Patent Description:
Along with development of mobile device technology, smart phones are continuously popularized, and play a more and more important role in daily lives of people.

At present, a smart phone usually adopts a design with three virtual keys (i.e. touch keys), and the three virtual keys are arranged below a display area of the smart phone, wherein each of the virtual keys is configured to realize different functions. For example, the three virtual keys are configured to realize functions of returning to a previous page, returning to a desktop menu page and switching a task, respectively. When a user touches a virtual key, the smart phone acquires a corresponding operation signal, and realizes the corresponding function according to the key on which the operation signal acts.

Document <CIT> relates to combined force and proximity sensing. The sensing device <NUM> includes a cover glass <NUM> and a combined force and proximity sensor <NUM> disposed on a surface of the cover glass <NUM> opposite the touchable surface.

<NPL> and <NPL> relate to a new touch-sensitive home button in iPhone <NUM>. <CIT> discloses a multipurpose detector-based input interface for computing devices that enables features such as ability to detect position information, applied pressure and/or biometric characteristics about the user or finger; the input feature may also include a haptic feedback mechanism.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a terminal and a touch response method according to the independent claims. The dependent claims define further embodiments.

The present disclosure is also directed to a computer program for executing the steps of touch response of claims <NUM> to <NUM> when this program is executed by a computer.

The present disclosure is also directed to a computer-readable information medium containing instructions of a computer program as described above.

The information medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the support can include storage means such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or magnetic storage means, for example a diskette (floppy disk) or a hard disk.

Alternatively, the information medium can be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute the method in question or to be used in its execution.

It should be understood that the above general descriptions and detailed descriptions below are only exemplary and explanatory and not intended to limit the present disclosure.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

Instead, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects related to the present disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is an overall structure diagram of the terminal, <FIG> is a perspective structure diagram of the terminal and <FIG> is a top view of the terminal. The terminal includes: a screen cover plate <NUM>, a touch sensor <NUM>, a pressure sensor <NUM> and a processing chip <NUM>.

The screen cover plate <NUM> includes a display area part and a key area part, and a touch key position is formed in the key area part. Under a normal condition, the screen cover plate <NUM> is made from a glass material, and is also called a glass cover plate. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the screen cover plate <NUM> may also be made from another material including but not limiting a transparent stone.

In the schematic embodiment, referring to <FIG>, the screen cover plate <NUM> is a whole piece of material, and the display area part is shown as a shadow area part A in <FIG>. The key area part is not overlapped with the display area part, the key area part is located outside the display area part, and the key area part is shown as an area part B enclosed by a dashed box in <FIG>. The touch key position <NUM> is formed in the key area part for a user to trigger a touch operation. For example, the touch key position <NUM> is a long-strip area part in the key area part shown in <FIG>.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> is an overall structure diagram of the terminal, <FIG> is a perspective structure diagram of the terminal and <FIG> is a top view of the terminal. In the schematic embodiment, the key area part is located in the display area part. In the embodiment, a position of the key area part in the display area part is not limited. For example, the display area part is shown as a shadow part A in <FIG>, the key area part is shown as an area part B enclosed by a dashed box in <FIG>, and the key area part is located at a bottom of the display area part. The touch key position is formed in the key area part for the user to trigger the touch operation. For example, the touch key position <NUM> is a long-strip key displayed in the display area part in <FIG>. In addition, the touch key position <NUM> may always be displayed in a display screen; or, the touch key position <NUM> may also be triggered by the user to be displayed or hidden. For example, the touch key position <NUM> is triggered by an upward swipe of the user from the bottom of the screen to be displayed, and the touch key position <NUM> is triggered by a downward swipe to the bottom of the screen to be hidden.

It is noted that the display area part, the key area part and the touch key position are obtained by dividing different areas of the screen cover plate <NUM> in terms of function, while the screen cover plate <NUM> is not actually divided into different blocks, and the screen cover plate <NUM> is a whole piece of material.

As shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the touch sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. The pressure sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. The processing chip <NUM> is electrically connected with the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> respectively.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a key corresponding to the touch key position <NUM> is a touch key. In an example, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the touch key may be a key outside the display area part (i.e. the display screen of the terminal). In another example, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the touch key may be a key formed in the display area part (i.e. the display screen of the terminal). For example, the touch key may be a key which is displayed in the display screen on the basis of software to virtually realize a key function, such as a key bar, a suspension ball or the like.

Since the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> are arranged below the touch key position <NUM>, the touch sensor <NUM> is configured to detect and identify the touch operation (including light touch, double click, long pressing or the like) and the pressure sensor <NUM> is configured to detect and identify a pressure touch operation, the user may trigger multiple different types of operations such as light touch, pressing, double click and long pressing at the touch key position <NUM> to realize multiple different functions by only one key.

From the above, according to the terminal provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch key position is formed in the key area part of the screen cover plate, and the touch sensor and the pressure sensor are arranged below the touch key position; the problems that a three-key design occupies a large front space and that separate distribution of three keys is unfavorable for a one-hand operation of the user in the related technology are solved; and multiple different functions may be realized by only one key, so that technical effects of reducing the number of keys, saving the front space of the terminal, reducing complexity in appearance and hardware structure of the terminal and facilitating the one-hand operation of the user are achieved.

Furthermore, compared with a conventional physical key, the touch key provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure occupies a smaller structural space, has longer service life, and is favorable for increasing a screen proportion of the terminal and reducing maintenance cost.

In order to satisfy an operating habit of the user, the key, configured to realize each function, of the terminal is usually arranged at a lower part of a display area of the screen, while the position is usually a position where an antenna device is located. If a three-key design manner provided by the related technology is adopted, a larger space may be occupied at the position, and spatial and structural limitation will bring into arrangement of the antenna device. With adoption of the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, since multiple different functions may be realized by only one key, an occupied space of the lower part of the screen of the terminal may be reduced to provide a larger space for another functional device (such as the antenna device), thereby making a function and structural design at the position more flexible and diversified.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a terminal. <FIG> is a perspective structure diagram of the terminal. An overall structure diagram of the terminal may refer to <FIG>. A top view of the terminal may refer to <FIG>. The terminal includes: a screen cover plate <NUM>, a touch sensor <NUM>, a pressure sensor <NUM> and a processing chip <NUM>.

The screen cover plate <NUM> includes a display area part and a key area part, and a touch key position <NUM> is formed in the key area part. Introductions and descriptions about the screen cover plate <NUM> may refer to the above, and will not be elaborated herein.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the key area part is located at a lower part of the screen cover plate <NUM>, that is, the touch key position <NUM> is located at the lower part of the screen cover plate <NUM>, which is consistent with an operating habit of a user.

In addition, in order to enable the user to conveniently acquire a position of the touch key position <NUM> in the screen cover plate <NUM>, the touch key position <NUM> may be highlighted. In an example, the touch key position <NUM> in the key area part is formed by a surface-sunken position. Of course, in another possible implementation mode, a mark may also be formed at a position corresponding to the touch key position <NUM> above, below or in the screen cover plate <NUM>, and the touch key position <NUM> is identified by the mark. For example, the mark may be formed in a paint spraying manner, or in an indicator lamp manner or the like.

As shown in <FIG>, the touch sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. The pressure sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. The processing chip <NUM> is electrically connected with the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> respectively. In the embodiment, a position relationship between the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> is not limited. In an example, the pressure sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch sensor <NUM>. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, since touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> are arranged below the touch key position <NUM>, the touch sensor <NUM> is configured to detect and identify a touch operation and the pressure sensor <NUM> is configured to detect and identify a pressure touch operation, the user may trigger multiple different types of operations such as light touch, pressing, double click and long pressing at the touch key position <NUM> to realize multiple different functions by only one key. In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, a type of the touch sensor <NUM> is not limited, and for example, the touch sensor <NUM> may be capacitive or resistive. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a type of the pressure sensor <NUM> is also not limited, and for example, the pressure sensor <NUM> may be capacitive, resistive or inductive.

The pressure sensor <NUM> includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer which are correspondingly arranged at upper and lower parts. The screen cover plate <NUM> is deformed under the action of pressure to change a distance or contact area between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer to implement pressure measurement. For example, if the pressure sensor <NUM> is a capacitive pressure sensor, the capacitive pressure sensor includes parallel-plate capacitor devices which are correspondingly arranged at upper and lower parts. The screen cover plate <NUM> may be deformed to further cause a change in a distance between the two layers of parallel-plate capacitor devices of the pressure sensor <NUM> when the user presses the touch key position <NUM> in the screen cover plate <NUM>, and the change in the distance may change capacitance between the two layers of parallel-plate capacitor devices. A pressure value of the touch operation triggered by the user may be calculated by detecting electrical signals (such as voltages) of the two layers of parallel-plate capacitor devices.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> are arranged below the touch key position <NUM> to identify different touch operations of the user and respond to pre-defined interaction instructions. For example, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to determine an operation type corresponding to the touch operation according to the touch operation acting on the touch key position <NUM> and execute an operation corresponding to the operation type. The touch operation is triggered by the user, and when the user is required to trigger execution of a certain operation through the touch key position <NUM>, the touch operation is triggered at the touch key position <NUM>. The operation type includes, but not limited to, at least one of a light touch operation, a pressing operation, a double-click operation and a long pressing operation.

In an example, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to acquire the pressure value of the touch operation through the pressure sensor, judge whether the pressure value meets (namely falls within) a preset threshold value interval or not, the preset threshold value interval including a preset light touch threshold value interval and a preset pressing threshold value interval, determine that the operation type corresponding to the operation is a light touch operation if the pressure value meets the preset light touch threshold value interval, and determine that the operation type corresponding to the operation is a pressing operation if the pressure value meets the preset pressing threshold value interval. For example, if the pressure value is represented by f, the preset light touch threshold value interval is <NUM>≤f<f1, and the preset pressing threshold value interval is f≥f1, wherein f1 is a preset constant and its value is more than <NUM>. Considering that a certain pressure value may be generated by a light touch operation, different preset threshold value intervals are set, and the light touch operation and the pressing operation are distinguished to avoid mistaken identification by means of the preset threshold value intervals.

In an embodiment, the processing chip <NUM> is further configured to determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a double-click operation if another touch operation meeting a preset condition is acquired within a preset time length when the operation type is the light touch operation, wherein the preset condition refers to that the touch operation acts on the touch key position and a corresponding operation type is also the light touch operation. In such a manner, the double-click operation is identified.

In an embodiment, the processing chip <NUM> is further configured to acquire a duration of the light touch operation when the operation type is the light touch operation, and determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a long pressing operation if the duration is longer than a preset duration. In such a manner, the long pressing operation is identified.

For example, if the terminal supports identification of three different types of operations such as the light touch operation, the pressing operation and the double-click operation, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to: execute one of a returning operation, a quitting operation and a switching operation when the operation type is the light touch operation, the pressing operation or the double-click operation, wherein the returning operation is configured to trigger returning from a current page to a previous page, the quitting operation is configured to trigger returning from the current page to a desktop menu page and the switching operation is configured to trigger switching from a current task to a target task. In an example, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to: execute the returning operation when the operation type is the light touch operation; execute the quitting operation when the operation type is the pressing operation; and execute the switching operation when the operation type is the double-click operation. It is noted that the operation corresponding to each of the operation types is only exemplary, and during a practical application, the operation corresponding to each of the operation types may be set as a default by a system or defined by the user according to a practical requirement, which will not be limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In another example, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to acquire a pressure value of the touch operation through the pressure sensor <NUM>, judge whether the pressure value meets a preset pressing threshold value interval or not, the preset pressing threshold value interval including multiple preset pressure threshold value intervals corresponding to different preset interaction operations respectively. For example, there are two preset pressing threshold value intervals: the preset pressing threshold value interval including a preset light pressing threshold value interval and a preset heavy pressing threshold value interval. It is determined that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light pressing operation if the pressure value meets the preset light pressing threshold value interval, and it is determined that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a heavy pressing operation if the pressure value meets the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval. For example, if the pressure value is represented by f, the preset light pressing threshold value interval is f2≤f<f3, and the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval is f≥f3, wherein f2 and f3 are preset constants and f3>f2><NUM>. It is noted that the descriptions are made only with the condition that the preset pressing threshold value interval includes two intervals and the pressing operations have two different operation types, i.e. the light pressing operation and the heavy pressing operation, as an example. In another possible implementation mode, the preset pressing threshold value interval may include n pressure threshold value intervals, and the pressing operations have correspondingly n different operation types, wherein n is an integer more than <NUM>, and for example, n may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or the like. Principles for the other multiple preset pressing threshold value intervals are the same, and will not be elaborated one by one.

In addition, for multiple different operation types of the pressing operations, different functions may be correspondingly set for different operation types, and the processing chip <NUM> executes operations corresponding to the operation types to realize the corresponding functions. For example, if the pressing operations include two different operation types of the light pressing operation and the heavy pressing operation, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to: execute a first operation when the operation type is the light pressing operation, and execute a second operation when the operation type is a heavy pressing operation. The first operation is different from the second operation. For example, the first operation may be the quitting operation, and the quitting operation is configured to trigger returning from the current page to the desktop menu page; and the second operation may be a screen turning-off/on operation, and the screen turning-off/on operation is configured to trigger the screen to be switched from an on state to an off state or be switched from the off state to the on state. In an example, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to: execute the quitting operation when the operation type is the light touch operation; execute the returning operation when the operation type is the light pressing operation; execute the switching operation when the operation type is the heavy pressing operation; execute an operation of jumping to a preset application (or an operation of jumping to a previous application) when the operation type is the double-click operation; or the like.

In another example, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to acquire a pressure value of the touch operation through the pressure sensor <NUM>, judge whether the pressure value meets a preset threshold value interval or not, the preset threshold value interval including a preset light touch threshold value interval and a preset pressing threshold value interval, determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light touch operation when the pressure value meets the preset light touch threshold value interval, and if the pressure value meets the preset pressing threshold value interval, acquire a pressure threshold value interval to which the pressure value belongs and acquire the operation type corresponding to the pressure threshold value interval, wherein the preset pressing threshold value interval includes n pressure threshold value intervals, and n is an integer more than <NUM>. For example, the preset pressing threshold value interval includes a preset light pressing threshold value interval and a preset heavy pressing threshold value interval, and the processing chip <NUM> is configured to: determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light pressing operation when the pressure value meets the preset light pressing threshold value interval, and determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a heavy pressing operation when the pressure value meets the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval. Exemplarily, the pressure value is represented by f, the preset light touch threshold value interval is <NUM>≤f<f1, the preset pressing threshold value interval is f≥f1, the preset light touch threshold value interval is f1≤f<f2, and the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval is f≥f2, wherein f1 and f2 are preset constants and f2>f1><NUM>.

In such a manner, the pressing operation is further divided into multiple different operation types according to the pressure value, and different functions are set for different operation types, thereby further enriching functions which may be realized by the touch key position <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the terminal further includes: a vibration feedback component <NUM> electrically connected with the processing chip <NUM>. The vibration feedback component <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. In an example, the vibration feedback component <NUM> is arranged below the pressure sensor <NUM>. The vibration feedback component <NUM> may be a vibration motor or a vibration plate. The processing chip <NUM> is further configured to determine a vibration characteristic of the vibration feedback component <NUM> according to the pressure value, acquired by the pressure sensor <NUM>, of the touch operation, and control the vibration feedback component <NUM> to vibrate according to the vibration characteristic, wherein different pressure values correspond to different vibration characteristics, or different pressure threshold value intervals correspond to different vibration characteristics. In an example, the processing chip <NUM> is further configured to acquire a pressure threshold value interval to which the pressure value of the touch operation belongs when it is determined that the operation type is the pressing operation, determine a vibration characteristic of the vibration feedback component <NUM> according to the pressure threshold value interval, and control the vibration feedback component <NUM> to vibrate according to the vibration characteristic. The terminal may store a preset relationship, and the preset relationship includes multiple groups of relationships between pressure threshold value intervals and vibration characteristics. The processing chip <NUM> queries the preset relationship to acquire the vibration characteristic corresponding to the pressure threshold value interval to which the pressure value belongs after determining that the operation type is the pressing operation according to the pressure value of the touch operation. In addition, the vibration characteristic may include a vibration frequency and/or a vibration amplitude. In such a manner, the user may perceive a touch feedback corresponding to a magnitude of the pressure of the touch operation, so that operation experiences of the user are improved.

In an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the terminal further includes: a fingerprint identification sensor <NUM> electrically connected with the processing chip <NUM>. The fingerprint identification sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. In an example, the fingerprint identification sensor <NUM> is arranged between the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM>. The processing chip <NUM> is further configured to acquire a fingerprint image for identity authentication through the fingerprint identification sensor. In an embodiment, the processing chip <NUM> is configured to acquire the fingerprint image through the fingerprint identification sensor when the terminal is in a preset mode, wherein the preset mode includes, but not limited to, at least one of a screen-locked mode, a payment mode and an identity authentication mode. In such a manner, a fingerprint identification function of the touch key position <NUM> is expanded, so that each operation requirement of the user is better met.

According to the invention the terminal includes the touch sensor <NUM>, the pressure sensor <NUM>, the vibration feedback component <NUM> and the fingerprint identification sensor <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the touch sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch key position <NUM>, the pressure sensor <NUM> is arranged below the touch sensor <NUM>, the vibration feedback component <NUM> is arranged below the pressure sensor <NUM>, and the fingerprint identification sensor <NUM> is arranged between the touch sensor <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM>. In other words, the touch sensor <NUM>, the fingerprint identification sensor <NUM>, the pressure sensor <NUM> and the vibration feedback component <NUM> are sequentially arranged below the touch key position <NUM>. In such a device arrangement manner, high working performance of each device may be ensured.

From the above, according to the terminal provided by the embodiment, the touch key position is formed in the key area part of the screen cover plate, and the touch sensor and the pressure sensor are arranged below the touch key position. The problems that a three-key design occupies a large front space and that separate distribution of three keys is unfavorable for a one-hand operation of the user in the related technology are solved; and multiple different functions may be realized by only one key, so that technical effects of reducing the number of keys, saving the front space of the terminal, reducing complexity in appearance and hardware structure of the terminal and facilitating the one-hand operation of the user are achieved.

In addition, the vibration feedback component is also arranged below the touch key position, and then the user may perceive the touch feedback corresponding to the magnitude of the pressure of the touch operation, so that the operation experiences of the user are improved.

Moreover, the fingerprint identification sensor is further arranged below the touch key position to expand the fingerprint identification function of the touch key position, so that each operation requirement of the user is better met.

<FIG> is a flow chart showing a touch response method, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method may be applied to the terminal provided by the abovementioned embodiment. An execution body of each step of the method may be a processing chip of the terminal, and each step may also be executed by interaction and matching between the processing chip and another processing unit (such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU)). In order to facilitate description, the execution body of each step is the processing chip of the terminal, but is not limited. The method may include the following steps.

Step <NUM>: a touch operation acting on a touch key position is acquired.

The processing chip acquires the touch operation acting on the touch key position. The touch operation is triggered by a user, and when the user is required to trigger execution of a certain operation through the touch key position, the touch operation is triggered at the touch key position.

Step <NUM>: a processing chip determines an operation type corresponding to the touch operation.

The operation type includes, but not limited to, at least one of a light touch operation, a pressing operation, a double-click operation and a long pressing operation.

In an example, as shown in <FIG>, the step includes the following sub-steps:.

For example, if the pressure value is represented by f, the preset light touch threshold value interval is <NUM>≤f<f1, and the preset pressing threshold value interval is f≥f1, wherein f1 is a preset constant and its value is more than <NUM>. Considering that a certain pressure value may be generated by a light touch operation, different preset threshold value intervals are set, and the light touch operation and the pressing operation are distinguished by means of the preset threshold value intervals to avoid mistaken identification.

In an embodiment, the processing chip determines that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a double-click operation if another touch operation meeting a preset condition is acquired within a preset time length when the operation type is the light touch operation, wherein the preset condition refers to that the touch operation acts on the touch key position and a corresponding operation type is also the light touch operation. In such a manner, the double-click operation is identified.

In an embodiment, the processing chip acquires a duration of the light touch operation when the operation type is the light touch operation, and determines that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a long pressing operation if the duration is longer than a preset duration. In such a manner, the long pressing operation is identified.

In another example, as shown in <FIG>, the step includes the following sub-steps:.

For example, if the pressure value is represented by f, the preset light pressing threshold value interval is f2≤f<f3, and the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval is f≥f3, wherein f2 and f3 are preset constants and f3>f2><NUM>. It is noted that the descriptions are made only with the condition that the preset pressing threshold value interval includes two intervals and the pressing operations have two different operation types, i.e. the light pressing operation and the heavy pressing operation, as an example. In another possible implementation mode, the preset pressing threshold value interval may include n pressure threshold value intervals, and the pressing operations have correspondingly n different operation types, wherein n is an integer more than <NUM>, and for example, n may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or the like. Principles for the other multiple preset pressing threshold value intervals are the same, and will not be elaborated one by one.

Herein, the preset pressing threshold value interval includes n pressure threshold value interval, and n is an integer more than <NUM>. For example, the preset pressing threshold value interval includes a preset light pressing threshold value interval and a preset heavy pressing threshold value interval. The processing chip determines that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light pressing operation when the pressure value meets the preset light pressing threshold value interval, and determines that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a heavy pressing operation when the pressure value meets the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval. Exemplarily, the pressure value is represented by f, the preset light touch threshold value interval is <NUM>≤f<f1, the preset pressing threshold value interval is f≥f1, the preset light touch threshold value interval is f1≤f <f2, and the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval is f≥f2, wherein f1 and f2 are preset constants and f2>f1><NUM>.

In such a manner, the pressing operations have multiple different operation types according to the different pressure values and different functions are set for different operation types, thereby further enriching functions which may be realized by the touch key position.

Step <NUM>: an operation corresponding to the operation type is executed.

The processing chip executes the operation corresponding to the operation type.

For example, the terminal supports identification of three different types of operations such as the light touch operation, the pressing operation and the double-click operation. The processing chip executes one of a returning operation, a quitting operation and a switching operation when the operation type is the light touch operation, the pressing operation or the double-click operation, wherein the returning operation is configured to trigger returning from a current page to a previous page, the quitting operation is configured to trigger returning from the current page to a desktop menu page and the switching operation is configured to trigger switching from a current task to a target task. In an example, the processing chip may execute the returning operation when the operation type is the light touch operation; the processing chip may execute the quitting operation when the operation type is the pressing operation; and the processing chip may execute the switching operation when the operation type is the double-click operation. It is noted that the operation corresponding to each of the operation types is only exemplary, and during a practical application, operation corresponding to each of the operation types may be set as a default by a system or defined by the user according to a practical requirement, which will not be limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, for multiple different operation types of the pressing operation, different functions may be correspondingly set for different operation types, and the processing chip executes operations corresponding to the operation types to realize the corresponding functions. For example, if the pressing operation includes two different operation types of the light pressing operation and the heavy pressing operation, the processing chip executes a first operation when the operation type is the light pressing operation, and executes a second operation when the operation type is a heavy pressing operation. The first operation is different from the second operation. For example, the first operation may be the quitting operation, and the quitting operation is configured to trigger returning from the current page to the desktop menu page; the second operation may be a screen turning-off/on operation, and the screen turning-off/on operation is configured to trigger the screen to be switched from an on state to an off state or be switched from the off state to the on state. Alternatively, the first operation may be the switching operation which is configured to trigger switching from the current task to the target task and the second operation may be the returning operation which is configured to trigger returning from the current page to the previous page; or the like.

In an embodiment, the terminal further includes a vibration feedback component, and the vibration feedback component is arranged below the touch key position. In an example, the vibration feedback component is arranged below the pressure sensor. The processing chip determines a vibration characteristic of the vibration feedback component according to the pressure value, acquired by the pressure sensor, of the touch operation, and controls the vibration feedback component to vibrate according to the vibration characteristic, wherein different pressure values correspond to different vibration characteristics, or different pressure threshold value intervals correspond to different vibration characteristics. In an example, the terminal may store a preset relationship, and the preset relationship includes multiple groups of relationships between pressure threshold value intervals and vibration characteristics. The processing chip queries the preset relationship to acquire the vibration characteristic corresponding to the pressure threshold value interval to which the pressure value belongs after determining that the operation type is the pressing operation according to the pressure value of the touch operation. In addition, the vibration characteristic may include a vibration frequency and/or a vibration amplitude. In such a manner, the user may perceive a touch feedback corresponding to a magnitude of the pressure of the touch operation, so that operation experiences of the user are improved.

In an embodiment, the terminal further includes a fingerprint identification sensor. The fingerprint identification sensor is arranged below the touch key position. In an example, the fingerprint identification sensor is arranged between the touch sensor and the pressure sensor. The processing chip may further acquire a fingerprint image for identity authentication through the fingerprint identification sensor. In an example, the processing chip acquires the fingerprint image through the fingerprint identification sensor when the terminal is in a preset mode, wherein the preset mode includes, but not limited to, at least one of a screen-locked mode, a payment mode and an identity authentication mode. In such a manner, a fingerprint identification function of the touch key position is expanded, so that each operation requirement of the user is better met.

From the above, according to the method provided by the embodiment, the touch key position is formed in the key area part of the screen cover plate, the touch sensor and the pressure sensor are arranged below the touch key position, and after acquiring the touch operation acting on the touch key position, the processing chip determines the operation type corresponding to the touch operation, and then executes the operation corresponding to the operation type. As such, the problems that a three-key design occupies a large front space and that separate distribution of three keys is unfavorable for a one-hand operation of the user in the related technology are solved; and multiple different functions may be realized by only one key, so that technical effects of reducing the number of keys, saving the front space of the terminal, reducing complexity in appearance and hardware structure of the terminal and facilitating the one-hand operation of the user are achieved.

A device embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below, and may be configured to execute a method embodiment of the present disclosure. Details undisclosed in the device embodiment of the present disclosure refer to the method embodiment of the present disclosure.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a touch response device, according to an exemplary embodiment. The device has a function of implementing the abovementioned method, and the function may be realized through hardware, and may also be realized by software executed by hardware. The device may include: an operation acquisition module <NUM>, a type determination module <NUM> and an operation execution module <NUM>.

The operation acquisition module <NUM> is configured to acquire a touch operation acting on a touch key position.

The type determination module <NUM> is configured to determine an operation type corresponding to the touch operation through a processing chip.

The operation execution module <NUM> is configured to execute an operation corresponding to the operation type.

From the above, according to the device provided by the embodiment, the touch key position is formed in a key area part of a screen cover plate, a touch sensor and a pressure sensor are arranged below the touch key position, and after acquiring the touch operation acting on the touch key position, the processing chip determines the operation type corresponding to the touch operation, and then executes the operation corresponding to the operation type. As such, the problems that a three-key design occupies a large front space and that separate distribution of three keys is unfavorable for a one-hand operation of a user in the related technology are solved; and multiple different functions may be realized by only one key, so that technical effects of reducing the number of keys, saving the front space of the terminal, reducing complexity in appearance and hardware structure of the terminal and facilitating the one-hand operation of the user are achieved.

In an optional embodiment provided on the basis of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, as shown in <FIG>, the type determination module <NUM> includes: an acquisition sub-module 420a, a first judgment sub-module 420b, a light touch determination sub-module 420c and a pressing determination sub-module 420d.

The acquisition sub-module 420a is configured to acquire a pressure value of the touch operation through a pressure sensor by means of the processing chip.

The first judgment sub-module 420b is configured to judge whether the pressure value meets a preset threshold value interval or not, the preset threshold value interval including a preset light touch threshold value interval and a preset pressing threshold value interval.

The light touch determination sub-module 420c is configured to determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light touch operation if the pressure value meets the preset light touch threshold value interval.

The pressing determination sub-module 420d is configured to determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a pressing operation if the pressure value meets the preset pressing threshold value interval.

In an embodiment, the preset pressing threshold value interval includes a preset light pressing threshold value interval and a preset heavy pressing threshold value interval. The pressing determination module 420d is configured to: determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light pressing operation when the pressure value meets the preset light pressing threshold value interval; and determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a heavy pressing operation when the pressure value meets the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval.

In an embodiment, the type determination module <NUM> further includes: a double-click determination sub-module 420e.

The double-click determination sub-module 420e is configured to determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a double-click operation if another touch operation meeting a preset condition is acquired within a preset time length when the operation type is the light touch operation, wherein the preset condition refers to that the touch operation acts on the touch key position and the operation type thereof is also the light touch operation.

In an example, the operation execution module <NUM> is configured to execute one of a returning operation, a quitting operation and a switching operation when the operation type is the light touch operation, the pressing operation or the double-click operation, respectively. The returning operation is configured to trigger returning from a current page to a previous page, the quitting operation is configured to trigger returning from the current page to a desktop menu page and the switching operation is configured to trigger switching from a current task to a target task.

In an optional embodiment provided on the basis of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the type determination module <NUM> includes: an acquisition sub-module, a second judgment sub-module, a light pressing determination sub-module and a heavy pressing determination sub-module.

The acquisition sub-module is configured to acquire a pressure value of the touch operation through the pressure sensor by means of the processing chip.

The second judgment sub-module is configured to judge whether the pressure value meets a preset pressing threshold value interval or not, the preset pressing threshold value interval including a preset light pressing threshold value interval and a preset heavy pressing threshold value interval.

The light pressing determination sub-module is configured to determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a light pressing operation if the pressure value meets the preset light pressing threshold value interval.

The heavy pressing determination sub-module is configured to determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a heavy pressing operation if the pressure value meets the preset heavy pressing threshold value interval.

In an example, the operation execution module <NUM> is configured to execute a first operation when the operation type is the light pressing operation, and execute a second operation when the operation type is a heavy pressing operation, wherein the first operation is different from the second operation.

In another optional embodiment provided on the basis of the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the terminal includes a vibration feedback component electrically connected with the processing chip, the device further includes: a characteristic determination module <NUM> and a vibration control module <NUM>.

The characteristic determination module <NUM> is configured to determine a vibration characteristic of the vibration feedback component according to the pressure value, acquired by the processing chip through the pressure sensor, of the touch operation.

The vibration control module <NUM> is configured to control the vibration feedback component to vibrate according to the vibration characteristic.

In another optional embodiment provided by the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the terminal includes a fingerprint identification sensor electrically connected with the processing chip, as shown in <FIG>, the device further includes: a fingerprint acquisition module <NUM>.

The fingerprint acquisition module <NUM> is configured to acquire a fingerprint image for identity authentication through the fingerprint identification sensor.

It is noted that only division of the abovementioned functional modules is taken as an example for descriptions when the device provided by the embodiment realizes its functions, and during a practical application, the functions may be allocated to different functional modules for realization according to a practical requirement, that is, the device is divided into different functional modules to realize all or part of the functions described above.

With respect to the devices in the above embodiments, the specific manners for performing operations for individual modules therein have been described in detail in the embodiments regarding the methods, which will not be elaborated herein.

An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a terminal, which may implement a touch response method provided by the present disclosure. The terminal may be a terminal provided by the abovementioned embodiment. The terminal includes: a processor (the processor may be a processing chip in the abovementioned embodiment, and may also be another processing unit, such as a CPU, electrically connected with the processing chip in the abovementioned embodiment), and a memory configured to store instructions executable by the processor, wherein the processor is configured to:.

In an example, the processor is configured to:.

In an embodiment, the processor is further configured to:
determine that the operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a double-click operation if another touch operation meeting a preset condition is acquired within a preset time length when the operation type is the light touch operation, wherein the preset condition refers to that the touch operation acts on the touch key position and the operation type thereof is also the light touch operation.

In an embodiment, the processor is configured to:.

In another example, the processor is configured to:.

In an embodiment, when the terminal includes a vibration feedback component electrically connected with the processing chip, the processor is further configured to:.

In an embodiment, when the terminal includes a fingerprint identification sensor electrically connected with the processing chip, the processor is further configured to:
acquire a fingerprint image for identity authentication through the fingerprint identification sensor.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a device <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the device <NUM> may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a gaming console, a tablet, a medical device, exercise equipment, a personal digital assistant or the like.

The processing component <NUM> may include one or more processors <NUM> to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps in the abovementioned method. Moreover, the processing component <NUM> may include one or more modules which facilitate interaction between the processing component <NUM> and the other components. For instance, the processing component <NUM> may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between the multimedia component <NUM> and the processing component <NUM>.

Examples of such data include instructions for any application programs or methods operated on the device <NUM>, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, video, etc. The memory <NUM> may be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, and a magnetic or optical disk.

The power component <NUM> may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power for the device <NUM>.

The multimedia component <NUM> includes a screen providing an output interface between the device <NUM> and a user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a Touch Panel (TP). If the screen includes the TP, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive an input signal from the user. The TP includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes and gestures on the TP. The touch sensors may not only sense a boundary of a touch or swipe action, but also sense a duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe action. The front camera and/or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data when the device <NUM> is in an operation mode, such as a photographing mode or a video mode. Each of the front camera and the rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focusing and optical zooming capabilities.

The audio component <NUM> is configured to output and/or input an audio signal. For example, the audio component <NUM> includes a Microphone (MIC), and the MIC is configured to receive an external audio signal when the device <NUM> is in the operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal may be further stored in the memory <NUM> or sent through the communication component <NUM>. In some embodiments, the audio component <NUM> further includes a speaker configured to output the audio signal.

The I/O interface <NUM> provides an interface between the processing component <NUM> and a peripheral interface module, and the peripheral interface module may be a keyboard, a click wheel, a button or the like.

The communication component <NUM> is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device <NUM> and another device. The device <NUM> may access a communication-standard-based wireless network, such as a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a 2nd-Generation (<NUM>) or 3rd-Generation (<NUM>) network or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> receives a broadcast signal or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast management system through a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component <NUM> further includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented on the basis of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, an Ultra-WideBand (UWB) technology, a BlueTooth (BT) technology and another technology.

In an exemplary embodiment, the device <NUM> may be implemented by one or more of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Digital Signal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors or other electronic components, and is configured to execute the abovementioned methods.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is also provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory <NUM> including instructions. The instructions may be executed by the processor <NUM> of the device <NUM> to implement the abovementioned methods. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, a Radom Access Memory (RAM), a Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical data storage device or the like.

Claim 1:
A terminal, comprising: a screen cover plate (<NUM>), a touch sensor (<NUM>), a pressure sensor (<NUM>), a processing chip (<NUM>), a vibration feedback component (<NUM>), and a fingerprint identification sensor (<NUM>);
wherein the screen cover plate (<NUM>) comprises a display area part and a key area part, and a touch key position (<NUM>) is formed in the key area part;
the touch sensor (<NUM>) is configured to detect and identify a touch operation comprising a light touch operation or a double click operation;
the pressure sensor (<NUM>) is configured to detect and identify a pressure touch operation;
the processing chip (<NUM>) is electrically connected with the touch sensor (<NUM>), the vibration feedback component (<NUM>), and the pressure sensor (<NUM>) respectively,
the processing chip (<NUM>) determines a vibration characteristic of the vibration feedback component (<NUM>) according to a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor (<NUM>) and controls the vibration feedback component (<NUM>) to vibrate according to the vibration characteristic;
characterized in that,
the touch sensor (<NUM>), the fingerprint identification sensor (<NUM>), the pressure sensor (<NUM>) and the vibration feedback component (<NUM>) are sequentially arranged below the touch key position (<NUM>) to overlap with each other, and the fingerprint identification sensor (<NUM>) is arranged between the touch sensor (<NUM>) and the pressure sensor (<NUM>);
the processing chip is configured to acquire a pressure value of a touch operation acting on the touch key position through the pressure sensor, and determine whether the pressure value meets a preset light touch threshold value interval or not, and determine that an operation type of the touch operation is the light touch operation if the pressure value meets a preset light touch threshold value interval, and the processing chip is further configured to determine that an operation type corresponding to the touch operation is a double-click operation if another light touch operation acting on the touch key position is acquired within a preset time length after the light touch operation.