Multiple-stage interface control of a mobile electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device, such as a mobile communication device, and a method are provided for multiple-stage interface control of the device. The device is provided with a homescreen display, which includes a plurality of panels. The panels include at least one panel that is a fullscreen view of a first application executing on the device. This first application can be a messaging application, and the fullscreen view can be a unified inbox view for a plurality of different message types. The panels also include at least one launch panel having a number of graphical user interface elements, such as icons, representing access points to a corresponding application on the device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13 / 706,782, filed Dec. 6, 2012, which claims priority Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 678,388, filed 1 Aug. 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present disclosure relates to a multiple-stage graphical user interface implemented by an electronic device to provide access to applications and data.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND[0003]Mobile computing device platforms, such as tablet computers or smartphones, are typically subject to physical limitations that less portable computing platforms, such as desktop computing platforms, are not. Mobile devices, for instance, typically have a smaller form factor and an integrated display screen. These factors may limit the variety of user interface options available for controlling the mobile device: mobile devices are provided with smaller physical keyboards than desktop or lapt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent is about a graphical user interface for electronic devices that provides access to applications and data on mobile platforms. The interface is designed to be efficient and convenient for users, as physical limitations and limitations of processing capabilities make it difficult to provide a wide variety of user interface options on mobile devices. The interface includes multiple-stage views that allow users to access different types of information and transition between them using gesture navigation instructions. The interface also includes a messaging pane that allows users to access private messages and a lock screen for added security. The technical effects of the patent are improved efficiency and convenience for users and better access to information on mobile platforms.

Problems solved by technology

Mobile computing device platforms, such as tablet computers or smartphones, are typically subject to physical limitations that less portable computing platforms, such as desktop computing platforms, are not.

These factors may limit the variety of user interface options available for controlling the mobile device: mobile devices are provided with smaller physical keyboards than desktop or laptop computers, or may have no keyboard at all; and the mobile device's display screen, smaller than a typical desktop or laptop display panel, restricts the volume of information that can be simultaneously displayed to the user while still being legible.

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