Modifying Chrome Based on Ambient Conditions

BACKGROUND

This relates generally to graphics processing and, particularly, to graphics processing for user interfaces of computer systems.

Computer systems commonly generate a display that includes a number of user selectable icons. These icons may be selected by mouse clicking on the icon or by touching the icon.

Chrome relates to elements of the display that are provided, at least in part, for artistic or aesthetic reasons. Chrome may also be provided, in part, for functional reasons. For example, the icons may be glossy and, in other cases, icons or other user selectable image elements may have shadows along one or more edges of the elements, in order to indicate, graphically, a direction of light exposure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts the alteration of an icon on a user interface based on light direction in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 indicates the modification of the depiction of an icon chrome in accordance with light direction in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart for another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart for still another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a mobile device according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with some embodiments, the depiction of chrome in user interfaces may be modified based on ambient conditions. There are a number of ambient conditions that can be used as a trigger to modify the chrome. For example, the current direction from which light hits the computer may be used to change the chrome shadow depictions on user selectable image elements, such as button icons.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile computer 10 may include a graphical user interface with chrome 12. The mobile computer 10 may include a camera 14. The camera 14 provides an input to a light source inference module 16. In some embodiments, the light source inference module 16 is a software module executed by a processor associated with the mobile computer 10. The light source inference module detects ambient light and determines an approximation of the direction of ambient light. For example, the image from the camera may be analyzed to determine whether one side of the captured image is lighter than the other side, suggesting light from the left or light from above, or light from the right, as the case may be. Thus, image analysis or analytics may be used to determine which portion of the image is lightest (i.e. brightest), relative to other portions, and that determination may be used to deduce an estimation of light direction.

Then, based on the direction of light, chrome elements in the graphical user interface may be redrawn to reflect the direction of ambient light, as indicated at block 18.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, two graphical user interface elements 20, such as mouse or touch selectable icons, may be associated with chrome 22 and 24. In the case of a leftmost icon 20, the chrome 22 is a shadow on the right and bottom edges of the icon, indicating that the light is coming from the upper left hand corner of the scene. The opposite chrome 24 is shown on the right side in FIG. 2. Thus, when the light source inference indicates that the light is coming more from the right than the left, the display may be shifted from what is shown on the left in FIG. 2 to what is shown on the right.

As another example, highlighting may be provided on the left side of the icon 20, as indicated at 28 in FIG. 3. Then when the light shifts, the highlighting may be moved to the right side, as indicated at 26 in FIG. 3.

While examples have been given where shadows or gloss effects on icons are modified, other image elements can also be modified, including edge or border shadows. For example, shadows that appear to be cast by upper windows on lower windows can also be modified.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart may implement the modification of chrome based on ambient conditions in accordance with some embodiments. The sequence may be implemented in software, hardware, and/or firmware. In software and firmware embodiments, it may be executed by computer readable instructions implemented by a computer processor and stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as an optical, semiconductor, or magnetic storage.

The sequence begins by sensing the ambient light 30. The sensing of the ambient light may be done by a conventional camera mounted onboard the mobile computer 10. In one embodiment, the direction of ambient light may be sensed by automatically capturing an image and determining which edge of the image is lighter than other edges. This estimation can be used to estimate the direction of ambient light.

Based on the perceived direction of ambient light, as determined in block 32, the chrome may be adjusted, as indicated, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3, and as represented at block 34 in FIG. 4.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, ambient objects may be reflective or “apparently” reflective onto graphical user interface display elements on a display. Thus, the screen elements appear to have chrome (literally) in that they are reflective and reflect ambient objects.

In accordance with one embodiment, the sequence shown in FIG. 5 may be implemented using software, firmware, and/or hardware. In software and firmware embodiments, it may be implemented by computer readable instructions executed by a computer and stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a semiconductor, a magnetic, or optical storage device.

The sequence begins by imaging objects in front of a computer screen, as indicated at block 36. This may be done using an onboard camera, in one embodiment. Then the image portions that, if displayed on the screen would overlay the icons or other graphical user interface image elements, may be segmented from the rest of the depiction, as indicated in block 38.

Finally, referring to block 40, the icons may be redrawn to display the image portion that would have overlaid each icon. Thus, it would appear to the user that the icons are effectively reflective and are reflecting ambient objects.

Referring to FIG. 6, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, instead of using a camera to detect light direction, a global positioning system sensor may be used for this purpose. Knowing the current time of day and the user's current position on the Earth, the system can deduce where light should be coming from.

Thus, referring to FIG. 6, a sequence may be implemented in software, firmware, and/or hardware. In software and firmware embodiments, it may be implemented by computer readable instructions executed by a computer processor and stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, such as a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage.

The sequence, in one embodiment, may implement a check to see if the ambient light direction has changed at periodic intervals. To this end, a check at diamond 56 determines whether that timer has expired. If the timer has expired, the user's position is obtained from a global positioning system sensor, as indicated in block 58. Then, the current local time is checked at block 60. This information can then be used in a sun model to determine from where the sun is coming for user position at the indicated position and indicated time. As a result of this analysis, the chrome may be adjusted, as suggested, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 3 and as indicated in block 62 in FIG. 6.

This electronic determination of light position based on detection of device location can also work indoors. An indoor positioning system (using radio signal strength, active tags, ultrasonics, computer vision, etc.) may create an estimate of where the device is in space. That estimate can then be used in conjunction with a model of that space that includes light sources. That model may be a digital architectural blueprint. It may also be a model built on the fly (e.g., as is needed for many augmented reality applications).

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a system 700. In embodiments, system 700 may be a media system although system 700 is not limited to this context. For example, system 700 may be incorporated into a personal computer (PC), laptop computer, ultra-laptop computer, tablet, touch pad, portable computer, handheld computer, palmtop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, combination cellular telephone/PDA, television, smart device (e.g., smart phone, smart tablet or smart television), mobile internet device (MID), messaging device, data communication device, and so forth.

In embodiments, system 700 comprises a platform 702 coupled to a display 720. Platform 702 may receive content from a content device such as content services device(s) 730 or content delivery device(s) 740 or other similar content sources. A navigation controller 750 comprising one or more navigation features may be used to interact with, for example, platform 702 and/or display 720. Each of these components is described in more detail below.

In embodiments, platform 702 may comprise any combination of a chipset 705, processor 710, memory 712, storage 714, graphics subsystem 715, applications 716 and/or radio 718. Chipset 705 may provide intercommunication among processor 710, memory 712, storage 714, graphics subsystem 715, applications 716 and/or radio 718. For example, chipset 705 may include a storage adapter (not depicted) capable of providing intercommunication with storage 714.

Processor 710 may be implemented as Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) or Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processors, x86 instruction set compatible processors, multi-core, or any other microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU). In embodiments, processor 710 may comprise dual-core processor(s), dual-core mobile processor(s), and so forth.

Memory 712 may be implemented as a volatile memory device such as, but not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or Static RAM (SRAM).

Storage 714 may be implemented as a non-volatile storage device such as, but not limited to, a magnetic disk drive, optical disk drive, tape drive, an internal storage device, an attached storage device, flash memory, battery backed-up SDRAM (synchronous DRAM), and/or a network accessible storage device. In embodiments, storage 714 may comprise technology to increase the storage performance enhanced protection for valuable digital media when multiple hard drives are included, for example.

Graphics subsystem 715 may perform processing of images such as still or video for display. Graphics subsystem 715 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a visual processing unit (VPU), for example. An analog or digital interface may be used to communicatively couple graphics subsystem 715 and display 720. For example, the interface may be any of a High-Definition Multimedia Interface, DisplayPort, wireless HDMI, and/or wireless HD compliant techniques. Graphics subsystem 715 could be integrated into processor 710 or chipset 705. Graphics subsystem 715 could be a stand-alone card communicatively coupled to chipset 705.

The graphics and/or video processing techniques described herein may be implemented in various hardware architectures. For example, graphics and/or video functionality may be integrated within a chipset. Alternatively, a discrete graphics and/or video processor may be used. As still another embodiment, the graphics and/or video functions may be implemented by a general purpose processor, including a multi-core processor. In a further embodiment, the functions may be implemented in a consumer electronics device.

Radio 718 may include one or more radios capable of transmitting and receiving signals using various suitable wireless communications techniques. Such techniques may involve communications across one or more wireless networks. Exemplary wireless networks include (but are not limited to) wireless local area networks (WLANs), wireless personal area networks (WPANs), wireless metropolitan area network (WMANs), cellular networks, and satellite networks. In communicating across such networks, radio 718 may operate in accordance with one or more applicable standards in any version.

In embodiments, display 720 may comprise any television type monitor or display. Display 720 may comprise, for example, a computer display screen, touch screen display, video monitor, television-like device, and/or a television. Display 720 may be digital and/or analog. In embodiments, display 720 may be a holographic display. Also, display 720 may be a transparent surface that may receive a visual projection. Such projections may convey various forms of information, images, and/or objects. For example, such projections may be a visual overlay for a mobile augmented reality (MAR) application. Under the control of one or more software applications 716, platform 702 may display user interface 722 on display 720.

In embodiments, content services device(s) 730 may be hosted by any national, international and/or independent service and thus accessible to platform 702 via the Internet, for example. Content services device(s) 730 may be coupled to platform 702 and/or to display 720. Platform 702 and/or content services device(s) 730 may be coupled to a network 760 to communicate (e.g., send and/or receive) media information to and from network 760. Content delivery device(s) 740 also may be coupled to platform 702 and/or to display 720.

In embodiments, content services device(s) 730 may comprise a cable television box, personal computer, network, telephone, Internet enabled devices or appliance capable of delivering digital information and/or content, and any other similar device capable of unidirectionally or bidirectionally communicating content between content providers and platform 702 and/display 720, via network 760 or directly. It will be appreciated that the content may be communicated unidirectionally and/or bidirectionally to and from any one of the components in system 700 and a content provider via network 760. Examples of content may include any media information including, for example, video, music, medical and gaming information, and so forth.

Content services device(s) 730 receives content such as cable television programming including media information, digital information, and/or other content. Examples of content providers may include any cable or satellite television or radio or Internet content providers. The provided examples are not meant to limit embodiments of the invention.

In embodiments, platform 702 may receive control signals from navigation controller 750 having one or more navigation features. The navigation features of controller 750 may be used to interact with user interface 722, for example. In embodiments, navigation controller 750 may be a pointing device that may be a computer hardware component (specifically human interface device) that allows a user to input spatial (e.g., continuous and multi-dimensional) data into a computer. Many systems such as graphical user interfaces (GUI), and televisions and monitors allow the user to control and provide data to the computer or television using physical gestures.

Movements of the navigation features of controller 750 may be echoed on a display (e.g., display 720) by movements of a pointer, cursor, focus ring, or other visual indicators displayed on the display. For example, under the control of software applications 716, the navigation features located on navigation controller 750 may be mapped to virtual navigation features displayed on user interface 722, for example. In embodiments, controller 750 may not be a separate component but integrated into platform 702 and/or display 720. Embodiments, however, are not limited to the elements or in the context shown or described herein.

In embodiments, drivers (not shown) may comprise technology to enable users to instantly turn on and off platform 702 like a television with the touch of a button after initial boot-up, when enabled, for example. Program logic may allow platform 702 to stream content to media adaptors or other content services device(s) 730 or content delivery device(s) 740 when the platform is turned “off.” In addition, chip set 705 may comprise hardware and/or software support for 5.1 surround sound audio and/or high definition 7.1 surround sound audio, for example. Drivers may include a graphics driver for integrated graphics platforms. In embodiments, the graphics driver may comprise a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) Express graphics card.

In various embodiments, any one or more of the components shown in system 700 may be integrated. For example, platform 702 and content services device(s) 730 may be integrated, or platform 702 and content delivery device(s) 740 may be integrated, or platform 702, content services device(s) 730, and content delivery device(s) 740 may be integrated, for example. In various embodiments, platform 702 and display 720 may be an integrated unit. Display 720 and content service device(s) 730 may be integrated, or display 720 and content delivery device(s) 740 may be integrated, for example. These examples are not meant to limit the invention.

In various embodiments, system 700 may be implemented as a wireless system, a wired system, or a combination of both. When implemented as a wireless system, system 700 may include components and interfaces suitable for communicating over a wireless shared media, such as one or more antennas, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, amplifiers, filters, control logic, and so forth. An example of wireless shared media may include portions of a wireless spectrum, such as the RF spectrum and so forth. When implemented as a wired system, system 700 may include components and interfaces suitable for communicating over wired communications media, such as input/output (I/O) adapters, physical connectors to connect the I/O adapter with a corresponding wired communications medium, a network interface card (NIC), disc controller, video controller, audio controller, and so forth. Examples of wired communications media may include a wire, cable, metal leads, printed circuit board (PCB), backplane, switch fabric, semiconductor material, twisted-pair wire, co-axial cable, fiber optics, and so forth.

Platform 702 may establish one or more logical or physical channels to communicate information. The information may include media information and control information. Media information may refer to any data representing content meant for a user. Examples of content may include, for example, data from a voice conversation, videoconference, streaming video, electronic mail (“email”) message, voice mail message, alphanumeric symbols, graphics, image, video, text and so forth. Data from a voice conversation may be, for example, speech information, silence periods, background noise, comfort noise, tones and so forth. Control information may refer to any data representing commands, instructions or control words meant for an automated system. For example, control information may be used to route media information through a system, or instruct a node to process the media information in a predetermined manner. The embodiments, however, are not limited to the elements or in the context shown or described in FIG. 7.

As described above, system 700 may be embodied in varying physical styles or form factors. FIG. 8 illustrates embodiments of a small form factor device 800 in which system 700 may be embodied. In embodiments, for example, device 800 may be implemented as a mobile computing device having wireless capabilities. A mobile computing device may refer to any device having a processing system and a mobile power source or supply, such as one or more batteries, for example.

As described above, examples of a mobile computing device may include a personal computer (PC), laptop computer, ultra-laptop computer, tablet, touch pad, portable computer, handheld computer, palmtop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, combination cellular telephone/PDA, television, smart device (e.g., smart phone, smart tablet or smart television), mobile internet device (MID), messaging device, data communication device, and so forth.

Examples of a mobile computing device also may include computers that are arranged to be worn by a person, such as a wrist computer, finger computer, ring computer, eyeglass computer, belt-clip computer, arm-band computer, shoe computers, clothing computers, and other wearable computers. In embodiments, for example, a mobile computing device may be implemented as a smart phone capable of executing computer applications, as well as voice communications and/or data communications. Although some embodiments may be described with a mobile computing device implemented as a smart phone by way of example, it may be appreciated that other embodiments may be implemented using other wireless mobile computing devices as well. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

Memory 712 may be implemented as a volatile memory device such as, but not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), or Static RAM (SRAM).

The processor 710 may communicate with a camera 722 and a global positioning system sensor 720, in some embodiments. A memory 712, coupled to the processor 710, may store computer readable instructions for implementing the sequences shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 in software and/or firmware embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 8, device 800 may comprise a housing 802, a display 804, an input/output (I/O) device 806, and an antenna 808. Device 800 also may comprise navigation features 812. Display 804 may comprise any suitable display unit for displaying information appropriate for a mobile computing device. I/O device 806 may comprise any suitable I/O device for entering information into a mobile computing device. Examples for I/O device 806 may include an alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keypad, a touch pad, input keys, buttons, switches, rocker switches, microphones, speakers, voice recognition device and software, and so forth. Information also may be entered into device 800 by way of microphone. Such information may be digitized by a voice recognition device. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

Various embodiments may be implemented using hardware elements, software elements, or a combination of both. Examples of hardware elements may include processors, microprocessors, circuits, circuit elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, and so forth), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), digital signal processors (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), logic gates, registers, semiconductor device, chips, microchips, chip sets, and so forth. Examples of software may include software components, programs, applications, computer programs, application programs, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, functions, methods, procedures, software interfaces, application program interfaces (API), instruction sets, computing code, computer code, code segments, computer code segments, words, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. Determining whether an embodiment is implemented using hardware elements and/or software elements may vary in accordance with any number of factors, such as desired computational rate, power levels, heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates, output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and other design or performance constraints.

One or more aspects of at least one embodiment may be implemented by representative instructions stored on a machine-readable medium which represents various logic within the processor, which when read by a machine causes the machine to fabricate logic to perform the techniques described herein. Such representations, known as “IP cores” may be stored on a tangible, machine readable medium and supplied to various customers or manufacturing facilities to load into the fabrication machines that actually make the logic or processor.

The graphics processing techniques described herein may be implemented in various hardware architectures. For example, graphics functionality may be integrated within a chipset. Alternatively, a discrete graphics processor may be used. As still another embodiment, the graphics functions may be implemented by a general purpose processor, including a multicore processor.

References throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one implementation encompassed within the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be instituted in other suitable forms other than the particular embodiment illustrated and all such forms may be encompassed within the claims of the present application.

While the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of this present invention.

Modifying Chrome Based on Ambient Conditions

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