Touch screen system, method, and computer program product

• US 10,146,353 B1
• Filed: 09/28/2017
• Issued: 12/04/2018
• 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 J
• Application Number:
  US15/719,427
• Time in Patent Office: 432 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. A first pressure signal indicative of a first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen is identified. 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. Also in response to the identification of the second state, another operation is performed.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

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

said memory configured to store a plurality of applications;

said touch screen configured to 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;

said at least one processor configured to, in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, identify a first state;

said touch screen configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the first state, launch at least one of the applications;

said touch screen configured to 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;

said at least one processor configured to, in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, identify a second state;

said vibrator configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, cause feedback that is perceptible to touch via the mobile device;

said touch screen configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to at least one action by displaying a menu including an option for the at least one action over at least a portion of an interface that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the interface appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the menu including the option for the at least one action;

said touch screen configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to receive a selection signal indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen, in connection with the at least one action;

said at least one processor configured to, in response to the selection signal, execute the at least one action;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that at least one of;

the plurality of applications include a navigation application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with a navigation application indicia, the navigation application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the navigation application indicia, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes providing access to navigational information utilizing the navigation application;

the plurality of applications include a browser application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with a browser application indicia, the browser application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the browser application indicia, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes providing access to bookmarks utilizing the browser application;

the plurality of applications include a media application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with a media application indicia, the media application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the media application indicia, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes selecting at least one track utilizing the media application;

the plurality of applications include a particular application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the particular application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes providing access to one or more communication techniques for a contact, including at least one of an electronic mail or a short messaging service, utilizing the particular application;

or

the plurality of applications include a calendar application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the calendar application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes creating an appointment utilizing the calendar application.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the menu permits user access to the option for the at least one action, before launching a corresponding application.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on a particular indicia, a corresponding application is launched, and the menu is displayed in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia, where the menu permits user access to the option for the at least one action without requiring, beforehand, the corresponding application to be launched in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia, where the particular indicia is thereby capable of serving dual purposes that are both accessible despite a size of the touch screen of the mobile device by using the first and second pressure signals indicative of different magnitudes of pressure which are capable of being applied on a same location on the particular indicia.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus is configured such that 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 states each include a selection state;

said states each include a touch state;

each pressure results from a touch event;

each pressure is in connection with a gesture input;

at least one of said responses is an indirect response;

at least one of said responses is an indirect response with at least one intermediate operation;

at least one of said responses is a direct response;

at least one of said responses is a direct response with no intermediate operation;

said menu and the interface are part of a three-dimensional layered user interface;

said menu and the interface are each part of different layers;

said feedback is provided and the menu is displayed simultaneously, in response to the identification of the second state;

said feedback that is perceptible to touch is provided via the apparatus, by vibrating the apparatus utilizing the vibrator;

said feedback includes at least one of;

a vibration, a force feedback, a tactile output, a weight feedback, a mechanical output, or a mass feedback;

said vibrator includes at least one of;

a transducer, a motor, or an actuator;

said blur or fog includes the blur;

said blur or fog includes the fog;

said fog includes a thin, uniform fog;

said fog results from a three-dimensional depth cue;

said blur includes an obscuring;

said blur results in a vague appearance;

said blur results in an indistinct presentation;

said blur is a three-dimensional depth cue;

said interface includes a software interface;

said interface includes a virtual interface;

said interface includes a graphical user interface;

said memory includes a single memory for storing instructions and the plurality of applications;

said memory includes a first memory for storing instructions and a second memory for storing the plurality of applications;

said menu and the interface are each part of different layers with different three-dimensional depth cues;

said menu and the interface are each part of different layers that are accessible via different inputs of different pressure levels;

said menu and the interface are each part of different layers that are accessible via different inputs of different pressure levels, and the fog or blur indicate a movement through the different layers;

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

said access is allowed by displaying the at least one action via the menu in immediate response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen;

said touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to receive the selection signal indicative of pressure being applied to the touch screen, in connection with the at least one action, by being in connection with the option of the menu corresponding to the at least one action;

said touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to receive the first pressure signal, by the touch screen generating the first pressure signal for receipt by the at least one processor;

said touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the first state, launch the at least one application, by the at least one processor executing the at least one application and the touch screen displaying a result of the execution;

said touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to receive the second pressure signal, by the touch screen generating the second pressure signal for receipt by the at least one processor;

said touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to receive the selection signal, by the touch screen generating the selection signal for receipt by the at least one processor;

said at least one processor is configured to, in response to the selection signal, execute the at least one action, by executing code in connection with at least one of the applications;

said at least one processor is configured to, in response to the selection signal, execute the at least one action, by launching at least one of the applications;

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 selection signal indicative of pressure is applied to the touch screen in connection with the at least one action, by being applied to the option of the menu associated with the at least one action;

said first state is identified in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, by being identified in response to a cessation of the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen;

said at least one application is launched in response to the identification of the first state, by being launched in response to a cessation of the first state;

said first magnitude of pressure is detected on the touch screen by at least the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen;

said first magnitude of pressure is detected on the touch screen by at least the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, insofar as the second magnitude of pressure is not exceeded;

said second magnitude of pressure is detected on the touch screen by at least the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen;

said second magnitude of pressure is detected on the touch screen by at least the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, even if any pressure thereafter drops below the second magnitude of pressure;

said first magnitude of pressure includes a first magnitude threshold;

said second magnitude of pressure includes a second magnitude threshold;

said navigation application indicia includes navigation application-related indicia;

said navigation application indicia includes at least one of map layers, an icon, a button, an iconic representation, or text, associated with the navigation application;

said navigational information includes route information;

said navigational information includes a location;

said navigational information includes a map;

said navigational information includes an address;

said browser application indicia includes browser application-related indicia;

said browser application indicia includes at least one of an icon, a button, an iconic representation, or text, associated with the browser application;

said bookmarks include favorites;

said media application indicia includes media application-related indicia;

said media application indicia includes at least one of an icon, a button, an iconic representation, or text, associated with the media application;

each indicia includes at least one of an icon, a button, an iconic representation, or text;

said particular application includes a contacts application;

said particular application includes a messaging application;

said one or more communication techniques for the contact, include the electronic mail and the short messaging service;

said one or more communication techniques for the contact include one communication technique;

said one or more communication techniques for the contact include more than one communication technique;

said access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact is provided in response to the identification of the second state without requiring the particular application to be launched;

said access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact is provided in response to the identification of the second state without requiring the particular application to be launched, and the particular application is launched if the one or more communication techniques for the contact is selected by the user;

where, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia, the menu is displayed without requiring, beforehand, the corresponding application to be launched in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia, and, while not required, the menu is also capable of being displayed after the corresponding application is launched in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia;

where, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia, the menu including the option is displayed by at least partially launching the corresponding application, but without launching the corresponding application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen on the particular indicia;

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

or

said second state is capable of being identified in a first usage scenario without the first state being identified, such that the first state is identified in a second usage scenario without the second state being identified.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with object-specific indicia associated with an object, access to the object is allowed and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the object-specific indicia associated with the object, access to at least one option for operating on the object is allowed.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the object-specific indicia includes a web hyperlink, and the at least one option includes an open option and a copy option.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the object-specific indicia includes a contact, and the at least one option includes a first communication method option and a second communication method option.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to determine whether the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen is received for less than a predetermined amount of time, and the at least one processor is configured to, in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen for less than the predetermined amount of time, identify the first state;

and wherein the touch screen is further configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to determine whether the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen is received for more than the predetermined amount of time, and the at least one processor is configured to, in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen for more than the predetermined amount of time, identify a third state.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of applications include the navigation application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the navigation application indicia, the navigation application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the navigation application indicia, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes the providing the access to the navigational information utilizing the navigation application.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to provide the access to the navigational information, where the menu permits user access to the option to provide the access to the navigational information before launching the navigation application.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to provide the access to the navigational information, where the menu permits user access to the option to provide the access to the navigational information without requiring, beforehand, the launching of the navigation application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the navigation application indicia.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of applications include the browser application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the browser application indicia, the browser application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the browser application indicia, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes the providing the access to the bookmarks utilizing the browser application.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to provide the access to the bookmarks, where the menu permits user access to the option to provide the access to the bookmarks before launching the browser application.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to provide the access to the bookmarks, where the menu permits user access to the option to provide the access to the bookmarks without requiring, beforehand, the launching of the browser application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the browser application indicia.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of applications include the media application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the media application indicia, the media application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the media application indicia, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes the selecting the at least one track utilizing the media application.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to select the at least one track, where the menu permits user access to the option to select the at least one track before launching the media application.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to select the at least one track, where the menu permits user access to the option to select the at least one track without requiring, beforehand, the launching of the media application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen in connection with the media application indicia.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of applications include the particular application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the particular application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes the providing the access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact utilizing the particular application.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to provide the access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact, where the menu permits user access to the option to provide the access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact before launching the particular application.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to provide the access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact, where the menu permits user access to the option to provide the access to the one or more communication techniques for the contact without requiring, beforehand, the launching of the particular application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the plurality of applications include the calendar application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the calendar application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second pressure signal indicative of the second magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen, the at least one action to which the access is allowed includes the creating the appointment utilizing the calendar application.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to create the appointment, where the menu permits user access to the option to create the appointment before launching the calendar application.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the touch screen is configured to cooperate with the at least one processor to, in response to the identification of the second state, allow access to the at least one action by displaying the menu including the option to create the appointment, where the menu permits user access to the option to create the appointment without requiring, beforehand, the launching of the calendar application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first pressure signal indicative of the first magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the interface is blurred.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least portion of the interface is fogged.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen.

27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being applied to the touch screen to provide a cue prior to the identification of the second state.

28. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one non-transitory memory storing instructions and a plurality of applications;

a touch screen;

a vibrator; and

one or more processors in communication with the at least one non-transitory memory, the touch screen, and the vibrator, wherein the one or more processors execute the instructions to cause the apparatus to;

receive a first signal resulting from a first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen;

in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, identify a first state;

in response to the identification of the first state, launch at least one of the applications;

receive a second signal resulting from a second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude;

in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, identify a second state;

in response to the identification of the second state, provide feedback that is perceptible to touch via the apparatus, utilizing the vibrator;

in response to the identification of the second state, display at least one action over at least a portion of an interface that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the interface appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the at least one action;

receive a third signal resulting from pressure being detected on the touch screen, in connection with the at least one action; and

in response to the third signal, perform the at least one action;

wherein the apparatus is configured such that;

the plurality of applications include a navigation application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a navigation application indicia, the navigation application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the navigation application indicia, at least one navigation application action is displayed that includes providing access to navigational information utilizing the navigation application, the at least one navigation application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the navigation application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the navigation application indicia;

the plurality of applications include a browser application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a browser application indicia, the browser application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the browser application indicia, at least one browser application action is displayed that includes providing access to bookmarks utilizing the browser application, the at least one browser application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the browser application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the browser application indicia;

the plurality of applications include a media application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a media application indicia, the media application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the media application indicia, at least one media application action is displayed that includes selecting at least one track utilizing the media application, the at least one media application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the media application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the media application indicia;

the plurality of applications include a particular application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a particular application indicia, the particular application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the particular application indicia, at least one particular application action is displayed that includes providing access to one or more communication techniques for a contact, including at least one of an electronic mail or a short messaging service, utilizing the particular application, the at least one particular application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the particular application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the particular application indicia; and

the plurality of applications include a calendar application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a calendar application indicia, the calendar application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the calendar application indicia, at least one calendar application action is displayed that includes creating an appointment utilizing the calendar application, the at least one calendar application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the calendar application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the calendar application indicia.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, in response to the identification of the second state, the at least one action is displayed by displaying a menu including at least one option for, upon a selection of the at least one option, performing the at least one action.

30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the navigation application indicia, the browser application indicia, the media application indicia, the particular application indicia, and the calendar application indicia are capable of serving dual purposes that are both accessible despite a size of the touch screen of a mobile device by using the first and second signals resulting from different magnitudes of pressure which are capable of being detected on the navigation application indicia, the browser application indicia, the media application indicia, the particular application indicia, and the calendar application indicia, respectively.

31. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured such that, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen in connection with object-specific indicia associated with an object including at least one of a hyperlink or a contact, access to the object is allowed and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen in connection with the object-specific indicia associated with the object, access to at least one option for operating on the object is allowed.

32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen.

33. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen to provide a cue regarding the identification of the second state.

34. A computer-implemented method, comprising:

developing at least a portion of an application such that the at least portion of the application is configured to cooperate with an operating system of a mobile device including a touch screen and a memory coupled to at least one processor, the application, when stored on the mobile device, cooperates with the operating system of the mobile device to cause the mobile device to;

receive a first signal resulting from a first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen,

in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, identify a first state,

in response to the identification of the first state, launch the application,

receive a second signal resulting from a second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude,

in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, identify a second state,

in response to the identification of the second state, display at least one action over at least a portion of an interface that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the interface appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the at least one action,

receive a third signal resulting from pressure being detected on the touch screen, in connection with the at least one action, and

in response to the third signal, perform the at least one action, wherein at least one of;

the application includes a navigation application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a navigation application indicia, the navigation application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the navigation application indicia, at least one navigation application action is displayed that includes providing access to navigational information utilizing the navigation application, the at least one navigation application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the navigation application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the navigation application indicia,

the application includes a browser application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a browser application indicia, the browser application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the browser application indicia, at least one browser application action is displayed that includes providing access to bookmarks utilizing the browser application, the at least one browser application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the browser application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the browser application indicia,

the application includes a media application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a media application indicia, the media application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the media application indicia, at least one media application action is displayed that includes selecting at least one track utilizing the media application, the at least one media application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the media application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the media application indicia,

the application includes a particular application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a particular application indicia, the particular application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the particular application indicia, at least one particular application action is displayed that includes providing access to one or more communication techniques, including at least one of an electronic mail or a short messaging service, the at least one particular application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the particular application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the particular application indicia, or

the application includes a calendar application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a calendar application indicia, the calendar application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the calendar application indicia, at least one calendar application action is displayed that includes creating an appointment utilizing the calendar application, the at least one calendar application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the calendar application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the calendar application indicia; and

causing storage of the at least portion of the application.

35. The computer-implemented method of claim 34, wherein the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen.

36. The computer-implemented method of claim 34, wherein the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen to provide a cue prior to the identification of the second state.

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

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

receive a first signal resulting from a first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen;

in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, identify a first state;

in response to the identification of the first state, launch the application;

receive a second signal resulting from a second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen that is greater than the first magnitude;

in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen, identify a second state;

in response to the identification of the second state, display at least one action over at least a portion of an interface that is blurred or fogged for making the at least portion of the interface appear to be at a greater depth as compared to the at least one action;

receive a third signal resulting from pressure being detected on the touch screen, in connection with the at least one action; and

in response to the third signal, perform the at least one action;

wherein the application code is configured such that at least one of;

the application includes a navigation application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a navigation application indicia, the navigation application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the navigation application indicia, at least one navigation application action is displayed that includes providing access to navigational information utilizing the navigation application, the at least one navigation application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the navigation application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the navigation application indicia;

the application includes a browser application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a browser application indicia, the browser application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the browser application indicia, at least one browser application action is displayed that includes providing access to bookmarks utilizing the browser application, the at least one browser application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the browser application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the browser application indicia;

the application includes a media application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a media application indicia, the media application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the media application indicia, at least one media application action is displayed that includes selecting at least one track utilizing the media application, the at least one media application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the media application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the media application indicia;

the application includes a particular application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a particular application indicia, the particular application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the particular application indicia, at least one particular application action is displayed that includes providing access to one or more communication techniques, including at least one of an electronic mail or a short messaging service, the at least one particular application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the particular application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the particular application indicia;

or

the application includes a calendar application and, in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on a calendar application indicia, the calendar application is launched and, in response to the identification of the second state in response to the second signal resulting from the second magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the calendar application indicia, at least one calendar application action is displayed that includes creating an appointment utilizing the calendar application, the at least one calendar application action being displayed without necessitating prior launch of the calendar application in response to the identification of the first state in response to the first signal resulting from the first magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen on the calendar application indicia.

38. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 37, wherein the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen.

39. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 37, wherein the blurring or fogging includes the blurring, and the blurring is continuously increased as a function of an increasing magnitude of pressure being detected on the touch screen to provide a cue prior to the identification of the second state.