Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02681879 2009-10-07
A METHOD OF CONTROLLING TOUCH INPUT ON A TOUCH-SENSITIVE
DISPLAY WHEN A DISPLAY ELEMENT IS ACTIVE AND A PORTABLE
ELECTRONIC DEVICE CONFIGURED FOR THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to computing devices, and in particular
to a portable electronic devices having touch screen displays and their
control.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic devices, including portable electronic devices, have gained
widespread use and may provide a variety of functions including; for example,
telephonic, electronic messaging and other personal information manager (PIM)
application functions. Portable electronic devices include, for example,
several
types of mobile stations such as simple cellular telephones, smart telephones,
wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptop computers with
wireless
802.11 or BluetoothT capabilities.
[0003] Portable electronic devices such as PDAs or smart telephones are
generally Intended for handheld use and ease of portability. Smaller devices
are
generally desirable for portability. A touch-sensitive display, also known as
a
touchscreen display, is particularly useful on handheld devices, which are
small and'
have limited space for user input and output. The information displayed on the
touch-sensitive displays may be modified depending on the functions and
operations being performed. Performing repetitive actions on touch-sensitive
displays while maintaining an efficient graphical user interface is a
challenge for
portable electronic devices having touch-sensitive displays. Accordingly,
improvements in controlling inputs of touch-sensitive displays of portable
electronic
devices are desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of components' including
internal
components of a portable electronic device according to one aspect;
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[0005] Figure 2 is a front view of an example of a portable electronic device
in
a portrait orientation;
[0006] Figure 3A is a sectional side view of portions of the portable
electronic
device of Figure 2;
[0007] Figure 3B is a side view of a portion of the portable electronic device
shown in Figure 3A;
[0008] Figure 4 is a front view of an example of a portable electronic device
in
a portrait orientation, showing hidden detail in ghost outline;
[0009] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a circuit for controlling the actuators
of
1.0 the portable electronic device in accordance with one example embodiment
of the
present disclosure;
[0010] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of a user interface screen in
accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a user interface screen in
accordance with another example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure'8 is a schematic diagram of a user interface screen in
accordance with a further example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 9 is a screen capture of a user interface screen in accordance
with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example a method of
controlling
touch input on a touch-sensitive display when a display element is active in
accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Figure 11A to 11B are screen captures of a user interface screen in
accordance with other example embodiments of the present disclosure;
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[0016] Figure 12A to 12C are screen captures of a widget for the user
interface screen of Figure 11A or 11B; and
[0017] Figure 13A to 13F are screen captures of time widget in accordance
with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The present disclosure provides a method of controlling touch input on
a touch-sensitive display when a display element is active and a portable
electronic
device configured for the same. Precise targeting is difficult when using a
touch-
sensitive display, particularly when swiping on or over small onscreen
targets. The
present disclosure provides a mechanism for gross targeting rather than
precise
targeting when interacting with an active display element such as a selected
field.
The present disclosure describes, in at least some embodiments, a method and
portable electronic device in which a swipe gesture anywhere on the touch-
sensitive
display changes the value of an active display element (e.g., incrementing or
decrementing the value of a field which has been selected). The present
disclosure
may be particularly useful when swiping on or over a "spin dial" or "spin box"
to
change its value.
[0019] Advantageously, the method and portable electronic device taught by
the present disclosure seek to reduce the targeting which is required before
swiping. This can reduce the number of erroneous inputs generated when
interacting with the touch-sensitive display which are inefficient in terms of
processing resources, use unnecessary power which reduces battery life, and
may
result in an unresponsive user interface. Accordingly, the method and portable
electronic device taught by the present disclosure seeks to provide
improvements in
these areas. The ability to interact with the selected field using other parts
of-the
touch-sensitive display provides a larger area for interaction in which touch
gestures can be performed, and provides a method of interacting with the
selected
field which does not obscure that field.
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[00201 In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is
provided a method of controlling touch input on a touch-sensitive display of a
portable electronic device, the method comprising: displaying a widget having
at
least one field on a user interface screen displayed on the touch-sensitive
display;
selecting a field in the widget in response to predetermined interaction with
the
touch-sensitive display; changing the value of the selected field in
accordance with-
6 predetermined touch gesture at any location on the touch-sensitive display;
and
re-displaying the widget on the user interface screen with the changed value
of the
selected field.
[0021] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure,
there is provided a portable electronic device, comprising: a processor; a
touch-
sensitive display having a touch-sensitive overlay connected to the processor;
wherein the processor is configured for: causing a widget having at least one
field
to be displayed on a user interface screen displayed on the touch-sensitive
display;
selecting a field in the widget in response to predetermined interaction with
the
touch-sensitive display; changing the value of the selected field in
accordance with
a predetermined touch gesture at any location on the touch-sensitive display;
and
causing the widget to be re-displayed on the user interface screen with the
changed
value of the selected field.
[00221. In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present
disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer
readable medium having stored thereon computer program instructions for
implementing a method on a portable electronic device for controlling its
operation,
the computer executable instructions comprising instructions for performing
the
method(s) set forth herein,
[0023] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be
repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the embodiments
described herein. The embodiments may be practiced without these details. In
other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been
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described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described. The
description
is not to be considered as limited to the scope of the embodiments described
herein.
[0024] The disclosure generally relates to an electronic device, which is a
portable electronic device in the embodiments described herein. Examples of
portable electronic devices include mobile, or handheld, wireless
communication
devices such as pagers, cellular phones, cellular smart-phones, wireless
organizers,
personal digital assistants, wirelessly enabled notebook computers, and so
forth.
The portable electronic device may also be a portable electronic device
without
wireless communication capabilities, such as a handheld electronic game
device,
digital photograph album, digital camera, or other device.
[0025] A block diagram of an example of a portable electronic device 100 is
shown in Figure 1. The portable electronic device 100 includes multiple
components, such as a processor 102 that controls the overall operation of the
portable electronic device 100. Communication functions, including data and
voice
communications, are performed through a communication subsystem 104. Data
received by the portable electronic device 100 is decompressed and decrypted
by a
decoder 106. The communication subsystem 104 receives messages from and
sends messages to a wireless network 150. The wireless network ISO may be any
type of wireless network, including, but not limited to, data wireless
networks, voice
wireless networks, and networks that support both voice and data
communications.
A power source 142, such as one or more rechargeable batteries or a port to an
external power supply, powers the portable electronic device 100.
[0026] The processor 102 interacts with other components, such as Random
Access Memory (RAM) 116, memory 110, a display screen 112 (such as a liquid
crystal display (LCD)) with a touch-sensitive overlay 114 operably connected
to an
electronic controller 116 that together comprise a touch-sensitive display
118, one
or more actuators 120, one or more force sensors 122, one or more auxiliary
input/output (I/O) subsystems 124, a data port 126, a speaker 128, a
microphone
130, short-range communications subsystem 132, and other device subsystems
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134. User-interaction with a graphical user interface (GUI) is performed
through
the touch-sensitive overlay 114. The processor 102 interacts with the touch-
sensitive overlay 114 via the electronic controller 116. Information, such as
text,
characters, symbols, images, icons, and other items that may be displayed or
rendered on a portable electronic device, is displayed on the touch-sensitive
display
118 via the processor 102. The processor 102 may interact with an
accelerometer
136 that may be utilized to detect direction of gravitational forces or
gravity-
induced reaction forces.
[0027] To identify a subscriber for network access, the portable electronic
device 100 uses a Subscriber Identity Module or a Removable User Identity
Module
(SIM/RUIM) card 138 for communication with a network, such as the wireless
network 150. Alternatively, user identification information may be programmed
into memory 110.
[0028] The portable electronic device 100 includes an operating system 146
and software applications or programs 148 that are executed by the processor
102
and are typically stored in a persistent, updatable store such as the memory
110.
Additional applications or programs 148 may be loaded onto the portable
electronic
device 100 through the wireless network 150, the auxiliary I/O subsystem 124,
the
data port 126, the short-range communications subsystem 132, or any other
suitable subsystem 134.
[0029] A received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web
page download is processed by the communication subsystem 104 and input to the
processor 102. The processor 102 processes the received signal for output to
the
display screen 112 and/or to the auxiliary I/O subsystem 124. A subscriber may
generate data items, for example e-mail messages, which may be transmitted
over
the wireless network 150 through the communication subsystem 104. For voice
communications, the overall operation of the portable electronic device 100 is
similar. The speaker 128 outputs audible information converted from electrical
signals, and the microphone 130 converts audible information into electrical
signals
for processing.
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[0030] Figure 2 shows a front view of an example of a portable electronic
device 100 in portrait orientation. The portable electronic device 100
includes a
housing 200 that houses internal components including internal components
shown
in Figure 1 and frames the touch-sensitive display 118 such that the touch-
sensitive
display 118 is exposed for user-interaction therewith when the portable
electronic
device 100 is in use. It will be appreciated that the touch-sensitive display
118
may include any suitable number of user-selectable features rendered thereon,
for
example, in the form of virtual buttons for user-selection of, for example,
applications, options, or keys of a keyboard for user entry of data during
operation
of the portable electronic device 100.
[0031] The touch-sensitive display 118 may be any suitable touch-sensitive
display, such as a capacitive, resistive, infrared, surface acoustic wave
(SAW)
touch-sensitive display, strain gauge, optical imaging, dispersive signal
technology,
acoustic pulse recognition, and so forth, as known in the art. A capacitive
touch-
sensitive display includes a capacitive touch-sensitive overlay 114. The
overlay 114
may be an assembly of multiple layers in a stack including, for example, a
substrate, a ground shield layer, a barrier layer, one or more capacitive
touch
sensor layers separated by a substrate or other barrier, and a cover. The
capacitive touch sensor layers may be any suitable material, such as patterned
indium tin oxide (ITO).
[0032] One or more touches, also known as touch contacts or touch events,
may be detected by the touch-sensitive display 118. The processor 102 may
determine attributes of the touch, including a location of a touch. Touch
location
data may include an area of contact or a single point of contact, such as a
point at
or near a centre of the area of contact, The location of a detected touch may
include x and y components, e.g., horizontal and vertical components,
respectively,
with respect to one's view of the touch-sensitive display 118. For example,
the x
location component may be determined by a signal generated from one touch
sensor, and the y location component may be determined by a signal generated
from another touch sensor. A signal is provided to the controller 116 in
response to
detection of a touch. A touch may be detected from any suitable object, such
as a
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finger, thumb, appendage, or other items, for example, a stylus, pen, or other
pointer, depending on the nature of the touch-sensitive display 118. Multiple
simultaneous touches may be detected.
[0033] The actuator(s) 120 may be depressed by applying sufficient force to
the touch-sensitive display 118 to overcome the actuation force of the
actuator
120. The actuator 120 may be actuated by pressing anywhere on the touch-
sensitive display 118. The actuator 120 may provide. input to the processor
102
when actuated. Actuation of the actuator 120 may result in provision of
tactile
feedback,
[0034] In some embodiments, the actuators 120 may comprise one or more
piezoelectric devices that provide tactile feedback for the touch-sensitive
display
118. The actuators 120 may be depressed by applying sufficient force to the
touch-
sensitive display 118 to overcome the actuation force of the actuators 120.
The
actuators 120 may be actuated by pressing anywhere on the touch-sensitive
display 118. The actuator 120 may provide input to the processor 102 when
actuated. Contraction of the piezoelectric actuators applies a spring-like
force, for
example, opposing a force externally applied to the touch-sensitive display
118.
Each piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric device, such as a
piezoelectric
(PZT) ceramic disk adhered to a metal substrate. The metal substrate bends
when
the PZT disk contracts due to build up of charge at the PZT disk or in
response to a
force, such as an external force applied to the touch-sensitive display 118.
The
charge may be adjusted by varying the applied voltage or current, thereby
controlling the force applied by the piezoelectric disks. The charge on the
piezoelectric actuator may be removed by a controlled discharge current that
causes the PZT disk to expand, releasing the force thereby decreasing the
force
applied by the piezoelectric disks. The charge may advantageously be removed
over a relatively short period of time to provide tactile feedback to the
user.
Absent an external force and absent a charge on the piezoelectric disk, the
piezoelectric disk may be slightly bent due to a mechanical preload.
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[0035] The housing 200 can be any suitable housing for the internal
components shown in Figure 1. Figure 3A shows a sectional side view of
portions of
the portable electronic device 100 and Figure 3B shows a side view of a
portion of
the actuators 120. The housing 200 in the present example includes a back 302,
a
frame 304, which frames the touch-sensitive display 118 and sidewalls 306 that
extend between and generally perpendicular to the back 302 and the frame 304.
A
base 308 is spaced from and is generally parallel to the back 302. The base
308
can be any suitable base and can include, for example, -a printed circuit
board or
flexible circuit board'supported by a stiff support between the base 308 and
the
back 302. The back 302 may include a plate (not shown) that is releasably
attached for insertion and removal of, for example, the power source 142 and
the
SIM/RUIM card 138 referred to above. It will be appreciated that the back 302,
the
sidewalls 306 and the frame 304 may be injection molded, for example. In the
example of the portable electronic device 100 shown in Figure 2, the frame 304
is
generally rectangular with rounded corners, although other shapes are
possible.
[0036] The display screen 112 and the touch-sensitive overlay 114 are
supported on a support tray 310 of suitable material such as magnesium for
providing mechanical support to the display screen 112 and touch-sensitive
overlay
114. A compliant spacer such as gasket'compliant 312 is located around the
perimeter of the frame 304, between an upper portion of the support tray 310
and
the frame 304 to provide a gasket for protecting the components housed in the
housing 200 of the portable electronic device 100. A suitable material for the
compliant gasket 312 includes, for example, a cellular urethane foam for
providing
shock absorption, vibration damping and a suitable fatigue life. In some
embodiments, a number of compliant spacers may be provided to provide the
function of the gasket compliant 312.
[0037] The actuators 120 includes four piezoelectric disk actuators 314, as
shown in Figure 4, with each piezoelectric disk actuator 314 located near a
respective corner of the touch-sensitive display 118. Referring again to
Figures 3A
and 3B, each piezoelectric disk actuator 314 is supported on a respective, sup
port
ring 316 that extends from the base 308 toward the touch-sensitive display 118
for
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supporting the respective piezoelectric disk actuator 314 while permitting
flexing of
the piezoelectric disk actuator 314. Each piezoelectric disk actuator 314
includes a
piezoelectric disk 318 such as a PZT ceramic disk adhered to a metal substrate
320
of larger diameter than the piezoelectric disk 318 for bending when. the
piezoelectric disk 318 contracts as a result of build up of charge at the
piezoelectric
disk 318. Each piezoelectric disk actuator 314 is supported on the respective
support ring 316 on one side of the base 308, near respective corners of the
metal
substrate 320, base 308 and housing 200. The support. 316 ring is sized such
that
the edge of the metal substrate 320 contacts the support ring 316 for
supporting
the piezoelectric disk actuator 314 and permitting flexing of the
piezoelectric disk
actuator 314.
(0038] A shock-absorbing element 322, which in the present example is in the
form of a cylindrical shock-absorber of suitable material such as a hard
rubber is
,located between the piezoelectric disk actuator 314 and the support tray 310:
A
respective force sensor 122 is located between each shock-absorbing element
322
and the respective piezoelectric disk actuator 314. A suitable force sensor
122
includes, for example, a puck-shaped force sensing resistor for measuring
applied
force (or pressure). It will be appreciated that a force can be determined,
using a
force sensing resistor as an increase in pressure on the force sensing
resistor
results in a decrease in resistance (or increase in conductance). In the
portable
electronic device 100, each, piezoelectric disk actuator 314 is located
between the
base 308 and the support tray 310 and force is applied on each piezoelectric
disk
actuator 314 by the touch-sensitive display 118, in the direction of the base
308,
causing bending of the piezoelectric disk actuator 314. Thus, absent an
external
force applied by the user, for example by pressing on the touch-sensitive,
display
118, and absent a charge on the piezoelectric disk actuator 314, the
piezoelectric
disk actuator 314 undergoes slight bending. An external applied force in the
form
of a user pressing on the touch-sensitive display 118 during a touch event,
and
prior to actuation of the piezoelectric disk actuator 314, causes increased
bending
of the piezoelectric disk actuator 314 and the piezoelectric disk actuator 314
applies
a spring force against the touch-sensitive display 118. When the piezoelectric
disk
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318 is charged, the piezoelectric disk 318 shrinks and causes the metal
substrate
320 and piezoelectric disk 318 to apply a further force, opposing the external
applied force, on the touch-sensitive display 118 as the piezoelectric
actuator 314
straightens.
[0039] Each of the piezoelectric disk actuators 314, shock absorbing elements
322 and force sensors 122 are supported on a respective one of the support
rings
316 on one side of the base 308. The support rings 316' can be part of the
base
308 or can be supported on the base 308. The base 308 can be a printed circuit
board while the opposing side of the base 308 provides mechanical support and
electrical connection for other components (not shown) of the portable
electronic
device 100. Each piezoelectric disk actuator 314 is located between the base
308
and the support tray 310 such that an external applied force on the touch-
sensitive
display 118 resulting from a user pressing the touch-sensitive display 118 can
be
measured by the force sensors 122 and such that the charging of the
piezoelectric
disk actuator 314 causes a force on the touch-sensitive display 118, away from
the
base ' 308.
[0040] In the present embodiment each piezoelectric disk actuator 314 is in
contact with the support tray 310. Thus, depression of the touch-sensitive
display
118 by user application of a force thereto is determined by a change in
resistance
at the force sensors 122 and causes further bending of the piezoelectric disk
actuators 314 as shown in Figure 3A. Further, the charge on the piezoelectric
disk
actuator 314 can be modulated to control the force applied by the
piezoelectric disk'
actuator 314 on the support tray 310 and the resulting movement of the touch-
sensitive display 118. The charge can be modulated by modulating the applied
voltage or current. For example, a current can be applied to increase the
charge on
the piezoelectric disk actuator 314 to cause the piezoelectric disk 318 to
contract
and to thereby cause 1the metal substrate 320 and the piezoelectric disk 318
to
straighten as referred to above. This charge therefore results in the force on
the
touch-sensitive display 118 for opposing the external applied force and
movement
of the touch-sensitive display 118 away from the base 308. The charge on the
piezoelectric disk actuator 314 can also be removed via a controlled discharge
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current causing the piezoelectric disk 318 to expand again, releasing the f
rce
caused by the electric charge and thereby decreasing the force on the touci-
sensitive display-118, permitting the touch-sensitive display 118 to return to
a rest
position.
II~
[0041] Figure 5 shows a circuit for controlling the actuators 120 of the
portable electronic device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown, each of
the piezoelectric disks 318 is connected to a controller 500 such as a
microprocessor including a piezoelectric driver 502 and an amplifier and
analog-to-
digital converter (ADC) 504 that is connected to each of the force sensors t22
and
to each of the piezoelectric disks 318. In some embodiments, the ADC 504 is a
9-
channel ADC. The controller 500 is also in communication with the main
processor
102 of the portable electronic device 100. The controller 500 can provide
signals to
the main processor 102 of the portable electronic device 100. It will be
appreciated
that the piezoelectric driver 502 may be embodied in drive circuitry between
the
controller 500 and the piezoelectric disks 318.
[0042] The mechanical work performed by the piezoelectric disk actuator 314
can be controlled to provide generally consistent force and movement of the
touch-
sensitive display 118 in response to detection of an applied force on the
touch-
sensitive display 118 in the form of a touch, for example. Fluctuations in
mechanical work performed as a result of, for example, temperature, can The
reduced by modulating the current to control the charge.
[0043] The controller 500 controls the piezoelectric driver 502 for
controlling
the current to the piezoelectric disks 318, thereby controlling the charge.
The
charge is increased to increase the force on the touch-sensitive display 118
away
from the base 308 and decreased to decrease the force on the touch-sensitive
display 118, facilitating movement of the touch-sensitive display 118 toward
the
base 308. In the present example, each of the piezoelectric disk actuators 314
are
connected to the controller 500 through the piezoelectric driver 502 and are
all
controlled equally and concurrently. Alternatively, the piezoelectric disk
actuators
314 can be controlled separately.
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[0044] The portable electronic device 100 is controlled generally by
monitoring the touch-sensitive display 118 for a touch event thereon, andl
modulating a force on the touch-sensitive display 118 for causing a first
movement
of the touch-sensitive display 118 relative to the base 308 of the portable
!electronic
device 100 in response to detection of a touch event. The force Is applied by
at
least one of the piezoelectric disk actuators 314, in a single direction on
the touch-
sensitive input surface of the touch-sensitive display 118. In response to
determination of a touch event, the charge at each of the piezoelectric disl<s
318 is
modulated to modulate the force applied by the piezoelectric disk actuators
314 on
the touch-sensitive display 118 and to thereby cause movement of the to 1 ch-
sensitive display 118 for simulating the collapse of a dome-type switch, When
the
end of the touch event is detected, the charge at each of the piezoelectric
disks 318
is modulated to modulate the force applied by the piezoelectric disk actuators
314
to the touch-sensitive display 118 to cause movement of the touch-sensitive
display
118 for simulating release of a dome-type switch.
[0045] The touch-sensitive display 118 is moveable within the hous i ng 200 as
the touch-sensitive display 118 can be moved away from the base .3O8, thereby
compressing the compliant gasket 312, for example. Further, the touch-
sensitive
display 118 can be moved toward the base 308, thereby applying a force Ito the
piezoelectric disk actuators 314. By this arrangement, the touch-sensitivq
display
118 is mechanically constrained by the housing 200 and resiliently biased by
the
compliant gasket compliant 312. In at least some embodiments, the touch-
sensitive display 118 is resiliently biased and moveable between at least a
first
position and a second position in response to externally applied forces
wherein the
touch-sensitive display 118 applies a greater force to the force sensors 122
in the
second position than in the first position. The movement of the touch-
sensitive
display 118 in response to externally applied forces is detected by the fore
sensors
122.
[4046] The analog-to-digital converter 504 is connected to the piezoelectric
disks 318. In addition to controlling the charge at the piezoelectric disks
318, an
output, such as a voltage output, from a charge created at each piezoelectric
disk
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318 may be measured based on signals received at the analog to digital
converter
504. Thus, when a pressure is applied to any one of the piezoelectric disk IIs
318
causing mechanical deformation, a charge is created. A voltage signal, w hi
ich is
proportional to the charge, is measured to determine the extent of the m
Ichanical
deformation. Thus, the piezoelectric disks 318 also act as sensors for
determining
mechanical deformation.
[0047] in other embodiments, the actuator 120 is a mechanical dome-type
switch or a plurality of mechanical dome-type switches, which can be located
in any
suitable position such that displacement of the touch-sensitive display 118 i
resulting
from a user pressing the touch-sensitive display 118 with sufficient force to
overcome the bias and to overcome the actuation force for the switch,
depresses
and actuates the switch.
[0048] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of a user interface screen
601 in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The
screen 601 may be for any application 148 on the device 100 including, but not
limited to, a clock application or calendar application. A control interface n
the
form of a widget 606 is displayed on the display 112 in response to pre de
ermined
interaction with the screen 601 via the touch-sensitive overlay 114. In the
shown
embodiment, the widget 606 overlays a portion of the screen 601. In other
embodiments, the widget 606 may be embedded or provided inline within the
content of screen 601, The widget 606 may be a date selection widget, time
selection widget or date and time selection widget for managing the date
land/or
time of the operating system 146 or managing the date and/or time of arl
object in
an application 148 such as, but not limited to, the clock application or
cal~ndar
application.
[0049] As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the widget 606 is
an element of the GUI which provides management of user configurable
information, such as the date and time of the operating system 146, or the
date
and time of a calendar object for a calendar event. As described herein, a
widget
displays information which is manageable or changeable by the user in a indow
or
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box presented by the GUI. In at least some embodiments, the widget provides a
single interaction point for the manipulation of a particular type of data.
Ali
applications 148 on the device 100 which allow input or manipulation of the
particular type of data invoke the same widget. For example, each application
148
which allows the user to manipulate date and time for data objects or items
may
utilize the same and.time selection widget. Widgets are building blocks which,
when called by an application 148, process and manage available interactions
with
the particular type of data
[0050] As mentioned, the widget 606 is displayed in response to a
predetermined interaction with the screen 601 via the touch-sensitive overlay
114.
Such a predetermined interaction can be, but is not limited to, a user input
for
invoking or displaying the widget 606, a user input received in response to1a
prompt, and a user input directed to launching an application 148.
[0051] The widget 606 occupies only a portion of the screen 601 in the shown
embodiment. The widget 606 has a number of selectable fields each having a
predefined user interface area indicated individually by references 608a, 608b
and
608c. In the shown embodiment, the fields define a date and comprise a r~nonth
field, day field and year field having values of "4", "24" and "2009"
respectively
(i.e., April 24, 2009): While the month field is numeric in the shown
embddiment,
in other embodiments the month field may be the month name. The day of week
(e.g., "Wed") may be included in addition to or instead of the numeric
dayifield.
[0052] in other embodiments, th.e fields may define a date and a time. The
fields may comprise a month field, day field, year field, hour field and min
lute field.
The fields may further comprise a day of week field, for example as the
leading or
first field, an AM/PM indicator, for example as the terminal or last field, or
both. In
embodiments in which a 24-hour clock is used an AM/PM indicator is not
required
and so may be eliminated. In yet other embodiments, the fields may deli p le a
time.
i
The fields may comprise an hour field and minute field.
[0053] The predefined user interface areas 608a-c of the selectable fields are
shown using ghost outline to indicate that the field boundaries are hidden.
The
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boundaries of the predefined user interface areas 608a-c are typically not
displayed
in practice, but are shown in Figures 6A and 6B for the purpose of
explanation.
Figure 6A shows the widget 606 when none of the fields are selected; however,
in
some embodiments one of the fields is always selected. When the widget 06 is
first displayed after being invoked, a default field may be selected
automatically.
Fields in the widget 606 can be selected by corresponding interaction with the
touch-sensitive display 114. For example, touching the predefined user inti
rface
area 608a, 608b or 608c associated with a respective field will select that
field.
[0054] When a field is selected, an onscreen position indicator (also nown as
the "caret" or "focus") 620 is moved to the selected field. The onscreen
position
indicator changes the appearance of the selected field to provide a visual
indication
of which field is currently selected, The onscreen position indicator 620 may
change the background colour of the selected field, text colour of the
selected field
or both. In some embodiments, the onscreen position indicator 620 causes the
background colour of the selected field to be blue and the text colour of the
selected field to be white, In contrast, the background colour of an
unselected field
may be black and the text colour of an unselected field may be white. In other
embodiments, the background colour may be white and the text colour may be
black when a field is unselected. It will be understood that the present
dislFlosure is
not limited to any colour scheme used for fields of the widget 606 to showAs
status
as selected or unselected.
[0055] Once a field is selected, the value of that field may be changed in
accordance with corresponding touch gestures. A touchscreen gesture is a
predetermined touch gesture performed by touching the touch-sensitive display
118 in a predetermined manner, typically using a finger. The predetermined
touch
gesture can be performed at any location on the touch-sensitive display 118.
In at
least some embodiments, the initial contact point of the predetermined touch
gesture must not be at a location of,a selectable field other than currently
selected
field or the touch event may select that other field and the predetermined
touch
gesture will be associated with that other field.
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[0056] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments two distinct !touch
events may be required: an initial selection event in which a field of the
widget 606
is selected and a predetermined touch gesture performed while a field in tie
widget
606 is selected. Two distinct touch events assist in resolving ambiguity
bettween
touch events on the touch-sensitive display 118.
[0057] The predetermined touch gesture may be a movement in 'a
predetermined direction, i.e. a touch event having a centroid which moves
during
the touch event by an amount which exceeds a predetermined distance (typically
measured in displayed pixels). In some embodiments, the vertical movement
relative to the screen orientation of the GUI causes the value of the selected
field to
be changed when the distance of that movement exceeds the predetermined
distance. The predetermined distance is used to debounce touch events to o
prevent
small inadvertent movements of the centroid of the touch event from causing
the
value of the selected field to be changed. The predetermined distance may be
quite
small (e.g. a few pixels) and could be a user configurable parameter. In other
embodiments, the predetermined distance could be omitted. In some
embodiments, an upward movement of the centroid of the touch event moves or
advances the value of the selected field forward through a sequence list
oflvalues
for the field, and a downward movement of the centroid of the touch eve it
moves
or advances the value of the selected field backward through the sequence list
of'
values for the field. However, the effect of upward and downward movement may
be switched in other embodiments.
[0058] in some embodiments, the predetermined touch gesture may
comprise a horizontal movement as well as a vertical movement provided the
amount of vertical movement exceeds the predetermined distance. Accordingly,
the predetermined movement could be vertical movement (i.e., an up or dawn
movement) or a diagonal movement (i.e., an up-right, down-right, up-le ftt or
down-
left: movement). In other embodiments, the predetermined movement may be
strictly a vertical movement, i.e., an up or down movement. Touch data eported
by the touch-sensitive display 118 may be analyzed to determine whether the
horizontal component of the movement is less than a predetermined thre~hold.
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When the horizontal component is less than the predetermined threshold, the
movement is considered vertical. When the horizontal component is more than
the
predetermined threshold, the movement is not considered vertical.
[0059] In other embodiments, the horizontal movement relative to the screen
orientation of the GUI causes the value of the selected field to be changed
when the
distance of that movement exceeds the predetermined distance. For example, a
leftward movement may move or advance the value of the selected field forward
through the sequence list of values for the field, and a rightward movement
may
move or advance the value of the selected field backward through the sequence
list
of values for the field. The touch gesture may comprise a vertical movement as
well as a horizontal movement provided the amount of the horizontal movement
exceeds the predetermined distance. In other embodiments, the predetermined
movement may be strictly a horizontal movement, i.e., a left or right
movement.
[0060] In some embodiments, the predetermined touch gesture may
comprise a number of movements and the movement of the touch event is
evaluated during the event and is evaluated with respect to an initial contact
point
(e.g., centroid) of the touch event. When a first movement in the centroid of
the
touch event relative to the initial contact point which exceeds the
predetermined
distance is detected, the value of the.selected field is changed accordingly.
If a
second movement in the centroid of the touch event relative to the initial
contact
point which exceeds the predetermined distance is detected during the same
touch
event, the value is again changed accordingly. This may occur regardless of
whether the second movement is in the same direction or a different direction
from
the first movement. The possibility for multiple directions and changes in the
value
of the selected field during a single touch event may result in the value of
the
selected field being moved both forward and backwards through the sequential
list
of values during the same touch event, and may result in the value of the
selected
field being returned to its original value at the end of the touch event.
.[0061] In some embodiments, the amount by which the value of the selected
field is moved through the sequential list is proportional to the distance
that the
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centroid of the touch event has moved relative to the initial contact point.
The
number of positions in the sequential list that the value is moved may be
proportional to a multiplier calculated as the distance from the initial
contact point
divided by the predetermined distance to recognize a movement (rounded o the
nearest integer). For example, if the predetermined distance to recognize a
movement is 5 pixels and the distance from the initial contact point that the
centroid of the touch event has moved is 25, the value of the selected field)
is
moved by 5 positions (25/5 = 5) in a given direction.
[0062] The predetermined touch gesture may also be a swipe gesture. Unlike
the movements described above, swipe gestures are evaluated after the e lent
has
ended. Swipe gestures have a single direction and do not comprise a number of
movements. The direction of the swipe gesture is evaluated with respect to an
initial contact point of the touch event at which the finger makes contact
with the
touch-sensitive display 118 and a terminal or ending contact point at which
the
finger is lifted from the touch-sensitive display 118,
[0063] Examples of swipe gestures include a horizontal swipe gesture and
vertical swipe gesture. A horizontal swipe gesture typically comprises an
initial
contact with the touch-sensitive display 118 towards its left or right edge to
initialize the gesture, followed by a horizontal movement of the point of
contact
from the location of the initial contact to the opposite edge while
maintaining
continuous contact with the touch-sensitive display 118, and a breaking of,
the
contact at the opposite' edge of the touch-sensitive display 118 to complete
the
horizontal swipe gesture. Similarly, a vertical swipe gesture typically
comprises an
initial contact with the touch-sensitive display 118 towards its top or bottom
edge
to initialize the gesture, followed by a vertical movement of the point of cc
ntact
from the location of the initial contact to.the opposite edge while
maintaining
continuous contact with the touch-sensitive display 118, and a breaking of the
contact at the opposite edge of the touch-sensitive display 118 to completlIe
the
vertical swipe gesture. Such swipe gestures can be of various lengths, car be
initiated in various places on the touch-sensitive display 118, and need nal't
span
the full dimension of the touch-sensitive display 118. In addition, breakinn
contact
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of .a swipe can be gradual, in that contact pressure on the touch-sensitive
4spiay
118 is gradually reduced while the swipe gesture is still underway.
[0064] While interaction with the touch-sensitive display 118 is descried in
the context of fingers of a device user, this is for purposes of convenience
only. It
will be appreciated that a stylus or other object may be used for interacting
with
the touch-sensitive display 118 depending on the type of touchscreen display
210.
[0065] In at least some embodiments, the value of a selected field is'
advanced or moved forwards through an ordered or sequential list of valuer of
the
field in response to an upward swipe gesture at any location on the touch-
sensitive
display 118. An upward swipe gesture starts at a point on the touch-sensitive
display 118 (e.g., near the bottom edge) and moves upwards from the point of
view of the person conducting the swipe. Conversely, the value of a selectled
field
is reversed or moved backwards through the sequential: list of predetermin'ed
values
of the field in response to a downward swipe gesture at any location on the
touch-
sensitive display 118. A downward swipe gesture starts at a point on the touch-
sensitive display 118 (e.g.., near the top edge) and moves downwards fro i the
point of view of the person conducting the swipe. The movement through the
sequential list of values is sometimes referred to as "scrolling". When the
end of
the sequential list is reached, the sequential list may be configured such
that the
values in the sequential list wrap around to the beginning of the sequentiall
list and
vice versa. Wrapping may provide more efficient navigation and interaction
with
the fields for changing their values. In other embodiments, the fields may not
wrap. Instead, scrolling stops at the beginning or end of the sequential list.
In
some embodiments, whether a, field wraps.may be a configurable parameters.
[0066] In at least some embodiments, the amount of scrolling is prolportionai
to the distance of the swipe gesture. For example, a long swipe gesture may
move
several values in the sequential list, whereas a shorter swipe gesture may
move
only fewer values in the sequential list including possibly only one. The
proportionality is controlled by a multiplier which may be user configurabli
allowing
the user to control the effect of finger movement on scrolling. Thus, differ
nt
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multipliers may be used in different embodiments. In other embodiments the
ratio
of scrolling to the number of swipe gestures is 1;1. That is,'the value of the
selected field is moved through the sequential list or changed by one for el
ch swipe
gesture.
[0067] It should be noted that neither the upward; swipe gesture nor
downward swipe gesture need to be performed over the selected field. Th,le
field
need only be selected by touching the respective predefined user interface
area
608a, 608b, or 608c, after which a swipe gesture performed any where on the
touch-sensitive display 118 will scroll through the sequential list of values
in the
appropriate direction. In some embodiments, a touch to select the desired user
interface area 608a, 608b, or 608c is also the initial contact of the swipe
gesture,
such that the swipe gesture begins within the desired user interface area 08a,
608b, or 608c and ends outside the desired user interface area 608a, 608b, or
608c. This can be contrasted with conventional precision targeting which
requires a
gesture to be performed over the display element to be changed.
[0068] The sequential list of predetermined values for a field is cont~xt-
dependent. That is, the sequential list of predetermined values for a field
depends
on the definition of the field. For example, when the field is a month field,
the
sequential list of predetermined values is defined by the months of the year.
When
the field is the day of week field, the sequential list of predetermined
values Is
defined by the days of the week. When the field is the day field, the
seq~Jential list
of predetermined values is defined by the days of the month (which will
diepend on
the value of the month field).
[0069] Referring again to Figure 6B, in the selected field the current I value
is
shown in bold or large font or type. The values before :and after the curr I
nt value
within the sequential list of predetermined values for the field 'are also
shown. In
the shown embodiment, the value after the current value of the field is shown
below the current value, whereas the value before the current value of the
field is
shown above the current value. This provides a visual indication of the tyDe
of
interaction that is required to change the value of a selected field, for
example a
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direction of a touch gesture required to move forward or backward through the
sequential list of values. In the example shown in Figure 6B, the current
kalue is
"4" and the value before it is "3" and the value after it is "5". In other
embodiments, the location of the value before and after the current value may
be
switched.
[0070] In some embodiments, horizontal swipe gestures may be used to
move between fields in the widget 606 thereby changing the selected field. For
example, a leftward swipe gesture may be used to move leftward through the
fields
of the widget 606. A leftward swipe gesture starts at a point on the
touch=sensitive
display 118 (e.g., near the right edge) and moves leftwards. Conversely,' a
rightward swipe gesture may be used to move rightwards through the fields of
the
widget 606. A rightward swipe gesture starts at a point on the touch-sensitive
display 118 (e.g., near the left edge) and moves rightwards.
10071] Referring now to Figure 7, an alternate embodiment of a use interface
screen 603 is shown. In this embodiment, directional arrows 622 and 624 are
provided as part of the GUI above and below the selected field. An up-arri w
622 is
provided above the selected field and a down-arrow 624 is provided below the
selected field in the in this embodiment. In the shown embodiment of Figure 7,
the
directional arrows 622 and 624 are not part of the predefined user interface
areas
608. Figure 8 shows an alternate embodiment of a user interface screen 605 in
which the directional arrows 622 and 624 are part of the predefined user
nterface
areas 608. In this embodiment, the values before and after the current value
of
the selected field are not shown,
[0072] In some embodiments, pressing the touch-sensitive display 18 at the
location of the up-arrow 622 actuates the actuator 120 and moves the value of
the
field forward through the sequential list of values for the field, and the
pressing the
touch-sensitive display 118 at the location of the down-arrow 624 actuates the
actuator 120 and moves the value of the field backwards through the set of
predetermined values for the field. In some embodiments, pressing or " cking"
the touch-sensitive display 118 at the location of the up-arrow 622 moves the
value
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of the field forward through the sequential list by one value (e.g.,
increments the
current value of the selected field by one), and pressing or "clicking" the to
jch-
sensitive display 118 at the location of the down-arrow 624 moves the value of
the
field backward through the sequential list by one value (e.g., decrements the
current value of the selected field by one).
[0073] In other embodiments, touching the up-arrow 622 or down-arrow 624
without pressing the touch-sensitive display 118 changes the value of the
selected
field by scrolling forwards or backwards as described above. In some
embodiments, the touch event at the up-arrow 622 or down-arrow 624 must
exceed a predetermined duration to change the value of the selected field. I
This
requires a user to "hover" over the up-arrow 622 or down-arrow 624 to cause a
corresponding change in the value of the selected field. The requirement for a
time
may reduce erroneous inputs to change the value of the selected field.
[0074] The user interface solution for the fields described above is sdmetimes
referred to as a "spin dial" or "spin box". The widget 606 of Figures 6A to ,6
has
three spin boxes: the month field, the day field, and the year field. The
teachings
above can be applied to any number of spin boxes which can be provided in a
widget or elsewhere in the GUI. The spin boxes may be managed by a spi box
manager (not shown) which is part of a user interface (UI) manager (not shown)
for the device 100. The user interface manager renders and displays the GUI of
the
device 100 in accordance with instructions of the operating system 146 anld
programs 148. The spin box manager enforces a common appearance of across the
controlled spin boxes e.g. height, visible rows, and padding.
[0075] Figure 9 shows a screen capture of a new appointment user interface
screen 607 for a calendar application in accordance with one example
embodiment
of the present disclosure. The fields of the widget 606 are defined by
references
609a, 609b, 609c, and 609d. In the shown embodiment, the fields define a date
and comprise a day of week-field, month fields day field and year field having
values of "Tue" or "Tuesday, "Aug" or "August", "11" and "2009" respectively
(i.e.,
Tuesday, August 11, 2009). The value before the current value (e.g. "Mot" or
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"Monday") in the sequential list is provided above the current value, whereas
the
value after the current value (e.g. "Wed" or "Wednesday") in the sequential
list is
provided below the current value.
[0076] An onscreen position indicator 621 is used to show the selected field
as
described above, however, the values in the sequential list before and after
the
current value are de-emphasized by the onscreen position indicator 621
relative the
current value. In the shown embodiment, the onscreen position indicator 621 is
smaller (e.g. thinner) over the before and after values relative to the
current value,
and as colour gradient which diminishes in colour intensity (becomes
transparent)
in the vertical direction moving away from the current value. The combination
of
user interface features in Figure 9 provides a visual indication that of howl
interaction with the touch-sensitive display 118 can change the value of the
selected field, i.e. that an upward or downward swipe will scroll backwards or
forwards, respectively.
[0077] While the present disclosure is primarily directed to a widget1for date
fields, time fields or date and time fields, the teachings of the present
disclosure
can be applied to provide an efficient and user friepoly widget or similar
user
interface element for changing the value of a field from a sequential list 4
predetermined values, or selecting an item from a sequential list. Examples of
sequential lists include numbers, dates, words, names, graphical symbols: or
icons,
or any combination of these. While the examples of sequential lists described
herein
are text values, the sequential lists need not be limited to text.
[0078] , It will also be appreciated that the date field, time fields and date
and
time fields are associated with a clock or calendar application and that chi
nges in
the value of at least some of the subfields of these fields may trigger
chagges in the
values of other subfields in accordance with predetermined logical rules
governing
the clock and calendar.
[0079] Referring now to Figure 10, an example process 400 for a m thod of
controlling touch input on a touch-sensitive display of a portable electronic
device in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure will be descri ed.
The
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steps of Figure 10 may be carried out by routines or subroutines of software
executed by, for example, the processor 102. The coding of software for
carrying
out such steps is well within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the
art given
the present disclosure.
[0080] First, at step 402 the widget 606 is rendered by a UI manage (not
shown) and displayed on the display 112 in response to predetermined
interaction
with the touch-sensitive display 118. An example of such predetermined
interaction is, but is not limited to, a finger or stylus touching the touch-
sensitive
display 118 at the location of a user interface element having an
invokableiwidget
606 associated with it, or pressing the touch-sensitive display 118 at the
location of
the user interface element having an invokabie widget 606. Alternatively, the
predetermined Interaction may involve selecting a corresponding menu option
from
a corresponding menu to invoke the widget 606. As noted above, the widget 606
comprises at least one field but typically a number of fields which may be pin
.15 boxes. The widget 606 is displayed on the user interface screen from which
it was
invoked and occupies a portion of the user interface screen.
[0081] Next, at step 404 a field in the widget 606 is selected. Typic~ liy the
field is selected in response to predetermined interaction with the touch-
sensitive
display 118; however, the selected field may be a default field selected
automatically upon invocation of the widget 606 as described above. An example
of
such predetermined interaction is, but is not limited to, a finger or stylus
touching
the touch-sensitive display 118 at the location of the field.
[0082] Next, in step 406 the value of the selected field is changed in
response
to a predetermined touch gesture at any location on the touch-sensitive
display.
The original value of the selected field and the changed value of the selected
field is
stored, typically in RAM 108. The predetermined touch gesture may be a
movement
in a predetermined direction, i.e. a touch event having a centrold which mpves
during the touch.event by an amount which exceeds a predetermined distance
(typically measured in displayed pixels), In some embodiments, the predel
ermined
touch gesture is a vertical movement which exceeds the predetermined distance.
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In some embodiments, an upward movement of the* centroid of the touch !event
moves or advances the value of the selected field forward through the sequence
list
of values for the field, and a downward movement of the centroid of the touch
event moves or advances the value of the selected field backward through the
sequence list of values for the field. However, the effect of upward and
downward
movement may be switched in other embodiments.
[0083] In other embodiments, a swipe gesture in a first direction at any
location on the touch-sensitive display scrolls forward. through a sequential
list of
values for the field to select a new value for the field. Conversely, a swipe
gesture
in a second direction at any location on the touch-sensitive display scrolls
!backward
through the sequential list of values for the field to select a new value
for,the field.
The swipe gesture in the first direction may be an upward swipe gesture and
the
swipe gesture in the second direction may be a downward swipe gesture 1 n some
embodiments.
[0084] In some embodiments, the amount by which the value of the selected
field is moved through the sequential list is proportional to the distance
that the
centroid of the touch event has moved relative to the initial contact point;
[0085] Next, in step 408 the widget 606 and possibly the user interface
screen is re-rendered and re-displayed on the display screen 112 in accordance
with the changed value of the selected field.
[0086] To exit or close the widget 606, input accepting or rejecting a change
in the value of the fields of the widget 606 may be required (step 410). When
input
accepting a change in the value of the fields of the widget 606 is received,,
the
changed value(s) are stored in the memory 110 of the device 100 (step 412) and
the widget 606 is removed from the touch-sensitive display 118. When e~I iting
the
widget 606, the user interface screen is re-rendered and re-displayed
acCOrdingly.
Referring to Figure 9, in some embodiments changes may be accepted bye
activating
or "clicking" an "Ok" virtual button in the widget 606, for example, by
pressing the
touch-sensitive display 118 at the location of the " Ok" virtual. button in
thI widget
606. Ile
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[0087] When input rejecting a change in the value of the fields of the widget
606 is received, the changed value(s) for one or more fields in the widget 606
are
discarded and the process 400 ends. Referring to Figure 9, in some embodiments
any changes may be accepted by activating or "clicking" a "Cancel" virtual
button in
the widget 606, for example, by pressing the touch-sensitive display 118 at
the
location of the "Cancel" virtual button in the widget 606.
[0088] While not shown in Figure 10, when the widget 606 comprises multiple
fields, different fields can be selected and their values changed in the same
manner
as described above. In some embodiments, predetermined touch gestures can be
used to select different fields in the widget 606, for example, to scroll or
move
between fields in the widget 606. In some embodiments, a leftward swipe
gesture
at any location on the touch-sensitive display scrolls leftward through the
fields in
the widget to select a new field. Conversely, a rightward swipe gesture at any
location on the touch-sensitive display scrolls rightward through the fields
in the
widget to select a new field.
[0089] While the process 400 has been described as occurring in a particular
order, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that some of the
steps may
be performed in a different order provided that the result of the changed
order of
any given step will not prevent or impair the occurrence of subsequent steps.
Furthermore, some of the steps described above may be combined in other
embodiments, and some of the steps described above may be separated into a
number of sub-steps in other embodiments.
[0090] Referring now to Figures 11A to 12C, further examples embodiment of
the present disclosure will be described. In the illustrated embodiment, a
virtual
keyboard or keypad may be invoked via predetermined interaction with the touch-
sensitive display 118 while a field in a widget is selected. Figure 11A shows
a
virtual keyboard in accordance with other example embodiment. The shown
virtual
keyboard is a reduced keyboard provided by a portrait screen orientation;
however,
a full keyboard could be used in a landscape screen orientation or in a
portrait
screen orientation in a different embodiment. Figure 11B shows a virtual
keypad in
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CA 02681879 2010-07-21
accordance with other example embodiment. The shown virtual keypad is a
numeric
keypad provided by a portrait screen orientation. In some embodiments, the
virtual keyboard of Figure 11A or virtual keypad of Figure 11B is selected in
accordance with a data type of the field which is selected when the keyboard
or
keypad is invoked. For example, the virtual keypad is invoked when the
selected
field is a numeric field and the virtual keyboard is invoked when the selected
field is
an alphabetic or alphanumeric field. The virtual keyboard or keypad may allow
custom entry of values in the widget while taking advantage of its scrolling
(or
spinning) functionality which seeks to provide a more efficient and easy-to-
use
interface and potentially reducing the number of erroneous inputs.
[0091] Figure 12A to 12C are screen captures of a widget for the user
interface screen of Figure 11A or 11B. The virtual keyboard or keypad may be
used
to input values in a text entry field for use in the selected field in the
widget. The
input in the text entry field does not need to match the sequential list of
values
associated with that field. In at least some embodiments, the input in the
text
entry field does need to match the data type and possibly data format for the
field
or it may be rejected. For example, an alphabetic character cannot be entered
into
a numeric field. As shown in Figures 12A to 12C, entry in the text entry field
is
automatically populated into the selected field.
[0092] In some embodiments, the values of the sequential list are
dynamically changed in accordance with the current value of the selected
field.
Accordingly, the values before and after the current value shown in the widget
of
Figures 12A to 12C are dynamically determined based on the current value of
the
selected field. As more characters are input in the widget, from "2" to "20"
to
"200" the values in the sequential list are dynamically changed and the
displayed
values before and after the selected field are changed accordingly from "1"
and "3",
to "19 and "21", to "199" and "201".
[0093] In the shown example embodiment the values in the sequential list
define a numeric series which values differ only by one, this is a function of
the
particular type of field, i.e. date fields. In other embodiments, the
difference
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CA 02681879 2010-07-21
between values in the sequential list could be different, for example, 5, 10
or 15,
and be unequal between values in the sequential list. Moreover, although the
shown example embodiment relates to numeric values, the teachings of the
present
disclosure could be applied to non-numeric values. In some embodiments, the
size
of each field is fixed in width according to the maximum number of character
or
digits. The value of each field may be center-aligned within each field. The
number
of characters or digits is fixed according to the data type of the field. At
least some
fields, such as numeric fields, may have a maximum and minimum value.
[0094] Referring now to Figure 13A to 13C, modification of a minute field of a
time widget in accordance with one example embodiment of the present
disclosure
will be described. Firstly, the minute field is selected and a virtual keypad
is
invoked as shown in Figure 13A. Next, the user enters the value "2" in the
entry
field (Figure 13B), followed by a second "2" to create the custom value of
"22"
(Figure 13C). In the shown embodiment, the values before and after the custom
value are the values in the sequential list between the custom value. Using
the
virtual keypad of the time widget, any number between the minimum and
maximum value of the field could be input (e.g., any number between "0" and
"59"
for the minute field). Clicking on the minute field at this stage would result
in
accepting the input of "22" and the widget and virtual keypad would be
removed.
If the corresponding time field or minute field in the application 148 from
which the
widget was originally invoked is again selected or "clicked", the widget will
reappear
with the custom value of "22" in the minute field.
[0095] If a predetermined touch gesture to change the value of the selected
field is performed rather than clicking, the change of the selected field is
changed in
accordance with the predetermined touch gesture (e.g. in accordance with a
direction of the touch event) as described above rather than accepting the
value
"22" and the customized value is discarded. If no input is detected within a
predetermined duration of inputting the custom value, the widget times out and
the
customized value is discarded.
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CA 02681879 2009-10-07
[0096] it will be appreciated the teachings in regards to widgets provided by
present disclosure may also be used in the context on non-touchscreen devices
where the navigation function provided by the touch-sensitive display 1181 is
provided by an alternate navigational device such as a trackball or scroll
wheel. In
such cases, scrolling or "spinning" is provided by movement of the trackball
or
scroll wheel in a corresponding direction when a field in the widget is
selected.
[0097] While the present disclosure is described, at least in part, in terms
of
methods, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the
present
disclosure is also directed to the various components for performing at least
some
of the aspects and features of the described methods, be it by way of hariware
components, software or any combination of the two, or in any other manner.
Moreover, the present disclosure is also directed to a pre-recorded storage
device
or other similar computer readable medium including program instructions
stored
thereon for performing the methods described herein.
[0098] The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and
are in no way meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. Variations of the
innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill ijn
the art,
such variations being within the intended scope of the present disclosure] In
particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may
be
selected to create alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of
features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, featuri s
from
one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined
to create alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features which
may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations
and
sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art i pon
review of the present disclosure as a whole. The subject matter described
herein
and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in
technology.
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