U.S. patent application number 11/424713 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-22 for extensible, filtered lists for mobile device user interface.
This patent application is currently assigned to MICROSOFT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Bryan T. Agnetta, Sally Louise Barton, Peter G. Chin, David Wayne Flynt.
Application Number | 20070067738 11/424713 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37885681 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070067738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flynt; David Wayne ; et
al. |
March 22, 2007 |
EXTENSIBLE, FILTERED LISTS FOR MOBILE DEVICE USER INTERFACE
Abstract
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for
providing an improved user interface for mobile devices. Access to
data and services from multiple software applications can be
provided through a group or list of items. Each group or list can
include multiple items, which can be associated with data or tasks
from multiple applications. The set of groups of items can be both
customizable and extensible to allow users to locate and utilize
data and tasks relevant to the particular user. The set of item
groups can provide users with a filtered view of content available
through the mobile device, enhancing access to subset of data and
tasks available on the mobile device.
Inventors: |
Flynt; David Wayne; (Lake
Forest Park, WA) ; Agnetta; Bryan T.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Barton; Sally Louise; (Seattle, WA) ;
Chin; Peter G.; (Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMIN. TUROCY & CALVIN, LLP
24TH FLOOR, NATIONAL CITY CENTER
1900 EAST NINTH STREET
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Assignee: |
MICROSOFT CORPORATION
One Microsoft Way
Redmond
WA
|
Family ID: |
37885681 |
Appl. No.: |
11/424713 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60718187 |
Sep 16, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/810 ;
715/834; 715/835; 715/864 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72403 20210101;
H04M 1/7243 20210101; H04M 1/72451 20210101; H04M 1/72457 20210101;
H04M 1/2747 20200101; H04M 1/2745 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/810 ;
715/864; 715/834; 715/835 |
International
Class: |
G06F 9/00 20060101
G06F009/00 |
Claims
1. A user interface for a mobile device, comprising: a group
manager component that maintains a plurality of item groups that
includes at least one item that corresponds to content provided by
one of a plurality of applications; an input component that obtains
input and updates the plurality of item groups based at least in
part upon the input; and a display component that displays a view
of the plurality of item groups for the mobile device.
2. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: an interface
component that obtains the content for the at least one item from
at least one of the plurality of applications.
3. The user interface of claim 1, the plurality of item groups is
managed as a circular list.
4. The user interface of claim 3, further comprising: a pivot
component that manages navigation among the plurality of item
groups.
5. The user interface of claim 1, the group manager component
updates the plurality of item groups based at least in part on
input provided by a user.
6. The user interface of claim 1, the display component provides a
shortcut view of the plurality of item groups, selection one of the
plurality of item groups causes the display component to display
the view including the selected item group.
7. The user interface of claim 1, the at least one item includes at
least one of text and graphic images.
8. The user interface of claim 1, the content includes at least one
of a data item and a task.
9. The user interface of claim 1, further comprising: an available
group component that manages a set of available item groups; and a
display group component that manages the plurality of item groups
selected from the set of available item groups.
10. The user interface of claim 9, further comprising: a profile
component that manages a user profile that selects the plurality of
item groups from the set of available item groups.
11. The user interface of claim 1, the content can be provided from
a remote location.
12. A method for providing a user of a mobile device access to
content provided by a plurality of applications, comprising:
generating at least one item group; populating the at least one
item group with at least one item, the at least one item provides
access to the content; and displaying the at least one item
group.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: updating the at
least one item group.
14. The method of claim 13, updating the at least one item group,
further comprises: dynamically populating the at least one item
based at least in part upon change to the content.
15. The method of claim 12, populating the at least one item group
further comprises: obtaining content corresponding to the at least
one item from a remote source; and updating the at least one item
group based at least in part on the obtained content.
16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: obtaining input
indicating a change to the at least one item group; and displaying
an alert that indicates the change to the item group.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: generating at least
one user profile, the at least one item group is selected from a
set of available item groups based at least in part on the user
profile.
18. A system for facilitating access to content provided by a
plurality of applications, comprising: means for managing a
plurality of item groups with at least one item, that provides
access to the content; and means for providing a view of the
plurality of item groups.
19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: means for updating
the plurality of item group based at least in part upon a change to
the content.
20. The system of claim 18, further comprising: means for
generating a user profile; and means for determining the plurality
of item groups from a set of available item groups based at least
in part on the user profile.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is an application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 60/718,187
entitled "ENHANCED PORTABLE DEVICE NAVIGATION TOOLS" and filed Sep.
16, 2005. This application is also related to co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, (Atty. Docket No.
MS315059.01/MSFTP1352US), entitled, "SEARCH INTERFACE FOR MOBILE
DEVICES", and filed ______; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
______, (Atty. Docket No. MS315061.01/MSFTP1354US), entitled,
"CONTENT SHARING USER INTERFACE FOR MOBILE DEVICES", and filed
______; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, (Atty. Docket
No. MS315063.01/MSFTP1355US), entitled, "TILE SPACE USER INTERFACE
FOR MOBILE DEVICES", and filed ______. The entireties of the
above-noted applications are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Mobile or portable devices have become increasingly popular
and prevalent in today's society. Many users utilize a mobile
device, such as a cell phone, as their primary means of
communication and carry such devices with them constantly. Mobile
devices can include multiple functions such as cellular phone
service, voice over Internet protocol ("VoIP") phone service,
software applications, email access, Internet capabilities,
calendar functions, music players and the like. Functions, features
and capabilities have increased both the utility and complexity of
mobile devices. It is likely that functions will continue to be
added to mobile devices further increasing both usefulness and
intricacy.
[0003] While consumers desire additional functionality, the sheer
volume of information and features make it difficult for users to
access commonly used data and functions. The complexity also makes
it difficult for users to fully exploit the capabilities of such
devices. The problem is exacerbated by the generally limited user
interfaces of mobile devices. Such devices are designed to be
small, lightweight and easily portable. Consequently, mobile
devices typically have limited display screens, keypads, keyboards
and/or other input devices. Due to the size of the user input
devices and display screens, it may be difficult for users to
enter, retrieve and view information using mobile devices.
[0004] Users may have difficulty in accessing the information or
function they desire due to organization of the volume and variety
of information that may be contained in or accessed by the mobile
device, as well as the growing number of functions such devices are
capable of supporting. Conventional menu structures for mobile
devices require users to remember a hierarchy of functions or
applications to reach the desired data or task. Information is
frequently organized based upon the application software that
provides or manages the information. Consequently, users can be
required to access information based upon the various software
applications rather than based upon user utility. Users can become
frustrated when they are unable to locate the desired information
or tasks and may be unable to fully exploit the functions and
advantages of the mobile device.
SUMMARY
[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed
subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present
some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0006] Briefly described, the provided subject matter concerns an
improved user interface for mobile devices such as smartphones,
personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like. Selected data and
services provided by multiple software applications can be accessed
through a group or list of items. Each group or list can include
multiple items that provide access to data or tasks from multiple
applications. For example, a list centered around a user's current
day can include items corresponding to meetings scheduled for that
day using a calendar application, email received on that day
through an email application, and a weather forecast for the day
provided by a weather service application.
[0007] A customizable set of lists of items can be defined to allow
users to quickly access relevant content such as commonly used data
or tasks. Users can add, delete, reorder and/or edit lists or items
to personalize and increase usability of the mobile device. For
example, in addition to the list based upon a user's day described
above, a user can define a list to manage music or audio files and
a separate, second list to manage pictures or images. Items in
lists can be updated based upon specific user selections. In
addition, the items can be dynamically updated based upon changes
in the underlying data or services provided by software
applications.
[0008] The set of lists can provide users with a filtered view of
content and tasks available using the mobile device. While the full
extent of underlying software applications remains available
through the applications, the set of lists can enhance usability by
providing a user with the ability to quickly access the most
relevant or commonly used data or tasks. For example, a user may
have data for hundreds of contacts or persons stored in the mobile
device. However, the user typically communicates with only ten of
those contacts on a daily basis. Those ten contacts can be
maintained in a list of items. Information for the ten contacts can
be accessed directly from the list rather than through the contact
application. The full set of contacts can remain accessible through
the contact application.
[0009] In addition, a shortcut display can be provided to
facilitate navigation of a horizontal list, such as the set of
lists. A shortcut display can reorganize elements of the horizontal
list as a vertical list, which typically allows additional items to
be displayed. Selection of an item or element of the shortcut list
triggers a return to the parent, horizontal list. On return, the
parent list is updated such that the item selected within the
shortcut list has focus in the parent list. The shortcut list
allows users to navigate rapidly through the parent list.
[0010] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of various ways
in which the subject matter may be practiced, all of which are
intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the
following detailed description when considered in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing an
enhanced display in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter
disclosed herein.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for managing groups of
items in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exemplary display depicting an item group in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exemplary display depicting an item group in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exemplary display depicting an item group in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exemplary display depicting an item group in
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary pivot controls for use with a
set of item groups in accordance with an aspect of the subject
matter disclosed herein.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary default set of item groups
in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a methodology for providing a set of item
groups in accordance with an aspect described herein.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology for updating item groups
in accordance with an aspect described herein.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a methodology for updating item groups
based upon a user profile in accordance with an aspect described
herein.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of a system for
generating a shortcut display in accordance with an aspect of the
subject matter disclosed herein.
[0023] FIG. 13 includes exemplary displays illustrating the
transition from a parent list to a shortcut display in accordance
with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0024] FIG. 14 includes exemplary displays illustrating the return
from a shortcut display to a parent list in accordance with an
aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0025] FIG. 15 includes exemplary displays illustrating the use of
a shortcut display to facilitate navigation among the item groups
in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
[0026] FIG. 16 includes exemplary shortcut displays in accordance
with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates a methodology for displaying a shortcut
display in accordance with an aspect described herein.
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates a methodology for returning to a parent
list from a shortcut display in accordance with an aspect described
herein.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suitable
operating environment.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of a sample-computing
environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The various aspects of the subject matter described herein
are now described with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein
like numerals refer to like or corresponding elements throughout.
It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed
description relating thereto are not intended to limit the claimed
subject matter to the particular form disclosed. Rather, the
intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "component," "system" and the like
are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not
limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an
object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on
computer and the computer can be a component. One or more
components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers.
[0033] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. The subject matter disclosed
herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or
design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs.
[0034] Furthermore, the disclosed subject matter may be implemented
as a system, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using
standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce
software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control
a computer or processor based device to implement aspects detailed
herein. The term "article of manufacture" (or alternatively,
"computer program product") as used herein is intended to encompass
a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device,
carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include
but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk,
floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact
disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD). . . ), smart cards, and
flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick). Additionally it should be
appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry
computer-readable electronic data such as those used in
transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a
network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of
course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications
may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope
or spirit of the claimed subject matter.
[0035] Content on mobile devices can take many forms including, but
not limited to, contact information, calendar items, mail, music,
photos, documents, and tasks. Access to content including data and
available tasks is typically provided only through software
applications specific to the data type of the content, such as an
application used to create or render the specific content data
type. For example, to read email from a contact, a user may be
required to navigate to and open an email application. To call that
same contact with a question regarding that email, the user may be
required to navigate to the space where that contact's
communication details are visible (e.g., a contact card specifying
contact specific information). Finding relevant information can
require first determining the appropriate software application,
opening the application and searching for the relevant information
within the application. For example, to view mail from a specific
sender, the user may be required to navigate to email and search by
the sender's name.
[0036] A set of lists or groups of items can be included in a user
interface to provide users with expedited access to relevant
content including tasks and data. Here, the terms "item group" or
"item list" can be used interchangeably to indicate a set of items.
Sets of item groups can be used to shift the paradigm of mobile
devices from an application centric model to a content centric
model, resulting in a content based user interface rather than an
application based user interface. Item groups can be used to
surface content that is typically reachable only through an
application. Item groups can be used to eliminate a level of
indirection and provide direct access to a subset of application
content, thereby increasing accessibility of content and usability
of the mobile device.
[0037] Item groups can offer a filtered view of the content and
tasks provided by one or more software applications. For instance,
although users may have information for a large number of contacts,
only a small subset (e.g., ten contacts) are likely to be relevant
on a day-to-day basis. While users may want to be able to access
all contacts, item groups can provide faster, easier access to the
subset of contacts that the user utilizes on a daily basis.
Accordingly, item groups can offer a filtered view of data and
tasks, providing limited access to content and tasks most likely to
be relevant. Software applications can still provide access to the
remainder of content and tasks.
[0038] Item groups can be customized to allow users to specifically
select the relevant or important items to include within one or
more item groups. Alternatively, a mobile device can select content
to be included in item groups automatically based on usage patterns
or other indicia of relevance. For example, the most recently
viewed contacts can be maintained in an item group.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 1, a display system 100 for a mobile
device in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
herein is illustrated. The system 100 can include a user interface
component 102 that receives input from one or more interface
components 104 and changes the view of a display on a mobile device
(not shown) via a display component 106 according to such input.
The system 100 can operate on any type of mobile computing device,
including, but not limited to, a PDA, text messenger, cellular
phone, pocket personal computer, smartphone, ultra-mobile tablet PC
and the like. Input from the interface component 104 can include
content obtained from one or more software applications. Input can
also include user input using a touch screen, keypad, joystick, or
other type of button control. A single interface component 104 is
illustrated herein for simplicity; however, multiple interface
components 104 can be utilized including separate interface
components for user input and input from software applications. The
user interface component 102 can include an input component 108
that receives and/or requests input including user input and
content used to generate the display from the interface component
104. In addition, the user interface component 102 can include a
group manager component 110 that manages a set of item groups
available for display.
[0040] The interface component 104 can include or can be connected
to a content sharing system capable of facilitating sharing of
content from multiple software applications. A content sharing
system can provide a standard interface between clients such as the
interface component 104 and applications providing content. This
interface ensures that clients need not have knowledge of the
underlying data structures or even the identity of applications to
access content.
[0041] A content sharing system can manage the supply of data and
simple tasks associated with the data to the interface component
104. Applications can register new categories or classifications of
data and associated tasks with the content sharing system,
automatically allowing the interface component 104 to access the
new data categories and tasks. Applications can also provide the
content sharing system with data supplier components capable of
retrieving data from the underlying data stores of the
applications. In addition, applications can provide task executors
capable of executing actions or tasks on selected data types or
categories. The central content sharing system can provide data and
tasks to clients in response to queries or requests.
[0042] The interface component 104 can obtain data and associated
tasks by generating a query specifying the category or type of data
requested as well as context used to identify relevant data of the
requested category. A set of data requests based upon the query
from a client can be distributed to data supplier components for
various software applications. The data supplier components can
retrieve the relevant data from the underlying data stores of
associated applications and the retrieved results can be assembled
and returned to the interface component 104. The query, data
requests and query results can be specified in a declarative
language, such as extended markup language (XML) to facilitate
transfer of data without requiring knowledge of data structures by
the client.
[0043] In another embodiment, the interface component 104 can
interact directly with one or more software applications.
Applications can notify the interface component 104 of a change to
content and provide updated content directly to the interface
component 104. In addition, the interface component can poll or
request content from one or more applications either dynamically or
periodically.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2, a group manager component 110 is
illustrated in detail. The group manager component 110 can include
a display group component 202, an available group component 204 and
a profile component 206. Any number of item groups can be available
and/or used to generate a display. The display group component 202
can manage a set of item groups currently ready for display,
referred to herein as the set of display item groups. The item
groups included in the set of display item groups are not
necessarily viewable on a display screen at any given time.
However, each item group within the set of display item groups is
updated and ready for display. Items included in the item groups
within the set of display item groups can be dynamically updated
based upon changes in content to ensure that each item group is
available for display.
[0045] The available group component 204 can manage one or more
item groups that are not currently included in the set of display
item groups. For example, a large number of possible item groups
can be generated either by the user, vendors or other entities. The
user can select from this large set of available item groups to
determine item groups to include within the set of display item
groups. Users can add or delete item groups from the set of
available item groups as well as the set of display item
groups.
[0046] Users can generate and/or utilize one or more user profiles
to specify item groups to be included in the set of display item
groups. The profile component 206 can manage one or more user
profiles. Different user profiles can be generated to reflect the
varying needs or interests of a user. Profiles can be generated
based upon location, time of day, day of week, user context or any
other user condition. For example, a user can specify a work
profile that includes a set of item groups specific to the user's
occupation. The user can also create a separate user profile for
use outside of work that can include entertainment information,
personal contacts and the like. Users can create profiles specific
to geographic locations, which can be particularly useful for users
that travel frequently. A user profile can also effect other mobile
device or user interface settings and is not necessarily limited to
specifying the set of display item groups.
[0047] Sets of display item groups can be updated or replaced by
selecting user profiles. Users can view a list of possible user
profiles and select the most appropriate profile for their current
context. Alternatively, the current user profile can be
automatically updated based upon one or more predetermined
conditions, such as time of day or day of week. For example, a
determination can be made that it is a weekend day and the weekend
user profile can be utilized to generate a set of display item
groups. If the mobile device is capable of determining location,
the mobile device can select a user profile based upon geographic
location. For instance, the mobile device can determine if the user
is at home, at work or on travel and select the most appropriate
user profile. A user can override any user profile selections
either by electing a different user profile or by individually
adding and/or deleting item groups and items from the current set
of display item groups.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary user interface display
300 including an item group is illustrated. The user interface
display 300 can include a title bar 302 that can include icons,
images and/or text indicating the current time, battery power and
connectivity for the mobile device. In addition, the user interface
300 can include an item group control bar 304. The item group
control bar 304 can include text labels, graphic images or icons
indicating the item group currently displayed upon the user
interface 300. The item group control bar 304 can also include
text, graphic images or icons indicating additional available item
groups. The item group 306 can contain a list of items, such as
messages for the user and can be represented as a vertical list of
items 308 within the user interface display 300. Each item 308 can
indicate content available to the user. In addition, the user
interface display 300 can include a softkey bar 310 including one
or more softkey functions labels (e.g. New and More). A softkey is
typically a button located proximate to the display space.
Generally, the function of the button is defined by the softkey
function label shown near the button on the display space.
Additional controls and features can be included in a user
interface display 300.
[0049] Item groups 306 can include a set of items 308 that provide
users with access to local and/or remote content. The content can
be provided or maintained by an application local to the mobile
device. Alternatively, content can be retrieved or obtained from a
remote source, such as a server. For example, a user may subscribe
to a news service. One or more items 308 can provide access to news
provided by the news service. In another example, item groups 306
can include items 308 corresponding to one or more maps frequently
utilized by the user. Typically, geographic data sets such as maps
are large. A mobile device may not have the capacity to store
multiple maps. Here, an item group 306 can provide quick access to
a selected set of maps stored in a remote data store through a set
of items 308.
[0050] Items 308 can include content of any data type and each item
group 306 can include items of varying data types. For example, an
item group can include items representing email messages pertinent
to a meeting, a calendar appointment for the meeting and a document
relevant to the meeting. In addition, each item 308 can include
multiple data types. For instance, an item 308 can include text
labels as well as a hyperlink.
[0051] Representations of items can include text, graphic images,
hyperlinks or any other visual representation. For example, as
shown in FIG. 3, icon, graphic images and/or text can be rendered
within the same item 308. Further, an image can be used as the
background of the item 308 and with text overlaying the image. Each
individual item 308 can include multiple cells or columns that can
be populated with data of varying data types. For instance, a
messaging item 308 can include a column or cell for an icon that
can reflect the method of communication (e.g., voicemail or text
message), a cell for text including the message content and a cell
for text including the sender name. Different columns or cells can
have separate tasks associated with the individual columns.
Accordingly, selection of an icon can generate different task
options than selection of the sender. In addition, items 308 can
include audio cues or data. For example, audio data may be
triggered when an item 308 is in focus or when an item 308 is
selected.
[0052] The order of the items 308 within an item group 306 can be
modified by a user. A user can position items 308 within an item
group 306. Alternatively, the items 308 can be automatically
arranged and sorted by metadata associated with each item 308. For
example, music can be sorted within the music item group based upon
genre, album, or artist. In general, items 308 can be sorted such
that the items most likely to be relevant to the user are the most
easily accessible.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, to facilitate user viewing
and/or selection of items, item groups can be presented using a
variety of schemes or styles. For example, an item group can be
presented as a vertical list of items as illustrated in FIG. 3. In
addition, item groups can be represented horizontally, as in a
carousel type display illustrated in FIG. 4. In a carousel display,
the item group 306 can be represented as a ring of items 308, where
the item 308 with focus appears enlarged in the front of any other
items 308. If the item 308 to the left is selected, the item 308 to
the left gains focus and is enlarged and moved to the front. The
item 308 that had focus previously is reduced and shifted to the
right. The item groups 306 form a circular list or continuous loop
such that if the focus continues to be shifted to the left,
eventually, the initial item 308 would regain focus.
[0054] Item groups can also be represented as grids as illustrated
in FIG. 5. Any grid size can be supported and grids can extend
off-screen. Scrollbars can be utilized to facilitate viewing and
selection of items 308 within a grid. In addition, items 308 in a
grid can be of varying size. For example, an item group 306 can be
represented such that the item 308 with focus is enlarged and
directly above a horizontal display of remaining items 308, as
shown in FIG. 6. Possible configurations of item groups are
virtually limitless. Item groups can be represented in any
arrangement that allows users to view and/or select one or more
items. In addition, grids of items can be mapped to the mobile
device hardware, such as a number keypad, thereby facilitating
selection of items.
[0055] In addition, item groups can be rendered differently
depending on display orientation, size or resolution. For instance,
a messaging list viewed primarily in a high resolution, landscape
orientation can display more or richer information per item than
the same item group displayed using a vertical list on a portrait
display device. Item groups can be redrawn dynamically when
changing between portrait and landscape style displays to take
advantage of differences in screen width and height.
[0056] An item group control bar can be implemented as a pivot
control, also referred to as a pivot widget, to facilitate
navigation through the set of display item groups. The set of
display item groups can be represented as a circular list or a
continuous loop of item groups. Consequently, the pivot control
allows users to rotate continuously through the loop of item
groups. By continuing to move in the same direction, the user can
cycle through all the display item groups. Users can use the pivot
control to navigate through the loop using an input device such as
a keypad, number pad, stylus or the like to move left or right. The
pivot control can be accessed by both hardware and software. In
general, an item group can be pivoted when a user makes a left or
right action on their hardware control or when a user taps on the
left or right side of an on-screen pivot control. If the user
continues to select the same direction, the labels of the pivot
control and the corresponding item group will cycle back to their
starting positions. If the item groups are represented as vertical
lists the on-screen pivot control does not require focus to be in
the pivot control in order to pivot item groups. A user can hit
left or right at any time to pivot when using vertical lists, even
if focus is on a particular item in the list, rather than on the
pivot control.
[0057] However, the on-screen pivot control may require focus to
pivot an item group that is arranged horizontally, as in the case
of a carousel as illustrated in FIG. 4. Consequently, to adjust the
pivot of a horizontally oriented list view while navigating the
list, users may need to first move focus to the pivot control, and
then use a left or right control to change the view of the list.
Alternatively, up and down controls can be mapped to left and right
movement within a horizontal list, leaving left and right controls
free for pivoting between item groups. Grid views, as illustrated
in FIG. 5 behave similarly to horizontal lists. The on-screen pivot
control may require focus to pivot an item group that is arranged
in a grid. Consequently, to adjust the pivot of a grid list view
from within the grid, users may first navigate through the grid
until the pivot control is in focus, and then use a left or right
control to change the view of the list. Alternatively, up and down
controls can be used to move horizontally through the grid as well
as vertically, leaving left and right controls available for
pivoting between item groups.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, exemplary pivot controls are
illustrated. As shown in pivot control 702, a name or label for the
currently displayed item group can be presented in the center of
the pivot control. The label can also include a sub-label
indicating additional group information, such as how the item group
is currently sorted. For example, messages can be sorted by group,
pictures by an associated time and the like. Names or labels for
one or more item groups adjacent to the current item group within
the set of display item groups can be displayed next to the current
item group label. These labels allows users to see the item group
that will become the current item group if the user pivots right or
left. For example, for the pivot control 702, a right pivot can
cause the item groups to shift to the left. The result of the right
shift can be seen in pivot control 704. Here, the "Messages" item
group has been shifted to the left and is no longer the current
item group. The current item group has been updated to the item
group adjacent and to the right of the previous item group, here
the "Pictures" item group.
[0059] The pivot control or other navigation controls can be
displayed utilizing a variety of schemes or models. For example,
one or more icons or graphic images can be used either in addition
to or instead of text labels. For instance, pivot control 706
includes a graphic of a camera that can represent an item group
including one or more photographic images. A graphic of a person
can represent an item group including contact information. Graphic
images and icons are illustrated herein using line drawings for
simplicity; however, pictures or other graphic images can be used
throughout the display space.
[0060] Pivot controls or navigation controls can include
notifications or alerts. A notification or alert, as used herein,
can indicate a change in state, such as updated or new content. For
example, in pivot control 702 the number eight is included within
parentheses in the text label for the current item group. This
parenthetical can indicate that eight new messages have been
received, that there are eight total items within the Messages item
group or that there are eight items that have not be opened or
reviewed. In addition, text notifications such as the exemplary
parenthetical, the text color, font, background or other visual
cues can be utilized to alert users to changes in item groups or
items.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 8, a set of default item groups can be
provided to a user. An exemplary set of default item groups can
include: Today 800, Important People 802, Recent Messages 804,
Recent Calls 806, Recent Photographs 808, Recent Music 810, Mobile
Operator 812, Applications 814 and Tasks 816. The Today item group
800 can be a glance-able, extensible list of relevant information
about the user's schedule for a given day. The Today item group can
be set as the default item group, visible whenever a user launches
item groups. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the Today item group 800 is
slightly enlarged to indicate that the group has focus.
[0062] The Important People item group 802 can be a list of
selected or flagged contacts. The People item group can provide
quick access to communication methods, presence status, and
details. The People item group can be populated by a user utilizing
the contact application. When an item representing a contact is
selected, the user can be provided with one or more communication
methods for the contact depending upon the particular contact. For
example, if the contact information for the selected contact
includes an email address, but not a telephone number, possible
tasks for the item can include contacting the individual or entity
via email, but not via telephone.
[0063] The Top Tasks item group 816 can include items corresponding
to frequently performed device settings and tasks. Finding and
changing device settings are frequently among the most complex
tasks for users to accomplish on mobile devices. Items can include
changing ring tone, changing the device theme, locking the device,
updating or modifying the item groups, setting an alarm, adjusting
the clock and the like. The ordering and content of the Top Tasks
item group can be static and based upon initial defaults. Users may
be able to add items corresponding to additional tasks and reorder
the items.
[0064] The Recent Messages item group 804 can be a consolidated
inbox list of all incoming communication attempts. Items can be
sorted in any manner convenient to the user, such as sorted latest
to earliest. The Recent Messages item group can provide users with
a way to quickly check for new mail and can contain email, Short
Message Service (SMS), Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS),
instant messaging (IM) chat requests, voicemail and the like.
[0065] The Recent Calls item group 806 can be a coalesced list of
incoming and outgoing calls. This list can be subset of the call
history. Each call can be represented separately or individuals can
be shown only once, even if multiple calls were made to or from the
individuals. The list can also indicate whether the call was
incoming or outgoing. The list position of individuals can be
determined by their most recent call or the list can be sorted in
any manner useful to the user.
[0066] The Recent Programs or Applications item group 814 can
include items corresponding to the most recent or most frequently
used applications accessible via the mobile device. Selecting an
item can open and start the application. Possible applications can
include a web browser, calendar application, a game or any other
application accessible from the mobile device. Items can include
application or author logos or graphics images provided by the
software application or user.
[0067] The Recent Music item group 810 can include a list of
recently used music or audio files. Items can include playlists,
albums, and songs recently played by the user. The item can also
include album art or other graphics associated with the music.
[0068] The Recent Photographs item group 808 can include a list of
the most recently acquired and/or viewed pictures. The item group
can be rendered in any style that provides maximum visibility of
pictures. This can include a grid as illustrated in either FIG. 5
or 6, or any other useful configuration. In addition, metadata such
as date created or title can be displayed. Items can be sorted by
categories, dates or any other metadata associated with the items.
The number of items included in the item group can be based upon
the dates associated with images. Alternatively, a predetermined
number of most recent images can be displayed. Tasks associated
with items in the picture item group can include viewing, sharing
or editing the pictures.
[0069] The Mobile Operator item group 812 can be a placeholder for
a mobile operator to provide services or applications to users. The
default set of item groups illustrated in FIG. 8 is simply an
example of one configuration that can provide a user with quick and
easy access to many of the functions and data of the mobile device.
The item groups can be used to provide a filtered, subset of the
data and functionality of the mobile device. In addition, users can
customize item groups and items to ensure that the data and content
most relevant to the particular user are provided.
[0070] In addition to a set of default item group, such as the item
groups illustrated in FIG. 8, users can generate, edit and delete
their own item groups. For example, a user can create an item group
based upon a project at work. The item group can include a variety
of different types of items associated with the project. The
project item group can include items corresponding to contact
information for co-workers assigned to the project, calendar events
such as project meetings, documents associated with the project,
emails relevant to the project or any other relevant data or
tasks.
[0071] The user can select specific data or tasks to be added to an
item group. The selected or flagged items can be added to a
user-created item group or to a pre-existing item group. For
example, a user may frequently sends a status mail to his team. The
user can open and compose a note and add one or more recipients on
the team. The user can then flag the note and add it as a new item
to his item group of tasks. Later the user can quickly access the
note and send status to his team using the item group of tasks
rather than opening an email application, retrieving the note and
sending the email. Typically, items selected and added to an item
group by a user are static and remain in the item group until
removed or acted upon by the user.
[0072] Third parties can also provide item groups. Vendors of
services or data can generate and offer item groups to a user. For
example, a vendor that maintains an online auction website can
provide an auction specific item group to a user. The auction item
group can include items that track the current status of any
auctions in which the user is participating, indicating auction
information such as the current bid or remaining time. Items can be
updated dynamically to reflect additional bids by the user as well
as expiration of item auctions. As shown in this example, the
content associated with an item can be obtained from a remote
source and items can be dynamically updated based upon that
information without direct action by the user.
[0073] Vendors can provide item groups to users as a service, which
can require a user subscription, or vendors can provide item groups
as a method for performing targeted advertising. For example, a
clothing retailer can provide an item group that can include items
corresponding to online coupons based upon the user's previous
purchases. In addition, the retailer can provide additional items
associated with new products tailored to the user's buying
patterns. In addition, items can be based upon user location. For
instance, other items could include information regarding the
closest retailer location and/or provided coupons can be selected
based upon proximity of the user to a specific store.
[0074] In addition, a third party can create an item that can be
included in an existing item group. For example, a weather service
can provide an item that reflects the current weather and/or
forecast for a specific location. If the mobile device is capable
of determining its location, the item can update to reflect the
weather and forecast for the current location of the mobile device.
Items can obtain information from a remote source, such as a web
server and display the content. A user can elect to include the
weather item in the Today item group or in any other item group,
such as a user-generated item group based on the user's vacation
plans.
[0075] Items can be either static or dynamic. In general, data or
tasks that are specifically selected for inclusion are static and
do not change or move without user interaction. However, items can
also be dynamic. In particular, an item group can include the most
frequently used or most frequently used items from a set. For
instance, a list can include the ten last songs that were listened
to using the mobile device. An item group can also include the ten
most frequently used applications available from the mobile device.
An item group can include both static and dynamic items. For
instance, the first item within an item group can include a static
link to acquire content of a particular type (e.g., a link to a
news server) and other items in the item group can include items of
that content previously acquired (e.g., news articles acquired from
the news server). In addition, items can be automatically populated
based upon events. The today item group can be automatically
updated to include meetings added to the calendar for the current
day as well as any other events or information specifically
associated with the current day.
[0076] In addition, dynamic update of items can be dependent upon
content from a remote data source. For example, a user can sign up
for a subscription to a music service. The user can elect to have
the Music item group automatically update based upon the most
frequently used songs of the service to which the user has
subscribed. Updates are based not on the users actions, but rather
on third party actions, such as selection of music by other
subscribers.
[0077] The appearance of the item groups can also be customizable.
As described above, the lists can be organized on the display
utilizing a variety of schemes, such as a vertical scrolling lists,
horizontal scrolling lists, grids or any other suitable
organization. In addition, color schemes, themes and/or skins can
be selected by the user to personalize the appearance of the
individual item groups and items. A user can customize appearance
of item groups and items based upon aesthetic preferences or to
increase usability. For instance, individual item groups can have
separate colors, themes or skins to allow a user to identify an
item group at a glance. Quick identification can be particularly
beneficial when a user is navigating through the set of display
item groups.
[0078] The appearance of an item group, item, or the control bar
can be modified to alert or notify a user of a change in data in
the item group. For example, the color of the icons, graphics or
text in the control bar, item group and/or items can indicate
whether there has been a recent change to the items for an item
group. Alternatively, the background color for the icon or image
can be updated to indicate a modification. For example, if the user
has received a new message, the "Message" text can be rendered in
bold font or in a different color. In addition, as shown above,
additional data such as the number of items can be indicated within
parentheses next to the item group label.
[0079] The systems herein are described with respect to interaction
between several components. It should be appreciated that such
systems and components can include those components or
sub-components specified therein, some of the specified components
or sub-components, and/or additional components. Sub-components
could also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to
other components rather than included within parent components.
Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components may be
combined into a single component providing aggregate functionality
or divided into several sub-components. The components may also
interact with one or more other components not specifically
described herein but known by those of skill in the art.
[0080] Furthermore, as will be appreciated various portions of the
disclosed systems and methods may include or consist of artificial
intelligence or knowledge or rule based components, sub-components,
processes, means, methodologies, or mechanisms (e.g., support
vector machines, neural networks, expert systems, Bayesian belief
networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines, classifiers . . . ).
Such components, inter alia, can automate certain mechanisms or
processes performed thereby to make portions of the systems and
methods more adaptive as well as efficient and intelligent.
[0081] In view of the exemplary systems described herein,
methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the
disclosed subject matter will be better appreciated with reference
to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9-11. While for purposes of simplicity
of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a
series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methodologies described hereinafter.
[0082] Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the
methodologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this
specification are capable of being stored on an article of
manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring such
methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture, as
used, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from
any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 9, a methodology for providing a set
of item groups in accordance with an aspect described herein is
illustrated. At 902, one or more item groups can be generated.
These item groups can include a set of default groups,
user-generated groups or third-party item groups provided by
vendors, mobile operators and the like. The item groups can be
populated with one or more items at 904. Item groups can be
populated manually by user selections. Alternatively, the item
group can be automatically populated based upon metadata associated
with the items. A view of the item groups for display can be
determined at 906. Determining the view of the item groups can
include determining the item group that has focus, any alerts or
notifications and ensuring that the item groups are up to date. At
908, one or more of the item groups are displayed.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 10, a methodology for updating an item
group or groups in accordance with an aspect described herein is
illustrated. At 1002, an update of the item group or groups is
triggered. Updates can be triggered by user input such as addition,
deletion or modification of item groups or items. Item groups can
also be updated periodically based upon predetermined time
intervals. In addition, item group updates can be triggered by
changes in content associated with items contained with the item
group. The updated information for the item group(s) can be
obtained at 1004. Updated information can be obtained upon
requested. At 1006, changes to the view of the item group or groups
are determined. The display can reflect an update to an item group
even if the item group updated is not current item group pictured
onscreen. For example, an update in an item group adjacent to the
current item group can be indicated onscreen to alert users to the
change. At 1008, the updated item group(s) can be displayed.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 11, a methodology for updating item
groups based upon user profile in accordance with an aspect
described herein is illustrated. At 1102, a user profile can be
selected from one or more possible user profiles. User profiles can
define the item groups available for display on the mobile device
and can be defined to provide user with relevant content. Selection
of a user profile can be based upon location of the mobile device,
time of day, day of the week or any other relevant information. At
1104, the item groups to be displayed are selected based upon the
user profile. The view of item groups is determined at 1106. For
example, the set of item groups can include a default item group,
such that the current item group is set to the default item group.
Alternatively, the current item group can be set to the last item
group displayed. At 1108, the display can be updated to in
accordance with the selected user profile.
[0086] Navigating horizontal lists such as a set of item groups can
be inefficient and frustrating for users. Typically, displays of
horizontal lists are limited due to the size and/or orientation of
display screens. Horizontal orientation of text in many languages
(e.g., English, German and Russian) results in list items having a
larger horizontal dimension to allow users to read the text labels.
The large horizontal dimension reduces the number of items that can
be arranged horizontally on the display. Consequently, horizontal
lists tend to be less efficient than vertical lists. Frequently,
only a small number of list items can be displayed horizontally.
This limitation is especially pronounced for mobile devices, where
display screen size is particularly limited for portability. Even
if icons or short text labels are utilized, horizontal lists can be
limited. Although potentially limited in the number of items
displayed, horizontal displays can be extremely useful. For
instance, where sets of lists are displayed on screen, such as the
item groups described above, item groups can be represented as
items in a horizontal list, where each item of the horizontal list
can contain a vertical list representing items within an item
group.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 12, a system 1200 for generating a
shortcut display to facilitate navigation of horizontal lists is
illustrated. A shortcut display generated by the system 1200 can
provide users with the ability to quickly navigate horizontal
lists. The system can include a user interface component 1202, an
interface component 104 and a display component 106. The user
interface component 1202 receives input from one or more interface
components 104 and changes the view of a display on a mobile device
(not shown) via a display component 106 according to such input.
The system 1200 can operate on any type of mobile computing device,
including, but not limited to, a PDA, text messenger, cellular
phone, pocket personal computer, smartphone, ultra-mobile tablet PC
and the like. As described above, input from the interface
component 104 can include content obtained from one or more
software applications or user input entered using a touch screen,
keypad, joystick, button control or any other input device. A
single interface component 104 is illustrated herein for
simplicity; however, multiple interface components 104 can be
utilized including separate interface components for user input and
input from software applications.
[0088] The user interface component 1202 utilizes input to generate
and update lists for display. The user interface component 1202 can
include a parent list component 1204 that manages one or more
parent lists. Parent lists can include horizontal lists. For
example, a parent list could include a set of item groups. In
addition, the user interface component 1202 can include a shortcut
component 1206 that can generate a shortcut display for an
associated parent list.
[0089] The shortcut component 1206 can generate a shortcut display
in response to input received from the interface component 1204.
The shortcut display can be generated in response to either a
single or series of button pushes, voice input or any combination
of user input. For instance, users can select a button to move left
or right through the horizontal list that serves as the parent list
to the shortcut list. By holding the button down, a user can
trigger generation of a shortcut display. Visual effects such as
blurring of the display can be used to indicate that the view
displayed is transitioning from the parent horizontal list display
to the shortcut display.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 13, exemplary displays illustrate the
transition from a horizontal or parent list display 1300 to a
shortcut display 1302. Exemplary parent list display 1300 includes
a horizontal list 1304 of message types (e.g., "Video," "All" and
"Text"). Each item in the horizontal list 1304 has an associated
vertical list of messages for that message type. The exemplary
shortcut display of 1302 can be generated based upon the parent
list display 1300 in response to user input. The shortcut display
1302 can continue to display all or a portion of the parent list
display 1302 in the background to provide context for the shortcut
list 1306. The parent list 1304 can be shaded in grey on the
shortcut display 1302 to deemphasize the parent list 1304. The
shortcut list 1306 can be represented as a vertical list, as shown
in FIG. 13. Alternatively, the shortcut list 1306 can be
represented as a grid. The shortcut list 1306 can include the items
of the parent horizontal list. The orientation of the shortcut list
1306 can allow more items to be displayed to a user at any one
time. Additional entries or items in the shortcut list 1306 not
rendered to the display can be viewed by scrolling the shortcut
list 1306. The shortcut list 1306 can scroll either up or down and
scrolling can be indicated by arrows at the top and bottom of the
shortcut list 1306.
[0091] Various color schemes, themes and/or skins can be selected
by a user to personalize the appearance of individual shortcut
lists. A user can customize appearance of shortcut lists and items
based upon aesthetic preferences or to increase usability. For
instance, shortcut displays can have colors, themes or skins based
upon the parent list to allow a user to identify a shortcut display
at a glance.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 14, exemplary displays illustrate the
return from a shortcut display 1400 to a parent list display 1402.
Selection of an item in the shortcut list 1404 results in a return
to an updated parent list. In response to the selection of an item
in the shortcut list 1404, the parent list is updated, such that
the selected item from the shortcut list is displayed as the
current item in the parent list. For instance, in the exemplary
displays of FIG. 14, selection of the second item in the shortcut
list 1404, "text," results in the parent list being displayed with
the current item "text." As shown in parent list display 1402 the
vertical list, if any, displayed would be the vertical list
associated with the "text" item.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 15, exemplary displays illustrate the
use of a shortcut display to facilitate navigation among item
groups. It can become cumbersome to navigate through each item
group for large numbers of item groups included within a set of
display item groups, as shown in item group display 1500. Rather
than moving in order through the set of item groups, a user can
trigger generation of a shortcut display 1502 that includes a
shortcut list 1504 containing item groups from the set of display
item groups. Here, the shortcut list 1504 displays a list of the
display item groups (e.g., People, Recent Photos, Recent Music,
Messages, Tasks and Applications). Selecting an item group from the
shortcut list 1504 results in a return to the display item groups
and immediate navigation to the selected item group within the
parent or item group display 1500.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 16, items in a shortcut list 1602 can
be displayed or rendered as text, graphics, icons or any
combination thereof. As shown in exemplary display 1600, each item
in the shortcut list 1602 can include an icon or graphic image
and/or text associated with the item. In addition, each item in the
shortcut list 1602 can have an associated number. A user can select
an item from the shortcut list 1602 by entering the associated
number on a keypad, rather than scrolling through the shortcut list
1602. The numbers can be consistently associated with the same the
items in the shortcut list 1602, allowing users to become familiar
with numbers and allowing a user to quickly navigate through the
shortcut list 1602.
[0095] As shown in exemplary display 1604, an item with focus in
the shortcut list 1606 can be outlined or indicated with a separate
border. Alternatively, the item with focus can have a distinct
background color. Any method of visually distinguishing the item
can be utilized. In addition, items in the shortcut list 1606 can
be color coordinated either for aesthetics or to assist users in
locating items quickly. Color schemes, themes and/or skins for
items can be selected by the user to personalize the appearance of
the shortcut list 1606 and items. A user can customize appearance
of items for aesthetics or usability.
[0096] Item can be ordered or positioned within the shortcut list
to assist users in locating desired items. Items can be positioned
within a list in a consistent, predetermined order. Consistent
positioning of items allows users to memorize location of items
within shortcut lists, facilitating rapid location of items.
Alternatively, items can be dynamically positioned in lists such
that items currently of interest to a user are visible on screen
and/or easily selectable. Items can be positioned in the shortcut
list based upon the item with focus in the parent list. Position
within the shortcut list can also be determined based upon recent
navigation through the parent list. For instance, if the user
navigates through several items in the parent list before
triggering the shortcut list, the items can be positioned within
the shortcut list based upon such navigation. The items through
which the user has recently navigated need not be displayed in the
shortcut list, or can be displayed at the bottom of the list.
[0097] Referring now to FIG. 17, a methodology for displaying a
shortcut list is illustrated. At 1702, input is received that
triggers the shortcut display. Input can include user input such as
selection of a button on a keypad, a stylus, or the like. Upon
receipt of input triggering display of the shortcut list, the items
to be displayed in the shortcut list are determined at 1704. The
items to be displayed in the shortcut list include the items of the
parent list. For each item, a display format for the item within
the shortcut list is determined at 1706. Text, icons or graphics
associated with the items from the parent list can be used to
display the item in the shortcut list. However, the items need not
be rendered in the same manner in both the parent list and the
shortcut list. For instance, the shortcut list can include
additional text, icons or other audiovisuals not necessarily
included in the parent horizontal list. Alternatively, an item in a
shortcut list can include a subset of the audiovisual data
associated with the item within the parent list.
[0098] At 1708, the format and order of the shortcut list is
determined. The format can include color scheme, background
graphics and list style. In addition, the order of the items within
the shortcut list is determined. The order of items in the list can
be based in part upon the item in the parent list with focus when
the shortcut display was triggered. If a user has already navigated
through a portion of the parent list prior to invoking the shortcut
display, the items in the shortcut list can be ordered to reflect
this movement or current position within the parent display.
Alternatively, items can be displayed in a consistent order or
position in the list and the item with focus from the parent list
can have focus within the shortcut list. At 1710, the shortcut list
is rendered to the display.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 18, a methodology for utilizing a
shortcut list is illustrated. At 1802, shortcut input is received.
Shortcut input includes selection of an item in the shortcut list.
A determination is made as to the selected item in the shortcut
list at 1804. At 1806, the parent list of the shortcut list is
rendered on the display. The selected item of the shortcut list can
have focus when the parent list is displayed.
[0100] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIGS. 19 and 20 as well as the following
discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of
a suitable environment in which the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter may be implemented. While the subject
matter has been described above in the general context of
computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on
a mobile device including a computer and/or computers, those
skilled in the art will recognize that the innovations described
herein also may be implemented in combination with other program
modules or software applications. Generally, program modules
include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that
perform particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
inventive methods may be practiced with other computer system
configurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor
computer systems, mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as
well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA,
phone, watch . . . ), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
or industrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects
may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. However, some, if not all aspects
of the subject matter described herein can be practiced on
stand-alone computers, including mobile devices. In a distributed
computing environment, program modules may be located in both local
and remote memory storage devices.
[0101] With reference again to FIG. 19, the exemplary environment
1900 for implementing various aspects of the embodiments includes a
mobile device or computer 1902, the computer 1902 including a
processing unit 1904, a system memory 1906 and a system bus 1908.
The system bus 1908 couples system components including, but not
limited to, the system memory 1906 to the processing unit 1904. The
processing unit 1904 can be any of various commercially available
processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor
architectures may also be employed as the processing unit 1904.
[0102] The system memory 1906 includes read-only memory (ROM) 1910
and random access memory (RAM) 1912. A basic input/output system
(BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile memory 1910 such as ROM, EPROM,
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 1902,
such as during start-up. The RAM 1912 can also include a high-speed
RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
[0103] The computer or mobile device 1902 further includes an
internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1914 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which
internal hard disk drive 1914 may also be configured for external
use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive
(FDD) 1916, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette
1918) and an optical disk drive 1920, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk
1922 or, to read from or write to other high capacity optical media
such as the DVD). The hard disk drive 1914, magnetic disk drive
1916 and optical disk drive 1920 can be connected to the system bus
1908 by a hard disk drive interface 1924, a magnetic disk drive
interface 1926 and an optical drive interface 1928, respectively.
The interface 1924 for external drive implementations includes at
least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE 1394
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the subject systems and
methods.
[0104] The drives and their associated computer-readable media
provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. Consequently, the
item group instructions can be stored using the drives and their
associated computer-readable media. For the computer 1902, the
drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable
digital format. Although the description of computer-readable media
above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic diskette, and a
removable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media
which are readable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic
cassettes, flash memory cards, cartridges, and the like, may also
be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further, that
any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for
performing the methods for the embodiments of the data management
system described herein.
[0105] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 1912, including an operating system 1930, one or more
application programs 1932, other program modules 1934 and program
data 1936. The application programs 1932 can provide content for
the item groups. All or portions of the operating system,
applications, modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM
1912. It is appreciated that the systems and methods can be
implemented with various commercially available operating systems
or combinations of operating systems.
[0106] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
1902 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g. a
keyboard 1938 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 1940. Other
input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote
control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen, or the
like. These and other input devices are often connected to the
processing unit 1904 through an input device interface 1942 that is
coupled to the system bus 1908, but can be connected by other
interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a
game port, a USB port, an IR interface, etc. A display device 1944
can be used to provide a set of group items to a user. The display
devices can be connected to the system bus 1908 via an interface,
such as a video adapter 1946.
[0107] The mobile device or computer 1902 may operate in a
networked environment using logical connections via wired and/or
wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a
remote computer(s) 1948. For example, the item group instructions
can be local to the computer 1902 and software applications can be
located remotely on a remote computer 1948. The remote computer(s)
1948 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal
computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment
appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and
typically includes many or all of the elements described relative
to the computer 1902, although, for purposes of brevity, only a
memory/storage device 1950 is illustrated. The logical connections
depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a local area
network (LAN) 1952 and/or larger networks, e.g. a wide area network
(WAN) 1954. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are
commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate
enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all of which
may connect to a global communications network, e.g., the
Internet.
[0108] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1902
is connected to the local network 1952 through a wired and/or
wireless communication network interface or adapter 1956. The
adaptor 1956 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the
LAN 1952, which may also include a wireless access point disposed
thereon for communicating with the wireless adaptor 1956.
[0109] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 1902
can include a modem 1958, or is connected to a communications
server on the WAN 1954, or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 1954, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 1958, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1908 via the serial
port interface 1942. In a networked environment, program modules
depicted relative to the computer 1902, or portions thereof, can be
stored in the remote memory/storage device 1950. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0110] The computer 1902 is operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, PDA, communications satellite, any piece of equipment or
location associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g. a kiosk,
news stand, restroom), and telephone. The wireless devices or
entities include at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless
technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication
between at least two devices.
[0111] Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a
conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;
anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use
radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide
secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can
be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to
wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks
operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps
(802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0112] FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of a sample environment
2000 with which the systems and methods described herein can
interact. The system 2000 includes one or more mobile device(s)
2002. The mobile device(s) 2002 can be hardware and/or software
(e.g. threads, processes, computing devices). The system 2000 also
includes one or more server(s) 2004. Thus, system 2000 can
correspond to a two-tier client server model or a multi-tier model
(e.g., client, middle tier server, data server), amongst other
models. The server(s) 2004 can also be hardware and/or software
(e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). One possible
communication between a mobile device 2002 and a server 2004 may be
in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two
or more computer processes. The system 2000 includes a
communication framework 2006 that can be employed to facilitate
communications between the mobile device(s) 2002 and the server(s)
2004. The mobile device(s) 2002 can be operably connected to or
include one or more data store(s) 2008 that can be employed to
store information local to the mobile device(s) 2002. Similarly,
the server(s) 2004 are operably connected to one or more server
data store(s) 2010 that can be employed to store information local
to the servers 2004.
[0113] What has been described above includes examples of aspects
of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to
describe every conceivable combination of components or
methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject
matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that
many further combinations and permutations of the disclosed subject
matter are possible. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is
intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and
variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "has"
or "having" are used in either the detailed description or the
claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar
to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when
employed as a transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *