U.S. patent application number 13/629094 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for communications device state transitions.
The applicant listed for this patent is Mohammed Selim, Sanjiv Sirpal. Invention is credited to Mohammed Selim, Sanjiv Sirpal.
Application Number | 20130076598 13/629094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47910718 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130076598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sirpal; Sanjiv ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE STATE TRANSITIONS
Abstract
Methods and devices for configuring and displaying individual
display screens of a multi-display device relative to the device
state and/or user orientation of the device. More particularly, the
device is equipped with one or more sensors that facilitate the
detectability of the relationship of the primary screen to the
secondary screen, and the general orientation of the device. The
method includes correlating or controlling device state to
management of windows, and correlating or controlling transitional
states between open and closed states to device behavior and/or
window operations. The method and device may present, for example,
a closed state with both windows viewable, an open state with both
windows viewable or a semi-open state with one or more of the
windows viewable.
Inventors: |
Sirpal; Sanjiv; (Oakville,
CA) ; Selim; Mohammed; (Oakville, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sirpal; Sanjiv
Selim; Mohammed |
Oakville
Oakville |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
47910718 |
Appl. No.: |
13/629094 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61539884 |
Sep 27, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/1.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0482 20130101;
G06F 9/451 20180201; H04N 5/232933 20180801; H04W 68/00 20130101;
G06F 1/16 20130101; G06F 1/1677 20130101; E05D 3/12 20130101; E05Y
2900/606 20130101; G06F 3/04842 20130101; G06F 3/1446 20130101;
G09G 1/00 20130101; G06F 3/04817 20130101; H04M 1/0214 20130101;
H04W 48/18 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101; G06F 1/1683 20130101;
G06F 3/0346 20130101; G06F 3/04847 20130101; G06F 3/1454 20130101;
H04B 1/3833 20130101; G06F 3/0485 20130101; G06F 3/016 20130101;
G09G 2330/021 20130101; H05K 5/0017 20130101; G06F 1/1637 20130101;
G06F 3/0487 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101; G06F 3/1438 20130101;
G06T 3/00 20130101; H04M 1/0266 20130101; Y10T 16/547 20150115;
G06F 16/54 20190101; H04M 1/0206 20130101; H05K 5/0226 20130101;
G06F 3/048 20130101; G06F 3/0483 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101;
G06F 9/00 20130101; H05K 13/00 20130101; G06F 1/1601 20130101; Y10T
29/4984 20150115; G06F 1/1605 20130101; G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F
1/1649 20130101; H05K 7/1452 20130101; G06G 1/00 20130101; H04N
5/23293 20130101; G06F 3/00 20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101; G06F
1/1643 20130101; H04W 24/02 20130101; G06F 3/1423 20130101; G06T
3/40 20130101; G06F 1/1647 20130101; G06F 3/04897 20130101; G09G
5/34 20130101; G09G 2300/023 20130101; G06F 3/0486 20130101; G06F
9/44 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101; G06F 3/01 20130101; G06F
2203/04803 20130101; G09G 5/373 20130101; G09G 2354/00 20130101;
G06F 1/1618 20130101; G06F 1/1692 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101;
G06F 16/51 20190101; G09G 5/00 20130101; G09G 5/12 20130101; G06F
1/1641 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101; G06F 3/04886 20130101; Y10T
29/49826 20150115; H05K 13/046 20130101; G06F 3/017 20130101; G06F
3/04845 20130101; G09G 5/377 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; G06F
3/044 20130101; G06F 3/0484 20130101; H04N 5/2628 20130101; H05K
7/02 20130101; G09G 5/14 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; B29D
11/00673 20130101; G06F 1/1681 20130101; G06F 3/0416 20130101; G06F
3/167 20130101; G06T 3/20 20130101; H04M 1/0216 20130101; G02B
6/0001 20130101; H04N 5/222 20130101; H04W 72/06 20130101; H04W
88/06 20130101; H05K 5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/1.3 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Claims
1. A method for controlling a multi-screen device comprising:
providing a device having at least a first and second screens,
wherein each of the first and second screens are configured to
display at least one of a first display mode and a second display
mode, each display mode configured to display at least one user
interface element; receiving a first input from at least one sensor
indicating a position of the first screen relative to the second
screen; receiving a second input from the at least one sensor
indicating a movement of the first screen relative to the second
screen; determining a state of the device based on at least one of
the first and second input; and controlling, based on at least the
state of the device, at least one of: i) the at least one user
interface element of each screen and ii) the at least one of a
first and second display mode of each screen.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one user interface
element of each screen is controlled.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one of a first and
second display mode of each screen is controlled.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the device states comprise a
special state, a transition state, an open state and a closed
state.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the special state is an easel
state.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the transition state comprises an
opening state, a closing state and a first state to a second state
transitioning state.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the open state is a state wherein
the first and the second screen are planar or substantially
planar.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the closed state is a state
wherein the first screen is back-to-back with the second
screen.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the transition state exists when
there is a predefined angular relationship between the first screen
and the second screen.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor provides
an indication when the two screens reach a relative position in
relation to one another.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein the state of the device is
determined based on at least the first and the second input.
12. A multi-screen user device comprising: a first and a second
screen configured to display at least one of a first display mode
and a second display mode, each display mode configured to display
at least one user interface element; at least one sensor; a memory;
a processor in communication with the memory, the first screen, and
the second screen, the processor operable to: receive a first input
from the at least one sensor indicating a position of the first
screen relative to the second screen; receive a second input from
the at least one sensor indicating a movement of the first screen
relative to the second screen; determine a state of the device
based on at least one of the first and second input; and control,
based on at least the state of the device, at least one of: i) the
at least one user interface element of each screen and ii) the at
least one of a first and second display mode of each screen.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least one user interface
element of each screen is controlled.
14. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least one of a first and
second display mode of each screen is controlled.
15. The device of claim 12, wherein the device states comprise a
special state, a transition state, an open state and a closed
state.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the special state is an easel
state.
17. The device of claim 15, wherein the transition state comprises
an opening state, a closing state and a first state to a second
state transitioning state.
18. The device of claim 15, wherein the open state is a state
wherein the first and the second screen are planar or substantially
planar, and the closed state is a state wherein the first screen is
back-to-back with the second screen.
19. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon
computer- executable instructions, the computer executable
instructions causing a processor of a device to execute a method
for controlling a multi-screen device, wherein the device has at
least a first and second screen, wherein each of the first and
second screens are configured to display at least in a portrait
mode and a landscape mode and configured to display at least one
user interface element, the computer-executable instructions
comprising: instructions to receive a first input from the at least
one sensor indicating a position of the first screen relative to
the second screen; instructions to receive a second input from the
at least one sensor indicating a movement of the first screen
relative to the second screen; instructions to determine a state of
the device based on at least one of the first and second input; and
instructions to control, based on at least the state of the device,
at least one of: i) the at least one user interface element of each
screen and ii) the at least one of a first and second display mode
of each screen.
20. The medium of claim 19, wherein the state of the device is
determined based on at least the first and the second input, and
the at least one user interface element of each screen is
controlled.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefits of and priority,
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.
No. 61/539,884, filed Sep. 27, 2011, entitled "MOBILE DEVICE." The
present application also cross-references U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/341,681 FILED on Dec. 30, 2011, entitled "HANDSET
STATES AND STATE DIAGRAMS: OPEN, CLOSED TRANSITIONAL AND EASEL",
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/346,475 filed on Jan. 9, 2012,
entitled "USER FEEDBACK TO INDICATE TRANSITIONS BETWEEN OPEN AND
CLOSED STATES", and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/362,789
filed on Jan. 31, 2012 entitled "SECONDARY SINGLE SCREEN MODE
ACTIVATION THROUGH OFF-SCREEN GESTURE AREA ACTIVATION." Each of the
aforementioned documents is incorporated herein by this reference
in their entirety for all that they teach and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A substantial number of handheld computing devices, such as
cellular phones, tablets, and E-Readers, make use of a touch screen
display not only to deliver display information to the user but
also to receive inputs from user interface commands. While touch
screen displays may increase the configurability of the handheld
device and provide a wide variety of user interface options, this
flexibility typically comes at a price. The dual use of the touch
screen to provide content and receive user commands, while flexible
for the user, may obfuscate the display and cause visual clutter,
thereby leading to user frustration and loss of productivity.
[0003] The small form factor of handheld computing devices requires
a careful balancing between the displayed graphics and the area
provided for receiving inputs. On the one hand, the small display
constrains the display space, which may increase the difficulty of
interpreting actions or results. On the other, a virtual keypad or
other user interface scheme is superimposed on or positioned
adjacent to an executing application, requiring the application to
be squeezed into an even smaller portion of the display.
[0004] This balancing act is particularly difficult for single
display touch screen devices. Single display touch screen devices
are crippled by their limited screen space. When users are entering
information into the device, through the single display, the
ability to interpret information in the display can be severely
hampered, particularly when a complex interaction between display
and interface is required.
SUMMARY
[0005] There is a need for a dual multi-display handheld computing
device that provides for enhanced power and/or versatility compared
to conventional single display handheld computing devices. These
and other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations of the present disclosure. Also, while the
disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it
should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can
be separately claimed.
[0006] In one embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling
a multi-screen device is provided, the method comprising: providing
a device having at least a first and second screens, wherein each
of the first and second screens are configured to display at least
one of a first display mode and a second display mode, each display
mode configured to display at least one user interface element;
receiving a first input from at least one sensor indicating a
position of the first screen relative to the second screen;
receiving a second input from the at least one sensor indicating a
movement of the first screen relative to the second screen;
determining a state of the device based on at least one of the
first and second input; and controlling, based on at least the
state of the device, at least one of: i) the at least one user
interface element of each screen and ii) the at least one of a
first and second display mode of each screen.
[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, a multi-screen user
device is provided, the device comprising: a first and a second
screen configured to display at least one of a first display mode
and a second display mode, each display mode configured to display
at least one user interface element; at least one sensor; a memory;
a processor in communication with the memory, the first screen, and
the second screen, the processor operable to: receive a first input
from the at least one sensor indicating a position of the first
screen relative to the second screen; receive a second input from
the at least one sensor indicating a movement of the first screen
relative to the second screen; determine a state of the device
based on at least one of the first and second input; and control,
based on at least the state of the device, at least one of: i) the
at least one user interface element of each screen and ii) the at
least one of a first and second display mode of each screen.
[0008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a non-transitory
computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable
instructions is provided, the computer executable instructions
causing a processor of a device to execute a method for controlling
a multi-screen device, wherein the device has at least a first and
second screen, wherein each of the first and second screens are
configured to display at least in a portrait mode and a landscape
mode and configured to display at least one user interface element,
the computer-executable instructions comprising: instructions to
receive a first input from the at least one sensor indicating a
position of the first screen relative to the second screen;
instructions to receive a second input from the at least one sensor
indicating a movement of the first screen relative to the second
screen; instructions to determine a state of the device based on at
least one of the first and second input; and instructions to
control, based on at least the state of the device, at least one
of: i) the at least one user interface element of each screen and
ii) the at least one of a first and second display mode of each
screen.
[0009] The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages
depending on the particular aspect, embodiment, and/or
configuration. Existing solutions lack intelligence to control
individual windows relative to device state and/or user orientation
of the device. Furthermore, existing devices do not correlate
device state to management of windows, and do not correlate
transitional states between open and closed states to device
behavior and/or window operations. Existing devices need not
address these functionalities because their screens close upon
one-another in the closed state. The disclosed device addresses and
overcomes these challenges in that the device is equipped with one
or more sensors that facilitate the detectability of the
relationship of the primary screen to the secondary screen, and the
general orientation of the device. As such, the device may control
individual windows relative to device state and/or user orientation
of the device. For example, the device can be in the closed state
with both windows viewable, in the open state with both windows
viewable or in a semi-open state with one or more of the windows
viewable.
[0010] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure.
[0011] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together.
[0012] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that
entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at
least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be
noted that the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" can be
used interchangeably.
[0013] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein,
refers to any process or operation done without material human
input when the process or operation is performed. However, a
process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of
the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input,
if the input is received before performance of the process or
operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input
influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human
input that consents to the performance of the process or operation
is not deemed to be "material".
[0014] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any tangible storage and/or transmission medium that participate in
providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium
may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile
media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media
includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks.
Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common
forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy
disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other
magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other
optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium
with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a
solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or
cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other
medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to
e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of
archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a
tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is
configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database
may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical,
object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution
medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in
which the software implementations of the present disclosure are
stored.
[0015] The term "desktop" refers to a metaphor used to portray
systems. A desktop is generally considered a "surface" that
typically includes pictures, called icons, widgets, folders, etc.
that can activate show applications, windows, cabinets, files,
folders, documents, and other graphical items. The icons are
generally selectable to initiate a task through user interface
interaction to allow a user to execute applications or conduct
other operations.
[0016] The term "screen," "touch screen," or "touchscreen" refers
to a physical structure that includes one or more hardware
components that provide the device with the ability to render a
user interface and/or receive user input. A screen can encompass
any combination of gesture capture region, a touch sensitive
display, and/or a configurable area. The device can have one or
more physical screens embedded in the hardware. However a screen
may also include an external peripheral device that may be attached
and detached from the device. In embodiments, multiple external
devices may be attached to the device. Thus, in embodiments, the
screen can enable the user to interact with the device by touching
areas on the screen and provides information to a user through a
display. The touch screen may sense user contact in a number of
different ways, such as by a change in an electrical parameter
(e.g., resistance or capacitance), acoustic wave variations,
infrared radiation proximity detection, light variation detection,
and the like. In a resistive touch screen, for example, normally
separated conductive and resistive metallic layers in the screen
pass an electrical current. When a user touches the screen, the two
layers make contact in the contacted location, whereby a change in
electrical field is noted and the coordinates of the contacted
location calculated. In a capacitive touch screen, a capacitive
layer stores electrical charge, which is discharged to the user
upon contact with the touch screen, causing a decrease in the
charge of the capacitive layer. The decrease is measured, and the
contacted location coordinates determined. In a surface acoustic
wave touch screen, an acoustic wave is transmitted through the
screen, and the acoustic wave is disturbed by user contact. A
receiving transducer detects the user contact instance and
determines the contacted location coordinates.
[0017] The term "display" refers to a portion of one or more
screens used to display the output of a computer to a user. A
display may be a single-screen display or a multi-screen display,
referred to as a composite display. A composite display can
encompass the touch sensitive display of one or more screens. A
single physical screen can include multiple displays that are
managed as separate logical displays. Thus, different content can
be displayed on the separate displays although part of the same
physical screen.
[0018] The term "displayed image" refers to an image produced on
the display. A typical displayed image is a window or desktop. The
displayed image may occupy all or a portion of the display.
[0019] The term "display orientation" refers to the way in which a
rectangular display is oriented by a user for viewing. The two most
common types of display orientation are portrait and landscape. In
landscape mode, the display is oriented such that the width of the
display is greater than the height of the display (such as a 4:3
ratio, which is 4 units wide and 3 units tall, or a 16:9 ratio,
which is 16 units wide and 9 units tall). Stated differently, the
longer dimension of the display is oriented substantially
horizontal in landscape mode while the shorter dimension of the
display is oriented substantially vertical. In the portrait mode,
by contrast, the display is oriented such that the width of the
display is less than the height of the display. Stated differently,
the shorter dimension of the display is oriented substantially
horizontal in the portrait mode while the longer dimension of the
display is oriented substantially vertical.
[0020] The term "composited display" refers to a logical structure
that defines a display that can encompass one or more screens. A
multi-screen display can be associated with a composite display
that encompasses all the screens. The composite display can have
different display characteristics based on the various orientations
of the device.
[0021] The term "gesture" refers to a user action that expresses an
intended idea, action, meaning, result, and/or outcome. The user
action can include manipulating a device (e.g., opening or closing
a device, changing a device orientation, moving a trackball or
wheel, etc.), movement of a body part in relation to the device,
movement of an implement or tool in relation to the device, audio
inputs, etc. A gesture may be made on a device (such as on the
screen) or with the device to interact with the device.
[0022] The term "module" as used herein refers to any known or
later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial
intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software
that is capable of performing the functionality associated with
that element.
[0023] The term "gesture capture" refers to a sense or otherwise a
detection of an instance and/or type of user gesture. The gesture
capture can occur in one or more areas of the screen, A gesture
region can be on the display, where it may be referred to as a
touch sensitive display or off the display where it may be referred
to as a gesture capture area.
[0024] A "multi-screen application" refers to an application that
is capable of multiple modes. The multi-screen application mode can
include, but is not limited to, a single screen mode (where the
application is displayed on a single screen) or a composite display
mode (where the application is displayed on two or more screens). A
multi-screen application can have different layouts optimized for
the mode. Thus, the multi-screen application can have different
layouts for a single screen or for a composite display that can
encompass two or more screens. The different layouts may have
different screen/display dimensions and/or configurations on which
the user interfaces of the multi-screen applications can be
rendered. The different layouts allow the application to optimize
the application's user interface for the type of display, e.g.,
single screen or multiple screens. In single screen mode, the
multi-screen application may present one window pane of
information. In a composite display mode, the multi-screen
application may present multiple window panes of information or may
provide a larger and a richer presentation because there is more
space for the display contents. The multi-screen applications may
be designed to adapt dynamically to changes in the device and the
mode depending on which display (single or composite) the system
assigns to the multi-screen application. In alternative
embodiments, the user can use a gesture to request the application
transition to a different mode, and, if a display is available for
the requested mode, the device can allow the application to move to
that display and transition modes.
[0025] A "single-screen application" refers to an application that
is capable of single screen mode. Thus, the single-screen
application can produce only one window and may not be capable of
different modes or different display dimensions. A single-screen
application is incapable of the several modes discussed with the
multi-screen application.
[0026] The term "window" refers to a, typically rectangular,
displayed image on at least part of a display that contains or
provides content different from the rest of the screen. The window
may obscure the desktop.
[0027] The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and
variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and
include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or
technique.
[0028] It shall be understood that the term "means" as used herein
shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance
with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim
incorporating the term "means" shall cover all structures,
materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents
thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the
equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the
summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings,
detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.
[0029] The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to
provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This
summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the
disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical
elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the
disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a
simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description
presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure are possible
utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set
forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1A includes a first view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0031] FIG. 1B includes a second view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0032] FIG. 1C includes a third view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0033] FIG. 1D includes a fourth view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0034] FIG. 1E includes a fifth view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0035] FIG. 1F includes a sixth view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0036] FIG. 1G includes a seventh view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0037] FIG. 1H includes a eighth view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0038] FIG. 1I includes a ninth view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0039] FIG. 1J includes a tenth view of an embodiment of a
multi-screen user device;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the hardware
of the device;
[0041] FIG. 3A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the state
model for the device based on the device's orientation and/or
configuration;
[0042] FIG. 3B is a table of an embodiment of the state model for
the device based on the device's orientation and/or
configuration;
[0043] FIG. 4A is a first representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0044] FIG. 4B is a second representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0045] FIG. 4C is a third representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0046] FIG. 4D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0047] FIG. 4E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0048] FIG. 4F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0049] FIG. 4G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0050] FIG. 4H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of user
gesture received at a device;
[0051] FIG. 5A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the device
software and/or firmware;
[0052] FIG. 5B is a second block diagram of an embodiment of the
device software and/or firmware;
[0053] FIG. 6A is a first representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0054] FIG. 6B is a second representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0055] FIG. 6C is a third representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0056] FIG. 6D is a fourth representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0057] FIG. 6E is a fifth representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0058] FIG. 6F is a sixth representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0059] FIG. 6G is a seventh representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0060] FIG. 6H is a eighth representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0061] FIG. 6I is a ninth representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0062] FIG. 6J is a tenth representation of an embodiment of a
device configuration generated in response to the device state;
[0063] FIG. 7 is an exemplary state diagram;
[0064] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for
determining device state and controlling or correlating device
state to the management of device windows;
[0065] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for
triggering device open state and device closed state events;
[0066] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for
receiving user and application preferences, determining device
state and controlling or correlating device state to the management
of device windows;
[0067] FIG. 11A is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for
instructing a user regarding receiving a phone call; and
[0068] FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary user interface for
instructing a user as to receiving a phone call.
[0069] In the appended figures, similar components and/or features
may have the same reference label. Further, various components of
the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label
by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If
only the first reference label is used in the specification, the
description is applicable to any one of the similar components
having the same first reference label irrespective of the second
reference label.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0070] Presented herein are embodiments of a device. The device can
be a communications device, such as a cellular telephone, or other
smart device. The device can include two screens that are oriented
to provide several unique display configurations. Further, the
device can receive user input in unique ways. The overall design
and functionality of the device provides for an enhanced user
experience making the device more useful and more efficient.
[0071] Mechanical Features:
[0072] FIGS. 1A-1J illustrate a device 100 in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure. As described in greater
detail below, device 100 can be positioned in a number of different
ways each of which provides different functionality to a user. The
device 100 is a multi-screen device that includes a primary screen
104 and a secondary screen 108, both of which are touch sensitive.
In embodiments, the entire front surface of screens 104 and 108 may
be touch sensitive and capable of receiving input by a user
touching the front surface of the screens 104 and 108.
[0073] Primary screen 104 includes touch sensitive display 110,
which, in addition to being touch sensitive, also displays
information to a user. Secondary screen 108 includes touch
sensitive display 114, which also displays information to a user.
In other embodiments, screens 104 and 108 may include more than one
display area.
[0074] Primary screen 104 also includes a configurable area 112
that has been configured for specific inputs when the user touches
portions of the configurable area 112. Secondary screen 108 also
includes a configurable area 116 that has been configured for
specific inputs. Areas 112a and 116a have been configured to
receive a "back" input indicating that a user would like to view
information previously displayed. Areas 112b and 116b have been
configured to receive a "menu" input indicating that the user would
like to view options from a menu. Areas 112c and 116c have been
configured to receive a "home" input indicating that the user would
like to view information associated with a "home" view. In other
embodiments, areas 112a-c and 116a-c may be configured, in addition
to the configurations described above, for other types of specific
inputs including controlling features of device 100, some
non-limiting examples including adjusting overall system power,
adjusting the volume, adjusting the brightness, adjusting the
vibration, selecting of displayed items (on either of screen 104 or
108), operating a camera, operating a microphone, and
initiating/terminating of telephone calls. Also, in some
embodiments, areas 112a-C and 116a-C may be configured for specific
inputs depending upon the application running on device 100 and/or
information displayed on touch sensitive displays 110 and/or
114.
[0075] In addition to touch sensing, primary screen 104 and
secondary screen 108 may also include areas that receive input from
a user without requiring the user to touch the display area of the
screen. For example, primary screen 104 includes gesture capture
area 120, and secondary screen 108 includes gesture capture area
124. These areas are able to receive input by recognizing gestures
made by a user without the need for the user to actually touch the
surface of the display area. In comparison to touch sensitive
displays 110 and 114, the gesture capture areas 120 and 124 are
commonly not capable of rendering a displayed image.
[0076] The two screens 104 and 108 are connected together with a
hinge 128, shown clearly in FIG. 1C (illustrating a back view of
device 100). Hinge 128, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1J, is
a center hinge that connects screens 104 and 108 so that when the
hinge is closed, screens 104 and 108 are juxtaposed (i.e.,
side-by-side) as shown in FIG. 1B (illustrating a front view of
device 100). Hinge 128 can be opened to position the two screens
104 and 108 in different relative positions to each other. As
described in greater detail below, the device 100 may have
different functionalities depending on the relative positions of
screens 104 and 108.
[0077] FIG. 1D illustrates the right side of device 100. As shown
in FIG. 1D, secondary screen 108 also includes a card slot 132 and
a port 136 on its side. Card slot 132 in embodiments, accommodates
different types of cards including a subscriber identity module
(SIM). Port 136 in embodiments is an input/output port (I/O port)
that allows device 100 to be connected to other peripheral devices,
such as a display, keyboard, or printing device. As can be
appreciated, these are merely some examples and in other
embodiments device 100 may include other slots and ports such as
slots and ports for accommodating additional memory devices and/or
for connecting other peripheral devices. Also shown in FIG. 1D is
an audio jack 140 that accommodates a tip, ring, sleeve (TRS)
connector for example to allow a user to utilize headphones or a
headset.
[0078] Device 100 also includes a number of buttons 158. For
example, FIG. 1E illustrates the left side of device 100. As shown
in FIG. 1E, the side of primary screen 104 includes three buttons
144, 148, and 152, which can be configured for specific inputs. For
example, buttons 144, 148, and 152 may be configured to, in
combination or alone, control a number of aspects of device 100.
Some non-limiting examples include overall system power, volume,
brightness, vibration, selection of displayed items (on either of
screen 104 or 108), a camera, a microphone, and
initiation/termination of telephone calls. In some embodiments,
instead of separate buttons two buttons may be combined into a
rocker button. This arrangement is useful in situations where the
buttons are configured to control features such as volume or
brightness. In addition to buttons 144, 148, and 152, device 100
also includes a button 156, shown in FIG. 1F, which illustrates the
top of device 100. In one embodiment, button 156 is configured as
an on/off button used to control overall system power to device
100. In other embodiments, button 156 is configured to, in addition
to or in lieu of controlling system power, control other aspects of
device 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the buttons 144,
148, 152, and 156 are capable of supporting different user
commands. By way of example, a normal press has a duration commonly
of less than about 1 second and resembles a quick tap. A medium
press has a duration commonly of 1 second or more but less than
about 12 seconds. A long press has a duration commonly of about 12
seconds or more. The function of the buttons is normally specific
to the application that is currently in focus on the respective
display 110 and 114. In a telephone application for instance and
depending on the particular button, a normal, medium, or long press
can mean end call, increase in call volume, decrease in call
volume, and toggle microphone mute. In a camera or video
application for instance and depending on the particular button, a
normal, medium, or long press can mean increase zoom, decrease
zoom, and take photograph or record video.
[0079] There are also a number of hardware components within device
100. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, device 100 includes a speaker 160
and a microphone 164. Device 100 also includes a camera 168 (FIG.
1B). Additionally, device 100 includes two position sensors 172A
and 172B, which are used to determine the relative positions of
screens 104 and 108. In one embodiment, position sensors 172A and
172B are Hall effect sensors. However, in other embodiments other
sensors can be used in addition to or in lieu of the Hall effect
sensors. An accelerometer 176 may also be included as part of
device 100 to determine the orientation of the device 100 and/or
the orientation of screens 104 and 108. Additional internal
hardware components that may be included in device 100 are
described below with respect to FIG. 2.
[0080] The overall design of device 100 allows it to provide
additional functionality not available in other communication
devices. Some of the functionality is based on the various
positions and orientations that device 100 can have. As shown in
FIGS. 1B-1G, device 100 can be operated in an "open" position where
screens 104 and 108 are juxtaposed. This position allows a large
display area for displaying information to a user. When position
sensors 172A and 172B determine that device 100 is in the open
position, they can generate a signal that can be used to trigger
different events such as displaying information on both screens 104
and 108. Additional events may be triggered if accelerometer 176
determines that device 100 is in a portrait position (FIG. 1B) as
opposed to a landscape position (not shown).
[0081] In addition to the open position, device 100 may also have a
"closed" position illustrated in FIG. 1H. Again, position sensors
172A and 172B can generate a signal indicating that device 100 is
in the "closed" position. This can trigger an event that results in
a change of displayed information on screen 104 and/or 108. For
example, device 100 may be programmed to stop displaying
information on one of the screens, e.g., screen 108, since a user
can only view one screen at a time when device 100 is in the
"closed" position. In other embodiments, the signal generated by
position sensors 172A and 172B, indicating that the device 100 is
in the "closed" position, can trigger device 100 to answer an
incoming telephone call. The "closed" position can also be a
preferred position for utilizing the device 100 as a mobile
phone.
[0082] Device 100 can also be used in an "easel" position which is
illustrated in FIG. 1I. In the "easel" position, screens 104 and
108 are angled with respect to each other and facing outward with
the edges of screens 104 and 108 substantially horizontal. In this
position, device 100 can be configured to display information on
both screens 104 and 108 to allow two users to simultaneously
interact with device 100. When device 100 is in the "easel"
position, sensors 172A and 172B generate a signal indicating that
the screens 104 and 108 are positioned at an angle to each other,
and the accelerometer 176 can generate a signal indicating that
device 100 has been placed so that the edge of screens 104 and 108
are substantially horizontal. The signals can then be used in
combination to generate events that trigger changes in the display
of information on screens 104 and 108.
[0083] FIG. 1J illustrates device 100 in a "modified easel"
position. In the "modified easel" position, one of screens 104 or
108 is used as a stand and is faced down on the surface of an
object such as a table. This position provides a convenient way for
information to be displayed to a user in landscape orientation.
Similar to the easel position, when device 100 is in the "modified
easel" position, position sensors 172A and 172B generate a signal
indicating that the screens 104 and 108 are positioned at an angle
to each other. The accelerometer 176 would generate a signal
indicating that device 100 has been positioned so that one of
screens 104 and 108 is faced downwardly and is substantially
horizontal. The signals can then be used to generate events that
trigger changes in the display of information of screens 104 and
108. For example, information may not be displayed on the screen
that is face down since a user cannot see the screen.
[0084] Transitional states are also possible. When the position
sensors 172A and B and/or accelerometer indicate that the screens
are being closed or folded (from open), a closing transitional
state is recognized. Conversely when the position sensors 172A and
B indicate that the screens are being opened or folded (from
closed), an opening transitional state is recognized. The closing
and opening transitional states are typically time-based, or have a
maximum time duration from a sensed starting point. Normally, no
user input is possible when one of the closing and opening states
is in effect. In this manner, incidental user contact with a screen
during the closing or opening function is not misinterpreted as
user input. In embodiments, another transitional state is possible
when the device 100 is closed. This additional transitional state
allows the display to switch from one screen 104 to the second
screen 108 when the device 100 is closed based on some user input,
e.g., a double tap on the screen 110,114.
[0085] As can be appreciated, the description of device 100 is made
for illustrative purposes only, and the embodiments are not limited
to the specific mechanical features shown in FIGS. 1A-1J and
described above. In other embodiments, device 100 may include
additional features, including one or more additional buttons,
slots, display areas, hinges, and/or locking mechanisms.
Additionally, in embodiments, the features described above may be
located in different parts of device 100 and still provide similar
functionality. Therefore, FIGS. 1A-1J and the description provided
above are nonlimiting.
[0086] Hardware Features:
[0087] FIG. 2 illustrates components of a device 100 in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the device
100 includes a primary screen 104 and a secondary screen 108. While
the primary screen 104 and its components are normally enabled in
both the opened and closed positions or states, the secondary
screen 108 and its components are normally enabled in the opened
state but disabled in the closed state. However, even when in the
closed state a user or application triggered interrupt (such as in
response to a phone application or camera application operation)
can flip the active screen, or disable the primary screen 104 and
enable the secondary screen 108, by a suitable command. Each screen
104, 108 can be touch sensitive and can include different operative
areas. For example, a first operative area, within each touch
sensitive screen 104 and 108, may comprise a touch sensitive
display 110, 114. In general, the touch sensitive display 110, 114
may comprise a full color, touch sensitive display. A second area
within each touch sensitive screen 104 and 108 may comprise a
gesture capture region 120, 124. The gesture capture region 120,
124 may comprise an area or region that is outside of the touch
sensitive display 110, 114 area, and that is capable of receiving
input, for example in the form of gestures provided by a user.
However, the gesture capture region 120, 124 does not include
pixels that can perform a display function or capability.
[0088] A third region of the touch sensitive screens 104 and 108
may comprise a configurable area 112, 116. The configurable area
112, 116 is capable of receiving input and has display or limited
display capabilities. In embodiments, the configurable area 112,
116 may present different input options to the user. For example,
the configurable area 112, 116 may display buttons or other
relatable items. Moreover, the identity of displayed buttons, or
whether any buttons are displayed at all within the configurable
area 112, 116 of a touch sensitive screen 104 or 108, may be
determined from the context in which the device 100 is used and/or
operated. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensitive screens
104 and 108 comprise liquid crystal display devices extending
across at least those regions of the touch sensitive screens 104
and 108 that are capable of providing visual output to a user, and
a capacitive input matrix over those regions of the touch sensitive
screens 104 and 108 that are capable of receiving input from the
user.
[0089] One or more display controllers 216a, 216b may be provided
for controlling the operation of the touch sensitive screens 104
and 108, including input (touch sensing) and output (display)
functions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a
separate touch screen controller 216a or 216b is provided for each
touch screen 104 and 108. In accordance with alternate embodiments,
a common or shared touch screen controller 216 may be used to
control each of the included touch sensitive screens 104 and 108.
In accordance with still other embodiments, the functions of a
touch screen controller 216 may be incorporated into other
components, such as a processor 204.
[0090] The processor 204 may comprise a general purpose
programmable processor or controller for executing application
programming or instructions. In accordance with at least some
embodiments, the processor 204 may include multiple processor
cores, and/or implement multiple virtual processors. In accordance
with still other embodiments, the processor 204 may include
multiple physical processors. As a particular example, the
processor 204 may comprise a specially configured application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other integrated circuit, a
digital signal processor, a controller, a hardwired electronic or
logic circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array, a special
purpose computer, or the like. The processor 204 generally
functions to run programming code or instructions implementing
various functions of the device 100.
[0091] A communication device 100 may also include memory 208 for
use in connection with the execution of application programming or
instructions by the processor 204, and for the temporary or long
term storage of program instructions and/or data. As examples, the
memory 208 may comprise RAM, DRAM, SDRAM, or other solid state
memory. Alternatively or in addition, data storage 212 may be
provided. Like the memory 208, the data storage 212 may comprise a
solid state memory device or devices. Alternatively or in addition,
the data storage 212 may comprise a hard disk drive or other random
access memory.
[0092] In support of communications functions or capabilities, the
device 100 can include a cellular telephony module 228. As
examples, the cellular telephony module 228 can comprise a GSM,
CDMA, FDMA and/or analog cellular telephony transceiver capable of
supporting voice, multimedia and/or data transfers over a cellular
network. Alternatively or in addition, the device 100 can include
an additional or other wireless communications module 232. As
examples, the other wireless communications module 232 can comprise
a Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH TM, WiMax, infrared, or other wireless
communications link. The cellular telephony module 228 and the
other wireless communications module 232 can each be associated
with a shared or a dedicated antenna 224.
[0093] A port interface 252 may be included. The port interface 252
may include proprietary or universal ports to support the
interconnection of the device 100 to other devices or components,
such as a dock, which may or may not include additional or
different capabilities from those integral to the device 100. In
addition to supporting an exchange of communication signals between
the device 100 and another device or component, the docking port
136 and/or port interface 252 can support the supply of power to or
from the device 100. The port interface 252 also comprises an
intelligent element that comprises a docking module for controlling
communications or other interactions between the device 100 and a
connected device or component.
[0094] An input/output module 248 and associated ports may be
included to support communications over wired networks or links,
for example with other communication devices, server devices,
and/or peripheral devices. Examples of an input/output module 248
include an Ethernet port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port,
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394, or
other interface.
[0095] An audio input/output interface/device(s) 244 can be
included to provide analog audio to an interconnected speaker or
other device, and to receive analog audio input from a connected
microphone or other device. As an example, the audio input/output
interface/device(s) 244 may comprise an associated amplifier and
analog to digital converter. Alternatively or in addition, the
device 100 can include an integrated audio input/output device 256
and/or an audio jack for interconnecting an external speaker or
microphone. For example, an integrated speaker and an integrated
microphone can be provided, to support near talk or speaker phone
operations.
[0096] Hardware buttons 158 can be included for example for use in
connection with certain control operations. Examples include a
master power switch, volume control, etc., as described in
conjunction with FIGS. 1A through 1J. One or more image capture
interfaces/devices 240, such as a camera, can be included for
capturing still and/or video images. Alternatively or in addition,
an image capture interface/device 240 can include a scanner or code
reader. An image capture interface/device 240 can include or be
associated with additional elements, such as a flash or other light
source.
[0097] The device 100 can also include a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver 236. In accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, the GPS receiver 236 may further comprise a GPS module
that is capable of providing absolute location information to other
components of the device 100. An accelerometer(s) 176 may also be
included. For example, in connection with the display of
information to a user and/or other functions, a signal from the
accelerometer 176 can be used to determine an orientation and/or
format in which to display that information to the user.
[0098] Embodiments of the present invention can also include one or
more position sensor(s) 172. The position sensor 172 can provide a
signal indicating the position of the touch sensitive screens 104
and 108 relative to one another. This information can be provided
as an input, for example to a user interface application, to
determine an operating mode, characteristics of the touch sensitive
displays 110, 114, and/or other device 100 operations. As examples,
a screen position sensor 172 can comprise a series of Hall effect
sensors, a multiple position switch, an optical switch, a
Wheatstone bridge, a potentiometer, or other arrangement capable of
providing a signal indicating of multiple relative positions the
touch screens are in.
[0099] Communications between various components of the device 100
can be carried by one or more buses 222. In addition, power can be
supplied to the components of the device 100 from a power source
and/or power control module 260. The power control module 260 can,
for example, include a battery, an AC to DC converter, power
control logic, and/or ports for interconnecting the device 100 to
an external source of power.
[0100] Device State:
[0101] FIGS. 3A and 3B represent illustrative states of device 100.
While a number of illustrative states are shown, and transitions
from a first state to a second state, it is to be appreciated that
the illustrative state diagram may not encompass all possible
states and/or all possible transitions from a first state to a
second state. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the various arrows between
the states (illustrated by the state represented in the circle)
represent a physical change that occurs to the device 100, that is
detected by one or more of hardware and software, the detection
triggering one or more of a hardware and/or software interrupt that
is used to control and/or manage one or more functions of device
100.
[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, there are twelve exemplary
"physical" states: closed 304, transition 308 (or opening
transitional state), easel 312, modified easel 316, open 320,
inbound/outbound call or communication 324, image/video capture
328, transition 332 (or closing transitional state), landscape 340,
docked 336, docked 344 and landscape 348. Next to each illustrative
state is a representation of the physical state of the device 100
with the exception of states 324 and 328, where the state is
generally symbolized by the international icon for a telephone and
the icon for a camera, respectfully.
[0103] In state 304, the device is in a closed state with the
device 100 generally oriented in the portrait direction with the
primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 back-to-back in
different planes (see FIG. 1H). From the closed state, the device
100 can enter, for example, docked state 336, where the device 100
is coupled with a docking station, docking cable, or in general
docked or associated with one or more other devices or peripherals,
or the landscape state 340, where the device 100 is generally
oriented with the primary screen 104 facing the user, and the
primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 being
back-to-back.
[0104] In the closed state, the device can also move to a
transitional state where the device remains closed but the display
is moved from one screen 104 to another screen 108 based on a user
input, e.g., a double tap on the screen 110, 114. Still another
embodiment includes a bilateral state. In the bilateral state, the
device remains closed, but a single application displays at least
one window on both the first display 110 and the second display
114. The windows shown on the first and second display 110, 114 may
be the same or different based on the application and the state of
that application. For example, while acquiring an image with a
camera, the device may display the view finder on the first display
110 and displays a preview for the photo subjects (full screen and
mirrored left-to-right) on the second display 114.
[0105] In state 308, a transition state from the closed state 304
to the semi-open state or easel state 312, the device 100 is shown
opening with the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108
being rotated around a point of axis coincidence with the hinge.
Upon entering the easel state 312, the primary screen 104 and the
secondary screen 108 are separated from one another such that, for
example, the device 100 can sit in an easel-like configuration on a
surface.
[0106] In state 316, known as the modified easel position, the
device 100 has the primary screen 104 and the secondary screen 108
in a similar relative relationship to one another as in the easel
state 312, with the difference being one of the primary screen 104
or the secondary screen 108 are placed on a surface as shown.
[0107] State 320 is the open state where the primary screen 104 and
the secondary screen 108 are generally on the same plane. From the
open state, the device 100 can transition to the docked state 344
or the open landscape state 348. In the open state 320, the primary
screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 are generally in the
portrait-like orientation while in landscaped state 348 the primary
screen 104 and the secondary screen 108 are generally in a
landscape-like orientation.
[0108] State 324 is illustrative of a communication state, such as
when an inbound or outbound call is being received or placed,
respectively, by the device 100. While not illustrated for clarity,
it should be appreciated the device 100 can transition to the
inbound/outbound call state 324 from any state illustrated in FIG.
3. In a similar manner, the image/video capture state 328 can be
entered into from any other state in FIG. 3, with the image/video
capture state 328 allowing the device 100 to take one or more
images via a camera and/or videos with a video capture device
240.
[0109] Transition state 322 illustratively shows primary screen 104
and the secondary screen 108 being closed upon one another for
entry into, for example, the closed state 304.
[0110] FIG. 3B illustrates, with reference to the key, the inputs
that are received to detect a transition from a first state to a
second state. In FIG. 3B, various combinations of states are shown
with in general, a portion of the columns being directed toward a
portrait state 352, a landscape state 356, and a portion of the
rows being directed to portrait state 360 and landscape state
364.
[0111] In FIG. 3B, the Key indicates that "H" represents an input
from one or more Hall Effect sensors, "A" represents an input from
one or more accelerometers, "T" represents an input from a timer,
"P" represents a communications trigger input and "I" represents an
image and/or video capture request input. Thus, in the center
portion 376 of the chart, an input, or combination of inputs, are
shown that represent how the device 100 detects a transition from a
first physical state to a second physical state.
[0112] As discussed, in the center portion of the chart 376, the
inputs that are received enable the detection of a transition from,
for example, a portrait open state to a landscape easel
state--shown in bold--"HAT." For this exemplary transition from the
portrait open to the landscape easel state, a Hall Effect sensor
("H"), an accelerometer ("A") and a timer ("T") input may be
needed. The timer input can be derived from, for example, a clock
associated with the processor.
[0113] In addition to the portrait and landscape states, a docked
state 368 is also shown that is triggered based on the receipt of a
docking signal 372. As discussed above and in relation to FIG. 3,
the docking signal can be triggered by the association of the
device 100 with one or more other device 100s, accessories,
peripherals, smart docks, or the like.
[0114] User Interaction:
[0115] FIGS. 4A through 4H depict various graphical representations
of gesture inputs that may be recognized by the screens 104, 108.
The gestures may be performed not only by a user's body part, such
as a digit, but also by other devices, such as a stylus, that may
be sensed by the contact sensing portion(s) of a screen 104, 108.
In general, gestures are interpreted differently, based on where
the gestures are performed (either directly on the display 110, 114
or in the gesture capture region 120, 124). For example, gestures
in the display 110,114 may be directed to a desktop or application,
and gestures in the gesture capture region 120, 124 may be
interpreted as for the system.
[0116] With reference to FIGS. 4A-4H, a first type of gesture, a
touch gesture 420, is substantially stationary on the screen
104,108 for a selected length of time. A circle 428 represents a
touch or other contact type received at particular location of a
contact sensing portion of the screen. The circle 428 may include a
border 432, the thickness of which indicates a length of time that
the contact is held substantially stationary at the contact
location. For instance, a tap 420 (or short press) has a thinner
border 432a than the border 432b for a long press 424 (or for a
normal press). The long press 424 may involve a contact that
remains substantially stationary on the screen for longer time
period than that of a tap 420. As will be appreciated, differently
defined gestures may be registered depending upon the length of
time that the touch remains stationary prior to contact cessation
or movement on the screen.
[0117] With reference to FIG. 4C, a drag gesture 400 on the screen
104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle 428) with
contact movement 436 in a selected direction. The initial contact
428 may remain stationary on the screen 104,108 for a certain
amount of time represented by the border 432. The drag gesture
typically requires the user to contact an icon, window, or other
displayed image at a first location followed by movement of the
contact in a drag direction to a new second location desired for
the selected displayed image. The contact movement need not be in a
straight line but have any path of movement so long as the contact
is substantially continuous from the first to the second
locations.
[0118] With reference to FIG. 4D, a flick gesture 404 on the screen
104,108 is an initial contact (represented by circle 428) with
truncated contact movement 436 (relative to a drag gesture) in a
selected direction. In embodiments, a flick has a higher exit
velocity for the last movement in the gesture compared to the drag
gesture. The flick gesture can, for instance, be a finger snap
following initial contact. Compared to a drag gesture, a flick
gesture generally does not require continual contact with the
screen 104,108 from the first location of a displayed image to a
predetermined second location. The contacted displayed image is
moved by the flick gesture in the direction of the flick gesture to
the predetermined second location. Although both gestures commonly
can move a displayed image from a first location to a second
location, the temporal duration and distance of travel of the
contact on the screen is generally less for a flick than for a drag
gesture.
[0119] With reference to FIG. 4E, a pinch gesture 408 on the screen
104,108 is depicted. The pinch gesture 408 may be initiated by a
first contact 428 to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a first
digit and a second contact 428b to the screen 104,108 by, for
example, a second digit. The first and second contacts 428a,b may
be detected by a common contact sensing portion of a common screen
104,108, by different contact sensing portions of a common screen
104 or 108, or by different contact sensing portions of different
screens. The first contact 428a is held for a first amount of time,
as represented by the border 432a, and the second contact 428b is
held for a second amount of time, as represented by the border
432b. The first and second amounts of time are generally
substantially the same, and the first and second contacts 428a, b
generally occur substantially simultaneously. The first and second
contacts 428a, b generally also include corresponding first and
second contact movements 436a, b, respectively. The first and
second contact movements 436a, b are generally in opposing
directions. Stated another way, the first contact movement 436a is
towards the second contact 436b, and the second contact movement
436b is towards the first contact 436a. More simply stated, the
pinch gesture 408 may be accomplished by a user's digits touching
the screen 104,108 in a pinching motion.
[0120] With reference to FIG. 4F, a spread gesture 410 on the
screen 104,108 is depicted. The spread gesture 410 may be initiated
by a first contact 428a to the screen 104,108 by, for example, a
first digit and a second contact 428b to the screen 104,108 by, for
example, a second digit. The first and second contacts 428a,b may
be detected by a common contact sensing portion of a common screen
104,108, by different contact sensing portions of a common screen
104,108, or by different contact sensing portions of different
screens. The first contact 428a is held for a first amount of time,
as represented by the border 432a, and the second contact 428b is
held for a second amount of time, as represented by the border
432b. The first and second amounts of time are generally
substantially the same, and the first and second contacts 428a, b
generally occur substantially simultaneously. The first and second
contacts 428a, b generally also include corresponding first and
second contact movements 436a, b, respectively. The first and
second contact movements 436a, b are generally in a common
direction. Stated another way, the first and second contact
movements 436a, b are away from the first and second contacts 428a,
b. More simply stated, the spread gesture 410 may be accomplished
by a user's digits touching the screen 104,108 in a spreading
motion.
[0121] The above gestures may be combined in any manner, such as
those shown by FIGS. 4G and 4H, to produce a determined functional
result. For example, in FIG. 4G a tap gesture 420 is combined with
a drag or flick gesture 412 in a direction away from the tap
gesture 420. In FIG. 4H, a tap gesture 420 is combined with a drag
or flick gesture 412 in a direction towards the tap gesture
420.
[0122] The functional result of receiving a gesture can vary
depending on a number of factors, including a state of the device
100, display 110, 114, or screen 104, 108, a context associated
with the gesture, or sensed location of the gesture. The state of
the device commonly refers to one or more of a configuration of the
device 100, a display orientation, and user and other inputs
received by the device 100. Context commonly refers to one or more
of the particular application(s) selected by the gesture and the
portion(s) of the application currently executing, whether the
application is a single- or multi-screen application, and whether
the application is a multi-screen application displaying one or
more windows in one or more screens or in one or more stacks.
Sensed location of the gesture commonly refers to whether the
sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are on a touch
sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124,
whether the sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates are
associated with a common or different display or screen 104,108,
and/or what portion of the gesture capture region contains the
sensed set(s) of gesture location coordinates.
[0123] A tap, when received by an a touch sensitive display 110,
114, can be used, for instance, to select an icon to initiate or
terminate execution of a corresponding application, to maximize or
minimize a window, to reorder windows in a stack, and to provide
user input such as by keyboard display or other displayed image. A
drag, when received by a touch sensitive display 110, 114, can be
used, for instance, to relocate an icon or window to a desired
location within a display, to reorder a stack on a display, or to
span both displays (such that the selected window occupies a
portion of each display simultaneously). A flick, when received by
a touch sensitive display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120,
124, can be used to relocate a window from a first display to a
second display or to span both displays (such that the selected
window occupies a portion of each display simultaneously). Unlike
the drag gesture, however, the flick gesture is generally not used
to move the displayed image to a specific user-selected location
but to a default location that is not configurable by the user.
[0124] The pinch gesture, when received by a touch sensitive
display 110, 114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used
to minimize or otherwise increase the displayed area or size of a
window (typically when received entirely by a common display), to
switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to
the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received
by different displays or screens), or to display an application
manager (a "pop-up window" that displays the windows in the stack).
The spread gesture, when received by a touch sensitive display 110,
114 or a gesture capture region 120, 124, can be used to maximize
or otherwise decrease the displayed area or size of a window, to
switch windows displayed at the top of the stack on each display to
the top of the stack of the other display (typically when received
by different displays or screens), or to display an application
manager (typically when received by an off-screen gesture capture
region on the same or different screens).
[0125] The combined gestures of FIG. 4G, when received by a common
display capture region in a common display or screen 104,108, can
be used to hold a first window stack location in a first stack
constant for a display receiving the gesture while reordering a
second window stack location in a second window stack to include a
window in the display receiving the gesture. The combined gestures
of FIG. 4H, when received by different display capture regions in a
common display or screen 104,108 or in different displays or
screens, can be used to hold a first window stack location in a
first window stack constant for a display receiving the tap part of
the gesture while reordering a second window stack location in a
second window stack to include a window in the display receiving
the flick or drag gesture. Although specific gestures and gesture
capture regions in the preceding examples have been associated with
corresponding sets of functional results, it is to be appreciated
that these associations can be redefined in any manner to produce
differing associations between gestures and/or gesture capture
regions and/or functional results.
[0126] Firmware and Software:
[0127] The memory 508 may store and the processor 504 may execute
one or more software components. These components can include at
least one operating system (OS) 516, an application manager 562, a
desktop 566, and/or one or more applications 564a and/or 564b from
an application store 560. The OS 516 can include a framework 520,
one or more frame buffers 548, one or more drivers 512, previously
described in conjunction with FIG. 2, and/or a kernel 518. The OS
516 can be any software, consisting of programs and data, which
manages computer hardware resources and provides common services
for the execution of various applications 564. The OS 516 can be
any operating system and, at least in some embodiments, dedicated
to mobile devices, including, but not limited to, Linux, ANDROID
TM, iPhone OS (IOS TM), WINDOWS PHONE 7 TM, etc. The OS 516 is
operable to provide functionality to the phone by executing one or
more operations, as described herein.
[0128] The applications 564 can be any higher level software that
executes particular functionality for the user. Applications 564
can include programs such as email clients, web browsers, texting
applications, games, media players, office suites, etc. The
applications 564 can be stored in an application store 560, which
may represent any memory or data storage, and the management
software associated therewith, for storing the applications 564.
Once executed, the applications 564 may be run in a different area
of memory 508.
[0129] The framework 520 may be any software or data that allows
the multiple tasks running on the device to interact. In
embodiments, at least portions of the framework 520 and the
discrete components described hereinafter may be considered part of
the OS 516 or an application 564. However, these portions will be
described as part of the framework 520, but those components are
not so limited. The framework 520 can include, but is not limited
to, a Multi-Display Management (MDM) module 524, a Surface Cache
module 528, a Window Management module 532, an Input Management
module 536, a Task Management module 540, an Application Model
Manager 542, a Display Controller, one or more frame buffers 548, a
task stack 552, one or more window stacks 550 (which is a logical
arrangement of windows and/or desktops in a display area), and/or
an event buffer 556.
[0130] The MDM module 524 includes one or more modules that are
operable to manage the display of applications or other data on the
screens of the device. An embodiment of the MDM module 524 is
described in conjunction with FIG. 5B. In embodiments, the MDM
module 524 receives inputs from the other OS 516 components, such
as, the drivers 512, and from the applications 564 to determine
continually the state of the device 100. The inputs assist the MDM
module 524 in determining how to configure and allocate the
displays according to the application's preferences and
requirements, and the user's actions. Once a determination for
display configurations is made, the MDM module 524 can bind the
applications 564 to a display. The configuration may then be
provided to one or more other components to generate a window with
a display.
[0131] The Surface Cache module 528 includes any memory or storage
and the software associated therewith to store or cache one or more
images of windows. A series of active and/or non-active windows (or
other display objects, such as, a desktop display) can be
associated with each display. An active window (or other display
object) is currently displayed. A non-active windows (or other
display objects) were opened and, at some time, displayed but are
now not displayed. To enhance the user experience, before a window
transitions from an active state to an inactive state, a "screen
shot" of a last generated image of the window (or other display
object) can be stored. The Surface Cache module 528 may be operable
to store a bitmap of the last active image of a window (or other
display object) not currently displayed. Thus, the Surface Cache
module 528 stores the images of non-active windows (or other
display objects) in a data store.
[0132] In embodiments, the Window Management module 532 is operable
to manage the windows (or other display objects) that are active or
not active on each of the displays. The Window Management module
532, based on information from the MDM module 524, the OS 516, or
other components, determines when a window (or other display
object) is visible or not active. The Window Management module 532
may then put a non-visible window (or other display object) in a
"not active state" and, in conjunction with the Task Management
module Task Management 540 suspends the application's operation.
Further, the Window Management module 532 may assign, through
collaborative interaction with the MDM module 524, a display
identifier to the window (or other display object) or manage one or
more other items of data associated with the window (or other
display object). The Window Management module 532 may also provide
the stored information to the application 564, the Task Management
module 540, or other components interacting with or associated with
the window (or other display object). The Window Management module
532 can also associate an input task with a window based on window
focus and display coordinates within the motion space.
[0133] The Input Management module 536 is operable to manage events
that occur with the device. An event is any input into the window
environment, for example, a user interface interactions with a
user. The Input Management module 536 receives the events and
logically stores the events in an event buffer 556. Events can
include such user interface interactions as a "down event," which
occurs when a screen 104, 108 receives a touch signal from a user,
a "move event," which occurs when the screen 104, 108 determines
that a user's finger is moving across a screen(s), an "up event,
which occurs when the screen 104, 108 determines that the user has
stopped touching the screen 104, 108, etc. These events are
received, stored, and forwarded to other modules by the Input
Management module 536. The Input Management module 536 may also map
screen inputs to a motion space which is the culmination of all
physical and virtual display available on the device.
[0134] The motion space is a virtualized space that includes all
touch sensitive displays 110,114 "tiled" together to mimic the
physical dimensions of the device 100. For example, when the device
100 is unfolded, the motion space size may be 960.times.800, which
may be the number of pixels in the combined display area for both
touch sensitive displays 110, 114. If a user touches on a first
touch sensitive display 110 on location (40, 40), a full screen
window can receive touch event with location (40, 40). If a user
touches on a second touch sensitive display 114, with location (40,
40), the full screen window can receive touch event with location
(520, 40), because the second touch sensitive display 114 is on the
right side of the first touch sensitive display 110, so the device
100 can offset the touch by the first touch sensitive display's 110
width, which is 480 pixels. When a hardware event occurs with
location info from a driver 512, the framework 520 can up-scale the
physical location to the motion space because the location of the
event may be different based on the device orientation and state.
The motion space may be as described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/187,026, filed Jul. 20, 2011, entitled "Systems and
Methods for Receiving Gesture Inputs Spanning Multiple Input
Devices," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
for all that it teaches and for all purposes.
[0135] A task can be an application and a sub-task can be an
application component that provides a window with which users can
interact to do something, such as dial the phone, take a photo,
send an email, or view a map. Each task may be given a window in
which to draw a user interface. The window typically fills a
display (for example, touch sensitive display 110,114), but may be
smaller than the display 110,114 and float on top of other windows.
An application usually consists of multiple sub-tasks that are
loosely bound to each other. Typically, one task in an application
is specified as the "main" task, which is presented to the user
when launching the application for the first time. Each task can
then start another task or sub-task to perform different
actions.
[0136] The Task Management module 540 is operable to manage the
operation of one or more applications 564 that may be executed by
the device. Thus, the Task Management module 540 can receive
signals to launch, suspend, terminate, etc. an application or
application sub-tasks stored in the application store 560. The Task
Management module 540 may then instantiate one or more tasks or
sub-tasks of the application 564 to begin operation of the
application 564. Further, the Task Management Module 540 may
launch, suspend, or terminate a task or sub-task as a result of
user input or as a result of a signal from a collaborating
framework 520 component. The Task Management Module 540 is
responsible for managing the lifecycle of applications (tasks and
sub-task) from when the application is launched to when the
application is terminated.
[0137] The processing of the Task Management Module 540 is
facilitated by a task stack 552, which is a logical structure
associated with the Task Management Module 540. The task stack 552
maintains the state of all tasks and sub-tasks on the device 100.
When some component of the operating system 516 requires a task or
sub-task to transition in its lifecycle, the OS 516 component can
notify the Task Management Module 540. The Task Management Module
540 may then locate the task or sub-task, using identification
information, in the task stack 552, and send a signal to the task
or sub-task indicating what kind of lifecycle transition the task
needs to execute. Informing the task or sub-task of the transition
allows the task or sub-task to prepare for the lifecycle state
transition. The Task Management Module 540 can then execute the
state transition for the task or sub-task. In embodiments, the
state transition may entail triggering the OS kernel 518 to
terminate the task when termination is required.
[0138] Further, the Task Management module 540 may suspend the
application 564 based on information from the Window Management
Module 532. Suspending the application 564 may maintain application
data in memory but may limit or stop the application 564 from
rendering a window or user interface. Once the application becomes
active again, the Task Management module 540 can again trigger the
application to render its user interface. In embodiments, if a task
is suspended, the task may save the task's state in case the task
is terminated. In the suspended state, the application task may not
receive input because the application window is not visible to the
user.
[0139] The frame buffer 548 is a logical structure(s) used to
render the user interface. The frame buffer 548 can be created and
destroyed by the OS kernel 518. However, the Display Controller 544
can write the image data, for the visible windows, into the frame
buffer 548. A frame buffer 548 can be associated with one screen or
multiple screens. The association of a frame buffer 548 with a
screen can be controlled dynamically by interaction with the OS
kernel 518. A composite display may be created by associating
multiple screens with a single frame buffer 548. Graphical data
used to render an application's window user interface may then be
written to the single frame buffer 548, for the composite display,
which is output to the multiple screens 104,108. The Display
Controller 544 can direct an application's user interface to a
portion of the frame buffer 548 that is mapped to a particular
display 110,114, thus, displaying the user interface on only one
screen 104 or 108. The Display Controller 544 can extend the
control over user interfaces to multiple applications, controlling
the user interfaces for as many displays as are associated with a
frame buffer 548 or a portion thereof. This approach compensates
for the multiple physical screens 104,108 that are in use by the
software component above the Display Controller 544.
[0140] The Application Manager 562 is an application that provides
a presentation layer for the window environment. Thus, the
Application Manager 562 provides the graphical model for rendering
by the Task Management Module 540. Likewise, the Desktop 566
provides the presentation layer for the Application Store 560.
Thus, the desktop provides a graphical model of a surface having
selectable application icons for the Applications 564 in the
Application Store 560 that can be provided to the Window Management
Module 556 for rendering.
[0141] Further, the framework can include an Application Model
Manager (AMM) 542. The Application Manager 562 may interface with
the AMM 542. In embodiments, the AMM 542 receives state change
information from the device 100 regarding the state of applications
(which are running or suspended). The AMM 542 can associate bit map
images from the Surface Cache Module 528 to the tasks that are
alive (running or suspended). Further, the AMM 542 can convert the
logical window stack maintained in the Task Manager Module 540 to a
linear ("film strip" or "deck of cards") organization that the user
perceives when the using the off gesture capture area 120 to sort
through the windows. Further, the AMM 542 may provide a list of
executing applications to the Application Manager 562.
[0142] An embodiment of the MDM module 524 is shown in FIG. 5B. The
MDM module 524 is operable to determine the state of the
environment for the device, including, but not limited to, the
orientation of the device, whether the device 100 is opened or
closed, what applications 564 are executing, how the applications
564 are to be displayed, what actions the user is conducting, the
tasks being displayed, etc. To configure the display, the MDM
module 524 interprets these environmental factors and determines a
display configuration, as described in conjunction with FIGS.
6A-6J. Then, the MDM module 524 can bind the applications 564 or
other device components to the displays. The configuration may then
be sent to the Display Controller 544 and/or the other components
within the OS 516 to generate the display. The MDM module 524 can
include one or more of, but is not limited to, a Display
Configuration Module 568, a Preferences Module 572, a Device State
Module 574, a Gesture Module 576, a Requirements Module 580, an
Event Module 584, and/or a Binding Module 588.
[0143] The Display Configuration Module 568 determines the layout
for the display. In embodiments, the Display Configuration Module
568 can determine the environmental factors. The environmental
factors may be received from one or more other MDM modules 524 or
from other sources. The Display Configuration Module 568 can then
determine from the list of factors the best configuration for the
display. Some embodiments of the possible configurations and the
factors associated therewith are described in conjunction with
FIGS. 6A-6F.
[0144] The Preferences Module 572 is operable to determine display
preferences for an application 564 or other component. For example,
an application can have a preference for Single or Dual displays.
The Preferences Module 572 can determine an application's display
preference (e.g., by inspecting the application's preference
settings) and may allow the application 564 to change to a mode
(e.g., single screen, dual screen, max, etc.) if the device 100 is
in a state that can accommodate the preferred mode. However, some
user interface policies may disallow a mode even if the mode is
available. As the configuration of the device changes, the
preferences may be reviewed to determine if a better display
configuration can be achieved for an application 564.
[0145] The Device State Module 574 is operable to determine or
receive the state of the device. The state of the device can be as
described in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B. The state of the
device can be used by the Display Configuration Module 568 to
determine the configuration for the display. As such, the Device
State Module 574 may receive inputs and interpret the state of the
device. The state information is then provided to the Display
Configuration Module 568.
[0146] The Gesture Module 576 is shown as part of the MDM module
524, but, in embodiments, the Gesture module 576 may be a separate
Framework 520 component that is separate from the MDM module 524.
In embodiments, the Gesture Module 576 is operable to determine if
the user is conducting any actions on any part of the user
interface. In alternative embodiments, the Gesture Module 576
receives user interface actions from the configurable area 112,116
only. The Gesture Module 576 can receive touch events that occur on
the configurable area 112,116 (or possibly other user interface
areas) by way of the Input Management Module 536 and may interpret
the touch events (using direction, speed, distance, duration, and
various other parameters) to determine what kind of gesture the
user is performing. When a gesture is interpreted, the Gesture
Module 576 can initiate the processing of the gesture and, by
collaborating with other Framework 520 components, can manage the
required window animation. The Gesture Module 576 collaborates with
the Application Model Manager 542 to collect state information with
respect to which applications are running (active or paused) and
the order in which applications must appear when a user gesture is
performed. The Gesture Module 576 may also receive references to
bitmaps (from the Surface Cache Module 528) and live windows so
that when a gesture occurs it can instruct the Display Controller
544 how to move the window(s) across the display 110,114. Thus,
suspended applications may appear to be running when those windows
are moved across the display 110,114.
[0147] Further, the Gesture Module 576 can receive task information
either from the Task Manage Module 540 or the Input Management
module 536. The gestures may be as defined in conjunction with
FIGS. 4A through 4H. For example, moving a window causes the
display to render a series of display frames that illustrate the
window moving. The gesture associated with such user interface
interaction can be received and interpreted by the Gesture Module
576. The information about the user gesture is then sent to the
Task Management Module 540 to modify the display binding of the
task.
[0148] The Requirements Module 580, similar to the Preferences
Module 572, is operable to determine display requirements for an
application 564 or other component. An application can have a set
display requirement that must be observed. Some applications
require a particular display orientation. For example, the
application "Angry Birds" can only be displayed in landscape
orientation. This type of display requirement can be determined or
received, by the Requirements Module 580. As the orientation of the
device changes, the Requirements Module 580 can reassert the
display requirements for the application 564. The Display
Configuration Module 568 can generate a display configuration that
is in accordance with the application display requirements, as
provided by the Requirements Module 580.
[0149] The Event Module 584, similar to the Gesture Module 576, is
operable to determine one or more events occurring with an
application or other component that can affect the user interface.
Thus, the Event Module 584 can receive event information either
from the event buffer 556 or the Task Management module 540. These
events can change how the tasks are bound to the displays. The
Event Module 584 can collect state change information from other
Framework 520 components and act upon that state change
information. In an example, when the phone is opened or closed or
when an orientation change has occurred, a new message may be
rendered in a secondary screen. The state change based on the event
can be received and interpreted by the Event Module 584. The
information about the events then may be sent to the Display
Configuration Module 568 to modify the configuration of the
display.
[0150] The Binding Module 588 is operable to bind the applications
564 or the other components to the configuration determined by the
Display Configuration Module 568. A binding associates, in memory,
the display configuration for each application with the display and
mode of the application. Thus, the Binding Module 588 can associate
an application with a display configuration for the application
(e.g. landscape, portrait, multi-screen, etc.). Then, the Binding
Module 588 may assign a display identifier to the display. The
display identifier associated the application with a particular
display of the device 100. This binding is then stored and provided
to the Display Controller 544, the other components of the OS 516,
or other components to properly render the display. The binding is
dynamic and can change or be updated based on configuration changes
associated with events, gestures, state changes, application
preferences or requirements, etc.
[0151] User Interface Configurations:
[0152] With reference now to FIGS. 6A-J, various types of output
configurations made possible by the device 100 will be described
hereinafter.
[0153] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict two different output configurations
of the device 100 being in a first state. Specifically, FIG. 6A
depicts the device 100 being in a closed portrait state 304 where
the data is displayed on the primary screen 104. In this example,
the device 100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 110 in
a first portrait configuration 604. As can be appreciated, the
first portrait configuration 604 may only display a desktop or
operating system home screen. Alternatively, one or more windows
may be presented in a portrait orientation while the device 100 is
displaying data in the first portrait configuration 604.
[0154] FIG. 6B depicts the device 100 still being in the closed
portrait state 304, but instead data is displayed on the secondary
screen 108. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the
touch sensitive display 114 in a second portrait configuration
608.
[0155] It may be possible to display similar or different data in
either the first or second portrait configuration 604, 608. It may
also be possible to transition between the first portrait
configuration 604 and second portrait configuration 608 by
providing the device 100 a user gesture (e.g., a double tap
gesture), a menu selection, or other means. Other suitable gestures
may also be employed to transition between configurations.
Furthermore, it may also be possible to transition the device 100
from the first or second portrait configuration 604, 608 to any
other configuration described herein depending upon which state the
device 100 is moved.
[0156] An alternative output configuration may be accommodated by
the device 100 being in a second state. Specifically, FIG. 6C
depicts a third portrait configuration where data is displayed
simultaneously on both the primary screen 104 and the secondary
screen 108. The third portrait configuration may be referred to as
a Dual-Portrait (PD) output configuration. In the PD output
configuration, the touch sensitive display 110 of the primary
screen 104 depicts data in the first portrait configuration 604
while the touch sensitive display 114 of the secondary screen 108
depicts data in the second portrait configuration 608. The
simultaneous presentation of the first portrait configuration 604
and the second portrait configuration 608 may occur when the device
100 is in an open portrait state 320. In this configuration, the
device 100 may display one application window in one display 110 or
114, two application windows (one in each display 110 and 114), one
application window and one desktop, or one desktop. Other
configurations may be possible. It should be appreciated that it
may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the
simultaneous display of configurations 604, 608 to any other
configuration described herein depending upon which state the
device 100 is moved. Furthermore, while in this state, an
application's display preference may place the device into
bilateral mode, in which both displays are active to display
different windows in the same application. For example, a Camera
application may display a viewfinder and controls on one side,
while the other side displays a mirrored preview that can be seen
by the photo subjects. Games involving simultaneous play by two
players may also take advantage of bilateral mode.
[0157] FIGS. 6D and 6E depicts two further output configurations of
the device 100 being in a third state. Specifically, FIG. 6D
depicts the device 100 being in a closed landscape state 340 where
the data is displayed on the primary screen 104. In this example,
the device 100 displays data via the touch sensitive display 110 in
a first landscape configuration 612. Much like the other
configurations described herein, the first landscape configuration
612 may display a desktop, a home screen, one or more windows
displaying application data, or the like.
[0158] FIG. 6E depicts the device 100 still being in the closed
landscape state 340, but instead data is displayed on the secondary
screen 108. In this example, the device 100 displays data via the
touch sensitive display 114 in a second landscape configuration
616. It may be possible to display similar or different data in
either the first or second portrait configuration 612, 616. It may
also be possible to transition between the first landscape
configuration 612 and second landscape configuration 616 by
providing the device 100 with one or both of a twist and tap
gesture or a flip and slide gesture. Other suitable gestures may
also be employed to transition between configurations. Furthermore,
it may also be possible to transition the device 100 from the first
or second landscape configuration 612, 616 to any other
configuration described herein depending upon which state the
device 100 is moved.
[0159] FIG. 6F depicts a third landscape configuration where data
is displayed simultaneously on both the primary screen 104 and the
secondary screen 108. The third landscape configuration may be
referred to as a Dual-Landscape (LD) output configuration. In the
LD output configuration, the touch sensitive display 110 of the
primary screen 104 depicts data in the first landscape
configuration 612 while the touch sensitive display 114 of the
secondary screen 108 depicts data in the second landscape
configuration 616. The simultaneous presentation of the first
landscape configuration 612 and the second landscape configuration
616 may occur when the device 100 is in an open landscape state
340. It should be appreciated that it may also be possible to
transition the device 100 from the simultaneous display of
configurations 612, 616 to any other configuration described herein
depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
[0160] FIGS. 6G and 6H depict two views of a device 100 being in
yet another state. Specifically, the device 100 is depicted as
being in an easel state 312. FIG. 6G shows that a first easel
output configuration 618 may be displayed on the touch sensitive
display 110. FIG. 6H shows that a second easel output configuration
620 may be displayed on the touch sensitive display 114. The device
100 may be configured to depict either the first easel output
configuration 618 or the second easel output configuration 620
individually. Alternatively, both the easel output configurations
618, 620 may be presented simultaneously. In some embodiments, the
easel output configurations 618, 620 may be similar or identical to
the landscape output configurations 612, 616. The device 100 may
also be configured to display one or both of the easel output
configurations 618, 620 while in a modified easel state 316. It
should be appreciated that simultaneous utilization of the easel
output configurations 618, 620 may facilitate two-person games
(e.g., Battleship.RTM., chess, checkers, etc.), multi-user
conferences where two or more users share the same device 100, and
other applications. As can be appreciated, it may also be possible
to transition the device 100 from the display of one or both
configurations 618, 620 to any other configuration described herein
depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
[0161] FIG. 61 depicts yet another output configuration that may be
accommodated while the device 100 is in an open portrait state 320.
Specifically, the device 100 may be configured to present a single
continuous image across both touch sensitive displays 110, 114 in a
portrait configuration referred to herein as a Portrait-Max (PMax)
configuration 624. In this configuration, data (e.g., a single
image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may be split and
displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive displays while
the other portion of the data is displayed on the other touch
sensitive display. The Pmax configuration 624 may facilitate a
larger display and/or better resolution for displaying a particular
image on the device 100. Similar to other output configurations, it
may be possible to transition the device 100 from the Pmax
configuration 624 to any other output configuration described
herein depending upon which state the device 100 is moved.
[0162] FIG. 6J depicts still another output configuration that may
be accommodated while the device 100 is in an open landscape state
348. Specifically, the device 100 may be configured to present a
single continuous image across both touch sensitive displays 110,
114 in a landscape configuration referred to herein as a
Landscape-Max (LMax) configuration 628. In this configuration, data
(e.g., a single image, application, window, icon, video, etc.) may
be split and displayed partially on one of the touch sensitive
displays while the other portion of the data is displayed on the
other touch sensitive display. The Lmax configuration 628 may
facilitate a larger display and/or better resolution for displaying
a particular image on the device 100. Similar to other output
configurations, it may be possible to transition the device 100
from the Lmax configuration 628 to any other output configuration
described herein depending upon which state the device 100 is
moved.
[0163] The device 100 may configure and display individual display
screens relative to the device state and/or user orientation of the
device, as will be described in FIGS. 7-11. The device is equipped
with one or more sensors that facilitate the detectability of the
relationship of the primary screen to the secondary screen, and the
general orientation of the device. The device may correlate device
state to management of windows, and correlate transitional states
between open and closed states to device behavior and/or window
operations. The method and device may present a closed state with
both windows viewable, an open state with both windows viewable or
a semi-open state with one or more of the windows viewable.
[0164] As an example, device 100 is capable of supporting multiple
states that each can exhibit specific functionality and
requirements. The transitions from one state to another state can
also be utilized to implement specific handling to ensure, for
example, usability, decrease unintentional user input, increase
flexibility and increase device usage efficiency. As discussed, for
example above in relation to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the device 100, can
be in a number of different states, where the states represent a
physical change that occurs to the device 100 that is detected by
one or more hardware and software. This detection triggers one or
more of a hardware and/or software interrupt(s), or triggers, that
can be used to control and/or manage and/or start/stop one or more
functions and/or inputs and/or outputs of the device 100.
[0165] More specifically, the basic states, as outlined in FIG. 7,
include open, where the device 100 is fully open, closed 304, where
the device is folded and fully or substantially fully closed, and
transitional states 308 and 332. Transition state 308 includes the
opening transition state 704, where the device is being opened from
a closed position or easel position, where the screens were in a
back-to-back configuration. The closing transition state 708 is
where the device 100 is in some other state (such as open or
easel), and is transitioning to the closed state, such that the
screens will be placed back-to-back. In the closing transition
state, when the device is being "folded" from an open or easel
state, the device 100 is considered to be in a transitional closing
state. This transitional closing state 708 is valid between an open
and a closed threshold, and can be time-based. In the opening
transition state 704, while the device 100 is being unfolded, from
a closed position or an easel position, it can be considered to be
in a transitional opening state. This transitional opening state is
valid between the closed and open trigger thresholds and can
similarly be time-based.
[0166] In addition, there can be special states, such as easel
state 312 and modified easel state 316, where the device is neither
open nor closed. In either of these special states, the device can
be used, for example, such that at least the primary screen remains
functional and, for example, since the accelerometer of the device
is in the secondary screen, the orientation of the primary screen
in these special modes can be, for example, contingent on the state
prior to entering the special or easel mode. For example, if the
device is in a horizontal orientation before entering easel state
312, the orientation of information shown on the display 110 will
be presented in landscape view. An additional special state exists
if either the primary or secondary screens are placed face-down on
a surface.
[0167] An embodiment of a method 800 for determining device state
and controlling or correlating device state to the management of
device windows is shown in FIG. 8. A general order for the steps of
the method 800 is shown in FIG. 8. Generally, the method 800 starts
with a start operation 804 and ends with an end operation 892. The
method 800 can include more or fewer steps or can arrange the order
of the steps differently than those shown in FIG. 8. The method 700
can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions
executed by a computer system and encoded or stored on a computer
readable medium. Hereinafter, the method 800 shall be explained
with reference to the systems, components, modules, software, data
structures, user interfaces, etc. described in conjunction with
FIGS. 1-8. In embodiments, the method 800 is implemented by, but is
not limited to, the Multi-Display Management (MDM) module 524, a
Window Management module 532, an Input Management module 536, a
Task Management module 540, an Application Model Manager 542,
and/or a Display Controller 544.
[0168] A multi-screen device 100 can receive device state
information via sensors in step 812. The device is equipped with
one or more sensors that facilitate the detectability of the
relationship of the primary screen to the secondary screen, and the
general orientation of the device. As discussed previously, the
position sensor 172 can provide a signal indicating the position
and movement of the display screens 104 and 108 relative to one
another. Broadly, the position sensor 172 can provide a signal as
to the device 100 oriented in the upright (i.e. vertical)
configurations or the sideways (i.e. horizontal) configurations,
variously described in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the state information
can determine if there has been a configuration change to the
device 100. The configuration change may be an event (see FIG. 3A
and 3B) triggered by one or more signals from one or more hardware
sensor 172, 176, etc. For example, if the device 100 is changed
from an upright or vertical configurations to a sideways or
horizontal configurations, Hall effect sensors 172 may indicate
that a display configuration change should be considered. As
previously discussed, for example with respect to FIGS. 5A-B, the
MDM module 524 is operable to determine the state of the
environment for the device, including, but not limited to, the
orientation of the device, whether the device 100 is opened or
closed, what applications 564 are executing, how the applications
564 are to be displayed, what actions the user is conducting, the
tasks being displayed, etc. The MDM module 524 can include one or
more of, but is not limited to, a Display Configuration Module 568,
a Preferences Module 572, a Device State Module 574, a Gesture
Module 576, a Requirements Module 580, an Event Module 584, and/or
a Binding Module 588. The Device State Module 574 is operable to
determine or receive the state of the device. As such, in
embodiments step 812 may be implemented by the Device State Module
574.
[0169] In step 816, the device state is determined. As discussed
with regard to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 7, there are twelve exemplary
"physical" states: closed 304, transition 308 (or opening
transitional state), easel 312, modified easel 316, open 320,
inbound/outbound call or communication 324, image/video capture
328, transition 332 (or closing transitional state), landscape 340,
docked 336, docked 344 and landscape 348. Next to each illustrative
state is a representation of the physical state of the device 100
with the exception of states 324 and 328, where the state is
generally symbolized by the international icon for a telephone and
the icon for a camera, respectfully. Recall that while the handset
is being unfolded (from closed) it is considered to be in a
transitional opening state. This transitional state is only valid
between the closed and open trigger thresholds and is time based.
An accelerometer in the secondary screen governs the orientation of
the primary screen in these modes such that the primary screen
state will be contingent on the state of the device prior to
entering Easel State.
[0170] In FIG. 8, toward realizing step 840 in which device state
is controlled or correlated with window management, the states are
categorized as: fully unfolded 820 (akin to open state 320), fully
folded 824 (akin to closed state 304), being unfolded 828 (akin to
opening transition state 704), being folded 732 (akin to closing
transition state 708), and special states 736 (e.g. easel state and
modified easel state of FIG. 7, and phone ring state of FIG. 11A).
In one embodiment, when the device is fully unfolded and the
display screens are parallel, the device is in the open state.
Similarly, in one embodiment, when the device is fully folded, the
device is in the closed state. The various device states of FIG. 8
are determined by use of the device sensor input received in step
812.
[0171] In step 840, the device state, as determined in step 816 and
assigned a state comprising 820, 824, 828, 832 and 836, is
controlled and/or correlated with window management. That is, the
at least one display is managed per screen rules specific to that
particular state. The display rules for open and closed states are
provided in more detail in regards to FIG. 9. The hierarchy of
rules with respect to, for example user preferences and preferences
of applications, is provided in FIG. 10. Display rules regarding
the phone ring special state are provided in FIG. 11A.
[0172] One example of a rule set of step 740 may be illustrated by
rules governing the device when in the closed state 304. In this
state, it is possible to flip the device around and activate the
second screen. This concept is known as the secondary single screen
mode. Secondary single screen mode can be activated in several
ways. For example, applications may flip themselves over to the
secondary screen; this concept is known as the flip & slide.
From the point of view of the application stack, flip & slide
moves the active application from the primary stack to the
secondary stack (and vice versa). When the flip & slide action
is initiated, an instructional screen is shown on the screen that
is currently active. This instructive screen is shown to convey the
need to turn the device around. Eventually, the screen is turned
off. In all cases, while in the secondary single screen mode, the
application stack can be navigated using standard WPC off-screen
gestures. Essentially all the rules are the same - the main
difference is that instead of using the primary screen, the
secondary screen is used instead.
[0173] The device also comprises a rule set that governs what
happens with the device/primary/secondary screens at: normal open,
transition trigger, closed trigger and normal closed positions as
the device either opens or closes. An extension of this rule set
applies to when the device is opened from a screen locked
state.
[0174] In step 844, a query is made to determine if device state
information has changed. For example, whether the device 100 has
moved from a generally vertical orientation to a generally
horizontal orientation. If the device state information has
changed, the method proceeds to step 812. If the device state
information has not changed, the method proceeds to step 892 and
ends.
[0175] An embodiment of a method 900 for triggering device open
state and device closed state events is shown in FIG. 9. A general
order for the steps of the method 900 is shown in FIG. 9.
Generally, the method 900 starts with a start operation 904 and
ends with an end operation 992. The method 900 can include more or
fewer steps or can arrange the order of the steps differently than
those shown in FIG. 9. The method 900 can be executed as a set of
computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and
encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. Hereinafter, the
method 900 shall be explained with reference to the systems,
components, modules, software, data structures, user interfaces,
etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9. In embodiments, the
method 900 is implemented by, but is not limited to, the
Multi-Display Management (MDM) module 524, a Window Management
module 532, an Input Management module 536, a Task Management
module 540, an Application Model Manager 542, and/or a Display
Controller 544.
[0176] The multi-screen device 100 determines if the device 100 is
entering the closed or open state in step 912. The device
determines such a transition using the device's one or more sensors
that facilitate the detectability of the relationship of the
primary screen to the secondary screen, and the general orientation
of the device, as discussed above in, for example, steps 812 and
816 of FIG. 8. For example, the position sensor 172 can provide a
signal indicating the position of the display screens 104 and 108
relative to one another. Broadly, the position sensor 172 can
provide a signal as to the device 100 oriented in the upright (i.e.
vertical) configurations or the sideways (i.e. horizontal)
configurations, variously described in FIG. 7. In particular, the
state information can determine if there has been a configuration
change to the device 100. The configuration change may be an event
(see FIG. 3A and 3B) triggered by one or more signals from one or
more hardware sensor 172, 176, etc. Step 912 may be implemented by
the Device State Module 574. If step 912 determines that the device
is not entering an open or closed state, the method 900 ends at
step 992. If instead, step 912 determines that the device is
entering either the open or closed step, step 916 is entered.
[0177] In step 916, the device determines whether the device is
entering the open state or the closed state. This decision is
reached using the set of one or more sensors described above, that
is, using the device's one or more sensors that facilitate the
detectability of the relationship of the primary screen to the
secondary screen, and the general orientation of the device. If at
step 916 it is determined that the device is entering the open
state, step 920 is entered. If instead step 916 determines that the
device is entering a closed state, step 924 is entered.
[0178] In step 920, open state events are triggered, comprising: 1)
secondary screen display activates; 2) secondary screen contents
are displayed (as per OS handling), 3) secondary WPC region
activates; 4) secondary buttons activate (not focus); 5) secondary
touch screen activates; and 6) the device is fully functional
across both sides. Furthermore, if the device was in standby prior
to opening, the act of opening will be optionally considered
sufficient intent to activate the handset and bypass the lock
screen. A passcode screen, for example may be required. At the
completion of step 920, the process 900 ends with step 992.
[0179] In step 924, closed state events are triggered, comprising:
1) secondary touch screen input disables; 2) secondary capacitive
buttons disable; 3) secondary WPC region disables; 4) secondary
screen's display de-activates; 5) focus moves to the primary
screen; and 6) device is placed in single screen mode and all
relevant OS level actions are triggered (i.e. auto minimization).
At the completion of step 924, the process 900 ends with step
992.
[0180] An embodiment of a method 1000 for receiving user and
application preferences, determining device state and controlling
or correlating device state to the management of device windows is
shown in FIG. 10. Generally, both the primary and secondary screens
have rule sets that govern display properties based on any one or
more of the above states. Layered on top of such rules is a
detection of the device orientation, application orientation and
application orientation preferences. Based on this combination,
windowing management and display decisions are made and the
device's display characteristics updated. A general order for the
steps of the method 1000 is shown in FIG. 10. Generally, the method
1000 starts with a start operation 1004 and ends with an end
operation 1092. The method 1000 can include more or fewer steps or
can arrange the order of the steps differently than those shown in
FIG. 10. The method 1000 can be executed as a set of
computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and
encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. Hereinafter, the
method 1000 shall be explained with reference to the systems,
components, modules, software, data structures, user interfaces,
etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-10. In embodiments, the
method 1000 is implemented by, but is not limited to, the
Multi-Display Management (MDM) module 524, a Window Management
module 532, an Input Management module 536, a Task Management
module 540, an Application Model Manager 542, and/or a Display
Controller 544.
[0181] In step 1006, user preferences are received (such as display
orientation characteristics, e.g. display mode such as portrait or
landscape). For example, a user could input, at step 1006, a
preference request that the application "App9" be presented in a
first display mode, such as a portrait mode P.sub.1, and another
application "App10" be presented in a second display mode, such as
landscape mode L.sub.1. The user could also input, for example, a
preference request that App9 be locked in portrait mode, such that
independent of the orientation of the device 100, App9 always
presents itself in portrait mode. Also, for example, a user could
input a preference request that a primary screen display 701 be
presented in a first display mode, such as a portrait mode P.sub.1,
and another secondary screen display 711 be presented in a second
display mode, such as landscape mode L.sub.1. The user could also
input, for example, a preference request that primary screen 701 be
locked in portrait mode, such that independent of the orientation
of the device 100 (and optionally independent of the application
running unless the application must run in a specified display
mode), the primary screen always presents itself in portrait
mode.
[0182] In step 1008, application preferences (or requirements) are
received. An application can have a set display requirement that
must be observed. Some applications require a particular display
orientation. For example, the application "Angry Birds" can only be
displayed in landscape orientation.
[0183] In step 1010, device sensor inputs are received, in step
1012, device orientation is received, and in step 1014 application
orientation is received. Each of these steps comprise assessment of
sensor inputs. As discussed above, the device is equipped with one
or more sensors that facilitate the detectability of the
relationship of the primary screen to the secondary screen, the
general orientation and relative movement of the screens of the
device, and orientation of various applications on the displays. As
discussed previously, the position sensor 172 can provide a signal
indicating the position of the display screens 104 and 108 relative
to one another. Broadly, the position sensor 172 can provide a
signal as to the device 100 oriented in the upright (i.e. vertical)
configurations or the sideways (i.e. horizontal) configurations,
variously described in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the state information
can determine if there has been a configuration change to the
device 100. The configuration change may be an event (see FIG. 3A
and 3B) triggered by one or more signals from one or more hardware
sensor 172, 176, etc. In embodiments one or more of steps 1008,
1010 and 1012 may be implemented by the Device State Module
574.
[0184] In step 1016, the device state is determined. This step is
similar to that described for step 816 of FIG. 8.
[0185] In step 1018, the display characteristics for each display
are determined. In this step, display preferences, such as a user
preference for primary screen to always display in portrait mode,
i.e. be locked-in to present portrait mode, are adjudicated or
arbitrated against display preferences provided by an application
and also display requirements that may be provided by a user and/or
an application. For example, the adjudication logic may provide
that an application's display requirement override any other
preferences input by the user and/or the application. As an
example, the display adjudication logic may require that user
preferences and/or requirements always override preferences of an
application for a particular display window, yet not allow such
user preferences and/or requirements to override an application
display requirement. The adjudication logic may be reconfigurable.
In step 1020, the nominal display mode for each display screen is
presented. The process 1000 ends at step 1092.
[0186] An embodiment of a method 1100 for instructing a user
regarding receiving a phone call is shown in FIG. 11A. Generally,
if device is open and one receives a call, rules instruct the user
how to manipulate the device to optimize phone usability. For
example, if the user is interacting with an application on the
secondary screen and a call arrives, the user is instructed to flip
the phone; the instruction could be done in any of several ways,
comprising visually, audibly and by vibration. A general order for
the steps of the method 1100 is shown in FIG. 11A. Generally, the
method 1100 starts with a start operation 1106 and ends with an end
operation 1192. The method 1100 can include more or fewer steps or
can arrange the order of the steps differently than those shown in
FIG. 11. The method 1100 can be executed as a set of
computer-executable instructions executed by a computer system and
encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. Hereinafter, the
method 1100 shall be explained with reference to the systems,
components, modules, software, data structures, user interfaces,
etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-11. In embodiments, the
method 1100 is implemented by, but is not limited to, the
Multi-Display Management (MDM) module 524, a Window Management
module 532, an Input Management module 536, a Task Management
module 540, an Application Model Manager 542, and/or a Display
Controller 544.
[0187] The multi-screen device 100 determines if the device 100 is
open in step 1116. This step is similar to that described above for
determining device state in step 816 of FIG. 8. If the device is
not open then step 1116 enters step 1192 and the process 1100
stops. If step 1116 determines that the device is indeed open, then
step 1120 is entered.
[0188] At step 1120, the device determines if a phone call is being
received. If a call is being received, instructions are presented
in step 1124 to the user and then the process ends at step 1192. If
no call is being received, then step 1120 proceeds to step 1192 and
the process ends.
[0189] FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary user interface 1110 for
instructing a user as to receiving a phone call. One graphic
identifies the incoming call and the other graphic instructs the
user to turn the phone over.
[0190] To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the
preceding description omits a number of known structures and
devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of
the scopes of the claims. Specific details are set forth to provide
an understanding of the present disclosure. It should however be
appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a
variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.
[0191] Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations illustrated herein show the various
components of the system collocated, certain components of the
system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a
distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a
dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the
components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices,
or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such
as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a
packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be
appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of
computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be
arranged at any location within a distributed network of components
without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the
various components can be located in a switch such as a PBX and
media server, gateway, in one or more communications devices, at
one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof.
Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could be
distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an
associated computing device.
[0192] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links
connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any
combination thereof, or any other known or later developed
element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data
to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links
can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating
encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for
example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals,
including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may
take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated
during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.
[0193] Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and
illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it
should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to
this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation
of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.
[0194] A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure
can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of
the disclosure without providing others.
[0195] In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this
disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose
computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and
peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other
integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired
electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a
programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA,
PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like.
In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the
methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various
aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for
the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes
computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet
enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware
known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a
single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage,
input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative
software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein.
[0196] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be
readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or
object-oriented software development environments that provide
portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or
workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be
implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic
circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to
implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is
dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the
system, the particular function, and the particular software or
hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being
utilized.
[0197] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be
partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage
medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the
cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer,
a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and
methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded
on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA.RTM. or CGI script, as
a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a
routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system
component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by
physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software
and/or hardware system.
[0198] Although the present disclosure describes components and
functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations with reference to particular standards and
protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not
limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards
and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are
considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the
standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar
standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically
superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having
essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and
protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents
included in the present disclosure.
[0199] The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments,
and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes,
systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described
herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations
embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of
skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the
present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and
processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described
herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations
hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been
used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving
performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0200] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to
limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the
foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the
disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects,
embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining
the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate
aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those
discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted
as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features
than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of
a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or
configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated
into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own
as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.
[0201] Moreover, though the description has included description of
one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain
variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and
modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may
be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after
understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain
rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or
configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate,
interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or
steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly
dedicate any patentable subject matter.
* * * * *