Thumb access area for one-handed touchscreen use
First Claim
1. A method for processing a user input from a touch screen coupled to a computing device, the method comprising:
- generating a display of a plurality of controls within a predefined thumb access area on the touch screen, wherein at least one dimension of the thumb access area is based on a user'"'"'s anatomical hand shape;
accepting a signal from the touch screen to indicate a user activation of one of the plurality of controls within the thumb access area; and
performing an action associated with the activated control.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention provide a system for reconfiguring touch controls on a device, such as a cell phone, in reaction to a user'"'"'s changing mode of operation. For example, a standard display of icons that works well in two-handed operation may not work as well for one-handed operation where the user tries to operate the controls with a thumb of the holding hand. In such a case, a device can detect that the user is trying to operate the controls with a thumb of the holding hand and the controls can be reconfigured to be more suitable for thumb operation. Reconfiguration can also occur in other modes of operation, such as when the user is using a stylus, multiple fingers of a second (non-holding hand), fingers on both hands, etc. In some embodiments, detection of the mode of operation can be automatic such as where a camera takes an image to determine the mode.
28 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for processing a user input from a touch screen coupled to a computing device, the method comprising:
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generating a display of a plurality of controls within a predefined thumb access area on the touch screen, wherein at least one dimension of the thumb access area is based on a user'"'"'s anatomical hand shape; accepting a signal from the touch screen to indicate a user activation of one of the plurality of controls within the thumb access area; and performing an action associated with the activated control. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for processing a user input, the apparatus comprising:
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a touch screen for displaying images and for generating a signal in response to a touch from a user; a digital processor coupled to the touch screen; one or more tangible media coupled to the digital processor and including instructions executable by the digital processor for; generating a display of a plurality of controls within a predefined thumb access area on the touch screen, wherein at least one dimension of the thumb access area is based on a user'"'"'s anatomical hand shape; accepting a signal from the touch screen to indicate a user activation of one of the plurality of controls within the thumb access area; and performing an action associated with the activated control. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. One or more tangible media including instructions executable by one or more digital processors for:
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generating a display of a plurality of controls within a predefined thumb access area on a touch screen, wherein at least one dimension of the thumb access area is based on a user'"'"'s anatomical hand shape; accepting a signal from the touch screen to indicate a user activation of one of the plurality of controls within the thumb access area; and performing an action associated with the activated control. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification