Certain embodiments of the invention relate to communication interfaces. More specifically, certain embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for seamlessly integrated navigation of applications.
Communication devices generally provide an interface that enables one or more users to interact with the communication device. Exemplary interfaces may comprise a keyboard, a mouse, software keys or buttons (softkeys), hardware keys or buttons (hardkeys), touchscreen, gesture tracking devices, voice input/output, text to speech (TTS), and a visual and/or audio display.
Most existing mobile Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) may implement a legacy from what was developed for personal computers, based on icons and menus. Furthermore, due to the mobile platform display's palm size and processing power, multi-windowing may not be available, or may be available only in restricted ways, and juggling between applications may be tedious.
Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.
A system and/or method is provided for seamlessly integrated navigation of applications, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.
These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.
Certain embodiments of the invention may be found in a system and method for seamlessly integrated navigation of applications. In various embodiments of the invention, a communication device comprising a display, which is enabled to display media content, may be operable to receive one or more stimuli in a pre-defined section of the display. The communication device may be operable to display a semi-transparent interaction grid that is superimposed onto the content based on the received one or more stimuli. The communication device may be operable to enable one or more applications in the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid based on the received one or more stimuli. Notwithstanding, the invention may not be so limited and the interaction grid that is superimposed onto the content may be outlined or materialized with a symbol without limiting the scope of the embodiment.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that is operable to provide enhanced user interaction experience. The GUI may be operable to merge different technologies and/or merge content provided by different technologies such that elements from the different technologies and/or content mixes and overlays with one another. In this regard, the GUI may be operable to deliver and combine optimized visualization of content, decreased density, an uncluttered interface, real time access to content and applications, and reduced “click distance.” The GUI may also be operable to provide better and direct interaction, greater flexibility and augmented knowledge of users' content via interface customization. The GUI may be operable to provide intuitive interactive connection of files, applications, features, and settings, for example, which maintains content integrity throughout mobile user experience, and is tailored to digital mobile lifestyles.
In various embodiments of the invention, the GUI may be operable to function independent of a service provider that may provide or offer services that are accessible via the communication device. In this regard, for example, the GUI may be presented on a wireless communication device such as a mobile terminal and the GUI may operate independent of any wireless carrier that provides service or services to the wireless communication device.
Various exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide maximized content exposure, simplified and accelerated navigation, optimized access to real time information, organized and logical interaction with various applications. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, there may be no “Home Screen” where users may need to return every time to access other applications, and navigation tools may pop up on top of any screen, any form of content, and with a minimized visual footprint that may be superimposed in a non obtrusive, dynamic, semi-transparent manner, outlined or materialized with a symbol onto the content.
The display 204 may be divided into one or more sections, for example, section 206, section 208, and section 210. Notwithstanding, the invention may not be so limited and the display 204 may be divided into more or less than three sections without limiting the scope of the embodiment.
The communication device 202 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to display vital and functional data in section 206 of the display 204. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the section 206 of the display 204 may display the current date, time, carrier, strength of the carrier signal, new messages, and/or a battery indicator. The section 206 of the display 204 may be user customizable, for example, and may be adjusted to display other information. In one embodiment, no user interaction may be allowed to customize the section 206 of the display 204 and may be preset by a phone manufacturer, for example.
The communication device 202 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to display real time feeds and updates in the section 210 of the display 204. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the section 210 of the display 204 may display real time feeds from one or more news agencies or blogs. The section 210 of the display 204 may be user customizable, for example, and may be adjusted to display other information. In one embodiment of the invention, the communication device 202 may enable a user to interact by receiving a stimulus. The received stimulus may enable selection of a particular real time feed to further access the corresponding real time content, for example. In another embodiment of the invention, the communication device 202 may enable periodic updating of the real time feeds displayed in the section 210 of the display 204.
The communication device 202 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to display content and/or applications in the section 208 of the display 204. In one embodiment of the invention, the section 208 may be pre-defined to display content and enable user interaction with the communication device 202. Notwithstanding, other sections or zones in the display 204 may be pre-defined to enable user interaction with the communication device 202 without limiting the scope of the invention.
The communication device 202 may be operable to receive one or more stimuli 214 in the pre-defined section 208 of the display 204. The received one or more stimuli 214 may comprise one or more of a single touch stimulus, a multi-touch stimulus, an infrared stimulus, an ultrasonic stimulus, a keyed input stimulus, and/or a speech-based stimulus.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when a user applies a single touch stimulus 214 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to determine whether a duration of the received single touch stimulus 214 is above a particular time threshold T. The communication device 202 may be operable to determine whether motion of the single touch stimulus 214 over the display 204 is above a particular pixel threshold P. If the duration of the single touch stimulus 214 is above a particular time threshold T, and the motion of the single touch stimulus 214 over the display 204 is above a particular pixel threshold P, the communication device 202 may be operable to display a semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the content based on the received single touch stimulus 214. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, if the duration of the single touch stimulus 214 is above a particular time threshold T, and the motion of the single touch stimulus 214 over the display 204 is above a particular pixel threshold P, the communication device 202 may be operable to display an outlined interaction grid 212 or an interaction grid 212 materialized with a symbol that is superimposed onto the content based on the received single touch stimulus 214
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the transparency level, outlining and/or the symbol of the interaction grid 212 may be customizable by a user. Notwithstanding, the invention may not be so limited and other stimuli, such as a multi-touch stimulus, an infrared stimulus, an ultrasonic stimulus, a keyed input stimulus, and/or a speech-based stimulus may be received by the communication device 202 without limiting the scope of the invention.
The semi-transparent interaction grid 212 may comprise one or more of the categories 216, 218, 220, 222 and 224. Each of the plurality of categories may comprise one or more sub-categories and/or applications. Each of the one or more categories, sub-categories and/or applications may be organized logically and/or modified based on user preferences. For example, the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 may comprise one or more of categories such as “Communication”, “Entertainment”, “Internet”, “Utilities” and “Settings”. The “communication” category may comprise one or more sub-categories, for example, “Contacts” and one or more applications, for example, “Voice mail”, “Text messages” and “Keypad”. The sub-category “Contacts” may comprise one or more sub-categories, for example, “Friends contacts list” and “Work contacts list”. Each of the sub-categories “Friends contacts list” and “Work contacts list” may comprise one or more applications listing contacts and their corresponding contact information.
The “Entertainment” category may comprise one or more sub-categories, for example, “Music player”, “Games”, and “Videos” and one or more applications, for example, “Camera”. The sub-category “Music player” may comprise one or more applications, for example, “Playlist 1” and “Playlist 2”. The sub-category “Games” may comprise one or more applications, for example, “Game 1” and “Game 2”. The sub-category “Videos” may comprise one or more applications, for example, “Video 1”, “Video 2” and “Video 3”.
The “Internet” category may comprise one or more sub-categories, for example, “Favorites” and one or more applications, for example, “Web Browser”, and “Stocks”. The sub-category “Favorites” may comprise one or more applications, for example, “Favorites 1” and “Favorites 2”.
The “Utilities” category may comprise one or more applications, for example, “GPS”, “Weather”, “Time”, and “Calendar”. The “Settings” category may comprise one or more applications, for example, “Phone Settings” and “Multimedia Settings”.
The communication device 202 may be operable to enable one or more applications, for example, the “Weather” application in the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 based on the received single touch stimulus 214 on the selected application, for example, the “Weather” application.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when a user applies a single touch stimulus 302 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display an upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 based on the received one or more stimuli 302. The upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 may comprise an upper set of categories AA 303 and BB 305, sub-categories CC 307 and DD 309 and/or applications EE 311.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when a user applies a single touch stimulus 302 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display an upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 based on the received one or more stimuli 302. The upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 may comprise an upper set of categories AA 303 and BB 305, sub-categories CC 307 and DD 309 and/or applications EE 311.
When a user applies a single touch stimulus 304 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display a lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 based on the received one or more stimuli 304. The lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 may comprise a lower set of sub-categories AA1306 and AA3310, and/or applications AA2308. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit a portion of the displayed upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 based on the received one or more stimuli 304.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when a user applies a single touch stimulus 302 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display an upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 based on the received one or more stimuli 302. The upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 may comprise an upper set of categories AA 303 and BB 305, sub-categories CC 307 and DD 309 and/or applications EE 311.
When a user applies a single touch stimulus 304 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display a lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 based on the received one or more stimuli 304. The lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 may comprise a lower set of sub-categories AA1306 and AA3310, and/or applications AA2308.
When a user applies a single touch stimulus 312 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display a lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 324 based on the received one or more stimuli 312. The lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 324 may comprise a lower set of applications AA31314 and AA32316. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit a portion of the displayed upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 and the displayed lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 based on the received one or more stimuli 312.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, when a user applies a single touch stimulus 302 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display an upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 based on the received one or more stimuli 302. The upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 may comprise an upper set of categories AA 303 and BB 305, sub-categories CC 307 and DD 309 and/or applications EE 311.
When a user applies a single touch stimulus 304 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display a lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 based on the received one or more stimuli 304. The lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 may comprise a lower set of sub-categories AA1306 and AA3310, and/or applications AA2308.
When a user applies a single touch stimulus 312 onto the surface of the display 204, the communication device 202 may be operable to display a lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 324 based on the received one or more stimuli 312. The lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 324 may comprise a lower set of applications AA31314 and AA32316.
The communication device 202 may be operable to enable one or more applications AA32316 in the displayed lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 324 based on the received one or more stimuli 315. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit a portion of the displayed upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 and the displayed lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 based on the received one or more stimuli 315. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid 212 based on the received one or more stimuli 325. The received one or more stimuli 325 may be in section 350 that is outside the pre-defined section 300 of the display 204. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, if a stimulus 325 is received in section 350, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid. For example, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, if a stimulus 325 is received in the pre-defined section 300 to enable previously displayed content, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid 212 and enable the previously displayed content.
In step 410, it may be determined whether a motion of the received stimulus 302 is above a particular pixel threshold P. In instances where the motion of the received stimulus 302 is above a particular pixel threshold P, control passes to step 412. In step 412, an “analog” motion functionality may be enabled. The “analog” motion functionality may comprise scrolling, resizing, zooming and/or moving one or more applications. For example, if a user intends to move an application from zone 1 to zone 2 of the section 300, the user may apply a stimulus 302 for a duration that is above the time threshold T, and move the selected application to zone 2, where the distance between zone 1 and zone 2 is above the pixel threshold P. In instances where the motion of the received stimulus 302 is not above a particular pixel threshold P, control passes to step 414. In step 414, the communication device 202 may be operable to display the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the previously displayed content.
In step 508, the communication device 202 may be operable to receive a stimulus, for example, a single touch stimulus 302. In step 510, the communication device 202 may be operable to display the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the previously enabled application or displayed content. In step 512, the communication device 202 may be operable to receive one or more stimuli, for example, 304, 312 and 315 to select one or more categories AA 303, sub-categories AA3310 and/or applications AA32316. In instances where the communication device 202 receives another stimulus 325 in the pre-defined section 300 at any time, control passes to step 506. In instances where the communication device 202 does not receive another stimulus 325 in the pre-defined section 300, control passes to step 514. In step 514, the communication device 314 may enable the selected one or more applications, for example, application AA32316. Control then returns to step 508.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method and system for seamlessly integrated navigation of applications may comprise one or more processors and/or circuits, for example, a communication device 202 comprising a display 204 enabled to display media content that may be operable to receive one or more stimuli 214 in a pre-defined section 208 of the display 204. The communication device 202 may be operable to display a semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the content based on the received one or more stimuli 214. The communication device 202 may be operable to enable one or more applications, for example, application AA32316 in the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid 212 based on the received one or more stimuli 214. The displayed semi-transparent interaction grid 320 may comprise one or more of categories AA 303 and BB 305, sub-categories CC 307 and DD 309 and/or applications EE 311. Each of the one or more categories 216 and 218, sub-categories AA1306 and AA3310, and/or applications AA2308 that may be organized logically and/or modified based on user preferences. The received one or more stimuli 214 may comprise one or more of a single touch stimulus, a multi-touch stimulus, an infrared stimulus, an ultrasonic stimulus, a keyed input stimulus, and/or a speech-based stimulus.
The communication device 202 may be operable to determine a duration of the received one or more stimuli 214. The communication device 202 may be operable to display the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the previously displayed content, if the duration of the received one or more stimuli 214 is above a particular time threshold T. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the particular time threshold T may be adjusted by a user. The communication device 202 may be operable to determine motion of the received one or more stimuli 214. The communication device 202 may be operable to display the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the previously displayed content, if the motion of the received one or more stimuli 214 is above a particular pixel threshold P. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the particular pixel threshold P may be adjusted by a user.
The communication device 202 may be operable to exit the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid 212 based on the received one or more stimuli 325. The received one or more stimuli 325 may be outside the pre-defined section 300 of the display 204. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, if a stimulus 325 is received in section 350, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid. For example, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, if a stimulus 325 is received in the pre-defined section 300 to enable previously displayed content, the communication device 202 may be operable to exit the displayed semi-transparent interaction grid 212 and enable the previously displayed content.
The communication device 202 may be operable to display an upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 based on the received one or more stimuli 302. The upper level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 320 may comprise an upper set of categories AA 303 and BB 305, sub-categories CC 307 and DD 309 and/or applications EE 311. The communication device 202 may be operable to display a lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 based on the received one or more stimuli 302 and 304. The lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 322 may comprise a lower set of sub-categories AA1306 and AA3310 and/or applications AA2308. The communication device 202 may be operable to enable one or more applications AA32316 in the displayed lower level of the semi-transparent interaction grid 324 based on the received one or more stimuli 302, 304, 312 and 315. The communication device 202 may be operable to receive the one or more stimuli 302, 304, 312 and 315 in a pre-defined section 300 of the display 204. The display 204 may be operable to display one or more previously enabled applications, for example, AA32316. The communication device 202 may be operable to display the semi-transparent interaction grid 212 that is superimposed onto the previously enabled one or more applications AA32316 based on the received one or more stimuli 214.
Another embodiment of the invention may provide a machine and/or computer readable storage and/or medium, having stored thereon, a machine code and/or a computer program having at least one code section executable by a machine and/or a computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the steps as described herein for seamlessly integrated navigation of applications.
Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.
The present invention may also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) reproduction in a different material form.
While the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/105,549, filed Oct. 15, 2008. The above stated application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61105549 | Oct 2008 | US |