US20140229899A1 - Mobile device supporting touch semi-lock state and method for operating the same - Google Patents
Mobile device supporting touch semi-lock state and method for operating the same Download PDFInfo
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- US20140229899A1 US20140229899A1 US14/255,881 US201414255881A US2014229899A1 US 20140229899 A1 US20140229899 A1 US 20140229899A1 US 201414255881 A US201414255881 A US 201414255881A US 2014229899 A1 US2014229899 A1 US 2014229899A1
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- touch
- mobile device
- lock state
- user
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
- H04M1/72469—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones for operating the device by selecting functions from two or more displayed items, e.g. menus or icons
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F3/04817—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance using icons
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F3/0482—Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/66—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers with means for preventing unauthorised or fraudulent calling
- H04M1/667—Preventing unauthorised calls from a telephone set
- H04M1/67—Preventing unauthorised calls from a telephone set by electronic means
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/66—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers with means for preventing unauthorised or fraudulent calling
- H04M1/677—Preventing the dialling or sending of predetermined telephone numbers or selected types of telephone numbers, e.g. long distance numbers
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/26—Devices for calling a subscriber
- H04M1/27—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
- H04M1/274—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc
- H04M1/2745—Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously with provision for storing more than one subscriber number at a time, e.g. using toothed disc using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
- H04M1/27467—Methods of retrieving data
- H04M1/2748—Methods of retrieving data by matching character strings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M2250/00—Details of telephonic subscriber devices
- H04M2250/22—Details of telephonic subscriber devices including a touch pad, a touch sensor or a touch detector
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to a mobile device and, more particularly, to a mobile device that includes a touch screen and an operating method thereof which allow simultaneously performing the cancellation of a touch semi-lock state and the activation of a specific end-user function.
- a mobile device refers to a kind of electronic device based on mobility and portability. With remarkable growths in related technologies, a great variety of mobile devices capable of supporting various end-user functions are increasingly popularized.
- mobile devices may employ many input techniques.
- some mobile devices offer a touch-based input interface such as a touch screen that normally includes a touch panel and a display unit. The mobile device generates a touch event in response to a user's touch input made on the touch panel and performs a particular function based on the touch event.
- the mobile device that includes the touch screen may often react to unintentional touches and consequently perform undesired functions.
- most mobile devices provide a touch-lock function for the touch panel in order to prevent unwanted touch events from being generated. If the mobile device is in a touch semi-lock state, a user who desires to use a specific function should first cancel the touch semi-lock state.
- a process of cancelling the touch semi-lock state is somewhat complicated such that it may not be simply canceled in response to an unexpected action.
- a process of activating a desired function is also complicated, a user may experience too much inconvenience.
- a primary object to provide a mobile device that includes a touch screen and an operating method thereof which allow a desired particular one of end-user functions to be quickly and easily activated in a touch semi-lock state.
- a method for operating a mobile device supporting a touch semi-lock state includes outputting a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon on a touch screen when the mobile device enters into the touch semi-lock state.
- An output area of the touch-lock icon is defined on the touch screen as a touch event allowable region.
- a specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user's input for the touch-lock icon. And a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item is activated.
- a mobile device supporting a touch semi-lock state.
- the mobile device includes a touch screen configured to generate a touch event and output a predefined hot menu and a touch-lock icon when the touch panel enters into the touch semi-lock state.
- a control unit defines an output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen as a touch event allowable region, selects a specific item of the hot menu in response to a user's input for the touch-lock icon, and activates a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item when a specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user's input for the touch-lock icon.
- a hot menu supporting application stored in memory unit for a mobile device that supports a touch semi-lock state.
- the hot menu supporting application includes instructions for entering a touch semi-lock state in response to one of receiving a user input and detecting no user interaction within a predefined period.
- the application also displays a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon on a touch screen when the mobile device enters into the touch semi-lock state.
- a touch event allowable region at an output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen and a locked region on at least one other output area are defined.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates the control unit shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a process for operating a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 through 5 discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged mobile device. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the disclosed embodiments are provided such that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in varied and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
- a touch semi-lock state refers to a specific condition in which, when some selected icons are outputted on a display unit of a mobile device, a touch event occurring on at least one predefined region containing the outputted icons is recognized to be valid, but another touch event occurring on another region is recognized to be invalid.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the mobile device 100 includes a radio frequency (RF) unit 110 , an input unit 120 , an audio processing unit 130 , a touch screen 140 , a memory unit 150 , and a control unit 160 .
- the touch screen 140 includes a display unit 141 and a touch panel 143 .
- the memory unit 150 stores a phonebook data 31 and a hot menu 10 .
- the mobile device 100 with the above configuration may cause the touch screen 140 enter into a touch semi-lock state according to a prearranged schedule when there is no use for a given time or when receiving a predefined input signal for entering the touch semi-lock state from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 .
- the mobile device 100 may then output the hot menu 10 and a touch-lock icon (or image) indicating the touch semi-lock state on the display unit 141 .
- a touch-lock icon or image
- the mobile device 100 not only cancels the touch semi-lock state, but also activates an end-user function corresponding to the selected item. Therefore, based on a simple control process, the mobile device can quickly and easily activate a particular end-user function simultaneously while canceling the touch semi-lock state.
- the RF unit 110 is utilized when the mobile device 100 has a communication function
- the audio processing unit 130 is utilized when the mobile device 100 has an audio data output function.
- the RF unit 110 and the audio processing unit 130 are optional and may be selectively removed from the mobile device 100 in some embodiments.
- the RF unit 110 establishes communication channels for a voice call, a video call, data transmission, and such, under the control of the control unit 160 .
- the RF unit 110 forms a voice call channel, a video call channel, a data communication channel, and such, with a mobile communication system.
- the RF unit 110 may include an RF transmitter that upwardly converts the frequency of signals to be transmitted and amplifies the signals and an RF receiver that amplifies received signals with low-noise and downwardly converts the frequency of the received signals.
- the RF unit 110 may be enabled when a touch event occurs on the touch panel 143 or when an input signal is created in the input unit 120 .
- the mobile device 100 maintains the touch panel 143 in the touch semi-lock state and also outputs the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 .
- the RF unit 110 may be enabled under the control of the control unit 160 when one of the displayed phonebook items is selected by a dragged touch-lock icon. The RF unit 110 then establishes a communication channel with the mobile device indicated by the selected phonebook item.
- the RF unit 110 may be enabled under the control of the control unit 160 when one of the displayed webpage address items is selected by a dragged touch-lock icon.
- the RF unit 110 then establishes a communication channel with a web server that hosts the selected webpage address item. Namely, the RF unit 110 may be enabled when a certain item associated with a communication function in the hot menu 10 is selected by the touch-lock icon dragged thereon.
- the input unit 120 includes a plurality of input keys and function keys to receive a user's input and to set various functions.
- the function keys may have navigation keys, side keys, shortcut keys, and any other special keys defined to perform particular functions.
- the input unit 120 may create a key input signal in association with a function control of the mobile device 100 and deliver it to the control unit 160 .
- the input unit 120 may be formed of a keypad that includes a plurality of physical keys arranged in a QWERTY, 3*4, or 4*3 key layout.
- the input unit 120 may have a virtual key layout such as a QWERTY, 3*4 or 4*3 key map, a menu map, and a soft key map displayed on the touch screen 140 .
- the input unit 120 may include only side keys disposed on lateral sides of the mobile device 100 .
- the input unit 120 may offer a hot key that may be used to cancel the touch semi-lock state.
- the input unit 120 may create an input signal to select the touch-lock icon in the touch semi-lock state, an input signal to drag the touch-lock icon toward a specific item of the hot menu 10 displayed on the display unit 141 , and an input signal to select the specific item overlapped with the touch-lock icon, and then may send such input signals to the control unit 160 .
- the audio processing unit 130 includes a speaker (SPK) for outputting various audio data received during a call, contained in a received message, or produced by a playback of an audio file stored in the memory unit 150 , and a microphone (MIC) for collecting a user's voice and any other audio signals during a call.
- SPK speaker
- MIC microphone
- the audio processing unit 130 may output predefined sound effects when the mobile device 100 enters into or exits from the touch semi-lock state.
- the audio processing unit 130 may output predefined sound effects when a particular end-user function is activated by the touch-lock icon that is dragged onto a specific item of the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 . In an embodiment, these sound effects may be unavailable according to a user's setting.
- the touch screen 140 includes the display unit 141 and the touch panel 143 .
- the touch panel 143 may be disposed on the front side of the display unit 141 , completely covering the display unit 141 .
- the size of the touch screen 140 may depend on the size of the touch panel 143 .
- the display unit 141 displays a variety of information entered by a user or presented to a user, including various menus of the mobile device 100 .
- the display unit 140 may visually provide various screen views of an idle screen, a menu screen, a message drafting screen, a call screen, and such.
- the display unit 140 may be formed of an LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diodes), or any other equivalent.
- the display unit 141 may be disposed under the touch panel 143 .
- the display unit 141 may output the hot menu 10 stored in the memory unit 150 under the control of the control unit 160 when the mobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state. Additionally, the display unit 141 may provide a screen interface for setting the hot menu 10 where a user can register desired functions of the mobile device 100 in the hot menu 10 . This interface for setting the hot menu 10 may allow the selection of various functions supported by the mobile device 100 , such as a camera function, a music file play function, a dialing function, a game function, a short distance communication function, a web access function, and such. In order to support such functions, the mobile device 100 may further include optional elements such as a camera module, a short distance communication module, and such.
- the display unit 141 may output a screen interface for searching the phonebook data 31 stored in the memory unit 150 .
- a user may register desired user data in the hot menu 10 by selecting specific user data contained in the phonebook data 31 .
- Such user data registered in the hot menu 10 may be displayed on the display unit 141 when the mobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state.
- the above-discussed interfaces provided on the display unit 141 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the touch panel 143 is placed on and attached to the display unit 141 .
- the touch panel 143 generates a touch event in response to a touch or proximity of an object such as a user's finger thereon and then transmits the generated touch event to the control unit 160 .
- the touch panel 143 sends the location and type of the touch event to the control unit 160 .
- the control unit 160 checks the location and type of the touch event, retrieves a specific image on the display unit 141 mapped to the checked location, and then activates a particular end-user function linked to the retrieved image.
- the touch panel 143 may deliver a touch event generated on the touch-lock icon to the control unit 160 while the mobile device 100 is in the touch semi-lock state. Specifically, when the mobile device 100 is in the touch semi-lock state, the touch panel 143 may define only an output area of the touch-lock icon as a touch event allowable region in which a touch event is recognized to be valid. Thereafter, if a user touches the touch-lock icon, the touch panel 143 may define the entire area as the touch event allowable region such that a user can select a specific item of the hot menu 10 by using the touch-lock icon.
- a touch-down event is generated
- a user drags the touch-lock icon onto a specific item of the hot menu 10 (i.e., a drag event is generated) such that the specific item may overlap the touch-lock icon.
- a user releases contact from the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-up event is generated).
- the touch panel 143 may send information about the touch-up event to the control unit 160 .
- the touch semi-lock state is canceled under the control of the control unit 160 , and therefore, the touch panel 143 may keep the entire area as the touch event allowable region.
- the touch panel 143 may again define the initial output area of the touch-lock icon as the only touch event allowable region. Also, the dragged touch-lock icon may be returned to the initial output location.
- the memory unit 150 stores a variety of applications for functions related to an embodiment of this invention.
- the memory unit 150 may store a key map, a menu map, a hot menu map, and such, for the operation of the touch screen 140 .
- the key map may have various well known types such as a keyboard map, a 3*4 key map, a QWERTY key map, or a special control key map suitable for the operation of a specific application in use.
- the menu map may be a special menu map suitable for the operation of a specific application in use.
- the memory unit 150 may consist of a program region and a data region.
- the program region may store an operating system (OS) for booting and operating the mobile device 100 , and applications for performing various functions of the mobile device 100 , such as a call application, a web browser for surfing the Internet, an MP3 application for playing digital sounds, an image viewer application for viewing image files, a video player application, a game application, and so forth.
- OS operating system
- the program region may store a hot menu setting program and a hot menu supporting program.
- the hot menu setting program may be loaded in the control unit 160 when a user selects a corresponding menu item or key.
- the hot menu setting program may contain a routine for offering items corresponding to end-user functions that the mobile device 100 provides, a routine for registering selected items in the hot menu 10 when receiving an input signal for selecting such items from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 , a routine for saving the items registered in the hot menu 10 , a routine for deleting selected items from the hot menu 10 in response to a user's input, and so forth.
- the hot menu supporting program may be activated under the control of the control unit 160 when the mobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state.
- the hot menu supporting program may contain some routines that begin to run when the mobile device enters into the touch semi-lock state and other routines that control the hot menu 10 while in the touch semi-lock state.
- the former routines may include a routine for detecting an entry into the touch semi-lock state, a routine for displaying the hot menu 10 and the touch-lock icon stored in the memory unit 150 on the display unit 141 when the mobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state, and a routine for defining only an output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch panel 143 as a touch event allowable region.
- the latter routines may include a routine for creating instructions to activate a particular end-user function corresponding to a selected item when the touch-lock icon approaches one of items within a given distance, a routine for sending the instructions to the control unit 160 , and a routine for canceling the touch semi-lock state of the mobile device 100 .
- a routine for detecting the touch semi-lock state may recognize an entry into the touch semi-lock state when there is no input signal from the input unit 120 and the touch screen 140 for a given time or when a predefined input signal is received.
- the data region stores data created while the mobile device 100 is used.
- the data region may store the phonebook data 31 , icons, contents, and user's inputs received from the touch panel 143 .
- the data region may store the hot menu 10 that may be selectively removed or added through the hot menu setting program.
- the control unit 160 controls a power supplying and initializing process for each element of the mobile device 100 . Also, as shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit 160 may include sub-elements for operating the mobile device 100 based on the touch screen 140 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates the control unit shown in FIG. 1 .
- control unit 160 includes a hot menu management unit 161 , a hot menu output unit 163 , and a hot menu execution unit 165 .
- the hot menu management unit 161 is configured by the hot menu setting program that is activated in response to an input signal received from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 .
- the hot menu management unit 161 manages individual routines contained in the hot menu setting program and the hot menu 10 stored in the memory unit 150 . Namely, the hot menu management unit 161 adds or deletes items in the hot menu 10 stored in the memory unit 150 in response to a user's input and then saves the modified hot menu 10 in the memory unit 150 .
- the hot menu management unit 161 may automatically update the output order or types of items contained in the hot menu 10 according to a selected end-user function. For example, if the hot menu 10 contains at least one item of the phonebook data 31 for supporting a dialing function, the hot menu management unit 161 may control an update of the phonebook data 31 . Namely, the hot menu management unit 161 may check a call log of the mobile device 100 and replace items of the hot menu 10 by items corresponding to frequently used calls. Similarly, the hot menu management unit 161 may automatically register frequently used end-user functions in the hot menu 10 according to an end-user function log. In an embodiment, the hot menu management unit 161 may delete rarely used items from the hot menu 10 and also may selectively lock some items of the hot menu 10 that are not to be deleted.
- the hot menu output unit 163 is configured to retrieve the hot menu 10 from the memory unit 150 and then to display the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 when the mobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state. Specifically, when the control unit 160 activates the hot menu supporting program, a routine in the hot menu supporting program detects an entry into the touch semi-lock state and sends a detection result to the control unit 160 . The hot menu output unit 163 then outputs the hot menu 10 retrieved from the memory unit 150 at a predefined region on the display unit 141 . In addition, the hot menu output unit 163 may further output the touch-lock icon (as shown in FIG. 3 ) at another user-defined region on the display unit 141 .
- the hot menu execution unit 165 is configured to perform a particular end-user function corresponding to a specific item of the hot menu 10 selected by the touch-lock icon.
- the touch-lock icon may be moved in response to an input signal received from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 and then may either approach within a given distance or overlap one of items of the hot menu 10 .
- the hot menu execution unit 165 may recognize the approach or overlap of the touch-lock icon, depending on location information about the touch-lock icon and the items. Additionally, the hot menu execution unit 165 may recognize the occurrence of a touch-up event from the touch panel 143 while the touch-lock icon and a specific item are adjacent or overlapping on the display unit 141 .
- the hot menu execution unit 165 determines a specific end-user function linked to the selected item and then activates a suitable application to perform the selected end-user function such as a dialing function, a camera function, a music play function, a file search function, a web access function, and so forth.
- the mobile device 100 outputs the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 while in the touch semi-lock state.
- the mobile device 100 cancels the touch semi-lock state and also activates a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item. Therefore, the mobile device 100 can quickly and easily perform a selected end-user function even in the touch semi-lock state.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the control unit 160 of the mobile device 100 when power is supplied, the control unit 160 of the mobile device 100 initializes individual elements and then outputs a predefined idle screen according to a given schedule as shown in the first screen view 301 . If a certain end-user function is activated in response to an input signal received from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 , the control unit 160 outputs a user interface corresponding to the activated end-user function on the display unit 141 . Then, if the end-user function is deactivated, the control unit 160 again outputs the idle screen on the display unit 141 .
- the control unit 160 controls the touch screen 140 to enter into the touch semi-lock state and also outputs the touch-lock icon 30 as shown in the second screen view 303 .
- the above-mentioned given time may be adjusted according to a user's setting made through a suitable menu that the mobile device 100 provides.
- the above-mentioned predefined input signal may be a signal received from a specific key used to enter the touch semi-lock state.
- the control unit 160 may retrieve the hot menu 10 from the memory unit 150 and then output the retrieved hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 .
- the hot menu 10 consists of some of the phonebook data 31 . Items contained in the hot menu 10 may be determined according to a user's setting, and thus the mobile device 100 may offer a hot menu setting function. If a user selects two sets of the phonebook data 31 , the control unit 160 arranges phonebook images 310 corresponding to the selected sets of the phonebook data 31 on the display unit 141 . Here, each phonebook image 310 displayed on the display unit 141 may partially contain each set of the phonebook data 31 .
- the phonebook image 310 may contain graphic data such as a photo, text data such as a phone number or a user name, and such.
- the control unit 160 further outputs the touch-lock icon 30 on the display unit 141 .
- the touch-lock icon 30 indicates that the mobile device 100 is in the touch semi-lock state.
- the touch-lock icon 30 is used to cancel the touch semi-lock state and to activate a selected end-user function.
- the touch semi-lock state only the area of the touch-lock icon may be unlocked to receive a user's touch input, while the other area on the touch panel 143 is locked.
- only the output area of the touch-lock icon may be defined as a touch event allowable region.
- a locked area in the touch semi-lock state does not generate a touch event, or a touch event generated in the locked area is ignored.
- a user can touch the touch-lock icon 30 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-down event is generated).
- the control unit 160 may temporarily cancel the touch semi-lock state applied to the entire area of the touch panel 143 .
- a user can move the touch-lock icon 30 to at least partially overlap the phonebook image 310 .
- a user can drag the touch-lock icon 30 onto the phonebook image 310 (i.e., a drag event is generated).
- a user can select a desired one of the phonebook images 310 by removing contact from the touch panel 143 while the touch-lock icon 30 overlaps the desired phonebook image 310 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-up event is generated).
- the control unit 160 recognizes the selection of a specific phonebook image 310 by comparing the locations of the touch-lock icon 30 and the items of the hot menu 10 at the time of the touch-up event on the touch panel 143 .
- the control unit 160 may perform a particular end-user function that corresponds to the specific item selected by the touch-lock icon 30 .
- the control unit 160 may support a speed dialing function by allowing a communication channel to be formed for a phone number selected by the touch-lock icon 30 . While the speed dialing function is activated, the control unit 160 may maintain or completely cancel the touch semi-lock state according to a user's setting option or the default option.
- the user's setting option may selectively indicate a keep or cancel of the touch semi-lock state for each end-user function and also may be varied at a user's request.
- the control unit 160 may maintain the touch semi-lock state. Additionally, if the touch-down event continues for a given time on the touch-lock icon 30 (i.e., a touch and hold event is generated), the control unit 160 may cancel the touch semi-lock state. Moreover, when the touch semi-lock state is canceled, the control unit 160 may remove the phonebook images 310 corresponding to the hot menu 10 from the display unit 141 . Alternatively, the control unit 160 may keep the hot menu 10 appearing on the display unit 141 even though the touch semi-lock state is canceled.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the control unit 160 of the mobile device 100 may activate a particular end-user function at a user's request and then may output a prearranged screen on the display unit 141 as shown in the first screen view 401 .
- the control unit 160 may activate a music player used for a playback of a selected music file.
- the control unit 160 may output a certain screen in connection with the activation of the music player on the display unit 141 .
- This screen may contain a region for outputting information about a selected music file, and a region for controlling the playback of a music file in use.
- the control unit 160 may cause the mobile device 100 to enter into the touch semi-lock state after a given time elapses, as shown in the second screen view 403 . Therefore, the touch panel 143 may be locked except at a predefined region of the touch-lock icon 30 .
- the control unit 160 may retrieve the hot menu 10 from the memory unit 150 and then output some menu images 410 on the display unit 141 .
- the menu images 410 correspond to the retrieved hot menu 10 and are selected by a user among menu items available for the mobile device 100 , such as, but not limited to, an e—mail item, a baseball game item, and a camera item.
- Such menu items provided as the menu images 410 may be modified, added, or deleted according to a user's setting or environments of the mobile device 100 .
- the control unit 160 may also output the touch-lock icon 30 on the display unit 141 .
- the control unit 160 may define a specific area of the touch panel 143 , being equal to or greater than the output area of the touch-lock icon 30 , as a touch event allowable region.
- a user can touch the touch-lock icon 30 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-down event is generated). Then a user can drag the touch-lock icon 30 onto the menu images 410 (i.e., a drag event is generated) and select a desired one of the menu images 410 by taking a finger off the desired menu image 410 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-up event is generated). For example, a user can drag the touch-lock icon 30 to overlap a camera item of the menu images 410 and then release the finger from the touch-lock icon 30 .
- the control unit 160 may perform a particular end-user function that corresponds to the camera item selected by the touch-lock icon 30 .
- the control unit 160 may output an image acquired by a camera in a preview form on the display unit 141 and then save the acquired image in response to a given input signal received from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 .
- the control unit 160 may continue the music play function while the camera function is running. Therefore, the audio processing unit 130 of the mobile device 100 may output audio data produced by a playback of a music file through the speaker (SPK) or an earphone.
- the control unit 160 may cancel the touch semi-lock state by unlocking the entire area of the touch panel 143 .
- the user interface outputs some images related to items of the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 while in the touch semi-lock state.
- the user interface allows the mobile device 100 to activate a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected image as well as to cancel the touch semi-lock state. Therefore, the mobile device 100 can quickly and easily perform a selected end-user function even in the touch semi-lock state and simultaneously cancel the touch semi-lock state.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a process for operating a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the control unit 160 of the mobile device 100 when power is supplied, the control unit 160 of the mobile device 100 initializes each element of the mobile device 100 and then outputs a predefined idle screen on the display unit 141 according to a given schedule in block 501 . Additionally, when a certain end-user function in use is deactivated or if a sleep mode is canceled, the control unit 160 may output the idle screen on the display unit 141 according to a given schedule.
- the control unit 160 receives an input signal from the input unit 120 or the touch screen 140 , and then determines whether the received input signal is for an entry into the touch semi-lock state.
- the control unit 160 may determine that the input signal indicating an entry into the touch semi-lock state is received.
- control unit 160 performs a particular function corresponding to the received input signal in block 505 .
- the control unit 160 may perform a camera function, a call function, a music file play function, a search function, a web access function, and so forth, in response to the received input signal. Additionally, the control unit 160 may maintain a specific end-user function earlier activated if there is no input signal for a given time.
- the control unit 160 enters into the touch semi-lock state and then outputs the hot menu 10 and the touch-lock icon 30 on the display unit 141 in block 507 .
- the control unit 160 retrieves the hot menu 10 from the memory unit 150 and then arranges items contained in the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 .
- the control unit 160 may define an output area of the touch-lock icon 30 as the only touch event allowable region on the touch panel 143 . Therefore, even though displayed on the touch screen 140 , the hot menu 10 may not respond to any touch event at this time.
- the control unit 160 determines whether an input signal for touching the touch-lock icon 30 is received from the touch screen 140 . If the received input signal is not related to the touch-lock icon 30 , the control unit 160 remains in the touch semi-lock state in block 507 . If the received input signal indicates a touch on the touch-lock icon 30 , the control unit 160 temporarily defines the entire area of the touch panel 143 as the touch event allowable region and then traces a change in location of the touch-lock icon 30 . Meanwhile, if the mobile device 100 is designed to determine the validity of a touch event received from the touch panel 143 depending on whether to enter into the touch semi-lock state, it is not always required to expand the touch event allowable region.
- control unit 160 may accept any subsequent touch event as a valid touch event without expanding the touch event allowable region. Alternatively, the control unit 160 may disregard all touch events occurring on any regions other than the touch-lock icon 30 by accepting them as invalid touch events.
- the control unit 160 determines whether the touch-lock icon 30 is moved onto a certain item of the hot menu 10 . For example, the control unit 160 determines whether the touch-lock icon 30 overlaps one of the items arranged in the hot menu 10 on the display unit 141 . If the touch-lock icon 30 is not placed on any item, the control unit 160 may perform a particular function in response to any other input signal. For example, when receiving an input signal for canceling the touch semi-lock state, the control unit 160 may cancel the touch semi-lock state in response to the received input signal in block 513 . Alternatively, if the touch-lock icon 30 is not placed on any time, the control unit may return to the touch semi-lock state.
- the control unit 160 cancels the touch semi-lock state and also activates a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item in block 515 .
- the control unit 160 performs a dialing function based on the selected phonebook data 31 .
- the control unit 160 may maintain or cancel the touch semi-lock state according to a predetermined option.
- control unit 160 may perform a communication function to access a specific server based on a sever address contained in the selected item.
- control unit 160 not only cancels the touch semi-lock state, but also activates an end-user function corresponding to the selected item.
- control unit 160 determines whether to turn off the power. If there is no input signal for power-off, the control unit 160 returns to block 503 and then repeats the process.
- the touch-lock icon 30 is moved in response to a touch-down event and a drag event on the touch screen 140 and then selects a specific one item in response to a touch-up event, this is only illustrative and not to be considered as a limitation of the present invention.
- the touch-lock icon 30 may be moved depending on the navigation key of the input unit 120 and then select an item depending on the OK key of the input unit 120 and highlight effects on the display unit 141 .
- the above-discussed mobile device 100 may essentially or selectively include any other elements.
- the mobile device 100 may further include a short distance communication module, a digital camera module, a wired or wireless data transmission interface, an Internet access module, a digital broadcast receiving module, and so forth.
- a short distance communication module e.g., a Global System for Mobile Communications
- a digital camera module e.g., a digital camera module
- a wired or wireless data transmission interface e.g., a digital camera module
- an Internet access module e.g., a digital broadcast receiving module, and so forth.
- any other elements equivalent to the above elements may be additionally or alternatively equipped in the mobile device 100 .
- some of the above-mentioned elements in the mobile device 100 may be omitted or replaced with another.
- the mobile device 100 of this invention may include any types of electronic devices that may support a touch semi-lock state.
- the mobile device may include communication devices, multimedia players and their application equipment, especially including many mobile communication terminals based on various communication protocols, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital broadcasting player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a music player (e.g., an MP3 player), a portable game console, a smart phone, a notebook, a handheld personal computer, and such.
- PMP portable multimedia player
- PDA personal digital assistant
- music player e.g., an MP3 player
- smart phone e.g., a notebook, a handheld personal computer, and such.
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Abstract
A mobile device and a method support a touch semi-lock state. When entering into the touch semi-lock state, a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon are provided on a touch screen. An output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen is defined as a touch event allowable region. A specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user input that moves the touch-lock icon onto the specific item. A particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item is activated.
Description
- The present application is related to and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) to a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Oct. 30, 2009, and assigned Serial No. 10-2009-0104024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates in general to a mobile device and, more particularly, to a mobile device that includes a touch screen and an operating method thereof which allow simultaneously performing the cancellation of a touch semi-lock state and the activation of a specific end-user function.
- As well known in the art, a mobile device refers to a kind of electronic device based on mobility and portability. With remarkable growths in related technologies, a great variety of mobile devices capable of supporting various end-user functions are increasingly popularized. Nowadays, such mobile devices may employ many input techniques. In particular, some mobile devices offer a touch-based input interface such as a touch screen that normally includes a touch panel and a display unit. The mobile device generates a touch event in response to a user's touch input made on the touch panel and performs a particular function based on the touch event.
- In addition, the mobile device that includes the touch screen may often react to unintentional touches and consequently perform undesired functions. As such, most mobile devices provide a touch-lock function for the touch panel in order to prevent unwanted touch events from being generated. If the mobile device is in a touch semi-lock state, a user who desires to use a specific function should first cancel the touch semi-lock state. However, a process of cancelling the touch semi-lock state is somewhat complicated such that it may not be simply canceled in response to an unexpected action. In addition, because a process of activating a desired function is also complicated, a user may experience too much inconvenience.
- To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is a primary object to provide a mobile device that includes a touch screen and an operating method thereof which allow a desired particular one of end-user functions to be quickly and easily activated in a touch semi-lock state.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, provided is a method for operating a mobile device supporting a touch semi-lock state. The method includes outputting a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon on a touch screen when the mobile device enters into the touch semi-lock state. An output area of the touch-lock icon is defined on the touch screen as a touch event allowable region. A specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user's input for the touch-lock icon. And a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item is activated.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, provided is a mobile device supporting a touch semi-lock state. The mobile device includes a touch screen configured to generate a touch event and output a predefined hot menu and a touch-lock icon when the touch panel enters into the touch semi-lock state. And a control unit defines an output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen as a touch event allowable region, selects a specific item of the hot menu in response to a user's input for the touch-lock icon, and activates a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item when a specific item of the hot menu is selected in response to a user's input for the touch-lock icon.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a hot menu supporting application stored in memory unit for a mobile device that supports a touch semi-lock state is provided. The hot menu supporting application includes instructions for entering a touch semi-lock state in response to one of receiving a user input and detecting no user interaction within a predefined period. The application also displays a predefined hot menu including items and a touch-lock icon on a touch screen when the mobile device enters into the touch semi-lock state. A touch event allowable region at an output area of the touch-lock icon on the touch screen and a locked region on at least one other output area are defined. When touch-lock icon is dragged to overlap the selected item while in the touch semi-lock state, the application activates a particular end-user function corresponding to a selected item.
- Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses embodiments of the invention.
- Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
- For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates the control unit shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 5 illustrates a process for operating a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 1 through 5 , discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged mobile device. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the disclosed embodiments are provided such that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in varied and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. - Furthermore, well known or widely used techniques, elements, structures, and processes may not be described or illustrated in detail to avoid obscuring the essence of the present invention. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention.
- Among terms set forth herein, a touch semi-lock state refers to a specific condition in which, when some selected icons are outputted on a display unit of a mobile device, a touch event occurring on at least one predefined region containing the outputted icons is recognized to be valid, but another touch event occurring on another region is recognized to be invalid.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , themobile device 100, according to an embodiment of this invention, includes a radio frequency (RF)unit 110, aninput unit 120, anaudio processing unit 130, atouch screen 140, amemory unit 150, and acontrol unit 160. Thetouch screen 140 includes adisplay unit 141 and atouch panel 143. Meanwhile, thememory unit 150 stores aphonebook data 31 and ahot menu 10. - The
mobile device 100 with the above configuration may cause thetouch screen 140 enter into a touch semi-lock state according to a prearranged schedule when there is no use for a given time or when receiving a predefined input signal for entering the touch semi-lock state from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140. Themobile device 100 may then output thehot menu 10 and a touch-lock icon (or image) indicating the touch semi-lock state on thedisplay unit 141. When a user selects a specific item of thehot menu 10 by dragging the touch-lock icon thereon, themobile device 100 not only cancels the touch semi-lock state, but also activates an end-user function corresponding to the selected item. Therefore, based on a simple control process, the mobile device can quickly and easily activate a particular end-user function simultaneously while canceling the touch semi-lock state. - Now, each individual element of the
mobile device 100 will be described in detail. Among elements to be discussed hereinafter, theRF unit 110 is utilized when themobile device 100 has a communication function, and theaudio processing unit 130 is utilized when themobile device 100 has an audio data output function. As such, theRF unit 110 and theaudio processing unit 130 are optional and may be selectively removed from themobile device 100 in some embodiments. - The
RF unit 110 establishes communication channels for a voice call, a video call, data transmission, and such, under the control of thecontrol unit 160. Namely, theRF unit 110 forms a voice call channel, a video call channel, a data communication channel, and such, with a mobile communication system. TheRF unit 110 may include an RF transmitter that upwardly converts the frequency of signals to be transmitted and amplifies the signals and an RF receiver that amplifies received signals with low-noise and downwardly converts the frequency of the received signals. - The
RF unit 110 may be enabled when a touch event occurs on thetouch panel 143 or when an input signal is created in theinput unit 120. In the following description, it is assumed that themobile device 100 maintains thetouch panel 143 in the touch semi-lock state and also outputs thehot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141. If some phonebook items such as phone numbers contained in thehot menu 10 are displayed on thedisplay unit 141, theRF unit 110 may be enabled under the control of thecontrol unit 160 when one of the displayed phonebook items is selected by a dragged touch-lock icon. TheRF unit 110 then establishes a communication channel with the mobile device indicated by the selected phonebook item. Additionally, if some webpage address items contained in thehot menu 10 are displayed on thedisplay unit 141, theRF unit 110 may be enabled under the control of thecontrol unit 160 when one of the displayed webpage address items is selected by a dragged touch-lock icon. TheRF unit 110 then establishes a communication channel with a web server that hosts the selected webpage address item. Namely, theRF unit 110 may be enabled when a certain item associated with a communication function in thehot menu 10 is selected by the touch-lock icon dragged thereon. - The
input unit 120 includes a plurality of input keys and function keys to receive a user's input and to set various functions. The function keys may have navigation keys, side keys, shortcut keys, and any other special keys defined to perform particular functions. Additionally, theinput unit 120 may create a key input signal in association with a function control of themobile device 100 and deliver it to thecontrol unit 160. Theinput unit 120 may be formed of a keypad that includes a plurality of physical keys arranged in a QWERTY, 3*4, or 4*3 key layout. Also, theinput unit 120 may have a virtual key layout such as a QWERTY, 3*4 or 4*3 key map, a menu map, and a soft key map displayed on thetouch screen 140. Alternatively, if thetouch screen 140 has a full touch screen form, theinput unit 120 may include only side keys disposed on lateral sides of themobile device 100. - In particular, the
input unit 120 may offer a hot key that may be used to cancel the touch semi-lock state. In addition, theinput unit 120 may create an input signal to select the touch-lock icon in the touch semi-lock state, an input signal to drag the touch-lock icon toward a specific item of thehot menu 10 displayed on thedisplay unit 141, and an input signal to select the specific item overlapped with the touch-lock icon, and then may send such input signals to thecontrol unit 160. - The
audio processing unit 130 includes a speaker (SPK) for outputting various audio data received during a call, contained in a received message, or produced by a playback of an audio file stored in thememory unit 150, and a microphone (MIC) for collecting a user's voice and any other audio signals during a call. Particularly, theaudio processing unit 130 may output predefined sound effects when themobile device 100 enters into or exits from the touch semi-lock state. Also, theaudio processing unit 130 may output predefined sound effects when a particular end-user function is activated by the touch-lock icon that is dragged onto a specific item of thehot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141. In an embodiment, these sound effects may be unavailable according to a user's setting. - The
touch screen 140 includes thedisplay unit 141 and thetouch panel 143. In thetouch screen 140, thetouch panel 143 may be disposed on the front side of thedisplay unit 141, completely covering thedisplay unit 141. As such, the size of thetouch screen 140 may depend on the size of thetouch panel 143. - The
display unit 141 displays a variety of information entered by a user or presented to a user, including various menus of themobile device 100. For example, thedisplay unit 140 may visually provide various screen views of an idle screen, a menu screen, a message drafting screen, a call screen, and such. Thedisplay unit 140 may be formed of an LCD (liquid crystal display), OLED (organic light emitting diodes), or any other equivalent. In addition, thedisplay unit 141 may be disposed under thetouch panel 143. - In an embodiment, the
display unit 141 may output thehot menu 10 stored in thememory unit 150 under the control of thecontrol unit 160 when themobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state. Additionally, thedisplay unit 141 may provide a screen interface for setting thehot menu 10 where a user can register desired functions of themobile device 100 in thehot menu 10. This interface for setting thehot menu 10 may allow the selection of various functions supported by themobile device 100, such as a camera function, a music file play function, a dialing function, a game function, a short distance communication function, a web access function, and such. In order to support such functions, themobile device 100 may further include optional elements such as a camera module, a short distance communication module, and such. For example, if a dialing function is selected, thedisplay unit 141 may output a screen interface for searching thephonebook data 31 stored in thememory unit 150. A user may register desired user data in thehot menu 10 by selecting specific user data contained in thephonebook data 31. Such user data registered in thehot menu 10 may be displayed on thedisplay unit 141 when themobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state. The above-discussed interfaces provided on thedisplay unit 141 will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The
touch panel 143 is placed on and attached to thedisplay unit 141. Thetouch panel 143 generates a touch event in response to a touch or proximity of an object such as a user's finger thereon and then transmits the generated touch event to thecontrol unit 160. Also, thetouch panel 143 sends the location and type of the touch event to thecontrol unit 160. When receiving the touch event from thetouch panel 143, thecontrol unit 160 checks the location and type of the touch event, retrieves a specific image on thedisplay unit 141 mapped to the checked location, and then activates a particular end-user function linked to the retrieved image. - In an embodiment, the
touch panel 143 may deliver a touch event generated on the touch-lock icon to thecontrol unit 160 while themobile device 100 is in the touch semi-lock state. Specifically, when themobile device 100 is in the touch semi-lock state, thetouch panel 143 may define only an output area of the touch-lock icon as a touch event allowable region in which a touch event is recognized to be valid. Thereafter, if a user touches the touch-lock icon, thetouch panel 143 may define the entire area as the touch event allowable region such that a user can select a specific item of thehot menu 10 by using the touch-lock icon. Namely, while touching the touch-lock icon on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-down event is generated), a user drags the touch-lock icon onto a specific item of the hot menu 10 (i.e., a drag event is generated) such that the specific item may overlap the touch-lock icon. Then a user releases contact from the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-up event is generated). When the touch-up event occurs, thetouch panel 143 may send information about the touch-up event to thecontrol unit 160. In response, the touch semi-lock state is canceled under the control of thecontrol unit 160, and therefore, thetouch panel 143 may keep the entire area as the touch event allowable region. Meanwhile, if the touch-up event occurs without any selection of an item by the touch-lock icon (i.e. the touch-lock icon does not overlap any item), thetouch panel 143 may again define the initial output area of the touch-lock icon as the only touch event allowable region. Also, the dragged touch-lock icon may be returned to the initial output location. - The
memory unit 150 stores a variety of applications for functions related to an embodiment of this invention. In addition, thememory unit 150 may store a key map, a menu map, a hot menu map, and such, for the operation of thetouch screen 140. The key map may have various well known types such as a keyboard map, a 3*4 key map, a QWERTY key map, or a special control key map suitable for the operation of a specific application in use. The menu map may be a special menu map suitable for the operation of a specific application in use. Thememory unit 150 may consist of a program region and a data region. - The program region may store an operating system (OS) for booting and operating the
mobile device 100, and applications for performing various functions of themobile device 100, such as a call application, a web browser for surfing the Internet, an MP3 application for playing digital sounds, an image viewer application for viewing image files, a video player application, a game application, and so forth. In some embodiments, the program region may store a hot menu setting program and a hot menu supporting program. - The hot menu setting program may be loaded in the
control unit 160 when a user selects a corresponding menu item or key. Specifically, the hot menu setting program may contain a routine for offering items corresponding to end-user functions that themobile device 100 provides, a routine for registering selected items in thehot menu 10 when receiving an input signal for selecting such items from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140, a routine for saving the items registered in thehot menu 10, a routine for deleting selected items from thehot menu 10 in response to a user's input, and so forth. - The hot menu supporting program may be activated under the control of the
control unit 160 when themobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state. In an embodiment, the hot menu supporting program may contain some routines that begin to run when the mobile device enters into the touch semi-lock state and other routines that control thehot menu 10 while in the touch semi-lock state. The former routines may include a routine for detecting an entry into the touch semi-lock state, a routine for displaying thehot menu 10 and the touch-lock icon stored in thememory unit 150 on thedisplay unit 141 when themobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state, and a routine for defining only an output area of the touch-lock icon on thetouch panel 143 as a touch event allowable region. The latter routines may include a routine for creating instructions to activate a particular end-user function corresponding to a selected item when the touch-lock icon approaches one of items within a given distance, a routine for sending the instructions to thecontrol unit 160, and a routine for canceling the touch semi-lock state of themobile device 100. A routine for detecting the touch semi-lock state may recognize an entry into the touch semi-lock state when there is no input signal from theinput unit 120 and thetouch screen 140 for a given time or when a predefined input signal is received. - The data region stores data created while the
mobile device 100 is used. For example, the data region may store thephonebook data 31, icons, contents, and user's inputs received from thetouch panel 143. In an embodiment, the data region may store thehot menu 10 that may be selectively removed or added through the hot menu setting program. - The
control unit 160 controls a power supplying and initializing process for each element of themobile device 100. Also, as shown inFIG. 2 , thecontrol unit 160 may include sub-elements for operating themobile device 100 based on thetouch screen 140. -
FIG. 2 illustrates the control unit shown inFIG. 1 . - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thecontrol unit 160 includes a hotmenu management unit 161, a hotmenu output unit 163, and a hotmenu execution unit 165. - The hot
menu management unit 161 is configured by the hot menu setting program that is activated in response to an input signal received from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140. The hotmenu management unit 161 manages individual routines contained in the hot menu setting program and thehot menu 10 stored in thememory unit 150. Namely, the hotmenu management unit 161 adds or deletes items in thehot menu 10 stored in thememory unit 150 in response to a user's input and then saves the modifiedhot menu 10 in thememory unit 150. - Additionally, the hot
menu management unit 161 may automatically update the output order or types of items contained in thehot menu 10 according to a selected end-user function. For example, if thehot menu 10 contains at least one item of thephonebook data 31 for supporting a dialing function, the hotmenu management unit 161 may control an update of thephonebook data 31. Namely, the hotmenu management unit 161 may check a call log of themobile device 100 and replace items of thehot menu 10 by items corresponding to frequently used calls. Similarly, the hotmenu management unit 161 may automatically register frequently used end-user functions in thehot menu 10 according to an end-user function log. In an embodiment, the hotmenu management unit 161 may delete rarely used items from thehot menu 10 and also may selectively lock some items of thehot menu 10 that are not to be deleted. - The hot
menu output unit 163 is configured to retrieve thehot menu 10 from thememory unit 150 and then to display thehot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141 when themobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state. Specifically, when thecontrol unit 160 activates the hot menu supporting program, a routine in the hot menu supporting program detects an entry into the touch semi-lock state and sends a detection result to thecontrol unit 160. The hotmenu output unit 163 then outputs thehot menu 10 retrieved from thememory unit 150 at a predefined region on thedisplay unit 141. In addition, the hotmenu output unit 163 may further output the touch-lock icon (as shown inFIG. 3 ) at another user-defined region on thedisplay unit 141. - The hot
menu execution unit 165 is configured to perform a particular end-user function corresponding to a specific item of thehot menu 10 selected by the touch-lock icon. In an embodiment, the touch-lock icon may be moved in response to an input signal received from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140 and then may either approach within a given distance or overlap one of items of thehot menu 10. At this time, the hotmenu execution unit 165 may recognize the approach or overlap of the touch-lock icon, depending on location information about the touch-lock icon and the items. Additionally, the hotmenu execution unit 165 may recognize the occurrence of a touch-up event from thetouch panel 143 while the touch-lock icon and a specific item are adjacent or overlapping on thedisplay unit 141. Also, the hotmenu execution unit 165 determines a specific end-user function linked to the selected item and then activates a suitable application to perform the selected end-user function such as a dialing function, a camera function, a music play function, a file search function, a web access function, and so forth. - As discussed, the
mobile device 100, according to an embodiment of this invention, outputs thehot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141 while in the touch semi-lock state. In an embodiment, when a user selects a specific item of thehot menu 10 by dragging the touch-lock icon thereon, themobile device 100 cancels the touch semi-lock state and also activates a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item. Therefore, themobile device 100 can quickly and easily perform a selected end-user function even in the touch semi-lock state. - Now, a user interface provided by the
mobile device 100 will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 3 , when power is supplied, thecontrol unit 160 of themobile device 100 initializes individual elements and then outputs a predefined idle screen according to a given schedule as shown in thefirst screen view 301. If a certain end-user function is activated in response to an input signal received from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140, thecontrol unit 160 outputs a user interface corresponding to the activated end-user function on thedisplay unit 141. Then, if the end-user function is deactivated, thecontrol unit 160 again outputs the idle screen on thedisplay unit 141. - Alternatively, while in the idle state shown in the
first screen view 301, if a given time elapses or if a predefined input signal is received, thecontrol unit 160 controls thetouch screen 140 to enter into the touch semi-lock state and also outputs the touch-lock icon 30 as shown in thesecond screen view 303. The above-mentioned given time may be adjusted according to a user's setting made through a suitable menu that themobile device 100 provides. Also, the above-mentioned predefined input signal may be a signal received from a specific key used to enter the touch semi-lock state. - In the touch semi-lock state shown in the
second screen view 303, thecontrol unit 160 may retrieve thehot menu 10 from thememory unit 150 and then output the retrievedhot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141. In this example, thehot menu 10 consists of some of thephonebook data 31. Items contained in thehot menu 10 may be determined according to a user's setting, and thus themobile device 100 may offer a hot menu setting function. If a user selects two sets of thephonebook data 31, thecontrol unit 160 arrangesphonebook images 310 corresponding to the selected sets of thephonebook data 31 on thedisplay unit 141. Here, eachphonebook image 310 displayed on thedisplay unit 141 may partially contain each set of thephonebook data 31. For example, thephonebook image 310 may contain graphic data such as a photo, text data such as a phone number or a user name, and such. As mentioned above, thecontrol unit 160 further outputs the touch-lock icon 30 on thedisplay unit 141. The touch-lock icon 30 indicates that themobile device 100 is in the touch semi-lock state. As will be described below, the touch-lock icon 30 is used to cancel the touch semi-lock state and to activate a selected end-user function. In the touch semi-lock state, only the area of the touch-lock icon may be unlocked to receive a user's touch input, while the other area on thetouch panel 143 is locked. Namely, as mentioned above, only the output area of the touch-lock icon may be defined as a touch event allowable region. Here, a locked area in the touch semi-lock state does not generate a touch event, or a touch event generated in the locked area is ignored. - Thereafter, as shown in the
third screen view 305, a user can touch the touch-lock icon 30 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-down event is generated). When the touch-down event occurs, thecontrol unit 160 may temporarily cancel the touch semi-lock state applied to the entire area of thetouch panel 143. Then a user can move the touch-lock icon 30 to at least partially overlap thephonebook image 310. For example, after touching the touch-lock icon 30, a user can drag the touch-lock icon 30 onto the phonebook image 310 (i.e., a drag event is generated). Thereafter, a user can select a desired one of thephonebook images 310 by removing contact from thetouch panel 143 while the touch-lock icon 30 overlaps the desiredphonebook image 310 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-up event is generated). When the touch-up event occurs, thecontrol unit 160 recognizes the selection of aspecific phonebook image 310 by comparing the locations of the touch-lock icon 30 and the items of thehot menu 10 at the time of the touch-up event on thetouch panel 143. - Next, as shown in the
fourth screen view 307, thecontrol unit 160 may perform a particular end-user function that corresponds to the specific item selected by the touch-lock icon 30. For example, thecontrol unit 160 may support a speed dialing function by allowing a communication channel to be formed for a phone number selected by the touch-lock icon 30. While the speed dialing function is activated, thecontrol unit 160 may maintain or completely cancel the touch semi-lock state according to a user's setting option or the default option. In some embodiments, the user's setting option may selectively indicate a keep or cancel of the touch semi-lock state for each end-user function and also may be varied at a user's request. - Meanwhile, if the touch-up event occurs at a certain region other than the
phonebook images 310 after the touch-lock icon 30 is dragged on thetouch panel 143, thecontrol unit 160 may maintain the touch semi-lock state. Additionally, if the touch-down event continues for a given time on the touch-lock icon 30 (i.e., a touch and hold event is generated), thecontrol unit 160 may cancel the touch semi-lock state. Moreover, when the touch semi-lock state is canceled, thecontrol unit 160 may remove thephonebook images 310 corresponding to thehot menu 10 from thedisplay unit 141. Alternatively, thecontrol unit 160 may keep thehot menu 10 appearing on thedisplay unit 141 even though the touch semi-lock state is canceled. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a user interface of a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 4 , thecontrol unit 160 of themobile device 100 may activate a particular end-user function at a user's request and then may output a prearranged screen on thedisplay unit 141 as shown in thefirst screen view 401. For example, when receiving an input signal for activating a music play function, thecontrol unit 160 may activate a music player used for a playback of a selected music file. Then thecontrol unit 160 may output a certain screen in connection with the activation of the music player on thedisplay unit 141. This screen may contain a region for outputting information about a selected music file, and a region for controlling the playback of a music file in use. - Although the music player is running, the
control unit 160 may cause themobile device 100 to enter into the touch semi-lock state after a given time elapses, as shown in thesecond screen view 403. Therefore, thetouch panel 143 may be locked except at a predefined region of the touch-lock icon 30. When themobile device 100 enters into the touch semi-lock state, thecontrol unit 160 may retrieve thehot menu 10 from thememory unit 150 and then output somemenu images 410 on thedisplay unit 141. Themenu images 410 correspond to the retrievedhot menu 10 and are selected by a user among menu items available for themobile device 100, such as, but not limited to, an e—mail item, a baseball game item, and a camera item. Such menu items provided as themenu images 410 may be modified, added, or deleted according to a user's setting or environments of themobile device 100. Thecontrol unit 160 may also output the touch-lock icon 30 on thedisplay unit 141. Here, thecontrol unit 160 may define a specific area of thetouch panel 143, being equal to or greater than the output area of the touch-lock icon 30, as a touch event allowable region. - Thereafter, as shown in the
third screen view 405, a user can touch the touch-lock icon 30 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-down event is generated). Then a user can drag the touch-lock icon 30 onto the menu images 410 (i.e., a drag event is generated) and select a desired one of themenu images 410 by taking a finger off the desiredmenu image 410 on the touch panel 143 (i.e., a touch-up event is generated). For example, a user can drag the touch-lock icon 30 to overlap a camera item of themenu images 410 and then release the finger from the touch-lock icon 30. - Then, as shown in the
fourth screen view 407, thecontrol unit 160 may perform a particular end-user function that corresponds to the camera item selected by the touch-lock icon 30. For example, thecontrol unit 160 may output an image acquired by a camera in a preview form on thedisplay unit 141 and then save the acquired image in response to a given input signal received from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140. On the other hand, if themobile device 100 supports a multitasking function for the aforesaid music play function and the camera function, thecontrol unit 160 may continue the music play function while the camera function is running. Therefore, theaudio processing unit 130 of themobile device 100 may output audio data produced by a playback of a music file through the speaker (SPK) or an earphone. In thefourth screen view 407, thecontrol unit 160 may cancel the touch semi-lock state by unlocking the entire area of thetouch panel 143. - As discussed, the user interface, according to embodiments of this invention, outputs some images related to items of the
hot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141 while in the touch semi-lock state. When a user selects a specific one of such images by dragging the touch-lock icon thereon, the user interface allows themobile device 100 to activate a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected image as well as to cancel the touch semi-lock state. Therefore, themobile device 100 can quickly and easily perform a selected end-user function even in the touch semi-lock state and simultaneously cancel the touch semi-lock state. - Now, a method for operating the
mobile device 100 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a process for operating a mobile device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 5 , when power is supplied, thecontrol unit 160 of themobile device 100 initializes each element of themobile device 100 and then outputs a predefined idle screen on thedisplay unit 141 according to a given schedule inblock 501. Additionally, when a certain end-user function in use is deactivated or if a sleep mode is canceled, thecontrol unit 160 may output the idle screen on thedisplay unit 141 according to a given schedule. - In
block 503, thecontrol unit 160 receives an input signal from theinput unit 120 or thetouch screen 140, and then determines whether the received input signal is for an entry into the touch semi-lock state. When receiving an input signal from a specific key in theinput unit 120 or when there is no input signal for a given time, thecontrol unit 160 may determine that the input signal indicating an entry into the touch semi-lock state is received. - If the received input signal is not for an entry into the touch semi-lock state, the
control unit 160 performs a particular function corresponding to the received input signal inblock 505. For example, thecontrol unit 160 may perform a camera function, a call function, a music file play function, a search function, a web access function, and so forth, in response to the received input signal. Additionally, thecontrol unit 160 may maintain a specific end-user function earlier activated if there is no input signal for a given time. - If the received input signal is for an entry into the touch semi-lock state, the
control unit 160 enters into the touch semi-lock state and then outputs thehot menu 10 and the touch-lock icon 30 on thedisplay unit 141 inblock 507. In an embodiment, thecontrol unit 160 retrieves thehot menu 10 from thememory unit 150 and then arranges items contained in thehot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141. In addition, thecontrol unit 160 may define an output area of the touch-lock icon 30 as the only touch event allowable region on thetouch panel 143. Therefore, even though displayed on thetouch screen 140, thehot menu 10 may not respond to any touch event at this time. - In
block 509, thecontrol unit 160 determines whether an input signal for touching the touch-lock icon 30 is received from thetouch screen 140. If the received input signal is not related to the touch-lock icon 30, thecontrol unit 160 remains in the touch semi-lock state inblock 507. If the received input signal indicates a touch on the touch-lock icon 30, thecontrol unit 160 temporarily defines the entire area of thetouch panel 143 as the touch event allowable region and then traces a change in location of the touch-lock icon 30. Meanwhile, if themobile device 100 is designed to determine the validity of a touch event received from thetouch panel 143 depending on whether to enter into the touch semi-lock state, it is not always required to expand the touch event allowable region. Namely, after a touch event occurs on the touch-lock icon 30, thecontrol unit 160 may accept any subsequent touch event as a valid touch event without expanding the touch event allowable region. Alternatively, thecontrol unit 160 may disregard all touch events occurring on any regions other than the touch-lock icon 30 by accepting them as invalid touch events. - In
block 511, thecontrol unit 160 determines whether the touch-lock icon 30 is moved onto a certain item of thehot menu 10. For example, thecontrol unit 160 determines whether the touch-lock icon 30 overlaps one of the items arranged in thehot menu 10 on thedisplay unit 141. If the touch-lock icon 30 is not placed on any item, thecontrol unit 160 may perform a particular function in response to any other input signal. For example, when receiving an input signal for canceling the touch semi-lock state, thecontrol unit 160 may cancel the touch semi-lock state in response to the received input signal inblock 513. Alternatively, if the touch-lock icon 30 is not placed on any time, the control unit may return to the touch semi-lock state. - If the touch-
lock icon 30 is placed on a selected one of items contained in thehot menu 10 inblock 511—namely, if the touch-lock icon 30 overlaps a selected item and then the touch-up event occurs—thecontrol unit 160 cancels the touch semi-lock state and also activates a particular end-user function corresponding to the selected item inblock 515. For example, if the selected item corresponds to thephonebook data 31, thecontrol unit 160 performs a dialing function based on the selectedphonebook data 31. At this time, thecontrol unit 160 may maintain or cancel the touch semi-lock state according to a predetermined option. Alternatively, if the selected item is related to a web access function, thecontrol unit 160 may perform a communication function to access a specific server based on a sever address contained in the selected item. Likewise, when a specific item of thehot menu 10 is selected by the touch-lock icon 30 placed thereon, thecontrol unit 160 not only cancels the touch semi-lock state, but also activates an end-user function corresponding to the selected item. - In
block 517, thecontrol unit 160 determines whether to turn off the power. If there is no input signal for power-off, thecontrol unit 160 returns to block 503 and then repeats the process. - Although in the aforesaid embodiment the touch-
lock icon 30 is moved in response to a touch-down event and a drag event on thetouch screen 140 and then selects a specific one item in response to a touch-up event, this is only illustrative and not to be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Alternatively, the touch-lock icon 30 may be moved depending on the navigation key of theinput unit 120 and then select an item depending on the OK key of theinput unit 120 and highlight effects on thedisplay unit 141. - The above-discussed
mobile device 100 may essentially or selectively include any other elements. For example, themobile device 100 may further include a short distance communication module, a digital camera module, a wired or wireless data transmission interface, an Internet access module, a digital broadcast receiving module, and so forth. According to a digital convergence tendency today, such elements may be varied, modified and improved in various ways, and any other elements equivalent to the above elements may be additionally or alternatively equipped in themobile device 100. Meanwhile, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, some of the above-mentioned elements in themobile device 100 may be omitted or replaced with another. - Additionally, the
mobile device 100 of this invention may include any types of electronic devices that may support a touch semi-lock state. For example, the mobile device may include communication devices, multimedia players and their application equipment, especially including many mobile communication terminals based on various communication protocols, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a digital broadcasting player, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a music player (e.g., an MP3 player), a portable game console, a smart phone, a notebook, a handheld personal computer, and such. - Although the present disclosure has been described with an exemplary embodiment, various changes and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (21)
1-20. (canceled)
21. A method for operating a mobile device supporting a touch lock state, the method comprising:
displaying, when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state, a plurality of icons on a screen, the plurality of icons including a first icon and a second icon;
receiving an indication of a user touch of the first icon;
determining, based on the received indication of the user touch of the first icon, whether the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon; and
executing, when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon, a function corresponding to the second icon.
22. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:
converting, when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon, the mobile device from the touch lock state to a touch unlock state.
23. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:
maintaining, when the first icon does not at least partially overlap the second icon, the mobile device in the touch lock state.
24. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:
moving the first icon based on the received indication of the user touch of the first icon.
25. The method of claim 24 , further comprising:
displaying a change of a location of the moving first icon from an original location of the first icon, when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state.
26. The method of claim 25 , further comprising:
returning, when the first icon does not at least partially overlap the second icon, the first icon to the original location.
27. The method of claim 21 , wherein a user touch on regions of the screen other than an area displaced by the first icon is disregarded when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state.
28. The method of claim 21 , wherein the function corresponding to the second icon is a camera function.
29. The method of claim 21 , further comprising:
displaying the executed function when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon.
30. A mobile device supporting a touch lock state, the mobile device comprising:
a touch screen configured to display a plurality of icons, the plurality of icons including a first icon and a second icon, and receive a user touch of the first icon; and
a control unit configured to:
control the touch screen to display, when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state, the plurality of icons including the first icon;
determine, based on an indication of the user touch of the first icon, whether the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon; and
execute, when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon, a function corresponding to the second icon.
31. The mobile device of claim 30 , wherein the controller is further configured to convert, when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon, the mobile device from the touch lock state to a touch unlock state.
32. The mobile device of claim 30 , wherein the controller is further configured to maintain, when the first icon does not at least partially overlap the second icon, the mobile device in the touch lock state.
33. The mobile device of claim 30 , wherein the controller is further configured to move the first icon based on the indication of the user touch of the first icon.
34. The mobile device of claim 33 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the touch screen to display a change of a location of the moving first icon from an original location of the first icon, when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state.
35. The mobile device of claim 34 , wherein the controller is further configured to return, when the first icon does not at least partially overlap the second icon, the first icon to the original position.
36. The mobile device of claim 30 , where a user touch on regions of the touch screen other than an area displaced by the first icon is disregarded, when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state.
37. The mobile device of claim 30 , wherein the function corresponding to the second icon is a camera function.
38. The mobile device of claim 30 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the touch screen to display the executed function when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon.
39. A non-transitory machine-readable storage device in a mobile device that supports a touch lock state, the storage device storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:
displaying, when the mobile device enters into the touch lock state, a plurality of icons on a screen, the plurality of icons including a first icon and a second icon;
receiving an indication of a user touch of the first icon;
determining, based on the received indication of the user touch of the first icon, whether the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon; and
executing, when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon, a function corresponding to the second icon.
40. The storage device of claim 39 , further storing instructions for:
converting, when the first icon at least partially overlaps the second icon, the mobile device from the touch lock state to a touch unlock state.
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Also Published As
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KR20110047409A (en) | 2011-05-09 |
US8737966B2 (en) | 2014-05-27 |
US20110105193A1 (en) | 2011-05-05 |
KR101608673B1 (en) | 2016-04-05 |
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