System, method, and computer program product for a multi-pressure selection touch screen

• US 10,013,094 B1
• Filed: 03/16/2016
• Issued: 07/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 08/05/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smith Interface Technologies, LLC
• Original Assignee: P4tents1 LLC
• Inventors: Smith, Michael S
• Primary Examiner(s): Xavier, Antonio
• Application Number:
  US15/072,351
• Time in Patent Office: 839 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1643 the display being associated to a digitizer, e.g. laptops that can be used as penpads details related to the relative motion of the display enclosure with respect to the body enclosure, e.g. to move between laptop and tablet PC configuration G06F1/1615
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1647 including at least an additional display G06F1/1692 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04104 Multi-touch detection in digitiser, i.e. details about the simultaneous detection of a plurality of touching locations, e.g. multiple fingers or pen and finger
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04105 Pressure sensors for measuring the pressure or force exerted on the touch surface without providing the touch position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04808 Several contacts: gestures triggering a specific function, e.g. scrolling, zooming, right-click, when the user establishes several contacts with the surface simultaneously; e.g. using several fingers or a combination of fingers and pen
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/013 Eye tracking input arrangements G06F3/015 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/016 Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0414 using force sensing means to determine a position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0416 Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/044 by capacitive means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/045 using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/048 Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04815 Interaction with a metaphor-based environment or interaction object displayed as three-dimensional, e.g. changing the user viewpoint with respect to the environment or object
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04845 for image manipulation, e.g. dragging, rotation, expansion or change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4843 : by program, e.g. task dispatcher, supervisor, operating system

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for operating a mobile device including a touch screen, a memory, and a vibratory feedback mechanism coupled to at least one processor. A plurality of applications including an application is stored, utilizing the memory. Indicia is displayed, utilizing the touchscreen. A first pressure signal indicative of a first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen is identified in connection with the indicia. In response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, a first state is identified, utilizing the at least one processor. In response to the identification of the first state, an operation is performed, utilizing the at least one processor. A second pressure signal is identified indicative of a second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude, in connection with the indicia. In response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, a second state is identified, utilizing the at least one processor. In response to the identification of the second state, the mobile device is vibrated, utilizing the vibratory feedback mechanism. In response to the identification of the second state, access is allowed to at least one menu including a plurality of particular actions including at least one user-specific action, utilizing the touch screen. Also identified is a selection signal indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen, in connection with the at least one user-specific action. In response to the selection signal, the at last one user-specific action is executed, utilizing the at least one processor.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a mobile device including a touch screen, a memory, a network interface, and a vibrator coupled to at least one processor;

said network interface configured to receive a particular application via a network;

said memory configured to store a plurality of applications, the memory configured to store the particular application after the particular application is received;

said touch screen configured to, after the particular application is received, cooperate with the at least one processor to, before the particular application is launched, display an iconic representation of the particular application via a home screen for choosing different applications;

said touch screen configured to, after the particular application is received, cooperate with the at least one processor to receive a first pressure signal indicative of a first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

said at least one processor configured to, after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, identify a first state;

said at least one processor configured to, after the particular application is received and in response to the identification of the first state, launch the particular application represented by the iconic representation displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

said touch screen configured to, after the particular application is received, cooperate with the at least one processor to receive a second pressure signal indicative of a second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude, on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

said at least one processor configured to, after the particular application is received and in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, identify a second state;

said vibrator configured to, after the particular application is received, cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, vibrate the mobile device;

after the particular application is received, said mobile device configured to;

in response to the identification of the second state that is in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, display, utilizing the touch screen, at least one menu through which access is provided to at least two options, the at least one menu being displayed over at least a portion of the home screen that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the home screen appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the at least one menu, the at least two options including;

an electronic-mail option that, when selected, provides access to an electronic-mail action that utilizes an electronic-mail application to send at least one object of the particular application; and

a short message service option that, when selected, provides access to a short message service action that utilizes a short message service application to send the at least one object of the particular application,

where the electronic-mail option and the short message service option are both accessible through the at least one menu that is displayed in response to the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application which is not the electronic-mail application and is not the short message service application;

identify a selection signal indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen, on at least one of the at least two options including at least one of the electronic-mail option or the short message service option;

in response to the selection signal on the electronic-mail option, provide access to the electronic-mail action that utilizes the electronic-mail application to send the at least one object of the particular application; and

in response to the selection signal on the short message service option, provide access to the short message service action that utilizes the short message service application to send the at least one object of the particular application.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the iconic representation of the particular application serves dual purposes including a first purpose of launching the particular application, and a second purpose of sending the at least one object of the particular application by invoking different applications other than the particular application.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least one object of the particular application that is sent includes the iconic representation of the particular application in addition to a web link associated with the particular application.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the second magnitude of pressure is user-configurable via at least one interface that includes a slider bar and that further permits the user-configurable second magnitude of pressure to be tested.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal being received for less than a predetermined amount of time, the first state is identified;

and after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal being received for more than the predetermined amount of time, a third state is identified that results in a removal action.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal being received for less than a predetermined amount of time, the first state is identified;

and after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal being received for more than the predetermined amount of time, a third state is identified that results in a removal of the particular application.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal being received for less than a predetermined amount of time, the first state is identified;

and after the particular application is received and in response to the first pressure signal being received for more than the predetermined amount of time, a third state is identified that results in a removal of the iconic representation of the particular application from the home screen.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the home screen is blurred.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the home screen is fogged.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the home screen is fogged and blurred.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least two options include a favorites option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of content associated with at least one favorite associated with the particular application.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one favorite is based on historical usage.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least two options include a favorites option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of at least one favorite associated with the particular application where the at least one favorite is capable of being selected for accessing content associated with the at least one favorite.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one favorite is based on historical usage.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least two options include a bookmark option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of content associated with at least one bookmark associated with the particular application.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one bookmark is based on historical usage.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least two options include a bookmark option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of at least one bookmark associated with the particular application where the at least one bookmark is capable of being selected for accessing content associated with the at least one bookmark.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least two options include a search option that initiates a search function in response to a selection thereof.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least one menu includes information that is based on usage of the particular application.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, after the particular application is received, the at least one menu itself includes information that is based on historical usage of the particular application.

21. A non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising:

particular application code that is part of a particular application that is configured to cooperate with a mobile device including a touch screen, a memory, and a vibrator coupled to at least one processor, where the particular application, when installed on the mobile device, cooperates with an operating system of the mobile device to cause the mobile device to;

before the particular application is launched, display an iconic representation of the particular application via a home screen for choosing different applications, utilizing the touch screen;

identify a first pressure signal indicative of a first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, identify a first state, utilizing the at least one processor;

in response to the identification of the first state, launch the particular application represented by the iconic representation displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, utilizing the at least one processor;

identify a second pressure signal indicative of a second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude, on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, identify a second state, utilizing the at least one processor;

in response to the identification of the second state, vibrate the mobile device, utilizing the vibrator;

in response to the identification of the second state that is in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, display, utilizing the touch screen, at least one menu through which access is provided to at least two options, the at least one menu being displayed on at least a portion of the home screen that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the home screen appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the at least one menu, the at least two options including;

an electronic-mail option that, when selected, provides access to an electronic-mail action that utilizes an electronic-mail application to send at least one object of the particular application; and

a short message service option that, when selected, provides access to a short message service action that utilizes a short message service application to send the at least one object of the particular application,

where the electronic-mail option and the short message service option are both accessible through the at least one menu that is displayed in response to the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application which is not the electronic-mail application and is not the short message service application;

identify a selection signal indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen, on at least one of the at least two options including at least one of the electronic-mail option or the short message service option;

in response to the selection signal on the electronic-mail option, provide access to the electronic-mail action that utilizes the electronic-mail application to send the at least one object of the particular application; and

in response to the selection signal on the short message service option, provide access to the short message service action that utilizes the short message service application to send the at least one object of the particular application.

22. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that, in response to the identification of the second state, the at least one menu is displayed until a selection thereon is made.

23. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the iconic representation of the particular application serves dual purposes including a first purpose of launching the particular application, and a second purpose of sending the at least one object of the particular application by invoking different applications other than the particular application.

24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 23, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one menu is a pop-up menu that overlays the at least portion of the home screen.

25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the iconic representation of the particular application is not displayed for selection, after the particular application is launched.

26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one object of the particular application that is sent includes the iconic representation of the particular application.

27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one object of the particular application that is sent includes the iconic representation of the particular application along with a web link associated with the particular application.

28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that, in response to the first pressure signal being received for less than a predetermined amount of time, the first state is identified;

and in response to the first pressure signal being received for more than the predetermined amount of time, a third state is identified that results in a removal action.

29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that, in response to the first pressure signal being received for less than a predetermined amount of time, the first state is identified;

and in response to the first pressure signal being received for more than the predetermined amount of time, a third state is identified that results in a removal of the particular application.

30. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one menu is displayed on top of the iconic representation of the particular application.

31. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least portion of the home screen is blurred.

32. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least portion of the home screen is fogged.

33. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least two options include a search option that initiates a search function in response to a selection thereof.

34. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least two options include a favorites option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of content associated with at least one favorite associated with the particular application.

35. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 34, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one favorite is based on historical usage.

36. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least two options include a favorites option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of at least one favorite associated with the particular application where the at least one favorite is capable of being selected for accessing content associated with the at least one favorite.

37. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 36, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one favorite is based on historical usage.

38. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least two options include a bookmark option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of content associated with at least one bookmark associated with the particular application.

39. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 38, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one bookmark is based on historical usage.

40. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least two options include a bookmark option that, in response to a selection thereof, causes display of at least one bookmark associated with the particular application where the at least one bookmark is capable of being selected for accessing content associated with the at least one bookmark.

41. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 40, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one bookmark is based on historical usage.

42. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one menu includes information that is based on usage of the particular application.

43. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein the particular application is configured such that the at least one menu itself includes information that is based on historical usage of the particular application.

44. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 21, wherein at least one of:

said touch screen includes a touch interface and a display;

said touch screen is a combination of a touch interface and a display;

said touch screen is on a front face of the mobile device;

said iconic representation of the particular application includes an application-specific icon;

said states each include a selection state;

said iconic representation of the particular application includes a user interface control widget;

said iconic representation of the particular application includes a selectable graphic;

each pressure results from a touch event;

each pressure is in connection with a gesture input;

said first pressure signal is capable of being received without receiving the second pressure signal;

said second pressure signal is capable of being received without receiving the first pressure signal;

said first pressure signal is capable of being received before receiving the second pressure signal;

said second pressure signal is capable of being received before receiving the first pressure signal;

said selection signal is indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude;

said selection signal is indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is less than the first magnitude;

said selection signal is indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is greater than the second magnitude;

said selection signal is indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is less than the second magnitude;

said pressure associated with the selection signal is applied to at least one of the at least two options;

said first state is capable of being identified in a first usage scenario without the second state being identified, and the second state is identified in a second usage scenario without the first state being identified;

said particular application is launched by running the particular application;

said particular application is launched by displaying an interface of an already-running instance of the particular application;

said particular application is launched by switching to the particular application;

said second state is capable of being identified in a first usage scenario without the first state being identified, and the first state is identified in a second usage scenario without the second state being identified;

said access to the at least two options is provided through the at least one menu by the at least one menu including the at least two options;

said access to the at least two options is provided through the at least one menu by the at least one menu providing access to at least one additional interface including the at least two options;

said access to the at least two options is provided through the at least one menu by the at least one menu providing an option to access at least one interface including the at least two options;

said at least one menu and the home screen are part of a three-dimensional layered user interface;

said at least one menu and the home screen are each part of different layers;

said fog includes a thin, uniform fog;

said fog results from a three-dimensional depth queue;

said blur results from a three-dimensional depth queue;

said at least portion of the home screen being blurred or fogged at the same time as the at least one menu being displayed;

said at least one menu includes a plurality of menu items;

said at least one menu and the home screen are each part of different layers with different three-dimensional depth queues;

said at least one menu and the home screen are each part of different layers that are accessible via different inputs of different pressure levels;

said at least one menu and the home screen are each part of different layers that are accessible via different inputs of different pressure levels, and the fog or the blur indicates a movement through the different layers;

said at least one menu and the home screen are part of a three-dimensional layered user interface that can be operated upon via a back interaction surface;

said electronic-mail action utilizes the electronic-mail application in furtherance of sharing by generating an electronic-mail;

said electronic-mail action utilizes the electronic-mail application in furtherance of sharing by sending an electronic-mail;

said short message service action utilizes the short message service application in furtherance of sharing by creating a short message service message;

said short message service action utilizes the short message service application in furtherance of sharing by sending a short message service message;

said at least one object is of the particular application by being created using the particular application;

said at least one object is of the particular application by being part of the particular application;

said at least one object is of the particular application by being included with the particular application;

said home screen includes a graphical user interface;

said home screen for choosing different applications permits the different applications to be chosen by a user;

said iconic representation is further capable of being re-displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, after the particular application is launched;

at least one of said first pressure signal or said second pressure signal result from at least one contact;

or

at least one of said first pressure signal or said second pressure signal result from at least one custom contact.

45. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

developing particular application code that is part of a particular application configured to cooperate with a mobile device including a touch screen, a memory, and a vibrator coupled to at least one processor, where the particular application code, when installed on the mobile device, cooperates with an operating system of the mobile device to cause the mobile device to;

before the particular application is launched, display an iconic representation of the particular application via a home screen for choosing different applications, utilizing the touch screen;

detect a first pressure signal indicative of a first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, detect a first state, utilizing the at least one processor;

in response to the identification of the first state, launch the particular application represented by the iconic representation displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, utilizing the at least one processor;

detect a second pressure signal indicative of a second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude, on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications;

in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, detect a second state, utilizing the at least one processor;

in response to the identification of the second state, vibrate the mobile device, utilizing the vibrator;

in response to the identification of the second state that is in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application displayed via the home screen for choosing different applications, display, utilizing the touch screen, at least one menu through which access is provided to at least two options, the at least one menu being displayed over at least a portion of the home screen that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the home screen appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the at least one menu, the at least two options including;

an electronic-mail option that, when selected, provides access to an electronic-mail action that utilizes an electronic-mail application to send at least one object of the particular application; and

a short message service option that, when selected, provides access to a short message service action that utilizes a short message service application to send the at least one object of the particular application,

where the electronic-mail option and the short message service option are both accessible through the at least one menu that is displayed in response to the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the iconic representation of the particular application which is not the electronic-mail application and is not the short message service application;

detect a selection signal indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen, on at least one of the at least two options including at least one of the electronic-mail option or the short message service option;

in response to the selection signal on the electronic-mail option, provide access to the electronic-mail action that utilizes the electronic-mail application to send the at least one object of the particular application; and

in response to the selection signal on the short message service option, provide access to the short message service action that utilizes the short message service application to send the at least one object of the particular application; and

causing the particular application code to be stored.

46. The computer-implemented method of claim 45, wherein the iconic representation of the particular application serves dual purposes including a first purpose of launching the particular application, and a second purpose of sending the at least one object of the particular application by invoking different applications other than the particular application.

47. The computer-implemented method of claim 46, wherein the at least one object of the particular application that is sent includes the iconic representation of the particular application with a web link associated with the particular application.

48. The computer-implemented method of claim 46, wherein the at least one object of the particular application that is sent includes at least part of the particular application and a web link associated with the particular application.

49. The computer-implemented method of claim 47, wherein in response to the identification of the second state, the at least one menu is displayed until a selection thereon is made.