TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a system and an associated method for manipulating information on a touch-sensitive display .

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] The present disclosure relates to user interfaces for mobile devices. Conventional mobile devices are often dedicated to performing specific functions. For example, a mobile phone provides telephony services, a personal digital assistant (PDA) provides a way to organize addresses, contacts and notes, a media player plays content, email devices provide email communication, a browser to surf the Internet, etc. Modern mobile devices can often include two or more of these functions .

[0004] In particular, a mobile device can include a number of different applications, which a user can access independent of other applications. For example, the mobile device can include one or more games, web applications, or productivity applications .

[0005] Mobile devices are becoming more and more ubiquitous in everyday life, being used for communication as well as for accessing a variety of services, such as online shopping, for example. As a result, the manipulation of information on typically a touch-sensitive display or touchscreen is an important aspect of interacting with a mobile device.

[0006] Conventional devices generally display information in a manner that a user can ^x swipe scroll' vertically and/or horizontally, depending on the type of information and device used. Some information is displayed to simulate momentum as a user swipe scrolls through it. For example, a user can ^lick' information up or down on a touchscreen, a speed of scrolling depending on the velocity of the user's finger, or the like.

[0007] Such conventional information manipulation on a touchscreen is not always best suited for certain types of information. For example, in an online shopping scenario where a large number of products are to be displayed, it can be an overly involved and undesired browsing experience for a user to flick swipe scroll through numerous products. Another example is a scenario where a user wishes to quickly browse a number of images, such as photographs on a virtual camera roll application, and select only some of the images.

[0008] The present invention was conceived with these shortcomings in mind. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for manipulating information on a touch- sensitive display, said system comprising a processor arranged in signal communication with the display and configured to operatively display a graphical user interface GUI') thereon, the GUI including:

a display window wherein information from a database is operatively displayable by the processor; and

a scroll bar proximate the display window, the processor configured so that a scroll speed of information in the display window is proportional to a position of a touch input along a length of the scroll bar in relation to the overall length thereof .

[0010] As will be generally appreciated by the skilled addressee, two variables are proportional if a change in one is accompanied by a relational change in the other. For example, if an overall length of the scroll bar is representable as ^λ 10' and a position of the touch input is at M' along the overall length thereof, a scroll speed of information in the display window may be M/10' or 40%, or the like. Such relational proportionality need not necessarily be a linear relationship.

[0011] Typically, the information may include text, images, video, etc.

[0012] In one example, the processor is configured to determine a scroll direction of the information in the display window according to a direction of movement from a first touch input to a second touch input along the scroll bar. [0013] In one example, the touch input along the length of the scroll bar requires a continuous touch input, wherein ceasing the touch input stops the scroll speed.

[0014] In another example, the touch input along the length of the scroll bar requires a momentary touch input, wherein a further momentary touch input along the scroll bar and/or anywhere in the display window adjusts and/or stops the scroll speed .

[0015] Typically, the display window comprises more than 80% of a surface of the display area or display real estate.

[0016] Typically, the scroll bar comprises less than 20% of a surface of the display area or display real estate.

[0017] In one example, the processor is configured to adjust the scroll speed of information in the display window in accordance with a data size of the information and an available bandwidth between the database and the processor, so that the information is smoothly displayable irrespective of selected scroll speed.

[0018] In another example, the processor is configured to compress the information prior to displaying same in the display window in accordance a data size of the information and an available bandwidth between the database and the processor, so that the information is smoothly displayable irrespective of selected scroll speed.

[0019] It is to be appreciated that reference in this specification to bandwidth generally refers to a data transmission capacity of a transmission channel. Similarly, reference herein to transmission channel is generally to be understood to refer to any communications channel such as an assigned carrier frequency for wireless data transmission, or a physical media channel such as a data cable, and typically comprises any physical transmission medium or logical connection over a multiplexed medium, e.g. a radio channel in telecommunications and computer networking.

[0020] Accordingly, reference herein to an act of compressing the information may include any act or instance of reducing or removing irrelevance and/or redundancy from the information in order to be able to transmit said image data using less bandwidth than before such compression, and includes digital image resolution reduction and related pixel sampling and compression techniques and algorithms.

[0021] In one example, the touch-sensitive display is configured responsive to different levels of force applied thereto, i.e. pressure sensitivity.

[0022] Accordingly, the processor is configured to pause the scroll speed and emphasise information in the display window upon receipt of a first force touch input being of a higher force than the touch input, the scroll speed resuming upon ceasing of the first force touch input and returning to the touch input. It is to be appreciated that such emphasis may include zooming, highlighting, etc.

[0023] Alternatively, the processor is configured to select the information in the display window upon receipt of a first force touch input being of a higher force than the touch input without interrupting the scroll speed, such selecting marking the information for further action by the processor.

[0024] In another example, the processor is configured to perform an action on the information in the display window upon receipt of a second force touch input being of a higher force than both the first force and touch inputs, such action determined by a type of information actively displayed.

[0025] For example, where the information comprises images, an image may be opened and displayed at increased resolution; or where the information comprises video clips, a video clip can be played, etc.

[0026] In one example, the processor is configured to save or store information displayed in the display window in a preconfigured sub-database or space in said database upon receipt of a touch input dragging such information past a predetermined threshold of the display window.

[0027] In one example, the processor is configured to undo an earlier action upon receipt of a touch input dragging information displayed in the display window past a predetermined threshold of the display window.

[0028] Typically, the predetermined threshold is user- configurable .

[0029] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for manipulating information on a touch- sensitive display arranged in signal communication with a processor configured to operatively display a graphical user interface GUI') thereon, the GUI having a display window wherein information from a database is operatively displayable by the processor and a scroll bar proximate the display window, the method comprising the steps of:

displaying the information from the database in the display window;

receiving a touch input via the scroll bar; and

adjusting, via the processor, a scroll speed of information in the display window proportional to a position of the touch input along a length of the scroll bar in relation to the overall length thereof.

[0030] Typically, the information may include text, images, video, etc.

[0031] In one example, the method includes the step of, via the processor, determining a scroll direction of the information in the display window according to a direction of movement from a first touch input to a second touch input along the scroll bar.

[0032] In one example, the touch input along the length of the scroll bar requires a continuous touch input, wherein ceasing the touch input stops the scroll speed.

[0033] In another example, the touch input along the length of the scroll bar requires a momentary touch input, wherein a further momentary touch input along the scroll bar and/or anywhere in the display window adjusts and/or stops the scroll speed .

[0034] In one example, the method includes the step of, via the processor, adjusting the scroll speed of information in the display window in accordance with a data size of the information and an available bandwidth between the database and the processor, so that the information is smoothly displayable irrespective of selected scroll speed.

[0035] In another example, the method includes the step of, via the processor, compressing the information prior to displaying same in the display window in accordance a data size of the information and an available bandwidth between the database and the processor, so that the information is smoothly displayable irrespective of selected scroll speed.

[0036] In one example, the touch-sensitive display is configured responsive to different levels of force applied thereto, i.e. pressure sensitivity.

[0037] Accordingly, the method includes the step of, via the processor, pausing the scroll speed and emphasising information in the display window upon receipt of a first force touch input being of a higher force than the touch input, the scroll speed resuming upon ceasing of the first force touch input and returning to the touch input. It is to be appreciated that such emphasis may include zooming, highlighting, etc.

[0038] Alternatively, the method includes the step of, via the processor, selecting the information in the display window upon receipt of a first force touch input being of a higher force than the touch input without interrupting the scroll speed, such selecting marking the information for further action by the processor.

[0039] In another example, the method includes the step of, via the processor, performing an action on the information in the display window upon receipt of a second force touch input being of a higher force than both the first force and touch inputs, such action determined by a type of information actively displayed.

[0040] For example, where the information comprises images, an image may be opened and displayed at increased resolution; or where the information comprises video clips, a video clip can be played, etc.

[0041] In one example, the method includes the step of, via the processor, saving or storing information displayed in the display window in a preconfigured sub-database or space in said database upon receipt of a touch input dragging such information past a predetermined threshold of the display window .

[0042] In one example, the method includes the step of, via the processor, undoing an earlier action upon receipt of a touch input dragging information displayed in the display window past a predetermined threshold of the display window.

[0043] Typically, the predetermined threshold is user- configurable .

[0044] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile phone handset comprising the system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0045] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a computer programme product which, when executed by a suitable processing system, enables performance of the method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatical representation of an example of a conventional mobile phone handset;

Figure 2 illustrates a functional block diagram of an example processing system that can be utilised to embody or give effect to a particular embodiment of the system for manipulating information on a touch-sensitive display, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figures 3 to 7 are diagrammatical representations of a display of the mobile phone handset of Figure 1 showing examples of manipulating information thereon, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

Figure 8 is a flow diagram showing method steps for manipulating information on a touch-sensitive display, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figures 9 to 12 are diagrammatical representations of a display of the mobile phone handset of Figure 1 showing examples of manipulating information thereon, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

Figure 13 is a flow diagram showing method steps for manipulating information on a touch-sensitive display, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figures 14 to 18 are diagrammatical representations of a display of the mobile phone handset of Figure 1 showing examples of manipulating information thereon, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

Figure 19 is a diagrammatical representation of a display of the mobile phone handset of Figure 1 showing an example of touch input to store or save displayed information; and

Figure 20 is a flow diagram showing method steps for manipulating information on a touch-sensitive display, in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non- limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0047] Figure 1 shows a typical mobile phone handset 10 having a touch-sensitive display, as is well known in the art. The display 12 of such a mobile phone 10 generally includes some manner of graphical user interface ('GUI') 14 via which a user can manipulate the handset 12. In this example, the GUI 14 shows a typical 'home' screen layout, with icons 16 representing specific applications or apps that the phone can execute or run. [0048] Figure 2 shows a generic processing system 100 which can be used to realise the inner workings of the mobile phone handset 10. In particular, the processing system 100 generally includes at least one processor 102, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 104, at least one input device 106 and at least one output device 108, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 110.

[0049] An interface 112 can also be provided for coupling the processing system 100 to one or more peripheral devices or systems, for example interface 112 could be a mobile phone network interface, a Bluetooth interface, a Wi-Fi interface, a Near-Field Communication ( ^λ ΝΘ0' ) interface, and/or the like. At least one storage device 114 which houses at least one database 116 can also be provided. It is further to be appreciated that the database 116 could also be part of a remote processing system arranged in signal communication with the processing system 100 via interface 112, or the like. For example, a database with a website that is hosted on the Internet and accessible by processing system 100 via a Wi-Fi interface 112, or the like.

[0050] The storage device 114 can be any form of data or information storage means, for example, volatile or non ^¬ volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. Similarly, the memory 104 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 102 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions within the processing system 100. [0051] Input device 106 receives input data 118 and can include, for example, a touch-sensitive display or touchscreen for receiving tactile input, a microphone for audio input, etc. Output device 108 produces or generates output data 120 and can include, for example, a display device in which case output data 120 is visual, a speaker for audible output, etc. Output data 120 could also be distinct and derived from different output devices, for example a visual display on a display in conjunction with data transmitted to a network via interface 112, or the like.

[0052] In use, the processing system 100 is adapted to allow data or information to be stored in and/or retrieved from, via wired or wireless communication means, the at least one database 116. The interface 112 may allow wired and/or wireless communication between the processing unit 102 and peripheral components that may serve a specialised purpose. The processor 102 receives instructions as input data 118 via input device 106 and can display processed results or other output to a user by utilising output device 108. More than one input device 106 and/or output device 108 can be provided. Although the present invention will be exemplified by means of mobile phone handset 10, it should be appreciated that the processing system 100 may be any form of terminal, server, specialised hardware, or the like, such as the mobile phone 10, a tablet computer, a desktop computer, etc.

[0053] Now that a basic description of a suitable processing system 100 has been provided, one embodiment of the present invention comprises a system 100 for manipulating information on a touch-sensitive display 12. Such as system 100 comprises a processor 102 arranged in signal communication with the display 12 with the processor 102 configured to operatively display a graphical user interface GUI') 14 thereon, as shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0054] The GUI 14 typically includes a display window 20 wherein information from the database 116 is operatively displayable by the processor 102, and a scroll bar 22 proximate the display window 20, as shown. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the information can include text, images, video, etc. For example, the information could comprise images, text, or video clips hosted on a website on the Internet which a user wishes to browse, or the like. Typically, the display window 20 comprises more than 80% of a surface of the display area or real estate and the scroll bar 22 comprises less than 20% of a surface of the display area or real estate, but other configurations are possible and within the scope of the invention. The scroll bar 22 may also form part of the display window 20, and/or be movable to a desired position in and/or proximate the display window 20, i.e. a location thereof be user-configurable, or the like.

[0055] As more clearly shown in Figures 3 and 4, the processor 102 is typically configured such that a scroll speed of information 18 displayed in the display window 20 is proportional to a position of a touch input 24 along a length 26 of the scroll bar 22 in relation to the overall length 28 thereof. It is to be appreciated that a touch input 24 (also first and second force touch inputs 30 and 32) are represented herein by a fingerprint' indicator, as shown throughout, where a force or pressure of such touch input 24, 30, 32 is generally represented by a size of the indicator, i.e. a more forceful touch input is shown by a larger indicator. [0056] For example, Figure 4 shows the touch input 24 at approximately a 50% length 26 from the right of the scroll bar 22 in relation to the overall length 28 of the scroll bar 22 shown in Figure 3. Accordingly, in this example the scroll speed of the information 18 in the display window 20 could be at 50% of its maximum, or the like.

[0057] As shown in Figure 5, in one example, the processor 102 is configured to determine a scroll direction of the information 18 in the display window 20 according to a direction of movement from a first touch input 24.1 to a second touch input 24.2 along the length of the scroll bar 22. For example, a user could scroll the information 18 to the left by providing touch input 24 and slightly moving said touch input to the left, or the like.

[0058] In one example, the touch input 24 along the length of the scroll bar 22 requires a continuous touch input, wherein ceasing the touch input 24 stops the scroll speed, as shown in Figure 7. In another example, the touch input 24 along the length of the scroll bar 22 requires a momentary touch input, wherein a further momentary touch input along the scroll bar 22 and/or anywhere in the display window 20 adjusts and/or stops the scroll speed, or the like.

[0059] Importantly, in one example, the processor 102 is configured to adjust the scroll speed of information 18 in the display window 20 in accordance with a data size of the information 18 and an available bandwidth between the database 116 and the processor 102, so that the information 18 is smoothly displayable irrespective of selected scroll speed. [0060] In another example, the processor 102 is configured to compress the information 18 prior to displaying same in the display window 20 in accordance a data size of the information 18 and an available bandwidth between the database 116 and the processor 102, so that the information 18 is smoothly displayable irrespective of selected scroll speed.

[0061] As will be appreciated, conventional web browsing requires information to be downloaded from the Internet, e.g. a collection of images from remotely-hosted database 116. This is a problem in particular on mobile devices having limited bandwidth. The present invention allows for browsing items by rather than download data in the background at extra cost to the user, automatically adapting to the user's available bandwidth on their mobile device 10, as per either of the above automatic scroll speed adjustment.

[0062] For example, if each information item is 1 megabyte in size and the user's bandwidth is limited to 3 megabytes per second, the processor 102 can limit the maximum scroll speed to 3 items per second so that even at maximum browsing speed the user's browsing experience is uninterrupted.

[0063] Alternatively, where the information 18 is images and each image is 1 megabyte in size and the user's bandwidth is limited to 3 megabytes per second, the processor 102 can compress the information such that the maximum scroll speed is 6 image per second, i.e. reduce the quality of the image by 50% to avoid interrupting the user's browsing experience

(3 / 6 = 0.5 = 50%) . This example generally ignores network latency . [0064] Figure 8 shows an example of process steps 40 for the system 100 to facilitate such scroll speed adjustment of information 18 displayed in the display window 20 such that it is proportional to a position of a touch input 24 along a length 26 of the scroll bar 22 in relation to the overall length 28 thereof.

[0065] Referring now to Figures 9 to 12, there is shown an example wherein the touch-sensitive display 12 is configured responsive to different levels of force applied thereto, i.e. pressure sensitivity. In such an example, the processor 102 is configured to pause the scroll speed and emphasise information in the display window upon receipt of a first force touch input 30 being of a higher force than the touch input 24, the scroll speed resuming upon ceasing of the first force touch input 30 and returning to the touch input. It is to be appreciated that such emphasis may include zooming, highlighting, etc.

[0066] In the example of Figures 14 to 18, the processor 102 is alternatively or additionally configured to select the information in the display window upon receipt of a first force touch input being of a higher force than the touch input without interrupting the scroll speed, such selecting marking the information for further action by the processor. Following such selection, filter icon 34 provides suitable filtering features upon receipt of a filter touch input 36, as shown. It is to be appreciated that filter icon 34 may provide additional and/or alternative features in other embodiments, such as file deletion, file sharing, and/or the like.

[0067] In another example, the processor 102 is configured to perform an action on the information 18 in the display window 20 upon receipt of a second force touch input 32 being of a higher force than both the first force 30 and touch inputs 24, such action determined by a type of information actively displayed. For example, where the information comprises images, an image may be opened and displayed at increased resolution; or where the information comprises video clips, a video clip can be played, etc.

[0068] Figures 13 and 20 show an example of process steps 40 for the system 100 to facilitate such emphasising and/or selecting of information 18 displayed in the display window 20.

[0069] With reference to Figure 19, there is shown an example wherein the processor 102 of system 100 is generally configured to save or store information displayed in the display window 20 of the display 12 in a preconfigured sub- database or space in said database, as is known in the art, upon receipt of a touch input dragging such information past a predetermined threshold of the display window. In this example, the threshold is typically the bottom of scroll bar 22, but other examples are possible. The processor 102 is also typically configured to undo an earlier action, such as the above save action, upon receipt of a touch input dragging information displayed in the display window 20 past the predetermined threshold. In addition, the predetermined threshold may be user-configurable, as known in the art.

[0070] It is to be appreciated that the invention also provides for an associated method 40 for manipulating information on the touch-sensitive display 12 arranged in signal communication with the processor 102 configured to operatively display the graphical user interface GUI') 14 thereon. The method generally comprises the steps of displaying the information 18 from the database 116 in the display window 20; receiving the touch input 24 via the scroll bar 22; and adjusting, via the processor 102, the scroll speed of information 18 in the display window 20 proportional to a position of the touch input along a length 26 of the scroll bar in relation to the overall length 28 thereof.

[0071] Applicant believes is advantageous that the present invention provides a simple, elegant, intuitive and ergonomic interface whereby a user is able to view and manipulate information on a touch-sensitive display.

[0072] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well- known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0073] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0074] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way. Variations of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0075] Any method steps described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated and additional or alternative steps may also be employed.