U.S. patent application number 16/529329 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-21 for method of inputting user command and electronic apparatus using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hyun-jin KIM, Ji-yeon KWAK, Min-kyu PARK, Yong-gook PARK.
Application Number | 20190354223 16/529329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41531354 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190354223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Hyun-jin ; et
al. |
November 21, 2019 |
METHOD OF INPUTTING USER COMMAND AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS USING THE
SAME
Abstract
A method of inputting user commands, and an electronic apparatus
using the same. A method of inputting user commands includes
setting a function of an apparatus implemented with a touch screen
based on a pressure level input to the apparatus, and if the touch
is sensed after setting the function of the apparatus, executing
the set function based on the touch. Accordingly, user commands can
be input using touch and pressure.
Inventors: |
KIM; Hyun-jin; (Gwangju,
KR) ; KWAK; Ji-yeon; (Seoul, KR) ; PARK;
Yong-gook; (Yongin-si, KR) ; PARK; Min-kyu;
(Seongnam-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
41531354 |
Appl. No.: |
16/529329 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14944982 |
Nov 18, 2015 |
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16529329 |
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12483337 |
Jun 12, 2009 |
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14944982 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0414 20130101;
G06F 3/0482 20130101; G06F 3/04845 20130101; G06F 3/0485 20130101;
G06F 3/04883 20130101; G06F 3/04817 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101;
G06F 3/0412 20130101; G06F 2203/04808 20130101; G06F 3/0416
20130101; G06F 3/04842 20130101; G06F 2203/04806 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; G06F 3/0481 20060101 G06F003/0481; G06F 3/0482
20060101 G06F003/0482; G06F 3/0488 20060101 G06F003/0488; G06F
3/0484 20060101 G06F003/0484; G06F 3/0485 20060101
G06F003/0485 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 21, 2008 |
KR |
10-2008-0070842 |
Claims
1. A method of executing a function performed by an electronic
device, the method comprising: displaying a first object on a touch
screen of the electronic device; receiving, through the touch
screen of the electronic device, a first user touch input on the
displayed first object; based on determining that a pressure of the
first user touch input on the displayed first object is greater
than or equal to a first reference pressure, executing a first
function associated with the displayed first object while the first
touch input is maintained on the touch screen of the electronic
device; while executing the first function associated with the
displayed first object, based on determining that the first user
touch input is not maintained on the touch screen of the electronic
device, stopping the executing of the first function associated
with the touch screen of the electronic device; displaying a second
object on the touch screen of the electronic device; receiving,
through the touch screen of the electronic device, a second user
touch input on the displayed second object; and based on
determining that a pressure of the second user touch input is
greater than or equal to a second reference pressure, executing a
second function associated with the displayed second object,
wherein the first reference pressure is different from the second
reference pressure.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in response to
receiving the first user touch input, providing a first vibration
feedback corresponding to the displayed first object.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: in response to
receiving the second user touch input, providing a second vibration
feedback corresponding to the displayed second object, wherein the
first vibration feedback is different from the second vibration
feedback.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein a strength of the first vibration
feedback is different from a strength of the second vibration
feedback.
5. An electronic device, comprising: a touch screen; at least one
processor coupled to the touch screen of the electronic device; and
a memory, coupled to the at least one processor, the memory storing
instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor,
cause the at least one processor to control for: displaying a first
object on a touch screen of the electronic device, receiving,
through the touch screen of the electronic device, a first user
touch input on the displayed first object, based on determining
that a pressure of the first user touch input on the displayed
first object is greater than or equal to a first reference
pressure, executing a first function associated with the displayed
first object while the first touch input is maintained on the touch
screen of the electronic device, while executing the first function
associated with the displayed first object, based on determining
that the first user touch input is not maintained on the touch
screen of the electronic device, stopping the executing of the
first function associated with the displayed first object,
displaying a second object on the touch screen of the electronic
device, receiving, through the touch screen of the electronic
device, a second user touch input on the displayed second object,
and based on determining that a pressure of the second user touch
input is greater than or equal to a second reference pressure,
executing a second function associated with the displayed second
object, wherein the first reference pressure is different from the
second reference pressure.
6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the instructions
further cause the at least one processor to control for: in
response to receiving the first user touch input, providing a first
vibration feedback corresponding to the displayed first object.
7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the instructions
further cause the at least one processor to control for: in
response to receiving the second user touch input, providing a
second vibration feedback corresponding to the displayed second
object, wherein the first vibration feedback is different from the
second vibration feedback.
8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein a strength of the
first vibration feedback is different from a strength of the second
vibration feedback.
9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store
one or more computer programs including instructions that, when
executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one
processor to control for: displaying a first object on a touch
screen of an electronic device; receiving, through the touch screen
of the electronic device, a first user touch input on the displayed
first object; based on determining that a pressure of the first
user touch input on the displayed first object is greater than or
equal to a first reference pressure, executing a first function
associated with the displayed first object while the first touch
input is maintained on the touch screen of the electronic device;
while executing the first function associated with the displayed
first object, based on determining that the first user touch input
is not maintained on the touch screen of the electronic device,
stopping the executing of the first function associated with the
touch screen of the electronic device; displaying a second object
on the touch screen of the electronic device; receiving, through
the touch screen of the electronic device, a second user touch
input on the displayed second object; and based on determining
whether a pressure of the second user touch input is greater than
or equal to a second reference pressure, executing a second
function associated with the displayed second object, wherein the
first reference pressure is different from the second reference
pressure.
10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein
the one or more computer programs further include instructions for:
in response to receiving the first user touch input, providing a
first vibration feedback corresponding to the displayed first
object.
11. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the one or more computer programs further include
instructions for: in response to receiving the second user touch
input, providing a second vibration feedback corresponding to the
displayed second object, wherein the first vibration feedback is
different from the second vibration feedback.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 11,
wherein a strength of the first vibration feedback is different
from a strength of the second vibration feedback.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of prior
application Ser. No. 14/944,982, filed on Nov. 18, 2015, which is a
continuation application of prior application Ser. No. 12/483,337,
filed on Jun. 12, 2009, which was based on and claimed priority
under 35 U.S.C .sctn. 119(a) of a Korean patent application number
10-2008-0070842, filed on Jul. 21, 2008, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present general inventive concept relates to a method of
inputting user commands, and an electronic apparatus using the
same. More particularly, the present general inventive concept
relates to a method of inputting user commands using pressure and
touch, and an electronic apparatus using the same.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] In general, electronic apparatuses such as MP3 players read
out images or audio from a storage unit such as a flash memory or a
hard disk drive (HDD) of a small size, decode them, and play them
back.
[0004] When performing an operation in response to a user command,
such an electronic apparatus displays a current operating state
using a display panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), so a
user can easily check the current operating state.
[0005] Recently, a method of inputting user commands has been
developing so as to improve convenience and portability of
electronic apparatuses. If diverse buttons are added to input
diverse user commands, the volume of the electronic device
increases, thereby reducing portability and adversely affecting the
design. Accordingly, methods for inputting user commands are
shifting to a display panel such as a touch screen, in which user
commands are input by touch.
[0006] Touch screens capable of inputting user commands by pressure
as well as by touch have been developed. However, when inputting a
user command using such a pressure touch sensor, a user must
maintain pressure of a constant intensity. In particular, when
additionally inputting another user command by touch after
inputting the user command by pressure of a constant intensity,
errors in pressure intensity may occur according to the angle of
motion of a finger of the user, and furthermore fatigue on the
finger increases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present general inventive concept relates to a method of
inputting user commands according to pressure level, and inputting
user commands by touch if a predetermined condition is satisfied,
and an electronic apparatus using the same.
[0008] Additional features and utilities of the present general
inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description
which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description,
or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.
[0009] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a
method of inputting user commands, the method including setting a
function of an apparatus including a touch screen based on a
pressure level input to the apparatus, and if a touch is sensed
after setting the function of the apparatus, executing the set
function based on the touch.
[0010] In the operation of executing the set function, if the touch
is sensed after the input pressure level changes to be lower than a
first pressure level, the set function may be executed.
[0011] The first pressure level may be lower than the pressure
level to set the function of the apparatus.
[0012] The input pressure level may change to be lower than the
first pressure level within a predetermined period of time.
[0013] In the operation of setting the function of the apparatus,
if the input pressure level is within a predetermined pressure
level range for a predetermined period of time, the function of the
apparatus may be set based on the input pressure level.
[0014] The method may further include, if the touch is finished,
finishing execution of the set function.
[0015] If the input pressure level is higher than a second pressure
level, execution of the function of the apparatus may be
cancelled.
[0016] The method may further include sensing the touch, and if the
touch is sensed, setting the apparatus to a touch mode or a
pressure mode by comparing the input pressure level with a specific
pressure level, wherein the operation of setting the function of
the apparatus is performed when the apparatus is in the pressure
mode.
[0017] The operation of executing the function of the apparatus may
be performed when the apparatus changes from the pressure mode to
the touch mode.
[0018] The touch may be a touch trace.
[0019] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a
method of inputting user commands, the method including setting a
function of an apparatus implemented with a touch screen based on a
pressure level input to the apparatus, and if the input pressure
level changes to be lower than a first pressure level, executing
the set function based on a duration of the input pressure
level.
[0020] The input pressure level may change to be lower than the
first pressure level within a predetermined period of time.
[0021] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing an
apparatus including an input unit including a touch screen to
receive touch input and pressure input, and a control unit to set a
function of the apparatus based on a pressure level of a touch
input to the input unit, and to control the apparatus to execute
the set function based on a touch trace input to the input
unit.
[0022] The control unit may control the apparatus to execute the
set function if the input pressure level changes to be lower than a
first pressure level and the touch trace is formed.
[0023] The first pressure level may be lower than the pressure
level to set the function of the apparatus.
[0024] The input pressure level may change to be lower than the
first pressure level within a predetermined period of time.
[0025] The control unit may set the function of the apparatus based
on the input pressure level if the input pressure level is within a
predetermined pressure level range for a predetermined period of
time.
[0026] The control unit may control the apparatus to finish
execution of the function of the apparatus if the touch is
finished.
[0027] The control unit may control the apparatus to cancel
execution of the function of the apparatus if the input pressure
level is higher than a second pressure level.
[0028] If the touch is input to the input unit, the control unit
may set the apparatus to a touch mode or a pressure mode by
comparing the input pressure level with a specific pressure level,
and when the apparatus is in the pressure mode, the control unit
may set the function of the apparatus.
[0029] The control unit may control the apparatus to execute the
function of the apparatus based on the trace of the touch when the
apparatus changes from the pressure mode to the touch mode.
[0030] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing an
apparatus including an input unit which includes a touch screen to
receive touch input and pressure input, and a control unit to set a
function of the apparatus based on a pressure level of a touch
input to the input unit, and to execute the set function based on a
duration of the touch if the input pressure level changes to be
lower than a first pressure level.
[0031] The input pressure level may change to be lower than the
first pressure level within a predetermined period of time.
[0032] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a
method of inputting a command, the method including sensing a first
pressure on a touch screen, determining whether the first pressure
changes to a second pressure which is different than a threshold
value for a predetermined period of time, and displaying a function
according to the second pressure.
[0033] The method may further include determining whether the
second pressure changes to a third pressure which is lower than a
touch level, and executing the displayed function according to a
touch which is higher than the touch level.
[0034] If the second pressure is higher than the threshold value, a
next function may be displayed.
[0035] If the second pressure is lower than the threshold value, a
previous function may be displayed.
[0036] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a
method of inputting a command, the method including selecting a
function according to a pressure level input on a touch screen, and
executing the function according to a touch trace input on the
touch screen.
[0037] The function selected may be a first function or a second
function according to a first pressure level or a second pressure
level, respectively.
[0038] The touch trace may be a touch formed continuously across a
portion of the touch screen.
[0039] The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the
present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a
method of inputting a command, the method including displaying a
sequence of menu items according to a pressure input on a touch
screen, and selecting one of the menu items if the pressure is
changed.
[0040] The method may further include executing a command related
to the selected menu item according to a touch input on the touch
screen.
[0041] The method may further include executing a command related
to the selected menu item according to a touch trace input on the
touch screen.
[0042] The touch trace may be a touch formed continuously across a
portion of the touch screen.
[0043] The pressure may be input for a predetermined period of
time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] These and/or other features and utilities of the present
general inventive will become apparent and more readily appreciated
from the following description of the embodiments, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an MP3 player, an electronic apparatus to which
the present general inventive concept may be applied;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying
and executing a function of an apparatus in a pressure mode or in a
touch mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept;
[0047] FIGS. 3 to 15 are drawings illustrating a method of
selecting and executing a certain function when content is
displayed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept; and
[0048] FIGS. 16 to 26 are drawings illustrating a method of
selecting a sub menu when a menu is displayed according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary
embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The
embodiments are described below in order to explain the present
general inventive concept by referring to the figures.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a
configuration of an MP3 player, an electronic apparatus to which
the present general inventive concept may be applied. For
conciseness the present general inventive concept will be discussed
with respect to an MP3 player, but this is not intended as a
limitation to the present general inventive concept. It will be
appreciated that the present general inventive concept can be
applied in numerous contexts, including cellular telephones, smart
phones, personal data assistants, laptop and palmtop computers,
display monitors, still and video cameras, displays on scanners,
copiers, printers and multifunction devices, and any other device
which may permit commands to be input in accordance with the
present general inventive concept. Referring to FIG. 1, the MP3
player may include a storage unit 110, a communication interface
unit 120, a back-end unit 130, a signal processing unit 140, a
speaker 150, a touch screen 160, and a control unit 170.
[0051] The storage unit 110 stores program information needed to
control the MP3 player, content, menu information, and icon
information, and may include a Read Only Memory (ROM) 112, a flash
memory 114, and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 116.
[0052] The ROM 112 stores information which must be retained in
storage even when power is turned off, for example, content on the
MP3 player, content information, menu information, icon
information, information on programs relative to icons, and
information on diverse user commands which can be defined by the
user.
[0053] The flash memory 114 stores programs to control the back-end
unit 130 and diverse data for storage to be updated.
[0054] The RAM 116 temporarily stores diverse data as a backup,
thereby functioning as a working memory of the control unit 170.
Accordingly, data in the ROM 112 and the flash memory 114 remain
even when power is turned off, whereas data in the RAM 116 are
deleted when power is turned off.
[0055] The communication interface unit 120 performs data
communication between an external device and the MP3 player, and
may include a universal serial bus (USB) module 122 and a tuner
124. The USB module 122 transports data which are input to or
output from a computer or a USB memory, which are USB devices. The
tuner 124 receives radio or television broadcasts and transmits
them to the back-end unit 130. Content related to the present
general inventive concept may include broadcasts as well as still
image files, moving image files, and audio files. The MP3 player
may also include an appropriate component (not shown) to permit
communication with a network, including a wireless network, and
content may also include data received from such network or
wireless network.
[0056] The back-end unit 130 is an element which processes
compression, expansion, and playback of image or audio signals, and
may include a decoder 132 and an encoder 134.
[0057] More specifically, the decoder 132 decompresses files output
from the storage unit 110 or data output from the communication
interface unit 120, and transmits audio to an audio processing unit
142 and images to the video processing unit 144. The encoder 134
compresses images and audio input through the communication
interface unit 120 in a predetermined format, and transmits the
compressed file to the storage unit 110.
[0058] The signal processing unit 140 converts an input signal into
a signal in a format to be output, and may include an audio
processor 142 and a video processor 144. The audio processor 142
converts a digital audio signal input from the back-end unit 130
into an analog audio signal, and outputs the analog audio signal to
the speaker 150. The video processor 144 processes an image signal
input from the back-end unit 130 and outputs the image signal to a
display unit 162.
[0059] The touch screen 160 is a display element which provides
functions for a display unit 162 to display images, text, or icons
which are output from the video processor 144 or the control unit
170, and for an input unit 163 to receive user commands and
transmit them to the control unit 170. Therefore, the user may see
a menu on the touch screen 160 and may input user commands by
touching, for example, a desired item on the touch screen 160.
[0060] The input unit 163 may include a touch detector 164 which
detects a touch, and a pressure detector 166 which detects a
pressure level. More specifically, the touch detector 164 forms a
low energy field at a predetermined space on the touch screen 160,
recognizes the change of energy when a conductive substance such as
a finger enters the electric field, and transmits coordinates of
the touched area on the touch screen 160 to the control unit 170.
The pressure detector 166 detects pressure level input at the
touched area, and transmits it to the control unit 170.
[0061] The pressure detector 166 may transmit a pressure level
input at the touched area to the control unit 170, or may transmit
a pressure level to the control unit 170 only when the input
pressure level is out of a predetermined range. The touch detector
164 and the pressure detector 166 may be implemented as separate
elements, or as a single element such as a pressure fusion touch
sensor or other combined sensor of both touch and pressure.
[0062] The control unit 170 controls overall operation of the MP3
player. In particular, if a user command is input though the input
unit 163, the control unit 170 controls function blocks
corresponding to the user command. For example, if the user inputs
a command to play back a file stored in the storage unit 110, the
control unit 170 reads out the file from the storage unit 110, and
transmits the file to the back-end unit 130. Subsequently, the
control unit 170 controls function blocks so that the back-end unit
130 decodes the file, the audio processor 142 and the video
processor 144 process audio and images, respectively, the speaker
150 outputs the audio, and the display unit 162 outputs the
images.
[0063] If a user command is input by touch, the control unit 170
determines whether or not a pressure level received by the input
unit 163 is higher than a touch level, which is a level at which
touch can be sensed, and sets the MP3 player to be in a touch mode
or a pressure mode. In addition, if the input pressure level
changes to be lower than the touch level within a predetermined
period of time, the control unit 170 changes the MP3 player from
the pressure mode to the touch mode. In addition, if the input
pressure level is maintained within a predetermined range for a
predetermined period of time, the control unit 170 determines that
the same function must be provided in the pressure mode.
[0064] For convenience of description, reference pressure levels
are distinguished into a first pressure level (referred to
hereinbelow as the touch level), a second pressure level, . . . , a
pressure level K, . . . , and a pressure level N. If the pressure
level is lower than the touch level, the control unit 170 sets the
MP3 player to the touch mode. If the pressure level is higher than
the touch level, the control unit 170 sets the MP3 player to the
pressure mode.
[0065] If the input pressure level is higher than the pressure
level K and lower than a pressure level K+1 (where K is higher than
2) for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 170 sets
the pressure mode to provide a function K. When the function K is
provided, the pressure level K is defined as a lower threshold
value, and the pressure level K+1 is defined as a higher threshold
value. If the function K is defined as a current function,
functions equal to or lower than the function K-1 are defined as
previous functions, and functions equal to or higher than the
function K+1 are defined as next functions.
[0066] If the user finishes a touch on the MP3 player in the touch
mode, the control unit 170 may determine that it is a user command
to finish execution of a function. If the pressure level in the
touch mode is higher than a predetermined level within a
predetermined period of time, the control unit 170 may determine
that it is a user command to cancel execution of a function.
[0067] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of displaying
and executing a function of an apparatus in a pressure mode or in a
touch mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
general inventive concept.
[0068] The control unit 170 determines if a touch is sensed (S210).
More specifically, the user may view the touch screen 160 on which
a menu is displayed using, for example, a user interface (UI), and
may input a command to select a desired item by touching an area on
the touch screen 160 displaying a desired item using a finger.
Subsequently, the touch detector 164 in the input unit 163 detects
the touch, and transmits coordinates of the touched area and the
touch signal to the control unit 170, and the pressure detector 166
detects the pressure level of the touched area, and transmits the
detected pressure level to the control unit 170. Accordingly, the
control unit 170 can determine that a touch is sensed on the touch
screen 160.
[0069] If the touch is sensed (S210-Y), the control unit 170 can
determine if the input pressure level is higher than the touch
level (S215). The touch level may be pre-stored by the manufacturer
of the MP3 player, or set by the user.
[0070] If the input pressure level is higher than the touch level
(S215-Y), the control unit 170 sets the MP3 player to the pressure
mode (S220). If the input pressure level is lower than the touch
level (S215-N), the control unit 170 sets the MP3 player to the
touch mode (S295).
[0071] Subsequent to S220, the control unit 170 determines the
function of the MP3 player based on the pressure level, and
controls the display unit 162 to display the determined function
(S225). For the following discussion, it is assumed that the MP3
player is set to the pressure mode when the user touches the touch
screen 160, and that a function of the MP3 player determined
according to the pressure level is a current function. For
convenience of description, it is also assumed that an input
pressure level is higher than the pressure level K and lower than
the pressure level K+1.
[0072] The control unit 170 determines if the input pressure level
changes to be lower than the lower threshold value (S230). If the
user wishes to execute a function different from the current
function displayed on the display unit 162, the user can do it by
changing the pressure level. Firstly, a case where the user changes
the pressure level to be lower than the lower threshold value will
be discussed.
[0073] If the pressure level changes to be lower than the lower
threshold value, and the changed pressure level is maintained
within a predetermined range for a predetermined period of time
(S230-Y and S235-Y), the control unit 170 controls the display unit
162 to display a previous function (S240). If the pressure level
changes to decrease but be still higher than the pressure level K
of the lower threshold value, the current function displayed on the
display unit 162 does not change.
[0074] If the pressure level changes to be higher than the pressure
level K-1 and lower than the pressure level K and is maintained for
a predetermined period of time, the control unit 170 controls the
display unit 162 to display a function K-1 (that is, a previous
function). In addition, if the pressure level changes to be higher
than the pressure level K-1 and lower than the pressure level K,
but before a predetermined period of time has elapsed the changed
pressure level changes to be higher than a pressure level K-2 and
lower than the pressure level K-1, the control unit 170 does not
control the display unit 162 to display the function K-1. However,
if the pressure level changes to be higher than a pressure level
K-3 and lower than the pressure level K-2 and is maintained for a
predetermined period of time, the control unit 170 controls the
display unit 162 to display a function K-3.
[0075] Alternatively, if the pressure level changes to be higher
than the higher threshold value, and the changed pressure level is
maintained within a predetermined range for a predetermined period
of time (S250-Y and S255-Y), the control unit 170 controls function
blocks to display a next (or subsequent) function on the display
unit 162 (S260). Since displaying the next function by changing the
pressure level follows the same process as displaying the previous
function by changing the pressure level, the detailed description
is not repeated here.
[0076] If the pressure level is maintained within a range
corresponding to the displayed current function (S230-N and
S250-N), the display unit 162 displays the current function
(S265).
[0077] As described above, the user can select a desired function
by changing the pressure level, thereby inputting user commands as
desired. In addition, since functions change only when the pressure
level changes and the changed pressure level is maintained within a
predetermined range for a predetermined period of time, errors of
user commands caused by pressure can be reduced.
[0078] While a certain function is being displayed, the control
unit 170 may determine if the pressure level changes to be lower
than the touch level within a predetermined period of time
(operation S270). The user may select a desired function by
changing the pressure level, and may change the pressure level to
be lower than the touch level while touching so as to execute the
selected function.
[0079] If the pressure level changes to be lower than the touch
level within the predetermined period of time (operation S270-Y),
the control unit 170 changes the MP3 to the touch mode (operation
S275).
[0080] Subsequently, the control unit 170 executes a function
according to the touch of the user (operation S280). If the user
lifts the finger from the touch screen 160, the control unit 170
determines that touch is not sensed (operation S285-Y) and finishes
execution of the function (S290).
[0081] As described above, in the pressure mode, if the pressure
level changes to be lower than the touch level within the
predetermined period of time, the MP3 player changes to the touch
mode, so the set function can be executed. Accordingly, user
commands can be more freely input on the touch screen 160.
[0082] In an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept, when the MP3 player is in the pressure mode, if the
pressure level changes to be lower than the touch level, a set
function may be executed according to a touch trace, but the
present general inventive concept is not limited thereto. That is,
although the pressure level does not change to be lower than the
touch level, if a touch trace is formed, a set function may be
executed. In this case, if a touch trace is formed, a change of the
pressure level does not matter.
[0083] Hereinbelow, a method of setting a function in the pressure
mode, changing to the touch mode, and executing the set function is
described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0084] FIGS. 3 to 15 illustrate a method of selecting and executing
a certain function when content is displayed according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 3, content is displayed on the touch
screen 160. The user may touch a certain area on which the content
is displayed, and may press the touched area to select a certain
function related to the content.
[0086] Pressure levels related to the content may include a first
range (which is higher than the first pressure level (that is, the
touch level) and lower than the second pressure level), a second
range (which is higher than the second pressure level and lower
than the third pressure level), and a third range (which is higher
than the third pressure level and lower than the fourth pressure
level). For example, the first range may be set to be a movement
function, the second range may be set to be an enlargement
function, and the third range may be set to be a reduction
function. Accordingly, a user may select a function based on an
input pressure level. For example, if the pressure level input by
the user is within the first range, the movement function is
displayed as illustrated in FIG. 4. If the pressure level input by
the user is within the second range, the enlargement function is
displayed as illustrated in FIG. 5. If the pressure level input by
the user is within the third range, the reduction function is
displayed as illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0087] By this process, the user can select a function of the MP3
player by changing the pressure level. However, when the pressure
level increases or decreases, in order to distinguish a change to
the touch mode from a cancellation of a function, a function may be
displayed only when the pressure level is within a certain range
for a predetermined period of time.
[0088] When a function to be executed is displayed on the display
unit 162, the user may change the pressure level to be lower than
the touch level. Accordingly, the MP3 is changed from the pressure
mode to the touch mode, so a function may be executed according to
a touch trace.
[0089] FIG. 7 illustrates a process of the user changing the
pressure level to be lower than the touch level and forming the
touch trace when the movement function is displayed as illustrated
in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG. 7, if the user wishes to move the
content upward, the user changes the pressure level to be lower
than the touch level, and forms a touch trace upward. When changing
the pressure level to be lower than the touch level, the user may
change the pressure level within a predetermined period of time. As
a result, the content moves upward as illustrated in FIG. 7.
[0090] Subsequently, if the user wishes to finish the function and
finishes the touch, execution of the function is finished as
illustrated in FIG. 8. However, if the user wishes to cancel the
movement function, the user may change the pressure level to be
higher than a cancellation level (higher than the fourth pressure
level in this exemplary embodiment) while touching the touch screen
160. Accordingly, a state may be changed (or returned) to a state
from before the function was selected, and the same content as FIG.
3 may be displayed as illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0091] In the same manner, in order to execute an enlargement
function, when the enlargement function is displayed as illustrated
in FIG. 5, the user may change the pressure level to be lower than
the touch level within a predetermined period of time, and may form
the touch trace as much as the user wishes to enlarge the content.
FIG. 10 illustrates the content enlarged according to the touch
trace. In order to finish the enlargement function, if the user
completes the touch, the finished function is displayed on the
display unit 162 as illustrated in FIG. 11. In order to cancel the
enlargement function, if the user changes the pressure level to be
higher than the cancellation level, a screen from before the
execution or selection of the enlargement function is displayed on
the display unit 162 as illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0092] Furthermore, in order to execute the reduction function,
when the reduction function is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 6,
the user may change the pressure level to be lower than the touch
level, and may form the touch trace as much as the user wishes to
reduce the content. FIG. 13 illustrates the content reduced
according to the touch trace. In FIG. 13, since the content is
reduced, other content can also be displayed on the display unit
162. In order to finish the reduction function, if the user
completes the touch, the finished function is displayed on the
display unit 162 as illustrated in FIG. 14. In order to cancel the
reduction function, if the user changes the pressure level to be
higher than the cancellation level, a screen from before the
execution or selection of the reduction function as illustrated in
FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 162.
[0093] FIGS. 16 to 26 are drawings illustrating a method of
selecting a sub menu when a menu is displayed according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 16, a menu including a list of items is
displayed on the touch screen 160. The user may touch one of the
plurality of items, and may apply pressure on the touched area in
order to select a sub menu related to the selected item.
[0095] Sub menus related to the selected item may include a preview
menu, a function menu, and a history menu as the pressure level
increases. If the pressure level input by the user is within the
first range, the preview menu is displayed as illustrated in FIG.
17. If the pressure level is within the second range, the function
menu is displayed as illustrated in FIG. 18. If the pressure level
is within the third range, the history menu is displayed as
illustrated in FIG. 19.
[0096] When a sub menu to execute is displayed on the display unit
162, if the user changes the pressure level to be lower than the
touch level, the MP3 changes from the pressure mode to the touch
mode, and more specifically displays the sub menu according to
touch.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 17, when the preview menu is displayed, if
the user changes the pressure level to be lower than the touch
level and maintains a touch on touch screen 160, content related to
the preview menu can be selected, executed and/or continuously
displayed according to a duration of the touch. FIG. 20 illustrates
a process of displaying content related to the preview menu
according to a duration of the touch. If the user changes the
pressure level from within the first range to be lower than the
touch level and maintains the touch, the display unit 162 displays
a first preview, a second preview, a third preview, and so on in
sequence. In order to execute a specific preview, the user finishes
the touch when the specific preview is displayed on the display
unit 162. FIG. 21 illustrates the second preview executed by
finishing the touch when the second preview is displayed on the
display unit 162. In order to finish the preview menu, the user may
change the pressure level to be higher than the cancellation level.
Consequently, the same screen as FIG. 16, illustrating a state
before the preview menu is selected, can be displayed on the
display unit 162.
[0098] In the same manner, in order to execute the function menu,
the user may change the pressure level to be lower than the touch
level when, for example, "function" is displayed as illustrated in
FIG. 18. Subsequently, a function menu may be displayed on the
display unit 162 as illustrated in FIG. 23, and the user may touch
an item to execute from among the function menu by forming a touch
trace. After touching the item to execute, if the user finishes the
touch, the selected item is executed. FIG. 24 illustrates the state
that the selected item is being displayed on the display unit 162
when the selected item is executed. In order to cancel the function
menu, the user changes the pressure level to be higher than the
cancellation level.
[0099] Furthermore, in order to execute the history menu, the user
can change the pressure level to be lower than the touch level when
"history" is being displayed as illustrated in FIG. 19.
Subsequently, if the user maintains a touch, the MP3 may
sequentially display thumbnails for images which are previously
stored for a duration of the touch. In order to display only a
specific thumbnail, the user finishes touch when the specific
thumbnail is displayed on the display unit 162.
[0100] As described above, when a function consists of a plurality
of items, the touch mode may be used to execute the function and
select one of the plurality of items. Accordingly, the touch mode
and the pressure mode can be applied in diverse manners according
to the function of the MP3 player.
[0101] The present general inventive concept is not only limited to
MP3 players, but also may be applied to any electronic apparatuses
which are implemented with touch screens.
[0102] As can be appreciated from the above description of the
present general inventive concept, user commands can be input using
touch and pressure.
[0103] When inputting a user command using pressure, since the user
command is recognized as the same user command until a
predetermined condition is satisfied, errors caused when inputting
user commands can be reduced. In addition, when a user command is
input using pressure and directly input using touch, since a
predetermined condition is satisfied, the user can freely input
user commands using touch and pressure.
[0104] Although various exemplary embodiments of the present
general inventive concept have been illustrated and described, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be
made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the
principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope
of which is defined in the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *