Touch screen operation mode

Abstract

An information handling system includes a touch screen display, a touch screen sensor, and a processor. The touch screen sensor detects a first input and a second input. The processor receives user input to select an input mode for the touch screen sensor. When the selected input mode is a continuous workflow mode, the processor determines a first input type of the first input and a second input type of the second input. The processor determines a first amount of time between the first input and the second input. In response to the first amount of time being less than a predetermined threshold and based on the first input type, the processor sets a first position of the first input as a starting point. In response to the first amount of time being less than a predetermined threshold and based on the second input type, the processor sets a second position of the second input as an end point. When a first application is being executed, the processor connects the start point and the end point on the touch screen display.

Description

Invention Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to information processing systems, and more specifically to setting touchscreen operation modes based on input type and input quantity. Background Technology

[0002] As the value and use of information continue to increase, individuals and businesses are seeking alternative ways to process and store information. One option is an information processing system. Information processing systems typically process, compile, store, or transmit information or data for business, personal, or other purposes. Technology and information processing needs and requirements can vary between different applications. Therefore, information processing systems may also differ in terms of what information is processed, how it is processed, how much information is processed, stored, or transmitted, and how quickly and efficiently it can be processed, stored, or transmitted. Variations in information processing systems allow them to be general-purpose or configured for specific users or purposes (such as financial transaction processing, flight booking, corporate data storage, or global communications). Furthermore, information processing systems can include a variety of hardware and software resources that can be configured to process, store, and transmit information, and may include one or more computer systems, graphical interface systems, data storage systems, networking systems, and mobile communication systems. Information processing systems can also implement various virtualization architectures. Data and voice communication between information processing systems can utilize wired, wireless, or a combination of these networks. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An information processing system includes a touchscreen sensor capable of detecting a first input and a second input. The system can receive user input to select an input mode for the touchscreen sensor. When the selected input mode is a continuous workflow mode, the system can determine a first type of the first input and a second type of the second input. The system can determine a first time interval between the first input and the second input. If the first time interval is less than a predetermined threshold and based on the first input type, the system can set a first position of the first input as a start point. If the first time interval is less than a predetermined threshold and based on the second input type, the system can set a second position of the second input as an end point. When a first application is being executed, the system can connect the start point and the end point on a display. Attached Figure Description

[0004] It should be understood that, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the elements shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be enlarged relative to others. This document illustrates and describes embodiments incorporating the teachings of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1This is a block diagram of an information processing system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for determining the time length and workflow pattern between multiple inputs according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for connecting input locations during a continuous workflow mode according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for performing an operation based on multiple inputs while a particular application is being executed, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method for performing operations based on multiple inputs in a two-user mode, according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0010] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a general information processing system according to the implementation scheme of this disclosure.

[0011] Using the same reference numerals in different figures indicates similar or identical items. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The description focuses on specific embodiments and implementations of these teachings and is provided to assist in describing the teachings. This focus should not be construed as limiting the scope or applicability of the teachings.

[0013] Figure 1An information processing system 100, an active stylus 102, and a finger 104 are illustrated according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purposes of this disclosure, the information processing system may include any tool or set of tools operable to compute, calculate, determine, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, create, switch, store, display, transmit, indicate, detect, record, reproduce, dispose of, or utilize information, intelligence, or data of any form for commercial, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, the information processing system may be a personal computer (such as a desktop or laptop computer), a tablet computer, a mobile device (such as a personal digital assistant (PDA) or smartphone), a server (such as a blade server or rack server), a network storage device, or any other suitable device, and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information processing system may include random access memory (RAM); one or more processing resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic; ROM and / or other types of non-volatile memory. Additional components of the information processing system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices, and various input and output (I / O) devices such as keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and / or video displays. The information processing system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communication between various hardware components.

[0014] Information processing system 100 includes a touchscreen sensor 106, a touchscreen controller 108 and a graphics card 110, a touchscreen 112, a processor 114, a graphics processor input / output (GPIO) controller 120, an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) controller driver 122, a graphics processing unit (GPU) driver 124, one or more applications 126, one or more services 128, and an operating system (OS) 130. In this example, the touchscreen controller 108 and the processor may be separate hardware processing components or integrated into a single hardware component. Therefore, the touchscreen controller 108 and the processor 114 may be any suitable processor capable of performing any suitable operation described herein. Information processing system 100 may include additional hardware and software components without altering the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] In this example, the user may not connect a mouse or keyboard to the touchscreen 112 of the information processing system 100. Instead, the user may use a stylus or finger as the primary input device for the information processing system. The touchscreen 112 can be any suitable touchscreen, such as a laptop touchscreen display, an AIO display, etc. In previous information processing systems, users may not be able to draw a perfectly straight line using a stylus or finger without selecting a "line" tool. In cases involving large touchscreen displays, the time required to draw a line and the difficulty of straightening it increase with the size of the touchscreen display. In previous information processing systems, the default OS behavior was to detect all inputs that functioned as the same thing (such as finger, stylus, and mouse input) along with a selector or cursor. In this case, even if the user uses different input devices, such as a finger and a stylus, the processor executing the OS may not be able to distinguish between two users.

[0016] The information processing system 100 can be improved by executing a touchscreen controller 108 or processor 114 capable of detecting the type, quantity, and location of inputs using an OS 130. In this example, the touchscreen controller 108 may receive this information from a touchscreen sensor 106. The processor 114 may execute one or more services 128 to determine the workflow mode of the touchscreen information processing system 100. In some examples, different workflow modes may include, but are not limited to, one user having multiple inputs with the same function, one user having multiple inputs with different functions, and two users having multiple inputs with different functions.

[0017] During operation of the information processing system 100, the processor 114 may execute application 126 and service 128 to enable the touchscreen display 112. When the touchscreen display 112 is enabled, the touchscreen sensor 106 and touchscreen controller 108 may detect the type, number, and location of inputs on the touchscreen display 112. In some examples, the GPIO controller 120 and I2C controller driver may receive data from the touchscreen controller 108 and provide the received data to application 126, service 128, and OS 130. In some examples, the graphics GPU driver 124 may receive data from application 126, service 128, and OS 130. The GPU driver 124 may use this data to provide control information to the graphics card 110, which in turn may control the touchscreen display 112 to provide desired output based on input received from the user.

[0018] In the example, a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided on the touchscreen display 112, and the user can select different soft buttons on the GUI to switch between possible modes of the information processing system 100. In some examples, the information processing system 100 may also include hardware buttons for switching between possible modes. In the example, all possible modes enable the touchscreen display 112 to interact with a touch input application such as application 126.

[0019] In some examples, if an individual selects a legacy or user-to-input operation mode, processor 114 can treat the active stylus 102 and finger 104 as separate input devices for the same function via application 126 or service 128. For example, if an individual uses finger 104 to draw a line on touchscreen display 112, removes their finger, and begins using stylus 102, touchscreen sensor 106 and touchscreen controller 108 can provide different input types to processor 114. In legacy or user-to-input operation, processor 114 can treat stylus 102 and finger 104 as the same input device. In this case, drawing, selecting, or otherwise modifying images on touchscreen display 112 is the same regardless of whether the individual uses stylus 102 or finger 104.

[0020] In the example, if an individual selects a continuous workflow or a one-user-two-input operation mode, the processor 114 can treat the active stylus 102 and finger 104 as a continuous workflow via application 126 or service 128, as long as input is detected within a specific amount of time. For example, if a user wants to draw a straight line on the touchscreen display 112, the user can use both the stylus 102 and finger 104 to draw a substantially straight line. The user can use the stylus 102 and finger 104 to select one or more lines of a text document, select one or more images on the touchscreen display 112, etc.

[0021] In this example, an individual may place stylus 102 in physical communication with touchscreen display 112, and touchscreen sensor 106 may detect the input type, timestamp, and input location on the touchscreen display. Touchscreen controller 108 or processor 114 may set the position coordinates of stylus 102, such as (X1, Y1), as the starting point of an action. The individual may then place finger 104 at another location on touchscreen display 112. Touchscreen sensor 106 may detect the input type, timestamp, and input location on touchscreen display 112. In this example, the processor may use the timestamps associated with stylus 102 and finger 104 to determine whether two inputs occurred within a specific time frame. In some examples, the specific time frame between inputs may be compared to a threshold such as one second.

[0022] If the amount of time between the timestamp of stylus 102 and the timestamp of finger 104 is less than a threshold, the touchscreen controller 108 or processor 114 may set the position coordinates of finger 104, such as (X2, Y2), as the endpoint of the action. In the example, processor 114 may coordinate the start and end points of any action performed by application 126 on touchscreen display 112. For example, processor 114 may cause GPU driver 124 and graphics card 110 to connect an absolute straight line on touchscreen display 112 between points of stylus 102 (such as (X1, Y1)) and points of finger 104 (such as (X2, Y2)).

[0023] In some examples, if the touchscreen sensor 106 detects more than two inputs and determines that the amount of time between two ordered inputs is less than a threshold, the processor 114 may automatically cause the graphics card 110 to connect all input points. For example, the touchscreen sensor 106 may determine the position (X1, Y1) of a first finger 104, the position (X2, Y2) of a stylus 102, and the position (X3, Y3) of a second finger. In this example, if the amount of time between the first finger 104 and the stylus 102 is less than a threshold, and the amount of time between the stylus and the second finger is also less than a threshold, the processor 114 may automatically cause the graphics card 110 to connect points (X1, Y1), (X2, Y2), and (X3, Y3).

[0024] In some examples, an individual or user can configure a specific function to be performed based on the last input type in a series of inputs. For example, if three or more inputs are received and the last input type is stylus 102, processor 114 can automatically cause graphics card 110 to connect all points and create a closed shape. In this example, if the input points are (X1,Y1), (X2,Y2), and (X3,Y3), processor 114 can cause graphics card 110 to create a closed triangle on touchscreen display 112 using the input points. However, if the last input type is not stylus 102, but rather a finger 104, processor 114 can cause graphics card 110 to connect all input points on touchscreen display 112 without closing the shape. Instead, lines can be drawn from one point to another on touchscreen display 112, and these lines can connect points in the order in which inputs are received on the touchscreen display.

[0025] In this example, application 126 can be any suitable GUI application, such as a web application, word processing application, spreadsheet application, presentation slide application, GUI folder application, etc. In this case, touchscreen sensor 106 can detect input, such as stylus 102 or finger 104, and provide the position (X1, Y1) of the input as the starting point of an operation. Touchscreen sensor 106 can detect another input, such as finger 104 or stylus 102, and provide the position (X2, Y2) of this input as the ending point of the operation.

[0026] Based on the start and end positions, processor 114 can perform any suitable operation associated with the image on touchscreen display 112 from application 126. For example, processor 114 can select one or more lines of text extending from the start to the end. Processor 114 can also select one or more cells in a spreadsheet extending from the start to the end. Processor 114 can further select one or more slides in a presentation extending from the start to the end, or select one or more documents / folders in a GUI file extending from the start to the end.

[0027] In the example, if an individual selects a two-user, two-input operation mode, the processor 114 can treat the active stylus 102 and the finger 104 as different user input devices via application 126 or service 128. In some examples, the touchscreen sensor 106 can distinguish input from the stylus 102 from input from the finger 104. In these cases, actions performed based on the stylus 102 can be separated from actions performed based on the finger 104.

[0028] If application 126 is a drawing application and one user draws with stylus 102 while another user draws with finger 104, then processor 114 can treat the input as two distinct drawing profiles. In this example, touchscreen sensor 106 can provide processor 114 with position information and input type identifiers for both stylus 102 and finger 104. In this example, processor 114 can enable graphics card 110 to provide different drawings on touchscreen display 112. For example, the drawing associated with stylus 102 can be a specific color, pattern, thickness, etc., and the drawing associated with finger 104 can be a different color, a different pattern, a different thickness, etc.

[0029] In this example, application 126 may be a game application, and two users may be able to interact with the game using different input devices. In this example, stylus 102 may be assigned to one user, and finger 104 may be assigned to another user. Touchscreen sensor 106 provides the processor 114 with position information and input type identifiers for both stylus 102 and finger 104. Based on the data from touchscreen sensor 106, processor 114 may perform different actions at different locations based on stylus 102 and finger 104. For example, if touchscreen sensor 106 detects stylus 102 at one location (X1, Y1), processor 114 may perform an action or task associated with the first user at that location. If touchscreen sensor 106 detects finger 104 at another location (X2, Y2), processor 114 may perform an action associated with the second user at that location.

[0030] As described herein, different operations can be performed on the touchscreen display 112 based on the operating mode and input type (such as stylus 102 or finger 104). Touchscreen sensor 106 and touchscreen controller 108 can provide processor 114 with data distinguishing input type, location, and the amount of time between two ordered inputs. Processor 114 can utilize this data via application 126 and service 128 to enable graphics card 110 to provide different outputs on touchscreen display 112 as described herein.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method 200 for determining the time length and workflow pattern between multiple inputs according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method beginning at block 202. It should be readily understood that not every method step depicted in this flowchart is always necessary, but rather, without changing the scope of the present disclosure, certain steps of the method may be combined, performed simultaneously, in different orders, or may be omitted. Figure 2 It can be used in whole or in part. Figure 1 The information processing system 100 includes a touchscreen sensor 106, a touchscreen controller 108, a graphics card 110, and a processor 114, or may employ operable components to utilize... Figure 2 Any other type of controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof, in whole or in part, of the method.

[0032] At box 204, the input type is detected. In some examples, the input type may be a stylus, a finger, a mouse, or any other component suitable for interacting with a touchscreen display of an information processing system. If the input type is a finger, the finger position is determined at box 206. In this example, the finger position may be determined by a touchscreen sensor. If the input type is a stylus, the stylus position is determined at box 208. In this example, the stylus position may be determined by a touchscreen sensor.

[0033] At box 210, it is determined whether the amount of time between two inputs is less than a threshold. In the example, the threshold can be any suitable time length, such as 1 second, 2 seconds, etc. If the detected input is the first input, the amount of time is determined to be greater than the threshold when it exceeds the threshold. In the example, the amount of time between the two inputs can be determined based on the difference between the timestamp of the first input and the timestamp of the second input.

[0034] If the time duration exceeds the threshold, the process continues as described above in box 204. If the time duration is less than the threshold, the touch input operation mode is determined in box 212. If the operation mode is the first mode, the process continues... Figure 3 Continue at box 302. If the operation mode is mode two, the process continues at... Figure 4 Continue at box 402. In some examples, the different operating modes can be any suitable user-selectable mode, including but not limited to continuous workflow or one-user-two-input operating mode in a drawing application, continuous workflow or one-user-two-input operating mode in a productivity application, etc.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method 300 for connecting input locations during a continuous workflow mode according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method beginning at block 302. It should be readily understood that not every method step depicted in this flowchart is always necessary, but rather, without changing the scope of the present disclosure, certain steps of the method may be combined, performed simultaneously, in different orders, or may be omitted. Figure 3 It can be used in whole or in part. Figure 1 The information processing system 100 includes a touchscreen sensor 106, a touchscreen controller 108, a graphics card 110, and a processor 114, or may employ operable components to utilize... Figure 3 Any other type of controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof, in whole or in part, of the method.

[0036] At box 302, it is determined whether the number of detected inputs is two or more. In the example, the inputs may be different types of inputs on the touchscreen of the information processing system. When the number of detected inputs is two or more, a first input location is determined at box 304. In the example, the first input location may be the location on the touchscreen display where the first input is detected by the touchscreen sensor. The input device may be a finger or an active stylus. At box 306, the first input location is set as the starting point. In some examples, the starting point may be associated with a specific action (such as drawing a line on the touchscreen display).

[0037] At box 308, a second input position is determined. In the example, the second input position may be the location on the touchscreen display where the second input is detected by the touchscreen sensor. At box 310, the second input position is set as the next point. In some examples, the next point may be associated with a specific action. At box 312, a third input position is determined. In the example, the third input position may be the location on the touchscreen display where the third input is detected by the touchscreen sensor. At box 314, the third input position is set as the last point. In some examples, the last point may be associated with a specific action. In some examples, any appropriate number of inputs can be detected and designated as a point for a specific action.

[0038] At box 316, it is determined whether the last input type was a stylus. If the last input type was a stylus, all points are connected into a closed shape at box 318, and the process ends at box 320. In the example, if there are three inputs, the points are connected into a closed triangle. If the last input type was not a stylus, all points are connected at box 322 without forming a closed shape, and the process ends at box 320. In the example, the points are connected in the order they were detected.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 400 for performing operations based on multiple inputs while a particular application is being executed, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method beginning at block 402. It should be readily understood that not every method step illustrated in this flowchart is always necessary, but rather, without changing the scope of the present disclosure, certain steps of the method may be combined, performed simultaneously, in different orders, or may be omitted. Figure 4 It can be used in whole or in part. Figure 1 The information processing system 100 includes a touchscreen sensor 106, a touchscreen controller 108, a graphics card 110, and a processor 114, or may employ operable components to utilize... Figure 4 Any other type of controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof, in whole or in part, of the method.

[0040] At box 402, a determination is made as to whether two inputs have been detected. In the example, the inputs may be detected by a touchscreen sensor for a touchscreen display in an information processing system. In response to the detection of two inputs, the location of the first input is determined at box 404. In the example, the first input location may be the location on the touchscreen display where the first input is detected by the touchscreen sensor. The input device may be a finger or an active stylus. At box 406, the first input location is set as the starting point. In some examples, the starting point may be associated with a specific action (such as selecting an image on the touchscreen display).

[0041] At box 408, the second input location is defined. In this example, the second input location could be the location on the touchscreen display where the second input is detected by the touchscreen sensor. At box 410, the second input location is set as the endpoint of a specific action. At box 412, an item or image on the touchscreen display extending from the starting point to the endpoint is selected, and the process ends at box 414. In this example, the item or image could be one or more lines in a word processing application, one or more cells in a spreadsheet application, one or more slides in a presentation application, one or more objects in a GUI file system, etc.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method 500 for performing operations based on multiple inputs in a two-user mode, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method beginning at block 502. It should be readily understood that not every method step illustrated in this flowchart is always necessary, but rather, without changing the scope of the present disclosure, certain steps of the method may be combined, performed simultaneously, in different orders, or may be omitted. Figure 5 It can be used in whole or in part. Figure 1 The information processing system 100 includes a touchscreen sensor 106, a touchscreen controller 108, a graphics card 110, and a processor 114, or may employ operable components to utilize... Figure 5 Any other type of controller, device, module, processor, or any combination thereof, in whole or in part, of the method.

[0043] At box 504, the input type is detected. If the input type is a finger, the finger position is determined by the touchscreen sensor at box 506. At box 508, a first player action is set at the finger position, and the process continues as described above at box 504. If the input type is a stylus, the stylus position is determined by the touchscreen sensor at box 510. At box 512, a first player action is set at the stylus position, and the process continues as described above at box 504. In the example, different actions by different players or individuals might include drawing lines, performing game operations, etc.

[0044] Figure 6 A general embodiment of an information processing system 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The information processing system 600 may be substantially similar to... Figure 1 Information processing system 100. For the purposes of this disclosure, the information processing system may include any tool or set of tools operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, create, switch, store, display, indicate, detect, record, reproduce, dispose of, or utilize information, intelligence, or data of any form for commercial, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, information processing system 600 may be a personal computer, laptop computer, smartphone, tablet device, or other consumer electronic device, web server, network storage device, switching router, or other network communication device, or any other suitable device, and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. Furthermore, information processing system 600 may include processing resources for executing machine-executable code, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a programmable logic array (PLA), an embedded device such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), or other control logic hardware. Information processing system 600 may also include one or more computer-readable media for storing machine-executable code such as software or data. Additional components of the information processing system 600 may include one or more storage devices for storing machine-executable code, one or more communication ports for communicating with external devices, and various input and output (I / O) devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and video display. The information processing system 600 may also include one or more buses operable to transfer information between various hardware components.

[0045] Information processing system 600 may include one or more of the means or modules described below, and operates to perform one or more of the methods described below. Information processing system 600 includes processors 602 and 604, input / output (I / O) interfaces 610, memory 620 and 625, graphics interface 630, Basic Input / Output System / General Purpose Extensible Firmware Interface (BIOS / UEFI) module 640, disk controller 650, hard disk drive (HDD) 654, optical disk drive (ODD) 656, disk emulator 660 connected to an external solid-state drive (SSD) 664, I / O bridge 670, one or more expansion resources 674, Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 676, network interface 680, management device 690, and power supply 695. Processors 602 and 604, I / O interface 610, memory 620, graphics interface 630, BIOS / UEFI module 640, disk controller 650, HDD 654, ODD 656, disk emulator 660, SSD 664, I / O bridge 670, expansion resources 674, TPM 676, and network interface 680 work together to provide the host environment for information processing system 600, which operates to provide the data processing functionality of the information processing system. The host environment operates to execute machine-executable code, including platform BIOS / UEFI code, device firmware, operating system code, applications, programs, etc., to perform data processing tasks associated with information processing system 600.

[0046] In a host environment, processor 602 is connected to I / O interface 610 via processor interface 606, and processor 604 is connected to I / O interface 608. Memory 620 is connected to processor 602 via memory interface 622. Memory 625 is connected to processor 604 via memory interface 627. Graphics interface 630 is connected to I / O interface 610 via graphics interface 632 and provides video display output 636 to video display 634. In a particular embodiment, information processing system 600 includes separate memory dedicated to each of processors 602 and 604 via separate memory interfaces. Examples of memories 620 and 630 include random access memory (RAM) (such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), etc.), read-only memory (ROM), another type of memory, or a combination thereof.

[0047] The BIOS / UEFI module 640, disk controller 650, and I / O bridge 670 are connected to the I / O interface 610 via I / O channel 612. Examples of I / O channels 612 include Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interfaces, Extended PCI (PCI-X) interfaces, High-Speed ​​PCI-Express (PCIe) interfaces, another industry-standard or proprietary communication interface, or combinations thereof. The I / O interface 610 may also include one or more other I / O interfaces, including Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) interfaces, Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI) interfaces, and Inter-Integrated Circuit (I / O) interfaces. 2 C) Interfaces such as System Packet Interface (SPI), Universal Serial Bus (USB), another interface, or combinations thereof. The BIOS / UEFI module 640 includes BIOS / UEFI code operable to detect resources within the information processing system 600, provide drivers for the resources, initialize the resources, and access the resources. The BIOS / UEFI module 640 includes code operable to detect resources within the information processing system 600, provide drivers for the resources, initialize the resources, and access the resources.

[0048] Disk controller 650 includes a disk interface 652 that connects the disk controller to HDD 654, ODD 656, and disk emulator 660. Examples of disk interface 652 include an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA) (such as a Parallel ATA (PATA) interface or a Serial ATA (SATA) interface), SCSI interface, USB interface, proprietary interface, or a combination thereof. Disk emulator 660 allows SSD 664 to be connected to information processing system 600 via external interface 662. Examples of external interface 662 include a USB interface, IEEE 4394 (FireWire) interface, proprietary interface, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, solid-state drive 664 may be located within information processing system 600.

[0049] I / O bridge 670 includes a peripheral interface 672 that connects the I / O bridge to expansion resource 674, TPM 676, and network interface 680. Peripheral interface 672 may be the same type of interface as I / O channel 612, or it may be a different type of interface. Therefore, when peripheral interface 672 is the same type as the I / O channel, I / O bridge 670 expands the capabilities of I / O channel 612, and when they are different types, I / O bridge converts information from a format suitable for the I / O channel to a format suitable for peripheral channel 672. Expansion resource 674 may include a data storage system, an additional graphics interface, a network interface card (NIC), a voice / video processing card, another expansion resource, or a combination thereof. Expansion resource 674 may be located on a main circuit board, on a separate circuit board or expansion card disposed within information processing system 600, on a device external to information processing system, or a combination thereof.

[0050] Network interface 680 represents a NIC, which is disposed within information processing system 600, located on the main circuit board of information processing system, integrated into another component such as I / O interface 610, located in another suitable location, or a combination thereof. Network interface device 680 includes network channels 682 and 684, which provide interfaces to devices outside information processing system 600. In certain embodiments, network channels 682 and 684 are of a different type from peripheral channel 672, and network interface 680 converts information from a format suitable for peripheral channels to a format suitable for external devices. Examples of network channels 682 and 684 include InfiniBand channels, Fibre Channel-type channels, Gigabit Ethernet channels, proprietary channel architectures, or combinations thereof. Network channels 682 and 684 can connect to external network resources (not shown). Network resources may include another information processing system, a data storage system, another network, a grid management system, another suitable resource, or a combination thereof.

[0051] Management device 690 refers to one or more processing devices that operate together to provide a management environment for information processing system 600, such as a dedicated board management controller (BMC), a system-on-a-chip (SoC) device, one or more associated memory devices, one or more network interface devices, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), etc. Specifically, management device 690 connects to various components of the host environment via various internal communication interfaces (such as low pin count (LPC) interfaces, inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interfaces, PCIe interfaces, etc.) to provide out-of-band (OOB) mechanisms to retrieve information related to the operation of the host environment, provide BIOS / UEFI or system firmware updates, and manage non-processing components of information processing system 600, such as system cooling fans and power supplies. Management device 690 may include a network connection to an external management system, and the management device may communicate with the management system to report status information of information processing system 600, receive BIOS / UEFI or system firmware updates, or perform other tasks for managing and controlling the operation of information processing system 600.

[0052] Management device 690 can operate outside the power plane of the host environment components, allowing it to receive power to manage information processing system 600 when the information processing system is otherwise shut down. Examples of management device 690 include commercially available BMC products or other devices operating according to the Intelligent Platform Management Initiative (IPMI) specification, Network Services Management (WSMan) interface, Redfish application programming interface (API), another Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF), or other management standards, and may include integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC), embedded controllers (EC), etc. Management device 690 may also include associated memory devices, logic devices, security devices, etc., as needed or desired.

[0053] Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications to the exemplary embodiments are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, the means plus function clause is intended to cover structures described herein as performing the stated function, encompassing not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An information processing system, the information processing system comprising: Touchscreen display; A touchscreen sensor for detecting a first input and a second input; as well as A processor, configured to communicate with the touchscreen sensor, wherein the processor is configured to: Receive user input to select an input mode for the touchscreen sensor; as well as When the selected input mode is a continuous workflow mode, the processor is used to: Determine the first input type of the first input; Determine the type of the second input; Determine the first time interval between the first input and the second input; as well as In response to the first time value being less than a predetermined threshold: Based on the first input type, the first position of the first input is set as the starting point; Based on the second input type, the second position of the second input is set as the endpoint; as well as When the first application is being executed, connect the start point and the end point on the touchscreen display.

2. The information processing system as described in claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; and Since the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touchscreen display.

3. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein when a word processing application is being executed, the processor is configured to select one or more lines of text on the touchscreen display extending from the starting point to the ending point.

4. The information processing system of claim 3, wherein when a graphical user interface is being executed, the processor is further configured to: select one or more graphical user interface icons on the touchscreen display that extend from the starting point to the ending point.

5. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Determine the type of the third input; Determine a second time interval between the first input, the second input, and the third input; and In response to the second time amount being less than the predetermined threshold: Set the third position of the third input as the next point; Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; Based on the fact that the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touch screen display; as well as While the first application is being executed, connect the start point and the end point on the touchscreen display.

6. The information processing system of claim 1, wherein when the selected input mode is a two-user operation mode, the processor is configured to: Set a first user action at the first location; and Set a second user action at the second location.

7. The information processing system of claim 6, wherein the first action is to draw a first line on the touch screen display in a first color, and the second action is to draw a second line on the touch screen display in a second color.

8. A method, the method comprising: The processor of the information processing system receives user input to select an input mode for the touchscreen sensor of the information processing system. as well as When the selected input mode is continuous workflow mode: Determine the type of the first input; Determine the type of the second input; Determine the first time interval between the first input and the second input; as well as In response to the first time value being less than a predetermined threshold: Based on the first input type, the first position of the first input is set as the starting point; Based on the second input type, the second position of the second input is set as the endpoint; as well as When the first application is being executed, the processor connects the start point and the end point on the touchscreen display.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; as well as Since the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touchscreen display.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein when a word processing application is being executed, the method further comprises: Select one or more lines of text on the touchscreen display that extend from the starting point to the ending point.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein when a graphical user interface is being executed, the method further comprises: Select one or more graphical user interface icons on the touchscreen display that extend from the starting point to the ending point.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Determine the type of the third input; Determine a second time interval between the first input, the second input, and the third input; as well as In response to the second time amount being less than the predetermined threshold: Set the third position of the third input as the next point; Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; Based on the fact that the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touch screen display; as well as While the first application is being executed, connect the start point and the end point on the touchscreen display.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein when the selected input mode is a two-user operation mode, the method further comprises: Set the first user action at the first location; as well as Set a second user action at the second location.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first action is to draw a first line on the touch screen display in a first color, and the second action is to draw a second line on the touch screen display in a second color.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code that, when executed, causes a processor to perform a method comprising: Receive user input to select an input mode for the touchscreen sensor; as well as When the selected input mode is continuous workflow mode: Determine the first type of the first input; Determine the second type of the second input; Determine the first time interval between the first input and the second input; as well as In response to the first time value being less than a predetermined threshold: Based on the first input type, the first position of the first input is set as the starting point; Based on the second input type, the second position of the second input is set as the endpoint; as well as When the first application is running, connect the start point and the end point on the touchscreen display.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises: Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; as well as Since the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touchscreen display.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein when a word processing application is being executed, the method further comprises: Select one or more lines of text on the touchscreen display that extend from the starting point to the ending point.

18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein when a graphical user interface is being executed, the method further comprises: Select one or more graphical user interface icons on the touchscreen display that extend from the starting point to the ending point.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising: Determine the type of the third input; Determine a second time interval between the first input, the second input, and the third input; as well as In response to the second time amount being less than the predetermined threshold: Set the third position of the third input as the next point; Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; Based on the fact that the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touch screen display; as well as While the first application is being executed, connect the start point and the end point on the touchscreen display.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein when the selected input mode is a two-user operation mode, the method further comprises: Determine whether the second input type is a stylus; as well as Since the second input type is a stylus, the starting point and the ending point are connected by a straight line on the touchscreen display.

Images