U.S. patent application number 17/479974 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-31 for authenticated device used to unlock another device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Apple Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary Ian BUTCHER, John J. IAROCCI, Kevin LYNCH, Lawrence Y. YANG.
Application Number | 20220100841 17/479974 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006025935 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220100841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YANG; Lawrence Y. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2022 |
AUTHENTICATED DEVICE USED TO UNLOCK ANOTHER DEVICE
Abstract
An electronic device that has a user-interface locked state and
a user-interface unlocked state communicates with an external
device using wireless communication to facilitate unlocking of the
electronic device.
Inventors: |
YANG; Lawrence Y.;
(Bellevue, WA) ; IAROCCI; John J.; (Los Gatos,
CA) ; BUTCHER; Gary Ian; (Los Gatos, CA) ;
LYNCH; Kevin; (Woodside, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Apple Inc. |
Cupertino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006025935 |
Appl. No.: |
17/479974 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16422736 |
May 24, 2019 |
11126704 |
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17479974 |
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14719217 |
May 21, 2015 |
10339293 |
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16422736 |
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PCT/US15/25188 |
Apr 9, 2015 |
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14719217 |
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62129747 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
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62038077 |
Aug 15, 2014 |
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62129747 |
Mar 6, 2015 |
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62038077 |
Aug 15, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72412 20210101;
H04W 12/06 20130101; H04W 12/63 20210101; G06F 21/35 20130101; H04M
1/67 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101; H04W 12/08 20130101; H04W 4/80
20180201 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/35 20060101
G06F021/35; H04W 4/80 20060101 H04W004/80; H04M 1/67 20060101
H04M001/67; H04W 12/06 20060101 H04W012/06; H04W 12/08 20060101
H04W012/08; H04M 1/72412 20060101 H04M001/72412 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method comprising: at an electronic device: while the
electronic device is in a user-interface unlocked state, detecting
a request at an external device to unlock the external device; and
in response to detecting the request to unlock the external device:
providing, from the electronic device, authorization to unlock the
external device; and providing an output at the electronic device
that indicates that authorization to unlock the external device was
provided by the electronic device.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the output includes a visual
output.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the visual output occupies more
than 50% of the display of the electronic device.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the visual output includes a
textual indication that the external device has been transitioned
in the user-interface unlocked state.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the output includes a non-visual
output.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the non-visual output includes a
haptic output.
8. The method of claim 2, wherein the request to unlock the
external device includes a touch input.
9. The method of claim 2, wherein the request to unlock the
external device includes a button press.
10. The method of claim 2, wherein the request to unlock the
external device includes biometric input received at the external
device.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the electronic device is
unlocked based on the biometric input and a proximity of the
external device to the electronic device.
12. An electronic device, comprising: one or more processors;
memory; and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs
are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one
or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions
for: while the electronic device is in a user-interface unlocked
state, detecting a request at an external device to unlock the
external device; and in response to detecting the request to unlock
the external device: providing, from the electronic device,
authorization to unlock the external device; and providing an
output at the electronic device that indicates that authorization
to unlock the external device was provided by the electronic
device.
13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more
programs configured to be executed by an electronic device with one
or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions
for: while the electronic device is in a user-interface unlocked
state, detecting a request at an external device to unlock the
external device; and in response to detecting the request to unlock
the external device: providing, from the electronic device,
authorization to unlock the external device; and providing an
output at the electronic device that indicates that authorization
to unlock the external device was provided by the electronic
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/422,736, filed May 24, 2019, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/719,217, filed
May 21, 2015, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/038,077, titled
"AUTHENTICATED DEVICE USED TO UNLOCK ANOTHER DEVICE," filed Aug.
15, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/129,747,
titled "AUTHENTICATED DEVICE USED TO UNLOCK ANOTHER DEVICE," filed
Mar. 6, 2015; and is a continuation of International Application
PCT/US15/25188, titled "AUTHENTICATED DEVICE USED TO UNLOCK ANOTHER
DEVICE," filed Apr. 9, 2015. The content of these applications is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0002] This application relates to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.
62/035,348, titled "CONTINUITY," filed Aug. 8, 2014; and U.S.
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/006,043, titled "CONTINUITY," filed
May 30, 2014. The content of these applications is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to computer user
interfaces, and more specifically to techniques for permitting a
user to transition from use of one device to another,
seamlessly.
2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Modern electronic devices may have multiple input mechanisms
such as touchscreens, touchpads, and/or buttons. One problem
associated with using these input mechanisms is the unintentional
activation or deactivation of functions due to unintentional
contact. To address this problem, some devices may be locked upon
satisfaction of predefined lock conditions, such as after a
predetermined time of idleness has elapsed, or upon manual locking
by a user. When locked, a device may remain operational but ignore
most, if not all, user input so as to reduce the likelihood of
unintentional action. That is, the device, its input mechanisms,
and/or applications running thereon may ignore certain classes of
input when locked.
[0005] One class of input that a locked device may still respond to
is attempts to unlock the device. These inputs may involve known
unlocking procedures, such as pressing a predefined set of buttons
(simultaneously or sequentially) or entering a code or password.
These unlock procedures have drawbacks, however. The button
combinations may be hard to perform. Creating, memorizing, and
recalling passwords, codes, and the like can be burdensome. These
drawbacks are further exacerbated when a user switches between uses
of multiple devices that require unlocking, particularly when the
devices are configured to auto-lock after some duration of
idleness.
[0006] There is a need for more efficient, user-friendly procedures
for unlocking such devices, input mechanisms, and/or
applications.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] In some embodiments, a method of unlocking an electronic
device using an authenticated, external device comprises: at the
electronic device, where the electronic device has a user-interface
locked state and a user-interface unlocked state: detecting, via
wireless communication, an external device; receiving, from the
external device, unlocking information for unlocking the electronic
device; detecting, while in the locked state, user input; and in
response to detecting the user input and the received unlocking
information, unlocking the electronic device.
[0008] In some embodiments, a method of using an electronic device
(that has been authenticated) to unlock an external device
comprises: at an electronic device, where the electronic device has
a user-interface locked state and a user-interface unlock state,
and is in the user-interface unlocked state: detecting, via
wireless communication, an external device, where the external
device has a user-interface locked state and a user-interface
unlocked state, and is in the user-interface locked state; and
transmitting, to the external device, unlocking data, where the
external device unlocks after the external device receives the
unlocking information and detects user input.
[0009] In some embodiments, a method of configuring an electronic
device to recognize that an external device is an authenticated
external device that may be used to facilitate the (automatic)
unlock of the electronic device comprises: at the electronic
device, where the electronic device has a user-interface locked
state and a user-interface unlocked state, the electronic device
within wireless communication range of an external device:
receiving at the electronic device, while in the user-interface
locked state, user input representing a credential for unlocking
the electronic device. In response to a determination that the
credential is valid, unlocking the electronic device. After
unlocking, displaying, on a screen of the electronic device, an
identification of the external device; and prompting a user to
designate whether the external device is authorized to unlock the
electronic device if, in the future, the external device comes
within wireless communication range of the electronic device while
the electronic device is in the user-interface locked state.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] For a better understanding of the various described
embodiments, reference should be made to the Description of
Embodiments below, in conjunction with the following drawings in
which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts
throughout the figures.
[0011] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a portable
multifunction device with a touch-sensitive display in accordance
with some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components
for event handling in accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device having a
touch-sensitive display in accordance with some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction
device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance
with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu
of applications on a portable multifunction device in accordance
with some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary user interface for a
multifunction device with a touch-sensitive surface that is
separate from the display in accordance with some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 5A illustrates a personal electronic device in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating a personal
electronic device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 6A illustrates exemplary devices for performing
auto-unlock techniques.
[0020] FIG. 6B illustrates exemplary devices for performing
auto-unlock techniques.
[0021] FIG. 6C illustrates exemplary devices for performing
auto-unlock techniques.
[0022] FIG. 6D illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0023] FIG. 6E illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0024] FIG. 6F illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0025] FIG. 7A illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0026] FIG. 7B illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0027] FIG. 7C illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0028] FIG. 7D illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0029] FIG. 7E illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0030] FIG. 7F illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0031] FIG. 8A illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0032] FIG. 8B illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0033] FIG. 8C illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0034] FIG. 9A illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0035] FIG. 9B illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0036] FIG. 10A illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0037] FIG. 10B illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0038] FIG. 10C illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0039] FIG. 10D illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0040] FIG. 11A illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0041] FIG. 11B illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0042] FIG. 11C illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0043] FIG. 11D illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0044] FIG. 11E illustrates exemplary user interface(s) for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0045] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0046] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0047] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for
unlocking an electronic device.
[0048] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
device in accordance with some embodiments.
[0051] FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
device in accordance with some embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0052] The following description sets forth exemplary methods,
parameters and the like. It should be recognized, however, that
such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of
the present disclosure but is instead provided as a description of
exemplary embodiments.
[0053] It is desirable for a device that is trusted by other
electronic devices (e.g., an "authenticated" device) to able to
facilitate the unlocking of certain other electronic devices.
Consider the situation in which a user owns and switches between
uses of multiple electronic devices frequently. Upon unlocking one
electronic device (e.g., by providing a password), would be useful
for nearby devices (that are within wireless communications range)
to also unlock automatically, or at least require a reduced set of
user input for unlocking. In this way, the user may transition
between different devices quickly, without having to enter
corresponding passwords on each device. Techniques for performing
these functionalities--using an authenticated device to unlock
other electronic devices--may be referred to as auto-unlocking
techniques.
[0054] Below, FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, 3, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B provide a
description of exemplary devices that may perform auto-unlocking
techniques. FIGS. 6-11 illustrate exemplary user interfaces
involved in the auto-unlocking of devices. The user interfaces in
the figures are also used to illustrate the auto-unlocking
processes described below, including the processes in FIGS.
12-14.
[0055] Although the following description uses terms "first,"
"second," etc. to describe various elements, these elements should
not be limited by the terms. These terms are only used to
distinguish one element from another. For example, a first touch
could be termed a second touch, and, similarly, a second touch
could be termed a first touch, without departing from the scope of
the various described embodiments. The first touch and the second
touch are both touches, but they are not the same touch.
[0056] The terminology used in the description of the various
described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As
used in the description of the various described embodiments and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" are
intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the
term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all
possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed
items. It will be further understood that the terms "includes,"
"including," "comprises," and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0057] The term "if" may be construed to mean "when" or "upon" or
"in response to determining" or "in response to detecting,"
depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "if it is
determined" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" may
be construed to mean "upon determining" or "in response to
determining" or "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]" or
"in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],"
depending on the context.
[0058] Embodiments of electronic devices, user interfaces for such
devices, and associated processes for using such devices are
described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable
communications device, such as a mobile telephone, that also
contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player
functions. Exemplary embodiments of portable multifunction devices
include, without limitation, the iPhone.RTM., iPod Touch.RTM., and
iPad.RTM. devices from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Other
portable electronic devices, such as laptops or tablet computers
with touch-sensitive surfaces (e.g., touch screen displays and/or
touchpads), are, optionally, used. It should also be understood
that, in some embodiments, the device is not a portable
communications device, but is a desktop computer with a
touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touch screen display and/or a
touchpad).
[0059] In the discussion that follows, an electronic device that
includes a display and a touch-sensitive surface is described. It
should be understood, however, that the electronic device
optionally includes one or more other physical user-interface
devices, such as a physical keyboard, a mouse and/or a
joystick.
[0060] The device may support a variety of applications, such as
one or more of the following: a drawing application, a presentation
application, a word processing application, a website creation
application, a disk authoring application, a spreadsheet
application, a gaming application, a telephone application, a video
conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant
messaging application, a workout support application, a photo
management application, a digital camera application, a digital
video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital
music player application, and/or a digital video player
application.
[0061] The various applications that are executed on the device
optionally use at least one common physical user-interface device,
such as the touch-sensitive surface. One or more functions of the
touch-sensitive surface as well as corresponding information
displayed on the device are, optionally, adjusted and/or varied
from one application to the next and/or within a respective
application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as
the touch-sensitive surface) of the device optionally supports the
variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and
transparent to the user.
[0062] Attention is now directed toward embodiments of portable
devices with touch-sensitive displays. FIG. 1A is a block diagram
illustrating portable multifunction device 100 with touch-sensitive
display system 112 in accordance with some embodiments.
Touch-sensitive display 112 is sometimes called a "touch screen"
for convenience, and is sometimes known as or called a
touch-sensitive display system. Device 100 includes memory 102
(which optionally includes one or more computer readable storage
mediums), memory controller 122, one or more processing units
(CPUs) 120, peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio
circuitry 110, speaker 111, microphone 113, input/output (I/O)
subsystem 106, other input control devices 116, and external port
124. Device 100 optionally includes one or more optical sensors
164. Device 100 optionally includes one or more contact intensity
sensors 165 for detecting intensity of contacts on device 100
(e.g., a touch-sensitive surface such as touch-sensitive display
system 112 of device 100). Device 100 optionally includes one or
more tactile output generators 167 for generating tactile outputs
on device 100 (e.g., generating tactile outputs on a
touch-sensitive surface such as touch-sensitive display system 112
of device 100 or touchpad 355 of device 300). These components
optionally communicate over one or more communication buses or
signal lines 103.
[0063] As used in the specification and claims, the term
"intensity" of a contact on a touch-sensitive surface refers to the
force or pressure (force per unit area) of a contact (e.g., a
finger contact) on the touch sensitive surface, or to a substitute
(proxy) for the force or pressure of a contact on the touch
sensitive surface. The intensity of a contact has a range of values
that includes at least four distinct values and more typically
includes hundreds of distinct values (e.g., at least 256).
Intensity of a contact is, optionally, determined (or measured)
using various approaches and various sensors or combinations of
sensors. For example, one or more force sensors underneath or
adjacent to the touch-sensitive surface are, optionally, used to
measure force at various points on the touch-sensitive surface. In
some implementations, force measurements from multiple force
sensors are combined (e.g., a weighted average) to determine an
estimated force of a contact. Similarly, a pressure-sensitive tip
of a stylus is, optionally, used to determine a pressure of the
stylus on the touch-sensitive surface. Alternatively, the size of
the contact area detected on the touch-sensitive surface and/or
changes thereto, the capacitance of the touch-sensitive surface
proximate to the contact and/or changes thereto, and/or the
resistance of the touch-sensitive surface proximate to the contact
and/or changes thereto are, optionally, used as a substitute for
the force or pressure of the contact on the touch-sensitive
surface. In some implementations, the substitute measurements for
contact force or pressure are used directly to determine whether an
intensity threshold has been exceeded (e.g., the intensity
threshold is described in units corresponding to the substitute
measurements). In some implementations, the substitute measurements
for contact force or pressure are converted to an estimated force
or pressure and the estimated force or pressure is used to
determine whether an intensity threshold has been exceeded (e.g.,
the intensity threshold is a pressure threshold measured in units
of pressure). Using the intensity of a contact as an attribute of a
user input allows for user access to additional device
functionality that may otherwise not be accessible by the user on a
reduced-size device with limited real estate for displaying
affordances (e.g., on a touch-sensitive display) and/or receiving
user input (e.g., via a touch-sensitive display, a touch-sensitive
surface, or a physical/mechanical control such as a knob or a
button).
[0064] As used in the specification and claims, the term "tactile
output" refers to physical displacement of a device relative to a
previous position of the device, physical displacement of a
component (e.g., a touch-sensitive surface) of a device relative to
another component (e.g., housing) of the device, or displacement of
the component relative to a center of mass of the device that will
be detected by a user with the user's sense of touch. For example,
in situations where the device or the component of the device is in
contact with a surface of a user that is sensitive to touch (e.g.,
a finger, palm, or other part of a user's hand), the tactile output
generated by the physical displacement will be interpreted by the
user as a tactile sensation corresponding to a perceived change in
physical characteristics of the device or the component of the
device. For example, movement of a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a
touch-sensitive display or trackpad) is, optionally, interpreted by
the user as a "down click" or "up click" of a physical actuator
button. In some cases, a user will feel a tactile sensation such as
an "down click" or "up click" even when there is no movement of a
physical actuator button associated with the touch-sensitive
surface that is physically pressed (e.g., displaced) by the user's
movements. As another example, movement of the touch-sensitive
surface is, optionally, interpreted or sensed by the user as
"roughness" of the touch-sensitive surface, even when there is no
change in smoothness of the touch-sensitive surface. While such
interpretations of touch by a user will be subject to the
individualized sensory perceptions of the user, there are many
sensory perceptions of touch that are common to a large majority of
users. Thus, when a tactile output is described as corresponding to
a particular sensory perception of a user (e.g., an "up click," a
"down click," "roughness"), unless otherwise stated, the generated
tactile output corresponds to physical displacement of the device
or a component thereof that will generate the described sensory
perception for a typical (or average) user.
[0065] It should be appreciated that device 100 is only one example
of a portable multifunction device, and that device 100 optionally
has more or fewer components than shown, optionally combines two or
more components, or optionally has a different configuration or
arrangement of the components. The various components shown in FIG.
1A are implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of both
hardware and software, including one or more signal processing
and/or application specific integrated circuits.
[0066] Memory 102 may include one or more computer readable storage
mediums. The computer readable storage mediums may be tangible and
non-transitory. Memory 102 may include high-speed random access
memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or
more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other
non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Memory controller 122 may
control access to memory 102 by other components of device 100.
[0067] Peripherals interface 118 can be used to couple input and
output peripherals of the device to CPU 120 and memory 102. The one
or more processors 120 run or execute various software programs
and/or sets of instructions stored in memory 102 to perform various
functions for device 100 and to process data. In some embodiments,
peripherals interface 118, CPU 120, and memory controller 122 may
be implemented on a single chip, such as chip 104. In some other
embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.
[0068] RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 receives and sends RF
signals, also called electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108
converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and
communicates with communications networks and other communications
devices via the electromagnetic signals. RF circuitry 108
optionally includes well-known circuitry for performing these
functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF
transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more
oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a
subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. RF
circuitry 108 optionally communicates with networks, such as the
Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet
and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a
wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area
network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The RF
circuitry 108 optionally includes well-known circuitry for
detecting near field communication (NFC) fields, such as by a
short-range communication radio. The wireless communication
optionally uses any of a plurality of communications standards,
protocols and technologies, including but not limited to Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM
Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA),
high-speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), Evolution, Data-Only
(EV-DO), HSPA, HSPA+, Dual-Cell HSPA (DC-HSPDA), long term
evolution (LTE), near field communication (NFC), wideband code
division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access
(CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Bluetooth
Low Energy (BTLE), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 801.11n and/or IEEE 802.11ac),
voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for e-mail
(e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office
protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and
presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant
Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant
Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message
Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol,
including communication protocols not yet developed as of the
filing date of this document.
[0069] Audio circuitry 110, speaker 111, and microphone 113 provide
an audio interface between a user and device 100. Audio circuitry
110 receives audio data from peripherals interface 118, converts
the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the
electrical signal to speaker 111. Speaker 111 converts the
electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. Audio circuitry 110
also receives electrical signals converted by microphone 113 from
sound waves. Audio circuitry 110 converts the electrical signal to
audio data and transmits the audio data to peripherals interface
118 for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or
transmitted to memory 102 and/or RF circuitry 108 by peripherals
interface 118. In some embodiments, audio circuitry 110 also
includes a headset jack (e.g., 212, FIG. 2). The headset jack
provides an interface between audio circuitry 110 and removable
audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a
headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears)
and input (e.g., a microphone).
[0070] I/O subsystem 106 couples input/output peripherals on device
100, such as touch screen 112 and other input control devices 116,
to peripherals interface 118. I/O subsystem 106 optionally includes
display controller 156, optical sensor controller 158, intensity
sensor controller 159, haptic feedback controller 161 and one or
more input controllers 160 for other input or control devices. The
one or more input controllers 160 receive/send electrical signals
from/to other input or control devices 116. The other input control
devices 116 optionally include physical buttons (e.g., push
buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks,
click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input
controller(s) 160 are, optionally, coupled to any (or none) of the
following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer
device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g., 208, FIG. 2)
optionally include an up/down button for volume control of speaker
111 and/or microphone 113. The one or more buttons optionally
include a push button (e.g., 206, FIG. 2).
[0071] A quick press of the push button may disengage a lock of
touch screen 112 or begin a process that uses gestures on the touch
screen to unlock the device, as described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/322,549, "Unlocking a Device by Performing
Gestures on an Unlock Image," filed Dec. 23, 2005, U.S. Pat. No.
7,657,849, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety. A longer press of the push button (e.g., 206) may turn
power to device 100 on or off. The user may be able to customize a
functionality of one or more of the buttons. Touch screen 112 is
used to implement virtual or soft buttons and one or more soft
keyboards.
[0072] Touch-sensitive display 112 provides an input interface and
an output interface between the device and a user. Display
controller 156 receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to
touch screen 112. Touch screen 112 displays visual output to the
user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video,
and any combination thereof (collectively termed "graphics"). In
some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond
to user-interface objects.
[0073] Touch screen 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or
set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic
and/or tactile contact. Touch screen 112 and display controller 156
(along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in
memory 102) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the
contact) on touch screen 112 and convert the detected contact into
interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft
keys, icons, web-pages or images) that are displayed on touch
screen 112. In an exemplary embodiment, a point of contact between
touch screen 112 and the user corresponds to a finger of the
user.
[0074] Touch screen 112 may use LCD (liquid crystal display)
technology, LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, or LED
(light emitting diode) technology, although other display
technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen 112 and
display controller 156 may detect contact and any movement or
breaking thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensing
technologies now known or later developed, including but not
limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic
wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or
other elements for determining one or more points of contact with
touch screen 112. In an exemplary embodiment, projected mutual
capacitance sensing technology is used, such as that found in the
iPhone.RTM. and iPod Touch.RTM. from Apple Inc. of Cupertino,
Calif.
[0075] A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch
screen 112 may be analogous to the multi-touch sensitive touchpads
described in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,846
(Westerman et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,570,557 (Westerman et al.),
and/or U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,932 (Westerman), and/or U.S. Patent
Publication 2002/0015024A1, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety. However, touch screen 112 displays
visual output from device 100, whereas touch sensitive touchpads do
not provide visual output.
[0076] A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of touch
screen 112 may be as described in the following applications: (1)
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,313, "Multipoint Touch
Surface Controller," filed May 2, 2006; (2) U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/840,862, "Multipoint Touchscreen," filed May 6, 2004;
(3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,964, "Gestures For
Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed Jul. 30, 2004; (4) U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/048,264, "Gestures For Touch
Sensitive Input Devices," filed Jan. 31, 2005; (5) U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/038,590, "Mode-Based Graphical User
Interfaces For Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed Jan. 18, 2005;
(6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/228,758, "Virtual Input
Device Placement On A Touch Screen User Interface," filed Sep. 16,
2005; (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/228,700, "Operation
Of A Computer With A Touch Screen Interface," filed Sep. 16, 2005;
(8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/228,737, "Activating
Virtual Keys Of A Touch-Screen Virtual Keyboard," filed Sep. 16,
2005; and (9) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/367,749,
"Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device," filed Mar. 3, 2006. All of
these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
[0077] Touch screen 112 may have a video resolution in excess of
100 dpi. In some embodiments, the touch screen has a video
resolution of approximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with
touch screen 112 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a
stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user
interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts
and gestures, which can be less precise than stylus-based input due
to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In
some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based
input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for
performing the actions desired by the user.
[0078] In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, device
100 may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or
deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the
touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the
touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad may be a
touch-sensitive surface that is separate from touch screen 112 or
an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch
screen.
[0079] Device 100 also includes power system 162 for powering the
various components. Power system 162 may include a power management
system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating
current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection
circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator
(e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components
associated with the generation, management and distribution of
power in portable devices.
[0080] Device 100 may also include one or more optical sensors 164.
FIG. 1A shows an optical sensor coupled to optical sensor
controller 158 in I/O subsystem 106. Optical sensor 164 may include
charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. Optical sensor 164 receives
light from the environment, projected through one or more lenses,
and converts the light to data representing an image. In
conjunction with imaging module 143 (also called a camera module),
optical sensor 164 may capture still images or video. In some
embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of device
100, opposite touch screen display 112 on the front of the device,
so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfinder for
still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, an
optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the
user's image may be obtained for video conferencing while the user
views the other video conference participants on the touch screen
display. In some embodiments, the position of optical sensor 164
can be changed by the user (e.g., by rotating the lens and the
sensor in the device housing) so that a single optical sensor 164
may be used along with the touch screen display for both video
conferencing and still and/or video image acquisition.
[0081] Device 100 optionally also includes one or more contact
intensity sensors 165. FIG. 1A shows a contact intensity sensor
coupled to intensity sensor controller 159 in I/O subsystem 106.
Contact intensity sensor 165 optionally includes one or more
piezoresistive strain gauges, capacitive force sensors, electric
force sensors, piezoelectric force sensors, optical force sensors,
capacitive touch-sensitive surfaces, or other intensity sensors
(e.g., sensors used to measure the force (or pressure) of a contact
on a touch-sensitive surface). Contact intensity sensor 165
receives contact intensity information (e.g., pressure information
or a proxy for pressure information) from the environment. In some
embodiments, at least one contact intensity sensor is collocated
with, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive surface (e.g.,
touch-sensitive display system 112). In some embodiments, at least
one contact intensity sensor is located on the back of device 100,
opposite touch screen display 112 which is located on the front of
device 100.
[0082] Device 100 may also include one or more proximity sensors
166. FIG. 1A shows proximity sensor 166 coupled to peripherals
interface 118. Alternately, proximity sensor 166 may be coupled to
input controller 160 in I/O subsystem 106. Proximity sensor 166 may
perform as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/241,839, "Proximity Detector In Handheld Device"; Ser. No.
11/240,788, "Proximity Detector In Handheld Device"; Ser. No.
11/620,702, "Using Ambient Light Sensor To Augment Proximity Sensor
Output"; Ser. No. 11/586,862, "Automated Response To And Sensing Of
User Activity In Portable Devices"; and Ser. No. 11/638,251,
"Methods And Systems For Automatic Configuration Of Peripherals,"
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In
some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables touch
screen 112 when the multifunction device is placed near the user's
ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call).
[0083] Device 100 optionally also includes one or more tactile
output generators 167. FIG. 1A shows a tactile output generator
coupled to haptic feedback controller 161 in I/O subsystem 106.
Tactile output generator 167 optionally includes one or more
electroacoustic devices such as speakers or other audio components
and/or electromechanical devices that convert energy into linear
motion such as a motor, solenoid, electroactive polymer,
piezoelectric actuator, electrostatic actuator, or other tactile
output generating component (e.g., a component that converts
electrical signals into tactile outputs on the device). Contact
intensity sensor 165 receives tactile feedback generation
instructions from haptic feedback module 133 and generates tactile
outputs on device 100 that are capable of being sensed by a user of
device 100. In some embodiments, at least one tactile output
generator is collocated with, or proximate to, a touch-sensitive
surface (e.g., touch-sensitive display system 112) and, optionally,
generates a tactile output by moving the touch-sensitive surface
vertically (e.g., in/out of a surface of device 100) or laterally
(e.g., back and forth in the same plane as a surface of device
100). In some embodiments, at least one tactile output generator
sensor is located on the back of device 100, opposite touch screen
display 112 which is located on the front of device 100.
[0084] Device 100 may also include one or more accelerometers 168.
FIG. 1A shows accelerometer 168 coupled to peripherals interface
118. Alternately, accelerometer 168 may be coupled to an input
controller 160 in I/O subsystem 106. Accelerometer 168 may perform
as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050190059,
"Acceleration-based Theft Detection System for Portable Electronic
Devices," and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060017692, "Methods And
Apparatuses For Operating A Portable Device Based On An
Accelerometer," both of which are incorporated by reference herein
in their entirety. In some embodiments, information is displayed on
the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view
based on an analysis of data received from the one or more
accelerometers. Device 100 optionally includes, in addition to
accelerometer(s) 168, a magnetometer (not shown) and a GPS (or
GLONASS or other global navigation system) receiver (not shown) for
obtaining information concerning the location and orientation
(e.g., portrait or landscape) of device 100.
[0085] In some embodiments, the software components stored in
memory 102 include operating system 126, communication module (or
set of instructions) 128, contact/motion module (or set of
instructions) 130, graphics module (or set of instructions) 132,
text input module (or set of instructions) 134, Global Positioning
System (GPS) module (or set of instructions) 135, and applications
(or sets of instructions) 136. Furthermore, in some embodiments,
memory 102 (FIG. 1A) or 370 (FIG. 3) stores device/global internal
state 157, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 3. Device/global internal state
157 includes one or more of: active application state, indicating
which applications, if any, are currently active; display state,
indicating what applications, views or other information occupy
various regions of touch screen display 112; sensor state,
including information obtained from the device's various sensors
and input control devices 116; and location information concerning
the device's location and/or attitude.
[0086] Operating system 126 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X,
iOS, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks)
includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling
and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage
device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates
communication between various hardware and software components.
[0087] Communication module 128 facilitates communication with
other devices over one or more external ports 124 and also includes
various software components for handling data received by RF
circuitry 108 and/or external port 124. External port 124 (e.g.,
Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling
directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the
Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external
port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as,
or similar to and/or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on
iPod.RTM. (trademark of Apple Inc.) devices.
[0088] Contact/motion module 130 optionally detects contact with
touch screen 112 (in conjunction with display controller 156) and
other touch sensitive devices (e.g., a touchpad or physical click
wheel). Contact/motion module 130 includes various software
components for performing various operations related to detection
of contact, such as determining if contact has occurred (e.g.,
detecting a finger-down event), determining an intensity of the
contact (e.g., the force or pressure of the contact or a substitute
for the force or pressure of the contact), determining if there is
movement of the contact and tracking the movement across the
touch-sensitive surface (e.g., detecting one or more
finger-dragging events), and determining if the contact has ceased
(e.g., detecting a finger-up event or a break in contact).
Contact/motion module 130 receives contact data from the
touch-sensitive surface. Determining movement of the point of
contact, which is represented by a series of contact data,
optionally includes determining speed (magnitude), velocity
(magnitude and direction), and/or an acceleration (a change in
magnitude and/or direction) of the point of contact. These
operations are, optionally, applied to single contacts (e.g., one
finger contacts) or to multiple simultaneous contacts (e.g.,
"multitouch"/multiple finger contacts). In some embodiments,
contact/motion module 130 and display controller 156 detect contact
on a touchpad.
[0089] In some embodiments, contact/motion module 130 uses a set of
one or more intensity thresholds to determine whether an operation
has been performed by a user (e.g., to determine whether a user has
"clicked" on an icon). In some embodiments at least a subset of the
intensity thresholds are determined in accordance with software
parameters (e.g., the intensity thresholds are not determined by
the activation thresholds of particular physical actuators and can
be adjusted without changing the physical hardware of device 100).
For example, a mouse "click" threshold of a trackpad or touch
screen display can be set to any of a large range of predefined
threshold values without changing the trackpad or touch screen
display hardware. Additionally, in some implementations a user of
the device is provided with software settings for adjusting one or
more of the set of intensity thresholds (e.g., by adjusting
individual intensity thresholds and/or by adjusting a plurality of
intensity thresholds at once with a system-level click "intensity"
parameter).
[0090] Contact/motion module 130 optionally detects a gesture input
by a user. Different gestures on the touch-sensitive surface have
different contact patterns (e.g., different motions, timings,
and/or intensities of detected contacts). Thus, a gesture is,
optionally, detected by detecting a particular contact pattern. For
example, detecting a finger tap gesture includes detecting a
finger-down event followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event
at the same position (or substantially the same position) as the
finger-down event (e.g., at the position of an icon). As another
example, detecting a finger swipe gesture on the touch-sensitive
surface includes detecting a finger-down event followed by
detecting one or more finger-dragging events, and subsequently
followed by detecting a finger-up (liftoff) event.
[0091] Graphics module 132 includes various known software
components for rendering and displaying graphics on touch screen
112 or other display, including components for changing the visual
impact (e.g., brightness, transparency, saturation, contrast or
other visual property) of graphics that are displayed. As used
herein, the term "graphics" includes any object that can be
displayed to a user, including without limitation text, web pages,
icons (such as user-interface objects including soft keys), digital
images, videos, animations and the like.
[0092] In some embodiments, graphics module 132 stores data
representing graphics to be used. Each graphic is, optionally,
assigned a corresponding code. Graphics module 132 receives, from
applications etc., one or more codes specifying graphics to be
displayed along with, if necessary, coordinate data and other
graphic property data, and then generates screen image data to
output to display controller 156.
[0093] Haptic feedback module 133 includes various software
components for generating instructions used by tactile output
generator(s) 167 to produce tactile outputs at one or more
locations on device 100 in response to user interactions with
device 100.
[0094] Text input module 134, which may be a component of graphics
module 132, provides soft keyboards for entering text in various
applications (e.g., contacts 137, e-mail 140, IM 141, browser 147,
and any other application that needs text input).
[0095] GPS module 135 determines the location of the device and
provides this information for use in various applications (e.g., to
telephone 138 for use in location-based dialing, to camera 143 as
picture/video metadata, and to applications that provide
location-based services such as weather widgets, local yellow page
widgets, and map/navigation widgets).
[0096] Applications 136 may include the following modules (or sets
of instructions), or a subset or superset thereof: [0097] Contacts
module 137 (sometimes called an address book or contact list);
[0098] Telephone module 138; [0099] Video Conference module 139;
[0100] E-mail client module 140; [0101] Instant messaging (IM)
module 141; [0102] Workout support module 142; [0103] Camera module
143 for still and/or video images; [0104] Image management module
144; [0105] Video player module; [0106] Music player module; [0107]
Browser module 147; [0108] Calendar module 148; [0109] Widget
modules 149, which may include one or more of: weather widget
149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget 149-3, alarm clock
widget 149-4, dictionary widget 149-5, and other widgets obtained
by the user, as well as user-created widgets 149-6; [0110] Widget
creator module 150 for making user-created widgets 149-6; [0111]
Search module 151; [0112] Video and music player module 152, which
merges video player module and music player module; [0113] Notes
module 153; [0114] Map module 154; and/or [0115] Online video
module 155.
[0116] Examples of other applications 136 that may be stored in
memory 102 include other word processing applications, other image
editing applications, drawing applications, presentation
applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights
management, voice recognition, and voice replication.
[0117] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input
module 134, contacts module 137 may be used to manage an address
book or contact list (e.g., stored in application internal state
192 of contacts module 137 in memory 102 or memory 370), including:
adding name(s) to the address book; deleting name(s) from the
address book; associating telephone number(s), e-mail address(es),
physical address(es) or other information with a name; associating
an image with a name; categorizing and sorting names; providing
telephone numbers or e-mail addresses to initiate and/or facilitate
communications by telephone 138, video conference module 139,
e-mail 140, or IM 141; and so forth.
[0118] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110,
speaker 111, microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input
module 134, telephone module 138 may be used to enter a sequence of
characters corresponding to a telephone number, access one or more
telephone numbers in contacts module 137, modify a telephone number
that has been entered, dial a respective telephone number, conduct
a conversation and disconnect or hang up when the conversation is
completed. As noted above, the wireless communication may use any
of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and
technologies.
[0119] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110,
speaker 111, microphone 113, touch screen 112, display controller
156, optical sensor 164, optical sensor controller 158, contact
module 130, graphics module 132, text input module 134, contacts
module 137, and telephone module 138, video conference module 139
includes executable instructions to initiate, conduct, and
terminate a video conference between a user and one or more other
participants in accordance with user instructions.
[0120] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, and text input module 134, e-mail client module 140 includes
executable instructions to create, send, receive, and manage e-mail
in response to user instructions. In conjunction with image
management module 144, e-mail client module 140 makes it very easy
to create and send e-mails with still or video images taken with
camera module 143.
[0121] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, and text input module 134, the instant messaging module 141
includes executable instructions to enter a sequence of characters
corresponding to an instant message, to modify previously entered
characters, to transmit a respective instant message (for example,
using a Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Message Service
(MMS) protocol for telephony-based instant messages or using XMPP,
SIMPLE, or IMPS for Internet-based instant messages), to receive
instant messages and to view received instant messages. In some
embodiments, transmitted and/or received instant messages may
include graphics, photos, audio files, video files and/or other
attachments as are supported in a MMS and/or an Enhanced Messaging
Service (EMS). As used herein, "instant messaging" refers to both
telephony-based messages (e.g., messages sent using SMS or MMS) and
Internet-based messages (e.g., messages sent using XMPP, SIMPLE, or
IMPS).
[0122] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, text input module 134, GPS module 135, map module 154, and
music player module, workout support module 142 includes executable
instructions to create workouts (e.g., with time, distance, and/or
calorie burning goals); communicate with workout sensors (sports
devices); receive workout sensor data; calibrate sensors used to
monitor a workout; select and play music for a workout; and
display, store and transmit workout data.
[0123] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, optical sensor(s) 164, optical sensor controller 158,
contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and image
management module 144, camera module 143 includes executable
instructions to capture still images or video (including a video
stream) and store them into memory 102, modify characteristics of a
still image or video, or delete a still image or video from memory
102.
[0124] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, text input
module 134, and camera module 143, image management module 144
includes executable instructions to arrange, modify (e.g., edit),
or otherwise manipulate, label, delete, present (e.g., in a digital
slide show or album), and store still and/or video images.
[0125] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, and text input module 134, browser module 147 includes
executable instructions to browse the Internet in accordance with
user instructions, including searching, linking to, receiving, and
displaying web-pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments
and other files linked to web-pages.
[0126] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, text input module 134, e-mail client module 140, and browser
module 147, calendar module 148 includes executable instructions to
create, display, modify, and store calendars and data associated
with calendars (e.g., calendar entries, to do lists, etc.) in
accordance with user instructions.
[0127] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, widget modules
149 are mini-applications that may be downloaded and used by a user
(e.g., weather widget 149-1, stocks widget 149-2, calculator widget
149-3, alarm clock widget 149-4, and dictionary widget 149-5) or
created by the user (e.g., user-created widget 149-6). In some
embodiments, a widget includes an HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
file, a CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) file, and a JavaScript file.
In some embodiments, a widget includes an XML (Extensible Markup
Language) file and a JavaScript file (e.g., Yahoo! Widgets).
[0128] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, text input module 134, and browser module 147, the widget
creator module 150 may be used by a user to create widgets (e.g.,
turning a user-specified portion of a web-page into a widget).
[0129] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input
module 134, search module 151 includes executable instructions to
search for text, music, sound, image, video, and/or other files in
memory 102 that match one or more search criteria (e.g., one or
more user-specified search terms) in accordance with user
instructions.
[0130] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, audio
circuitry 110, speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, and browser module
147, video and music player module 152 includes executable
instructions that allow the user to download and play back recorded
music and other sound files stored in one or more file formats,
such as MP3 or AAC files, and executable instructions to display,
present or otherwise play back videos (e.g., on touch screen 112 or
on an external, connected display via external port 124). In some
embodiments, device 100 optionally includes the functionality of an
MP3 player, such as an iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.).
[0131] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, and text input
module 134, notes module 153 includes executable instructions to
create and manage notes, to do lists, and the like in accordance
with user instructions.
[0132] In conjunction with RF circuitry 108, touch screen 112,
display controller 156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module
132, text input module 134, GPS module 135, and browser module 147,
map module 154 may be used to receive, display, modify, and store
maps and data associated with maps (e.g., driving directions; data
on stores and other points of interest at or near a particular
location; and other location-based data) in accordance with user
instructions.
[0133] In conjunction with touch screen 112, display controller
156, contact/motion module 130, graphics module 132, audio
circuitry 110, speaker 111, RF circuitry 108, text input module
134, e-mail client module 140, and browser module 147, online video
module 155 includes instructions that allow the user to access,
browse, receive (e.g., by streaming and/or download), play back
(e.g., on the touch screen or on an external, connected display via
external port 124), send an e-mail with a link to a particular
online video, and otherwise manage online videos in one or more
file formats, such as H.264. In some embodiments, instant messaging
module 141, rather than e-mail client module 140, is used to send a
link to a particular online video. Additional description of the
online video application can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/936,562, "Portable Multifunction Device, Method,
and Graphical User Interface for Playing Online Videos," filed Jun.
20, 2007, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/968,067,
"Portable Multifunction Device, Method, and Graphical User
Interface for Playing Online Videos," filed Dec. 31, 2007, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0134] Each of the above-identified modules and applications
corresponds to a set of executable instructions for performing one
or more functions described above and the methods described in this
application (e.g., the computer-implemented methods and other
information processing methods described herein). These modules
(e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate
software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets
of these modules may be combined or otherwise rearranged in various
embodiments. For example, video player module may be combined with
music player module into a single module (e.g., video and music
player module 152, FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, memory 102 may
store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above.
Furthermore, memory 102 may store additional modules and data
structures not described above.
[0135] In some embodiments, device 100 is a device where operation
of a predefined set of functions on the device is performed
exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad. By using a
touch screen and/or a touchpad as the primary input control device
for operation of device 100, the number of physical input control
devices (such as push buttons, dials, and the like) on device 100
may be reduced.
[0136] The predefined set of functions that are performed
exclusively through a touch screen and/or a touchpad optionally
include navigation between user interfaces. In some embodiments,
the touchpad, when touched by the user, navigates device 100 to a
main, home, or root menu from any user interface that is displayed
on device 100. In such embodiments, a "menu button" is implemented
using a touchpad. In some other embodiments, the menu button is a
physical push button or other physical input control device instead
of a touchpad.
[0137] FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components
for event handling in accordance with some embodiments. In some
embodiments, memory 102 (FIG. 1A) or 370 (FIG. 3) includes event
sorter 170 (e.g., in operating system 126) and a respective
application 136-1 (e.g., any of the aforementioned applications
137-151, 155, 380-390).
[0138] Event sorter 170 receives event information and determines
the application 136-1 and application view 191 of application 136-1
to which to deliver the event information. Event sorter 170
includes event monitor 171 and event dispatcher module 174. In some
embodiments, application 136-1 includes application internal state
192, which indicates the current application view(s) displayed on
touch sensitive display 112 when the application is active or
executing. In some embodiments, device/global internal state 157 is
used by event sorter 170 to determine which application(s) is (are)
currently active, and application internal state 192 is used by
event sorter 170 to determine application views 191 to which to
deliver event information.
[0139] In some embodiments, application internal state 192 includes
additional information, such as one or more of: resume information
to be used when application 136-1 resumes execution, user interface
state information that indicates information being displayed or
that is ready for display by application 136-1, a state queue for
enabling the user to go back to a prior state or view of
application 136-1, and a redo/undo queue of previous actions taken
by the user.
[0140] Event monitor 171 receives event information from
peripherals interface 118. Event information includes information
about a sub-event (e.g., a user touch on touch-sensitive display
112, as part of a multi-touch gesture). Peripherals interface 118
transmits information it receives from I/O subsystem 106 or a
sensor, such as proximity sensor 166, accelerometer(s) 168, and/or
microphone 113 (through audio circuitry 110). Information that
peripherals interface 118 receives from I/O subsystem 106 includes
information from touch-sensitive display 112 or a touch-sensitive
surface.
[0141] In some embodiments, event monitor 171 sends requests to the
peripherals interface 118 at predetermined intervals. In response,
peripherals interface 118 transmits event information. In other
embodiments, peripherals interface 118 transmits event information
only when there is a significant event (e.g., receiving an input
above a predetermined noise threshold and/or for more than a
predetermined duration).
[0142] In some embodiments, event sorter 170 also includes a hit
view determination module 172 and/or an active event recognizer
determination module 173.
[0143] Hit view determination module 172 provides software
procedures for determining where a sub-event has taken place within
one or more views, when touch sensitive display 112 displays more
than one view. Views are made up of controls and other elements
that a user can see on the display.
[0144] Another aspect of the user interface associated with an
application is a set of views, sometimes herein called application
views or user interface windows, in which information is displayed
and touch-based gestures occur. The application views (of a
respective application) in which a touch is detected may correspond
to programmatic levels within a programmatic or view hierarchy of
the application. For example, the lowest level view in which a
touch is detected may be called the hit view, and the set of events
that are recognized as proper inputs may be determined based, at
least in part, on the hit view of the initial touch that begins a
touch-based gesture.
[0145] Hit view determination module 172 receives information
related to sub-events of a touch-based gesture. When an application
has multiple views organized in a hierarchy, hit view determination
module 172 identifies a hit view as the lowest view in the
hierarchy which should handle the sub-event. In most circumstances,
the hit view is the lowest level view in which an initiating
sub-event occurs (e.g., the first sub-event in the sequence of
sub-events that form an event or potential event). Once the hit
view is identified by the hit view determination module 172, the
hit view typically receives all sub-events related to the same
touch or input source for which it was identified as the hit
view.
[0146] Active event recognizer determination module 173 determines
which view or views within a view hierarchy should receive a
particular sequence of sub-events. In some embodiments, active
event recognizer determination module 173 determines that only the
hit view should receive a particular sequence of sub-events. In
other embodiments, active event recognizer determination module 173
determines that all views that include the physical location of a
sub-event are actively involved views, and therefore determines
that all actively involved views should receive a particular
sequence of sub-events. In other embodiments, even if touch
sub-events were entirely confined to the area associated with one
particular view, views higher in the hierarchy would still remain
as actively involved views.
[0147] Event dispatcher module 174 dispatches the event information
to an event recognizer (e.g., event recognizer 180). In embodiments
including active event recognizer determination module 173, event
dispatcher module 174 delivers the event information to an event
recognizer determined by active event recognizer determination
module 173. In some embodiments, event dispatcher module 174 stores
in an event queue the event information, which is retrieved by a
respective event receiver 182.
[0148] In some embodiments, operating system 126 includes event
sorter 170. Alternatively, application 136-1 includes event sorter
170. In yet other embodiments, event sorter 170 is a stand-alone
module, or a part of another module stored in memory 102, such as
contact/motion module 130.
[0149] In some embodiments, application 136-1 includes a plurality
of event handlers 190 and one or more application views 191, each
of which includes instructions for handling touch events that occur
within a respective view of the application's user interface. Each
application view 191 of the application 136-1 includes one or more
event recognizers 180. Typically, a respective application view 191
includes a plurality of event recognizers 180. In other
embodiments, one or more of event recognizers 180 are part of a
separate module, such as a user interface kit (not shown) or a
higher level object from which application 136-1 inherits methods
and other properties. In some embodiments, a respective event
handler 190 includes one or more of: data updater 176, object
updater 177, GUI updater 178, and/or event data 179 received from
event sorter 170. Event handler 190 may utilize or call data
updater 176, object updater 177 or GUI updater 178 to update the
application internal state 192. Alternatively, one or more of the
application views 191 include one or more respective event handlers
190. Also, in some embodiments, one or more of data updater 176,
object updater 177, and GUI updater 178 are included in a
respective application view 191.
[0150] A respective event recognizer 180 receives event information
(e.g., event data 179) from event sorter 170, and identifies an
event from the event information. Event recognizer 180 includes
event receiver 182 and event comparator 184. In some embodiments,
event recognizer 180 also includes at least a subset of: metadata
183, and event delivery instructions 188 (which may include
sub-event delivery instructions).
[0151] Event receiver 182 receives event information from event
sorter 170. The event information includes information about a
sub-event, for example, a touch or a touch movement. Depending on
the sub-event, the event information also includes additional
information, such as location of the sub-event. When the sub-event
concerns motion of a touch the event information may also include
speed and direction of the sub-event. In some embodiments, events
include rotation of the device from one orientation to another
(e.g., from a portrait orientation to a landscape orientation, or
vice versa), and the event information includes corresponding
information about the current orientation (also called device
attitude) of the device.
[0152] Event comparator 184 compares the event information to
predefined event or sub-event definitions and, based on the
comparison, determines an event or sub-event, or determines or
updates the state of an event or sub-event. In some embodiments,
event comparator 184 includes event definitions 186. Event
definitions 186 contain definitions of events (e.g., predefined
sequences of sub-events), for example, event 1 (187-1), event 2
(187-2), and others. In some embodiments, sub-events in an event
(187) include, for example, touch begin, touch end, touch movement,
touch cancellation, and multiple touching. In one example, the
definition for event 1 (187-1) is a double tap on a displayed
object. The double tap, for example, comprises a first touch (touch
begin) on the displayed object for a predetermined phase, a first
liftoff (touch end) for a predetermined phase, a second touch
(touch begin) on the displayed object for a predetermined phase,
and a second liftoff (touch end) for a predetermined phase. In
another example, the definition for event 2 (187-2) is a dragging
on a displayed object. The dragging, for example, comprises a touch
(or contact) on the displayed object for a predetermined phase, a
movement of the touch across touch-sensitive display 112, and
liftoff of the touch (touch end). In some embodiments, the event
also includes information for one or more associated event handlers
190.
[0153] In some embodiments, event definition 187 includes a
definition of an event for a respective user-interface object. In
some embodiments, event comparator 184 performs a hit test to
determine which user-interface object is associated with a
sub-event. For example, in an application view in which three
user-interface objects are displayed on touch-sensitive display
112, when a touch is detected on touch-sensitive display 112, event
comparator 184 performs a hit test to determine which of the three
user-interface objects is associated with the touch (sub-event). If
each displayed object is associated with a respective event handler
190, the event comparator uses the result of the hit test to
determine which event handler 190 should be activated. For example,
event comparator 184 selects an event handler associated with the
sub-event and the object triggering the hit test.
[0154] In some embodiments, the definition for a respective event
(187) also includes delayed actions that delay delivery of the
event information until after it has been determined whether the
sequence of sub-events does or does not correspond to the event
recognizer's event type.
[0155] When a respective event recognizer 180 determines that the
series of sub-events do not match any of the events in event
definitions 186, the respective event recognizer 180 enters an
event impossible, event failed, or event ended state, after which
it disregards subsequent sub-events of the touch-based gesture. In
this situation, other event recognizers, if any, that remain active
for the hit view continue to track and process sub-events of an
ongoing touch-based gesture.
[0156] In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180
includes metadata 183 with configurable properties, flags, and/or
lists that indicate how the event delivery system should perform
sub-event delivery to actively involved event recognizers. In some
embodiments, metadata 183 includes configurable properties, flags,
and/or lists that indicate how event recognizers may interact, or
are enabled to interact, with one another. In some embodiments,
metadata 183 includes configurable properties, flags, and/or lists
that indicate whether sub-events are delivered to varying levels in
the view or programmatic hierarchy.
[0157] In some embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180
activates event handler 190 associated with an event when one or
more particular sub-events of an event are recognized. In some
embodiments, a respective event recognizer 180 delivers event
information associated with the event to event handler 190.
Activating an event handler 190 is distinct from sending (and
deferred sending) sub-events to a respective hit view. In some
embodiments, event recognizer 180 throws a flag associated with the
recognized event, and event handler 190 associated with the flag
catches the flag and performs a predefined process.
[0158] In some embodiments, event delivery instructions 188 include
sub-event delivery instructions that deliver event information
about a sub-event without activating an event handler. Instead, the
sub-event delivery instructions deliver event information to event
handlers associated with the series of sub-events or to actively
involved views. Event handlers associated with the series of
sub-events or with actively involved views receive the event
information and perform a predetermined process.
[0159] In some embodiments, data updater 176 creates and updates
data used in application 136-1. For example, data updater 176
updates the telephone number used in contacts module 137, or stores
a video file used in video player module. In some embodiments,
object updater 177 creates and updates objects used in application
136-1. For example, object updater 177 creates a new user-interface
object or updates the position of a user-interface object. GUI
updater 178 updates the GUI. For example, GUI updater 178 prepares
display information and sends it to graphics module 132 for display
on a touch-sensitive display.
[0160] In some embodiments, event handler(s) 190 includes or has
access to data updater 176, object updater 177, and GUI updater
178. In some embodiments, data updater 176, object updater 177, and
GUI updater 178 are included in a single module of a respective
application 136-1 or application view 191. In other embodiments,
they are included in two or more software modules.
[0161] It shall be understood that the foregoing discussion
regarding event handling of user touches on touch-sensitive
displays also applies to other forms of user inputs to operate
multifunction devices 100 with input-devices, not all of which are
initiated on touch screens. For example, mouse movement and mouse
button presses, optionally coordinated with single or multiple
keyboard presses or holds; contact movements such as taps, drags,
scrolls, etc. on touchpads; pen stylus inputs; movement of the
device; oral instructions; detected eye movements; biometric
inputs; and/or any combination thereof are optionally utilized as
inputs corresponding to sub-events which define an event to be
recognized.
[0162] FIG. 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device 100
having a touch screen 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The
touch screen optionally displays one or more graphics within user
interface (UI) 200. In this embodiment, as well as others described
below, a user is enabled to select one or more of the graphics by
making a gesture on the graphics, for example, with one or more
fingers 202 (not drawn to scale in the figure) or one or more
styluses 203 (not drawn to scale in the figure). In some
embodiments, selection of one or more graphics occurs when the user
breaks contact with the one or more graphics. In some embodiments,
the gesture optionally includes one or more taps, one or more
swipes (from left to right, right to left, upward and/or downward),
and/or a rolling of a finger (from right to left, left to right,
upward and/or downward) that has made contact with device 100. In
some implementations or circumstances, inadvertent contact with a
graphic does not select the graphic. For example, a swipe gesture
that sweeps over an application icon optionally does not select the
corresponding application when the gesture corresponding to
selection is a tap.
[0163] Device 100 may also include one or more physical buttons,
such as "home" or menu button 204. As described previously, menu
button 204 may be used to navigate to any application 136 in a set
of applications that may be executed on device 100. Alternatively,
in some embodiments, the menu button is implemented as a soft key
in a GUI displayed on touch screen 112.
[0164] In one embodiment, device 100 includes touch screen 112,
menu button 204, push button 206 for powering the device on/off and
locking the device, volume adjustment button(s) 208, subscriber
identity module (SIM) card slot 210, headset jack 212, and
docking/charging external port 124. Push button 206 is, optionally,
used to turn the power on/off on the device by depressing the
button and holding the button in the depressed state for a
predefined time interval; to lock the device by depressing the
button and releasing the button before the predefined time interval
has elapsed; and/or to unlock the device or initiate an unlock
process. In an alternative embodiment, device 100 also accepts
verbal input for activation or deactivation of some functions
through microphone 113. Device 100 also, optionally, includes one
or more contact intensity sensors 165 for detecting intensity of
contacts on touch screen 112 and/or one or more tactile output
generators 167 for generating tactile outputs for a user of device
100.
[0165] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary multifunction
device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface in accordance
with some embodiments. Device 300 need not be portable. In some
embodiments, device 300 is a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a
tablet computer, a multimedia player device, a navigation device,
an educational device (such as a child's learning toy), a gaming
system, or a control device (e.g., a home or industrial
controller). Device 300 typically includes one or more processing
units (CPUs) 310, one or more network or other communications
interfaces 360, memory 370, and one or more communication buses 320
for interconnecting these components. Communication buses 320
optionally include circuitry (sometimes called a chipset) that
interconnects and controls communications between system
components. Device 300 includes input/output (I/O) interface 330
comprising display 340, which is typically a touch screen display.
I/O interface 330 also optionally includes a keyboard and/or mouse
(or other pointing device) 350 and touchpad 355, tactile output
generator 357 for generating tactile outputs on device 300 (e.g.,
similar to tactile output generator(s) 167 described above with
reference to FIG. 1A), sensors 359 (e.g., optical, acceleration,
proximity, touch-sensitive, and/or contact intensity sensors
similar to contact intensity sensor(s) 165 described above with
reference to FIG. 1A). Memory 370 includes high-speed random access
memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM or other random access solid
state memory devices; and optionally includes non-volatile memory,
such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk
storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid
state storage devices. Memory 370 optionally includes one or more
storage devices remotely located from CPU(s) 310. In some
embodiments, memory 370 stores programs, modules, and data
structures analogous to the programs, modules, and data structures
stored in memory 102 of portable multifunction device 100 (FIG.
1A), or a subset thereof. Furthermore, memory 370 optionally stores
additional programs, modules, and data structures not present in
memory 102 of portable multifunction device 100. For example,
memory 370 of device 300 optionally stores drawing module 380,
presentation module 382, word processing module 384, website
creation module 386, disk authoring module 388, and/or spreadsheet
module 390, while memory 102 of portable multifunction device 100
(FIG. 1A) optionally does not store these modules.
[0166] Each of the above identified elements in FIG. 3 may be
stored in one or more of the previously mentioned memory devices.
Each of the above identified modules corresponds to a set of
instructions for performing a function described above. The above
identified modules or programs (e.g., sets of instructions) need
not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or
modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined
or otherwise rearranged in various embodiments. In some
embodiments, memory 370 may store a subset of the modules and data
structures identified above. Furthermore, memory 370 may store
additional modules and data structures not described above.
[0167] Attention is now directed towards embodiments of user
interfaces that may be implemented on, for example, portable
multifunction device 100.
[0168] FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary user interface for a menu
of applications on portable multifunction device 100 in accordance
with some embodiments. Similar user interfaces may be implemented
on device 300. In some embodiments, user interface 400 includes the
following elements, or a subset or superset thereof: [0169] Signal
strength indicator(s) 402 for wireless communication(s), such as
cellular and Wi-Fi signals; [0170] Time 404; [0171] Bluetooth
indicator 405; [0172] Battery status indicator 406; [0173] Tray 408
with icons for frequently used applications, such as: [0174] Icon
416 for telephone module 138, labeled "Phone," which optionally
includes an indicator 414 of the number of missed calls or
voicemail messages; [0175] Icon 418 for e-mail client module 140,
labeled "Mail," which optionally includes an indicator 410 of the
number of unread e-mails; [0176] Icon 420 for browser module 147,
labeled "Browser;" and [0177] Icon 422 for video and music player
module 152, also referred to as iPod (trademark of Apple Inc.)
module 152, labeled "iPod;" and [0178] Icons for other
applications, such as: [0179] Icon 424 for IM module 141, labeled
"Messages;" [0180] Icon 426 for calendar module 148, labeled
"Calendar;" [0181] Icon 428 for image management module 144,
labeled "Photos;" [0182] Icon 430 for camera module 143, labeled
"Camera;" [0183] Icon 432 for online video module 155, labeled
"Online Video" [0184] Icon 434 for stocks widget 149-2, labeled
"Stocks;" [0185] Icon 436 for map module 154, labeled "Maps;"
[0186] Icon 438 for weather widget 149-1, labeled "Weather;" [0187]
Icon 440 for alarm clock widget 149-4, labeled "Clock;" [0188] Icon
442 for workout support module 142, labeled "Workout Support;"
[0189] Icon 444 for notes module 153, labeled "Notes;" and [0190]
Icon 446 for a settings application or module, labeled "Settings,"
which provides access to settings for device 100 and its various
applications 136.
[0191] It should be noted that the icon labels illustrated in FIG.
4A are merely exemplary. For example, icon 422 for video and music
player module 152 are labeled "Music" or "Music Player." Other
labels are, optionally, used for various application icons. In some
embodiments, a label for a respective application icon includes a
name of an application corresponding to the respective application
icon. In some embodiments, a label for a particular application
icon is distinct from a name of an application corresponding to the
particular application icon.
[0192] FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary user interface on a device
(e.g., device 300, FIG. 3) with a touch-sensitive surface 451
(e.g., a tablet or touchpad 355, FIG. 3) that is separate from the
display 450 (e.g., touch screen display 112). Device 300 also,
optionally, includes one or more contact intensity sensors (e.g.,
one or more of sensors 357) for detecting intensity of contacts on
touch-sensitive surface 451 and/or one or more tactile output
generators 359 for generating tactile outputs for a user of device
300.
[0193] Although some of the examples which follow will be given
with reference to inputs on touch screen display 112 (where the
touch sensitive surface and the display are combined), in some
embodiments, the device detects inputs on a touch-sensitive surface
that is separate from the display, as shown in FIG. 4B. In some
embodiments the touch sensitive surface (e.g., 451 in FIG. 4B) has
a primary axis (e.g., 452 in FIG. 4B) that corresponds to a primary
axis (e.g., 453 in FIG. 4B) on the display (e.g., 450). In
accordance with these embodiments, the device detects contacts
(e.g., 460 and 462 in FIG. 4B) with the touch-sensitive surface 451
at locations that correspond to respective locations on the display
(e.g., in FIG. 4B, 460 corresponds to 468 and 462 corresponds to
470). In this way, user inputs (e.g., contacts 460 and 462, and
movements thereof) detected by the device on the touch-sensitive
surface (e.g., 451 in FIG. 4B) are used by the device to manipulate
the user interface on the display (e.g., 450 in FIG. 4B) of the
multifunction device when the touch-sensitive surface is separate
from the display. It should be understood that similar methods are,
optionally, used for other user interfaces described herein.
[0194] Additionally, while the following examples are given
primarily with reference to finger inputs (e.g., finger contacts,
finger tap gestures, finger swipe gestures), it should be
understood that, in some embodiments, one or more of the finger
inputs are replaced with input from another input device (e.g., a
mouse based input or stylus input). For example, a swipe gesture
is, optionally, replaced with a mouse click (e.g., instead of a
contact) followed by movement of the cursor along the path of the
swipe (e.g., instead of movement of the contact). As another
example, a tap gesture is, optionally, replaced with a mouse click
while the cursor is located over the location of the tap gesture
(e.g., instead of detection of the contact followed by ceasing to
detect the contact). Similarly, when multiple user inputs are
simultaneously detected, it should be understood that multiple
computer mice are, optionally, used simultaneously, or a mouse and
finger contacts are, optionally, used simultaneously.
[0195] FIG. 5A illustrates exemplary personal electronic device
500. Device 500 includes body 502. In some embodiments, device 500
can include some or all of the features described with respect to
devices 100 and 300 (e.g., FIGS. 1A-4B). In some embodiments,
device 500 has touch-sensitive display screen 504, hereafter touch
screen 504. Alternatively, or in addition to touch screen 504,
device 500 has a display and a touch-sensitive surface. As with
devices 100 and 300, in some embodiments, touch screen 504 (or the
touch-sensitive surface) may have one or more intensity sensors for
detecting intensity of contacts (e.g., touches) being applied. The
one or more intensity sensors of touch screen 504 (or the
touch-sensitive surface) can provide output data that represents
the intensity of touches. The user interface of device 500 can
respond to touches based on their intensity, meaning that touches
of different intensities can invoke different user interface
operations on device 500.
[0196] Techniques for detecting and processing touch intensity may
be found, for example, in related applications: International
Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2013/040061, titled "Device,
Method, and Graphical User Interface for Displaying User Interface
Objects Corresponding to an Application," filed May 8, 2013 and
International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2013/069483,
titled "Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for
Transitioning Between Touch Input to Display Output Relationships,"
filed Nov. 11, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0197] In some embodiments, device 500 has one or more input
mechanisms 506 and 508. Input mechanisms 506 and 508, if included,
can be physical. Examples of physical input mechanisms include push
buttons and rotatable mechanisms. In some embodiments, device 500
has one or more attachment mechanisms. Such attachment mechanisms,
if included, can permit attachment of device 500 with, for example,
hats, eyewear, earrings, necklaces, shirts, jackets, bracelets,
watch straps, chains, trousers, belts, shoes, purses, backpacks,
and so forth. These attachment mechanisms may permit device 500 to
be worn by a user.
[0198] FIG. 5B depicts exemplary personal electronic device 500. In
some embodiments, device 500 can include some or all of the
components described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3. Device
500 has bus 512 that operatively couples I/O section 514 with one
or more computer processors 516 and memory 518. I/O section 514 can
be connected to display 504, which can have touch-sensitive
component 522 and, optionally, touch-intensity sensitive component
524. In addition, I/O section 514 can be connected with
communication unit 530 for receiving application and operating
system data, using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near field communication
(NFC), cellular and/or other wireless communication techniques.
Device 500 can include input mechanisms 506 and/or 508. Input
mechanism 506 may be a rotatable input device or a depressible and
rotatable input device, for example. Input mechanism 508 may be a
button, in some examples.
[0199] Input mechanism 508 may be a microphone, in some examples.
Personal electronic device 500 can include various sensors, such as
GPS sensor 532, accelerometer 534, directional sensor 540 (e.g.,
compass), gyroscope 536, motion sensor 538, and/or a combination
thereof, all of which can be operatively connected to I/O section
514.
[0200] Memory 518 of personal electronic device 500 can be a
non-transitory computer readable storage medium, for storing
computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by one or
more computer processors 516, for example, can cause the computer
processors to perform the techniques described above, including
processes 1200-1500 (FIGS. 12-15). The computer-executable
instructions can also be stored and/or transported within any
non-transitory computer readable storage medium for use by or in
connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing
system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the
instructions. For purposes of this document, a "non-transitory
computer readable storage medium" can be any medium that can
tangibly contain or store computer-executable instructions for use
by or in connection with the instruction execution system,
apparatus, or device. The non-transitory computer readable storage
medium can include, but is not limited to, magnetic, optical,
and/or semiconductor storages. Examples of such storage include
magnetic disks, optical discs based on CD, DVD, or Blu-ray
technologies, as well as persistent solid-state memory such as
flash, solid-state drives, and the like. Personal electronic device
500 is not limited to the components and configuration of FIG. 5B,
but can include other or additional components in multiple
configurations.
[0201] As used here, the term "affordance" refers to a
user-interactive graphical user interface object that may be
displayed on the display screen of device 100, 300, and/or 500
(FIGS. 1, 3, and 5). For example, an image (e.g., icon), a button,
and text (e.g., hyperlink) may each constitute an affordance.
[0202] As used herein, the term "focus selector" refers to an input
element that indicates a current part of a user interface with
which a user is interacting. In some implementations that include a
cursor or other location marker, the cursor acts as a "focus
selector" so that when an input (e.g., a press input) is detected
on a touch-sensitive surface (e.g., touchpad 355 in FIG. 3 or
touch-sensitive surface 451 in FIG. 4B) while the cursor is over a
particular user interface element (e.g., a button, window, slider
or other user interface element), the particular user interface
element is adjusted in accordance with the detected input. In some
implementations that include a touch screen display (e.g.,
touch-sensitive display system 112 in FIG. 1A or touch screen 112
in FIG. 4A) that enables direct interaction with user interface
elements on the touch-screen display, a detected contact on the
touch-screen acts as a "focus selector" so that when an input
(e.g., a press input by the contact) is detected on the touch
screen display at a location of a particular user interface element
(e.g., a button, window, slider or other user interface element),
the particular user interface element is adjusted in accordance
with the detected input. In some implementations, focus is moved
from one region of a user interface to another region of the user
interface without corresponding movement of a cursor or movement of
a contact on a touch screen display (e.g., by using a tab key or
arrow keys to move focus from one button to another button); in
these implementations, the focus selector moves in accordance with
movement of focus between different regions of the user interface.
Without regard to the specific form taken by the focus selector,
the focus selector is generally the user interface element (or
contact on a touch screen display) that is controlled by the user
so as to communicate the user's intended interaction with the user
interface (e.g., by indicating, to the device, the element of the
user interface with which the user is intending to interact). For
example, the location of a focus selector (e.g., a cursor, a
contact or a selection box) over a respective button while a press
input is detected on the touch-sensitive surface (e.g., a touchpad
or touch screen) will indicate that the user is intending to
activate the respective button (as opposed to other user interface
elements shown on a display of the device).
[0203] As used in the specification and claims, the term
"characteristic intensity" of a contact refers to a characteristic
of the contact based on one or more intensities of the contact. In
some embodiments, the characteristic intensity is based on multiple
intensity samples. The characteristic intensity is, optionally,
based on a predefined number of intensity samples, or a set of
intensity samples collected during a predetermined time period
(e.g., 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10 seconds) relative to a
predefined event (e.g., after detecting the contact, prior to
detecting liftoff of the contact, before or after detecting a start
of movement of the contact, prior to detecting an end of the
contact, before or after detecting an increase in intensity of the
contact, and/or before or after detecting a decrease in intensity
of the contact). A characteristic intensity of a contact is,
optionally based on one or more of: a maximum value of the
intensities of the contact, a mean value of the intensities of the
contact, an average value of the intensities of the contact, a top
10 percentile value of the intensities of the contact, a value at
the half maximum of the intensities of the contact, a value at the
90 percent maximum of the intensities of the contact, or the like.
In some embodiments, the duration of the contact is used in
determining the characteristic intensity (e.g., when the
characteristic intensity is an average of the intensity of the
contact over time). In some embodiments, the characteristic
intensity is compared to a set of one or more intensity thresholds
to determine whether an operation has been performed by a user. For
example, the set of one or more intensity thresholds may include a
first intensity threshold and a second intensity threshold. In this
example, a contact with a characteristic intensity that does not
exceed the first threshold results in a first operation, a contact
with a characteristic intensity that exceeds the first intensity
threshold and does not exceed the second intensity threshold
results in a second operation, and a contact with a characteristic
intensity that exceeds the second threshold results in a third
operation. In, some embodiments, a comparison between the
characteristic intensity and one or more thresholds is used to
determine whether or not to perform one or more operations (e.g.,
whether to perform a respective operation or forgo performing the
respective operation) rather than being used to determine whether
to perform a first operation or a second operation.
[0204] In some embodiments, a portion of a gesture is identified
for purposes of determining a characteristic intensity. For
example, a touch-sensitive surface may receive a continuous swipe
contact transitioning from a start location and reaching an end
location, at which point the intensity of the contact increases. In
this example, the characteristic intensity of the contact at the
end location may be based on only a portion of the continuous swipe
contact, and not the entire swipe contact (e.g., only the portion
of the swipe contact at the end location). In some embodiments, a
smoothing algorithm may be applied to the intensities of the swipe
contact prior to determining the characteristic intensity of the
contact. For example, the smoothing algorithm optionally includes
one or more of: an unweighted sliding-average smoothing algorithm,
a triangular smoothing algorithm, a median filter smoothing
algorithm, and/or an exponential smoothing algorithm. In some
circumstances, these smoothing algorithms eliminate narrow spikes
or dips in the intensities of the swipe contact for purposes of
determining a characteristic intensity.
[0205] The intensity of a contact on the touch-sensitive surface
may be characterized relative to one or more intensity thresholds,
such as a contact-detection intensity threshold, a light press
intensity threshold, a deep press intensity threshold, and/or one
or more other intensity thresholds. In some embodiments, the light
press intensity threshold corresponds to an intensity at which the
device will perform operations typically associated with clicking a
button of a physical mouse or a trackpad. In some embodiments, the
deep press intensity threshold corresponds to an intensity at which
the device will perform operations that are different from
operations typically associated with clicking a button of a
physical mouse or a trackpad. In some embodiments, when a contact
is detected with a characteristic intensity below the light press
intensity threshold (e.g., and above a nominal contact-detection
intensity threshold below which the contact is no longer detected),
the device will move a focus selector in accordance with movement
of the contact on the touch-sensitive surface without performing an
operation associated with the light press intensity threshold or
the deep press intensity threshold. Generally, unless otherwise
stated, these intensity thresholds are consistent between different
sets of user interface figures.
[0206] An increase of characteristic intensity of the contact from
an intensity below the light press intensity threshold to an
intensity between the light press intensity threshold and the deep
press intensity threshold is sometimes referred to as a "light
press" input. An increase of characteristic intensity of the
contact from an intensity below the deep press intensity threshold
to an intensity above the deep press intensity threshold is
sometimes referred to as a "deep press" input. An increase of
characteristic intensity of the contact from an intensity below the
contact-detection intensity threshold to an intensity between the
contact-detection intensity threshold and the light press intensity
threshold is sometimes referred to as detecting the contact on the
touch-surface. A decrease of characteristic intensity of the
contact from an intensity above the contact-detection intensity
threshold to an intensity below the contact-detection intensity
threshold is sometimes referred to as detecting liftoff of the
contact from the touch-surface. In some embodiments the
contact-detection intensity threshold is zero. In some embodiments
the contact-detection intensity threshold is greater than zero.
[0207] In some embodiments described herein, one or more operations
are performed in response to detecting a gesture that includes a
respective press input or in response to detecting the respective
press input performed with a respective contact (or a plurality of
contacts), where the respective press input is detected based at
least in part on detecting an increase in intensity of the contact
(or plurality of contacts) above a press-input intensity threshold.
In some embodiments, the respective operation is performed in
response to detecting the increase in intensity of the respective
contact above the press-input intensity threshold (e.g., a "down
stroke" of the respective press input). In some embodiments, the
press input includes an increase in intensity of the respective
contact above the press-input intensity threshold and a subsequent
decrease in intensity of the contact below the press-input
intensity threshold, and the respective operation is performed in
response to detecting the subsequent decrease in intensity of the
respective contact below the press-input threshold (e.g., an "up
stroke" of the respective press input).
[0208] In some embodiments, the device employs intensity hysteresis
to avoid accidental inputs sometimes termed "jitter," where the
device defines or selects a hysteresis intensity threshold with a
predefined relationship to the press-input intensity threshold
(e.g., the hysteresis intensity threshold is X intensity units
lower than the press-input intensity threshold or the hysteresis
intensity threshold is 75%, 90%, or some reasonable proportion of
the press-input intensity threshold). Thus, in some embodiments,
the press input includes an increase in intensity of the respective
contact above the press-input intensity threshold and a subsequent
decrease in intensity of the contact below the hysteresis intensity
threshold that corresponds to the press-input intensity threshold,
and the respective operation is performed in response to detecting
the subsequent decrease in intensity of the respective contact
below the hysteresis intensity threshold (e.g., an "up stroke" of
the respective press input). Similarly, in some embodiments, the
press input is detected only when the device detects an increase in
intensity of the contact from an intensity at or below the
hysteresis intensity threshold to an intensity at or above the
press-input intensity threshold and, optionally, a subsequent
decrease in intensity of the contact to an intensity at or below
the hysteresis intensity, and the respective operation is performed
in response to detecting the press input (e.g., the increase in
intensity of the contact or the decrease in intensity of the
contact, depending on the circumstances).
[0209] For ease of explanation, the descriptions of operations
performed in response to a press input associated with a
press-input intensity threshold or in response to a gesture
including the press input are, optionally, triggered in response to
detecting either: an increase in intensity of a contact above the
press-input intensity threshold, an increase in intensity of a
contact from an intensity below the hysteresis intensity threshold
to an intensity above the press-input intensity threshold, a
decrease in intensity of the contact below the press-input
intensity threshold, and/or a decrease in intensity of the contact
below the hysteresis intensity threshold corresponding to the
press-input intensity threshold. Additionally, in examples where an
operation is described as being performed in response to detecting
a decrease in intensity of a contact below the press-input
intensity threshold, the operation is, optionally, performed in
response to detecting a decrease in intensity of the contact below
a hysteresis intensity threshold corresponding to, and lower than,
the press-input intensity threshold.
[0210] As used herein, an "installed application" refers to a
software application that has been downloaded onto an electronic
device (e.g., devices 100, 300, and/or 500) and is ready to be
launched (e.g., become opened) on the device. In some embodiments,
a downloaded application becomes an installed application by way of
an installation program that extracts program portions from a
downloaded package and integrates the extracted portions with the
operating system of the computer system.
[0211] As used herein, the term "open application" or "executing
application" refers to a software application with retained state
information (e.g., as part of device/global internal state 157
and/or application internal state 192). An open or executing
application may be any one of the following types of applications:
[0212] an active application, which is currently displayed on a
display screen of the device that the application is being used on;
[0213] a background application (or background processes) which is
not currently displayed, but one or more processes for the
application are being processed by one or more processors; and
[0214] a suspended or hibernated application, which is not running,
but has state information that is stored in memory (volatile and
non-volatile, respectively) and that can be used to resume
execution of the application.
[0215] As used herein, the term "closed application" refers to
software applications without retained state information (e.g.,
state information for closed applications is not stored in a memory
of the device). Accordingly, closing an application includes
stopping and/or removing application processes for the application
and removing state information for the application from the memory
of the device. Generally, opening a second application while in a
first application does not close the first application. When the
second application is displayed and the first application ceases to
be displayed, the first application becomes a background
application.
[0216] Attention is now directed to towards user interfaces ("UP")
and associated processes that may be implemented on a multifunction
device with a display and a touch-sensitive surface, such as
devices 100, 300, and/or 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3A, and/or 5A), to provide
auto-unlocking functionalities.
[0217] 1. User-Interface Lock and Unlock States
[0218] FIG. 6A illustrates exemplary electronic devices 600, 602,
and 604. Device 600 may be device 100 (FIG. 1A) in some
embodiments. In the illustrated example, device 600 is a phone.
Device 602 may be device 300 (FIG. 3A) in some embodiments. In the
illustrated example, device 602 is a laptop. Device 604 may be
device 500 (FIG. 5A) in some embodiments. In the illustrated
example, device 604 is a wearable electronic device.
[0219] Devices 600, 602, and 604 may each have a user-interface
lock state and a user-interface unlock state. In the user-interface
lock state (hereinafter the "lock state"), a device such as device
600, 602, or 604 is powered on and operational but ignores most, if
not all, user input. That is, the device takes no action in
response to user input and/or the device is prevented from
performing a predefined set of operations in response to the user
input. The predefined set of operations may include navigation
between user interfaces and activation or deactivation of a
predefined set of functions. The lock state may be used to prevent
unintentional or unauthorized use of the device or activation or
deactivation of functions on the device. A device may enter the
lock state in response to user instruction to do so. A device may
also enter the lock state after a period of idleness. The period
may be specified by the user as a configuration setting. When the
device is in the lock state, the device may be said to be locked.
As shown, devices 600, 602, and 604 are locked.
[0220] In some embodiments, a device in the lock state may still
respond to a limited set of user inputs, including input that
corresponds to an attempt to transition the device to the
user-interface unlock state or input that corresponds to powering
the device off. In other words, the locked device responds to user
input corresponding to attempts to transition the device to the
user-interface unlock state or powering the device off, but does
not respond to user input corresponding to attempts to navigate
between user interfaces. Also, even if the device ignores a user
input, the device may still provide sensory feedback (such as
visual, audio, or vibration feedback) to the user upon detection of
the input to indicate that the input will be ignored.
[0221] In the user-interface unlock state (hereinafter the "unlock
state"), the device is in its normal operating state, detecting and
responding to user input corresponding to interaction with the user
interface. A device that is in the unlock state may be said to be
unlocked. An unlocked device detects and responds to user input for
navigating between user interfaces, entry of data and activation or
deactivation of functions, and so forth. In embodiments where the
device includes a touch-sensitive input mechanism, the unlocked
device detects and responds to contact corresponding to navigation
between user interfaces, entry of data and activation or
deactivation of functions through the touch-sensitive input
mechanism. In embodiments where the device includes a rotatable
input mechanism, the unlocked device detects and responds to
rotations and/or depressions corresponding to navigation between
user interfaces, entry of data and activation or deactivation of
functions through the rotatable input mechanism.
[0222] FIG. 6B illustrates user 606 who uses multiple electronic
devices including devices 600, 602, and 604. Each of these devices
may be locked. To use a particular device, user 606 may have to
first unlock the device. As discussed above, this process may
become burdensome, particularly if the devices are configured to
automatically lock after some period of idleness.
[0223] FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary situation in which the use
of an authenticated device to unlock other electronic devices may
be desirable. As shown, user 606 is readying to use device 602, a
laptop. Device 602 may be configured to power-up into a locked
state. User 606, however, may have been interacting with devices
600 or 604, meaning that devices 600 and/or 604 may still be
unlocked. Devices 600 and 604 are also in physical proximity (e.g.,
within wireless communication range) of device 602. In this
situation, it would be helpful for either device 600 or 604 to
provide device 602 with credentials, such that device 602 may
require minimal or no additional user input to unlock, thereby
permitting user 606 to begin productive work on the device.
[0224] Attention is now directed to techniques for unlocking device
602 using unlocked device(s) 600 and 604, with reference to FIGS.
6D-6F. FIG. 6D depicts device 602 displaying user interface lock
screen 608 indicating that the device is locked. In this state,
device 602 accepts password entries in password input field 610 to
unlock the device. It would be helpful for user 606 to be able to
gain access to device 602 without having to manually enter a
password, however. As shown in FIG. 6E, external device 604 may be
within communications range of device 602. Device 602 may detect
the presence of device 604 via a wireless communication protocol.
Low-powered wireless communications may be particularly suited for
this purpose. Examples of suitable wireless communications include
Bluetooth.RTM. and Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE). Similarly, devices
604 may detect nearby device 602.
[0225] As shown, external device 604 is in its unlocked state
(e.g., normal operating mode), possibly due to recent usage by user
606 (FIG. 6C). Upon detection, device 604 may transmit, to device
602, information for facilitating the unlocking of device 602, such
as user credentials. Assuming that device 602 trusts device 604,
device 602 may use the received credentials information to
facilitate its unlocking process.
[0226] In some embodiments, device 602 may unlock upon receiving
the credentials information and, additionally, detecting a user
input. The user input may be a mouse input such as a mouse movement
or a mouse click. The user input may be a touch input such as a tap
or a swipe. The user input may be a depression of a mechanical or
capacitive input mechanism. In the illustrated example, upon
receiving unlocking information from device 604, device 602
replaces password input field 610 (FIG. 6D) with affordance 612,
which when selected (e.g., clicked), unlocks device 602. Note that,
in embodiments requiring the detection of user input before
unlocking, mere placement of devices (e.g., 604 and 602) into
physical proximity, without more, should not be considered a
detected user input.
[0227] In some embodiments, upon receiving credentials information
from device 604, device 602 may automatically unlock without
requiring further user input. In some embodiments, upon receiving
credentials information from device 604, device 602 may unlock
after detecting a valid biometric reading from a biometric input
device. In these embodiments, the additional biometric reading may
be used to form a two-factor authentication process.
[0228] FIG. 6F illustrates device 602 in the unlocked state. In
this state, device 602 may display desktop screen 614 having
affordances for launching various application programs (e.g., icon
616 for launching a messaging application). Optionally, device 604
may display visual indicator 616 and/or haptic feedback indicating
that device 604 has effected the unlocking of device 602.
[0229] It is noted that although FIGS. 6D-6F illustrate the
unlocking of device 602 with external device 604, the described
techniques may be extended to cover other devices, such as devices
100, 300, 500. (FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 5A). That is to say, permutations
of various electronic devices acting as lock and key are possible.
For example, in some embodiments, device 100 (FIG. 1A) may act as
an authenticated device for unlocking device 500 (FIG. 5A), as
discussed below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7E. For example, in some
embodiments, device 500 (FIG. 5A) may act as an authenticated
device for unlocking device 100 (FIG. 1A), as discussed below with
reference to FIGS. 8A-8C. For brevity, other permutations, while
possible, are not explicitly discussed here.
[0230] Attention is now directed to additional techniques for using
an authenticated device to unlock another electronic device, with
reference to FIGS. 7A-7E. FIG. 7A depicts exemplary device 700,
which may be device 500 (FIG. 5A) in some embodiments. Device 700
may have a display screen that turns off under some circumstances.
For example, its display screen may turn off after a predetermined
duration of idleness. The display screen of device 700 may turn on
again in response to movement and/or user input. When the display
screen of device 700 turns on, it may display lock screen 702
indicating that device 700 is locked. Lock screen 702 may prompt
the user for a password for unlocking the device.
[0231] FIG. 7B depicts the presence of external device 704 within
wireless communications range of device 700. Device 704 may be
device 100 (FIG. 1A) in some embodiments. External device 704 may
also be in the locked state, as shown by lock screen 706. Lock
screen 706 may have instruction 708 indicating how device 704 may
be unlocked. As device 704 is itself locked, device 700 does not
respond by automatically unlocking.
[0232] FIG. 7C depicts user input 710 representing a user's attempt
to unlock device 704. As shown, device 700 remains in its locked
state while attempts are made to unlock device 704. FIG. 7D depicts
further user input 712 representing the user's continued attempt to
unlock device 704. Device 700 continues to remain in its locked
state.
[0233] Turning to FIG. 7E, upon receiving a valid passcode via user
input 712 (FIG. 7D), device 704 unlocks into its normal operating
state. As shown, device 704 is executing active application 714.
Application 714 may be a messaging application, such as Messages by
Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. After unlocking, device 704 also
may transmit information to device 700, including information that
facilitates the automatic unlocking of device 700.
[0234] In the example illustrated in FIG. 7F, upon receiving this
information, device 700 automatically unlocks without requiring
further user input, and displays clock screen 716. In some
embodiments, device 700 may unlock upon receiving the credentials
information and detecting a user input. The user input may be a
movement of device 700. The user input may be a touch input such as
a tap or a swipe. The user input may be a depression of a
mechanical or capacitive input mechanism.
[0235] Attention is now directed to additional techniques for using
an authenticated device to unlocking another electronic device,
with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C. FIG. 8A depicts exemplary device
800, which may be device 100 (FIG. 1A) in some embodiments. Device
800 may have a display screen that turns off under some
circumstances. For example, its display screen may turn off after a
period of idleness. The display screen of device 800 may turn on
again in response to movement of and/or user input. When the
display screen of device 800 turns on, it may display lock screen
802 indicating that device 800 is locked. Lock screen 802 may have
instruction 804 indicating how to unlock device 800.
[0236] FIG. 8B depicts the presence of external device 806 within
wireless communications range of device 800. Device 806 may be
device 500 (FIG. 5A) in some embodiments. Device 806 may have been
recently used by the user (e.g., within the last 5-20 seconds), and
therefore may be unlocked. Device 806 may transmit information to
device 800 that facilitates the automatic unlocking of device 800.
As shown in FIG. 8C, upon receiving this information, device 800
may automatically unlock without requiring further user input,
thereby replacing lock screen 802 (FIG. 8B) with menu 808 having
various application icons. In some embodiments, device 800 may
require some user input (e.g., a substantially horizontal swipe)
before unlocking.
[0237] 2. Continuity of Application States Across Devices
[0238] As a user switches between uses of different devices, in
addition to having devices auto-unlock, it would be helpful for the
user to be able to transition content that is being displayed on
one device onto another. Co-pending U.S. Provisional Application
No. 62/035,348, titled "CONTINUITY," filed Aug. 8, 2014, and
incorporated herein in its entirety, describes the continuity of
applications across multiple electronic devices, in that a user may
work in one application on one device, and transition the work onto
a nearby device that is within wireless communication range.
[0239] Aspects of continuity may be incorporated into the
above-described user interfaces for using an authenticated device
to unlock other devices. For example, as a target device
auto-unlocks, it may be desirable for the target device to also
launch the same application that is executing on the authenticated
external device. It also may be desirable for the application, upon
launching, to have the same application state (e.g., display the
same information that is displayed on the authenticated external
device).
[0240] These features are described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B.
As shown in FIG. 9A, device 900 (which may be device 100 of FIG. 1A
in some embodiments) and device 902 (which may be device 500 of
FIG. 5A in some embodiments) are within wireless communications
range. As shown, device 900 is locked and device 902 is unlocked.
Device 902 may be displaying message transcript 906 via an active
messaging application. Device 902 may transmit information to
device 900 to facilitate the unlocking of device 900. In addition
to user credentials, the information may include an identification
of the application that is active on device 902 (e.g., the
messaging application) and/or application state information (e.g.,
message transcript 906).
[0241] Device 900 may be configured to require a password before
unlocking. However, having received unlocking information from
device 902, device 900 may unlock without requiring the entry of
additional password information. The additionally received
application and/or application state information permits device 900
to further provide continuity functions after unlocking.
[0242] In the illustrated embodiment, in response to the
transmitted information, device 900 may display affordance 904
indicating that a corresponding (messaging) application will be
launched upon unlocking device 900. Also, affordance 904 may have a
visual indication identifying the application (e.g., messaging)
that will be launched when device 900 unlocks. As depicted in FIG.
9B, upon unlocking, device 900 may launch corresponding messaging
application and display the same message transcript 906 being
displayed on device 902. The amount of message transcript 906
displayed on devices 900 and 902 may vary depending on the form
factors (e.g., display screen size and resolution) of the
devices
[0243] In some embodiments (not illustrated), in place of
affordance 904, device 900 may display an instruction on lock
screen 908 indicating that the messaging application will be
launched if the user proceeds to unlock device 900. For example,
device 900 may display the instruction: "Slide to open Messages".
In some embodiments (not illustrated), responsive to the
transmitted information, device 900 may permit unlocking via a
single push of its mechanical input mechanism 910, and launch the
corresponding application (e.g., Messages) upon unlocking. In some
embodiments (not illustrated), responsive to the information
transmitted from device 902, device 900 may simply unlock and
launch the corresponding application without requiring further user
input.
[0244] In some embodiments, device 900 may permit a user to unlock
the device without necessarily invoking continuity functionality.
Whether device 900 invokes continuity functionality may depend on
the user input used to unlock device 900. For example, device 900
may launch a corresponding application if the user taps affordance
904, and yet refrain from launching the application if the user
taps mechanical input mechanism 910 to unlock. Instead, when the
user taps button 910, device 900 may unlock to display the most
recently used application on device 900.
[0245] 3. Authenticated Devices
[0246] Although it is useful for electronic devices to unlock one
another in various situations, for privacy reasons, caution may be
required in controlling which electronic devices are able to be
able to facilitate the auto-unlocking of other devices. To put
another way, it may be necessary to determine which electronic
devices are to be authenticated for purposes of auto-unlocking
functionality. Attention is now directed to user interfaces for
authenticating devices for purposes of auto-unlocking devices such
as devices 100, 300, and 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3A, and 5A).
[0247] In some embodiments, a device may prompt the user as to
whether a nearby external device should become authenticated,
meaning whether the external device should become able to unlock
the (prompting) device. This aspect is described with reference to
FIGS. 10A-10D. FIG. 10A depicts device 1000, which may be device
300 (FIG. 3A) in some embodiments. Device 1000 may display lock
screen 1002 indicating that it is locked. Lock screen 1002 may
include password input field 1004 for unlocking device 1000.
[0248] FIG. 10B depicts the presence of external device 1010 within
wireless communication range of device 1000. External device 1010
may be any one of devices 100, 300, or 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3A, 5A). In
the illustrated embodiment, external device 1010 is device 500
(FIG. 5A). External device 1010 is shown in the unlocked state,
actively executing a messaging application to display message
transcript 1012. Device 1000 and external device 1010 may detect
one another over wireless communication. External device 1010 may
transmit information to device 1000 for facilitating the unlocking
of device 1000.
[0249] In some embodiments, device 1000 may decline to unlock
automatically based on the received information, because it has not
been configured to trust device 1010. Restated, from the
perspective of device 1000, device 1010 is not an authenticated
device. As such, device 1000 may continue to display lock screen
1002. However, a user may manually unlock device 1000 while
external device 1010 is still in-range. For example, the user may
enter a valid password into password input field 1004 to unlock
device 1002, as shown in FIG. 10B.
[0250] Turning to FIG. 10C, when the user manually unlocks device
1000 in the presence of unlocked external device 1010, device 1000
may prompt the user to indicate whether device 1000 should become
an authenticated device. That is, device 1000 may ask whether
external device 1010 should be permitted to auto-unlock device
1000, in the future, when external device 1010 comes into
communications range again. The prompt may include an
identification of external device 1010 by its make/model and/or its
device name.
[0251] If the user responds in the affirmative (e.g., by selecting
affordance 1012), device 1000 may register external device 1010 as
an authenticated device, meaning that external device 1010 becomes
an authenticated device for purposes of auto-unlocking device 1000.
Restated, device 1010 is authorized to unlock device 1000 if, in
the future, external device 1010 comes within wireless
communication range of device 1000, and external device 1010 is
unlocked while device 1000 is locked.
[0252] Additionally, in some embodiments, device 1000 may prompt
the user to confirm the authentication of device 1002 by
re-entering the user's password (for unlocking device 1000) on
device 1000, as shown in FIG. 10D. In this way, device 1002 becomes
able to auto-unlock device 1000 in the future.
[0253] If the user responds in the negative (e.g., by selecting
affordance 1014), device 1000 may remember external device 1010 as
a non-authenticated device. Accordingly, device 1000 may refrain
from automatically prompting the user about authenticating external
device 1010, should the two devices come into wireless
communication again in the future. Device 1000 may also refrain
from automatically unlocking when device 1010 comes within wireless
communication range again in the future.
[0254] In some embodiments, a device may provide access to
configuration settings that control whether certain external
devices should be authenticated for purposes of auto-unlock
features. This aspect is described with reference to FIGS. 11A-11C.
FIG. 11A depicts device 1100, which may be device 300 (FIG. 3A) in
some embodiments. Device 1100 may be unlocked and displaying
desktop screen 1102. Desktop screen 1102 may have graphical user
interface affordances for launching applications and other
features, such as icon 1104 for configuring device settings.
Configurable settings may include settings that identify external
electronic devices for facilitating automatic unlocking of device
1100.
[0255] As shown in FIG. 11B, device 1100 may display listing 1106
of external devices that may become authenticated devices for
purposes of auto-unlocking device 1100. The devices appearing in
listing 1106 may be determined through various techniques. In some
embodiments, device 1100 may be associated with a user identifier
(e.g., an account or an e-mail address), and device 1100 may
populate listing 1106 to include other devices associated with the
same user account. In some embodiments, device 1100 may be a
trusted member of a security domain, and device 110 may populate
listing 1106 with external devices are trusted members of the same
security domain. In some embodiments, device 1100 may contact a
security or authentication server to determine whether two
electronic devices are associated with one another. For example,
device 1100 may contact a server to retrieve a list of devices that
are trusted to a particular domain and/or registered to a given
user identifier. In some embodiments, device 1100 may populate
listing 1106 based on the physical proximity of external devices.
For example, listing 1106 may list only those devices that are
currently within wireless communication distance via a low-powered
wireless communication protocol.
[0256] Listing 1106 may have checkboxes next to external devices
that are listed. The checkboxes may specify whether the
corresponding external devices should become authenticated for
purposes of facilitating the auto-unlocking of device 1100. In the
illustrated example, device 1100 displays listing 1106 with
checkboxes 1108 and 1110 corresponding a "phone" and a "tablet"
device. The "phone" and "tablet" devices, and device 1100, may each
be associated with the same user identifier on a cloud-based
service, such as iCloud.RTM. by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.
[0257] FIG. 11C illustrates a possible response, of device 1100, to
a user's selection of checkbox 1110. In the illustrated example,
device 1100 requires a particular external device to be within
communications range of device 1110 at the time of authentication
for purposes of auto-unlocking functionality. In the illustrated
example, the user's tablet computer lies outside of communications
range with device 1100. Device 1110 thus displays message 1112
indicating that the tablet cannot be authenticated for purposes of
auto-unlocking functionality.
[0258] FIGS. 11D-11E illustrates a possible response, by device
1100, to a user's selection of checkbox 1108. Checkbox 1108
represents the user's phone 1114, which is within communications
range of device 1100 in the illustrated example. In this instance,
device 1100 may register phone 1114 as an authenticated device,
meaning that phone 1114 becomes authorized to unlock device 1100
if, in the future, phone 1114 appears within wireless communication
range of device 1100, and phone 1114 is unlocked. Turning to FIG.
11E, device 1100 may further require the user to confirm the
authentication of phone 1114 by entering the password for unlocking
device 1100, on device 1100.
[0259] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating process 1200 for
unlocking an electronic device using an authenticated external
device. Process 1200 may be carried out by electronic devices such
as devices 100, 300, and/or 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3A, 5A) in various
embodiments. At block 1202, the electronic device, which is locked,
detects an external device via wireless communication. The
electronic device may verify that the detected external device is
authenticated for purposes of auto-unlocking functionality. At
block 1204, the electronic device receives, from the external
device, unlocking information for unlocking the electronic device.
The electronic device may confirm that the received information is
valid and authentic. At block 1206, the electronic device detects,
while in the locked state, user input. At block 1208, responsive to
the received information and the detected user input, the device
may unlock into its normal operating state. For example, in the
unlocked state, the electronic device may permit a user to launch
an application. Optionally, at block 1210, the electronic device
may launch an application upon unlocking. The application that is
launched may be the same application that is active on the external
device. Optionally, when launched, the application may enter the
same application state as the application that is active on the
external device. That is, for example, the newly launched
application, on the electronic device, may obtain and display the
same web page or e-mail that is being displayed on the external
device.
[0260] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating process 1300 for
using an electronic device to unlock an external electronic device.
Process 1300 may be carried out by electronic devices such as
devices 100, 300, and/or 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3A, 5A) in various
embodiments. The electronic device, which has a user-interface
locked state and a user-interface unlock state, may be in the
user-interface unlocked state. At block 1302, the electronic device
may detect, via wireless communication, the external device. The
external device also has a user-interface locked state and a
user-interface unlocked state, and is in the user-interface locked
state. At block 1304, the electronic device may transmit, to the
external device, unlocking data, thereby causing the external
device to unlock after the external device receives the unlocking
information and detects user input. Optionally, at block 1306, the
electronic device may provide a visual confirmation and/or a haptic
confirmation that the external device has been unlocked. The
confirmation may be provided after the electronic device obtains a
confirmation that the external device has been unlocked.
[0261] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating process 1400 for
configuring an electronic device to recognize an external device as
an authenticated external device for purposes of auto-unlocking
functionality. Process 1400 may be carried out by electronic
devices such as devices 100, 300, and/or 500 (FIGS. 1A, 3A, 5A) in
various embodiments. At block 1402, the electronic device, which
has a user-interface locked state and a user-interface unlocked
state, may detect within its wireless communication range an
external device. At block 1404, the electronic device may determine
whether the external device has been previously authenticated for
purposes of auto-unlocking the electronic device.
[0262] If the external device is an authenticated device for
purposes of auto-unlocking the electronic device, the electronic
device may proceed to auto-unlock, through the above-discussed user
interfaces illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 and through process 1200 (FIG.
12), for example. If the external device has been previously
registered as a non-authenticated device for purposes of
auto-unlock functionality, the electronic device may remain locked
and await other potential attempts at unlocking (such as the manual
entry of a password).
[0263] If the external device has not yet been registered as either
authenticated or non-authenticated, processing may proceed to block
1406, where the electronic device (which is locked), may receive
user input representing a credential for unlocking the electronic
device. In addition, the electronic device may verify the received
credentials and unlock as appropriate. At block 1408, after
unlocking, the electronic device may display an identification of
the external device indicating that the two devices are physically
proximate (e.g., within wireless communication range of a low
powered communication protocol) and that the external device may
become authenticated for purposes of auto-unlocking functionality.
At block 1410, the electronic device may prompt the user to
designate whether the external device should become authorized to
unlock the electronic device if, in the future, the external device
comes within wireless communication range of the electronic device
while the electronic device is in the user-interface locked
state.
[0264] FIG. 15 shows exemplary functional blocks of an electronic
device 1500 that, in some embodiments, performs the above-described
features. As shown in FIG. 15, an electronic device 1500 may
include display unit 1502 configured to display graphical objects;
human input interface unit 1504 configured to receive user input;
one or more RF units 1506 configured to detect and communicate with
external electronic devices; one or more feedback unit configured
to provide user with haptic, audio, and/or visual feedback; and
processing unit 1510 coupled to display unit 1502, human input
interface unit 1504, RF unit(s) 1506, and feedback unit 1508. In
some embodiments, processing unit 1510 is configured to support an
operating system running on operating system unit 1512. In turn,
operating system unit 1512 may support an applications unit 1514
for launching and running one or more applications.
[0265] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1510 includes a
display enabling unit 1516 and a security unit 1518. In some
embodiments, the display enabling unit 1516 is configured to cause
a display of a user interface (or portions of a user interface) in
conjunction with the display unit 1502. For example, the display
enabling unit 1516 may be used for: displaying a lock screen,
displaying an unlocked screen, displaying a menu of application
icons; displaying a desktop screen; displaying a prompt that
prompts the user to specify whether an external device should
become authenticated for purposes of auto-unlocking features.
[0266] In some embodiments, RF unit 1506 is configured to detect
and receive information from an external device, such as credential
information for facilitate the unlocking of the receiving device,
application information, application state information, so forth.
In some embodiments, the RF unit is configured to detect and
transmit information to an external device, such as credential
information for facilitating the unlocking of the receiving device,
application information, application state information, so
forth.
[0267] In some embodiments, the security unit 1518 is configured to
receive input, e.g., through the use of human input interface unit
1504 and/or RF unit 1506. For example, security unit 1518 may
determine whether information received from RF unit 1506 represents
an authenticated device that can be used to facilitate unlocking.
Security unit 1518 may also determine whether information received
from human input interface unit 1504 is a set of valid credentials
for unlocking electronic device 1500. Security unit 1518 may
determine whether to unlock device 1500 based on received
information from human input interface unit 1504 and/or RF unit
1506. Security unit 1518 may also cause the other units of device
1500 to prompt the user as to whether an external device should
become authenticated for purposes of auto-unlocking functionality.
Security unit 1518 may register authenticated devices so that
device 1500 may recognize authenticated devices.
[0268] The units of FIG. 15 may be used to implement the various
techniques and methods described above with respect to FIGS. 6-14.
The units of device 1500 are, optionally, implemented by hardware,
software, or a combination of hardware and software to carry out
the principles of the various described examples. It is understood
by persons of skill in the art that the functional blocks described
in FIG. 15 are, optionally, combined or separated into sub-blocks
to implement the principles of the various described examples.
Therefore, the description herein optionally supports any possible
combination or separation or further definition of the functional
blocks described herein.
[0269] In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 16 shows a
functional block diagram of an electronic device 1600 configured in
accordance with the principles of the various described
embodiments. The functional blocks of the device are, optionally,
implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and
software to carry out the principles of the various described
embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the art that
the functional blocks described in FIG. 16 are, optionally,
combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles
of the various described embodiments. Therefore, the description
herein optionally supports any possible combination or separation
or further definition of the functional blocks described
herein.
[0270] As shown in FIG. 16, an electronic device 1600 includes a
display unit 1602 configured to display a graphic user interface,
optionally, a touch sensitive surface unit 1604 configured to
receive contacts, and a processing unit 1606 coupled to the display
unit 1602 and, optionally, the touch-sensitive surface unit 1604.
In some embodiments, the processing unit 1606 includes a detecting
unit 1608, a receiving unit 1610, an unlocking unit 1612, an
obtaining unit 1614, a display enabling unit 1616, a prompt
enabling unit 1618, a launching unit 1620, an invoking unit 1622,
and a transmitting unit 1624. The electronic device 1600,
optionally, has a user-interface locked state and a user-interface
unlocked state.
[0271] The processing unit 1606 is configured to detect (e.g., with
the detecting unit 1608), via wireless communication, an external
device; receive (e.g., with the receiving unit 1610), from the
external device, unlocking information for unlocking the electronic
device; detect (e.g., with the detecting unit 1608), while in the
locked state, user input; and in response to detecting the user
input and the received unlocking information, unlock (e.g., with
the unlocking unit 1612) the electronic device.
[0272] In some embodiments, the external device has a
user-interface locked state and a user-interface unlock state, the
processing unit 1606 further configured to obtain (e.g., with the
obtaining unit 1614) an indication that the external device is in
the user-interface unlocked state, and unlock (e.g., with the
unlocking unit 1612) the electronic device in response to the
received unlocking information and the received user input, if the
external device is in the user-interface unlocked state.
[0273] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1606 is further
configured to enable display (e.g., with the display enabling unit
1616) of a visual indication on the electronic device indicating
that it is in the user-interface unlocked state, after unlocking
the electronic device.
[0274] In some embodiments, the external device displays a visual
indication indicating that the electronic device is in the
user-interface unlocked state, after the electronic device
unlocks
[0275] In some embodiments, the external device causes a haptic
event indicating that the electronic device is in the
user-interface unlocked state, after the electronic device
unlocks.
[0276] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1606 is further
configured to receive (e.g., with the receiving unit 1610), while
in the user-interface locked state, input data representing user
input of a password; and in response to receiving the input data:
enable prompting (e.g., with the prompt enabling unit 1618) of, on
a display of the electronic device, a user to designate whether the
external device is authorized to unlock the electronic device.
[0277] In some embodiments, the input data comprising a reading
from a biometric sensor of the electronic device and/or a biometric
sensor of the external device.
[0278] In some embodiments, the input data comprising a touch on a
touch-sensitive input of the electronic device.
[0279] In some embodiments, the input data comprising movement of a
mouse coupled to the electronic device and/or a mouse coupled to
the external device.
[0280] In some embodiments, the user input comprising a keystroke
on a keyboard of the electronic device.
[0281] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1606 is further
configured to receive, from the external device, usage information
indicating usage of the first application on the external device;
and after unlocking, launch a second application on the electronic
device, the second application corresponding to the first
application.
[0282] In some embodiments, launching the second application
comprises invoking the state in the second application on the
electronic device.
[0283] In some embodiments, the detected user input is a user input
on the electronic device.
[0284] In some embodiments, the unlocking information includes
identification data based on an e-mail address associated with the
electronic device, the processing unit 1606 further configured to
unlock (e.g., with the unlocking unit 1612) the electronic device
in response to the received unlocking information and the received
user input, if the external device is associated with the e-mail
address associated with the electronic device.
[0285] In some embodiments, the unlocking information includes
identification data identifying the external device, the processing
unit 1606 further configured to transmit (e.g., with the
transmitting unit 1624), to an authentication server, at least a
portion of the identification data; receive (e.g., with the
receiving unit 1610), from the authentication server, an indication
of whether the external device is authorized to unlock the
electronic device; and unlock (e.g., with the unlocking unit 1612)
the electronic device in response to the received unlocking
information and the received user input, if the external device is
authorized.
[0286] In some embodiments, the unlocking information includes
identification of a security domain associated with the external
device, the processing unit 1606 further configured to unlock
(e.g., with the unlocking unit 1612) the electronic device in
response to the received unlocking information and the received
user input, if the electronic device is associated with the same
security domain.
[0287] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1606 is further
configured to detect (e.g., with the detecting unit 1608), via a
peer-to-peer wireless communication, the external device.
[0288] In some embodiments, the wireless communication comprises
Bluetooth communication.
[0289] In some embodiments, the external device is a wearable
electronic device.
[0290] The operations described above with reference to FIG. 12
are, optionally, implemented by components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B
or FIG. 16. For example, detecting operations 1202 and 1206,
receiving operation 1204, and unlocking operations 1208 and 1210
are, optionally, implemented by event sorter 170, event recognizer
180, and event handler 190. Event monitor 171 in event sorter 170
detects a contact on touch-sensitive display 112, and event
dispatcher module 174 delivers the event information to application
136-1. A respective event recognizer 180 of application 136-1
compares the event information to respective event definitions 186,
and determines whether a first contact at a first location on the
touch-sensitive surface (or whether rotation of the device)
corresponds to a predefined event or sub-event, such as selection
of an object on a user interface, or rotation of the device from
one orientation to another. When a respective predefined event or
sub-event is detected, event recognizer 180 activates an event
handler 190 associated with the detection of the event or
sub-event. Event handler 190 optionally uses or calls data updater
176 or object updater 177 to update the application internal state
192. In some embodiments, event handler 190 accesses a respective
GUI updater 178 to update what is displayed by the application.
Similarly, it would be clear to a person having ordinary skill in
the art how other processes can be implemented based on the
components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0291] In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 17 shows a
functional block diagram of an electronic device 1700 configured in
accordance with the principles of the various described
embodiments. The functional blocks of the device are, optionally,
implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and
software to carry out the principles of the various described
embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the art that
the functional blocks described in FIG. 17 are, optionally,
combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles
of the various described embodiments. Therefore, the description
herein optionally supports any possible combination or separation
or further definition of the functional blocks described
herein.
[0292] As shown in FIG. 17, an electronic device 1700 includes a
display unit 1702 configured to display a graphic user interface,
optionally, a touch sensitive surface unit 1704 configured to
receive contacts, and a processing unit 1706 coupled to the display
unit 1702 and, optionally, the touch-sensitive surface unit 1704.
In some embodiments, the processing unit 1706 includes a detecting
unit 1708, a transmitting unit 1710, a display enabling unit 1712,
a causing unit 1714, and a sending unit 1716. The electronic device
1700, optionally, has a user-interface locked state and a
user-interface unlocked state and may be in the user-interface
unlocked state.
[0293] The processing unit 1706 is configured to detect (e.g., with
the detecting unit 1708), via wireless communication, an external
device, wherein the external device has a user-interface locked
state and a user-interface unlocked state, and is in the
user-interface locked state; and transmit (e.g., with the
transmitting unit 1710), to the external device, unlocking data,
where the external device unlocks after the external device
receives the unlocking information and detects user input.
[0294] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1706 is further
configured to enable display (e.g., with display enabling unit
1712) of a visual indication on the electronic device indicating
that the external device is in the user-interface unlocked state,
after the external device unlocks.
[0295] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1706 is further
configured to cause (e.g., with the causing unit 1714) a haptic
event on the electronic device indicating that the external device
is in the user-interface unlocked state, after the external device
unlocks.
[0296] In some embodiments, the external device displays a visual
indication indicating that the external device is in the
user-interface unlocked state, after the external device
unlocks.
[0297] In some embodiments, the detected user input is a reading
from a biometric sensor of the external device and/or a biometric
sensor of the electronic device.
[0298] In some embodiments, the detected user input is a touch on a
touch-sensitive input of the external device.
[0299] In some embodiments, the detected user input is movement of
a mouse coupled to the external device and/or a mouse coupled to
the electronic device.
[0300] In some embodiments, the detected user input is a keystroke
on a keyboard of the external device.
[0301] In some embodiments, the detected user input is an input on
the external device.
[0302] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1706 is executing a
first application, the processing unit 1706 further configured to
send (e.g., with the sending unit 1716), to the external device,
usage information indicating usage of the first application on the
electronic device, where the usage information at least in part
causes the external device to display an affordance for unlocking
and launching a second application on the external device, and
where the second application corresponds to the first
application.
[0303] In some embodiments, the usage information indicates a state
of the first application, and wherein the state is invoked in the
second application when the second application is launched on the
external device.
[0304] In some embodiments, the electronic device is associated
with an e-mail address, and the external device unlocks after
confirming that the external device is associated with the same
e-mail address as the e-mail address associated with the electronic
device.
[0305] In some embodiments, an association of the electronic device
and the external device is stored on an authentication server, and
the external device unlocks after confirming, with the
authentication server, the association.
[0306] In some embodiments, the electronic device is associated
with a security domain, and the external device unlocks after
confirming the external device is associated with the same security
domain as the security domain associated with the electronic
device.
[0307] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1706 is further
configured to detect (e.g., with the detecting unit 1708), via a
peer-to-peer wireless communication, the external device.
[0308] In some embodiments, the wireless communication comprises
Bluetooth communication.
[0309] In some embodiments, the electronic device is a wearable
electronic device.
[0310] The operations described above with reference to FIG. 13
are, optionally, implemented by components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B
or FIG. 17. For example, detecting operation 1302, transmitting
operation 1304, and receiving operation 1306 are, optionally,
implemented by event sorter 170, event recognizer 180, and event
handler 190. Event monitor 171 in event sorter 170 detects a
contact on touch-sensitive display 112, and event dispatcher module
174 delivers the event information to application 136-1. A
respective event recognizer 180 of application 136-1 compares the
event information to respective event definitions 186, and
determines whether a first contact at a first location on the
touch-sensitive surface (or whether rotation of the device)
corresponds to a predefined event or sub-event, such as selection
of an object on a user interface, or rotation of the device from
one orientation to another. When a respective predefined event or
sub-event is detected, event recognizer 180 activates an event
handler 190 associated with the detection of the event or
sub-event. Event handler 190 optionally uses or calls data updater
176 or object updater 177 to update the application internal state
192. In some embodiments, event handler 190 accesses a respective
GUI updater 178 to update what is displayed by the application.
Similarly, it would be clear to a person having ordinary skill in
the art how other processes can be implemented based on the
components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0311] In accordance with some embodiments, FIG. 18 shows a
functional block diagram of an electronic device 1800 configured in
accordance with the principles of the various described
embodiments. The functional blocks of the device are, optionally,
implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and
software to carry out the principles of the various described
embodiments. It is understood by persons of skill in the art that
the functional blocks described in FIG. 18 are, optionally,
combined or separated into sub-blocks to implement the principles
of the various described embodiments. Therefore, the description
herein optionally supports any possible combination or separation
or further definition of the functional blocks described
herein.
[0312] As shown in FIG. 18, an electronic device 1800 includes a
display unit 1802 configured to display a graphic user interface,
optionally, a touch sensitive surface unit 1804 configured to
receive contacts, and a processing unit 1806 coupled to the display
unit 1802 and, optionally, the touch-sensitive surface unit 1804.
In some embodiments, the processing unit 1806 includes a receiving
unit 1808, an unlocking unit 1810, a display enabling unit 1812, a
prompt enabling unit 1814, a locking unit 1816, a detecting unit
1818, and a causing unit 1820. The electronic device 1800,
optionally, has a user-interface locked state and a user-interface
unlocked state and may be within wireless communication range of an
external device.
[0313] The processing unit 1806 is configured to receive (e.g.,
with the receiving unit 1808), while in the user-interface locked
state, user input representing a credential for unlocking the
electronic device; in response to a determination that the
credential is valid, unlock (e.g., with the unlocking unit 1810)
the electronic device; after unlocking, enable display (e.g., with
the display enabling unit 1812) of, on the display unit of the
electronic device, an identification of the external device; and
enable prompting (e.g., with the prompt enabling unit 1814) of a
user to designate whether the external device is authorized to
unlock the electronic device if, in the future, the external device
comes within wireless communication range of the electronic device
while the electronic device is in the user-interface locked
state.
[0314] In some embodiments, the external device causes the
electronic device to unlock if the external device is in the
user-interface unlocked state when the external device comes within
wireless communication with the electronic device.
[0315] In some embodiments, the user input is a first user input,
the processing unit 1806 further configured to lock (e.g., with the
locking unit 1816) the electronic device; detect (e.g., with the
detecting unit 1818) second user input at the electronic device
while the electronic device is in the user-interface locked state
and the external device is within communications range; and in
response to detecting the second user input, unlock (e.g., with the
unlocking unit 1810) the electronic device.
[0316] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1806 is further
configured to enable display (e.g., with the display enabling unit
1812) of a visual indication on the electronic device indicating
that the electronic device is in the user-interface unlocked state,
after the electronic device unlocks.
[0317] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1806 is further
configured to enable display (e.g., with the display enabling unit
1812) of a visual indication on the external device indicating that
the electronic device is in the user-interface unlocked state,
after the electronic device unlocks.
[0318] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1806 is further
configured to cause (e.g., with the causing unit 1820) a haptic
event on the external device indicating that the electronic device
is in the user-interface unlocked state, after the electronic
device unlocks.
[0319] In some embodiments, receiving user input representing a
credential for unlocking the electronic device comprises obtaining
a reading from a biometric sensor of the electronic device.
[0320] In some embodiments, receiving user input representing a
credential for unlocking the electronic device comprises detecting
a touch on a touch-sensitive input of the electronic device.
[0321] In some embodiments, receiving user input representing a
credential for unlocking the electronic device comprises detecting
mouse movement of a mouse coupled to the electronic device.
[0322] In some embodiments, receiving user input representing a
credential for unlocking the electronic device comprises detecting
a keystroke on a keyboard of the electronic device.
[0323] In some embodiments, the processing unit 1806 is further
configured to detect (e.g., with the detecting unit 1818), via a
peer-to-peer wireless communication, the external device.
[0324] In some embodiments, the wireless communication comprises
Bluetooth communication.
[0325] In some embodiments, the external device is a wearable
electronic device.
[0326] The operations described above with reference to FIG. 14
are, optionally, implemented by components depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B
or FIG. 18. For example, one or more operations described with
reference to FIG. 14, including detecting operation 1402,
determining operation 1404, receiving operation 1406, and
displaying operations 1408 and 1410 are, optionally, implemented by
event sorter 170, event recognizer 180, and event handler 190.
Event monitor 171 in event sorter 170 detects a contact on
touch-sensitive display 112, and event dispatcher module 174
delivers the event information to application 136-1. A respective
event recognizer 180 of application 136-1 compares the event
information to respective event definitions 186, and determines
whether a first contact at a first location on the touch-sensitive
surface (or whether rotation of the device) corresponds to a
predefined event or sub-event, such as selection of an object on a
user interface, or rotation of the device from one orientation to
another. When a respective predefined event or sub-event is
detected, event recognizer 180 activates an event handler 190
associated with the detection of the event or sub-event. Event
handler 190 optionally uses or calls data updater 176 or object
updater 177 to update the application internal state 192. In some
embodiments, event handler 190 accesses a respective GUI updater
178 to update what is displayed by the application. Similarly, it
would be clear to a person having ordinary skill in the art how
other processes can be implemented based on the components depicted
in FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0327] The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the
illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or
to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in view of the above
teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the techniques and their practical
applications. Others skilled in the art are thereby enabled to best
utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0328] Although the disclosure and examples have been fully
described with reference to the accompanying figures, it is to be
noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent
to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to
be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosure
and examples as defined by the appended claims.
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