PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10642574-B2
Application Number: US-201414199107-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Device, method, and graphical user interface for outputting captions

Abstract:
An electronic device outputs a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption. While outputting the first caption, the device receives a first user input. In response to receiving the first user input, the device determines a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; determines a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; sends instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and outputs the second caption.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. 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:
 outputting a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, wherein the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; 
 while outputting the first caption, receiving a first user input; and, 
 in response to receiving the first user input:
 determining a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria, wherein the redefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption comes and to a same speaker; 
 determining a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; 
 sending instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and 
 outputting the second caption. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same location on a display. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein captions that satisfy the predefined caption selection criteria have a sequence, and the first caption is adjacent to the second caption in the sequence. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein outputting the first caption includes outputting a first audible voice signal corresponding to the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes outputting a second audible voice signal corresponding to the second caption. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first caption corresponds to a first speaker and the second caption corresponds to a second speaker distinct from the first speaker; 
 outputting the first audible voice signal includes converting the first caption into the first audible voice signal based on a first speaker profile; and 
 outputting the second audible voice signal includes converting the second caption into the second audible voice signal based on a second speaker profile distinct from the first speaker profile. 
 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the electronic device is coupled with a Braille display unit; 
 outputting the first caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit to output the first caption; and 
 outputting the second caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit to output the second caption. 
 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the Braille display unit is configured to indicate a first location of the first caption and a second location of the second caption. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 7 , wherein:
 the Braille display unit includes a plurality of Braille cells; and 
 the Braille display unit k configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective location of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the Braille display unit is configured to indicate a first speaker of the first caption and a second speaker of the second caption. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the Braille display unit includes a plurality of Braille cells; and 
 the Braille display unit is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective speaker of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the video includes video signals and audio signals; and 
 playing the video includes outputting audio signals of the video without outputting the video signals of the video. 
 
     
     
       12. 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:
 output a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, wherein the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; 
 while outputting the first caption, receive a first user input; and, 
 in response to receiving the first user input:
 determine a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria, wherein the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same speaker; 
 determine a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; 
 send instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and 
 output the second caption. 
 
 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 12 , wherein the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same location on a display. 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 12 , wherein captions that satisfy the predefined caption selection criteria have a sequence, and the first caption is adjacent to the second caption in the sequence. 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 12 , wherein outputting the first caption includes outputting a first audible voice signal corresponding to the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes outputting a second audible voice signal corresponding to the second caption. 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 the first caption corresponds to a first speaker and the second caption corresponds to a second speaker distinct from the first speaker; 
 outputting the first audible voice signal includes converting the first caption into the first audible voice signal based on a first speaker profile; and 
 outputting the second audible voice signal includes converting the second caption into the second audible voice signal based on a second speaker profile distinct from the first speaker profile. 
 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 the electronic device is coupled with a Braille display unit; 
 outputting the first caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit to output the first caption; and 
 outputting the second caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit to output the second caption. 
 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 17 , wherein the Braille display unit is configured to indicate a first location of the first caption and a second location of the second caption. 
     
     
       19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 18 , wherein:
 the Braille display unit includes a plurality of Braille cells; and 
 the Braille display unit is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective location of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
 
     
     
       20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 17 , wherein the Braille display unit is configured to indicate a first speaker of the first caption and a second speaker of the second caption. 
     
     
       21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 20 , wherein:
 the Braille display unit includes a plurality of Braille cells; and 
 the Braille display unit is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective speaker of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
 
     
     
       22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 the video includes video signals and audio signals; and 
 playing the video includes outputting audio signals of the video without outputting the video signals of the video. 
 
     
     
       23. A method, comprising:
 at an electronic device having one or more processors:
 outputting a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, wherein the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; 
 while outputting the first caption, receiving a first user input; and, 
 in response to receiving the first user input:
 determining a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria, wherein the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same speaker; 
 determining a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; 
 sending instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and 
 outputting the second caption. 
 
 
 
     
     
       24. The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same location on a display. 
     
     
       25. The method according to  claim 23 , wherein captions that satisfy the predefined caption selection criteria have a sequence, and the first caption is adjacent to the second caption in the sequence. 
     
     
       26. The method according to  claim 23 , wherein outputting the first caption includes outputting a first audible voice signal corresponding to the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes outputting a second audible voice signal corresponding to the second caption. 
     
     
       27. The method according to  claim 23 , wherein:
 the first caption corresponds to a first speaker and the second caption corresponds to a second speaker distinct from the first speaker; 
 outputting the first audible voice signal includes converting the first caption into the first audible voice signal based on a first speaker profile; and 
 outputting the second audible voice signal includes converting the second caption into the second audible voice signal based on a second speaker profile distinct from the first speaker profile. 
 
     
     
       28. The method according to  claim 23 , wherein:
 the electronic device is coupled with a Braille display unit; 
 outputting the first caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit to output the first caption; and 
 outputting the second caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit to output the second caption. 
 
     
     
       29. The method according to  claim 28 , wherein the Braille display unit is configured to indicate a first location of the first caption and a second location of the second caption. 
     
     
       30. The method according to  claim 29 , wherein:
 the Braille display unit includes a plurality of Braille cells; and 
 the Braille display unit is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective location of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
 
     
     
       31. The method according to  claim 28 , wherein the Braille display unit is configured to indicate a first speaker of the first caption and a second speaker of the second caption. 
     
     
       32. The method according to  claim 31 , wherein:
 the Braille display unit includes a plurality of Braille cells; and 
 the Braille display unit is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective speaker of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
 
     
     
       33. The method according to  claim 23 , wherein:
 the video includes video signals and audio signals; and 
 playing the video includes outputting audio signals of the video without outputting the video signals of the video.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/783,540, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, entitled DEVICE, METHOD, AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR OUTPUTTING CAPTIONS, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entity for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This relates generally to electronic devices, including but not limited to electronic devices that output captions for movies and other video content. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of electronic devices to receive and/or stream content, such as videos, has increased significantly in recent years. Further, with the globalization of the market for content, users have more access to foreign video content than ever before. The foreign video content often comes with subtitles, in order to give the user the option of hearing the original speech and intonations in the foreign video content. This foreign video content adds to the wealth of video content that has closed captions, subtitles, or the like that are displayed on screen. 
     But users who are blind or have low vision are not able to see captions, subtitles, or the like displayed on-screen. Thus, users with impaired vision may have to listen to dubbed speech, which is often inferior to the original speech. This detracts from the users&#39; enjoyment of the content. Further, because blind and low-vision users cannot see the video content, they have difficulty fast forwarding or rewinding through video content using conventional methods. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, there is a need for electronic devices with more efficient and more accessible methods and interfaces for outputting captions. Such methods and interfaces may complement or replace conventional methods for outputting captions. Such methods and interfaces reduce the cognitive burden on a user and produce a more efficient human-machine interface, particularly for users with impaired vision. 
     The above deficiencies and other problems associated with user interfaces for electronic devices are reduced or eliminated by the disclosed devices. In some embodiments, the device is a desktop computer. In some embodiments, the device is portable (e.g., a notebook computer, tablet computer, or handheld device). In some embodiments, the device has a touchpad. In some embodiments, the device has a touch-sensitive display (also known as a “touch screen” or “touch screen display”). In some embodiments, the device is a content streaming or receiving device (e.g., digital media receiver, media streamer, digital media hub, digital media adapter). In some embodiments, the device is a television. In some embodiments, the device has a graphical user interface (GUI), one or more processors, memory and one or more modules, programs or sets of instructions stored in the memory for performing multiple functions. In some embodiments, the user interacts with the GUI primarily through finger contacts and gestures on the touch-sensitive surface. In some embodiments, the functions may include image editing, drawing, presenting, word processing, website creating, disk authoring, spreadsheet making, game playing, telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging, workout support, digital photographing, digital videoing, web browsing, digital music playing, and/or digital video playing. Executable instructions for performing these functions may be included in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium or other computer program product configured for execution by one or more processors. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, a method is performed at an electronic device. The method includes: outputting a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, receiving a first user input; and, in response to receiving the first user input: determining a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; determining a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; sending instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and outputting the second caption. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes one or more processors, memory, and one or more programs. 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 include instructions for: outputting a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, receiving a first user input; and, in response to receiving the first user input: determining a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; determining a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; sending instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and outputting the second caption. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, a computer readable storage medium has stored therein instructions which when executed by an electronic device, cause the device to: output a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, receive a first user input; and, in response to receiving the first user input: determine a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; determine a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; send instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and output the second caption. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, a graphical user interface on an electronic device, a memory, and one or more processors to execute one or more programs stored in the memory includes a video; wherein: a first caption of the plurality of captions is output while a first segment of the video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; and, in response to receiving a first user input while outputting the first caption: a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria, is determined; a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption is determined; instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video are sent; and the second caption is output. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes: means for outputting a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, means for receiving a first user input; and, means responsive to receiving the first user input, including: means for determining a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; means for determining a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; means for sending instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and means for outputting the second caption. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an information processing apparatus for use in an electronic device includes: means for outputting a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, means for receiving a first user input; and, means responsive to receiving the first user input, including: means for determining a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; means for determining a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; means for sending instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and means for outputting the second caption. 
     In accordance with some embodiments, an electronic device includes a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to: output a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, receive a first user input; and, in response to receiving the first user input: determine a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; determine a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; send instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and output the second caption. 
     Thus, electronic devices are provided with more efficient methods and interfaces for outputting captions, thereby increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction with such devices. Such methods and interfaces may complement or replace conventional methods for outputting captions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention as well as additional embodiments thereof, reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating a portable multifunction device with a touch-sensitive display in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for event handling in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a portable multifunction device having a touch screen in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu of applications on a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an exemplary user interface for a multifunction device with a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrate an exemplary refreshable braille display in conjunction with an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 4D  illustrate an exemplary refreshable braille display in conjunction with an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate exemplary user interfaces for outputting captions in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-6C  are flow diagrams illustrating a method of outputting captions in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a functional block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Described below are devices and methods that enable users to quickly navigate to different captions and corresponding video segments in a video. The methods described herein include: outputting a different video segment in a video and the corresponding caption in response to an input; outputting a different video segment in a video and the corresponding caption based on the caption location on screen or the speaker; outputting audio for the captions, including using different speaker profiles for synthesizing the audio; and outputting captions to a refreshable braille display. These methods make consumption of video content a more enjoyable experience, including for blind or low-vision users. 
     Below,  FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, and 3  provide a description of exemplary devices.  FIGS. 4C-4D  provide descriptions of exemplary devices coupled with refreshable braille displays.  FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-5E  illustrate exemplary user interfaces, including user interfaces for outputting captions.  FIGS. 6A-6C  are flow diagrams illustrating a method of outputting captions. The user interfaces in  FIGS. 5A-5E  are used to illustrate the processes in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
     Exemplary Devices 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact could be termed a second contact, and, similarly, a second contact could be termed a first contact, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first contact and the second contact are both contacts, but they are not the same contact. 
     The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context. 
     Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player functions. Exemplary embodiments of portable multifunction devices include, without limitation, the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other portable electronic devices, such as laptops or tablet computers with touch-sensitive surfaces (e.g., touch screen displays and/or touch pads), may also be used. It should also be understood that, in some embodiments, the device is not a portable communications device, but is a desktop computer with a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screen display and/or a touch pad). In some embodiments, the device is a digital media receiver or the like in communication with a display. Exemplary embodiments of digital media receivers include, without limitation, the Apple TV™ device from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. In some embodiments, the device is a television with integrated digital media receiver capability and/or integrated capability to receive and decode cable, satellite, and/or broadcast television signals (e.g., “smart TV”, “connected TV”, “hybrid TV”). 
     In the discussion that follows, an electronic device is described. The electronic device includes a display or is connected to a display (e.g., by wired or wireless communication channel  486 ,  FIG. 4C ) It should be understood, however, that the electronic device optionally includes or is connected to (e.g., by wired or wireless communication channel  484 ,  FIG. 4C or 4D ) one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse, a braille display, a remote control, and/or a joystick. 
     The device typically supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a drawing application, a presentation application, a word processing application, a website creation application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet application, a gaming application, a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a workout support application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and/or a digital video player application. 
     The various applications that may be executed on the device may use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as the touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the touch-sensitive surface as well as corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as the touch-sensitive surface) of the device may support the variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent to the user. 
     Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable devices with touch-sensitive displays.  FIG. 1A  is a block diagram illustrating portable multifunction device  100  with touch-sensitive displays  112  in accordance with some embodiments. Touch-sensitive display  112  is sometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience, and may also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. Device  100  may include memory  102  (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), memory controller  122 , one or more processing units (CPU&#39;s)  120 , peripherals interface  118 , RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , input/output (I/O) subsystem  106 , other input or control devices  116 , and external port  124 . Device  100  may include one or more optical sensors  164 . These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines  103 . 
     It should be appreciated that device  100  is only one example of a portable multifunction device, and that device  100  may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in  FIG. 1A  may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     Memory  102  may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory  102  by other components of device  100 , such as CPU  120  and the peripherals interface  118 , may be controlled by memory controller  122 . 
     Peripherals interface  118  can be used to couple input and output peripherals of the device to CPU  120  and memory  102 . The one or more processors  120  run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory  102  to perform various functions for device  100  and to process data. 
     In some embodiments, peripherals interface  118 , CPU  120 , and memory controller  122  may be implemented on a single chip, such as chip  104 . In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips. 
     RF (radio frequency) circuitry  108  receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry  108  may include well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RF circuitry  108  may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document. 
     Audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , and microphone  113  provide an audio interface between a user and device  100 . Audio circuitry  110  receives audio data from peripherals interface  118 , converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to speaker  111 . Speaker  111  converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  also receives electrical signals converted by microphone  113  from sound waves. Audio circuitry  110  converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface  118  for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory  102  and/or RF circuitry  108  by peripherals interface  118 . In some embodiments, audio circuitry  110  also includes a headset jack (e.g.,  212 ,  FIG. 2 ). The headset jack provides an interface between audio circuitry  110  and removable audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., a microphone). 
     I/O subsystem  106  couples input/output peripherals on device  100 , such as touch screen  112  and other input control devices  116 , to peripherals interface  118 . I/O subsystem  106  may include display controller  156  and one or more input controllers  160  for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers  160  receive/send electrical signals from/to other input or control devices  116 . The other input control devices  116  may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s)  160  may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g.,  208 ,  FIG. 2 ) may include an up/down button for volume control of speaker  111  and/or microphone  113 . The one or more buttons may include a push button (e.g.,  206 ,  FIG. 2 ). 
     Touch-sensitive display  112  provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. Display controller  156  receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to touch screen  112 . Touch screen  112  displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects. 
     Touch screen  112  has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. Touch screen  112  and display controller  156  (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory  102 ) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on touch screen  112  and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on touch screen  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, a point of contact between touch screen  112  and the user corresponds to a finger of the user. 
     Touch screen  112  may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED (light emitting diode) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen  112  and display controller  156  may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, 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 touch screen  112 . In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the iPhone®, iPod Touch®, and iPad® from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. 
     Touch screen  112  may have a video resolution in excess of 100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video resolution of approximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with touch screen  112  using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired by the user. 
     In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device  100  may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch screen  112  or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen. 
     Device  100  also includes power system  162  for powering the various components. Power system  162  may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power in portable devices. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more optical sensors  164 .  FIG. 1A  shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor controller  158  in I/O subsystem  106 . Optical sensor  164  may include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor  164  receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with imaging module  143  (also called a camera module), optical sensor  164  may capture still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device  100 , opposite touch screen display  112  on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, another optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user&#39;s image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more proximity sensors  166 .  FIG. 1A  shows proximity sensor  166  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, proximity sensor  166  may be coupled to input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables touch screen  112  when the multifunction device is placed near the user&#39;s ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call). 
     Device  100  may also include one or more accelerometers  168 .  FIG. 1A  shows accelerometer  168  coupled to peripherals interface  118 . Alternately, accelerometer  168  may be coupled to an input controller  160  in I/O subsystem  106 . In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more accelerometers. Device  100  optionally includes, in addition to accelerometer(s)  168 , a magnetometer (not shown) and a GPS (or GLONASS or other global navigation system) receiver (not shown) for obtaining information concerning the location and orientation (e.g., portrait or landscape) of device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory  102  include operating system  126 , communication module (or set of instructions)  128 , contact/motion module (or set of instructions)  130 , graphics module (or set of instructions)  132 , text input module (or set of instructions)  134 , Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions)  135 , and applications (or sets of instructions)  136 . Furthermore, in some embodiments memory  102  stores device/global internal state  157 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 3 . Device/global internal state  157  includes one or more of: active application state, indicating which applications, if any, are currently active; display state, indicating what applications, views or other information occupy various regions of touch screen display  112 ; sensor state, including information obtained from the device&#39;s various sensors and input control devices  116 ; and location information concerning the device&#39;s location and/or attitude. 
     Operating system  126  (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks) includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardware and software components. 
     Communication module  128  facilitates communication with other devices (e.g., refreshable braille display  476 ,  FIG. 4C or 4D ) over one or more external ports  124  and also includes various software components for handling data received by RF circuitry  108  and/or external port  124 . External port  124  (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices (e.g., refreshable braille display  476 ,  FIG. 4C or 4D ) or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices. 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect contact with touch screen  112  (in conjunction with display controller  156 ) and other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click wheel). Contact/motion module  130  includes various software components for performing various operations related to detection of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred (e.g., detecting a finger-down event), determining if there is movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased (e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact). Contact/motion module  130  receives contact data from the touch-sensitive surface. Determining movement of the point of contact, which is represented by a series of contact data, may include determining speed (magnitude), velocity (magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in magnitude and/or direction) of the point of contact. These operations may be applied to single contacts (e.g., one finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g., “multitouch”/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments, contact/motion module  130  and display controller  156  detect contact on a touchpad. 
     Contact/motion module  130  may detect a gesture input by a user. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have different contact patterns. Thus, a gesture may be detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event at the same position (or substantially the same position) as the finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As another example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive surface includes detecting a finger-down event followed by detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequently followed by detecting a finger-up (lift off) event. 
     Graphics module  132  includes various known software components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen  112  or other display, including components for changing the intensity of graphics that are displayed. As used herein, the term “graphics” includes any object that can be displayed to a user, including without limitation text, web pages, icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital images, videos, animations and the like. 
     In some embodiments, graphics module  132  stores data representing graphics to be used. Each graphic may be assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module  132  receives, from applications etc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be displayed along with, if necessary, coordinate data and other graphic property data, and then generates screen image data to output to display controller  156 . 
     Text input module  134 , which may be a component of graphics module  132 , provides soft keyboards for entering text in various applications (e.g., contacts  137 , e-mail  140 , IM  141 , browser  147 , and any other application that needs text input). 
     GPS module  135  determines the location of the device and provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to telephone  138  for use in location-based dialing, to camera  143  as picture/video metadata, and to applications that provide location-based services such as weather widgets, local yellow page widgets, and map/navigation widgets). 
     Applications  136  may include the following modules (or sets of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof:
         contacts module  137  (sometimes called an address book or contact list);   telephone module  138 ;   video conferencing module  139 ;   e-mail client module  140 ;   instant messaging (IM) module  141 ;   workout support module  142 ;   camera module  143  for still and/or video images;   image management module  144 ;   browser module  147 ;   calendar module  148 ;   widget modules  149 , which may include one or more of: weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  149 - 3 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , dictionary widget  149 - 5 , and other widgets obtained by the user, as well as user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   widget creator module  150  for making user-created widgets  149 - 6 ;   search module  151 ;   video and music player module  152 , which may be made up of a video player module and a music player module;   notes module  153 ;   map module  154 ;   online video module  155 ; and/or   text-to-speech module  194 .       

     Examples of other applications  136  that may be stored in memory  102  include other word processing applications, other image editing applications, drawing applications, presentation applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, and voice replication. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , contacts module  137  may be used to manage an address book or contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state  192  of contacts module  137  in memory  102  or memory  370 ), including: adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating an image with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate communications by telephone  138 , video conference  139 , e-mail  140 , or IM  141 ; and so forth. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , telephone module  138  may be used to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more telephone numbers in address book  137 , modify a telephone number that has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct a conversation and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is completed. As noted above, the wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , microphone  113 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor  164 , optical sensor controller  158 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , contact list  137 , and telephone module  138 , videoconferencing module  139  includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other participants in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140  includes executable instructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image management module  144 , e-mail client module  140  makes it very easy to create and send e-mails with still or video images taken with camera module  143 . 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , the instant messaging module  141  includes executable instructions to enter a sequence of characters corresponding to an instant message, to modify previously entered characters, to transmit a respective instant message (for example, using a Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol for telephony-based instant messages or using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-based instant messages), to receive instant messages and to view received instant messages. In some embodiments, transmitted and/or received instant messages may include graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS). As used herein, “instant messaging” refers to both telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, or IMPS). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , map module  154 , and music player module  146 , workout support module  142  includes executable instructions to create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or calorie burning goals); communicate with workout sensors (sports devices); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to monitor a workout; select and play music for a workout; and display, store and transmit workout data. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , optical sensor(s)  164 , optical sensor controller  158 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and image management module  144 , camera module  143  includes executable instructions to capture still images or video (including a video stream) and store them into memory  102 , modify characteristics of a still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory  102 . 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and camera module  143 , image management module  144  includes executable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit), or otherwise manipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital slide show or album), and store still and/or video images. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , browser module  147  includes executable instructions to browse the Internet in accordance with user instructions, including searching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , calendar module  148  includes executable instructions to create, display, modify, and store calendars and data associated with calendars (e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , widget modules  149  are mini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user (e.g., weather widget  149 - 1 , stocks widget  149 - 2 , calculator widget  149 - 3 , alarm clock widget  149 - 4 , and dictionary widget  149 - 5 ) or created by the user (e.g., user-created widget  149 - 6 ). In some embodiments, a widget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) file, a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file. In some embodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file and a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets). 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , and browser module  147 , the widget creator module  150  may be used by a user to create widgets (e.g., turning a user-specified portion of a web page into a widget). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , search module  151  includes executable instructions to search for text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in memory  102  that match one or more search criteria (e.g., one or more user-specified search terms) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , and browser module  147 , video and music player module  152  includes executable instructions that allow the user to download and play back recorded music and other sound files stored in one or more file formats, such as MP3 or AAC files, and executable instructions to display, present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on touch screen  112  or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ). In some embodiments, device  100  may include the functionality of an MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.). 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , and text input module  134 , notes module  153  includes executable instructions to create and manage notes, to do lists, and the like in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with RF circuitry  108 , touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , text input module  134 , GPS module  135 , and browser module  147 , map module  154  may be used to receive, display, modify, and store maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions; data on stores and other points of interest at or near a particular location; and other location-based data) in accordance with user instructions. 
     In conjunction with touch screen  112 , display system controller  156 , contact module  130 , graphics module  132 , audio circuitry  110 , speaker  111 , RF circuitry  108 , text input module  134 , e-mail client module  140 , and browser module  147 , online video module  155  includes instructions that allow the user to access, browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and/or download), play back (e.g., on the touch screen or on an external, connected display via external port  124 ), send an e-mail with a link to a particular online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments, instant messaging module  141 , rather than e-mail client module  140 , is used to send a link to a particular online video. 
     In conjunction with audio circuitry  110  and speaker  111 , text-to-speech module includes instructions that produce audible speech from text. The text is sourced from a document (e.g., a web page, word processing document), text associated with user interface elements (e.g., icon text, tool tips), or text associated with content (e.g., content metadata, captions). In some embodiments, the speech is produced in accordance with any of a plurality of speaker profiles  196 . A speaker profile specifies parameters based on which the speech is produced. In some embodiments, the parameters include one or more of: age, gender, speech rate, and intonation. For example, if a speaker profile specifies a 65-year-old woman, then speech produced from text in accordance with the speaker profile simulates the voice of a 65-year-old woman. 
     Each of the above identified modules and applications correspond to a set of executable instructions for performing one or more functions described above and the methods described in this application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and other information processing methods described herein). These modules (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  102  may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory  102  may store additional modules and data structures not described above. 
     In some embodiments, device  100  is a device where operation of a predefined set of functions on the device is performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a touch screen and/or a touchpad as the primary input control device for operation of device  100 , the number of physical input control devices (such as push buttons, dials, and the like) on device  100  may be reduced. 
     The predefined set of functions that may be performed exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad include navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments, the touchpad, when touched by the user, navigates device  100  to a main, home, or root menu from any user interface that may be displayed on device  100 . In such embodiments, the touchpad may be referred to as a “menu button.” In some other embodiments, the menu button may be a physical push button or other physical input control device instead of a touchpad. 
       FIG. 1B  is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components for event handling in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  102  (in  FIG. 1A ) or  370  ( FIG. 3 ) includes event sorter  170  (e.g., in operating system  126 ) and a respective application  136 - 1  (e.g., any of the aforementioned applications  137 - 151 ,  155 ,  380 - 390 ). 
     Event sorter  170  receives event information and determines the application  136 - 1  and application view  191  of application  136 - 1  to which to deliver the event information. Event sorter  170  includes event monitor  171  and event dispatcher module  174 . In some embodiments, application  136 - 1  includes application internal state  192 , which indicates the current application view(s) displayed on touch sensitive display  112  when the application is active or executing. In some embodiments, device/global internal state  157  is used by event sorter  170  to determine which application(s) is (are) currently active, and application internal state  192  is used by event sorter  170  to determine application views  191  to which to deliver event information. 
     In some embodiments, application internal state  192  includes additional information, such as one or more of: resume information to be used when application  136 - 1  resumes execution, user interface state information that indicates information being displayed or that is ready for display by application  136 - 1 , a state queue for enabling the user to go back to a prior state or view of application  136 - 1 , and a redo/undo queue of previous actions taken by the user. 
     Event monitor  171  receives event information from peripherals interface  118 . Event information includes information about a sub-event (e.g., a user touch on touch-sensitive display  112 , as part of a multi-touch gesture). Peripherals interface  118  transmits information it receives from I/O subsystem  106  or a sensor, such as proximity sensor  166 , accelerometer(s)  168 , and/or microphone  113  (through audio circuitry  110 ). Information that peripherals interface  118  receives from I/O subsystem  106  includes information from touch-sensitive display  112  or a touch-sensitive surface. 
     In some embodiments, event monitor  171  sends requests to the peripherals interface  118  at predetermined intervals. In response, peripherals interface  118  transmits event information. In other embodiments, peripheral interface  118  transmits event information only when there is a significant event (e.g., receiving an input above a predetermined noise threshold and/or for more than a predetermined duration). 
     In some embodiments, event sorter  170  also includes a hit view determination module  172  and/or an active event recognizer determination module  173 . 
     Hit view determination module  172  provides software procedures for determining where a sub-event has taken place within one or more views, when touch sensitive display  112  displays more than one view. Views are made up of controls and other elements that a user can see on the display. 
     Another aspect of the user interface associated with an application is a set of views, sometimes herein called application views or user interface windows, in which information is displayed and touch-based gestures occur. The application views (of a respective application) in which a touch is detected may correspond to programmatic levels within a programmatic or view hierarchy of the application. For example, the lowest level view in which a touch is detected may be called the hit view, and the set of events that are recognized as proper inputs may be determined based, at least in part, on the hit view of the initial touch that begins a touch-based gesture. 
     Hit view determination module  172  receives information related to sub-events of a touch-based gesture. When an application has multiple views organized in a hierarchy, hit view determination module  172  identifies a hit view as the lowest view in the hierarchy which should handle the sub-event. In most circumstances, the hit view is the lowest level view in which an initiating sub-event occurs (i.e., the first sub-event in the sequence of sub-events that form an event or potential event). Once the hit view is identified by the hit view determination module, the hit view typically receives all sub-events related to the same touch or input source for which it was identified as the hit view. 
     Active event recognizer determination module  173  determines which view or views within a view hierarchy should receive a particular sequence of sub-events. In some embodiments, active event recognizer determination module  173  determines that only the hit view should receive a particular sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, active event recognizer determination module  173  determines that all views that include the physical location of a sub-event are actively involved views, and therefore determines that all actively involved views should receive a particular sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, even if touch sub-events were entirely confined to the area associated with one particular view, views higher in the hierarchy would still remain as actively involved views. 
     Event dispatcher module  174  dispatches the event information to an event recognizer (e.g., event recognizer  180 ). In embodiments including active event recognizer determination module  173 , event dispatcher module  174  delivers the event information to an event recognizer determined by active event recognizer determination module  173 . In some embodiments, event dispatcher module  174  stores in an event queue the event information, which is retrieved by a respective event receiver module  182 . 
     In some embodiments, operating system  126  includes event sorter  170 . Alternatively, application  136 - 1  includes event sorter  170 . In yet other embodiments, event sorter  170  is a stand-alone module, or a part of another module stored in memory  102 , such as contact/motion module  130 . 
     In some embodiments, application  136 - 1  includes a plurality of event handlers  190  and one or more application views  191 , each of which includes instructions for handling touch events that occur within a respective view of the application&#39;s user interface. Each application view  191  of the application  136 - 1  includes one or more event recognizers  180 . Typically, a respective application view  191  includes a plurality of event recognizers  180 . In other embodiments, one or more of event recognizers  180  are part of a separate module, such as a user interface kit (not shown) or a higher level object from which application  136 - 1  inherits methods and other properties. In some embodiments, a respective event handler  190  includes one or more of: data updater  176 , object updater  177 , GUI updater  178 , and/or event data  179  received from event sorter  170 . Event handler  190  may utilize or call data updater  176 , object updater  177  or GUI updater  178  to update the application internal state  192 . Alternatively, one or more of the application views  191  includes one or more respective event handlers  190 . Also, in some embodiments, one or more of data updater  176 , object updater  177 , and GUI updater  178  are included in a respective application view  191 . 
     A respective event recognizer  180  receives event information (e.g., event data  179 ) from event sorter  170 , and identifies an event from the event information. Event recognizer  180  includes event receiver  182  and event comparator  184 . In some embodiments, event recognizer  180  also includes at least a subset of: metadata  183 , and event delivery instructions  188  (which may include sub-event delivery instructions). 
     Event receiver  182  receives event information from event sorter  170 . The event information includes information about a sub-event, for example, a touch or a touch movement. Depending on the sub-event, the event information also includes additional information, such as location of the sub-event. When the sub-event concerns motion of a touch the event information may also include speed and direction of the sub-event. In some embodiments, events include rotation of the device from one orientation to another (e.g., from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation, or vice versa), and the event information includes corresponding information about the current orientation (also called device attitude) of the device. 
     Event comparator  184  compares the event information to predefined event or sub-event definitions and, based on the comparison, determines an event or sub-event, or determines or updates the state of an event or sub-event. In some embodiments, event comparator  184  includes event definitions  186 . Event definitions  186  contain definitions of events (e.g., predefined sequences of sub-events), for example, event  1  ( 187 - 1 ), event  2  ( 187 - 2 ), and others. In some embodiments, sub-events in an event  187  include, for example, touch begin, touch end, touch movement, touch cancellation, and multiple touching. In one example, the definition for event  1  ( 187 - 1 ) is a double tap on a displayed object. The double tap, for example, comprises a first touch (touch begin) on the displayed object for a predetermined phase, a first lift-off (touch end) for a predetermined phase, a second touch (touch begin) on the displayed object for a predetermined phase, and a second lift-off (touch end) for a predetermined phase. In another example, the definition for event  2  ( 187 - 2 ) is a dragging on a displayed object. The dragging, for example, comprises a touch (or contact) on the displayed object for a predetermined phase, a movement of the touch across touch-sensitive display  112 , and lift-off of the touch (touch end). In some embodiments, the event also includes information for one or more associated event handlers  190 . 
     In some embodiments, event definition  187  includes a definition of an event for a respective user-interface object. In some embodiments, event comparator  184  performs a hit test to determine which user-interface object is associated with a sub-event. For example, in an application view in which three user-interface objects are displayed on touch-sensitive display  112 , when a touch is detected on touch-sensitive display  112 , event comparator  184  performs a hit test to determine which of the three user-interface objects is associated with the touch (sub-event). If each displayed object is associated with a respective event handler  190 , the event comparator uses the result of the hit test to determine which event handler  190  should be activated. For example, event comparator  184  selects an event handler associated with the sub-event and the object triggering the hit test. 
     In some embodiments, the definition for a respective event  187  also includes delayed actions that delay delivery of the event information until after it has been determined whether the sequence of sub-events does or does not correspond to the event recognizer&#39;s event type. 
     When a respective event recognizer  180  determines that the series of sub-events do not match any of the events in event definitions  186 , the respective event recognizer  180  enters an event impossible, event failed, or event ended state, after which it disregards subsequent sub-events of the touch-based gesture. In this situation, other event recognizers, if any, that remain active for the hit view continue to track and process sub-events of an ongoing touch-based gesture. 
     In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer  180  includes metadata  183  with configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate how the event delivery system should perform sub-event delivery to actively involved event recognizers. In some embodiments, metadata  183  includes configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate how event recognizers may interact with one another. In some embodiments, metadata  183  includes configurable properties, flags, and/or lists that indicate whether sub-events are delivered to varying levels in the view or programmatic hierarchy. 
     In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer  180  activates event handler  190  associated with an event when one or more particular sub-events of an event are recognized. In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer  180  delivers event information associated with the event to event handler  190 . Activating an event handler  190  is distinct from sending (and deferred sending) sub-events to a respective hit view. In some embodiments, event recognizer  180  throws a flag associated with the recognized event, and event handler  190  associated with the flag catches the flag and performs a predefined process. 
     In some embodiments, event delivery instructions  188  include sub-event delivery instructions that deliver event information about a sub-event without activating an event handler. Instead, the sub-event delivery instructions deliver event information to event handlers associated with the series of sub-events or to actively involved views. Event handlers associated with the series of sub-events or with actively involved views receive the event information and perform a predetermined process. 
     In some embodiments, data updater  176  creates and updates data used in application  136 - 1 . For example, data updater  176  updates the telephone number used in contacts module  137 , or stores a video file used in video player module  145 . In some embodiments, object updater  177  creates and updates objects used in application  136 - 1 . For example, object updater  177  creates a new user-interface object or updates the position of a user-interface object. GUI updater  178  updates the GUI. For example, GUI updater  178  prepares display information and sends it to graphics module  132  for display on a touch-sensitive display. 
     In some embodiments, event handler(s)  190  includes or has access to data updater  176 , object updater  177 , and GUI updater  178 . In some embodiments, data updater  176 , object updater  177 , and GUI updater  178  are included in a single module of a respective application  136 - 1  or application view  191 . In other embodiments, they are included in two or more software modules. 
     It shall be understood that the foregoing discussion regarding event handling of user touches on touch-sensitive displays also applies to other forms of user inputs to operate multifunction devices  100  with input-devices, not all of which are initiated on touch screens, e.g., coordinating mouse movement and mouse button presses with or without single or multiple keyboard presses or holds, user movements taps, drags, scrolls, etc., on touch-pads, pen stylus inputs, movement of the device, oral instructions, detected eye movements, biometric inputs, button presses on a braille display, and/or any combination thereof, which may be utilized as inputs corresponding to sub-events which define an event to be recognized. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a portable multifunction device  100  having a touch screen  112  in accordance with some embodiments. The touch screen may display one or more graphics within user interface (UI)  200 . In this embodiment, as well as others described below, a user may select one or more of the graphics by making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one or more fingers  202  (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more styluses  203  (not drawn to scale in the figure). In some embodiments, selection of one or more graphics occurs when the user breaks contact with the one or more graphics. In some embodiments, the gesture may include one or more taps, one or more swipes (from left to right, right to left, upward and/or downward) and/or a rolling of a finger (from right to left, left to right, upward and/or downward) that has made contact with device  100 . In some embodiments, inadvertent contact with a graphic may not select the graphic. For example, a swipe gesture that sweeps over an application icon may not select the corresponding application when the gesture corresponding to selection is a tap. 
     Device  100  may also include one or more physical buttons, such as “home” or menu button  204 . As described previously, menu button  204  may be used to navigate to any application  136  in a set of applications that may be executed on device  100 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key in a GUI displayed on touch screen  112 . 
     In one embodiment, device  100  includes touch screen  112 , menu button  204 , push button  206  for powering the device on/off and locking the device, volume adjustment button(s)  208 , Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card slot  210 , head set jack  212 , and docking/charging external port  124 . Push button  206  may be used to turn the power on/off on the device by depressing the button and holding the button in the depressed state for a predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressing the button and releasing the button before the predefined time interval has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock process. In an alternative embodiment, device  100  also may accept verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions through microphone  113 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance with some embodiments. Device  300  need not be portable. In some embodiments, device  300  is a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet computer, a multimedia player device, a navigation device, an educational device (such as a child&#39;s learning toy), a gaming system, or a control device (e.g., a home or industrial controller). Device  300  typically includes one or more processing units (CPU&#39;s)  310 , one or more network or other communications interfaces  360 , memory  370 , and one or more communication buses  320  for interconnecting these components. Communication buses  320  may include circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) that interconnects and controls communications between system components. Device  300  includes input/output (I/O) interface  330  comprising display  340 , which is typically a touch screen display. I/O interface  330  also may include a keyboard and/or mouse (or other pointing device)  350  and touchpad  355 . Memory  370  includes high-speed random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other random access solid state memory devices; and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices. Memory  370  may optionally include one or more storage devices remotely located from CPU(s)  310 . In some embodiments, memory  370  stores programs, modules, and data structures analogous to the programs, modules, and data structures stored in memory  102  of portable multifunction device  100  ( FIG. 1 ), or a subset thereof. Furthermore, memory  370  may store additional programs, modules, and data structures not present in memory  102  of portable multifunction device  100 . For example, memory  370  of device  300  may store drawing module  380 , presentation module  382 , word processing module  384 , website creation module  386 , disk authoring module  388 , and/or spreadsheet module  390 , while memory  102  of portable multifunction device  100  ( FIG. 1 ) may not store these modules. 
     Each of the above identified elements in  FIG. 3  may be stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices. Each of the above identified modules corresponds to a set of instructions for performing a function described above. The above identified modules or programs (i.e., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various embodiments. In some embodiments, memory  370  may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, memory  370  may store additional modules and data structures not described above. 
     Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”) that may be implemented on portable multifunction device  100 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu of applications on portable multifunction device  100  in accordance with some embodiments. Similar user interfaces may be implemented on device  300 . In some embodiments, user interface  400  includes the following elements, or a subset or superset thereof:
         Signal strength indicator(s)  402  for wireless communication(s), such as cellular and Wi-Fi signals;   Time  404 ;   Bluetooth indicator  405 ;   Battery status indicator  406 ;   Tray  408  with icons for frequently used applications, such as:
           Phone  138 , which may include an indicator  414  of the number of missed calls or voicemail messages;   E-mail client  140 , which may include an indicator  410  of the number of unread e-mails;   Browser  147 ; and   Video and music player  152 , also referred to as iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.) module  152 ; and   
           Icons for other applications, such as:
           IM  141 ;   Image management  144 ;   Camera  143 ;   Weather  149 - 1 ;   Stocks  149 - 2 ;   Workout support  142 ;   Calendar  148 ;   Alarm clock  149 - 4 ;   Map  154 ;   Notes  153 ;   Settings  412 , which provides access to settings for device  100  and its various applications  136 ; and   Online video module  155 , also referred to as YouTube (trademark of Google Inc.) module  155 .   
               

       FIG. 4B  illustrates an exemplary user interface on a device (e.g., device  300 ,  FIG. 3 ) with a touch-sensitive surface  451  (e.g., a tablet or touchpad  355 ,  FIG. 3 ) that is separate from the display  450  (e.g., touch screen display  112 ). Although many of the examples which follow will be given with reference to inputs on touch screen display  112  (where the touch sensitive surface and the display are combined), in some embodiments, the device detects inputs on a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the display, as shown in  FIG. 4B . In some embodiments the touch sensitive surface (e.g.,  451  in  FIG. 4B ) has a primary axis (e.g.,  452  in  FIG. 4B ) that corresponds to a primary axis (e.g.,  453  in  FIG. 4B ) on the display (e.g.,  450 ). In accordance with these embodiments, the device detects contacts (e.g.,  460  and  462  in  FIG. 4B ) with the touch-sensitive surface  451  at locations that correspond to respective locations on the display (e.g., in  FIG. 4B, 460  corresponds to  468  and  462  corresponds to  470 ). In this way, user inputs (e.g., contacts  460  and  462 , and movements thereof) detected by the device on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g.,  451  in  FIG. 4B ) are used by the device to manipulate the user interface on the display (e.g.,  450  in  FIG. 4B ) of the multifunction device when the touch-sensitive surface is separate from the display. It should be understood that similar methods may be used for other user interfaces described herein. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates an exemplary refreshable braille display in conjunction with an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments. In  FIG. 4C , refreshable braille display  476  includes multiple cells  552  or  554  ( FIG. 5E ) and optionally multiple buttons (not shown). Depending on the particular refreshable braille display, the cells have either six dots per cell (e.g., cells  552 ) or eight dots per cell (e.g., cells  554 ). Refreshable braille display  476  is connected with electronic device  474  (e.g., device  100 ,  FIG. 1A ; device  300 ,  FIG. 3 ) by wired or wireless communication channel  484 . For example, refreshable braille display  476  may be plugged into external port  124  of multifunction device  100 . Alternatively, refreshable braille display  476  may be connected with electronic device  474  using one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Electronic device  474  is connected to display  472  separate from electronic device  474  by wired or wireless communication channel  486 , which is similar to wired or wireless communication channel  484 . 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates an exemplary refreshable braille display in conjunction with an electronic device in accordance with some embodiments. In  FIG. 4D , refreshable braille display  476  is connected with the electronic device  475  by wired or wireless communication channel  484 . The electronic device  475  (e.g., device  100 ,  FIG. 1A ; device  300 ,  FIG. 3 ) includes display  482  (e.g., display  112  or  300 ). In  FIG. 4D , display  482  is integrated with the electronic device, instead of being separate from the electronic device as in  FIG. 4C . 
     In other words, refreshable braille display  476  can be connected to an electronic device that includes a display integrated with the device (e.g., as in  FIG. 4D ) or that is connected to a separate display (e.g., as in  FIG. 4C ). 
       FIG. 4C  (or  4 D) illustrates caption  478  displayed on display  472  (or display  482 ) in accordance with some embodiments. Caption  478  is displayed in conjunction with video content (not shown). The electronic device outputs caption  478  to refreshable braille display  476 , which outputs caption  478  in Braille, as caption  480 . Thus, caption  478  and caption  480  include the same text; caption  478  is displayed with characters for a certain language, for visual comprehension, and caption  480  is displayed with Braille for tactile comprehension. 
     User Interfaces and Associated Processes 
     Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user interfaces (“UI”) and associated processes that may be implemented on an electronic device, such as device  300  or portable multifunction device  100 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5E  illustrate exemplary user interfaces for outputting captions in accordance with some embodiments. The user interfaces in these figures are used to illustrate the processes described below, including the processes in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
     It should be appreciated that, as used herein, “captions” include closed captions, subtitles, or the like. For convenience, they are all referred to collectively as “captions.” 
     As described above with reference to  FIGS. 4C and 4D , the electronic device has an integrated display or is connected to a separate display. For convenience, the embodiments below are described with reference to an electronic device that includes an integrated display (e.g., device  475 , as in  FIG. 4D ). It should be appreciated that the embodiments described below are applicable to an electronic device connected to a separate display (e.g., device  474 , as in  FIG. 4C ). 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates video  502  being played by the electronic device, with the visual component of video  502  being output to display  482 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , segment  502 - 1  of video  502  is being played. Video segment  502 - 1  features speakers  504  and  506 . 
     Video  502  includes video signals and optionally includes audio signals. In some embodiments, when video segment  502 - 1  is played, the electronic device optionally outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  502 - 1 ) along with the video signals corresponding to segment  502 - 1 . In some embodiments, when video segment  502 - 1  is played, the electronic device outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  502 - 1 ) without outputting the video signals corresponding to segment  502 - 1 . 
     Video  502  corresponds to multiple captions. A respective caption corresponds to particular speech or a particular scene in a respective segment of video  502 . Respective captions are output at various times while video  502  is playing to be concurrent with the corresponding speech or scene in the respective segment. Caption  1   508  corresponds to speech spoken by speaker  504  in segment  502 - 1 ; Caption  1   508  corresponds to video segment  502 - 1 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device outputs Caption  1   508  by outputting Caption  1   508  to display  482  for display on display  482 . In some embodiments, the electronic device outputs Caption  1   508  for display at a particular location on display  482  (e.g., under speaker  504 , the speaker of the speech to which Caption  1   508  corresponds; on the left half, center area, or right half of video  502 ). 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device outputs Caption  1   508  by generating and outputting audible voice signals (not shown) corresponding to Caption  1   508 . For example, the electronic device, using text-to-speech module  194 , converts the text of Caption  1   508  to audible voice signals (e.g., synthesized voice speech). In some embodiments, the device generates the audible voice signals in accordance with a speaker profile. The speaker profile specifies speech parameters (e.g., age of speaker, gender of speaker, speech rate, intonation) that the speech in the audible voice signals simulates. In some embodiments, the speaker profiles are selectable by the user (e.g., preconfigured or on the fly). 
     The electronic device is optionally connected to refreshable braille display  476 . In some embodiments, the electronic device outputs Caption  1   508  by outputting Caption  1   508  to refreshable braille display  476 . Refreshable braille display  476  displays Caption  1   508  in braille as Caption  1   510 . In some embodiments, refreshable braille display  476  also outputs, in braille, location information  510  and/or speaker information  514  along with Caption  1   510 . Location information  510  indicates the location of Caption  1   508  in video  502 . Speaker information  514  indicates the identity of the speaker of the speech corresponding to Caption  1   508  (e.g., speaker  504 ). 
     The electronic device receives user input  516  (e.g., activation of a button on the refreshable braille display  476 , a swipe or tap gesture on a touch sensitive surface, activation of an arrow key on a keyboard, or a voice command). Input  516  directs the electronic device to determine another caption different from Caption  1   508  that meets predefined caption selection criteria. 
     In some embodiments, input  516  directs the electronic device to determine the next caption different from Caption  1   508  that is displayed at the same location as Caption  1   508 . In other words, input  516  directs the electronic device to navigate to the next segment in video  502  that has a different caption that is displayed at the same location as Caption  1   508 . Depending on the particular input, the navigation is either forward or backward within video  502 . 
     Input  516  is made by a user using any suitable input device or method associated with the electronic device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, remote control device, touch-sensitive surface, refreshable braille display  476 , or voice control). In some embodiments, the user makes input  516  by interacting with a graphical user interface of the electronic device using the above-mentioned input devices or methods. 
     In response to receiving input  516 , the electronic device determines a Caption  2   518 , distinct from Caption  1   508 , and the segment of video  502  that corresponds to the determined caption. The electronic device changes from playing video segment  502 - 1  to playing video segment  502 - 2  and outputs Caption  2   518 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . Segment  502 - 2  features speakers  505  and  507 . As with Caption  1   508 , Caption  2   518  is output by displaying on display  482 , by generating and outputting corresponding audible voice signals (not shown), and/or by outputting to refreshable braille device  476 . 
     In some embodiments, when video segment  502 - 2  is played, the electronic device optionally outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  502 - 2 ) along with the video signals corresponding to segment  502 - 2 . In some embodiments, when video segment  502 - 2  is played, the electronic device outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  502 - 2 ) without outputting the video signals corresponding to segment  502 - 2 . 
     In some embodiments, when the electronic device outputs Caption  2   518  by generating and outputting audible voice signals (not shown) corresponding to Caption  2   518 , the electronic device generates the audible voice signals based on a speaker profile. The speaker profile for Caption  2   518  is, optionally, distinct from the speaker profile for Caption  1   508 . For example, a different speaker profile is used for Caption  2   518  if the speaker for the speech corresponding to Caption  2   518  is different than the speaker for the speech corresponding to Caption  1   508 . 
     Refreshable braille display  476  displays Caption  2   518  in braille as Caption  2   520 . As with Caption  1  (in braille)  510 , refreshable braille display  476  optionally displays in braille, along with Caption  2  (in braille)  520 , corresponding location information  522  (analogous to location information  512 ) and/or corresponding speaker information  524  (analogous to location information  514 ). 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates the electronic device playing video  526 ; segment  526 - 1  being played and is displayed on display  482 . The electronic device outputs Caption  3   532 , corresponding to segment  526 - 1 , by displaying on display  482 , by generating and outputting corresponding audible voice signals (not shown) based on a speaker profile, and/or by outputting to refreshable braille display  476 . Segment  526 - 1  features speakers  528  and  530 . Caption  3   532  corresponds to speech spoken by speaker  528  in segment  526 - 1 . Refreshable braille display  476  displays Caption  3   532  in braille as Caption  3   534 . Refreshable braille display  476  optionally displays in braille, along with Caption  3   534 , corresponding location information  536  and/or corresponding speaker information  538 . 
     Video  526  includes video signals and optionally includes audio signals. In some embodiments, when video segment  526 - 1  is played, the electronic device optionally outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  526 - 1 ) along with the video signals corresponding to segment  526 - 1 . In some embodiments, when video segment  526 - 1  is played, the electronic device outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  526 - 1 ) without outputting the video signals corresponding to segment  526 - 1 . 
     The electronic device receives user input  540  (e.g., activation of a button on the refreshable braille display  476 , a swipe or tap gesture on a touch sensitive surface, activation of an arrow key on a keyboard, or a voice command). Input  540  directs the electronic device to determine the next caption, different from Caption  3   532 , that corresponds to the same speaker (i.e., speaker  528 ). In other words, input  540  directs the electronic device to navigate to the next segment in video  526  that has a different caption by the same speaker  528  as Caption  3   532 . Depending on the particular input, the navigation is either forward or backward within video  526 . 
     Input  540  is made by a user using any suitable input device or method associated with the electronic device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, remote control device, touch-sensitive surface, refreshable braille display  476 , voice control). In some embodiments, the user makes input  540  by interacting with a graphical user interface of the electronic device using the above-mentioned input devices or methods. 
     In response to receiving input  540 , the electronic device determines a Caption  4   542 , distinct from Caption  3   532 , that corresponds to the same speaker  528  as Caption  3   532 , and the segment of video  526  that corresponds to the determined caption. The electronic device changes from playing video segment  526 - 1  to playing video segment  526 - 2  and outputs Caption  4   542 , as shown in  FIG. 5D . Segment  526 - 2  features speaker  528  in a different position than in segment  526 - 1 . As with Caption  3   532 , Caption  4   542  is output by displaying on display  482 , by generating and outputting corresponding audible voice signals (not shown) based on a speaker profile that corresponds to Caption  3   532 , and/or by outputting to refreshable braille device  476 . 
     In some embodiments, when video segment  526 - 2  is played, the electronic device optionally outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  526 - 2 ) along with the video signals corresponding to segment  526 - 2 . In some embodiments, when video segment  526 - 2  is played, the electronic device outputs the corresponding audio signals (e.g., speech that are spoken in video segment  526 - 2 ) without outputting the video signals corresponding to segment  526 - 2 . 
     Refreshable braille display  476  displays Caption  4   542  in braille as Caption  4   544 . As with Caption  3  (in braille)  532 , refreshable braille display  476  optionally displays in braille, along with Caption  4  (in braille)  544 , corresponding location information  546  and/or corresponding speaker information  548 . 
     As described above, refreshable braille display  476  displays captions in braille. Refreshable braille display  476  includes a plurality of cells, with each cell having a number of dots.  FIG. 5E  illustrates refreshable braille displays  476 - 1  and  476 - 2 . Refreshable braille display  476 - 1  includes cells  552 - 1  thru  552 -m. Each cell  552  includes six dots. In some embodiments, when displaying captions and location/speaker information, refreshable braille display  476 - 1  displays information corresponding to the displayed caption (e.g., location information  512 ,  522 ,  536 , or  546 ; speaker information  514 ,  524 ,  538 , or  548 ) in a number (e.g., a number between 1-3, inclusive) of cells  552  (e.g., cells  552 - 1  and  552 - 2 ), and displays the characters of the captions in the remainder of the cells (e.g., cells  552 - 3  thru  552 -m). In other words, the cells of refreshable braille display  476 - 1  is, optionally, subdivided into reserved cells for displaying information corresponding to the captions and cells for displaying the characters of the captions. 
     Refreshable braille display  476 - 2  includes cells  554 - 1  thru  554 -n. Each cell  554  includes eight dots. In some embodiments, when displaying captions and location/speaker information, refreshable braille display  476 - 2  displays information corresponding to the displayed caption (e.g., location information  512 ,  522 ,  536 , or  546 ; speaker information  514 ,  524 ,  538 , or  548 ) in dots  558  of cells  554  reserved as information dots  558  (e.g., the lower two dots of each cell  554 ), and displays the characters of the captions in caption dots  556  of cells  554  (e.g., the upper six dots of each cell  554 ). 
     In some embodiments, with 8-dot refreshable braille display  476 - 2 , information corresponding to captions is displayed in reserved cells and in information dots  558 . For example, location information is displayed in a number of reserved cells (e.g., cells  554 - 1  and  554 - 2 ), the captions are displayed in cells  554 - 3  thru  554 -n in caption dots  556 , and speaker information is displayed in cells  554 - 3  thru  554 -n in information dots  558 . In some other embodiments, the speaker information is displayed in the reserved cells, and the location information is displayed in information dots  558  in the captions cells. In other words, a combination of the reserved cells strategy (as with refreshable braille display  476 - 1 ) and the reserved information dots strategy (as with refreshable braille display  476 - 2 ) is used to display captions and corresponding information (e.g., location information, speaker information) on an 8-dot refreshable braille display. 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  are flow diagrams illustrating a method  600  of outputting captions in accordance with some embodiments. The method  600  is performed at an electronic device (e.g., device  474  or  475 , which may correspond to device  300 ,  FIG. 3 , or portable multifunction device  100 ,  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, a display is integrated with the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device is connected to a separate display. Some operations in method  600  may be combined and/or the order of some operations may be changed. 
     As described below, the method  600  provides a more efficient and accessible way to output captions. The method reduces the cognitive burden on a user, thereby creating a more efficient human-machine interface, particularly for users with impaired vision. 
     The device outputs ( 602 ) a first caption of a plurality of captions while a first segment of a video is being played, wherein the first video segment corresponds to the first caption. In some embodiments, the plurality of captions includes subtitles. For example,  FIG. 5A  shows Caption  1   508  output while video segment  502 - 1  is being played.  FIG. 5C  shows Caption  3   532  output while video segment  526 - 1  is being played. 
     While outputting the first caption, the device receives a first user input ( 604 ). For example, the electronic device receives input  516  in  FIG. 5A  (or input  540  in  FIG. 5C ) while outputting Caption  1   508  (or Caption  3   532 ). Exemplary inputs include activation of a button on the refreshable braille display  476 , a swipe or tap gesture on a touch sensitive surface, activation of an arrow key on a keyboard, or a voice command. 
     In response to receiving the first user input ( 606 ), the device determines ( 608 ) a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria; determines ( 616 ) a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption; sends ( 618 ) instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video; and outputs ( 622 ) the second caption. In some embodiments, in response to sending the instructions to change from playing the first segment of video to playing the second segment of video, the electronic device changes from playing the first segment of video to playing the second segment of video. In some embodiments, in response to sending the instructions to change from playing the first segment of video to playing the second segment of video, a display device (e.g., a television or a video player) coupled with the electronic device changes from playing the first segment of video to playing the second segment of video. 
     For example, in response to receiving input  516 , the electronic device determines Caption  2   518 , distinct from Caption  1   508 , that meets predefined caption selection criteria (e.g., Caption  2   518  occurs at the same location on the display as Caption  1   508 ) and corresponding video segment  502 - 2 , changes from playing video segment  502 - 1  to playing video segment  502 - 2 , and outputs Caption  2   518 . As another example, in response to receiving input  540 , the electronic device determines Caption  4   542 , distinct from Caption  3   532 , that meets predefined caption selection criteria (e.g., Caption  4   542  has the same speaker as Caption  3   532 ) and corresponding video segment  526 - 1 , changes from playing video segment  526 - 1  to playing video segment  526 - 2 , and outputs Caption  4   542 . 
     In some embodiments, the predefined caption selection criteria include ( 610 ) that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same location on a display. In some embodiments, a first set of captions are displayed at a first location (e.g., a first predefined area) on the display and a second set of captions are displayed at a second location (e.g., a second predefined area) on the display that is distinct from the first location. For example, Caption  2   518  is determined on the basis of it being displayed at the same location as Caption  1   508 . 
     In some embodiments, captions that satisfy the predefined caption selection criteria have ( 612 ) a sequence, and the first caption is adjacent to the second caption in the sequence. In some embodiments, both the first caption and the second caption correspond to a respective speaker. In some embodiments, the second caption corresponds to speech by the respective speaker immediately subsequent to speech by the respective speaker that corresponds to the first caption among speeches by the respective speaker. For example, Caption  1   508  and Caption  2   518  are adjacent to each other in the sequence of captions displayed at the same location. As another example, Caption  3   532  and Caption  4   542  are adjacent to each other in the sequence of captions corresponding to speech by the same speaker. 
     In some embodiments, the predefined caption selection criteria include ( 614 ) that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same speaker. For example, Caption  4   542  ( FIG. 5D ) is determined on the basis of it corresponding to the same speaker as Caption  3   532  ( FIG. 5C ). In some embodiments, captions corresponding to the same speaker are displayed at the same location (e.g., a predefined area) on the display. In some embodiments, captions that correspond to distinct speakers are displayed at distinct locations on the display. For example, captions that correspond to a first speaker are displayed at a first location on the display, and captions that correspond to a second speaker are displayed at a second location distinct from the first location on the display. 
     In some embodiments, the video includes ( 620 ) video signals and audio signals, and playing the video includes outputting audio signals of the video without outputting the video signals of the video. For example, when video  502  or  526  is being played, the device optionally outputs just the audio signals and does not output the video signals (e.g., video segment  502 - 1  or  502 - 2 , or video segment  526 - 1  or  526 - 1 , and the corresponding captions, are not displayed on display  482 ). In some other embodiments, playing the video includes outputting both the video signals and audio signals of the video. 
     In some embodiments, outputting the first caption includes ( 624 ) outputting a first audible voice signal corresponding to the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes outputting a second audible voice signal corresponding to the second caption. In some embodiments, the electronic device converts a respective caption into an audible voice signal. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a text-to-speech engine. For example, the device outputs audible voice signals corresponding to Caption  1   508  ( FIG. 5A ) and audible voice signals corresponding to Caption  2   518  ( FIG. 5B ). Similarly, the device outputs audible voice signals corresponding to Caption  3   532  ( FIG. 5C ) and audible voices signals corresponding to Caption  4   542  ( FIG. 5D ). 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device is coupled with a display; outputting the first caption includes displaying the first caption on a display; and outputting the second caption includes displaying the second caption on the display. 
     In some embodiments, the first caption corresponds ( 626 ) to a first speaker and the second caption corresponds to a second speaker distinct from the first speaker, outputting the first audible voice signal includes converting the first caption into the first audible voice signal based on a first speaker profile, and outputting the second audible voice signal includes converting the second caption into the second audible voice signal based on a second speaker profile distinct from the first speaker profile. Converting a caption into an audible voice signal is sometimes called synthesized caption output. In some embodiments, a respective speaker profile corresponds to a voice selected by a user. In some embodiments, the respective speaker profile corresponds to a speaker of a respective age and gender selected by the user. In some embodiments, the respective speaker profile corresponds to a speech rate selected by the user. In some embodiments, the respective speaker profile corresponds to an intonation selected by the user. For example, Caption  1   508  and Caption  2   518  are converted by the device to respective audible voice signals using different speaker profiles  196  when speaker  504  is a different person from speaker  505 , whereas Caption  3   532  and Caption  4   542  are converted by the device to respective audible voice signals using the same speaker profile  196  because the same speaker  528  is talking in Caption  3   532  and Caption  4   542 . 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device is coupled ( 628 ) with a Braille display, outputting the first caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display to output the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display to output the second caption. For example, the electronic device is coupled with refreshable braille display  476 . The device outputs Caption  1   508  by outputting Caption  1   508  to refreshable braille display  476  for display at refreshable braille display  476 , and outputs Caption  2   518  by outputting Caption  2   518  to refreshable braille display  476  for display at refreshable braille display  476 . The device outputs Caption  3   532  by outputting Caption  3   532  to refreshable braille display  476  for display at refreshable braille display  476 , and outputs Caption  4   542  by outputting Caption  4   542  to refreshable braille display  476  for display at refreshable braille display  476 . 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display is configured ( 630 ) to indicate a first location of the first caption and a second location of the second caption. In some embodiments, the first location is distinct from the second location. In some embodiments, the first location is identical to the second location. Refreshable braille display  476  outputs, for example, location information  512   522 ,  536 , or  546  along with Caption  1   508 , Caption  2   518 , Caption  3   532 , and Caption  4   542 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display includes ( 632 ) a plurality of Braille cells, and the Braille display is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective location of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. In some embodiments, the first set of one or more Braille cells does not include any of the second set of one or more Braille cells. In some embodiments, a respective Braille cell includes seven or more dots, and the Braille display is configured to output a respective character of the respective caption with six or more dots of the respective Braille cell and indicate the respective location of the respective caption with one or more dots of the respective Braille cell that do not include the six or more dots. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5E , with refreshable braille display  476 - 1 , location information for captions is, optionally, displayed in cells  552 - 1  and  552 - 2 , and the characters of the captions are displayed in cells  552 - 3  thru  552 -m. Also, as shown in  FIG. 5E , with refreshable braille display  476 - 2 , location information for captions is, optionally, displayed in information dots  558  of cells  554 , and the characters of the captions are displayed in caption dots  556  of cells  554 . 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display is configured ( 634 ) to indicate a first speaker of the first caption and a second speaker of the second caption. In some embodiments, the first speaker is distinct from the second speaker. In some embodiments, the first speaker is identical to the second speaker. Refreshable braille display  476  outputs, for example, speaker information  514 ,  524 ,  538 , or  548  along with Caption  1   508 , Caption  2   518 , Caption  3   532 , and Caption  4   542 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display includes ( 636 ) a plurality of Braille cells, and the Braille display is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective speaker of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. In some embodiments, the first set of one or more Braille cells does not include any of the second set of one or more Braille cells. In some embodiments, a respective Braille cell includes seven or more dots, and the Braille display is configured to output a respective character of the respective caption with six or more dots of the respective Braille cell and indicate the respective speaker of the respective caption with one or more dots of the respective Braille cell that do not include the six or more dots. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5E , with refreshable braille display  476 - 1 , speaker information for captions is, optionally, displayed in cells  552 - 1  and  552 - 2 , and the characters of the captions are displayed in cells  552 - 3  thru  552 -m. Also, as shown in  FIG. 5E , with refreshable braille display  476 - 2 , speaker information for captions is, optionally, displayed in information dots  558  of cells  554 , and the characters of the captions are displayed in caption dots  556  of cells  554 . 
     It should be understood that the particular order in which the operations in  FIGS. 6A-6C  have been described is merely exemplary and is not intended to indicate that the described order is the only order in which the operations could be performed. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize various ways to reorder the operations described herein. 
     In accordance with some embodiments,  FIG. 7  shows a functional block diagram of an electronic device  700  configured in accordance with the principles of the invention as described above. The functional blocks of the device may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software to carry out the principles of the invention. It is understood by persons of skill in the art that the functional blocks described in  FIG. 7  may be combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles of the invention as described above. Therefore, the description herein may support any possible combination or separation or further definition of the functional blocks described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , an electronic device  700  includes a processing unit  706 . In some embodiments, the processing unit  706  includes an outputting unit  708 , a receiving unit  710 , a determining unit  712 , and a sending unit  714 . 
     The processing unit  706  is configured to: output a first caption of a plurality of captions (e.g., with the outputting unit  708 ) while a first segment of a video is being played, where the first video segment corresponds to the first caption; while outputting the first caption, receive a first user input (e.g., with the receiving unit  710 ); and, in response to receiving the first user input: determine a second caption in the plurality of captions, distinct from the first caption, that meets predefined caption selection criteria (e.g., with determining unit  712 ); determine a second segment of the video that corresponds to the second caption (e.g., with determining unit  712 ); send instructions to change from playing the first segment of the video to playing the second segment of the video (e.g., with the sending unit  714 ); and output the second caption (e.g., with the outputting unit  708 ). 
     In some embodiments, the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same location on a display. 
     In some embodiments, captions that satisfy the predefined caption selection criteria have a sequence, and the first caption is adjacent to the second caption in the sequence. 
     In some embodiments, outputting the first caption includes outputting a first audible voice signal corresponding to the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes outputting a second audible voice signal corresponding to the second caption. 
     In some embodiments, the first caption corresponds to a first speaker and the second caption corresponds to a second speaker distinct from the first speaker, outputting the first audible voice signal includes converting the first caption into the first audible voice signal based on a first speaker profile, and outputting the second audible voice signal includes converting the second caption into the second audible voice signal based on a second speaker profile distinct from the first speaker profile. 
     In some embodiments, the predefined caption selection criteria include that the first caption and the second caption correspond to a same speaker. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic device is coupled with a Braille display unit  716 , outputting the first caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit  716  to output the first caption, and outputting the second caption includes sending instructions to the Braille display unit  716  to output the second caption. 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display unit  716  is configured to indicate a first location of the first caption and a second location of the second caption. 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display unit  716  includes a plurality of Braille cells, and the Braille display unit  716  is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective location of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display unit  716  is configured to indicate a first speaker of the first caption and a second speaker of the second caption. 
     In some embodiments, the Braille display unit  716  includes a plurality of Braille cells, and the Braille display unit  716  is configured to output a respective caption with a first set of one or more Braille cells and indicate a respective speaker of the respective caption with a second set of one or more Braille cells distinct from the first set of one or more Braille cells. 
     In some embodiments, the video includes video signals and audio signals, and playing the video includes outputting audio signals of the video without outputting the video signals of the video. 
     The operations in the information processing methods described above may be implemented by running one or more functional modules in information processing apparatus such as general purpose processors or application specific chips. These modules, combinations of these modules, and/or their combination with general hardware (e.g., as described above with respect to  FIGS. 1A and 3 ) are all included within the scope of protection of the invention. 
     The operations described above with reference to  FIGS. 6A-6C  may be implemented by components depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1B . For example, receiving operation  604 , determining operations  608  and  616 , sending operation  618 , and outputting operation  622  may be implemented by event sorter  170 , event recognizer  180 , and event handler  190 . Event monitor  171  in event sorter  170  detects a contact on touch-sensitive display  112 , and event dispatcher module  174  delivers the event information to application  136 - 1 . A respective event recognizer  180  of application  136 - 1  compares the event information to respective event definitions  186 , and determines whether an input corresponds to a predefined event or sub-event, such as selection of an object on a user interface. When a respective predefined event or sub-event is detected, event recognizer  180  activates an event handler  190  associated with the detection of the event or sub-event. Event handler  190  may utilize or call data updater  176  or object updater  177  to update the application internal state  192 . In some embodiments, event handler  190  accesses a respective GUI updater  178  to update what is displayed by the application. Similarly, it would be clear to a person having ordinary skill in the art how other processes can be implemented based on the components depicted in  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140306
Publication Date: 20200505
Grant Date: 20200505
Priority Date: 20130314
Inventors: FLEIZACH, CHRISTOPHER B.
SEYMOUR, ERIC T.
HUGHES, GREGORY F.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/167", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4884", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4884", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04N21/4884", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 51534367