Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20080001924?dq=5,825,352
Timestamp: 2017-05-24 06:21:41
Document Index: 380744635

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 400', 'art 400', 'art 400', 'art 400', 'art 400', 'art 600', 'art 600', 'art 600', 'art 600', 'art 600']

Patent US20080001924 - Application switching via a touch screen interface - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsDetailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides a touch screen interface for computer system which allows intuitive switching between several applications. In one approach to this technology, a touch screen display is used to display an interface for an application. A touch sensitive...http://www.google.com/patents/US20080001924?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20080001924 - Application switching via a touch screen interfaceAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS20080001924 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 11/478,471Publication dateJan 3, 2008Filing dateJun 29, 2006Priority dateJun 29, 2006Also published asUS7880728Publication number11478471, 478471, US 2008/0001924 A1, US 2008/001924 A1, US 20080001924 A1, US 20080001924A1, US 2008001924 A1, US 2008001924A1, US-A1-20080001924, US-A1-2008001924, US2008/0001924A1, US2008/001924A1, US20080001924 A1, US20080001924A1, US2008001924 A1, US2008001924A1InventorsAugust de los Reyes, Paul E. Henderson, Steven McGrath, Adrian M. Chandley, Allen Sayegh, Edith AckermannOriginal AssigneeMicrosoft CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (19), Referenced by (135), Classifications (5), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetApplication switching via a touch screen interface
[0001] Embodiments pertain to the field of user interfaces for computer systems, and, more particularly, to a graphical user interface (GUI) for a touch screen input computer system.
[0002] Computer systems are becoming ever more integral to everyday life. No longer confined to the desktop, computers appear in telephones, televisions, stereo systems, and even refrigerators. It has quickly become apparent, with computers appearing in nontraditional locations, that traditional user interface tools are inadequate. When watching television, a keyboard is not welcome; when visiting the refrigerator, a mouse is a poor tool.
[0003] One solution involves using a touch screen, rather than a different type of interface. A touch screen environment allows for a more “friendly” interface; its use is reasonably intuitive, and does not require a technically savvy user. Even a touch screen is not enough, however. Simply duplicating a typical desktop computer interface, but including a touch screen in place of the keyboard and mouse, does not make for ease of use.
[0004] Detailed herein is a technology which, among other things, provides a touch screen interface for computer system which allows intuitive switching between several applications. The interface for a single application is displayed on a touch sensitive display, and a number of border regions surround the interface for the application. These border regions can be used for access to other applications available to the computer system.
[0005] In some cases, the application a border region is associated with will change. For example, when a border region appearing on the right edge of the display is used to access an application, a border region on the left edge may be used to return to the previous application, while the border region on the right is now used to access a different application. In this way, a user can cycle through all of the available applications on the computer system by using the same interface elements.
[0006] In some cases, data can be passed between applications by using the touchscreen to move a representation of the data from the active application to the border region associated with another application.
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the claimed subject matter:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system upon which embodiments may be implemented.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a touch screen interface, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a depiction of an exemplary application loop, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method of using touch screen interface, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5A is a depiction of a touch screen interface displaying a representation of a data object, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5B is a depiction of a touch screen interface displaying a representation of a data object that has been moved, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of transferring data between applications, in accordance with one embodiment.
[0016] What is described herein, therefore, are embodiments intended to present a simplified and easy to use graphical user interface (GUI), while retaining useful functionality. In some embodiments, for example, the GUI that is presented allows for a single application to fill the entire display region, while still allowing easy access to other, not currently displayed, applications. Further, in some embodiments, data objects can be passed between the displayed application and other applications. The combination of these features allows for system which can readily switch between different running applications, or modes, through intuitive use of a touch screen. Embodiments are well suited to applications in many environments, including, but not limited to, kiosk-style computers or embedding within appliances.
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments. While the subject matter will be described in conjunction with the alternative embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to these embodiments. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter is intended to cover alternative, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter as defined by the appended claims.
[0018] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with equivalents thereof. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects and features of the subject matter.
[0019] Portions of the detailed description that follows are presented and discussed in terms of a method. Although steps and sequencing thereof are disclosed in a figure herein (e.g., FIG. 6) describing the operations of this method, such steps and sequencing are exemplary. Embodiments are well suited to performing various other steps or variations of the steps recited in the flowchart of the figure herein, and in a sequence other than that depicted and described herein.
[0020] Some portions of the detailed description are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer-executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0021] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout, discussions utilizing terms such as “accessing,” “writing,” “including,” “storing,” “transmitting,” “traversing,” “associating,” “identifying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0022] Computing devices, such as computing system environment 10, typically include at least some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computing device. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable medium may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computing device. Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signals such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media.
[0023] Some embodiments may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Typically the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system for implementing embodiments includes a general purpose computing system environment, such as computing system environment 10. In its most basic configuration, computing system environment 10 typically includes at least one processing unit 12 and memory 14. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing system environment, memory 14 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1 by dashed line 16. Additionally, computing system environment 10 may also have additional features/functionality. For example, computing system environment 10 may also include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 1 by removable storage 18 and non-removable storage 20. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory 14, removable storage 18 and nonremovable storage 20 are all examples of computer storage media.
[0025] Computing system environment 10 may also contain communications connection 22 that allow it to communicate with other devices. Communications connection 22 is an example of communication media.
[0026] Computing system environment 10 may also have input device(s) 24 such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 26 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. Specific embodiments, discussed herein, combine touch input devices with a display, e.g., a touch screen. All these devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here.
[0027] With reference now to FIG. 2, a touch screen interface 200 is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. While touch screen interface 200 is shown as incorporating specifically enumerated components, it is understood that such depiction is exemplary in nature. In other embodiments, the elements incorporated into touch screen interface 200 will vary. For example, the functionality of several elements may be combined, or the functionality of one element may be spread among several different components, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shape of touch screen interface 200 will vary, according to the underlying computer system upon which touch screen interface 200 is incremented.
[0028] Touch screen interface 200, in the depicted embodiment, is intended for use on a computer system optimized for a touch screen interface. In some embodiments, touch screen interface 200 may be the only interface for such a computer system. In other embodiments, additional input devices may be used, e.g., to provide additional functionality not available through touch screen interface 200.
[0029] Touch screen interface 200 is shown as including a centralized viewing area 210. As shown, a number of border regions surround viewing area 210. Upper border region 220 appears at the top edge of touch screen interface 200. Left border region 230 appears that the left edge of touch screen interface 200. Lower border region 240 appears at the bottom edge of touch screen interface 200. Right border region 250 appears at the right edge of touch screen interface 200. In some embodiments, these border regions may be further subdivided, e.g., depending upon the number of applications intended to be accessed through touch screen interface 200.
[0030] Some embodiments, such as touch screen interface 200, are used to access a number of different programs or applications operating on the underlying computer system. Embodiments facilitate this access, by allowing a single application make use of all, or most of, the available viewing area, while still allowing easy access to other applications through use of the touch screen.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 3, a depiction of an exemplary application loop is presented, in accordance with one embodiment. It is understood that while certain features and elements are enumerated with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is exemplary in nature. In other embodiments, other elements and features will be incremented.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates how a touch screen interface, like touch screen interface 200, can be used to navigate between several different applications, through use of the touch screen itself. FIG. 3 shows a touch screen interface 200 superimposed over application 350. In this way, application 350, or rather the interface to application 350, is allowed to make use of the entire viewing area 210.
[0033] The border regions of touch screen interface 200, in the depicted embodiment, overlap other applications available to a user of touch screen interface 200. For example, upper border region 220 overlaps with application 380, while left border region 230 overlaps with application 370, and right border region 250 overlaps with application 360. As explained in greater detail below, these border regions can be used to access the other applications, or even to transfer data objects between applications.
[0034] In some embodiments, these border regions, while defined to be touch sensitive in particular ways as described below, actually show a portion of the interface of the application they are associated with. For example, left border region 230 may actually depict the far right edge of application 570's interface.
[0035] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment, such that changing which application is centered in viewing area 210, may also change which applications are available through the border regions. For example, if touch screen interface 200 is used to select application 370, such that the interface to application 370 is in viewing area 210, then left border region 230 will now provide access to application 360, while right border region 250 would now be used to access application 350. In effect, the applications “rotate”, as if applications 350, 360, and 370 were located on a cylinder.
[0036] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which ready access to up to five applications is easily achieved. In some embodiments, additional applications can be added, without adding additional border regions, or subdividing the existing border regions. In these embodiments, a user will not have single touch access to every available application; the simplicity of the interface is preserved, but the user may have to cycle through several application interfaces before finding the one sought. In other embodiments, the border regions can be subdivided, e.g., lower right border region 251 and upper right border region 252, preserving the one touch access aspect, but slightly increasing the complexity of the interface. In other embodiments, other variations are used.
[0037] With reference now to FIG. 4, a flowchart 400 of a method of using a touch screen interface is presented, in accordance with one embodiment. Although specific steps are disclosed in flowchart 400, such steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other (additional) steps or variations of the steps recited in flowchart 400. It is appreciated that the steps in flowchart 400 may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the steps in flowchart 400 may be performed.
[0038] With reference now to step 410 and FIGS. 2 and 3, a border region of a touch screen interface is touched. For example, if viewing area 210 is centered on application 350, as shown in FIG. 3, left border region 230 could be touched by a user.
[0039] With reference now to step 420 and FIGS. 2 and 3, the touch screen interface displays an interface for an application indicated by that border region. For example, in FIG. 3, left border region 230 is associated with application 370. When the user touches left border region 230, viewing area 210 will instead display the interface for application 370.
[0040] The transition between displaying one applications interface and another's is accomplished in different ways, in different embodiments. In some embodiments, for example, the transition is nearly instantaneous; e.g., viewing area 210 goes from displaying the interface for application 350 to the interface for application 370 with no graphical transition. In other embodiments, the transition may involve a sliding or rotational effect; e.g., viewing area 210 displays application 350 sliding to the right, as application 370 slides on from the left, as if the two interfaces were adjacent on a cylinder that is rotating. In other embodiments, different transitions may be used, e.g., any graphical transition used in the video or GUI fields.
[0041] With reference now to step 430 and FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the border region of the touch screen interface is associated with another application. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, if application 370 is in viewing area 210, then left border region 230 is now associated with application 360. This process will vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, e.g., an embodiment where applications are presented as if tiles on a flat surface, rather than as if on a cylinder as shown in FIG. 3, shifting to a “left” application may bring the focus of viewing area 210 to the “edge” of the available applications, such that no additional applications are accessible through the left border region. In such embodiments, the left border region may appear inactive in some way, e.g., grayed out, or may disappear entirely.
[0042] Embodiments implementing the above described method allow for easy transition between different applications running on the computer system with the touch screen interface. At the same time, however, the interface for single application is allowed to use almost all of the available viewing area of the touch screen display, which allows for a richer presentation than might otherwise be possible.
[0043] In some embodiments, a touch screen interface, such as the one described above, can also be used to manipulate data objects, e.g., passing data between applications. In several embodiments, two or more of the applications running on the underlying computer system may be able to manipulate the same data object, but perhaps in different ways. For example, an e-mail program running on this interface may be able to send and receive a digital photograph, while a photo editing program also running on this interface may be able to manipulate such a photograph. In such a case, it is useful for the touch screen interface to allow the data to be moved between the two programs.
[0044] With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a touch screen interface 500 is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. While touch screen interface 500 is shown as incorporating specifically enumerated components, it is understood that such depiction is exemplary in nature. In other embodiments, the elements incorporated into touch screen interface 500 will vary. For example, the functionality of several elements may be combined, or the functionality of one element may be spread among several different components, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, the shape of touch screen interface 500 will vary, according to the underlying computer system upon which touch screen interface 500 is incremented.
[0045] Touch screen interface 500 is shown as including a left border region 530, and a right border region 540. Touch screen interface 500 also has viewable area 510. Left border region 530, in the depicted embodiment, is associated with application 570. Right border region 540 is associated with application 560.
[0046] In FIG. 5A, viewable area 510 shows the interface for application 550. Within application 550, is data object 505. Data object 505, in the depicted embodiment, is a representation of some computer data or file, e.g., data object 505 is an image of a photograph, where the photograph itself is stored as data within the underlying computer system.
[0047] In FIG. 5B, data object 535 is shown as having moved from its previous position 506 along the path indicated by arrow 507. FIG. 5B also shows left border region 530 as having expanded to allow data object 505 to place completely within the border region.
[0048] With reference now to FIG. 6, a flowchart 600 of a method of transferring data with between applications is depicted, in accordance with one embodiment. Although specific steps are disclosed in flowchart 600, such steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments are well suited to performing various other (additional) steps or variations of the steps recited in flowchart 600. It is appreciated that the steps in flowchart 600 may be performed in an order different than presented, and that not all of the steps in flowchart 600 may be performed.
[0049] With reference now to step 610 and FIGS. 5A and 5B, a touch screen interface is used to move a user interface object from a first application's interface to a border region associated with a second application. For example, a user could drag data object 505 from its position in application 550, e.g., position 506, to the left border region 530, which is associated with application 570.
[0050] With reference now to step 620, the touch screen interface will prevent the user interface object's movement, if the second application doesn't support that type of object. In some embodiments, the user is informed that the second application does not support the data object in different ways. Many approaches to this problem are possible, including, but not limited to, audio cues, grayed out border regions, or red exes overlaid on the data object. For example, if a user attempts to drag a photograph file from a photo editing application to an audio playback program, the user interface may gray out the border region when the data object is dragged there. Other embodiments omit this step.
[0051] With reference now to step 630, the touch screen interface passes the data object to the second application. In some embodiments, this process is similar to a traditional “move” operation, where the data is copied to the new application, and removed from the old application. In other embodiments, this process is performed as an “copy” operation, and both the old application and the new application have access to the data object. In other embodiments, other approaches are utilized.
[0052] In some embodiments, this action is accompanied by a graphical transition, with a representation of the data object being manipulated within the viewing area of the interface. In different embodiments, this is accomplished in different ways. In one embodiment, the interface may increase the size of the border region, to allow the data object to be placed entirely within the border region. In other embodiments, a data object is handed to the second application, without a graphical transition. For example, with reference to FIG. 5B, when data object 505 is dragged to left border region 530, the size of left border region 530 is increased, to allow data object 505 to be “dropped” within the interface to application 570.
[0053] In some embodiments, after the graphical transition of the movement of the data object is complete, the touch screen interface returns to its previous state. For example, after data object 505 has been moved to application 570, touch screen interface 500 centers again on the interface for application 550. In other embodiments, the focus of the touch screen interface follows the data object being manipulated. For example, when data object 505 is moved to application 570, touch screen interface 500 centers now on the interface for application 570. Some embodiments may incorporate both of these options, e.g., depending on the type of data object being manipulated, or upon a configurable setting, or upon the nature of the user interaction. This last example is explained more fully below, as regards gesturing.
[0054] Embodiments that implement the above described method provide a simple, easy to understand representation of moving data or files between applications. The applications themselves are available through the borders of the interface; it is intuitive that data should be about passed between the applications using the same interface mechanism.
[0055] In some embodiments, the touch screen interface supports gestures. In these embodiments, a user may interact with the touch screen interface by touching it in a pattern, in order to accomplish a particular result. For example, with reference to FIG. 5B, if the user were to slowly drag data object 505 from position 506 along arrow 507, touch screen interface 500 might respond by following data object 505, and therefore changing the focus of the interface to application 570. By way of contrast, if a user were to quickly move data object 505 along the path of arrow 507, touch screen interface 500 could respond by allowing data object 505 to be dropped into application 570, before returning focus to application 550. Many possible functions and interactions with a touch screen interface are available through this concept of gesturing; the preceding example is intended to be illustrative only.
[0057] Embodiments that implement gesture recognition allow for more complexity within the touch screen interface, as a greater number of activities can be performed through use of the touch screen itself.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS5920316 *Nov 4, 1997Jul 6, 1999Microsoft CorporationTaskbar with start menuUS6157371 *Apr 17, 1997Dec 5, 2000U.S. Philips CorporationData processing system provided with soft keyboard that shifts between direct and indirect characterUS6266098 *Oct 22, 1997Jul 24, 2001Matsushita Electric Corporation Of AmericaFunction presentation and selection using a rotatable function menuUS6956562 *May 18, 2000Oct 18, 2005Palmsource, Inc.Method for controlling a handheld computer by entering commands onto a displayed feature of the handheld computerUS6980312 *Apr 24, 2000Dec 27, 2005International Business Machines CorporationMultifunction office device having a graphical user interface implemented with a touch screenUS6993722 *Feb 7, 2000Jan 31, 2006Cirrus Logic, Inc.User interface system methods and computer program products for multi-function consumer entertainment appliancesUS20010043189 *Jun 12, 1998Nov 22, 2001Michel A. BriseboisActive edge user interfaceUS20030106054 *May 3, 2002Jun 5, 2003Digeo, Inc.System and method for focused navigation within a user interfaceUS20040001073 *Jun 27, 2002Jan 1, 2004Jan ChipchaseDevice having a displayUS20040117804 *Apr 2, 2002Jun 17, 2004Scahill Francis JMulti modal interfaceUS20050140661 *Jan 17, 2003Jun 30, 2005Trigenix LimitedGraphic user interface for data processing deviceUS20050190144 *Feb 26, 2004Sep 1, 2005Microsoft CorporationMulti-modal navigation in a graphical user interface computing systemUS20050237310 *Oct 15, 2004Oct 27, 2005Nokia CorporationUser interfaceUS20050289476 *Jun 28, 2004Dec 29, 2005Timo TokkonenElectronic device and method for providing extended user interfaceUS20060013610 *Jul 16, 2004Jan 19, 2006Xerox CorporationMachine user interface including a pop up menu featureUS20060161870 *Sep 30, 2005Jul 20, 2006Apple Computer, Inc.Proximity detector in handheld deviceUS20060242607 *Jun 14, 2004Oct 26, 2006University Of LancasterUser interfaceUS20070075976 *Sep 30, 2005Apr 5, 2007Nokia CorporationMethod, device computer program and graphical user interface for user input of an electronic deviceUS20070150842 *Dec 23, 2005Jun 28, 2007Imran ChaudhriUnlocking a device by performing gestures on an unlock image* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7554564Jul 30, 2008Jun 30, 2009International Business Machines CorporationMethod of utilizing a 2-dimensional display screen as a 3-dimensional multi-way rocker for pivoting an image displayed thereon and for revealing a hidden panel in relation to the image displayed thereonUS7567220Jul 30, 2008Jul 28, 2009International Business Machines CorporationMethod of using a video conferencing system including at least two 2-dimensional display screens to implement a common virtual surfaceUS7577913Jul 30, 2008Aug 18, 2009International Business Machines CorporationMethod of using a fovea type pointer in a video conferencing system including at least two 2-dimensional display screens forming a common virtual surfaceUS8004541Jan 28, 2008Aug 23, 2011Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Structured display system with system defined transitionsUS8477122 *Nov 26, 2007Jul 2, 2013Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Display apparatus, displaying method and computer readable mediumUS8479107 *Dec 31, 2009Jul 2, 2013Nokia CorporationMethod and apparatus for fluid graphical user interfaceUS8612897 *Dec 3, 2007Dec 17, 2013Samsung Electronics Co., LtdIdle screen arrangement structure and idle screen display method for mobile terminalUS8619038Sep 4, 2007Dec 31, 2013Apple Inc.Editing interfaceUS8675024 *Feb 17, 2011Mar 18, 2014Lg Electronics Inc.Mobile terminal and displaying method thereofUS8681105 *Feb 5, 2008Mar 25, 2014Lg Electronics Inc.Mobile terminal and screen displaying method thereofUS8683362Apr 1, 2009Mar 25, 2014Qualcomm IncorporatedCard metaphor for activities in a computing deviceUS8707174Feb 25, 2010Apr 22, 2014Microsoft CorporationMulti-screen hold and page-flip gestureUS8749494 *Jun 24, 2008Jun 10, 2014Sprint Communications Company L.P.Touch screen offset pointerUS8751970Feb 25, 2010Jun 10, 2014Microsoft CorporationMulti-screen synchronous slide gestureUS8788954Jan 6, 2008Jul 22, 2014Apple Inc.Web-clip widgets on a portable multifunction deviceUS8799827Feb 19, 2010Aug 5, 2014Microsoft CorporationPage manipulations using on and off-screen gesturesUS8836648 *May 27, 2009Sep 16, 2014Microsoft CorporationTouch pull-in gestureUS8893033May 27, 2011Nov 18, 2014Microsoft CorporationApplication notificationsUS8933952Sep 10, 2011Jan 13, 2015Microsoft CorporationPre-rendering new content for an application-selectable user interfaceUS8966401 *Apr 22, 2011Feb 24, 2015Lg Electronics Inc.Electronic device and methods of sending information with the electronic device, controlling the electronic device, and transmitting and receiving information in an information systemUS8976129Sep 23, 2011Mar 10, 2015Blackberry LimitedPortable electronic device and method of controlling sameUS9015606Nov 25, 2013Apr 21, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcPresenting an application change through a tileUS9041667 *Jun 12, 2012May 26, 2015Blackberry LimitedElectronic device and method of control of displaysUS9052820Oct 22, 2012Jun 9, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcMulti-application environmentUS9075522Feb 25, 2010Jul 7, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcMulti-screen bookmark hold gestureUS9104307May 27, 2011Aug 11, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcMulti-application environmentUS9104440May 27, 2011Aug 11, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcMulti-application environmentUS9141256Sep 22, 2011Sep 22, 20152236008 Ontario Inc.Portable electronic device and method thereforUS9146670Sep 10, 2011Sep 29, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcProgressively indicating new content in an application-selectable user interfaceUS9158445May 27, 2011Oct 13, 2015Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcManaging an immersive interface in a multi-application immersive environmentUS9218125 *Sep 23, 2011Dec 22, 2015Blackberry LimitedPortable electronic device and method of controlling sameUS9229918Mar 16, 2015Jan 5, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcPresenting an application change through a tileUS9256089Jun 15, 2012Feb 9, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcObject-detecting backlight unitUS9261964Dec 31, 2013Feb 16, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcUnintentional touch rejectionUS9268373Jun 1, 2015Feb 23, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcFlexible hinge spineUS9274681Nov 10, 2008Mar 1, 2016Lg Electronics Inc.Terminal and method of controlling the sameUS9274682Feb 19, 2010Mar 1, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcOff-screen gestures to create on-screen inputUS9275809May 14, 2012Mar 1, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcDevice camera angleUS9298236May 14, 2012Mar 29, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcMulti-stage power adapter configured to provide a first power level upon initial connection of the power adapter to the host device and a second power level thereafter upon notification from the host device to the power adapterUS9304549Mar 28, 2013Apr 5, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcHinge mechanism for rotatable component attachmentUS9305026 *Aug 21, 2012Apr 5, 2016Beyondvia TechnologiesSystems and methods for digital images utilizing an infinite cylinder user interfaceUS9310994Feb 19, 2010Apr 12, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcUse of bezel as an input mechanismUS9329774Oct 23, 2012May 3, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcSwitching back to a previously-interacted-with applicationUS9348605Jun 19, 2012May 24, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcSystem and method for accessory device architecture that passes human interface device (HID) data via intermediate processorUS9354748Feb 13, 2012May 31, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcOptical stylus interactionUS9354811 *Nov 15, 2013May 31, 2016Apple Inc.Multifunction device with integrated search and application selectionUS9367205Feb 19, 2010Jun 14, 2016Microsoft Technolgoy Licensing, LlcRadial menus with bezel gesturesUS9367232Aug 27, 2013Jun 14, 2016Apple Inc.Portable multifunction device, method, and graphical user interface supporting user navigations of graphical objects on a touch screen displayUS9383918Sep 23, 2011Jul 5, 2016Blackberry LimitedPortable electronic device and method of controlling sameUS9395888 *Feb 6, 2014Jul 19, 2016Qualcomm IncorporatedCard metaphor for a grid mode display of activities in a computing deviceUS9411498May 30, 2012Aug 9, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcBrush, carbon-copy, and fill gesturesUS9411504Jan 28, 2010Aug 9, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcCopy and staple gesturesUS9411751May 14, 2012Aug 9, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcKey formationUS9454304Feb 25, 2010Sep 27, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcMulti-screen dual tap gestureUS9460029May 10, 2012Oct 4, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcPressure sensitive keysUS9465412Oct 17, 2014Oct 11, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcInput device layers and nestingUS9477337Mar 14, 2014Oct 25, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcConductive trace routing for display and bezel sensorsUS9483164Dec 22, 2014Nov 1, 2016Apple Inc.User-centric widgets and dashboardsUS9489107Dec 9, 2011Nov 8, 2016Qualcomm IncorporatedNavigating among activities in a computing deviceUS9507503 *Aug 9, 2012Nov 29, 2016Apple Inc.Remote access to layer and user interface elementsUS9519356Feb 4, 2010Dec 13, 2016Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcLink gesturesUS9535597Oct 22, 2012Jan 3, 2017Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcManaging an immersive interface in a multi-application immersive environmentUS9582122Nov 12, 2012Feb 28, 2017Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcTouch-sensitive bezel techniquesUS9594457Dec 28, 2015Mar 14, 2017Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcUnintentional touch rejectionUS9618977Jun 17, 2014Apr 11, 2017Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcInput device securing techniquesUS9619071Sep 10, 2014Apr 11, 2017Microsoft Technology Licensing, LlcComputing device and an apparatus having sensors configured for measuring spatial information indicative of a position of the computing devicesUS9619143 *Sep 30, 2008Apr 11, 2017Apple Inc.Device, method, and graphical user interface for viewing application launch iconsUS9635170 *Mar 26, 2010Apr 25, 2017Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Apparatus and method for controlling terminal to expand available display region to a virtual display spaceUS20080082930 *Sep 4, 2007Apr 3, 2008Omernick Timothy PPortable Multifunction Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Configuring and Displaying WidgetsUS20080155481 *Dec 3, 2007Jun 26, 2008Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Idle screen arrangement structure and idle screen display method for mobile terminalUS20080201650 *Jan 6, 2008Aug 21, 2008Lemay Stephen OWeb-Clip Widgets on a Portable Multifunction DeviceUS20080261660 *Feb 5, 2008Oct 23, 2008Huh Han SolMobile terminal and screen displaying method thereofUS20090007017 *Jun 30, 2008Jan 1, 2009Freddy Allen AnzuresPortable multifunction device with animated user interface transitionsUS20090058821 *Sep 4, 2007Mar 5, 2009Apple Inc.Editing interfaceUS20090178008 *Sep 30, 2008Jul 9, 2009Scott HerzPortable Multifunction Device with Interface Reconfiguration ModeUS20090189915 *Jan 28, 2008Jul 30, 2009Palm, Inc.Structured Display System with System Defined TransitionsUS20090244019 *Nov 10, 2008Oct 1, 2009Lg Electronics Inc.Terminal and method of controlling the sameUS20090265650 *Apr 16, 2009Oct 22, 2009Canovai Christopher AEfficient Information Transfer SystemsUS20100095240 *Apr 1, 2009Apr 15, 2010Palm, Inc.Card Metaphor For Activities In A Computing DeviceUS20100241958 *Mar 23, 2010Sep 23, 2010Ram David Adva FishMethod and system to manage and prioritize windows based on touch strip inputsUS20100302172 *May 27, 2009Dec 2, 2010Microsoft CorporationTouch pull-in gestureUS20110083078 *Mar 22, 2010Apr 7, 2011Ju Seok-HoonMobile terminal and browsing method thereofUS20110115728 *Oct 14, 2010May 19, 2011Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Method and apparatus for displaying screens in a display systemUS20110138284 *Dec 3, 2009Jun 9, 2011Microsoft CorporationThree-state touch input systemUS20110161852 *Dec 31, 2009Jun 30, 2011Nokia CorporationMethod and apparatus for fluid graphical user interfaceUS20110181524 *Jan 28, 2010Jul 28, 2011Microsoft CorporationCopy and Staple GesturesUS20110185299 *Jan 28, 2010Jul 28, 2011Microsoft CorporationStamp GesturesUS20110185320 *Jan 28, 2010Jul 28, 2011Microsoft CorporationCross-reference GesturesUS20110205163 *Feb 19, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationOff-Screen Gestures to Create On-Screen InputUS20110209039 *Feb 25, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationMulti-screen bookmark hold gestureUS20110209058 *Feb 25, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationMulti-screen hold and tap gestureUS20110209088 *Feb 19, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationMulti-Finger GesturesUS20110209089 *Feb 25, 2010Aug 25, 2011Hinckley Kenneth PMulti-screen object-hold and page-change gestureUS20110209093 *Feb 19, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationRadial menus with bezel gesturesUS20110209097 *Feb 19, 2010Aug 25, 2011Hinckley Kenneth PUse of Bezel as an Input MechanismUS20110209098 *Feb 19, 2010Aug 25, 2011Hinckley Kenneth POn and Off-Screen Gesture CombinationsUS20110209099 *Feb 19, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationPage Manipulations Using On and Off-Screen GesturesUS20110209102 *Feb 25, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationMulti-screen dual tap gestureUS20110209104 *Feb 25, 2010Aug 25, 2011Microsoft CorporationMulti-screen synchronous slide gestureUS20110231797 *Mar 19, 2010Sep 22, 2011Nokia CorporationMethod and apparatus for displaying relative motion of objects on graphical user interfaceUS20110268218 *Apr 22, 2011Nov 3, 2011Lg Electronics Inc.Electronic device and methods of sending information with the electronic device, controlling the electronic device, and transmitting and receiving information in an information systemUS20120113030 *Mar 26, 2010May 10, 2012Joon Ah ParkApparatus and method for controlling terminalUS20120127098 *Sep 23, 2011May 24, 2012Qnx Software Systems LimitedPortable Electronic Device and Method of Controlling SameUS20120139951 *Feb 17, 2011Jun 7, 2012Lg Electronics Inc.Mobile terminal and displaying method thereofUS20120166975 *Aug 30, 2011Jun 28, 2012Oh SesookMobile terminal and controlling method thereofUS20120304132 *May 27, 2011Nov 29, 2012Chaitanya Dev SareenSwitching back to a previously-interacted-with applicationUS20120317514 *Aug 21, 2012Dec 13, 2012Beyondvia TechnologiesSystems and methods for digital images utilizing an infinite cylinder user interfaceUS20130016129 *Oct 14, 2011Jan 17, 2013Google Inc.Region-Specific User InputUS20130125007 *Aug 9, 2012May 16, 2013Apple Inc.Remote Access to Layer and User Interface ElementsUS20130227419 *Oct 23, 2012Aug 29, 2013Pantech Co., Ltd.Apparatus and method for switching active applicationUS20130328793 *Jun 12, 2012Dec 12, 2013Research In Motion LimitedElectronic device and method of control of displaysUS20140053116 *Apr 30, 2012Feb 20, 2014Inq Enterprises LimitedApplication control in electronic devicesUS20140101598 *Dec 3, 2013Apr 10, 2014Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Idle screen arrangement structure and idle screen display method for mobile terminalUS20140157191 *Feb 6, 2014Jun 5, 2014Qualcomm IncorporatedCard metaphor for activities in a computing deviceUS20140201660 *Jan 17, 2013Jul 17, 2014Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Apparatus and method for application peelUS20140210753 *Jan 29, 2014Jul 31, 2014Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Method and apparatus for multitaskingUS20140317578 *Nov 15, 2013Oct 23, 2014Apple Inc.Multifunction Device with Integrated Search and Application SelectionCN102870075A *Sep 23, 2011Jan 9, 2013捷讯研究有限公司Portable electronic device and method of controlling sameCN103221914A *Sep 23, 2011Jul 24, 2013捷讯研究有限公司Portable electronic device and method of controlling sameCN103412659A *Mar 4, 2013Nov 27, 2013微软公司Sensing user input at display area edgeDE102010056603A1 *Dec 31, 2010Jul 5, 2012Global IP Telecommunications Ltd.Method of extending graphical user interface in data processing system, involves performing predefined operations by window associated application if internal event in which pointer is moved and window is maximized is occurredEP2105827A2 *Mar 20, 2009Sep 30, 2009Lg Electronics Inc.Mobile terminal and method of controlling the sameEP2105827A3 *Mar 20, 2009Jul 18, 2012LG Electronics Inc.Mobile terminal and method of controlling the sameEP2330808A3 *Oct 18, 2010Mar 20, 2013Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Method and apparatus for displaying screens in a display systemEP2407871A3 *Jul 12, 2011Dec 2, 2015LG Electronics Inc.Electronic device including touch screen display, interface method using the same, and computer-readable storage medium storing the sameEP2605113A1 *Dec 15, 2011Jun 19, 2013Research in Motion LimitedApparatus and method pertaining to display orientationEP2622439A4 *Sep 29, 2011Jul 1, 2015Z124Method and system for viewing stacked screen displays using gesturesWO2009097248A3 *Jan 26, 2009Sep 24, 2009Palm Inc.Structured display system with system defined transitionsWO2009129514A2 *Apr 17, 2009Oct 22, 2009Canovai Christopher AEfficient information transfer systemsWO2009129514A3 *Apr 17, 2009Dec 10, 2009Canovai Christopher AEfficient information transfer systemsWO2010028947A2 *Aug 26, 2009Mar 18, 2010Deutsche Telekom AgUser surface comprising a directional referenceWO2010028947A3 *Aug 26, 2009Apr 21, 2011Deutsche Telekom AgUser surface comprising a directional referenceWO2012044804A2Sep 29, 2011Apr 5, 2012Imerj LLCMethod and system for viewing stacked screen displays using gesturesWO2012146900A1 *Apr 30, 2012Nov 1, 2012Inq Enterprises LimitedApplication control in electronic devicesWO2013087910A1 *Dec 14, 2012Jun 20, 2013Research In Motion LimitedApparatus and method pertaining to display orientation* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification345/173International ClassificationG06F3/041Cooperative ClassificationG06F2203/04802, G06F3/04886European ClassificationG06F3/0488TLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionFeb 15, 2007ASAssignmentOwner name: MICROSOFT CORPORATION, WASHINGTONFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REYES, AUGUST DE LOS;HENDERSON, PAUL E.;MCGRATH, STEVE;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018890/0172;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061027 TO 20061221Owner name: MICROSOFT CORPORATION, WASHINGTONFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:REYES, AUGUST DE LOS;HENDERSON, PAUL E.;MCGRATH, STEVE;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20061027 TO 20061221;REEL/FRAME:018890/0172Jul 25, 2014FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Dec 9, 2014ASAssignmentOwner name: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC, WASHINGTONFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MICROSOFT CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:034542/0001Effective date: 20141014RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services