CN101211249A - Method for providing menu and multimedia device using same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for providing a menu and a multimedia device using the method. The method for providing a menu includes converting a menu set including at least one icon displayed on the touch screen into an operation set including at least one operation icon for inputting a command related to use of content. Accordingly, the method provides a more easily manipulated menu, which is displayed with superior visual effect on a relatively small-sized screen using a menu set capable of being converted into an operation set.

Description

Method for providing menu and multimedia device using same

technical field

Aspects of the present invention relate to a method for providing a menu, and more particularly, to a method for providing a menu through a touch screen of a multimedia device performing various functions.

Background technique

Recently, the range of functions of multimedia devices has been expanding, allowing video devices to be realized using well-developed digital technologies. Because a multimedia device has many functions, methods of using the multimedia device are various and complicated. In addition, since there are so many functions, a large number of menus are provided to the user through the screen. However, since portable multimedia devices have smaller screens, it is important to more efficiently provide various and complex menus. Furthermore, it is necessary for the menu to be easily manipulated by the user and to have a good visual effect.

Contents of the invention

Aspects of the present invention provide a method for providing a menu and a multimedia device using the same, in which a user can be provided with a menu allowing easy operation and use of a menu set displayed with superior visual effects on a relatively small-sized screen, The menu set can be converted into an action set.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a menu, the method comprising: displaying a menu set including at least one icon on a touch screen; and converting the menu set into an operation set, the operation set comprising at least one action icon for entering commands related to use of the content; and displaying the set of actions. The converting step includes converting a menu set into an operation set, and displaying the converted operation set if there is a specific operation by a user on the touch screen.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the menu set may include at least one menu icon for indicating at least one menu item, and a control icon for inputting a control command related to display of the menu set. The specific operation of the user is to touch the control icon for a predetermined period of time. The outline shape of the icons included in the menu set may be the same as the outline shape of the icons included in the operation set.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the command related to content playback may be at least one selected from the following: content-related playback/stop command, pause command, fast forward command, rewind command, volume up command, Volume down command, channel up command, channel down command. If the content is one of music content and moving image content, the commands related to content playback may include a playback/stop command, a fast forward command, a rewind command, a volume up command, a volume down command. If the content is broadcast content, the commands related to content playback may include a volume up command, a volume down command, a channel up command, a channel down command.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying a menu using a touch screen, which includes: displaying a menu icon set including two or more menu icons; displaying an operation icon set including two or more operation icons , the operation icon is used to input a control command related to the menu item of the menu icon set; select one of the menu icon set and the operation icon set; and display the selected icon set.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the menu icon set may include at least two icons selected from icons indicating Search, Game, Record, Music, Movie, Photo, Document and Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) menu items. The operation icon set may include four direction keys for controlling menu items of the menu icon set.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a method for providing a menu and a multimedia device using the same, in which easier operation and presentation can be provided on a screen with a relatively small size using a menu set including variable menu items. Menus with great visuals.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a menu, which includes: displaying a menu set including at least one menu icon for indicating at least one menu item on a touch screen; A first menu icon of a menu item is changed to a second menu icon indicating a second menu item; and the changed icon is displayed.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the step of changing may include: if the user selects the first menu icon displayed on the touch screen, displaying a menu list in which the menu items are arranged; If a second menu item is selected from the arranged menu items, the first menu icon is changed to a second menu icon indicating the second menu item and the changed icon is displayed. The user may select the first menu icon by touching the first menu icon for a predetermined period. A user may select a second menu item by touching a second menu icon displayed on the menu list. Even if a type of menu item displayed on a menu screen displayed on the touch screen is changed, at least one menu icon included in the menu set may remain unchanged.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of displaying a menu using a touch screen, comprising: displaying a menu set comprising two or more icons, including a menu icon indicating a menu item and a control for controlling the menu icon an icon; and changing a first menu icon indicating a first menu item included in the menu set to a second menu icon indicating a second menu item, and displaying the changed icon.

Aspects of the present invention provide a method for providing a menu in which a content list is provided by a user touching a touch screen in order to provide a menu allowing easier manipulation and efficient display of menu items and a multimedia device using the same.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a menu, which includes: detecting a user's contact with a touch screen; and displaying a content list on the touch screen if it is detected that the user touches the touch screen. The displaying may include displaying a content list if it is detected that a user touches an area on the touch screen where no icons are displayed. The displaying may include displaying a content list on an area adjacent to the area touched by the user.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the content list may be a list about an item selected from among contents that have been played back recently, newly acquired contents, and contents with high playback frequency. The content list may be a list on content selected by the user from among content that has been played back recently, newly acquired content, and content with high playback frequency. The content list may be a list on at least one of Internet sites that have been accessed recently and Internet sites that the user frequently visits.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the user's contact with the touch screen may be performed by touching one of dot matrices displayed on the touch screen. The method may further include displaying the touched dot matrix such that the touched dot matrix may become larger than the other dot matrix.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the method may further include displaying a dot matrix separated by a first distance from the touched dot matrix, so that the dot matrix separated by the first distance from the touched dot matrix becomes greater than a dot matrix spaced a second distance from the touched dot matrix. The first distance may be shorter than the second distance.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing a menu using a touch screen, comprising: displaying a menu set comprising two or more icons including a menu icon indicating a menu item and a menu icon for controlling the menu The icon controls the icon; detects the user's contact with the touch screen; and if it is detected that the user touches the touch screen, displays a content list on the touch screen.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

Description of drawings

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent and easier to understand through the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

1A to 1C are diagrams representing a movable menu set according to one aspect of the present invention;

2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating a process for changing a display state of a menu set according to an aspect of the present invention;

3A to 3D are views illustrating in detail a menu set according to an aspect of the present invention;

4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a process for changing a dot matrix displayed on a touch screen when a user touches the touch screen according to an aspect of the present invention;

5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating a process for executing a command corresponding to a menu item using a menu icon of a menu set and a diagram for changing a display state of the menu set when executing a command corresponding to the menu item according to an aspect of the present invention. processed diagrams;

6A and 6B are diagrams representing another process for changing a display state of a menu set according to an aspect of the present invention;

7A and 7B are diagrams representing a process for directly moving to another menu item using a menu set when executing a command corresponding to a specific menu item according to an aspect of the present invention;

8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a process for converting a menu set into an operation set and displaying the operation set when a content player and the menu set are displayed on a touch screen according to an aspect of the present invention;

9A and 9B are diagrams representing a process for changing a menu item identified by a menu icon to another menu item according to an aspect of the present invention;

10A and 10B are diagrams representing a process for displaying a list of contents that have been played back recently according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a multimedia device capable of providing a Graphical User Interface (GUI) implemented using the above-described menu set according to an aspect of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures.

1A to 1C are views for explaining a movable menu set according to an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a movable menu set displayed on the touch screen 100 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "menu set"). As shown, the menu set includes nine icons. However, the menu set may include any number of icons and may be arranged in asymmetrical as well as symmetrical patterns as shown.

The menu set is movable on the touch screen 100 . The menu set is movable to a position as shown in FIG. 1C by a drag operation performed by the user U as shown in FIG. 1B . More specifically, if the user U drags the "icon placed at the center of the menu set" (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "center icon" or "movable icon") to a desired position, then by dragging across the touch screen 100 and About Center icons are repositioned so that the menu set can be moved. As the menu set moves, the outlines of the nine icons, the entire image, no image, or images of some icons may be displayed. As shown, the control icons are movable throughout the screen 100 and are not restricted to a particular side. However, although illustrated using a central icon, the movable control icon in all aspects may be any displayed icon and need not be a central icon.

In addition, according to an aspect of the present invention, a display state of a menu set can be changed. A process for changing a display state of a menu set according to an aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C . If the user U touches the center icon while the menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 2A , icons of the menu set other than the center icon may disappear from the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 2B . In other words, only the central icon can remain on the touch screen 100 . Accordingly, the number of icons displayed on the touch screen 100 may be reduced by touching the center icon of the menu set. Alternatively, only the center icon may remain on the touch screen 100 if a predetermined period of time has elapsed without any operation by the user U while the menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 . Although not required, the control icon may not be at the center, but may be the same icon as used to move the menu set in FIGS. 1A to 1C . However, the control icons may differ from the control icons shown in Figure 1A, for example when multiple control icons are used to move the menu set or operate the display.

In addition, if the user U touches the center icon again when only the center icon appears on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. In other words, the menu set may be displayed on the touch screen 100 again. Thus the user can increase the number of icons displayed on the touch screen 100 by touching the central icon displayed on the touch screen 100 . However, increasing or decreasing the number of icons displayed on the touch screen 100 is not limited to this; The number of icons in the menu set.

In addition, other commands can be implemented using the menu set, so that the menu set can provide various functions according to the number of times the same menu icon is touched and the length of time the menu icon is touched. Additionally, locking or unlocking of the device may be provided by a series of touches of the menu icon.

3A to 3D are detailed views of a menu set according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows the menu set of FIG. 1A in more detail, and the menu set of FIG. 3A may also include nine icons, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 3A, the nine icons may have the same size, and the shapes of the icons may have the same circular shape; however, the size, shape and number of the icons are not limited thereto.

The icon in the center of the menu set may be a "control icon", and the other eight icons of the menu set other than the control icon may be "menu icons". As described with reference to FIG. 1A , the control icon may correspond to the center icon, but may also be additionally arranged with respect to the menu icon.

A "menu icon" refers to an icon indicating a menu item (that is, an icon for inputting a command to execute a command corresponding to the menu item). The menu icons of FIG. 3A may include icons indicating search, game, record, music, movie, photo, document, and digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) menu items. Again, however, the menu items are not limited thereto and may be customized by the user to include indications related to texting, phone calls, e-mail, personal planning, calendars, maps or GPS, help, information or emergency services. Other icons for entering commands.

The control icons allow input of "control commands concerning the display of the menu set". The "control commands related to the display of the menu set" may include "commands for moving the menu set", "commands for changing the display state of the menu set", or other commands. For example, the control icon (center icon) can be dragged to a desired position in response to the "command to move menu set" input by the user U as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C.

In addition, the "command to change the display state of the menu set" makes the menu icon disappear from the touch screen 100 by touching the control icon (center icon) of the menu set, or allows the display on the touch screen 100 to display the disappeared menu icon again on the touch screen 100 by touching the control icon (center icon) of the menu set. menu icon. Therefore, the display state of the menu set can be recognized by the appearance or disappearance state of a part of the icons included in the menu set.

Referring to FIG. 3A , one dot matrix pattern is arranged at regular intervals on the touch screen 100 . The position where the menu set icon is displayed on the touch screen 100 can be identified by the dot matrix pattern. Therefore, if the user U starts dragging the control icon as shown in FIG. 3B and stops dragging the control icon as shown in FIG. Can move to the dot matrix adjacent to said control icon, so the menu set can be moved. In this way, given the direction of dragging, the menu set can quickly move to the nearest or most logical dot pattern on the touch screen 100, so that if there is no dot matrix position at the end position of the drag, the control icon can be moved to the position corresponding to the end position of the drag. The closest dot matrix position, and the menu icon can be moved to the dot matrix adjacent to the control icon. The menu set can thus be moved to a new location on the touch screen 100 . As shown, the dot matrix is spread over the entire touch screen 100 and arranged at intervals roughly corresponding to the relative positions of the menu icons. However, it should be understood that the dot matrix may be more precise than the distance between adjacent menu icons, and that the spacing may not be uniform.

If the dragging of the menu set is terminated before the user untouches from the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG.

The processing of moving the menu set by the user U's drag operation has been explained above. However, the menu set may be moved by other operations than the user U's drag operation. For example, if the user U touches a control icon as shown in FIG. 3B, and then touches another dot matrix where no control icon is placed as shown in FIG. 3C, the control icon can be moved to another touched dot matrix, and the menu icon can be moved to the dot matrix adjacent to the control icon as shown in Figure 3D, and thus the menu set can be moved. In addition, the user U can tap the control icon and then double-tap another location on the touch screen 100 to move the menu set without dragging. Optionally, if the user U touches the control icon and then drags the control icon a short distance in a specific direction, the control icon can be moved to a dot matrix adjacent to the control icon and placed in the specific direction. The dot matrix in the direction, and the control icon can be moved to the dot matrix adjacent to the control icon, so the menu set can be moved. In addition, for example, when touching the touch screen 100 using a stylus or a pointing device, the user does not need to directly touch the touch screen 100 .

Hereinafter, a process for changing a dot matrix displayed on the touch screen 100 when the user U touches the touch screen 100 according to an aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B . Although the dot matrix is illustrated as being displayed on the touch screen 100, the dot matrix may be present on the touch screen 100 such that the menu set is movable between different setting positions, but the dot matrix may be translucent or fully transparent. In FIG. 4A , the size of the dot matrix touched by the user U may become larger than that of other dot matrices. In addition, the dot matrix closest to the touch dot matrix (the dot matrix placed above, below, left and right of the touch dot matrix) can become smaller than the touch dot matrix, but can be larger than other dot matrix, excluding the touch dot matrix . In other words, when the user U touches the touch screen 100, the size of the dot matrix appearing on the touch screen 100 may be changed. The touched dot matrix, the dot matrix closest to the touched dot matrix, and the dot matrix adjacent to the dot matrix closest to the touched dot matrix are sorted in descending order of size. In this way, the dot matrix with sorted sizes allows the user U to see where the menu set will be moved; The user U can see where the menu set will move when the touch screen 100 is touched for the second time. Also, larger dot matrix elements allow menu sets or control icons to be moved to additional locations, allowing more precise movement relative to touch location.

In addition, if the user U touches the menu icon as shown in FIG. 4B, the size of the dot matrix adjacent to the menu set may be changed. Specifically, the size of the dot matrix closest to the menu set (the dot matrix placed above, below, left and right of the menu set) may be made larger. The dots adjacent to the dot matrix closest to the menu set (the dots placed above, below, to the left and right of the dot matrix closest to the menu set) may be slightly smaller than the dot matrix closest to the menu set. In this way, the dot matrix provides an indication of the new location where the menu set is to be moved; for example, if the user U only moves the menu set a small distance, the dot matrix provides an indication of the new location. Also, larger dot matrix elements allow for additional locations where menu sets or control icons can be moved to allow for more precise movement relative to touch location.

Hereinafter, a process for executing a command corresponding to a menu item identified by a menu icon using a menu icon of a menu set and a process for changing the menu set when executing a command corresponding to the menu item will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D . Shows the processing of the state.

If the user U touches the menu icon, a command corresponding to the menu item identified by the menu icon may be executed. For example, if the user U touches the movie menu icon as shown in FIG. 5A, the movie menu item may be activated, and a moving image player may be presented on the touch screen 100 in response to selection of the movie menu item, as shown in FIG. 5B. In addition, the menu set can be made translucent to allow the user to view the moving image played back through the touch screen 100 displaying the moving image player as shown, or the menu set can disappear to allow undisturbed viewing.

If the user U does not perform any operation for a predetermined period after the moving image player appears, only the translucent control icon may be left on the touch screen 100, as shown in FIG. 5C. In other words, the translucent menu icon may disappear from the touch screen 100 . Or, when the translucent menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 together with the moving image player as shown in FIG. The translucent control icon displayed on 100 is shown in FIG. 5C. In addition, when the semi-transparent control icon is displayed on the touch screen 100 together with the moving image player as shown in FIG. 5C, if the user U touches the semi-transparent control icon as shown in FIG. may appear on the touch screen 100 again.

Another process for changing the display state of a menu set according to an aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. If the user U does not operate for a predetermined period with the menu set displayed on the touch screen 100, the menu set may become semi-transparent (or faintly visible) as shown in FIG. 6A. In addition, if the user U touches the semi-transparent control icon when the semi-transparent menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in the case of displaying a semi-transparent menu set on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. Optionally, in the case of displaying a translucent menu set on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. disappear.

The above-described processing may be applied to a case where a translucent menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 together with an execution screen corresponding to a specific menu item. Specifically, when a translucent menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 together with the execution screen, if the user U does not perform an operation for a predetermined period, the menu blocks displayed on the execution screen together with the menu set may disappear. For example, in the case where a moving image player responding to selecting a movie menu item is displayed on the touch screen 100 together with a translucent menu set as shown in FIG. 5B , if the user U does not perform any operation for a predetermined period of time, the playback motion The menu blocks at the bottom of the touchscreen of FIG. 5B (eg, back button, play button, tab button, stop (square) and fast forward buttons (double triangle)) required by the image may disappear along with the translucent menu set. In addition, if the user U touches an area on the touch screen 100 where the menu block and the menu set are not displayed, the menu block may also disappear together with the menu set. Also, the operations of the menu sets and execution screens are not limited thereto, so that the user U can tap the touch screen 100 twice to make the menu sets or menu blocks semi-transparent or disappear. In addition, menu sets and menu blocks can be moved or dragged during operation of the execution screen in a similar manner to that described above.

A process for directly moving to another menu item while executing a command corresponding to a specific menu item will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B . FIG. 7A illustrates a touch screen 100 on which a moving image player appears in response to a movie menu item according to an aspect of the present invention. Menu items are displayed on the touch screen 100 in a translucent form. In other words, the menu set is displayed overlapping or on top of the moving image player.

A menu set may include control icons as described above and menu icons indicating the most important menu items. In other words, the menu items identified by the menu icons of the menu set (such as search, game, record, music, movie, photo, document and DMB menu items, and may also include other menu items) may be the most important menu items.

If the menu icon of the menu set displayed on the touch screen 100 remains the same menu icon in the same menu set regardless of the type of the execution screen displayed on the touch screen 100, the user can execute a command corresponding to the most important menu item to use The execution screen of the main menu item is activated on the touch screen 100 without searching for the menu item multiple times. Accordingly, the user U may touch a menu icon appearing in the menu set, and thus an execution screen for the most important menu item identified by the touched menu icon may be displayed on the touch screen 100 .

For example, when a moving image player and a menu set are displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 7A, if the user U touches an icon indicating a music menu item, the selection of the music menu item can be displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 7B. Display the audio player. In the same manner, if the user U touches an icon indicating a movie menu item while an audio player and a menu set are displayed on the touch screen 100, a moving image player may appear on the touch screen 100 in response to selection of the movie menu item as shown in FIG. 7A .

If an icon indicating a menu item related to content playback is touched by the user U, a content player can be directly displayed on the touch screen 100, and the content player responds to the selection of the menu item to play back the content that has been recently passed through the content player. The replayed content from the last replay time, or display another content player that is called to replay the content from the last replay time.

Also, if the menu icon touched by the user U is an icon indicating a menu item related to content playback, a content list playable in the content player may be directly displayed on the touch screen 100 . Here, content may refer to moving images (e.g., music or movies), audio tracks, text files or messages, Internet files or web pages, call histories, phonebooks, maps, lists, still images (e.g., pictures), or any other Motion, interactive or stationary information. The menu icon for each content may be a music menu icon, a movie menu icon, an image menu icon, or any menu icon related to the content.

Hereinafter, a process for converting a menu set into an operation set and displaying the operation set when a content player and a menu set are displayed on the touch screen 100 according to an aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B . The operation set may be a combination of operation icons for inputting commands related to content playback.

If the user U touches the control icon for a predetermined period when the audio player appears on the touch screen 100 together with the menu set as shown in FIG. set of operations. The action "continuous touch" is an action in which the user U's finger remains in contact with the icon for a predetermined period of time after the user U's finger has come into contact with the icon.

If the user U touches the operation icon placed at the center of the operation set when the audio player is displayed on the touch screen 100 together with the operation set as shown in FIG. 8B for a predetermined period of time, the operation set can be changed back to FIG. Menu set shown in 8A. User U's continuous touch of the control icon of the menu set causes the touchscreen 100 to display the menu set as an operation set, and user U's continuous touch of the operation icon at the center of the operation set causes the touchscreen 100 to display the menu set.

Referring to FIG. 8B , an operation set of an audio player may include five operation icons, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the five operation icons may have the same size, and the outlines of the respective icons may have the same circular shape. In addition, the size and outline shape of the operation icon may be the same as that of the menu icon (or control icon). The size and outline shape of the operation icons can be different from the menu icons (or control icons) if desired. Also, the size of the operation icon can be changed similarly to the change of the menu set.

Referring to FIG. 8B , an operation set of an audio player may include operation icons for inputting a music playback/stop command, a fast forward command, a rewind command, a volume up command, and a volume down command. However, the operation set may include different types of operation icons according to the type of content player. For example, an operation set for a DMB player may include operation icons for inputting a volume up command, a volume down command, a channel up command, and a channel down command. A moving picture player may have the same set of operations as an audio player. In addition, other commands such as pause or record may be included, or the operation icon may be operated using a different touch of the user U. For example, the same operation icon may provide multiple functions according to the number of times the same operation icon is touched or the length of time the operation icon is touched. In addition, the operation icon can provide a locking or unlocking function to the device by a series of touches of the operation icon to thereby provide security. Additionally, the operational set may include alphanumeric keys to allow entry of information and/or entry of text.

A process for changing a menu item identified by a menu icon to another menu item will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B . If the user U touches a menu icon for a predetermined period when a menu set is displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 9A , a menu list may be displayed on an area adjacent to the touched menu icon as shown in FIG. 9B . At this time, if the user U touches one menu item from among the menu items of the menu list, the menu icon may be changed to an icon indicating the touched menu item. For example, if the user U touches the radio menu item from the menu items of the menu list displayed after the user U touched the music menu icon for a predetermined period of time as shown in FIG. 9B, the music menu item can be changed to indicate the radio menu item of the radio menu item. menu icon.

Hereinafter, a process for displaying a list of contents that have been played back recently according to an aspect of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B . When the dot matrix is arranged and displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 10A , if the user U touches a dot matrix in which no menu set exists for a predetermined period, as shown in FIG. A list of contents that have been played recently (hereinafter, will be simply referred to as "content list") is displayed on the area. In this case, if the user U touches a content selected from among the contents of the content list, the touched content may be played back. For example, if the user U touches "Superman.avi" from the contents of the content list displayed after touching the touch screen 100 for a predetermined period of time at one of the dot matrices displayed on the touch screen 100 as shown in FIG. 10B then A moving image player replaying “Superman.avi” may appear on the touch screen 100 . "Superman.avi" can then be played back at the beginning or where the file was stopped most recently.

The dot matrix touched by the user U for a predetermined period may become larger than other dot matrixes, as shown in FIG. 10B . In addition, the dot matrix closest to the dot matrix touched for the predetermined period (the dot matrix placed above, below, left and right of the dot matrix touched for the predetermined period) may be smaller than the dot matrix touched for the predetermined period, but larger than the other dot matrix. lattice. In other words, when the user U touches the touch screen 100 for a predetermined period, the size of the dot matrix appearing on the touch screen 100 may change. The dot matrix touched for the predetermined period, the dot matrix closest to the dot matrix touched for the predetermined period, and the dot matrix adjacent to the dot matrix closest to the dot matrix touched for the predetermined period are sorted in descending order of size.

In addition to the list of content that has been played back recently, a list of newly acquired content or a list of content with high playback frequency can also be displayed. In addition, when the user U touches a dot matrix of the touchscreen 100 where no menu set exists for a predetermined period, the user U may set the type of the displayed list. In addition, the user U may designate a portion of the touch screen 100 to touch for a predetermined period of time to display a different menu. For example, when touched for a predetermined period, the upper left corner of the display may display content that has been played recently; however, when touched for a predetermined period, the lower left corner of the display may display newly acquired content. In addition, if the user U touches a dot matrix portion where no menu set exists for a predetermined period, a list of Internet sites that have been visited recently or a list of Internet sites that the user frequently visits may also be displayed on the touch screen 100 .

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a multimedia device capable of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) executed using the above-described menu set. In FIG. 11 , the multimedia device includes a multimedia function box 210 , a GUI part 220 , a touch screen 230 and a controller 240 . Although not required, the device may be a portable handheld device such as a media player, telephone or PDA. However, it is also possible to implement the means on a computer, such as a portable or non-portable computer.

The multimedia function block 210 can perform original functions of the multimedia device, such as file search, game, record, music playback, movie playback, picture playback, document preparation, DMB playback, image capture, call or other functions.

The GUI part 220 may add a GUI implemented using a menu set to an image generated through the multimedia function box 210 . An image output from the GUI part 220 added with a GUI implemented using a menu set may be displayed on the touch screen 230 . In addition, the touch screen 230 is used to input actions of the user U, such as “touch”, “hold touch”, “drag” or other actions.

The controller 240 can control operations for performing the functions of the multimedia function box 210 according to user operations input through the touch screen 230 or other operating devices (such as buttons, switches, knobs, keys, control pads, etc. (not shown). In addition, the control The controller 240 can control the GUI part 220 so that the GUI provided in response to the user's operation can be displayed on the touch screen 230. Specifically, if the user inputs a command for moving the menu set through the touch screen 230, the controller 240 controls the GUI part 220 so that it can respond The input command moves and displays the menu set. If the user inputs an order for changing the display state of the menu set through the touch screen 230, the controller 240 can control the GUI part 220 so that the display state of the menu set can be changed so that It is displayed in response to an input command.

In addition, if the user does not input any operation command through the touch screen 230 for a predetermined period, the controller 240 may control the GUI part 220 so that a display state of a menu set may be changed or the device becomes locked. In addition, if the user touches a dot matrix displayed on the touch screen 230, the controller 240 may allow the GUI part 220 to change the display state of the dot matrix, or display a menu list or display in an area adjacent to the touched dot matrix. Contents list.

The controller 240 may also control the GUI part 220 so that a menu set may be converted into an operation set and the converted operation set may be displayed. In addition, the controller 240 may control an operation for performing a function of the multimedia function box 210 such that a command corresponding to a menu item touched by the user can be performed.

As described above, according to aspects of the present invention, the user can provide a menu that can be operated more easily, and use the menu set that can be converted into an operation set with outstanding operability on a relatively small-sized screen. Display the menu visually. According to aspects of the present invention, a menu that can be more easily manipulated by a user and provides superior visual effects can also be provided on a relatively small-sized screen using a menu set including variable menu items. In addition, according to aspects of the present invention, a content list is provided by touching the touch screen, and thus it is possible to display a menu that can be more easily operated and efficiently display menu items.

Although not required, it should be understood that aspects of the invention can be implemented as computer software encoded on one or more computer-readable media for use with one or more computers and/or processors.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the rights Requirements and their equivalent content definitions.

Claims (34)

1. method that is used to provide menu comprises:

On touch-screen, show the menu collection that comprises at least one icon; With

Convert described menu collection to operation set, described operation set comprises that at least one is used to import the handle icon of the order that relates to the content use; With

Show described operation set.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said switch process comprise menu Ji Zhuanhuancaozuoji, and comprise if the specific operation by the user is arranged on touch-screen then show described operation set.

3. method according to claim 2, wherein

Described menu collection comprises the control icon that is used to indicate the menu icon of at least one menu item and is used to import the control command that relates to the demonstration of menu collection; With

Described user's specific operation is for touching the control icon a predetermined period.

4. method according to claim 1, the contour shape of at least one icon of wherein said menu collection is identical with the contour shape of at least one handle icon of described operation set.

5. method according to claim 1, the wherein said order that relates to content playback are at least one in following: reset/cease and desist order, pause command, command fast forward, the order that falls back, volume raise order, volume down order, channel raises orders, channel down command or its combination.

6. method according to claim 1, if wherein described content is one of music content and dynamic image content, the then described order that relates to content playback comprise reset/cease and desist order, command fast forward, the order that falls back, volume raise order, volume down order or its combination.

7. method according to claim 1, if wherein described content is a broadcasted content, the then described order that relates to content playback comprises that volume raises order, volume down order, channel rise order, channel down command or its combination.

8. method that is used to use the screen displaying menu comprises:

Show the menu icon collection that comprises two or more menu icons;

Show the handle icon collection that comprises two or more handle icon, described handle icon is used to import the control command of the menu item that relates to the menu icon collection;

Carry out an input command with of selecting described menu icon collection and described handle icon to concentrate; With

Show selected icon sets.

9. method according to claim 8, wherein said menu icon collection comprise at least two icons can selecting between searching menu item, Game Menu item, recording menu item, music menu item, film menu item, photograph menu item, document menu item and DMB (DMB) menu item; And

Described menu icon collection comprises four directionkeys that are used to control the menu item of described menu icon collection.

10. method that is used to provide menu comprises:

On touch-screen, show the menu collection comprise at least one menu icon that is used to indicate at least one menu item;

First menu icon of indicating first menu item of described menu collection is changed into second menu icon of indication second menu item; With

Show the reformed menu icon that described menu is concentrated.

11. method according to claim 10, the step of wherein said change comprises:

If the user is chosen in first menu icon that shows on the touch-screen, then show the menu list of arranging menu item; With

If the user selects second menu item from the menu item of arranging at shown menu list, then first menu icon is changed into second menu icon and shown the icon that is changed.

12. method according to claim 11, wherein the user is by selecting first menu icon for touching first menu icon predetermined period.

13. method according to claim 11, wherein the user selects second menu item by touch second menu icon that shows on menu list.

14. method according to claim 10, even wherein the type of the menu item that shows on the menu screen that shows on the touch-screen is changed, described menu concentrates at least one menu icon that comprises to remain unchanged.

15. a method of using touch-screen to come display menu comprises:

Show the menu collection that comprises two or more icons, the control icon that it comprises the menu icon of indicating menu item and is used for the Control-Menu icon; With

Concentrate first menu icon of first menu item that comprises to change into second menu icon of indication second menu item indication menu, and show the icon of described change.

16. a method that is used to provide menu comprises:

Detect the contact situation of user to touch-screen; With

Touch touch-screen if detect the user, then on touch-screen, shown a contents list.

17. method according to claim 16, the step of wherein said displaying content list comprises: touched zone, the then displaying content list not having the display menu collection on the touch-screen if detect the user.

18. method according to claim 16, the step of wherein said displaying content list comprises: displaying content list on the regional adjacent areas that touches with the user.

19. method according to claim 16, wherein said contents list are at least one the tabulations that comprises in higher interior perhaps its combination of recent content, the content of newly obtaining, playback frequency of having reset.

20. method according to claim 19, wherein said contents list are the tabulations of the content that comprises that the user selects, described content is at least one in higher interior perhaps its combination of content, the content of newly obtaining, the playback frequency of recently having reset.

21. method according to claim 16, wherein said contents list are to comprise the internet sites of the internet sites of recently having visited, user's frequent access or at least one the tabulation in its combination.

22. method according to claim 16, wherein the user is to carry out by the dot matrix that touches the predetermined point system of battle formations case that shows on touch-screen to the contact of touch-screen;

Described method also comprises, shows the dot matrix that is touched, and the feasible dot matrix that is touched is greater than other dot matrix.

23. method according to claim 22 also comprises showing first dot matrix of separating one first distance with the dot matrix of described touch, makes described first dot matrix greater than opening second dot matrix of a second distance with the lattice spacing of described touch,

Wherein said first distance is shorter than second distance.

24. one kind is used to use touch-screen that the method for menu is provided, comprises:

Show the menu collection that comprises two or more icons, described icon comprises the menu icon of indicating menu item and is used for the control icon of Control-Menu icon;

Detect the contact of user to touch-screen; With

Touch touch-screen if detect the user, then on touch-screen, shown a contents list.

25. method according to claim 1, wherein said removable menu collection can move between a predetermined dot matrix pattern.

26. method according to claim 1, wherein said operation set is transportable.

27. the use processing instruction by the method for computing machine enforcement of rights requirement 1 comes calculation of coding machine computer-readable recording medium.

28. method according to claim 8 wherein arranges that about the control icon two or more menu icons can select by the user.

29. method according to claim 8 is wherein arranged described two or more menu icon about described control icon within a predetermined distance.

30. method according to claim 29, wherein be selected such that the control icon greater than at the menu icon of predetermined first distance with at the menu icon of predetermined first distance during greater than the menu icon at a predetermined second distance place when the control icon, described control icon and described two or more menu icon are varying sized.

31. method according to claim 8, the predetermined period of wherein said two or more menu icons after input command is carried out becomes translucent.

32. method according to claim 8, wherein said two or more menu icons do not comprise that control chart is marked on an input command execution predetermined period afterwards and becomes translucent.

33. method according to claim 8, wherein said two or more menu icons do not comprise that control chart is marked on an input command execution predetermined period afterwards and becomes transparent.

34. a multimedia device comprises:

Touch-screen is used for displaying contents, shows by the removable menu collection of graphical user interface setting and at least one menu item reception input command that uses described removable menu to concentrate;

The multimedia function piece is used to provide described content and minimum described menu collection; With

Controller is used for according to input command control graphical user interface, according to first input of menu collection being converted the menu collection to operation set and according to the second input Control-Menu collection the moving Anywhere on touch-screen of at least one menu item of shown menu collection.

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