U.S. patent application number 15/120326 was filed with the patent office on 2017-03-16 for method of providing user interface and flexible device for performing the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Shi-yun CHO, Ji-hyun JUNG.
Application Number | 20170075559 15/120326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53878605 |
Filed Date | 2017-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170075559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JUNG; Ji-hyun ; et
al. |
March 16, 2017 |
METHOD OF PROVIDING USER INTERFACE AND FLEXIBLE DEVICE FOR
PERFORMING THE SAME
Abstract
Disclosed is a method of providing a user interface in a
flexible device, the method comprising: determining whether the
device is released; displaying at least one user interface on the
device on the basis of the determination; and receiving a touch
input to the displayed user interface.
Inventors: |
JUNG; Ji-hyun; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; CHO; Shi-yun; (Anyang-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
53878605 |
Appl. No.: |
15/120326 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2015/001690 |
371 Date: |
August 19, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1652 20130101;
G09G 5/14 20130101; G06F 3/0481 20130101; G06F 2203/04102 20130101;
G06F 3/14 20130101; G06F 1/1618 20130101; G06F 3/04883 20130101;
G06F 3/1423 20130101; G09G 2354/00 20130101; G06F 3/147 20130101;
G06F 1/1677 20130101; G06F 2203/04803 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0488 20060101
G06F003/0488; G06F 3/0481 20060101 G06F003/0481; G09G 5/14 20060101
G09G005/14; G06F 1/16 20060101 G06F001/16; G06F 3/147 20060101
G06F003/147 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 21, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0020819 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a user interface in a flexible device, the
method comprising: determining whether the flexible device is
released; displaying at least one user interface on the flexible
device on the basis of the determination; and receiving a touch
input with respect to the displayed at least one user
interface.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining whether the
flexible device is released comprises: determining whether the
flexible device is folded and released.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether a
touch input in a first direction is received on the at least one
user interface; and when it is determined that the touch input in
the first direction is received, switching and displaying the
displayed at least one user interface to another user
interface.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a
boundary of a plurality of regions that are displayed; and
displaying the plurality of regions according to the determined
boundary.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the displaying of the at least
one user interface comprises: displaying the at least one user
interface on a portion adjacent to the boundary.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: determining whether a
touch input toward another region from a predetermined region
including the boundary is received; changing a location of the
boundary according to the touch input toward another region from
the predetermined region including the boundary; and displaying the
plurality of regions according to the determined region.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether a
touch input in a second direction toward an outside of the at least
one user interface is received on a single item included in the at
least one user interface; and performing a function indicated by
the single item based on the received touch input in the second
direction toward the outside of the at least one user
interface.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the displaying of the at least
one user interface comprises: determining whether the flexible
device is asymmetrically folded; and when it is determined that the
flexible device is asymmetrically folded, dividing the flexible
device into a first surface and a second surface with respect to a
folded boundary and displaying the at least one user interface on a
part of the second surface that is not covered by the first surface
of the flexible device.
9. A flexible device comprising: a sensor configured to sense
deformation of the flexible device; a user input receiver
configured to receive an input from the sensor; a determiner
configured to determine whether the flexible device is released
based on the received input; a display configured to display a
screen; and a controller configured to control the display to
display at least one user interface on the basis of the
determination, wherein the user interface receiver receives a touch
input with respect to the displayed at least one user
interface.
10. The flexible device of claim 9, wherein the determiner
determines whether the flexible device is folded and released based
on the received input.
11. The flexible device of claim 9, wherein the determiner
determines whether a touch input in a first direction is received
on the at least one user interface, and wherein, when the
determiner determines that the touch input in the first direction
is received, the controller controls the display to switch and
display the displayed at least one user interface to another user
interface.
12. The flexible device of claim 9, wherein the determiner
determines a boundary of a plurality of regions that are displayed,
and wherein the controller controls the display to display the
plurality of regions according to the determined boundary.
13. The flexible device of claim 12, wherein the controller
controls the display to display the at least one user interface on
a portion adjacent to the boundary.
14. The flexible device of claim 13, wherein the determiner
determines whether a touch input toward another region from a
predetermined region including the boundary is received, and
wherein the controller changes a location of the boundary according
to the touch input toward another region from the predetermined
region including the boundary and controls the display to display
the plurality of regions according to the determined region.
15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium having
recorded thereon at least one computer program comprising commands
which, when executed by a computer, performs the method of claim 1.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a technology of providing a
user interface in a flexible device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A conventional device is a bar-type device of which a shape
is not deformed and is capable of receiving an input through a
touch or a button on a part of a front, rear, or side surfaces.
When the conventional device is used, a user is interrupted by
temporarily terminating an application that is currently being used
in order to check many notifications that frequently occur. That
is, a conventional notification method and check method have to
terminate the application that is currently being used in order to
check a notification, undergo several inconvenient procedures, and
return to the application that is currently being used through
several inconvenient procedures again. In order to another
application related to the application that is currently being
used, the user should instantly terminate the application that is
currently being used and inconveniently execute the application
again.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0003] The present invention provides a method of providing a user
interface by using a characteristic that a shape of a flexible
device is deformed and a flexible device for providing a user
interface by using a characteristic that a shape of the flexible
device is deformed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a flexible device according to an
embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a hardware configuration
of a flexible device according to an embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a process of displaying
a user interface in a flexible device, according to an
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a process of switching a
user interface in a flexible device, according to an
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a process of performing
a function of an item included in a user interface, according to an
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a process of changing a
screen mode and displaying an application history, according to an
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a process of checking a
real-time notification, according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a process in which a
user uses a user interface in an executed gallery application,
according to an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a process in which a
user uses a user interface in an executed gallery application,
according to another embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing a process in which a
user checks a real-time notification, according to an
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing a process of displaying
a user interface on a specific portion when a user folds a flexible
device, according to another embodiment.
BEST MODE
[0022] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of providing a user interface in a flexible
device, the method including determining whether the flexible
device is released; displaying at least one user interface on the
flexible device on the basis of the determination; and receiving a
touch input with respect to the displayed at least one user
interface.
[0023] The displaying includes: while the user interface is
displayed, determining whether the flexible device is folded and
released; and not displaying the user interface on a display on the
basis of the determination.
[0024] The method may further include: determining whether a touch
input in a first direction is received on the at least one user
interface; and when it is determined that the touch input in the
first direction is received, switching and displaying the displayed
at least one user interface to another user interface.
[0025] The method may further include: determining whether a touch
input in an opposite direction to the first direction is received;
and when it is determined that the touch input in opposite
direction to the first direction is received, switching and
displaying another user interface to the displayed at least one
user interface.
[0026] The method may further include: determining a boundary of a
plurality of regions that are displayed; and displaying the
plurality of regions according to the determined boundary.
[0027] The displaying of the at least one user interface may
include: displaying the at least one user interface on a portion
adjacent to the boundary.
[0028] The method may further include: determining whether a touch
input toward another region from a predetermined region including
the boundary is received; changing a location of the boundary
according to the touch input toward another region from the
predetermined region including the boundary; and displaying the
plurality of regions according to the determined region.
[0029] The method may further include: determining whether a touch
input in a second direction toward an outside of the at least one
user interface is received on a single item included in the at
least one user interface; and performing a function indicated by
the single item based on the received touch input in the second
direction toward the outside of the at least one user
interface.
[0030] The displaying of the at least one user interface may
include: determining whether the flexible device is asymmetrically
folded; and when it is determined that the flexible device is
asymmetrically folded, dividing the flexible device into a first
surface and a second surface with respect to a folded boundary and
displaying the at least one user interface on a part of the second
surface that is not covered by the first surface of the flexible
device.
[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of providing a notification service in a
flexible device, the method including providing information
indicative of a notification to a user; determining whether the
flexible device is folded; while the information indicative of the
notification is provided, when it is determined that the flexible
device is folded, displaying a message corresponding to the
information indicative of the notification on a display of the
flexible device.
[0032] The displaying includes: determining whether the flexible
device is released on the basis of a received input; and when it is
determined that the flexible device is released, not displaying the
message corresponding to the information indicative of the
notification on the display.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a flexible device including a sensor configured to
sense deformation of the flexible device; a user input receiver
configured to receive an input from the sensor; a determiner
configured to determine whether the flexible device is released
based on the received input; a display configured to display a
screen; and a controller configured to control the display to
display at least one user interface on the basis of the
determination.
[0034] While the user interface is displayed, the determiner may
determine whether the flexible device is folded and released on the
basis of the received input and the controller may control the
display not to display the user interface on a display on the basis
of the determination.
[0035] The determiner may determine whether a touch input in a
first direction is received on the at least one user interface, and
when the determiner determines that the touch input in the first
direction is received, the controller may control the display to
switch and display the displayed at least one user interface to
another user interface.
[0036] The determiner may determine a boundary of a plurality of
regions that are displayed, and the controller may control the
display to display the plurality of regions according to the
determined boundary.
[0037] The controller may control the display to display the at
least one user interface on a portion adjacent to the boundary.
[0038] The determiner may determine whether a touch input toward
another region from a predetermined region including the boundary
is received, and the controller may change a location of the
boundary according to the touch input toward another region from
the predetermined region including the boundary and controls the
display to display the plurality of regions according to the
determined region.
[0039] The determiner may determine whether the flexible device is
asymmetrically folded on the basis of the received input; and when
the determiner determines that the flexible device is
asymmetrically folded, the controller may divide the flexible
device into a first surface and a second surface with respect to a
folded boundary and control the display to display the at least one
user interface on a part of the second surface that is not covered
by the first surface of the flexible device.
[0040] The determiner may determine whether a touch input in a
direction toward an outside of the at least one user interface is
received on a single item included in the at least one user
interface and the controller may control the display to perform a
function indicated by the single item based on the received touch
input in the direction toward the outside of the at least one user
interface.
[0041] The determiner may determine whether the flexible device is
asymmetrically folded on the basis of the received input; and when
the determiner determines that the flexible device is
asymmetrically folded, the controller may divide the flexible
device into a first surface and a second surface with respect to a
folded boundary and control the display to display the at least one
user interface on a part of the second surface that is not covered
by the first surface of the flexible device.
[0042] The determiner may determine whether a touch input in a
direction toward an outside of the at least one user interface is
received on a single item included in the at least one user
interface and the controller may control the display to perform a
function indicated by the single item on a screen of the flexible
device based on the received touch input in the direction toward
the outside of the at least one user interface.
[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a flexible device including a sensor configured to
sense deformation of the flexible device; a notification provider
configured to provide information indicative of a notification to a
user; a user input receiver configured to receive an input from the
sensor; a display configured to display a screen; a determiner
configured to determine whether the flexible device is folded based
on the received input; and a controller configured to control the
display to display a message corresponding to the information
indicative of the notification on the basis of the
determination.
[0044] The determiner may determine whether the flexible device is
released on the basis of the received input and when the determiner
determines that the flexible device is released, the controller may
control the display not to display the message corresponding to the
information indicative of the notification.
[0045] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
computer-readable recording medium has recorded thereon a computer
program for executing the methods.
Mode of the Invention
[0046] Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to
the accompanying drawings below. For better clear description of
features of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters
widely known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the
embodiments below pertain are omitted.
[0047] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a flexible device according to an
embodiment.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1A, a flexible device 100 according to an
embodiment may include a sensor 105, a user input receiver 110, a
determiner 115, a controller 120, and a display 125.
[0049] The sensor 105 may sense deformation of the flexible device
100. For example, since the sensor 105 includes a bending sensor,
the sensor 105 may sense a degree of bending the flexible device
100.
[0050] The user input receiver 110 may receive an input from the
sensor 105. The user input receiver 110 may receive a touch input
with respect to a user interface displayed on the display 125.
[0051] The determiner 115 may determine whether the flexible device
100 is released based on the input received from the sensor 105.
Alternatively, the determiner 115 may determine whether the
flexible device 100 is folded and released based on the input
received from the sensor 105.
[0052] The controller 120 may control the display 125 to display at
least one user interface on a screen of the flexible device 100
based on a determination of the determiner 115. That is, the
controller 120 may control the display 125 to display one of a
plurality of user interfaces if the determiner 115 determines that
the flexible device 100 is released. Alternatively, the controller
120 may control the display 125 to display one of a plurality of
user interfaces if the determiner 115 determines that the flexible
device 100 is folded and released.
[0053] The display 125 may display a screen via which an
application is executed and various user interfaces related to the
application.
[0054] Another embodiment will be described below with reference to
FIG. 1A.
[0055] A flexible device according to another embodiment may
include a function of the flexible device 100 according to an
embodiment. For brevity of description, a detailed description of
the function is omitted.
[0056] The determiner 115 may determine whether the flexible device
100 is folded and released based on an input received from the
sensor 105 while a user interface is displayed. The determiner 115
may also determine whether a touch input in a first direction is
received on the user interface. In this regard, the first direction
may be a direction parallel to a boundary line of a displayed
screen. The determiner 115 may determine a boundary of a plurality
of regions that will be displayed. The determiner 115 may determine
whether a touch input toward another region from a predetermined
region including the boundary is received. The determiner 115 may
determine whether the flexible device 100 is asymmetrically folded
based on the received input. The determiner 115 may also determine
whether a touch input in a direction toward the outside of the user
interface on a single item included in the user interface is
received. In this regard, the direction toward the outside of the
user interface on the single item may be a direction perpendicular
to the boundary line of the screen.
[0057] The controller 120 may control the display 125 not to
display the user interface if the determiner 115 determines that
the flexible device 100 is folded and released while the user
interface is displayed. When the determiner 115 also determines
that the touch input in the first direction is received, the
controller 120 may switch the displayed user interface to another
user interface and control the display 125 to display another user
interface. In addition, the controller 120 may control the display
125 to display the plurality of regions according to the determined
boundary. The controller 120 may control the display 125 to display
the user interface on a portion adjacent to the determined
boundary. When the determiner 115 determines that the flexible
device 100 is asymmetrically folded, the controller 120 may divide
the flexible device 100 into a first surface and a second surface
and control the display 125 to display the user interface on a part
of the second surface of the flexible device 100 that is not
covered by the first surface of the flexible device 100. The
controller 120 may switch a location of the boundary according to
the touch input toward another region from the predetermined region
including the boundary and control the display 125 to display the
plurality of regions according to the switched boundary. The
controller 120 may control the display 125 to perform a function
indicated by a single item based on the touch input toward the
outside of the user interface.
[0058] A flexible device 150 according to an embodiment will be
described below with reference to FIG. 1B.
[0059] The flexible device 150 may include a sensor 155, a user
input receiver 160, a determiner 165, a notification information
provider 170, a controller 175, and a display 180.
[0060] The sensor 155 may sense deformation of the flexible device
150. For example, since the sensor 155 includes a bending sensor,
the sensor 155 may sense a degree of bending the flexible device
150. The user input receiver 160 may receive an input from the
sensor 155.
[0061] The determiner 165 may determine whether the flexible device
150 is folded based on the input received from the sensor 155.
[0062] The notification information provider 170 may provide
information indicative of a notification to a user. For example,
when a notification event occurs, the notification information
provider 170 may provide the information indicative of the
notification as vibration and sound to the user. Alternatively, the
notification information provider 170 may make the display 180
display the information indicative of the notification.
[0063] When the determiner 165 determines that the flexible device
150 is folded while the information indicative of the notification
is provided, the controller 175 may control the display 180 to
display a message corresponding to the information indicative of
the notification.
[0064] The display 180 may display a screen via which an
application is executed and various user interfaces related to the
application.
[0065] Another embodiment will be described below with reference to
FIG. 1B.
[0066] The flexible device 150 according to another embodiment may
include a function of the flexible device 150 according to an
embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1B. For brevity of
description, a detailed description of the function is omitted.
[0067] The determiner 165 may determine whether the flexible device
150 is folded based on an input received from the sensor 155. When
the determiner 165 determines that the flexible device 150 is
folded, the controller 175 may control the display 180 not to
display a message indicative of content of a notification.
[0068] FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a hardware configuration
of a flexible device according to an embodiment.
[0069] The flexible device 100 may include a flexible display
formed of a deformable material. Thus, a user may deform shapes of
the flexible devices 100 and 150.
[0070] The flexible device 100 may include a sensor such as a
gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor
capable of sensing a state change of the flexible device 100 and a
bending sensor capable of sensing a degree of bending the flexible
device 100.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2, the flexible device 100 may include
bending sensors 200-230.
[0072] The bending sensor 200 may be mounted on a side surface of a
front portion of the flexible device 100 at the upper left location
in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. Alternatively, the bending
sensor 200 may be mounted on a side surface of a rear portion of
the flexible device 100.
[0073] The flexible bending sensor 210 may be mounted on the rear
portion of the flexible device 100 at the upper right location in
FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. However, when the bending sensor
210 is transparent, the bending sensor 210 may be mounted on the
uppermost portion of the flexible device 100. Alternatively, the
bending sensor 210 may be mounted below a flexible display block of
the front portion of the flexible device 100. Several pairs of the
bending sensors 220 may be mounted on sides facing the front
portion of the flexible device 100 at the lower left location in
FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. The bending sensors 230 may be
mounted on a pair of sides facing the flexible device 100 at the
lower right location in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. However,
the bending sensors 220 and 230 are not limited to being mounted on
the front portion of the flexible device 100 and may be mounted on
the rear portion thereof.
[0074] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to an embodiment.
[0075] In operation S300, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is released. When the flexible
device 100 determines that the flexible device 100 is not released,
the flexible device 100 may determine whether the flexible device
100 is released again. Alternatively, the flexible device 100 may
determine whether the flexible device 100 is folded and
released.
[0076] In operation S310, when the flexible device 100 determines
that the flexible device 100 is released, the flexible device 100
may display at least one user interface on a display unit of the
flexible device 100.
[0077] In operation S320, the flexible device 100 may receive a
touch input with respect to the displayed user interface.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0079] In operation S400, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded and released. When the
flexible device 100 determines that the flexible device 100 is not
folded and released, the flexible device 100 may determine whether
the flexible device 100 is folded and released again.
[0080] In operation S410, when the flexible device 100 determines
that the flexible device 100 is folded and released, the flexible
device 100 may display a user interface on the display 125.
[0081] In operation S420, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded and released while the
user interface is displayed on the display 125.
[0082] In operation S430, when the flexible device 100 determines
that the flexible device 100 is folded and released, the flexible
device 100 may not display the user interface on the display
125.
[0083] When the flexible device 100 determines that the flexible
device 100 is not folded and released in operation S420, in
operation S440, the flexible device 100 may receive a touch input
with respect to the user interface.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0085] In operation S500, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded and released. When the
flexible device 100 determines that the flexible device 100 is not
folded and released, the flexible device 100 may determine whether
the flexible device 100 is folded and released again.
[0086] In operation S510, when the flexible device 100 determines
that the flexible device 100 is folded and released, the flexible
device 100 may display a user interface on the display 125.
[0087] In operation S520, the flexible device 100 may receive a
touch input with respect to the user interface.
[0088] In operation S530, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether a touch input in a first direction is received on the user
interface.
[0089] When the flexible device 100 determines that the touch input
in the first direction is received, in operation S540, the flexible
device 100 may switch the user interface to another user interface
and display another user interface on the display 125.
[0090] When the flexible device 100 determines that the touch input
in the first direction is not received in operation S530, the
flexible device 100 may proceed with operation S520.
[0091] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0092] In operation S600, the flexible device 100 may determine a
boundary of a plurality of regions that are displayed.
[0093] In operation S610, the flexible device 100 may display the
plurality of regions according to the determined boundary.
[0094] In operation S620, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded and released. When the
flexible device 100 determines that the flexible device 100 is not
folded and released, the flexible device 100 may determine whether
the flexible device 100 is folded and released again.
[0095] In operation S630, when the flexible device 100 determines
that the flexible device 100 is folded and released, the flexible
device 100 may display a user interface on a portion adjacent to
the display 125.
[0096] In operation S640, the flexible device 100 may receive a
touch input with respect to the user interface.
[0097] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0098] In operation S700, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded and released. When the
flexible device 100 determines that the flexible device 100 is not
folded and released, the flexible device 100 may determine whether
the flexible device 100 is folded and released again.
[0099] In operation S710, the flexible device 100 may display a
user interface on the display unit 125.
[0100] In operation S720, the flexible device 100 may receive a
touch input with respect to the user interface.
[0101] In operation S730, the flexible device 100 may determine
whether a touch input in a second direction toward the outside of a
single item from the single item included in the user interface is
received.
[0102] In operation S740, when the flexible device 100 determines
that the touch input in the second direction is received, the
flexible device 100 may perform a function indicated by an item of
the flexible device 100.
[0103] Otherwise, the flexible device 100 determines that the touch
input in the second direction toward the outside of a single item
from the single item included in the user interface is not received
in operation S730, the flexible device 100 may proceed with
operation S720.
[0104] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0105] In operation S800, the flexible device 150 may provide
information indicative of a notification to a user.
[0106] In operation S810, the flexible device 150 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded. When the flexible device
150 determines that the flexible device 150 is not folded, the
flexible device 150 may determine whether the flexible device 100
is folded again.
[0107] In operation S820, when the flexible device 150 determines
that the flexible device 150 is folded, the flexible device 150 may
display a message corresponding to the information indicative of
the notification.
[0108] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of providing a user
interface, according to another embodiment.
[0109] In operation S900, the flexible device 150 may provide
information indicative of a notification to a user.
[0110] In operation S910, the flexible device 150 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is folded. When the flexible device
150 determines that the flexible device 150 is not folded, the
flexible device 150 may determine whether the flexible device 100
is folded again.
[0111] In operation S920, when the flexible device 150 determines
that the flexible device 150 is folded, the flexible device 150 may
display a message corresponding to the information indicative of
the notification.
[0112] In operation S930, the flexible device 150 may determine
whether the flexible device 100 is released. When the flexible
device 150 determines that the flexible device 150 is not released,
the flexible device 150 may determine whether the flexible device
100 is released again.
[0113] In operation S940, when the flexible device 150 determines
that the flexible device 150 is released, the flexible device 150
may not display the message corresponding to the information
indicative of the notification.
[0114] FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing a process of displaying
a user interface in a flexible device, according to an
embodiment.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 10, a user executes an application on each
of both screens that are adjacent to each other with respect to a
screen boundary 1010 on the flexible device 100.
[0116] The user may perform a folding-flap input to the flexible
device 100 while using the application. In this regard, the
folding-flap input may mean an input of folding the flexible device
100 at more than a predetermined angle and instantly releasing the
flexible device 100 while the user is using the flexible device
100. For example, the folding-flap input may mean an input of
folding the flexible device 100 at 30 or more degrees and instantly
releasing the flexible device 100 while the user is using the
flexible device 100. If the flexible device 100 receives the
folding-flap input, the flexible device 100 may display a user
interface 1020 on a portion adjacent to the screen boundary
1010.
[0117] The user may perform an appropriate function of the flexible
device 100 by using the displayed user interface 1020. If the user
completely performs the appropriate function, the user may perform
the folding-flat input to the flexible device 100.
[0118] If the flexible device 100 receives the folding-flap input,
the flexible device 100 may remove the user interface 1020
displayed on the portion adjacent to the screen boundary 1010.
[0119] FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing a process of switching a
user interface in a flexible device, according to an
embodiment.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 11, a user may perform a folding-flat
input to the flexible device 100 and display a user interface 1120
on a portion adjacent to a screen boundary 1110. The displayed user
interface 1120 may be a recently used bar interface.
[0121] If the user moves the user's finger down from an upper
boundary of the user interface 1120 on a display of the flexible
device 100, as shown on the upper right of FIG. 11, the user
interface 1120 may be switched to an application history bar
1124.
[0122] If the user moves the user's finger up from a lower boundary
of the user interface 1120 on the display of the flexible device
100, as shown on a lower right of FIG. 11, the user interface 1120
may be switched to a toolset bar 1128. Meanwhile, when a display
mode is changed to a full screen mode, the displayed user interface
1120 may move to the left of a screen or the uppermost end
thereof.
[0123] FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing a process of performing
a function of an item included in a user interface according to an
embodiment.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 12, a user interface 1220 may be an
application history bar or a toolset bar. In this regard, if a
finger moves to a screen that is to be executed while a single item
included in the user interface 1220 has been tapped, a function
indicated by the single item may be performed on the screen. For
example, in the present embodiment, if the finger moves to a screen
1250 that is executed by tapping a note application icon 1225
included in the application history bar, a note application may be
executed and displayed on the screen 1250.
[0125] FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing a process of changing a
screen mode and displaying an application history, according to an
embodiment;
[0126] Referring to FIG. 13, a user executes a gallery application
on the flexible device 100. In this regard, it is assumed that the
user performs a folding-flap input to the flexible device 100 on
the gallery application. The flexible device 100 may display a
screen by changing a display mode to a split mode according to the
folding-flat input. In the present embodiment, an image file may be
displayed on a boundary upper end of a split screen in a thumbnail
and a specific image file may be previewed on a boundary lower end
of the split screen. In this regard, if the user moves user's two
fingers up on a display, the display mode may be changed to a full
screen mode. In this regard, a full screen may preview the specific
image file. If the user moves user's two fingers down again on the
full screen, the full screen mode may be changed to the split mode
and thus the split screen may be displayed.
[0127] Meanwhile, if the user repeatedly moves user's fingers down
while the full screen mode is used, an application screen executed
on a background and a current screen may be displayed in an
overlapping form 1320 like a bookshelf. The user may check a
previously executed application through a screen displayed in the
overlapping form 1320. In this regard, if the user moves user's
fingers down, a current application may be changed to the
application screen executed on the background.
[0128] FIG. 14 is a diagram for describing a process of checking a
real-time notification according to an embodiment.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 14, if a notification event occurs in the
flexible device 100, the flexible device 100 may display a
notification icon 1410. In this regard, if a user performs a
folding-hold input to the flexible device 100, a popup 1430
indicative of a message corresponding to a notification may be
displayed on a portion adjacent to a folded boundary 1420. However,
the present embodiment is not limited thereto. If the user performs
the folding-hold input to the flexible device 100, the flexible
device 100 may check detailed content of the message corresponding
to the notification by automatically executing an application in
which the notification event occurs.
[0130] If the user checks the content of the message and performs a
folding-hold release input to the flexible device 100, the popup
1430 may disappear. However, the present embodiment is not limited
thereto. If the user performs the folding-hold release input to the
flexible device 100, the flexible device 100 may end the
application in which the notification event occurs and return to a
previously used application.
[0131] In this regard, the folding-hold input may mean an input of
folding the flexible device 100 at more than a predetermined angle
and holding the flexible device 100 while the flexible device 100
is used, and the folding-hold release input may mean an input of
folding the flexible device 100 at more than a predetermined angle
and releasing the flexible device 100.
[0132] For example, the folding-hold input may mean an input of
folding the flexible device 100 at 30 or more degrees and holding
the flexible device 100 while the flexible device 100 is used, and
the folding-hold release input may mean an input of folding the
flexible device 100 at 30 or more degrees and releasing the
flexible device 100.
[0133] FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a process in which a
user uses a user interface in an executed gallery application
according to an embodiment.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 15, a user executes a gallery application
in the flexible device 100. In this regard, it is assumed that the
user performs a folding-flap input to the flexible device 100 on
the gallery application. The flexible device 100 may display a
screen by changing a display mode to a split mode according to the
folding-flap input.
[0135] If the user performs the folding-flap input to the flexible
device 100, a user interface 1520 may be generated. In this regard,
it is assumed that the user interface 1520 may be a toolset bar. If
the user taps one of items of the toolset bar by using a user's
finger, a corresponding function may be performed. For example, if
the user may tap a pencil icon 1525 by using the user's finger, a
popup 1530 for selecting a color of a pencil that is to be colored
may be executed. In this regard, the user may continuously tap the
pencil icon 1525 twice by using the user's finger, and the popup
1530 for selecting the color of the pencil that is to be colored
may expand, and thus the expanded popup 1530 may be displayed on a
lower screen 1540 of a screen boundary 1510.
[0136] FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing a process in which a
user uses a user interface in an executed gallery application
according to another embodiment.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 16, a user performs a folding-flap input
to the flexible device 100. The flexible device 100 may receive the
folding-flap input and display a user interface 1620. In this
regard, the displayed user interface 1620 may be a toolset bar. In
this regard, if the user moves a user's finger from the left of a
left boundary of the user interface 1620 to the right, the user
interface 1620 may be switched. In this regard, the displayed user
interface 1620 may be an application history bar. Among icons
included in the application history bar, if the user moves the
user's finger from an icon indicative of the Internet below a
boundary 1610, the Internet may be executed below the boundary
1610. In this regard, a gallery preview screen that was originally
displayed on the lower end of the boundary 1610 may be moved to an
upper end of the boundary 1610 and displayed. Thereafter, if the
user performs the folding-flap input to the flexible device 100,
the user interface 1620 may disappear.
[0138] FIG. 17 is a diagram for describing a process in which a
user checks a real-time notification according to an
embodiment.
[0139] If a notification event occurs, a notification icon 1710 may
be displayed on the flexible device 100. In this regard, if a user
performs a folding-hold input to the flexible device 100, a message
1720 simply indicative of notification event content may be
displayed on a screen. However, the present embodiment is not
limited thereto. If the user performs the folding-hold input to the
flexible device 100, the flexible device 100 may automatically
execute an application in which the notification event occurs so
that the user may check detailed content of a message corresponding
to a notification.
[0140] After the user checks the notification event content, if the
user performs a folding-hold release input to the flexible device
100, the message 1720 indicative of the notification event content
may disappear from the screen. However, the present embodiment is
not limited thereto. If the user performs the folding-hold release
input to the flexible device 100, the flexible device 100 may end
the application in which the notification event occurs and return
to a previously used application.
[0141] FIG. 18 is a diagram for describing a process of displaying
a user interface on a specific portion when a user folds a flexible
device according to another embodiment.
[0142] When a user performs a folding-flap input to the flexible
device 100, the user may asymmetrically fold the flexible device
100. When the flexible device 100 is asymmetrically folded, a
portion 1810 may not be covered. When the user releases the
flexible device 100 again, a user interface 1820 may be displayed
on the portion 1810 that is not covered.
[0143] The embodiments described above can be written as computer
programs and can be implemented in general-use digital computers
that execute the programs using a computer-readable recording
medium.
[0144] Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include
magnetic storage media (e.g., ROM, floppy disks, hard disks, etc.),
optical recording media (e.g., CD-ROMs, or DVDs), etc.
[0145] While one or more embodiments have been described with
reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as
defined by the following claims. Therefore, it should be understood
that embodiments described herein should be considered in a
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *