Patent Publication Number: US-2015067585-A1

Title: Electronic device and method for displaying application information

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     The present application is related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to a Korean patent application No. 10-2013-0103384 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 29, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an electronic device and a method for displaying application information. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     As various applications are developed, users can download and utilize a desired application. However, a conventional application does not feed application information back to the user. 
     For example, when executing a schedule application, an electronic device cannot notify details such as person, time, and place for appointment, relating to a recent schedule. As a result, the user needs to manually check the schedule. 
     Hence, when executing a particular application, the electronic device demands an apparatus and a method for feeding the application information back to the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     To address the above-discussed deficiencies, it is a primary aspect of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus and a method for, when entering a particular application, enhancing user convenience by displaying application contents in a main layer and concurrently displaying information of the displayed application in a sub-layer. 
     An electronic device includes a processor is configured to cause a screen to display displaying contents of application in a first layer, determine whether a trigger occurs in the first layer, and cause the screen, when the trigger occurs, concurrently to display the contents of the application in the first layer and information of the entered application in the second layer. 
     In some embodiments, the trigger comprises a touch input. 
     In some embodiments, the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer are sorted based on categories. 
     In some embodiments, summary information of the application is displayed in the first layer. 
     In some embodiments, the first layer is equal to or smaller than the second layer in size, is placed adjacent to the second layer, and contains the entered application contents. 
     In some embodiments, the second layer is equal to or greater than the first layer in size, is placed next below the first layer, and contains icons linked to contents to be displayed in the first layer based on the categories and summary information of the application. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to divide a screen into a first area for displaying the first layer and a second area for displaying the second layer, display the first layer in the first area and the second layer in the second area, and concurrently display either the contents or icons linked to the contents in the first layer based on categories and summary information of the application in the second layer. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to detect vertical or horizontal scrolling on the first layer, and expand or reduce the first layer region according to a direction and a distance of the detected scroll. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to receive a selection of one of the contents in the first layer, expand the first layer to a maximum size, and display detailed information of the selected content. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to receive a selection of one of summary information displayed in the second layer, and display detailed information of an application corresponding to selected one of summary information in the second layer. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to detect vertical or horizontal scrolling on the second layer, and expand or reduce the second layer region according to a direction and a distance of the detected scroll. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to select one of at least one icon displayed in the second layer, display the sorted at least one content in the first layer, and sort at least one content displayed in the first layer according to categories. 
     In some embodiments, the processor is configured to scroll the first layer vertically or horizontally to a maximum size, receive a selection of at least one icon displayed on the second layer, and execute an application linked to the selected icon. 
     A method in an electronic device includes displaying contents of application in a first layer, determining whether a trigger occurs on the first layer, and when the trigger occurs, concurrently displaying the contents of the application in the first layer and information of the applications in a second layer. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses embodiments of the disclosure. 
     Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates hardware according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a programming module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a first layer and a second layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  respectively illustrate a layer display differentiated based on entered application information in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 C and  6 D illustrate icons selected for controlling to sort application contents based on a category in the second layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D illustrate display region changes of the first layer and the second layer by scrolling the first layer in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C and  8 D illustrates display region changes of the first layer and the second layer by scrolling the second layer in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate contents execution displayed in the first layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate the detailed display of the application information of the second layer in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate link of the entered application to another application in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 12A ,  12 B and  12 C illustrate another link of the entered application to another application in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates recommendation of second layer information by determining a current condition of the electronic device in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates example information displayed on the second layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 15A and 15B  illustrate yet another link of the entered application to another application in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a method for displaying the application information in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a method for displaying the application information in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 17 , discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged electronic devices. The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
     The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
     By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can include a device having a communication function, for example, one or a combination of various devices such as smart home, tablet Personal Computer (PC), mobile phone, video phone, e-book reader, desktop PC, laptop PC, netbook computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), MP3 player, mobile medical device, electronic bracelet, electronic necklace, electronic accessory, camera, wearable device, electronic clock, wrist watch, smart white appliances (e.g., refrigerator, air conditioner, vacuum cleaner, artificial intelligence robot, television (TV), Digital Video Disk (DVD) player, audio system, oven, microwave oven, washer, air cleaner, digital frame), medical equipment (e.g., Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), X-ray machine, scanner), navigation device, Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, Event Data Recorder (EDR), Flight Data Recorder (FDR), set-top box, TV box (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™, AppleTV™, or GoogleTV™), electronic dictionary, vehicle infotainment device, electronic equipment for ship (e.g., marine navigation system, gyrocompass), avionics, security device, electronic apparel, electronic key, camcorder, game console, Head-Mounted-Device (HMD), flat panel display device, electronic album, furniture or part of building/structure having the communication function, electronic board, electronic signature receiving device, or projector. It is apparent that the electronic device of the present disclosure is not limited to those devices. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  can include a bus  110 , a processor  120 , a memory  130 , a user input module  140 , a display module  150 , and a communication module  160 . 
     The bus  110  can be a circuit for interlinking the components and conveying communication (e.g., control messages) between the components. 
     The processor  120  can receive an instruction from the other components (e.g., the memory  130 , the user input module  140 , the display module  150 , and the communication module  160 )  100  via the bus  110 , interpret the received instruction, and perform an operation or a data processing according to the interpreted instruction. 
     The memory  130  can store the instruction or the data received from or generated by the processor  120  or the other components (e.g., the user input module  140 , the display module  150 , and the communication module  160 ). The memory  130  can include programming modules including, for example, a kernel  131 , middleware  132 , an Application Programming Interface (API)  133 , and an application  134 . The programming module can be implemented using software, firmware, and hardware, or a combination of at least two of them. 
     The kernel  131  can control or manage system resources (e.g., the bus  110 , the processor  120 , or the memory  130 ) used to execute the operation or the function of the other programming modules, for example, the middle ware  132 , the API  133 , and the application  134 . The kernel  131  can provide an interface allowing the middleware  132 , the API  133 , or the application  134  to access and control or manage the individual component of the electronic device  100 . 
     The middleware  132  can relay data between the API  133  or the application  134  and the kernel  131 . The middleware  132  can perform load balancing for a work request by giving priority of the system resource (e.g., the bus  110 , the processor  120 , or the memory  130 ) of the electronic device  100  to the work requests received from the applications  134 , for example, to at least one of the applications  134 . 
     The API  133 , which is an interface for the application  134  to control the kernel  131  or the middleware  132 , can include at least one interface or function for, for example, file control, window control, image processing, or text control. 
     The user input module  140  can receive and forward the instruction or the data from a user to the processor  120  or the memory  130  via the bus  110 . The display module  150  can display an image, a video, or data to the user. 
     The communication module  160  can connect the communication between other electronic device  102  and the electronic device  100 . The communication module  160  can support a short-range communication protocol (e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC)), or communication network  162  (e.g., Internet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), telecommunication network, cellular network, satellite network, or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS)). The electronic devices  102  and  104  can be the same as or different from the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of hardware  200  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The hardware  200  can be, for example, the electronic device  100  of  FIG. 1 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the hardware  200  can include one or more processors  210 , a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card  214 , a memory  220 , a communication module  230 , a sensor module  240 , a user input module  250 , a display module  260 , an interface  270 , an audio codec  280 , a camera module  291 , a power management module  295 , a battery  296 , an indicator  297 , and a motor  298 . 
     The processor  210  (e.g., the processor  120 ) can include one or more Application Processor (APs)  211  and one or more Communication Processors (CPs)  213 . The processor  210  can be the processor  120  of  FIG. 1 . While the AP  211  and the CP  213  are included in the processor  210  of  FIG. 2 , the AP  211  and the CP  213  can be included in different Integrated Circuit (IC) packages. The AP  211  and the CP  213  can be included in the single IC package. The processor  210  can enter one of at least one application and determine whether a trigger occurs in the one application. More specifically, the electronic device can determine whether touch is input from the user in the entered application, and determine whether a preset event occurs. For example, it is assumed that the electronic device enters a particular application and determines no summary information relating to a first application in a second layer. In this case, when detecting an action which scrolls a first layer above the second layer to a preset direction, the electronic device can display detailed information of data networks frequently used by the user in the first layer below the second layer, in the second layer. 
     The processor  210  can confirm the entrance to one of the at least one application and determine whether information relating to the entered application exists. The processor  210  can determine whether contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on a category, and determine whether summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer exists. The processor  210  can identify an area of a region for displaying the first layer and an area of a region for displaying the second layer, and generate the first layer and the second layer beneath it according to the identified areas. The processor  210  can detect that the selected region is scrolled in one of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, and determine that the region of the first layer is extended or reduced according to the detected scroll direction and distance. The processor  210  can detect that the selected region is scrolled either vertically or horizontally, and determine that the region of the second layer is extended or reduced according to the detected scroll direction and distance. The processor  210  can sort to include at least one contents belonging to a preset category among at least one contents displayed in the first layer. The processor  210  can confirm that only the second layer is displayed after the first layer is scrolled up to a maximum distance either vertically or horizontally, and confirm that an application relating to the selected icon is executed. 
     The AP  211  can control hardware or software components connected to the AP  211  by driving an operating system or an application program, and carry out data processing and operations including multimedia data. The AP  211  can be implemented using, for example, a System on Chip (SoC). The processor  210  can further include a Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) which is not depicted. 
     The CP  213  can manage data links and convert the communication protocol in the communication between the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  100 ) including the hardware  200  and the other electronic devices connected over the network. The CP  213  can be implemented using, for example, a SoC. The CP  213  can perform at least part of a multimedia control function. The CP  213  can identify and authenticate a terminal in the communication network using the SIM card  214 . The CP  213  can provide the user with services including voice call, video call, text message, and packet data. 
     The CP  213  can control data transmission and reception of the communication module  230 . While the components of the CP  213 , the power management module  295 , and the memory  220  are separated from the AP  211  in  FIG. 2 , the AP  211  can include part (e.g., the CP  213 ) of such components. 
     The AP  211  or the CP  213  can load and process the instruction or the data received from its non-volatile memory or at least one of the other components, in a volatile memory. The  211  AP or the CP  213  can store data received from or generated by at least one of the other components, to the non-volatile memory. 
     The SIM card  214  can be inserted to a slot formed at a specific location of the electronic device. The SIM card  214  can contain unique identification information (e.g., Integrated Circuit Card Identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)). 
     The memory  220  can include an internal memory  222  and an external memory  224 . The memory  220  can be, for example, the memory  130  of  FIG. 1 . The internal memory  222  can include at least one of, for example, the volatile memory (e.g., Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)) and the non-volatile memory (e.g., One-Time Programmable Read Only Memory (OTPROM), Programmable ROM (PROM), Erasable PROM (EPROM), Electrically EPROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory). The internal memory  222  can employ a Solid State Drive (SSD). The external memory  224  can include, for example, a Compact Flash (CF), a Secure Digital (SD), a Micro-SD, a Mini-SD, an extreme digital (xD), and a memory stick. 
     The communication module  230  can include a wireless communication module  231  and a Radio Frequency (RF) module  234 . For example, the communication module  230  can be the communication module  160  of  FIG. 1 . For example, the wireless communication module  231  can include a Wi-Fi  233 , a BT  235 , a GPS  237 , and an NFC  239 . For example, the wireless communication module  231  can provide a wireless communication function using a radio frequency. Additionally/substantially, the wireless communication module  231  can include a network interface (e.g., LAN card) or a modem for connecting the hardware  200  to the network (e.g., Internet, LAN, WAN, telecommunication network, cellular network, satellite network, or POTS). 
     The RF module  234  can control the data transmission and reception, for example, the transmission and reception of the RF signal or the paged electric signal. For example, the RF module  234  can includes a transceiver, a Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM), a frequency filter, or a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) which are not shown. The RF module  234  can further include a component, for example, conductor or conducting wire, for sending and receiving electromagnetic waves in free space during the wireless communication. 
     The sensor module  240  can include at least one of, for example, a gesture sensor  240 A, a gyro sensor  240 B, an atmospheric pressure sensor  240 C, a magnetic sensor  240 D, an acceleration sensor  240 E, a grip sensor  240 F, a proximity sensor  240 G, a Red Green Blue (RGB) sensor  240 H, a biometric sensor  240 I, a temperature/humidity sensor  240 J, a light sensor  240 K, and an UltraViolet (UV) sensor  240 M. The sensor module  240  can measure a physical quantity or detect the operation status of the electronic device, and convert the measured or detected information to an electric signal. Additionally/substantially, the sensor module  240  can include, for example, an E-noise sensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, or a finger print sensor. The sensor module  240  can further include a control circuit for controlling its one or more sensors. 
     The user input module  250  can include a touch panel  252 , a pen sensor  254  capable of detecting a digital pen, a key  256 , and an ultrasonic input device  258 . For example, the user input module  250  can be the user input module  140  of  FIG. 1 . The touch panel  252  can recognize the touch input using at least one of capacitive, resistive, infrared, and Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) techniques. The touch panel  252  can further include a controller (not shown). The capacitive touch panel can recognize not only the direct touch but also the proximity. The touch panel  252  can further include a tactile layer. In this case, the touch panel  252  can provide a tactile response to the user. 
     The pen sensor  254  can be implemented using, for example, the same or similar method as or to the user&#39;s touch input, or using a separate recognition sheet. For example, the key  256  can include a keypad or a touch key. The ultrasonic input device  258 , which obtains data by detecting microwave through a microphone  288  in the electronic device, allows radio frequency identification through the pen which generates an ultrasonic signal. The hardware  200  can receive the user input from an external device (e.g., network, computer, server) connected using the communication module  230 . 
     The display module  260  can include a panel  262  or a hologram  264 . For example, the display module  260  can be the display module  150  of  FIG. 1 . The panel  262  can employ, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or an Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED). The panel  262  can be implemented, for example, flexibly, transparently, or wearably. The panel  262  can be constructed as the single module with the touch panel  252 . The hologram  264  can present a three-dimensional image in the air using interference of light. The display module  260  can further include a control circuit for controlling the panel  262  or the hologram  264 . When the trigger occurs, the display module  260  can display the contents of the entered application in the first layer and concurrently display the entered application information in the second layer. The display module  260  can display the application contents in the generated first layer and concurrently display at least one of the icon for controlling to sort the application contents based on the category and the summary information of the application in the generated second layer. The display module  260  can select the region not including the contents in the first layer region displayed, select the region including the contents in the first layer region displayed, and display the detailed information of the contents in the selected region which is extended from the first layer region to the maximum. The display module  260  can select one of the regions including the application summary information in the second layer region displayed, and display the detailed information of the summary information selected in the second layer while the area of the first layer region is not changed. The display module  260  can select the region excluding the region of the application summary information in the second layer region displayed. The display module  260  can select one of the at least one icon displayed in the second layer, display at least contents sorted in the first layer, and select one of the at least one icon displayed in the second layer. 
     The interface  270  can include, for example, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)  272 , a Universal Serial Bus (USB)  274 , a projector  276 , and a D-subminiature (D-sub)  278 . Additionally/substantially, the interface  270  can include, for example, a SD/MultiMedia Card (MMC) or Infrared Data Association (IrDA), which are not shown. 
     The audio codec  280  can convert the voice to an electric signal and vice versa. For example, the audio codec  280  can convert voice information which is input or output through, for example, a speaker  282 , a receiver  284 , an earphone  286 , or the microphone  288 . 
     The camera module  291  can capture a still picture and a moving picture, and can include one or more image sensors (e.g., front lens or rear lens), an Image Signal Processor (ISP), or a flash LED, which are not shown. 
     The power management module  295  can manage power of the hardware  200 . For example, the power management module  295  can include a Power Management IC (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery fuel gauge. 
     The PMIC can be mounted in, for example, an IC or a SoC conductor. The charging type can be divided to a wired type and a wireless type. The charger IC can charge the battery and prevent overvoltage or overcurrent from flowing from the charger. The charger IC can include a charger IC for at least one of the wired charging type or the wireless charging type. The wireless charging type includes, for example, magnetic resonance, magnetic induction, and microwave, and can further include an additional circuit, for example, coil loop, resonance circuit, rectifier circuit, for the wireless charging. 
     For example, the battery fuel gauge can measure the remaining capacity of the battery  296  and the voltage, the current, or the temperature of the charging. The battery  296  can supply the power by generating the electricity. For example, the battery  296  can be a rechargeable battery. 
     The indicator  297  can display a specific status, for example, booting state, message state, or charging state of the hardware  200  or part (e.g., AP  211 ) of the hardware  200 . The motor  298  can convert the electric signal to a mechanic vibration. An MCU  299  can control the sensor module  240 . 
     Although it is not depicted here, the hardware  200  can further include a processor (e.g., GPU) for supporting mobile TV. For example, the processor for supporting the mobile TV can process media data in conformity with Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), or media flow standard. 
     The names of the hardware components of the present disclosure can differ according to the type of the electronic device. The hardware of the present disclosure can include at least one of the components, omit some components, or further include other components. Some of the hardware components can be united to the single entity to carry out the same functions of the corresponding components. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the programming module  300  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The programming module  300  can be included to the electronic device  100  (e.g., stored in the memory  130 ) of  FIG. 1 . At least part of the programming module  300  can be configured using software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of at least two of them. The programming module  300  can include an Operating System (OS) for controlling resources of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  100 ) in the hardware (e.g., the hardware  200 ), and various applications (e.g., the application  370 ) driven in the OS. For example, the OS can include Android, iOS. Windows, Symbian, Tizen, and Bada. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the programming module  300  can include a kernel  310 , a middleware  330 , an API  360 , and an application  370 . 
     The kernel  310  (e.g., the kernel  131 ) can include a system resource manager  311  and a device driver  312 . For example, the system resource manager  311  can include a process manager  313 , a memory manager  315 , and a file system manager  317 . The system resource manager  311  can control, allocate, or withdraw the system resource. The device driver  312  can include, for example, a display driver  314 , a camera driver  316 , a BT driver  318 , a shared memory driver  320 , a USB driver  322 , a keypad driver  324 , a Wi-Fi driver  326 , and an audio driver  328 . The device driver  312  can include an Inter-Process Communication (IPC) driver (not shown). 
     The middleware  330  can include a plurality of preset modules for providing the common function required by the application  370 . The middleware  330  can allow the application  370  to efficiently use the limited system resources of the electronic device through the API  360 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the middleware  330  (e.g., the middleware  132 ) can include at least one of a runtime library  335 , an application manager  341 , a window manager  342 , a multimedia manager  343 , a resource manager  344 , a power manager  345 , a database manager  346 , a package manage  347 , a connectivity manager  348 , a notification manager  349 , a location manager  350 , a graphic manager  351 , and a security manager  352 . 
     The runtime library  335  can include, for example, a library module used by a compiler to add a new function using a programming language while the application  370  is executed. The runtime library  335  can function for input and output, memory management, and arithmetic function. 
     The application manager  341  can manage, for example, a life cycle of at least one of the application  370 . The window manager  342  can manage GUI resources used in the screen. The multimedia manage  343  can identify a format required to play various media files, and encode or decode the media file using a code suitable for the corresponding format. The resource manager  344  can manage a source code, a memory, a storage resource of at least one of the application  370 . 
     The power manager  345  can manage the battery or the power in association with Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), and provide power information for the operation. The database manager  346  can manage to generate, retrieve, or change a database to be used by at least one of the application  370 . The packet manager  347  can manage installation or updating of the application distributed as a packet file. 
     The connectivity manager  348  can manage the wireless connection of the Wi-Fi or the BT. The notification manager  349  can display or notify an event of an incoming message, an appointment, and proximity to the user without interruption. The location manager  350  can manage location information of the electronic device. The graphic manager  351  can manage graphical effect for the user or its related user interface. The security manager  352  can provide a security function for the system security or the user authentication. When the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  100 ) has a telephone function, the middleware  330  can further include a telephony manager (not shown) for managing the voice or video call function of the electronic device. 
     The middleware  330  can generate and use a new middleware module by combining various functions of the internal component modules. The middleware  330  can provide a specialized module per OS so as to provide a differentiated function. The middleware  330  can dynamically eliminate some components or add new components. Hence, the embodiments of the present disclosure can omit some of the components, include other components, or replace with other components of similar functions. 
     The API  360  (e.g., the API  133 ), which is a set of API programming functions, can differ according to the OS. For example, in Android and iOS™, one API set can be provided per platform. In Tizen™, two or more API sets can be provided. 
     The application  370  (e.g., the application  134 ) can include, for example, a preload application or a third party application. 
     At least part of the programming module  300  can be implemented using an instruction stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the one or more processors (e.g., the processor  210 ) execute the instruction, it/they can perform the function corresponding to the instruction. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, the memory  260 . At least part of the programming module  300  can be implemented (e.g., executed) by the processors  210 . At least part of the programming module  300  can include a module, a program, a routine, a set of instructions, or a process for one or more functions. 
     The names of the components of the programming module (e.g., the programming module  300 ) can differ according to the type of the OS. The programming module can include at least one of the components, omit some components, or further include other components. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict the first layer and the second layer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring first to  FIG. 4A , when entering a particular application, the electronic device can determine whether information relating to the entered application exists. More specifically, the electronic device can determine whether the application contents to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on the category, and whether summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer exists. 
     When determining that the application contents to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on the category and that the summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer exists, the electronic device can concurrently display the application in the first layer and the application information in the second layer. 
     Herein, the first layer, which is equal to or smaller than the second layer in size, can be placed next above the second layer and contain the stored application contents. That is, the first layer can display main contents of the application. For example, when entering a schedule application, the electronic device can display a calendar of recorded schedules in the first layer. 
     The second layer, which is equal to or greater than the first layer in size, can be placed next below the first layer and contain at least one of the icon for controlling to sort the application contents to be displayed in the first layer based on the category and the application summary information. That is, the second layer can display the application information. Herein, the electronic device can display the calendar of the recorded schedules in the first layer and the summary information of the recorded schedules in the second layer at the same time. 
     That is, the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer and the application information in the second layer so that the user can view part of the second layer region. Hence, the user can obtain the main contents of the application displayed in the first layer and easily obtain the entered application information in part of the second layer region below the first layer. 
     As such, while the electronic device includes the second layer right under the first layer to present part of the second layer region to the user, the electronic device can place and display the first layer and the second layer on the single plane. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the electronic device can allocate a certain region of the single plane to the first layer and the other region to the second region. More specifically, upon entering a particular application, the electronic device can display the main contents of the application in part of the single plane and the application information in the other region. 
       FIG. 5  depicts the layer display differentiated based on the application information stored in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When entering any one of applications stored in the electronic device, the electronic device can determine whether information relating to the installed application exists. More specifically, the electronic device can determine whether the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on the category and whether summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer exists. 
     It is assumed that the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on the category and that the summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer exists. 
     In this case, the electronic device can concurrently display the stored application contents in the first layer and the stored application information in the second layer as shown in  FIG. 5A . 
     For example, the electronic device includes a call application for the telephone call among a plurality of applications stored in the electronic device, and stores, i.e.,  50  phone numbers in total in the call application with, i.e.,  3  missed calls. 
     In this case, the electronic device can concurrently display a list of the i.e., 50 phone numbers in the first layer and the icon for re-sorting the list of the 50 phone number in a preset order in the second layer, and also can display summary information of the 3 missed calls. 
     By contrast, when determining that the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer cannot be sorted based on the category and that the summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer does not exist, the electronic device can display only the first layer on its touch screen as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     When displaying the application information in the second layer and determining that the information is confirmed according to a user&#39;s selection, the electronic device can display only the first layer on its touch screen. 
     When displaying the summary information of the 3 missed calls in the second layer and then selecting the summary information displayed in the second layer, the electronic device can determine that the user confirms the summary information displayed in the second layer and thus display only the first layer on its touch screen. 
       FIGS. 6A to 6D  depict the icon selected for controlling to sort the application contents based on the category in the second layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereafter, it is assumed that the electronic device enters an e-mail application, determines information relating to the application, and display four icons for controlling the application contents in the second layer. Among the four icons displayed in the second layer, the first con can display the received e-mails in time order, the second icon can display unread e-mails of the received e-mails, the third icon can display e-mails requiring an urgent reply, and the fourth icon can display the deleted e-mails. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , when the first icon A is selected among the icons displayed in the second layer, the electronic device can display the received e-mails based on the reception time. For example, the electronic device can display the received e-mails such as A-1 and A-2 based on the reception time and thus control the contents of the first layer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , when the second icon B is selected among the icons displayed in the second layer, the electronic device can display the unread e-mails of the received e-mails in a preset order. For example, the electronic device can display the unread e-mails such as B-1 and B-2 of the received e-mails on the reception time basis and thus control the contents of the first layer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , when the third icon C is selected among the icons displayed in the second layer, the electronic device can display the e-mails requiring the urgent reply among the received e-mails in a preset order. For example, the electronic device can display the e-mails requiring the urgent reply such as C-1 and C-2 of the received e-mails based on the reception time and thus control the contents of the first layer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6D , when the fourth icon D is selected among the icons displayed in the second layer, the electronic device can display the deleted e-mails of the sent and received e-mails in a preset order. For example, the electronic device can display the deleted e-mails such as D-1 and D-2 of the sent and received e-mails based on the reception time and thus control the contents of the first layer. 
       FIGS. 7A to 7D  depicts display region change of the first layer and the second layer by scrolling the first layer in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Upon retrieving the stored application information, the electronic device can display the stored application contents in a first layer  701  and its related information in a second layer  702  at the same time. More specifically, the electronic device can confirm the area of the region for displaying the first layer  701  and the area of the region for displaying the second layer  702 , and then generate the first layer  701  and the second layer  702  right beneath the first layer  701  according to the respective areas. Next, the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer  701  and at least one of the icon for controlling to sort the application contents based on the category and the application summary information in the second layer  702 . 
     When selecting a certain region of the first layer  701  and detecting the downward scrolling, the electronic device reduces the first layer region  703  according to the detected scroll direction and distance as shown in  FIG. 7A . That is, in view of the user, to see the application information displayed in the second layer  702 , the user can look closely at the application information displayed in a second layer  704  by scrolling the first layer  701  downwards. 
     Likewise, when selecting a certain region of a first layer  705  and detecting the upward scrolling, the electronic device expands a first layer region  707  according to the detected scroll direction and distance as shown in  FIG. 7B . That is, in view of the user, to check the application contents displayed in a first layer  705 , the user can look closely at the application contents displayed in a first layer  707  by scrolling the first layer  705  upwards. That is, the electronic device reduces a second layer region  708  according to the scrolled location of an initial second layer region  706 . 
     Likewise, when selecting a certain region of a first layer  709  and detecting the scrolling to the right, the electronic device reduces a first layer region  711  according to the detected scroll direction and distance as shown in  FIG. 7C . That is, in view of the user, to check the application information displayed in a second layer  710 , the user can look closely at the application information displayed in a second layer  712  by scrolling a first layer  709  to the right. 
     Likewise, when selecting a certain region of a first layer  713  and detecting the scrolling to the left, the electronic device reduces a first layer region  715  according to the detected scroll direction and distance as shown in  FIG. 7D . That is, in view of the user, to check the application contents displayed in a first layer  713 , the user can look closely at the application contents displayed in a first layer  715  by scrolling the first layer  713  to the left. That is, the electronic device can expand a second layer region  716  according to the scrolled location of an initial second layer region  714 . 
       FIGS. 8A to 8D  depict display region change of the first layer and the second layer by scrolling the second layer in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Upon retrieving the stored application information, the electronic device can concurrently display the stored application contents in a first layer  801  and its related information in a second layer  802 . 
     More specifically, the electronic device can confirm the area of the region for displaying the first layer  801  and the area of the region for displaying the second layer  802 , and then generate the first layer  801  and the second layer  802  right beneath the first layer  801  according to the respective areas. Next, the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer  801  and at least one of the icon for controlling to sort the application contents based on the category and the application summary information in the second layer  802 . 
     When selecting a certain region of the second layer  802  and detecting the downward scrolling, the electronic device expands a second layer region  804  according to the detected scroll direction and distance as shown in  FIG. 8A . That is, in view of the user, to check the application information displayed in the second layer  802 , the user can look closely at the application information displayed in a second layer  804  by scrolling the second layer  802  downwards. That is, the electronic device reduces a first layer region  803  according to the scrolled location of the initial first layer region  801 . 
     Likewise, when selecting a certain region of a second layer  806  and detecting the upward scrolling, the electronic device reduces a second layer region  808  according to the detected scroll direction and distance as shown in  FIG. 8B . That is, in view of the user, to check the application contents displayed in a first layer  805 , the user can look closely at the application contents displayed in a first layer  807  by scrolling the second layer  806  upwards. 
     When selecting a certain region of the second layer and detecting the left or right scrolling, the electronic device can display the related information not displayed currently in the second layer as shown in  FIGS. 8C and 8D . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  depict content execution displayed in the first layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When determining the information related to the application, the electronic device can display the application contents in the first layer and the application information in the second layer. 
     Next, the electronic device can select a certain region of the first layer including the application contents. More specifically, the electronic device can select one of the contents displayed in the first layer. For example, the electronic device can select the first contents of the contents displayed in the first layer as shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     To execute the selected contents, the electronic device can display the selected contents on the touch screen by magnifying the first layer region to the maximum. More specifically, the electronic device can display the selected contents on the touch screen by magnifying the first layer region to the maximum such that the second layer is hidden by the first layer. 
     For example, when the selected contents is video contents, to execute the selected video contents, the electronic device can expand the first layer region to the maximum and display the selected video contents with the second layer hidden by the first layer as shown in  FIG. 9B . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  depict the detailed display of the application information displayed in the second layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When determining the information related to the application, the electronic device can display the application contents in the first layer and the application information in the second layer. 
     Next, the electronic device can select the application information displayed in the second layer as shown in  FIG. 10A . For example, when entering the call application, the electronic device can display the summary information of the missed call from A in the second layer and then select information relating to A. 
     Next, the electronic device can display detailed information of the selected information in the second layer as shown in  FIG. 10B . More specifically, the electronic device can display the selected detailed information in the second layer without altering the first and second layer regions. 
     The electronic device can display the detailed information of the selected A in the second layer. In more detail, the electronic device can display the missed call time from A and the contact of A in the second layer without altering the first and second layer regions. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  depict one link of the application to another application in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereafter, the electronic device enters the call application and determines the summary information of the entered application. 
     The electronic device can concurrently display the stored contact list of a preset order in the first layer and the application information in the second layer. For example, the electronic device can concurrently display the list of the preset order in the first layer and 10 summary information including information “A&#39;s birthday today” in the second layer. 
     When receiving the user&#39;s input for magnifying the information of the second layer on the touch screen of the electronic device, the electronic device can magnify the information displayed in the second layer on the touch screen. For example, when selecting a certain region of the first layer and detecting the downward scrolling to the bottom, the electronic device can display only the summary information of the second layer on the touch screen. 
     Next, the electronic device can display only the summary information of the second layer on the touch screen. For example, the electronic device can display the summary information “A&#39;s birthday today” together with a call icon for making a call to A, a message icon for sending a message to A, and a messenger icon for sending a message such as SNS to A as shown in  FIG. 11B . The electronic device can display the summary information “3 missed calls from B” together with the call icon for making a call to B, the message icon for sending a message to B, and the messenger icon for sending the message such as SNS to B. The electronic device can display the summary information “C new 9 messages” together with the messenger icon for sending the message such as SNS to C. 
     When one of the icons displayed with the summary information is selected, the electronic device can immediately link to the selected application. For example, when the call icon displayed with the summary information “A&#39;s birthday today” is selected, the electronic device can immediately send the call to A. Likewise, when the message icon is selected, the electronic device can link to the message application for writing a message to A. Likewise, when the messenger icon is selected, the electronic device can link to the messenger application for sending the message to A. 
       FIGS. 12A to 12C  depict another link of the application to another application in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereafter, the electronic device enters the call application and determines the summary information of the application. 
     The electronic device can concurrently display digits for making a call to a certain electronic device in a first layer  1202  and application information in a second layer  1201 . For example, the electronic device can concurrently display the digits from 0 to 9 in the first layer  1202  and information “3 missed calls” in the second layer  1201  as shown in  FIG. 12A . 
     When receiving the user&#39;s input for magnifying the information of the second layer  1201  on the touch screen of the electronic device, the electronic device can magnify the information displayed in the second layer  1201  on the touch screen. For example, when selecting a certain region of the first layer  1202  and detecting the downward scrolling to the bottom, the electronic device can display only the summary information of the second layer  1201  on the touch screen. 
     Next, the electronic device can display only the summary information of the second layer  1201  on the touch screen. For example, the electronic device can display the summary information such as “missed call from A 10 minutes ago”, “missed call from B 37 minutes ago”, and “missed call from C 2 hours ago” as shown in  FIG. 12B . 
     When one of the summary information displayed on the touch screen is selected, the electronic device can immediately link to the application relating to the selected information. For example, when the information relating to “A” is selected in the summary information displayed on the touch screen as shown in  FIGS. 12B and 12C , the electronic device can immediately send the call to A. That is, the user has only to select the displayed summary information to immediately send the call to the selected user without having to leave the application and re-enter the call icon. 
       FIG. 13  depicts recommendation of the second layer information by determining a current condition of the electronic device in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device can determine its current condition and display the entered application information in the first layer. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 13 , when entering a setting menu for setting a data network, the electronic device can display detailed data network information in order of the data networks frequently used by the user, in the first layer. 
     For example, when determining the battery below a preset capacity and entering a battery application, the electronic device can display a setting menu for adjusting screen brightness in the first layer. 
     For example, when entering the setting menu, the electronic device can display detailed menu information in a menu order frequently used by the user in the first layer. 
       FIG. 14  depicts information most likely to be executed in the second layer of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device can display the application information in the second layer, and display information most likely to be executed by the user, in the second layer according to characteristics of the application. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 14 , when entering a menu for checking the content list, the electronic device can display a total list stored in the first layer and contents recently played in the second layer at the same time. That is, the electronic device can concurrently display the stored content list such as “first contents to third contents” in the first layer and the recent content information such as “contents A to contents C” in the second layer. 
     Although it is not depicted in  FIG. 14 , the electronic device can display recently downloaded content information and recently edited content information in the second layer. 
     The electronic device can detect the horizontal or vertical scrolling in a selected region of the second layer and display the information of the second layer according to the scroll direction and distance. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  depict yet another link of the application to another application in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When entering a particular application, the electronic device can determine whether the application information exists as shown in  FIG. 15A . Next, when determining that the contents of the application to be displayed in a first layer  1501  can be sorted based on the category and determining the summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer  1501  exists, the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer  1501  and the application information in a second layer  1502 . 
     For example, when entering the schedule application, the electronic device can concurrently display the calendar recording the user&#39;s schedules in the first layer  1501  and the summary information “this weekend: rain 70%” in the second layer  1502  as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
     For example, the electronic device can concurrently display the calendar recording the user&#39;s schedules in a first layer  1503  and the summary information “lunch with A today” in a second layer  1504  as shown in  FIG. 15B . The electronic device can display the call icon for sending the call to A and the message icon for writing a text message to A in the second layer  1504  so as to link to the selected application according to the user&#39;s selection. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart of a method for displaying the application information in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the electronic device can enter one of at least one application in step  1601 . More specifically, the electronic device can execute and enter one of the applications stored therein. 
     In step  1602 , the electronic device can determine whether the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on the category. For example, when entering the e-mail application, the electronic device can determine whether to sort the application contents to be displayed in the first layer, for example, to sort the received e-mails to the e-mails in time order, the unread e-mails of the received e-mails, the e-mails requiring the urgent reply, and the deleted e-mails. 
     When the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer cannot be sorted based on the category in step  1602 , the electronic device can determine whether summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer exists in step  1603 . For example, when entering the call application for making a phone call, the electronic device can determine whether the summary information of the missed call exists in relation to the call application. 
     When determining the summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer in step  1603 , the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer and the application summary information in the second layer in step  1604 . For example, when entering the schedule application, the electronic device can concurrently display the calendar recording the user&#39;s schedules in the first layer and the summary information “this weekend: rain 70%” in the second layer. 
     When the contents of the application to be displayed in the first layer can be sorted based on the category in step  1602 , the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer and the application summary information in the second layer in step  1605 . For example, when entering the e-mail application, the electronic device can concurrently display the e-mail application in the first layer and the icons for the received e-mails in time order, the unread e-mails of the received e-mails, the e-mails requiring the urgent reply, and the deleted e-mails in the second layer. 
     When determining no summary information of the application to be displayed in the first layer in step  1603 , the electronic device can finish this process. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart of a method for displaying the application information in the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 17 , the electronic device can enter one of at least one application in step  1701 . More specifically, the electronic device can execute and enter one of the applications stored therein. 
     In step  1702 , the electronic device can determine whether the trigger occurs in the application. More specifically, the electronic device can determine whether the touch is input from the user in the current application, and determine whether a preset event occurs. For example, after entering a particular application, the electronic device determines no summary information of the first application in the second layer. In this case, when the first layer above the second layer is scrolled in the preset direction, the electronic device can display the detailed data network information in the second layer in the data network order frequently used by the user in the first layer below the second layer. 
     In step  1703 , when the trigger occurs, the electronic device can concurrently display the application contents in the first layer and the application information in the second layer. Thus, the user can see the main contents of the application displayed in the first layer and easily obtain the application information in part of the second layer below the first layer. 
     It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software can be stored in a non-transient computer readable storage medium. The non-transient computer readable storage medium stores one or more programs (software modules), the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors in an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the present disclosure. Any such software can be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a machine-readable storage storing such a program. Still further, such programs can be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same. 
     While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.