs, etc. Each UI element can represent a component or control of the user interface. The application behind the UI element(s) can have access to the parameter data calculated in step308. In one implementation, the application can rank the relevance of the touch data to the UI element corresponding there to. The ranking can be based on some predetermined criteria. The ranking can include producing a figure of merit and, whichever UI element has the highest figure of merit, giving it sole access to the group. There can even be some degree of hysteresis as well (e.g., once one of the UI elements claims control of that group, the group sticks with the UI element until another UI element has a much higher ranking). By way of example, the ranking can include determining proximity of the centroid (or features) to the image object associated with the UI element.

Following step310, multipoint process300proceeds to steps312and314. Steps312and314can be performed approximately at the same time. From the user perspective, in one embodiment, steps312and314appear to be performed concurrently. In step312, one or more actions can be performed based on differences between initial and current parameter values, and can also be based to a UI element to which they are associated, if any. In step314, user feedback pertaining to the one or more action being performed can be provided. By way of example, user feedback can include display, audio, tactile feedback and/or the like.

FIG. 6illustrates a parameter calculation method600in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Parameter calculation method600can, for example, correspond to block308shown inFIG. 3. The parameter calculation method600generally begins at step601. At step602, a group of features can be received. Following step602, the parameter calculation method600moves to step604where a determination can be made as to whether or not the number of features in the group of features has changed. For example, the number of features can have changed due to the user picking up or placing an additional finger. Different fingers can be needed to perform different controls (e.g., tracking, gesturing). If the number of features has changed, the parameter calculation method600proceeds to step606where the initial parameter values can be calculated. If the number stays the same, the parameter calculation method600proceeds to step608where the current parameter values can be calculated. Thereafter, the parameter calculation method600proceeds to step610where the initial and current parameter values can be reported. By way of example, the initial parameter values can contain the average initial distance between points (or Distance (AVG) initial) and the current parameter values can contain the average current distance between points (or Distance (AVG) current). These can be compared in subsequent steps in order to control various aspects of a computer system.

The above methods and techniques can be used to implement any number of GUI interface objects and actions. For example, gestures can be created to detect and effect a user command to resize a window, scroll a display, rotate an object, zoom in or out of a displayed view, delete or insert text or other objects, etc.

In some embodiments, the electronic device can include several power modes. For example, a in a first power mode, both a touch-sensing device and a display can be powered, such that the user can provide inputs and see content displayed by the device. In a second power mode, the touch-sensing device can be powered, but the display may not be powered such that the electronic device can detect touch events provided by the user without displaying content. For example, in a touch screen embodiment, the electronic device can enable the touch screen to detect touch events without displaying content or selectable options.

The user can control playback operations using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device can display selectable options on a display interface.FIG. 7Ais a schematic view of a now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7Bis a schematic view of a selectable volume overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7Cis a schematic view of a playback control overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7Dis a schematic view of a playlist control overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Now-playing display700can be provided at any suitable time. For example, display700can be provided in response to a user request to view information regarding the media item being played back. Display700can include art702describing the played back media item. For example, art702can include album cover art associated with music items.

To control playback operations, the user can direct the electronic device to overlay selectable options. The electronic device can overlay any suitable number of type of options in response to a user instruction. For example, the electronic device can display, in sequence, volume control, playback control, and playlist control options. Alternatively, the options can be combined or split up in one or more overlays, options for other controls can be displayed, or the order of displayed options can change. Display720can include volume overlay730displayed over art720, which can be the same as art702. The electronic device can also display media identifying information724(e.g., song title, artist and album name) and playback indicator726(e.g., a progress bar with timing information). Volume overlay730can include any suitable option or information. For example, volume overlay730can include bar732representing the current volume level. The user can change the volume level by selecting decrease option734and increase option736.

Display750can include playback control overlay760displayed over art752, which can be the same as art702. The electronic device can also display media identifying information754(e.g., song title, artist and album name) and playback indicator756(e.g., a progress bar with timing information). Playback control overlay760can include any suitable option or information relating to playback control. For example, playback control overlay760can include play/pause option762. The user can rewind and fast-forward played back media by selecting and holding (e.g., tap and hold or a long tap) next option764and back option766, respectively. The user can also skip to the previous or next media item available for playback (e.g., in a playlist) by selecting without holding (e.g., single tap) options764and766, respectively.

Display780can include playlist control overlay790displayed over art782, which can be the same as art702. The electronic device can also display media identifying information784(e.g., song title, artist and album name) and playback indicator786(e.g., a progress bar with timing information). Playlist control overlay790can include any suitable option or information relating to playlist control. For example, playlist control overlay790can include genius playlist option792(e.g., for generating a new playlist of media items related to the currently played back media item). The user can toggle playlist shuffling and repeat options by selecting shuffle option794and repeat option796, respectively. In some embodiments, the user can toggle between more than two options in response to selections of displayed options (e.g., toggle between repeat all, repeat one, and repeat none).

While the user can select the options displayed in each ofFIGS. 7B-7D, the user may also wish to provide playback instructions and volume control instructions without selecting displayed on-screen options. In one embodiment, the user can provide media playback instructions to the device by providing specific touch gestures each associated with particular operations. In one implementation, the touch gestures can include combinations of taps that match the combinations of button presses associated with a button-based input interface of the device, so that the user can provide inputs using a single input scheme. This approach can be implemented in a reduced power mode, for example when a touch interface is enabled but a display is not.

In some embodiments, in response to detecting a particular input associated with a playback instruction, the electronic device can provide a visual confirmation of the instruction on the display.FIG. 8Ais a schematic view of an illustrative display having visual feedback for a play touch instruction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 8Bis a schematic view of an illustrative display having visual feedback for a fast-forward touch instruction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display800can include any suitable background802, including for example the background displayed at the time the playback touch instruction was received. For example, the background can include several selectable options (e.g., as part of a menu). To indicate to the user that a play instruction was detected, the electronic device can overlay play icon810on the display. Play icon810can remain displayed for any suitable duration, including for example until the device detects an instruction to hide the icon, until a particular duration lapses (e.g., a 2 second duration), or any other suitable criteria is satisfied. In some embodiments, the electronic device can provide other forms of feedback instead or in addition to displaying icon810. For example, the electronic device can provide an audio cue (e.g., a series of tones matching the detected touch pattern, or a voice-over describing the identified operation), other forms of visual feedback, vibrations (e.g., a vibration pattern matching the input), or any other suitable feedback.

Display850can include any suitable background852, including for example the background displayed at the time the playback touch instruction was received (e.g., as described in connection with background802). To indicate to the user that a fast-forward instruction was detected, the electronic device can overlay fast-forward icon860on the display. Fast-forward icon860can remain displayed for any suitable duration, for example as described above in connection with play icon810. In some embodiments, the electronic device can provide other forms of feedback instead or in addition to displaying icon860. For example, the electronic device can provide an audio cue (e.g., a series of tones matching the detected touch pattern, or a voice-over describing the identified operation), other forms of visual feedback, vibrations (e.g., a vibration pattern matching the input), or any other suitable feedback. The electronic device can similarly provide other operation icon overlays for other media playback operations for which touch inputs are detected, including for example pause, rewind, next track and previous track operations.

In some embodiments, a user can control the volume of played back media by providing particular touch inputs associated with volume control.FIG. 9Ais a schematic view of a first volume control overlay in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.FIG. 9Bis a schematic view of a second volume control overlay in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display900can include any suitable background902, including for example the background displayed at the time the playback touch instruction was received. For example, the background can include album art associated with a “Now Playing” display. To indicate to the user that a volume control instruction was detected, the electronic device can overlay volume animation910on the display. Volume animation910can include a circular region having distinct continuous portions912and914graphically depicting the current volume level of the device. For example, portion912can be substantially filled and opaque, while portion914can be more transparent, where the relative amount of the circular region taken by each of portions912and914can depict the relative volume level. Volume animation910can include number916provided within the circular region to numerically quantify the current volume level. As a user provides a volume related touch input (e.g., a circular motion), the size of respective portions912and914, and the displayed number916can graphically change to match changes in the volume level. The electronic device can relate volume adjustments and the user's gesture using any suitable approach. For example, volume can be adjusted based on the distance traced around the circle by the user, the angular velocity of the user's gesture, the position of the user's finger relative to an origin, or any other suitable approach. Volume animation910can remain displayed for any suitable duration, for example as described above in connection with play icon810. In some embodiments, the electronic device can provide other forms of feedback instead of or in addition to displaying icon860, including for example audio feedback, tactile feedback (e.g., vibrations), or other forms of feedback.

Display950is an alternate animation depicting volume level. Background952can include any suitable background, including for example backgrounds discussed in connection with background902. Volume bar960can be overlaid on background952to provide a graphical representation of the current volume level. For example, the size of the opaque portion of volume bar960relative to the size of the transparent portion of volume bar960can provide a graphical depiction of the volume level. As the device detects a touch input changing the volume level, the electronic device can adjust volume bar960to graphically depict the changed volume.

The electronic device can associate any suitable touch input with corresponding media playback operations.FIG. 10is an illustrative table of touch event or gesture and device operation associations in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Table1000can include several columns, including for example touch input column1002and device operation column1010. Each row of the table can include a particular touch input and its associated electronic device operation. For example, single tap touch events can be associated with play/pause instructions. Double tap touch events can be associated with next item instructions. Triple tap touch events can be associated with previous item instructions. Double tap and hold (e.g., a short tap followed by a long tap) can be associated with fast forward instructions. Triple tap and hold (e.g., two short tapa followed by a long tap) can be associated with rewind instructions. Clockwise circle touch events can be associated with volume up instructions, and counterclockwise circle touch events can be associated with volume down instructions. The touch event and device operation associations of table1000will be understood to be merely illustrative, as any other suitable combination of touch events and device operations can be used instead or in addition to those shown in table1000to control device operations. In some embodiments, some of the touch gesture and device operation associations can mimic the associations defined for device operations and inputs provided by a button, such as an in line button on a wired headphone (e.g., touch gesture taps correspond to button clicks).

The following flowchart describes processes used by the electronic device to control media playback.FIG. 11is a flowchart of an illustrative process for controlling media playback based on detected touch events in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process1100can begin at step1102. At step1104, the electronic device can detect a touch event. For example, the electronic device can receive an indication from a touch-sensing interface that a touch gesture was detected. The touch-sensing interface can identify the particular touch gesture, and provide identifying information for the gesture to the electronic device control circuitry. For example, the touch-sensing interface can indicate that the detected touch gesture was a particular combination of tapping and holding a finger on a touch sensitive surface, or a circular motion on the touch sensitive surface. At step1106, the electronic device can determine whether the detected touch event is associated with a playback operation. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the touch event matches one of the events in table1000(FIG. 10). If the electronic device determines that the touch event is not associated with a playback operation, process1100can return to step1104and continue to detect touch events. Alternatively, process1100can end.

If, at step1106, the electronic device instead determines that the detected touch event is associated with a playback operation, process1100can move to step1108. At step1108, the electronic device can identify the particular playback operation associated with the detected touch event. For example, the electronic device can refer to a table or other data structure associating particular playback operations with different touch gestures. At step1110, the electronic device can perform the identified playback operation. For example, the electronic device can play, pause, fast forward, or rewind a media item. As another example, the electronic device can skip to a previous or next media item. As still another example, the electronic device can change the volume of the played back media. Process1000can then end at step1112.

Although many of the embodiments of the present invention are described herein with respect to personal computing devices, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to personal computing applications, but is generally applicable to other applications.

The above described embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.