PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11656737-B2
Application Number: US-201816143306-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Adding a contact to a home screen

Abstract:
An icon can be created for a contact (e.g., an individual(s) or an entity) and presented on a user interface of a mobile device, such as a “home screen.” The icon can be used to retrieve and display contact information. The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact. The icon can be modified to display information related to the contact. In one aspect, an icon associated with an entity can be temporarily displayed on the mobile device based on the proximity of the mobile device to the entity. The icon can be used to retrieve and display information related to the entity. Additionally, the icon can be removed from the display on the mobile device when the mobile device is no longer within a certain proximity of the entity.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising:
 at an electronic device in communication with a display and one or more input devices:
 while displaying a home screen user interface of the electronic device, including a plurality of respective user interface objects of a first type, including a third user interface object of the first type that when activated causes the electronic device to display an application user interface, different from the home screen user interface, corresponding to the third user interface object, determining a context of the electronic device based on at least a location of the electronic device; 
 in response to determining the context of the electronic device:
 in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device meets a first set of criteria:
 concurrently displaying, on the display, in the home screen user interface of the electronic device: 
  a first user interface object of a second type, different from the first type, associated with a first entity; and 
  the plurality of respective user interface objects of the first type; 
 receiving, via the one or more input devices, an indication of a selection of the first user interface object associated with the first entity; and 
 in response to receiving the indication of the selection of the first user interface object associated with the first entity, displaying, on the display, information associated with the first entity; 
 while displaying the first user interface object, in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device no longer meets the first set of criteria, ceasing the display of the first user interface object; and 
 
 in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device meets a second set of criteria:
 concurrently displaying, on the display, in the home screen user interface of the electronic device: 
  a second user interface object of the second type, different from the first type, associated with a second entity; and 
  the plurality of respective user interface objects of the first type; 
 receiving, via the one or more input devices, an indication of a selection of the second user interface object associated with the second entity; and 
 in response to receiving the indication of the selection of the second user interface object associated with the second entity, displaying, on the display, information associated with the second entity. 
 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first set of criteria comprise determining that a location of the electronic device is within a threshold distance of a location of the first entity. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first set of criteria comprise determining that a setting is active on the electronic device, wherein the setting enables the electronic device to display the first user interface object in accordance with the determination that the context of the electronic device meets the first set of criteria. 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 displaying the information associated with the first entity comprises displaying the information associated with the first entity in a first user interface, different from the application user interface, of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 displaying the first user interface object associated with the first entity comprises displaying the first user interface object in a region of a user interface presented on the electronic device that is dedicated for temporary user interface objects. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first user interface object is a first temporary icon and the second user interface object is a second temporary icon. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 while displaying the second user interface object, in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device no longer meets the second set of criteria, ceasing the display of the second user interface object. 
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 in accordance with the determination that the context of the electronic device meets the second set of criteria:
 the second user interface object associated with the second entity is concurrently displayed with the plurality of respective user interface objects in the home screen user interface of the electronic device. 
 
 
     
     
       9. An electronic device comprising:
 one or more processors; 
 memory; and 
 one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for: 
 while displaying a home screen user interface of the electronic device, including a plurality of respective user interface objects of a first type, including a third user interface object of the first type that when activated causes the electronic device to display an application user interface, different from the home screen user interface, corresponding to the third user interface object, determining a context of the electronic device based on at least a location of the electronic device; 
 in response to determining the context of the electronic device:
 in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device meets a first set of criteria:
 concurrently displaying, on a display, in the home screen user interface of the electronic device:
 a first user interface object of a second type, different from the first type, associated with a first entity; and 
 the plurality of respective user interface objects of the first type; 
 
 receiving, via one or more input devices, an indication of a selection of the first user interface object associated with the first entity; and 
 in response to receiving the indication of the selection of the first user interface object associated with the first entity, displaying, on the display, information associated with the first entity; 
 while displaying the first user interface object, in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device no longer meets the first set of criteria, ceasing the display of the first user interface object; and 
 
 in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device meets a second set of criteria:
 concurrently displaying, on the display, in the home screen user interface of the electronic device:
 a second user interface object of the second type, different from the first type, associated with a second entity; and 
 the plurality of respective user interface objects of the first type; 
 
 receiving, via the one or more input devices, an indication of a selection of the second user interface object associated with the second entity; and 
 in response to receiving the indication of the selection of the second user interface object associated with the second entity, displaying, on the display, information associated with the second entity. 
 
 
 
     
     
       10. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the first set of criteria comprise determining that a location of the electronic device is within a threshold distance of a location of the first entity. 
 
     
     
       11. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the first set of criteria comprise determining that a setting is active on the electronic device, wherein the setting enables the electronic device to display the first user interface object in accordance with the determination that the context of the electronic device meets the first set of criteria. 
 
     
     
       12. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 displaying the information associated with the first entity comprises displaying the information associated with the first entity in a first user interface, different from the application user interface, of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       13. The electronic device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 displaying the first user interface object associated with the first entity comprises displaying the first user interface object in a region of a user interface presented on the electronic device that is dedicated for temporary user interface objects. 
 
     
     
       14. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to:
 while displaying a home screen user interface of the electronic device, including a plurality of respective user interface objects of a first type, including a third user interface object of the first type that when activated causes the electronic device to display an application user interface, different from the home screen user interface, corresponding to the third user interface object, determine a context of the electronic device based on at least a location of the electronic device; 
 in response to determining the context of the electronic device:
 in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device meets a first set of criteria:
 concurrently display, on a display, in the home screen user interface of the electronic device:
 a first user interface object of a second type, different from the first type, associated with a first entity; and 
 the plurality of respective user interface objects of the first type; 
 
 receive, via one or more input devices, an indication of a selection of the first user interface object associated with the first entity; and 
 in response to receiving the indication of the selection of the first user interface object associated with the first entity, display, on the display, information associated with the first entity; 
 while displaying the first user interface object, in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device no longer meets the first set of criteria, cease the display of the first user interface object; and 
 
 in accordance with a determination that the context of the electronic device meets a second set of criteria:
 concurrently display, on the display, in the home screen user interface of the electronic device:
 a second user interface object of the second type, different from the first type, associated with a second entity; and 
 the plurality of respective user interface objects of the first type; 
 
 receive, via the one or more input devices, an indication of a selection of the second user interface object associated with the second entity; and 
 in response to receiving the indication of the selection of the second user interface object associated with the second entity, display, on the display, information associated with the second entity. 
 
 
 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first set of criteria comprise determining that a location of the electronic device is within a threshold distance of a location of the first entity. 
 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the first set of criteria comprise determining that a setting is active on the electronic device, wherein the setting enables the electronic device to display the first user interface object in accordance with the determination that the context of the electronic device meets the first set of criteria. 
 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 14 , wherein:
 displaying the information associated with the first entity comprises displaying the information associated with the first entity in a first user interface, different from the application user interface, of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of  claim 14 , wherein:
 displaying the first user interface object associated with the first entity comprises displaying the first user interface object in a region of a user interface presented on the electronic device that is dedicated for temporary user interface objects.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/170,295, filed Jul. 9, 2008 and published on Jan. 14, 2010 as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010-0011304, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This subject matter is generally related to user interfaces for mobile devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional mobile devices are often dedicated to performing a specific application. For example, a mobile phone provides telephony services, a personal digital assistant (PDA) provides a way to organize addresses, contacts and notes, a media player plays content, email devices provide email communication, a browser to surf the Internet, etc. Modern mobile devices can include two or more of these applications. The applications can be represented on a user interface of the mobile device by icons. 
     Mobile devices often include databases (e.g., an address book) of contacts associated with the user. Entries in an address book can include digital objects (e.g., photos), and other information (e.g., text), corresponding to a particular contact. While having all contact information in one place can be convenient, quickly finding an often needed contact can sometimes be difficult and inconvenient. 
     SUMMARY 
     An icon can be created for a contact (e.g., an individual(s) or an entity) and presented on a user interface of a mobile device, such as a “home screen.” The icon can be used to retrieve and display contact information. The icon can also be used to invoke one or more applications that are personalized to the contact. The icon can be modified to display information related to the contact. In one aspect, an icon associated with an entity can be temporarily displayed on the mobile device based on the proximity of the mobile device to the entity. The icon can be used to retrieve and display information related to the entity. Additionally, the icon can be removed from the display on the mobile device when the mobile device is no longer within a certain proximity of the entity. 
     Other implementations are disclosed which are directed to systems, methods and computer-readable mediums. 
     Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. Users can create icons for a mobile device, where the icons can represent often accessed user contacts. User created icons can allow convenient access to all information and applications related to a contact. Thus, consecutive access to applications related to a contact can be greatly diminished. Additionally, temporary user access to applications relative to a location allows a user to minimize the amount of application data stored on a user mobile device. 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example mobile device. 
         FIG.  2    is a block diagram of an example of a mobile device capable of creating an icon for a contact. 
         FIG.  3    is a block diagram of an example mobile device depicting a virtual keyboard used in creating an icon. 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram of an example mobile device including newly created icons. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a block diagram of an example mobile device including a page associated with a newly created icon in  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a block diagram of an example mobile device including a page associated with the “SMS” icon in  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  5 C  is a block diagram of an example mobile device including a page associated with the “more” icon in  FIG.  5 A . 
         FIG.  6 A  is a block diagram of an example mobile device including a process for creating an icon. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a block diagram of an example mobile device including a page associated with a newly created icon in  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    is a flow diagram of a process for creating icons for content. 
         FIG.  8    is another flow diagram of a process for creating icons for content. 
         FIG.  9    is a flow diagram of a process for interacting with temporary icons for content. 
         FIG.  10    is a block diagram of an example of a mobile device operating environment. 
         FIG.  11    is a block diagram of an example implementation of the mobile device of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Mobile Device Overview 
       FIG.  1    is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100 . For example, the mobile device  100  can be a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a portable media device (e.g., a portable MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) player, a portable DVD player, etc.). Some examples of the mobile device  100  may be an iPhone™ or an iPod touch™ of Apple Inc. in Cupertino, Calif. 
     In some implementations, the mobile device  100  includes a touch-sensitive display or device  102 . The touch-sensitive display  102  can implement liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, light emitting polymer display (LPD) technology, or some other display technology. The touch-sensitive display  102  can be sensitive to haptic and/or tactile contact with a user. 
     In some implementations, the touch-sensitive display  102  can comprise a multi-touch-sensitive display. A multi-touch-sensitive display can, for example, process multiple simultaneous touch points, including processing data related to the pressure degree and/or position of each touch point. Such processing facilitates gestures and interactions with multiple fingers, chording, and other interactions. Other touch-sensitive display technologies can also be used, e.g., a display in which contact is made using a stylus or other pointing device. Some examples of multi-touch-sensitive display technology are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,323,846, 6,570,557, 6,677,932, and U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0015024A1, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can display one or more graphical user interfaces on the touch-sensitive display  102  for providing the user access to various system objects and for conveying information to the user. In some implementations, the graphical user interface can include one or more display objects  104 ,  106 . In the example shown, the display objects  104 ,  106 , are graphic representations of system objects. Some examples of system objects include device functions, applications, windows, files, alerts, events, or other identifiable system objects. 
     Example Mobile Device Functionality 
     In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can include multiple device functionalities, such as a telephony device, as indicated by a phone object  110 ; an e-mail device, as indicated by the e-mail object  112 ; a network data communication device, as indicated by the Web object  114 ; and an address book object, as indicated by the contacts object  116 . In some implementations, particular display objects  104  (e.g., the phone object  110 , the e-mail object  112 , the Web object  114 , and the contacts object  116 ), can be displayed in a menu bar  118 . In some implementations, device functionalities can be accessed from a top-level graphical user interface, such as the graphical user interface illustrated in  FIG.  1   . Touching one of the objects  110 ,  112 ,  114  or  116  can, for example, invoke corresponding functionality. 
     In some implementations, upon invocation of a device functionality, the graphical user interface of the mobile device  100  changes, or is augmented or replaced with another user interface or user interface elements, to facilitate user access to particular functions associated with the corresponding device functionality. For example, in response to a user touching the phone object  110 , the graphical user interface of the touch-sensitive display  102  may present display objects related to various phone functions; likewise, touching of the email object  112  may cause the graphical user interface to present display objects related to various e-mail functions; touching the Web object  114  may cause the graphical user interface to present display objects related to various Web-surfing functions; and touching the contacts object  116  may cause the graphical user interface to present display objects related to various address book functions. 
     In some implementations, a top-level graphical user interface environment or “home screen” of  FIG.  1    can be restored by pressing a button  120  located near the bottom of the mobile device  100 . In some implementations, each device functionality may have a corresponding “home” display object displayed on the touch-sensitive display  102 . In these implementations, pressing the “home” display object can restore the graphical user interface environment of  FIG.  1   . 
     As noted above, various software applications can be executed by the mobile device  100 . For example, a user can use an address book application to access one or more contacts in the address book. A contact can be an individual, a group of individuals (e.g., a club), or an entity (e.g., a business or a location for a business). 
     Example Contact and Related Options 
       FIG.  2    is a block diagram of an example of a mobile device  100  capable of creating an icon for a contact. In some implementations, an icon can be a sign or likeness that stands for, signifies, or represents objects such as a person, place or thing. An icon can be an image (e.g., a thumbnail photo), or representation readily recognized as having some well-known significance or embodying certain qualities with respect to the object the icon represents. An icon can include text. An icon can be an active link (e.g., to a related contact). 
     As shown, a contact page  202  is displayed for the user on the touch sensitive display  102  of the mobile device  100 . The contact page  202  can include content. For example, the contact page  202  can include an image  204  of a person, place, or thing representing the contact. The contact page  202  can display a name  206  of the contact. The contact page  202  can include other information associated with the contact, such as any combination of one or more phone numbers  208 , one or more email addresses  210 , one or more website (e.g., Internet homepage) addresses  214 , or one or more concrete (e.g., mailing) addresses  216 . The name  206  and other information associated with the contact can be edited by the user using a virtual keyboard, as will be described in reference to  FIG.  3   . 
     In one implementation, the user can interact with the contact  202 . For example, the user can create an icon associated with the contact  202  and have the icon accessible on a user interface associated with the mobile device  100 , such as a home screen. The icon can, for example, include an image and text that functions as a link to the contact page  202 . When the icon is touched or otherwise interacted with by the user, the contact page  202  is displayed on the touch sensitive display  102 . In some implementations, the contact page  202  is stored in an address book application on the mobile device  100 . 
     In one implementation, the contact page  202  can present one or more options to the user. For example, selecting an “Add to Home Screen” button  218  in the contact page  202  can result in the creation of an icon for the contact. The icon created for the contact can then be displayed on a user interface, such as the home screen. The user can tap or gesture on the touch sensitive display  102  to select the option “Add to Home Screen”  218 . 
     In one implementation, upon receiving input selecting the “Add to the Horne Screen” button  218 , a portion of content associated with the contact page  202  can be converted into an icon. For example, as a default, the image  202  (e.g., a photo of the contact) can be copied, reduced in size, and converted into an icon, as described in reference to  FIG.  3   . If a photo is not available, a default graphic can be displayed or the user can be presented with a number of contact icons for selection by the user. In some implementations, other content can be converted into the icon. In some implementations, icons can be edited by the user (e.g., to change the name of the icon). 
     Example Interface For Naming Icons 
       FIG.  3    is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100  depicting a virtual keyboard  302  used in creating an icon associated with the contact  202 . The virtual keyboard  302  includes buttons or keys  304 . In one example, the user can select a character by tapping a key on the virtual keyboard  302  that corresponds to the character. The user can also select a cancel button  312  if the user decides not to create an icon. 
     In one implementation, the user can be presented with a preview of the icon  314  that will be displayed on a user interface (e.g., home screen) of the mobile device  100 . In this example, the image  204  was selected from the contact page  202  and rendered into the preview icon  314 . Suitable processes for rendering icons from content are available through application programming interfaces (APIs) of known image processing tools, such as Icon Composer distributed as part of Apple Inc.&#39;s Mac OS® X operating system. 
     In some implementations, an icon can have a default name. In other implementations, a user can create a name to be associated with a newly created or existing icon. In some implementations, a name created by the user can be presented along with the preview icon  314 . In these implementations, the user can use the virtual keyboard  302  to input text for a name of the icon to add to a user interface of the mobile device  100 . As shown, the mobile device  100  includes a text input box  308  for composing text. For example, the user can input text for an icon name by selecting characters from the virtual keyboard  302 . After inputting the name, the user can select an add button  310  to add the icon to a user interface (e.g., home screen) of the mobile device  100 . 
     A user touching an icon on the home screen can cause various actions on the mobile device  100 . The icon can act as a “shortcut” to the contact in an address book application on the mobile device  100 . The user can use the icon to navigate directly to the address book application residing on the mobile device  100 . A contact screen presented by the address book application can show status on SMS messages, phone calls, emails, etc., received from the contact. In some implementations, touching the contacts icon will open a user interface that bundles appropriate services or applications related to the contact. In this case, a dedicated menu bar can be shown with a dedicated button for each service or application. Each button can include a badge to indicate status associated with the service or application, including the number of unread SMS messages for an SMS button, a number of unread emails for a mail button, etc. 
     Example Contact Functionalities 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100  including newly created icons  405  and  410 . Newly created icon  405  is an icon associated with the contact page  202  depicted in  FIG.  2   . The icon  405  includes the name input “Mike J.” created using the virtual keyboard  302  depicted in  FIG.  3   . Newly created icon  410  will be discussed in detail below. 
     In some implementations, the newly created icon  405  can be a “shortcut” to a single application (e.g., a phone application). In some implementations, the icon  405  can be a shortcut to one or more additional applications that can be associated or personalized to a contact. For example, a user can communicate or interact with a contact in a variety of ways using different applications including, but not limited to, a short messaging service (SMS) application, a phone application, an email application, a calendar application, or an application capable of determining location information (e.g., GPS). Interacting with such applications can provide information or services to the user that are associated with a specific contact (e.g., an individual or entity). For example, by interacting with an SMS application, a user can determine the number of “short text messages” the user has received from a particular contact. In another example, by interacting with a phone application, a user can determine the number of voicemails the user has received from a particular contact. 
     In some implementations where one or more applications can be associated with a contact, a newly created icon  405  can include a content specific graphic indication  415  (e.g., a “badge”) for conveying status. For example, a number of missed calls, voicemails, emails or SMS messages, etc., can be enumerated with status badges which can be attached to corresponding icons on the Home Screen. In some implementations, a newly created icon  405  can include a separate graphic indication  415  for each associated application. For example, an envelope graphic can be used to represent unread email messages, or a telephone graphic can be used to represent unheard voicemail messages. 
     In some implementations, a badge or a graphic indication  415  can be animated. Examples of animations include but are not limited to pulses, color changes, swirling, swirling colors, pulsing swirling colors, starbursts, or other graphical indicators. In some implementations, the animations can be updated or replaced to reflect a change in status with respect to the corresponding application. In other implementations, the graphic indication  415  is removed once the content has been consumed or reviewed. For example, a pulsing envelope graphic can indicate unread email. Once the user has viewed the unread email, the pulsing envelope graphic can be replaced with a non-pulsing envelope graphic. In some implementations, the graphic indication  415  can be accompanied by an audio file or sound effect for informing the user. For example, an audio file accompanying an envelope graphic can inform the user that they have unread emails. In some implementations, animated and audible elements can be enabled or disabled by a user or application as needed. In some implementations, the icon  405  can be or include a link to a contact page or application specific to the contact. 
       FIG.  5 A  is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100  including a page  502  associated with a newly created icon  405  depicted in  FIG.  4   . In some implementations, selecting the icon  405  can cause the contact page  502  to be displayed on the mobile device  100 . The contact page  502  can include an image  504  of a person, place, or thing representing the contact. The contact page  502  can include a name  506  of the contact. The contact page  502  can include other information associated with the contact, such as any combination of one or more phone numbers  508 , one or more email addresses  510 , one or more website (e.g., Internet homepage) addresses  514 , or one or more concrete (e.g., mailing) addresses  516 . The name and other information associated with the contact page  502  can be edited by the user, as described with respect to  FIG.  3   . 
     In some implementations, an icon representing each application associated with the contact can be displayed on the contact page  502 . For example, contact page  502  includes a menu bar  540 . Included in the menu bar  540  is an SMS icon  522 , a voicemail icon  524 , an email icon  526 , and a calendar icon  528 . Additionally, the menu bar  540  includes a “more” icon  530  which will be described in detail below. In some implementations, the menu bar  540  can facilitate switching between applications as needed. Each of the icons can have a status “badge” for indicating content that has not yet been consumed or viewed (e.g., a number of unread email or SMS messages). 
     In some implementations, an icon representing an application can include an additional graphic indication  550 . For example, the SMS icon  522  includes a badge  550  that displays the number 4. This number can indicate that four new or unread “short text messages” are associated with the contact “Mike J.” Likewise, voicemail icon  524  includes a badge  550  that displays the number 2. This number can indicate that two new or unheard “voicemails” are associated with the contact “Mike J.” Some applications will not have current data available for the user and thus no graphic indication will be displayed (e.g., calendar icon  528 ). Alternatively, a graphic indication with a zero can be used when no current data is available. In some implementations, selection of an application icon in the menu bar  540  can facilitate access to functions associated with the corresponding application. For example, selection of the SMS icon  522  can facilitate access to and interaction with an in-box of an SMS application, allowing a user to read “short text messages.” In some implementations, selection of an icon representing an application can cause a graphical user interface for the application to present a page on the touch sensitive display  102  on the mobile device  100 .  FIG.  5 B  is a block diagram of an example mobile device including a page  558  associated with the “SMS” icon in  FIG.  5 A . User interfaces for other services or applications listed in the menu bar  540  can be similarly displayed in response to selection of the corresponding button. 
       FIG.  5 C  is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100  including a page associated with the “more” icon  530  in  FIG.  5 A . In some implementations, selection of the “more” icon  530  can result in a “more” page  560  being presented on a user interface of the mobile device  100 . In some implementations, the “more” page  560  can include a list of one or more options for editing settings of the various applications displayed in menu bar  540 . In some implementations, the menu bar  540  configuration can be customized (e.g., automatically or by user-indicated preferences). For example, in implementations where the “more” page  560  does not require an additional “more” button  530 , the “more” button  530  can be replaced with one or more additional buttons (e.g., a location button) as space permits. 
     Example Temporary Object 
     In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can indicate to other devices and systems an ability to temporarily receive an icon associated with an object by advertising through a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection that the mobile device is “contact capable.” A preference can be set in a preference pane or menu displayed on the mobile device  100  to engage a “contact capable” mode. Alternatively, a “contact capable” mode can be triggered by the location of the device using positioning technology (e.g., Wi-Fi, GPS).  FIG.  6 A  is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100  including a process for creating a temporary or permanent icon. In some implementations, a contact  610  can temporarily appear on a mobile device  100  when the mobile device  100  is within a determined proximity of a contact host. The contact host can be a server or device operated by an individual, entity or service capable of providing the icon and related application information. In the present example, the contact host is a server operated by a coffee house called “Rocket Java”. An alert can be presented on the mobile device  100  to indicate that a temporary contact or application is available to the mobile device  100 . In one example, the alert can have two options: “dismiss” and “view contact.” After the contact has been viewed, other options can be presented, including options like “add to local contacts” or “save to the home screen.” The selection of these options by the user results in the contact being added to an address book application or the home screen, respectively. In other implementations, the contact is automatically added to the home screen when available. In some implementations, a user can a preference for automatically adding a contact to a home screen without alerting the user or otherwise requiring user interaction. Another option can be to have a dedicated area for temporary contact icons on the home screen and/or in an address book application. 
     In one implementation, the contact  610  can present one or more options to the user (e.g., an “Add to Home Screen” button  620 ). The user can tap the touch sensitive display  102  to select the “Add to Home Screen” button  620 . In this implementation, selecting the “Add to Home Screen” button  620  in the contact  610  can result in the creation of an icon associated with the contact  610 . Additionally, selecting the “Add to Home Screen” button  620  can cause the icon to be added to a user interface of the mobile device  100  (e.g., a home screen). 
     In some implementations, an icon (e.g., the “Rocket Java” icon  410  depicted in  FIG.  4   ) can temporarily appear on a mobile device  100 . The icon can represent an object (e.g., an individual, entity, or service) that is within a certain proximity of the mobile device  100 . In some implementations, the icon  410  can include a graphic indication (e.g., a “badge”  415 ), signifying a status, as previously described. For example, the badge can indicate new messages from Rocket Java, or new offers (e.g., “For you, today, a free croissant with your latte . . . ”). 
     In some implementations, a contact screen representing Rocket Java can be presented on the mobile device  100  without any unique or special features. In other implementations, a Rocket Java application with unique or special features can be presented on the mobile device  100 . The Rocket Java application can have unique or special features not shared by other applications (e.g., features associated with coffee consumption). The Rocket Java application can be downloaded automatically to the mobile device  100 , or users can be directed to an online store to initiate a download of the Rocket Java application. 
       FIG.  6 B  is a block diagram of an example mobile device  100  including a page  630  associated with the newly created icon  410  shown in  FIG.  4   . In some implementations, selection of the icon  410  representing an application can cause a page specific to that application to be displayed on the mobile device  100 . In some implementations, selection of the icon  410  can invoke a corresponding object environment and functionality. 
     For example, page  630  can include options for checking an account balance (e.g., by selecting the “My Account Balance” button  632 ), viewing a purchased drink history (e.g., by selecting the “My Drink History” button  634 ), viewing specials (e.g., by selecting the “Specials” button  636 ), and viewing nearby locations (e.g., by selecting the “Nearby Rocket Java Locations” button  638 ). In this example, the “My Account Balance” option and the “My Drink History” option can be user specific, while the “Specials” option and the “Nearby Rocket Java Locations” option can be contact specific. In some implementation, the page  630  can also include a “back” button  640  for returning to the previous page. 
     In some implementations, the icon  410  and the related application information are visible and available only when the mobile device  100  is within a certain proximity of the individual, entity or service hosting the icon and related application. For example, when mobile device  100  is outside a determined proximity, the icon  410  can be removed from mobile device  100  and the related application information can become unavailable. In some implementations, a return to a location within a determined proximity can reinstate the temporary icon  410  and the related application information. In some implementations, while mobile device  100  is within a determined proximity, mobile device  100  can statically store and update information specific to a user and with respect to a particular contact host. In some implementations, a user can pass an icon and associated contact page from their device to another user&#39;s device using a wireless communication link (e.g., Wi-Fi). For example, several users in a meeting can exchange contacts and personal icons. 
     Example Icon Creation Process 
       FIG.  7    is a flow diagram of a process  700  for creating icons for content. The process  700  begins when content associated with a contact is displayed on the mobile device ( 705 ). The content can be included in a contact stored in an address book, for example. 
     An input to create an icon associated with the contact is received through a user interface ( 710 ). The input can be the user selecting a user interface element (e.g., a button) that is presented proximate to the contact content. The input can cause an option pane to be presented to the user for allowing the user to select an option to create an icon associated with the contact. An icon can be created based on the content ( 715 ). In one implementation, the content can be captured as an image (e.g., a bitmap) and scaled to fit the dimensions of the icon. The icon can be displayed on a user interface of the mobile device ( 720 ), such as a home screen. 
     Example Application Association Process 
       FIG.  8    is another flow diagram of a process for creating icons for content. The process  800  begins when content associated with an individual is displayed on the mobile device ( 805 ). The content can be included in a contact that is stored in an address book, for example. The individual can be associated with one or more applications (e.g., an SMS application). 
     An input to create an icon associated with the contact is received ( 810 ). The input can be the user selecting a user interface element that is presented proximate to the contact content. The input can cause an an option pane to be presented to the user for allowing the user to select an option to create an icon associated with the contact. The icon can be created based on the content ( 815 ). In one implementation, the content to be rendered into the icon can be captured as an image (e.g., such as a bitmap) and then scaled to fit the dimensions of the icon. 
     The icon can be associated with the one or more applications ( 820 ). The applications can be personalized to the user. For example, selecting the icon can cause applications or specific functions of the applications associated with the individual, to be available to the user, such that the user can interact with them. The icon can be displayed on a user interface of the mobile device ( 825 ). The display can also include information relating to the one or more applications associated with the user. 
     In some implementations, applications associated with an icon can utilize an Application Programming Interface (API). Applications can use the API to hook into third party services, including but not limited to: MySpace™, FaceBook™, etc., so that users can indicate that they have the contact&#39;s information for these services or applications. Once entered, users would have the option to add these services to their contacts (e.g., add to a button bar) for quick navigation and status updates. In another implementation, a shortcut (e.g., an icon or link) can be provided to third party services. The advantages to the API and shortcut is individual contact status and a navigation shortcut, respectively. 
     Example Temporary Icon Creation Process 
       FIG.  9    is a flow diagram of a process  900  for creating icons for content. The process  900  begins when content of a contact is received on the mobile device ( 905 ). In some implementations, this content can be received when the mobile device is within the proximity of a particular location associated with the contact. An input to create an icon associated with the contact can be received. The input can be the user selecting a user interface element that is presented proximate to the contact content. The input can cause an option pane to be presented to the user, allowing the user to select an option to create an icon associated with the contact. A portion of the content can be rendered into the icon. In one implementation, the content to be rendered into the icon may be captured as an image and scaled to fit the dimensions of the icon. 
     The icon can be temporarily displayed on a user interface of the mobile device ( 910 ). The user can interact with the contact when the icon is displayed upon the mobile device. The content associated with the contact can be removed from the mobile device ( 915 ) when the mobile device is not within the proximity of a particular location associated with the contact. Additionally, the icon associated with the contact can be removed from the mobile device ( 920 ). 
     Example Network Operating Environment 
       FIG.  10    is a block diagram  1000  of an example of a mobile device operating environment. The mobile device  100  of  FIG.  1    can, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/or wireless networks  1010  in data communication. For example, a wireless network  1012  (e.g., a cellular network), can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)  1014 , such as the Internet, by use of a gateway  1016 . Likewise, an access point  1018 , such as an 802.11g wireless access point, can provide communication access to the wide area network  1014 . In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established over the wireless network  1012  and the access point  1018 . For example, the mobile device  100   a  can place and receive phone calls (e.g., using VoIP protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using POP3 protocol), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, over the wireless network  1012 , gateway  1016 , and wide area network  1014  (e.g., using TCP/IP or UDP protocols). Likewise, the mobile device  100   b  can place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over the access point  1018  and the wide area network  1014 . In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can be physically connected to the access point  1018  using one or more cables and the access point  1018  can be a personal computer. In this configuration, the mobile device  100  can be referred to as a “tethered” device. 
     The mobile devices  100   a  and  100   b  can also establish communications by other means (e.g., wireless communications). For example, the mobile device  100   a  can communicate with other mobile devices (e.g., other wireless devices, cell phones, etc.), over the wireless network  1012 . Likewise, the mobile devices  100   a  and  100   b  can establish peer-to-peer communications  1020  (e.g., a personal area network), by use of one or more communication subsystems (e.g., a Bluetooth™ communication device). Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented. 
     The mobile device  100  can, for example, communicate with one or more services  1030 ,  1040 ,  1050 ,  1060 , and  1070  over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks  1010 . For example, a navigation service  1030  can provide navigation information (e.g., map information, location information, route information, and other information), to the mobile device  100 . 
     A messaging service  1040  can, for example, provide e-mail and/or other messaging services. A media service  1050  can, for example, provide access to media files, such as song files, movie files, video clips, and other media data. A syncing service  1060  can, for example, perform syncing services (e.g., sync files). An activation service  1070  can, for example, perform an activation process for activating the mobile device  100 . Other services can also be provided, including a software update service that automatically determines whether software updates exist for software on the mobile device  100 , then downloads the software updates to the mobile device  100  where it can be manually or automatically unpacked and/or installed. 
     The mobile device  100  can also access other data and content over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks  1010 . For example, content publishers  1070 , such as news sites, RSS feeds, web sites, blogs, social networking sites, developer networks, etc., can be accessed by the mobile device  100 . Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching the Web object  114  depicted in  FIG.  1   . In the example shown, a user of the mobile device  100   b  has invoked an icon functionality (e.g., by pressing the icon object  116  on the top-level graphical user interface shown in  FIG.  1   ), and has requested and received the contact associated with the “Mike J.” icon. 
     Example Mobile Device Architecture 
       FIG.  11    is a block diagram  1100  of an example implementation of the mobile device  100  of  FIG.  1   . The mobile device  100  can include a memory interface  1102 , one or more data processors, image processors and/or central processing units  1104 , and a peripherals interface  1106 . The memory interface  1102 , the one or more processors  1104  and/or the peripherals interface  1106  can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. The various components in the mobile device  100  can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines. 
     Sensors, devices and subsystems can be coupled to the peripherals interface  1106  to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, a motion sensor  1110 , a light sensor  1112 , and a proximity sensor  1114  can be coupled to the peripherals interface  1106  to facilitate orientation, lighting and proximity functions. Other sensors  1116  can also be connected to the peripherals interface  1106 , such as a positioning system (e.g., GPS receiver), a temperature sensor, a biometric sensor, or other sensing device, to facilitate related functionalities. 
     A camera subsystem  1120  and an optical sensor  1122  (e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor), can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips. 
     Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more wireless communication subsystems  1124 , which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem  1124  can depend on the communication network(s) over which the mobile device  100  is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device  100  may include communication subsystems  1124  designed to operate over a GSM network, a GPRS network, an EDGE network, a Wi-Fi or WiMax network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, the wireless communication subsystems  1124  may include hosting protocols such that the device  100  may be configured as a base station for other wireless devices. 
     An audio subsystem  1126  can be coupled to a speaker  1128  and a microphone  1130  to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions. 
     The I/O subsystem  1140  can include a touch screen controller  1142  and/or other input controller(s)  1144 . The touch-screen controller  1142  can be coupled to a touch screen  1146 . The touch screen  1146  and touch screen controller  1142  can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with the touch screen  1146 . 
     The other input controller(s)  1144  can be coupled to other input/control devices  1148 , such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of the speaker  1128  and/or the microphone  1130 . 
     In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of the touch screen  1146 ; and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power to the mobile device  100  on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. The touch screen  1146  can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keypad or keyboard. 
     In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3,AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, the mobile device  100  can include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod™. The mobile device  100  may, therefore, include a 30-pin dock connector that is compatible with the iPod. Other input/output and control devices can also be used. 
     The memory interface  1102  can be coupled to memory  1150 . The memory  1150  can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). The memory  1150  can store an operating system  1152 , such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. The operating system  1152  may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. 
     The memory  1150  may also store communication instructions  1154  to facilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computers and/or one or more servers. The memory  1150  may include graphical user interface instructions  1156  to facilitate graphic user interface processing. For example, the graphical user interfaces described with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 6 B  can be implemented with graphic user interface instructions  1156 . The memory  1150  may also include sensor processing instructions  1158  to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions; phone instructions  1160  to facilitate phone-related processes and functions; electronic messaging instructions  1162  to facilitate electronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsing instructions  1164  to facilitate web browsing-related processes and functions; media processing instructions  1166  to facilitate media processing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions  1168  to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes and instructions; camera instructions  1170  to facilitate camera-related processes and functions; and/or other icon process instructions  1172  to facilitate processes and functions, as described in reference to  FIGS.  1 - 6 B . 
     Each of the above identified instructions and applications can correspond to a set of instructions for performing one or more functions described above. These instructions need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules. The memory  1150  can include additional instructions or fewer instructions. Furthermore, various functions of the mobile device  100  may be implemented in hardware and/or in software, including in one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     The features described can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations of them. The features can be implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagated signal, for execution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performed by a programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform functions of the described implementations by operating on input data and generating output. 
     The described feature s can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language (e.g., Objective-C, Java), including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. 
     Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors or cores, of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). 
     To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computer. 
     The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as an application server or an Internet server, or that includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and networks forming the Internet. 
     The computer system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, elements of one or more implementations may be combined, deleted, modified, or supplemented to form further implementations. As yet another example, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180926
Publication Date: 20230523
Grant Date: 20230523
Priority Date: 20080709
Inventors: VAN OS, MARCEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0261", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L51/52", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72448", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72457", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L51/52", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04817", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/0261", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72448", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M1/72457", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0482", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 41506211