PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8407623-B2
Application Number: US-49168709-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Playback control using a touch interface

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

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for controlling media playback operations using a touch-sensing display interface, comprising:
 detecting a touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface when no content is displayed on the touch-sensing display interface; 
 determining that the detected touch gesture is associated with a playback operation; and 
 performing the playback operation associated with the detected touch gesture in response to the determining. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a single tap touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises at least one of playing and pausing media available for playback. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a double tap touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises skipping to a next media track. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a triple tap touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises skipping to a previous media track. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a double tap and hold touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises fast-forwarding played back media. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a triple tap and hold touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises fast-rewinding played back media. 
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises:
 detecting a circular motion touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 determining attributes of the detected circular motion gesture; and 
 
 the performing the playback operation comprises adjusting the volume of played back media based on the determined attributes. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the determining the attributes further comprises determining at least one of:
 the direction in which the circular motion gesture is traced; 
 the speed at which the circular motion gesture is traced; 
 the length of the traced circular motion gesture; and 
 the position at which the circular motion gesture ends. 
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, in response to the determining, displaying a visual confirmation of the playback operation on the touch-sensing display interface. 
     
     
       10. A portable electronic device comprising a button interface, a touch-sensing display interface, and a processor, the processor operative to:
 direct the touch-sensing display interface to detect a touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface when no content is displayed on the touch-sensing display interface; 
 identify a media playback operation associated with the detected touch gesture; and 
 perform the identified playback operation. 
 
     
     
       11. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is further operative to:
 direct the touch-sensing display interface to display content for the user in response to detecting the touch gesture; and 
 direct the touch-sensing display interface to overlay an icon on the displayed content, wherein the icon corresponds to the identified media playback operation. 
 
     
     
       12. The portable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further operative to:
 determine that a timeout has lapsed; and 
 direct the touch-sensing display interface to remove the overlaid icon. 
 
     
     
       13. The portable electronic device of  claim 11 , wherein the processor is further operative to:
 direct the touch-sensing display interface to display at least one of selectable menu options and cover art. 
 
     
     
       14. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is further operative to:
 provide at least one of tactile and audio feedback to the user in response to detecting the touch gesture. 
 
     
     
       15. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the touch gesture comprises a circular touch gesture, and wherein the processor is further operative to:
 identify attributes of the circular touch gesture; and 
 adjust the volume of played back media based on the identified attributes. 
 
     
     
       16. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is further operative to direct the touch-sensing display interface to display a visual confirmation for the identified media playback operation on the touch-sensing display interface. 
     
     
       17. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the identified media playback operation is also associated with a button input detected by the button interface, the button input mimicking the touch gesture. 
     
     
       18. The portable electronic device of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the touch gesture comprises a combination of tapping and holding the touch-sensing display interface; 
 the button input comprises a combination of button presses and button holds; and 
 the touch gesture tapping and holding mimic the button presses and button holds, respectively. 
 
     
     
       19. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is further operative to provide audio feedback to the user in response to detecting the touch gesture, wherein the audio feedback comprises at least one tone that matches a touch pattern of the detected touch gesture. 
     
     
       20. The portable electronic device of  claim 10 , wherein the processor is further operative to provide tactile feedback to the user in response to detecting the touch gesture, wherein the tactile feedback comprises at least one vibration that matches a touch pattern of the detected touch gesture. 
     
     
       21. A method for controlling media playback operations using a touch-sensing display interface, comprising:
 detecting a touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface, wherein the detected touch gesture is not associated with any content displayed on the touch-sensing display interface; 
 identifying a media playback operation associated with the detected touch gesture; and 
 performing the identified media playback operation. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 21 , wherein the touch gesture comprises a circular touch gesture, and wherein the performing the identified media playback operation comprises
 adjusting the volume of played back media. 
 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 21 , further comprising displaying a visual confirmation of the media playback operation on the touch-sensing display interface in response to the performing. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 21 , wherein no content is displayed on the touch-sensing display interface during the detecting. 
     
     
       25. Non-transitory computer-readable media for controlling media playback operations, comprising computer readable code recorded thereon for:
 detecting a touch gesture on a touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface when no content is displayed on the touch-sensing display interface; 
 determining that the detected touch gesture is associated with a playback operation; and 
 performing the playback operation associated with the detected touch gesture in response to the determining. 
 
     
     
       26. The non-transitory computer-readable media of  claim 25 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a double tap touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises skipping to a next media track. 
 
     
     
       27. The non-transitory computer-readable media of  claim 25 , wherein:
 the detecting the touch gesture comprises detecting a triple tap touch gesture on the touch-sensing display interface using the touch-sensing display interface; and 
 the performing the playback operation comprises skipping to a previous media track. 
 
     
     
       28. The non-transitory computer-readable media of  claim 25 , comprising further computer readable code recorded thereon for displaying a visual confirmation of the playback operation on the touch-sensing display interface.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A user can control the playback of media using a media playback device in different ways. In particular, the manner in which the user controls the media playback can be set by the particular input interfaces available to the device. If several buttons are available (e.g., buttons associated with dome switches), the user can control media playback by selecting buttons associated with different playback operations. Alternatively, if a display having displayed playback options is available, the user can direct an input interface to select the displayed playback options. For example, a user can select a displayed play/pause option, fast-forward option, rewind option, and volume option. 
     These input approaches, however, can require physical buttons on which to provide the inputs. This in turn can increase the overall size of the device, or require moving components extending from an exterior surface of the device. These input approaches can also require the display of selectable options, which can require additional power or prevent the user from controlling the media playback without looking at the display (e.g., when the device faces away from the user, for example during a workout). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This is directed to systems, methods and computer-readable media for controlling media playback based on specific combinations of touch inputs. In particular, this is directed to detecting different combinations of taps, and performing playback operations associated with each of the tap combinations. 
     In some embodiments, a user can control the playback of media on an electronic device by providing inputs to an input interface, such as a physical button. For example, the electronic device can include several buttons, each of which is associated with a different playback operation. The buttons can be incorporated in the electronic device or remotely coupled, for example wirelessly or using a wire (e.g., buttons in a headphone cable). Alternatively, the electronic device can instead or in addition display selectable playback options, which the user can select using an input interface. The selectable playback options can include, for example, play/pause options, fast forward and rewind options, next and last options, and volume control options. Upon receiving a selection of an option, the electronic device can perform the corresponding media playback operation. 
     An electronic device, however, may not have dedicated playback control buttons or interfaces. In addition, a user may wish to control media playback operations without needing to first look at a display to select a specific displayed option. To allow a user to control media playback using a touch sensing device without requiring the selection of displayed options, the electronic device can include a mode or configuration for which the touch sensing device can sense touch events, but not display any content on a display. For example, an electronic device with a touch screen can have a mode in which no content is displayed on the touch screen (e.g., the touch screen remains dark), but the touch screen is operative to detect touch events of the user. 
     The electronic device can associate any suitable combination of touch events with different media playback inputs. In some embodiments, the electronic device can associate tap events with different media playback operations. In particular, the electronic device can associate tap events that correspond to or mimic button press events from a remote input interface (e.g., an in-line button) with the corresponding media playback operations. In one implementation, the electronic device can associate single button presses and single touch events with the same playback operation, and combinations of button presses (e.g., short and long presses) and corresponding touch events (e.g., short and long taps) with the same playback operations. 
     In some embodiments, the user can control volume operations or other playback operations by providing touch events that do not correspond to button press events provided by a remote input interface. For example, the user can provide a circular touch event to control the volume of played back media. The electronic device can also allow other mechanisms for providing playback controls, such as selectable options selectively displayed on a display (e.g., displayed in response to a specific request from the user). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a computer system in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of another computer system in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a multipoint processing method in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are schematic views of a detected touch image in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a group of features in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a parameter calculation method in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a schematic view of a now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a schematic view of a selectable volume overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is a schematic view of a playback control overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7D  is a schematic view of a playlist control overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a schematic view of an illustrative display having visual feedback for a play touch instruction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a schematic view of an illustrative display having visual feedback for a fast-forward touch instruction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is a schematic view of a first volume control overlay in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9B  is a schematic view of a second volume control overlay in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an illustrative table of touch input and device operation associations in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for controlling media playback based on detected touch events in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This is directed to providing instructions for media playback operations by detecting tap touches using a touch sensing device. 
     In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which it is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system  50  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Computer system  50  can correspond to a personal computer system, such as desktops, laptops, tablets or handheld computers. Computer system  50  can also correspond to other computing devices, such as an iPod® available by Apple Inc., of Cupertino, Calif., a cellular telephone, a personal e-mail or messaging device (e.g., a Blackberry® or a Sidekick®), an iPhone® available from Apple Inc., pocket-sized personal computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), a music recorder, a video recorder, a gaming device, a camera, radios, or any other suitable consumer electronic device. 
     The exemplary computer system  50  shown in  FIG. 1  can include a processor  56  configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with computer system  50 . For example, using instructions retrieved for example from memory, processor  56  can control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of computing system  50 . Processor  56  can be implemented on a single-chip, multiple chips or multiple electrical components. For example, various architectures can be used for processor  56 , including dedicated or embedded processor, single purpose processor, controller, ASIC, and so forth. 
     In most cases, processor  56  together with an operating system can operate to execute computer code and produce and use data. Operating systems are generally well known and will not be described in greater detail. By way of example, the operating system can correspond to OS/2, DOS, Unix, Linux, Palm OS, and the like. The operating system can also be a special purpose operating system, such as can be used for limited purpose appliance-type computing devices. The operating system, other computer code and data can reside within memory block  58  that is operatively coupled to processor  56 . Memory block  58  generally provides a place to store computer code and data that are used by computer system  50 . By way of example, memory block  58  can include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive and/or the like. The information could also reside on a removable storage medium and loaded or installed onto computer system  50  when needed. Removable storage mediums include, for example, CD-ROM, PC-CARD, memory card, floppy disk, magnetic tape, and a network component. 
     Computer system  50  can also include display device  68  that is operatively coupled to processor  56 . Display device  68  can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) (e.g., active matrix, passive matrix and the like). Alternatively, display device  68  can be a monitor such as a monochrome display, color graphics adapter (CGA) display, enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, variable-graphics-array (VGA) display, super VGA display, cathode ray tube (CRT), and the like. Display device  68  can also correspond to a plasma display or a display implemented with electronic inks. 
     Display device  68  can generally be configured to display graphical user interface (GUI)  69  that can provide an easy to use interface between a user of the computer system and the operating system or application running thereon. Generally speaking, GUI  69  can represent programs, files and operational options with graphical images, objects, or vector representations. The graphical images can include windows, fields, dialog boxes, menus, icons, buttons, cursors, scroll bars, etc. Such images can be arranged in predefined layouts, or can be created dynamically to serve the specific actions being taken by a user. During operation, the user can select and/or activate various graphical images in order to initiate functions and tasks associated therewith. By way of example, a user can select a button that opens, closes, minimizes, or maximizes a window, or an icon that launches a particular program. GUI  69  can additionally or alternatively display information, such as non interactive text and graphics, for the user on display device  68 . 
     Computer system  50  can also include input device  70  that is operatively coupled to processor  56 . Input device  70  can be configured to transfer data from the outside world into computer system  50 . Input device  70  can, for example, be used to perform tracking and to make selections with respect to GUI  69  on display  68 . Input device  70  can also be used to issue commands in computer system  50 . Input device  70  can include a touch-sensing device or interface configured to receive input from a user&#39;s touch and to send this information to processor  56 . By way of example, the touch-sensing device can correspond to a touchpad or a touch screen. In many cases, the touch-sensing device can recognize touches, as well as the position and magnitude of touches on a touch sensitive surface. The touch-sensing device can detect and report the touches to processor  56  and processor  56  can interpret the touches in accordance with its programming. For example, processor  56  can initiate a task in accordance with a particular touch. A dedicated processor can be used to process touches locally and reduce demand for the main processor of the computer system. In some embodiments, input device  70  can be a touch screen that can be positioned over or in front of display  68 , integrated with display device  68 , or can be a separate component, such as a touch pad. 
     The touch-sensing device can be based on sensing technologies including but not limited to capacitive sensing, resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, pressure sensing, optical sensing, and/or the like. Furthermore, the touch-sensing means can be based on single point sensing or multipoint sensing. Single point sensing is capable of only distinguishing a single touch, while multipoint sensing is capable of distinguishing multiple touches that occur at the same time. The touch-sensing can include actual contact of the touch-sensing device, near-touch of the touch-sensing device (e.g. detecting hovering), or remote detection of the user by the touch-sensing device. 
     Computer system  50  can also include capabilities for coupling to one or more I/O devices  80 . By way of example, I/O devices  80  can correspond to keyboards, printers, scanners, cameras, microphones, speakers, and/or the like. I/O devices  80  can be integrated with computer system  50  or they can be separate components (e.g., peripheral devices). In some cases, I/O devices  80  can be connected to computer system  50  through wired connections (e.g., cables/ports). In other cases, I/O devices  80  can be connected to computer system  80  through wireless connections. By way of example, the data link can correspond to PS/2, USB, IR, Firewire, RF, Bluetooth or the like. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, computer system  50  can be designed to recognize gestures  85  applied to input device  70  and to control aspects of computer system  50  based on the gestures  85 . In some cases, a gesture can be defined as a stylized interaction with an input device that can be mapped to one or more specific computing operations. Gestures  85  can be made through various hand, and more particularly finger motions. Alternatively or additionally, the gestures can be made with a stylus. In all of these cases, input device  70  can receive gestures  85  and processor  56  can execute instructions to carry out operations associated with the gestures  85 . In addition, memory block  58  can include gesture operational program  88 , which can be part of the operating system or a separate application. Gesture operation program  88  can generally include a set of instructions that can recognize the occurrence of gestures  85  and can inform one or more software agents of the gestures  85  and/or what action(s) to take in response to the gestures  85 . Additional details regarding the various gestures that can be used as input commands is discussed further below. 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment, upon a user performing one or more gestures, input device  70  can relay gesture information to processor  56 . Using instructions from memory  58 , and more particularly, gesture operational program  88 , processor  56  can interpret the gestures  85  and control different components of computer system  50 , such as memory  58 , display  68  and I/O devices  80 , based on the gestures  85 . Gestures  85  can be identified as commands for performing actions in applications stored in memory  58 , modifying image objects shown on display  68 , modifying data stored in memory  58 , and/or for performing actions in I/O devices  80 . 
     Again, although  FIG. 1  illustrates input device  70  and display  68  as two separate boxes for illustration purposes, the two boxes can be realized on one device. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary computing system  10  that uses multi-touch panel  24  as an input device for gestures, though multi-touch panel  24  can at the same time be a display panel. Computing system  10  can include one or more multi-touch panel processors  12  dedicated to multi-touch subsystem  27 . Alternatively, multi-touch panel processor functionality can be implemented by dedicated logic, such as a state machine. Peripherals  11  can include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) or other types of memory or storage, watchdog timers and the like. Multi-touch subsystem  27  can include, but is not limited to, one or more analog channels  17 , channel scan logic  18  and driver logic  19 . Channel scan logic  18  can access RAM  16 , autonomously read data from analog channels  17  and provide control for analog channels  17 . This control can include multiplexing columns of multi-touch panel  24  to analog channels  17 . In addition, channel scan logic  18  can control driver logic  19  and stimulation signals being selectively applied to rows of multi-touch panel  24 . In some embodiments, multi-touch subsystem  27 , multi-touch panel processor  12  and peripherals  11  can be integrated into a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
     Driver logic  19  can provide multiple multi-touch subsystem outputs  20  and can present a proprietary interface that drives high voltage driver, which can include a decoder  21  and subsequent level shifter and driver stage  22 , although level-shifting functions could be performed before decoder functions. Level shifter and driver stage  22  can provide level shifting from a low voltage level (e.g. CMOS levels) to a higher voltage level, providing a better signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for noise reduction purposes. Decoder  21  can decode the drive interface signals to one out of N outputs, whereas N is the maximum number of rows in the panel. Decoder  21  can be used to reduce the number of drive lines needed between the high voltage driver and multi-touch panel  24 . Each multi-touch panel row input  23  can drive one or more rows in multi-touch panel  24 . It should be noted that driver  22  and decoder  21  can also be integrated into a single ASIC, be integrated into driver logic  19 , or in some instances be unnecessary. 
     Multi-touch panel  24  can include a capacitive sensing medium having a plurality of row traces or driving lines and a plurality of column traces or sensing lines, although other sensing media can also be used. The row and column traces can be formed from a transparent conductive medium, such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) or Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO), although other transparent and non-transparent materials, such as copper, can also be used. In some embodiments, the row and column traces can be formed on opposite sides of a dielectric material, and can be perpendicular to each other, although in other embodiments other non-orthogonal orientations are possible. In a polar coordinate system, for example, the sensing lines can be concentric circles and the driving lines can be radially extending lines (or vice versa). It should be understood, therefore, that the terms “row” and “column,” “first dimension” and “second dimension,” or “first axis” and “second axis” as used herein are intended to encompass not only orthogonal grids, but the intersecting traces of other geometric configurations having first and second dimensions (e.g. the concentric and radial lines of a polar-coordinate arrangement). The rows and columns can be formed on a single side of a substrate, or can be formed on two separate substrates separated by a dielectric material. In some instances, an additional dielectric cover layer can be placed over the row or column traces to strengthen the structure and protect the entire assembly from damage. 
     At the “intersections” of the traces of multi-touch panel  24 , where the traces pass above and below (cross) each other (but do not make direct electrical contact with each other), the traces can essentially form two electrodes (although more than two traces could intersect as well). Each intersection of row and column traces can represent a capacitive sensing node and can be viewed as picture element (pixel)  26 , which can be particularly useful when multi-touch panel  24  is viewed as capturing an “image” of touch. In other words, after multi-touch subsystem  27  has determined whether a touch event has been detected at each touch sensor in the multi-touch panel, the pattern of touch sensors in the multi-touch panel at which a touch event occurred can be viewed as an “image” of touch (e.g. a pattern of fingers touching the panel. The capacitance between row and column electrodes can appear as a stray capacitance on all columns when the given row is held at DC and as a mutual capacitance Csig when the given row is stimulated with an AC signal. The presence of a finger or other object near or on the multi-touch panel can be detected by measuring changes to Csig. The columns of multi-touch panel  24  can drive one or more analog channels  17  (also referred to herein as event detection and demodulation circuits) in multi-touch subsystem  27 . In some implementations, each column can be coupled to one dedicated analog channel  17 . However, in other implementations, the columns can be couplable via an analog switch to a fewer number of analog channels  17 . 
     Computing system  10  can also include host processor  14  for receiving outputs from multi-touch panel processor  12  and performing actions based on the outputs that can include, but are not limited to, moving an object such as a cursor or pointer, scrolling or panning, adjusting control settings, opening a file or document, viewing a menu, making a selection, executing instructions, operating a peripheral device connected to the host device, etc. Host processor  14 , which can be a personal computer CPU, can also perform additional functions that can not be related to multi-touch panel processing, and can be coupled to program storage  15  and display device  13  such as an LCD display for providing a user interface (UI) to a user of the device. 
     It should be noted that, while  FIG. 2  illustrates a dedicated multi-touch panel processor  12 , the multi-touch subsystem can be controlled directly by the host processor  14 . Additionally, it should also be noted that multi-touch panel  24  and display device  13  can be integrated into one single touch-screen display device. Further details of multi-touch sensor detection, including proximity detection by a touch panel, is described in commonly assigned co-pending applications, including application Ser. No. 10/840,862 titled “Multipoint Touchscreen,” which was published on May 11, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. US2006/0097991; application Ser. No. 11/428,522 titled “Identifying Contacts On A Touch Surface,” which was published on Oct. 26, 2006 as U.S. Publication No. 2006/0238522, and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/649,998 entitled “Proximity and Multi-Touch Sensor Detection and Demodulation,” which was published on Jul. 3, 2008 as U.S. Publication No. 2008/0158172, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a multipoint processing method  300  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Multipoint processing method  300  can, for example, be performed with the system shown in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 2 . Multipoint processing method  300  generally begins at step  302  where images are read from a multipoint input device, and more particularly a multipoint touch screen. Although the term “image” is used it should be noted that the data can come in other forms. In most cases, the image read from the touch screen provides magnitude (Z) as a function of position (x and y) for each sensing point or pixel of the touch screen. The magnitude can, for example, reflect the capacitance measured at each point. 
     Following step  302 , multipoint processing method  300  proceeds to step  304  where the image can be converted into a collection or list of features. Each feature can represent a distinct input such as a touch. In most cases, each feature can include its own unique identifier (ID), x coordinate, y coordinate, Z magnitude, angle θ, area A, and the like. By way of example,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a particular image  420  in time. In image  420 , there are two features  422  based on two distinct touches. The touches can for example be formed from a pair of fingers touching the touch screen. As shown, each feature  422  can include unique identifier (ID), x coordinate, y coordinate, Z magnitude, angle θ, and area A. More particularly, the first feature  422 A is represented by ID 1 , X 1 , Y 1 , Z 1 , θ 1 , A 1  and the second feature  422 B is represented by ID 2 , X 2 , Y 2 , Z 2 , θ 2 , A 2  This data can be outputted for example using a multi-touch protocol. 
     The conversion from data or images to features can be accomplished using methods described in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/840,862 titled “Multipoint Touchscreen,” which is hereby again incorporated herein by reference. As disclosed therein, the raw data can be received in a digitized form, and can include values for each node of the touch screen. The values can be between 0 and 256 where 0 equates to no touch pressure and 256 equates to full touch pressure. Thereafter, the raw data can be filtered to reduce noise. Once filtered, gradient data, which indicates the topology of each group of connected points, can be generated. Thereafter, the boundaries for touch regions can be calculated based on the gradient data (i.e., a determination can be made as to which points are grouped together to form each touch region). By way of example, a watershed algorithm can be used. Once the boundaries are determined, the data for each of the touch regions can be calculated (e.g., X, Y, Z, θ, A). 
     Returning to  FIG. 3 , following step  304 , multipoint processing method  300  proceeds to step  306  where feature classification and groupings can be performed. During classification, the identity of each of the features can be determined. For example, the features can be classified as a particular finger, thumb, palm or other object. Once classified, the features can be grouped. The manner in which the groups are formed can widely vary. In most cases, the features can be grouped based on some criteria (e.g., they carry a similar attribute). For example, the two features shown in  FIG. 4A  and  FIG. 4B  can be grouped together because each of these features is located in proximity to each other or because they are from the same hand. The grouping can include some level of filtering to filter out features that are not part of the touch event. In filtering, one or more features can be rejected because they either meet some predefined criteria or because they do not meet some predefined criteria. By way of example, one of the features can be classified as a thumb located at the edge of a tablet PC. Because the thumb is being used to hold the device rather than being used to perform a task, the feature generated therefrom can be rejected (i.e., is not considered part of the touch event being processed). 
     Following step  306 , multipoint processing method  300  proceeds to step  308  where key parameters for the feature groups can be calculated. The key parameters can include distance between features, x/y centroid of all features, feature rotation, total pressure of the group (e.g., pressure at centroid), and the like. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the calculation can include finding the centroid C, drawing a virtual line  530  to each feature from the centroid C, defining the distance D for each virtual line (D 1  and D 2 ), and then averaging the distances D 1  and D 2  Once the parameters are calculated, the parameter values can be reported. The parameter values can be typically reported with a group identifier (GID) and number of features within each group (in this case three). In most cases, both initial and current parameter values can be reported. The initial parameter values can be based on set down, for example when the user sets their fingers on the touch screen, and the current values can be based on any point within a stroke occurring after set down. 
     As should be appreciated, steps  302 - 308  of process  300  can be repetitively performed during a user stroke thereby generating a plurality of sequentially configured signals. The initial and current parameters can be compared in later steps to perform actions in the system. 
     Following step  308 , the process flow moves to step  310  where the group can be associated with a user interface (UI) element. UI elements can be buttons boxes, lists, sliders, wheels, knobs, etc. Each UI element can represent a component or control of the user interface. The application behind the UI element(s) can have access to the parameter data calculated in step  308 . In one implementation, the application can rank the relevance of the touch data to the UI element corresponding there to. The ranking can be based on some predetermined criteria. The ranking can include producing a figure of merit and, whichever UI element has the highest figure of merit, giving it sole access to the group. There can even be some degree of hysteresis as well (e.g., once one of the UI elements claims control of that group, the group sticks with the UI element until another UI element has a much higher ranking). By way of example, the ranking can include determining proximity of the centroid (or features) to the image object associated with the UI element. 
     Following step  310 , multipoint process  300  proceeds to steps  312  and  314 . Steps  312  and  314  can be performed approximately at the same time. From the user perspective, in one embodiment, steps  312  and  314  appear to be performed concurrently. In step  312 , one or more actions can be performed based on differences between initial and current parameter values, and can also be based to a UI element to which they are associated, if any. In step  314 , user feedback pertaining to the one or more action being performed can be provided. By way of example, user feedback can include display, audio, tactile feedback and/or the like. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a parameter calculation method  600  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Parameter calculation method  600  can, for example, correspond to block  308  shown in  FIG. 3 . The parameter calculation method  600  generally begins at step  601 . At step  602 , a group of features can be received. Following step  602 , the parameter calculation method  600  moves to step  604  where a determination can be made as to whether or not the number of features in the group of features has changed. For example, the number of features can have changed due to the user picking up or placing an additional finger. Different fingers can be needed to perform different controls (e.g., tracking, gesturing). If the number of features has changed, the parameter calculation method  600  proceeds to step  606  where the initial parameter values can be calculated. If the number stays the same, the parameter calculation method  600  proceeds to step  608  where the current parameter values can be calculated. Thereafter, the parameter calculation method  600  proceeds to step  610  where the initial and current parameter values can be reported. By way of example, the initial parameter values can contain the average initial distance between points (or Distance (AVG) initial) and the current parameter values can contain the average current distance between points (or Distance (AVG) current). These can be compared in subsequent steps in order to control various aspects of a computer system. 
     The above methods and techniques can be used to implement any number of GUI interface objects and actions. For example, gestures can be created to detect and effect a user command to resize a window, scroll a display, rotate an object, zoom in or out of a displayed view, delete or insert text or other objects, etc. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device can include several power modes. For example, a in a first power mode, both a touch-sensing device and a display can be powered, such that the user can provide inputs and see content displayed by the device. In a second power mode, the touch-sensing device can be powered, but the display may not be powered such that the electronic device can detect touch events provided by the user without displaying content. For example, in a touch screen embodiment, the electronic device can enable the touch screen to detect touch events without displaying content or selectable options. 
     The user can control playback operations using any suitable approach. In some embodiments, the electronic device can display selectable options on a display interface.  FIG. 7A  is a schematic view of a now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7B  is a schematic view of a selectable volume overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7C  is a schematic view of a playback control overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7D  is a schematic view of a playlist control overlay on the now-playing display in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Now-playing display  700  can be provided at any suitable time. For example, display  700  can be provided in response to a user request to view information regarding the media item being played back. Display  700  can include art  702  describing the played back media item. For example, art  702  can include album cover art associated with music items. 
     To control playback operations, the user can direct the electronic device to overlay selectable options. The electronic device can overlay any suitable number of type of options in response to a user instruction. For example, the electronic device can display, in sequence, volume control, playback control, and playlist control options. Alternatively, the options can be combined or split up in one or more overlays, options for other controls can be displayed, or the order of displayed options can change. Display  720  can include volume overlay  730  displayed over art  720 , which can be the same as art  702 . The electronic device can also display media identifying information  724  (e.g., song title, artist and album name) and playback indicator  726  (e.g., a progress bar with timing information). Volume overlay  730  can include any suitable option or information. For example, volume overlay  730  can include bar  732  representing the current volume level. The user can change the volume level by selecting decrease option  734  and increase option  736 . 
     Display  750  can include playback control overlay  760  displayed over art  752 , which can be the same as art  702 . The electronic device can also display media identifying information  754  (e.g., song title, artist and album name) and playback indicator  756  (e.g., a progress bar with timing information). Playback control overlay  760  can include any suitable option or information relating to playback control. For example, playback control overlay  760  can include play/pause option  762 . The user can rewind and fast-forward played back media by selecting and holding (e.g., tap and hold or a long tap) next option  764  and back option  766 , respectively. The user can also skip to the previous or next media item available for playback (e.g., in a playlist) by selecting without holding (e.g., single tap) options  764  and  766 , respectively. 
     Display  780  can include playlist control overlay  790  displayed over art  782 , which can be the same as art  702 . The electronic device can also display media identifying information  784  (e.g., song title, artist and album name) and playback indicator  786  (e.g., a progress bar with timing information). Playlist control overlay  790  can include any suitable option or information relating to playlist control. For example, playlist control overlay  790  can include genius playlist option  792  (e.g., for generating a new playlist of media items related to the currently played back media item). The user can toggle playlist shuffling and repeat options by selecting shuffle option  794  and repeat option  796 , respectively. In some embodiments, the user can toggle between more than two options in response to selections of displayed options (e.g., toggle between repeat all, repeat one, and repeat none). 
     While the user can select the options displayed in each of  FIGS. 7B-7D , the user may also wish to provide playback instructions and volume control instructions without selecting displayed on-screen options. In one embodiment, the user can provide media playback instructions to the device by providing specific touch gestures each associated with particular operations. In one implementation, the touch gestures can include combinations of taps that match the combinations of button presses associated with a button-based input interface of the device, so that the user can provide inputs using a single input scheme. This approach can be implemented in a reduced power mode, for example when a touch interface is enabled but a display is not. 
     In some embodiments, in response to detecting a particular input associated with a playback instruction, the electronic device can provide a visual confirmation of the instruction on the display.  FIG. 8A  is a schematic view of an illustrative display having visual feedback for a play touch instruction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8B  is a schematic view of an illustrative display having visual feedback for a fast-forward touch instruction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display  800  can include any suitable background  802 , including for example the background displayed at the time the playback touch instruction was received. For example, the background can include several selectable options (e.g., as part of a menu). To indicate to the user that a play instruction was detected, the electronic device can overlay play icon  810  on the display. Play icon  810  can remain displayed for any suitable duration, including for example until the device detects an instruction to hide the icon, until a particular duration lapses (e.g., a 2 second duration), or any other suitable criteria is satisfied. In some embodiments, the electronic device can provide other forms of feedback instead or in addition to displaying icon  810 . For example, the electronic device can provide an audio cue (e.g., a series of tones matching the detected touch pattern, or a voice-over describing the identified operation), other forms of visual feedback, vibrations (e.g., a vibration pattern matching the input), or any other suitable feedback. 
     Display  850  can include any suitable background  852 , including for example the background displayed at the time the playback touch instruction was received (e.g., as described in connection with background  802 ). To indicate to the user that a fast-forward instruction was detected, the electronic device can overlay fast-forward icon  860  on the display. Fast-forward icon  860  can remain displayed for any suitable duration, for example as described above in connection with play icon  810 . In some embodiments, the electronic device can provide other forms of feedback instead or in addition to displaying icon  860 . For example, the electronic device can provide an audio cue (e.g., a series of tones matching the detected touch pattern, or a voice-over describing the identified operation), other forms of visual feedback, vibrations (e.g., a vibration pattern matching the input), or any other suitable feedback. The electronic device can similarly provide other operation icon overlays for other media playback operations for which touch inputs are detected, including for example pause, rewind, next track and previous track operations. 
     In some embodiments, a user can control the volume of played back media by providing particular touch inputs associated with volume control.  FIG. 9A  is a schematic view of a first volume control overlay in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 9B  is a schematic view of a second volume control overlay in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Display  900  can include any suitable background  902 , including for example the background displayed at the time the playback touch instruction was received. For example, the background can include album art associated with a “Now Playing” display. To indicate to the user that a volume control instruction was detected, the electronic device can overlay volume animation  910  on the display. Volume animation  910  can include a circular region having distinct continuous portions  912  and  914  graphically depicting the current volume level of the device. For example, portion  912  can be substantially filled and opaque, while portion  914  can be more transparent, where the relative amount of the circular region taken by each of portions  912  and  914  can depict the relative volume level. Volume animation  910  can include number  916  provided within the circular region to numerically quantify the current volume level. As a user provides a volume related touch input (e.g., a circular motion), the size of respective portions  912  and  914 , and the displayed number  916  can graphically change to match changes in the volume level. The electronic device can relate volume adjustments and the user&#39;s gesture using any suitable approach. For example, volume can be adjusted based on the distance traced around the circle by the user, the angular velocity of the user&#39;s gesture, the position of the user&#39;s finger relative to an origin, or any other suitable approach. Volume animation  910  can remain displayed for any suitable duration, for example as described above in connection with play icon  810 . In some embodiments, the electronic device can provide other forms of feedback instead of or in addition to displaying icon  860 , including for example audio feedback, tactile feedback (e.g., vibrations), or other forms of feedback. 
     Display  950  is an alternate animation depicting volume level. Background  952  can include any suitable background, including for example backgrounds discussed in connection with background  902 . Volume bar  960  can be overlaid on background  952  to provide a graphical representation of the current volume level. For example, the size of the opaque portion of volume bar  960  relative to the size of the transparent portion of volume bar  960  can provide a graphical depiction of the volume level. As the device detects a touch input changing the volume level, the electronic device can adjust volume bar  960  to graphically depict the changed volume. 
     The electronic device can associate any suitable touch input with corresponding media playback operations.  FIG. 10  is an illustrative table of touch event or gesture and device operation associations in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Table  1000  can include several columns, including for example touch input column  1002  and device operation column  1010 . Each row of the table can include a particular touch input and its associated electronic device operation. For example, single tap touch events can be associated with play/pause instructions. Double tap touch events can be associated with next item instructions. Triple tap touch events can be associated with previous item instructions. Double tap and hold (e.g., a short tap followed by a long tap) can be associated with fast forward instructions. Triple tap and hold (e.g., two short tapa followed by a long tap) can be associated with rewind instructions. Clockwise circle touch events can be associated with volume up instructions, and counterclockwise circle touch events can be associated with volume down instructions. The touch event and device operation associations of table  1000  will be understood to be merely illustrative, as any other suitable combination of touch events and device operations can be used instead or in addition to those shown in table  1000  to control device operations. In some embodiments, some of the touch gesture and device operation associations can mimic the associations defined for device operations and inputs provided by a button, such as an in line button on a wired headphone (e.g., touch gesture taps correspond to button clicks). 
     The following flowchart describes processes used by the electronic device to control media playback.  FIG. 11  is a flowchart of an illustrative process for controlling media playback based on detected touch events in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Process  1100  can begin at step  1102 . At step  1104 , the electronic device can detect a touch event. For example, the electronic device can receive an indication from a touch-sensing interface that a touch gesture was detected. The touch-sensing interface can identify the particular touch gesture, and provide identifying information for the gesture to the electronic device control circuitry. For example, the touch-sensing interface can indicate that the detected touch gesture was a particular combination of tapping and holding a finger on a touch sensitive surface, or a circular motion on the touch sensitive surface. At step  1106 , the electronic device can determine whether the detected touch event is associated with a playback operation. For example, the electronic device can determine whether the touch event matches one of the events in table  1000  ( FIG. 10 ). If the electronic device determines that the touch event is not associated with a playback operation, process  1100  can return to step  1104  and continue to detect touch events. Alternatively, process  1100  can end. 
     If, at step  1106 , the electronic device instead determines that the detected touch event is associated with a playback operation, process  1100  can move to step  1108 . At step  1108 , the electronic device can identify the particular playback operation associated with the detected touch event. For example, the electronic device can refer to a table or other data structure associating particular playback operations with different touch gestures. At step  1110 , the electronic device can perform the identified playback operation. For example, the electronic device can play, pause, fast forward, or rewind a media item. As another example, the electronic device can skip to a previous or next media item. As still another example, the electronic device can change the volume of the played back media. Process  1000  can then end at step  1112 . 
     Although many of the embodiments of the present invention are described herein with respect to personal computing devices, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to personal computing applications, but is generally applicable to other applications. 
     The invention is preferably implemented by software, but can also be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDS, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
     The above described embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20090625
Publication Date: 20130326
Grant Date: 20130326
Priority Date: 20090625
Inventors: KERR DUNCAN
KING NICK
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F2203/04808", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04883", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04808", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04886", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04883", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 43380135