Method and device for configuring a plurality of virtual buttons on a device

Abstract

The embodiments described herein relate to methods and devices for configuring multiple virtual buttons on a device. For example, each of the multiple virtual buttons can be activated or deactivated based on the operation mode of the device. By activating and deactivating different combinations of the multiple virtual buttons according to the operation mode of the device, inadvertent activation of virtual buttons that would not otherwise be used during operation of the mode can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate to methods and devices for configuring multiple virtual buttons on a device. For example, each of the multiple virtual buttons can be activated or deactivated based on the operating mode of the device. Background Art

[0002] Physical or mechanical buttons, sometimes referred to as hardware or traditional buttons, are typically operated by hardware components that physically move when pressed and generally operate like switches. These buttons are known in the art and are used in various applications. For example, mechanical buttons can be found on the sides of current smartphones to control volume and other settings. These buttons are easily recognizable both visually and by touch, and they are usually separated from the surrounding device surface and slightly protrude, so that users can easily feel their positions and activate them by pressing. Soft keys and different types of virtual buttons are also known in the art, which do not directly engage the moving parts of physical buttons. For example, a touch-sensitive area can act as a virtual button on a smartphone display, and a well-known example of a touch-sensitive area is the implementation of a virtual keyboard on the touch screen of a smartphone. Advantageously, virtual buttons can be easily programmed or changed using software. Advantageously, virtual buttons can reduce or eliminate hardware-related problems experienced by physical buttons, such as mechanical failures after long-term use, difficulty in waterproofing, and other problems known in the art. In addition to virtual buttons integrated with the touch screen, other types of virtual buttons can be located on the housing or non-screen surface of the device. For example, instead of traditional buttons on a surface such as a dashboard, various force sensors, inductive sensors, or similar technologies can be used to create a touch-responsive area that acts as a virtual button and does not visually appear as a traditional physical button.

[0003] US2013 / 0275058 discloses a handheld portable electronic device having a display screen and a frame structure, wherein the frame structure includes a strain gauge for detecting strain within the frame structure. Thus, a gesture such as pressing the side of the device can be recognized and used as an input to control an application running on the device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some embodiments, there is provided a method for configuring multiple virtual buttons on a device. The method includes receiving a first signal indicating an operating mode of the device; outputting a first control signal that can be used to activate or deactivate each of the multiple virtual buttons on the device respectively based on the operating mode of the device; and in response to receiving a second signal indicating that one of the activated multiple virtual buttons has been activated by a user of the device, outputting a second control signal that can be used to initiate a first tactile or auditory response corresponding to one of the multiple virtual buttons.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a control circuit for controlling a plurality of virtual buttons on a device is provided. The control circuit is configured to receive a first signal indicating an operating mode of the device; output a first control signal to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device based on the operating mode of the device; and in response to receiving a second signal indicating that one of the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been enabled by a user of the device, output a second control signal that can be used to initiate the output of a first tactile or auditory response corresponding to one of the plurality of virtual buttons.

[0006] According to some embodiments, an integrated circuit is provided that includes a control circuit for controlling a plurality of virtual buttons on a device. The control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal indicating an operating mode of the device; output a first control signal to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device based on the operating mode of the device; and in response to receiving a second signal indicating that one of the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been enabled by a user of the device, output a second control signal that can be used to initiate the output of a first tactile or auditory response corresponding to one of the plurality of virtual buttons.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a device is provided that includes a control circuit for controlling a plurality of virtual buttons on the device. The control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal indicating an operating mode of the device; output a first control signal to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device based on the operating mode of the device; and in response to receiving a second signal indicating that one of the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been enabled by a user of the device, output a second control signal that can be used to initiate the output of a tactile or auditory response corresponding to one of the plurality of virtual buttons.

[0008] Traditionally, the positions of virtual buttons on a device have been on the "front" of the device (e.g., on a touch screen), or on a limited number of surfaces specifically designed for the user interface, with no virtual buttons on the rest of the device. By positioning the virtual buttons on a limited number of surfaces on the device, a user can easily hold the device (which can be portable) without inadvertently activating the virtual buttons.

[0009] Currently, a device such as a smart phone has a single front surface, which is mainly a touch screen, for example. Other virtual buttons, such as buttons operated by inductive sensors, can be placed under the touch screen to further increase the operability of the touch screen surface.

[0010] However, while mechanical buttons can be placed in other positions on the device, virtual buttons are generally not present in the device.

[0011] If a user wants to press a virtual button or actually touch the touch screen when using the device, their hand may cover at least a portion of the touch screen surface, which also serves as a display screen. For example, as Figure 1 shown.

[0012] In Figure 1 , the device 100 includes a touch display screen 101 and mechanical buttons 102a and 102b. As shown, the user's hand 103 must be above the touch display screen in order to use the user interface. In other embodiments, the device may be associated with industrial equipment, an automobile, or any other structure in which mechanical or virtual buttons may be used.

[0013] This configuration may be undesirable in certain operating modes of the device because it may obscure the information displayed on the touch display screen. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] To better understand the embodiments and to show how the embodiments may be implemented, reference is now made only by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 A device including a touch display screen and mechanical buttons according to the prior art is shown;

[0016] Figure 2A A front view of a device according to some embodiments is shown;

[0017] Figure 2B A rear view of a device according to some embodiments is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A block diagram of a device according to some embodiments is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A method for configuring a plurality of virtual buttons on a device is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 An example of a device operating in an email operating mode is shown;

[0021] Figure 6 An example of a device 500 operating in a camera operating mode is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The following description sets forth example embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. Further example embodiments and implementations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various equivalent techniques may be applied in place of or in combination with the embodiments discussed below, and all such equivalent techniques are to be considered as being included in the present disclosure.

[0023] Description

[0024] The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as after or before another step, and / or it is implied that a step must be after or before another step. In appropriate cases, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein can be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment can be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. From the following description, other objectives, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will be apparent.

[0025] Some embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] Figure 2A A front view of the device 200 is shown.

[0027] The device 200 includes a touch screen display 203. The device 200 also includes a plurality of virtual buttons 201a to 201I, which in this instance are positioned along the sides of the device 200. For example, the plurality of virtual buttons 201a to 201I can be located on the non-display surface of the device 200. The non-display surface can be a metallic material or other materials known in the art suitable for forming a housing or other structure associated with the device 200.

[0028] In this instance, the device 200 includes a smart phone, and the plurality of virtual buttons 201a to 201I are located on the sides 204 and 205 of the device 200.

[0029] Figure 2B A rear view of the device 200 is shown.

[0030] In this instance, the rear surface 206 of the device 200 includes a plurality of virtual buttons 202a to 202d.

[0031] It should be understood that any surface of the device can include virtual buttons. Specifically, any non-display surface of the device can include virtual buttons.

[0032] The virtual buttons can be operated by using a force sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a resistive deflection sensing array, or any other mechanism configured to define a touch-sensitive area or any combination of such mechanisms. It will be understood that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, any type of virtual button can be used in place of mechanical buttons.

[0033] Multiple virtual buttons can be visually hidden within or on the device. For example, when looking at the back or side of device 200, a user may not be able to see the presence of the multiple virtual buttons, and the location of the multiple virtual buttons may not otherwise be indicated visually or tactilely. In different embodiments, the presence of the virtual buttons may be hidden only when the device is powered off. In the powered-off state, one or more virtual buttons may be flush with the rest of the device housing or surrounding area and otherwise indistinguishable visually and tactilely. However, when powered on or in a particular operating mode, one or more virtual buttons can be made detectable by using lighting, sound, or haptics (described more fully below) or other techniques that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Advantageously, using virtual buttons that are indistinguishable from other parts of the device in use can result in a more streamlined appearance for the device and can effectively result in a highly configurable device without disturbing its physical appearance or feel, as will become more apparent through the benefits of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 A block diagram of device 300 is shown. Device 300 may include multiple virtual buttons as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown.

[0035] Device 300 includes control circuit 301. Control circuit 301 may be configured to communicate with application processor 302 and / or orientation module 303. Application processor 302 may determine or assist in determining the operating mode of the device, as described more fully below. Orientation module 303 may be hardware- and / or software-based and may include, in one embodiment, an accelerometer, an inertial sensor, or other sensors configured to signal the orientation of the device (e.g., portrait or landscape mode). In other embodiments, orientation module 303 may more generally act as a context-aware module. For example, it may determine characteristics such as whether the device is lying flat on a table, whether it is in a wallet or pocket (via a light-based sensor), whether it is in high-speed transit, etc. Control circuit 301 may also be configured to communicate with virtual button controller 304.

[0036] Virtual button controller 304 may be configured to control virtual buttons 305. For example, as shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B shown, virtual buttons 305 may be located around or on other surfaces of the device.

[0037] Control circuit 301 may be configured to perform the method as shown in Figure 4 shown.

[0038] Figure 4 A method for configuring multiple virtual buttons on a device is shown.

[0039] In step 401, the control circuit is configured to receive a first signal indicating an operation mode of the device. For example, the first signal may include signal S received from application processor 302 1 . The first signal S 1 may indicate a specific application running on the device, such as a phone application, a game application, a camera application, an email application, a music playback application, a video playback application, etc. Additionally, the first signal S 1 may indicate the operation mode in the form of the state of the application running on the device. For example, when the email application is running, the first signal S 1 may indicate whether the device display is showing an email list from which the user can select an email to read, or whether the device display is showing an email inbox in which the user can compose a new email.

[0040] The first signal may additionally or alternatively include signal S received from orientation module 303 2 . Signal S 2 may indicate the orientation of device 300 and may come from, for example, a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer, which may provide corresponding signals to orientation module 303.

[0041] In some instances, the operation mode may additionally or alternatively include user-defined characteristics. For example, the operation mode may also indicate whether the user is left-handed or right-handed, or indicate any setting or characteristic distinguishable from different settings or characteristics during operation.

[0042] Thus, in different embodiments, the operation mode of the device may include the applications running on the device, the characteristics or parameters within or associated with this application, the orientation of the device, user-defined characteristics, or other modes understood by those of ordinary skill in the art associated with the device or its user interface or its software. For example, the operation mode may be defined not only with respect to which application is running on the device, but also with respect to one or more specific actions being taken within an individual application.

[0043] In step 402, the control circuit is configured to output a first control signal C 1 , to activate or deactivate each of a plurality of virtual buttons on the device based on the operation mode of the device. If a virtual button is activated, in response to sensing a touch or press from the user, the virtual button may transmit a signal to the virtual button controller. If a virtual button is deactivated, for example, the virtual button may be placed in an operation state where it does not sense a touch or press from the user, or the signal transmitted to the virtual button controller may be completely or partially ignored as a result of the deactivated state of the virtual button.

[0044] For example, when a virtual button is disabled, if a user touches or presses the disabled virtual button, the device may not perform any operation in response.

[0045] By activating and deactivating different combinations of multiple virtual buttons according to the operation mode of the device, unintentional activation of virtual buttons that would not otherwise be used in the operation of the mode can be avoided. Additionally, combinations of virtual buttons can be activated or deactivated together to create a unique user interface. For example, two or more adjacent or nearby virtual buttons can be activated together, that is, activated within a predetermined time of each other, and these activated buttons can act in concert to implement different user interface features, such as a virtual scroll bar discussed more fully below. In such an embodiment, a user can slide on a group of virtual buttons that together act as a larger button to scroll the content on the screen, or some other function.

[0046] A first control signal C 1 can be output to the virtual button controller 304, which can control the operation states of multiple virtual buttons. The virtual button controller 304 can, for example, in response to the control signal C 1 place multiple virtual buttons in an activated or deactivated state, or can ignore signals received from virtual buttons deactivated by the control signal C 1 .

[0047] For example, referring to Figure 2A and Figure 2B the examples shown therein, in response to a first signal S Figure 2A and Figure 2B indicating that the device is operating in a game mode and oriented as shown in 1 / S 2 , the first control signal C 1 can be configured to activate virtual buttons 201a, 201f, 202a, and 202d, and deactivate buttons 201b, 201c, 201d, 201e, 201g, 201h, 201j, 201k, 201I, 202b, and 202c. However, if the first signal S 1 / S 2 indicates that the device is operating in a game mode, but is positioned such that virtual buttons 201a to 201f are closer to the earth, the first control signal C 1 can be configured to activate virtual buttons 201g, 201I, 202a, and 202d, and deactivate buttons 201a, 201b, 201c, 201d, 201e, 201f, 201h, 201j, 201k, 202b, and 202c.

[0048] It should be understood that in some operating modes, all of the plurality of virtual buttons may be deactivated. For example, when the device is not in use (e.g., when no application is actively running on the device), it may be desirable to deactivate all virtual buttons. In this regard, Figure 3 the orientation module 303 of Figure 3 can help determine the context of the device.

[0049] In step 403, the control circuit 301 is configured to output a second control signal C L in response to receiving a second signal S indicating that one of the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been enabled by a user of the device 2 The second control signal can be used to initiate the output of a first tactile or auditory or visual response corresponding to one of the plurality of virtual buttons. In this embodiment, enabling a button means pressing or otherwise touching or activating the button to initiate a response action associated with the device or software running on the device. In a typical embodiment, enabling a virtual button is similar to pressing a mechanical button, and the response will be to initiate an action. However, in other embodiments, enabling a virtual button can depend on the degree or type of the user's press or contact. For example, enabling a button can depend on the amount of pressure applied - a "hard" press may result in a different response than a "light" press, and many different pressure levels may be detected, each of which may be associated with a different response. In other embodiments, the virtual button can be enabled by one or more touch gestures (e.g., swiping, pressing, tapping, two-finger tapping, etc.) that can be configured for different responses. More generally, the embodiments of the present disclosure contemplate any such enabling or activating or similar effects that would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] In some instances, a first tactile response associated with one or more of the plurality of virtual buttons may be provided. According to some embodiments, the tactile response can be any tactile sensation generated in or on the device, and preferably is a tactile sensation designed to create the impression that the virtual button itself produces such a feeling. In one embodiment, the tactile response can be generated by one or more vibration motors or linear resonant actuators (LRA) or similar devices. As is known in the art, the tactile response can be customized to simulate mechanical button clicks and a wide variety of other sensations including various surface textures, and all such techniques can be used in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In other instances, the first tactile response can be provided by a separate tactile device 306. In some instances, the first auditory response is provided by the speaker 307. In some instances, the first tactile response and the first auditory response can be provided together. In other embodiments, the visual response can be provided by the visual indicator 309. For example, the visual response can be formed by using an LED or other illumination at or near the location of the virtual button to, for example, signal that such a button has been enabled or has been enabled in some way.

[0051] A virtual button can be enabled by a user when the user touches or presses the location of the virtual button on the surface of the device in a certain manner.

[0052] A first tactile, auditory, and / or visual response can be configured to indicate the location of one of the plurality of virtual buttons that has been activated.

[0053] For example, returning to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , when the user places the device in, for example, a game operation mode, the user can then use a finger to locate the activated virtual button on the rear surface and side surfaces of the device 200. Since the user will be viewing the touch screen 203 when using the device 200 configured in this way, it may not be practical to use visual cues to notify the user of the location of the activated virtual button in this particular embodiment.

[0054] In step 403, when the user locates the activated virtual button, the user can be notified via a first tactile response that they have found the appropriate location on the surface.

[0055] However, in some instances, some or all of the locations of the virtual buttons can be notified to the user additionally or alternatively by an indentation or pattern on the surface of the device, or by some other physical feature of the device that the user can feel at the location of the virtual button.

[0056] In some instances, virtual buttons can be provided in combination with a touch screen. For example, the side surfaces 204 and 205 of the device 200 can include a touch screen 308, and so can the rear surface. When the user moves a finger along the touch screen to the location of one of the plurality of virtual buttons, the touch screen 308 can be configured to transmit a second signal S I to the control circuit, where the second signal indicates that one of the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been enabled by a user of the device. In this instance, the virtual button can be enabled by the user placing this finger in the correct location on the surface of the device.

[0057] In some instances, one or more of the plurality of virtual buttons may be sensitive to different types of activation by the user. For example, the virtual button is capable of distinguishing between a user touching the location of the virtual button and a user applying pressure to the location of the virtual button.

[0058] In this instance, the activated virtual button may thus have more than one activation mode..

[0059] Therefore, in step 403, the second signal S LIt may be indicated that one of the multiple virtual buttons that has been activated has been turned on by a user of the device in a first turn-on mode. For example, when the user touches the position of one of the multiple virtual buttons without applying any additional pressure or with a pressure level below a specific threshold, one of the multiple virtual buttons is turned on in the first turn-on mode.

[0060] As previously described, the first haptic response can then indicate to the user the position of one of the multiple virtual buttons.

[0061] In some instances, the control circuit may be configured to respond to receiving a third signal S indicating that one of the multiple buttons has been turned on by a user of the device in a second turn-on mode p , and output a third control signal C 3 , and the third control signal can be used to initiate a second haptic or auditory or visual response corresponding to one of the multiple virtual buttons. In some instances, the second haptic response can be provided by one of the multiple virtual buttons. In other instances, the second haptic response can be provided by a separate haptic device 306. In some instances, the second auditory response is provided by the speaker 307. In some instances, the second visual response is provided by the visual indicator 309. In some instances, two or more of the second haptic response, the second auditory response, and the second visual response can be provided together.

[0062] When the user applies pressure to the position of one of the multiple virtual buttons, one of the multiple virtual buttons can be turned on in the second turn-on mode. For example, when the user applies a horizontal pressure higher than a specific threshold to the position of one of the multiple virtual buttons, one of the multiple virtual buttons can be turned on in the second turn-on mode.

[0063] The second haptic or auditory response can be different from the first haptic or auditory response, and in some instances, can simulate a click associated with the pressing of a traditional or mechanical button.

[0064] For example, when the user places the device in a game mode as Figure 2A shown, the control circuit can activate, for example, the virtual buttons 201a, 201f, 202a, and 202d. These activated virtual buttons can provide specific operations within the game mode of the device 200.

[0065] When the user holds the device 200 and looks at the touch screen 203, the activated virtual buttons can be located by rotating a finger along the top edge 204 and the back of the device 200. When the user's finger touches the position of one of the activated virtual buttons (sensed by the activated virtual button itself or the touch screen 308), the first haptic or auditory response can alert the user that they have located the activated virtual button.

[0066] In some instances, a first haptic or auditory response may be provided when the user initially touches the location of an activated virtual button, and the first haptic response may not be repeated if the user continues to touch the location of the activated virtual button.

[0067] Once the user has found the virtual button they wish to use, the user can "press" the virtual button to generate a response within the game mode (e.g., button 201a can cause the in-game character to jump, while button 201f can cause the in-game character to crouch).

[0068] When the user presses the virtual button, e.g., when the user applies a pressure level higher than a specific threshold to the location of the virtual button, the user can be alerted that they have pressed the virtual button by a second haptic or auditory response.

[0069] In some instances, the virtual button can be configured with a specific threshold and can output a signal when it detects a pressure higher than the specific threshold to indicate that the virtual button has been pressed. In some instances, a touch screen (e.g., a touch screen) can be used to adjust the specific threshold. For example, the touch screen can detect that the user's finger is near the virtual button but not exactly at the location of the virtual button. In this case, the virtual button can still detect the pressure from the user, but the virtual button can be configured to lower the level of the specific threshold to avoid the user having to apply more pressure to trigger the same threshold. The virtual button can be configured by the virtual button controller 304. The virtual button controller 304 can receive an indication of the user finger position from the touch screen 308 and, in response, can provide appropriate control of the specific threshold for the virtual button.

[0070] It should be understood that different types of user interactions can trigger different activation modes of the virtual button. For example, the virtual button can be activated in a first activation mode by the user tapping the location, by the user long-touching the location of the virtual button, by the user dragging their touch over the location of the virtual button, or by any other distinguishable touch pattern of the virtual button.

[0071] It should also be understood that for different operating modes, different combinations of virtual buttons can be activated, and in different operating modes, the same virtual button can provide different operations.

[0072] Figure 5 An example of a device 500 operating in an email operation mode is shown. The display screen 510 shows an email list.

[0073] In this instance, a first signal can indicate to the control circuit 301 that the email application has been opened and that the device is being held in portrait mode, e.g., as Figure 5 shown. The first signal can also indicate whether the user is right-handed or left-handed.

[0074] In response to this first signal, if the first signal indicates that the user is left-handed, the control circuit may activate virtual buttons 501 to 504, and if the first signal indicates that the user is right-handed, the control circuit may activate virtual buttons 505 to 508. Any other virtual buttons (e.g., virtual buttons 509 and 510) may be deactivated.

[0075] Consider an example where the user is left-handed.

[0076] In this example, the grouped virtual buttons work together, and the user can turn on more than one virtual button within a predetermined time, for example, by swiping a finger on the virtual buttons to scroll the email list up and down in the email application. Specifically, the user can hold the device 500 with the left hand and can successively swipe up and down on the four virtual buttons 501 to 504 with the thumb.

[0077] Therefore, virtual buttons 501 to 504 can be effectively implemented as a virtual roller, and when the user turns on each of the virtual buttons, a tactile or auditory response simulating the clicking sound when a mechanical roller rotates can be provided.

[0078] It should be understood that a single virtual button can be used instead of multiple virtual buttons to similarly implement the virtual roller.

[0079] Figure 6 An example of the device 500 operating in the camera operation mode is shown. The display screen 510 shows the image currently captured by the camera of the device.

[0080] In this example, the first signal may indicate to the control circuit 301 that the camera application has been opened and the device 500 is held in the portrait mode, for example, as Figure 6 shown.

[0081] In response to this first signal, the control circuit may activate virtual buttons 501 to 504 and 509. Virtual buttons 505 to 508 may be deactivated.

[0082] In this example, the same virtual buttons 501 to 504 used to scroll the email list up and down in the email operation mode can be used to zoom in and out the camera lens. These virtual buttons can be turned on, and a tactile or auditory response can be provided, as previously referenced Figure 5 described.

[0083] Additionally, in this camera mode, the virtual button 509 is activated. This virtual button can provide two activation modes. The first activation mode can be used to locate the virtual button, and the second activation mode can be used to trigger an operation of an application on the device. In some instances, a touch screen can be formed on the surface above the virtual button 509 and can be used to locate the virtual button. For example, the virtual button 509 can be located by the user touching the position of the virtual button 509. As referenced Figure 4 as described, the control circuit can then initiate the output of a first tactile or auditory response that indicates to the user that the activated virtual button has been located. Once the user has located the virtual button 509, the user can activate the button (e.g., cause the camera to change modes) by applying pressure to the position of the virtual button 509. Similarly, as referenced Figure 4 as described, the control circuit can then initiate the output of a second tactile or auditory response, where the second tactile response can simulate a button press.

[0084] It should be appreciated that adding a virtual button away from the display screen 510 of the device avoids using the display screen as a touch screen, thereby preventing the information displayed through the display screen 510 from being obscured.

[0085] Embodiments can be implemented in an electronic, portable, and / or battery-powered host device such as, for example, a smart phone, an audio player, a mobile or cellular phone, or a hand-held phone. Embodiments can be implemented on one or more integrated circuits provided within such a host device.

[0086] Particularly, those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from this disclosure should understand that the various operations described herein, particularly in conjunction with the figures, can be implemented by other circuits or other hardware components. The order of each operation of a given method can be changed, and various elements of the systems shown herein can be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. This disclosure is intended to encompass all such modifications and changes, and accordingly, the above description should be viewed in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0087] Similarly, although this disclosure references specific embodiments, certain modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope and coverage of this disclosure. Additionally, any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems described herein with respect to specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as critical, essential, or fundamental features or elements.

[0088] Other embodiments that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art and that benefit from this disclosure are equally contemplated and should be considered to be included herein.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the above-described apparatus and methods, such as the methods performed by the control circuit, may be embodied as processor control code, for example, on a non-volatile carrier medium such as a magnetic disk, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM, on a programmed memory such as a read-only memory (firmware), or on a data carrier such as an optical or electrical signal carrier. For many applications, embodiments of the present invention will be implemented on a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Thus, the code may include conventional program code or microcode, or, for example, code for setting or controlling an ASIC or FPGA. The code may also include code for dynamically configuring a reconfigurable device (e.g., a reprogrammable logic gate array). Similarly, the code may include code for a hardware description language such as Verilog TM or VHDL (Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the code may be distributed among multiple coupled components that communicate with each other. In appropriate cases, code running on a field-programmable (re)programmable analog array or similar device may also be used to implement embodiments to configure analog hardware.

[0090] It should be noted that, as used herein, the term module is applied to refer to a functional unit or block that can be implemented at least in part by dedicated hardware components (e.g., custom circuits) and / or at least in part by one or more software processors or appropriate code running on a suitable general-purpose processor, etc. A module itself may include other modules or functional units. A module may be provided by multiple components or sub-modules, which need not be located in the same location and may be provided on different integrated circuits and / or run on different processors.

[0091] It should be noted that the above embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims or embodiments. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims or embodiments, "a" does not exclude a plurality, and a single feature or other unit may implement the functions of a plurality of units recited in the claims or embodiments. Any reference numerals or labels in the claims or embodiments should not be construed as limiting their scope.

[0092] Although the present disclosure and certain representative advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims or embodiments. Additionally, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to specific embodiments of processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, and processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps that presently exist or will later be developed and that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments herein can be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims or embodiments are intended to include such processes, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps within their scope.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a plurality of virtual buttons on a device, the method comprises: receiving a first signal indicating an operation mode of the device; outputting a first control signal that can be used to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device based on the operation mode of the device; in response to receiving a second signal indicating that a first virtual button among the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been turned on by a user of the device, outputting a second control signal that can be used to initiate a first tactile, visual, or auditory response corresponding to the first virtual button, wherein the second signal is received based on detecting that a pressure at a position of the first virtual button on a touch screen is higher than a predetermined threshold; receiving an indication of a user finger position from the touch screen; controlling the predetermined threshold based on a position of the user finger relative to the positioning of the first virtual button to prevent the user from having to apply more pressure to turn on the first virtual button.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the virtual buttons comprise one or more of the following: a capacitive sensor, a force sensor, a resistive deflection sensing array, or an inductive sensor.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first tactile or auditory response is configured to indicate a position of one of the plurality of virtual buttons.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second signal indicates that one of the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been turned on by a user of the device in a first turn-on mode.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein when the user touches the position of one of the plurality of virtual buttons, the one of the plurality of virtual buttons is turned on in the first turn-on mode.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: in response to receiving a third signal indicating that one of the plurality of buttons has been turned on by a user of the device in a second turn-on mode, outputting a third control signal that can be used to initiate a second tactile or auditory response corresponding to the one of the plurality of virtual buttons.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein when the user applies pressure to the position of one of the plurality of virtual buttons, the one of the plurality of virtual buttons is turned on in the second turn-on mode.

8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising generating a second tactile response such that the second tactile or auditory response simulates a button click corresponding to the one of the plurality of virtual buttons that has been turned on in the second turn-on mode.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: in response to receiving a plurality of second signals indicating that more than one button among the plurality of buttons has been turned on by the user of the device within a predetermined time, outputting a fourth control signal that can be used to initiate a third tactile or auditory response corresponding to the turned-on virtual buttons.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operating mode includes an application running on the device, and the application is a telephone application, a camera application, a music playback application, a video playback application, a game application, or an email application.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the operating mode includes the state of the application running on the device.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first control signal can be based on user-defined characteristics.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second signal is received from a touch screen controller.

14. A control circuit for controlling a plurality of virtual buttons on a device, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal indicating the operating mode of the device; output a first control signal to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device respectively based on the operating mode of the device; in response to receiving a second signal indicating that a first virtual button among the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been turned on by a user of the device, output a second control signal, the second control signal being usable to initiate output of a first tactile, visual, or auditory response corresponding to the first virtual button, wherein the second signal is received based on pressure detected at the position of the first virtual button on the touch screen being higher than a predetermined threshold; receive an indication of the position of the user's finger from the touch screen; control the predetermined threshold based on the position of the user's finger relative to the positioning of the first virtual button to avoid the user having to apply more pressure to turn on the first virtual button.

15. An integrated circuit including a control circuit for controlling a plurality of virtual buttons on a device, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal indicating the operating mode of the device; output a first control signal to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device respectively based on the operating mode of the device; in response to receiving a second signal indicating that a first virtual button among the plurality of activated virtual buttons has been turned on by a user of the device, output a second control signal, the second control signal being usable to initiate output of a first tactile, visual, or auditory response corresponding to the first virtual button, wherein the second signal is received based on pressure detected at the position of the first virtual button on the touch screen being higher than a predetermined threshold; receive an indication of the position of the user's finger from the touch screen; control the predetermined threshold based on the position of the user's finger relative to the positioning of the first virtual button to avoid the user having to apply more pressure to turn on the first virtual button.

16. A device including a control circuit for controlling a plurality of virtual buttons on the device, wherein the control circuit is configured to: receive a first signal indicating the operating mode of the device; output a first control signal to activate or deactivate each of the plurality of virtual buttons on the device respectively based on the operating mode of the device; In response to receiving a second signal indicating that a first virtual button among the plurality of virtual buttons that have been activated has been turned on by a user of the device, output a second control signal that can be used to initiate the output of a first haptic, visual, or auditory response corresponding to the first virtual button, wherein the second signal is received based on detecting that the pressure at the position of the first virtual button on the touch screen is higher than a predetermined threshold; Receive an indication of the position of the user's finger from the touch screen; Control the predetermined threshold based on the position of the user's finger relative to the positioning of the first virtual button to avoid the user having to apply more pressure to turn on the first virtual button.

17. The device according to claim 16, further comprising the plurality of virtual buttons.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of virtual buttons are located on at least one first surface of the device.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein a second surface of the device includes a touch screen display.

20. The device according to claim 18, wherein each of the at least one first surfaces includes a non-display surface.

21. The device according to claim 17, wherein when assembled, the plurality of virtual buttons are visually hidden from the outside of the device.

22. The device according to claim 16, wherein the operating mode of the device includes an application running on the device, and wherein the application is a phone application, a camera application, a music playback application, a video playback application, a game application, or an email application.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein the operating mode of the device includes the state of the application running on the device.

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