Method and apparatus for displaying an icon and electronic device

Abstract

Method for displaying an icon, wherein the method is applied to an electronic device with multiple operating modes, wherein the electronic device comprises a first housing and a second housing, wherein the second housing is variably positionable relative to the first housing, and a respective operating mode is associated with a relative position between the first housing and the second housing, the procedure includes: Detecting and determining a current operating mode of the electronic device by detecting a change in the shape of the electronic device using sensors to detect the relative position between the first housing and the second housing, wherein the sensors are arranged in the electronic device; Determine, in accordance with the present form of operation, a first application applicable to the present form of operation; and Setting a display rule for an icon assigned to the first application.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201210299562.1, entitled "Processing method and processing apparatus for displaying an icon and electronic device", filed with the Chinese Patent Office on August 21, 2012. Technical field of the application

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing electronic devices and their application, and in particular to a method and apparatus for displaying an icon, and to an electronic device. Background of the invention

[0003] With the continuous development of science and technology, a variety of electronic devices were rapidly developed to enrich and facilitate people's lives. Electronic devices quickly became indispensable in people's lives and work due to their convenient and rapid processing of various types of information and their many different forms of implementation.

[0004] In particular, there are variable forms of electronic devices, such as PADs (tablet computers) and notebook computers. Depending on the characteristics of the different forms of electronic devices, for example, different applications of the electronic device, the electronic device can be used for different use cases. In other words, some applications for a specific use case may only be applicable to a specific form of electronic device.

[0005] As already known from the above, for electronic devices with multiple shapes, there is a requirement that different applications be usable for different use cases according to the shape of the electronic device and the use case in terms of the use case corresponding to the shape. However, in many applications, the display styles of the icons corresponding to the applications are the same for different shapes. Accordingly, when selecting an application, the user cannot accurately select the available application for the shape corresponding to the use case. Consequently, the user experience when using the electronic device is degraded.

[0006] US 6 567 101 B1 discloses a system and method for adjusting a data display using motion inputs. In one exemplary embodiment, a digital information device suitable for using motion inputs and for displaying data comprises a detector for detecting a rotation of the digital information device about an axis and a display device for displaying data. A data display is adjusted in response to the detected rotation. In another exemplary embodiment, a digital information device suitable for using motion inputs and for displaying data comprises a detector for detecting a translational movement of a digital information device along an axis and a display device for displaying data. A display of data is at least enlarged or reduced in size in response to the detected translation.

[0007] US 2006 / 0 187 204 A1 discloses a device for controlling menu navigation in a terminal. The device comprises a display for displaying a menu screen, a user interface, an inertial sensor for directly detecting movement of the terminal, and a controller for displaying the menu screen on the display in response to a first input detected by the user interface and for shifting a focus on the menu screen displayed on the display in accordance with the movement of the terminal detected by the inertial sensor.

[0008] US 2012 / 0 165 071 A1 discloses a mobile device configured to automatically switch its operating modes. The device comprises a memory module, a control module, a display module, and an electrical connector. The memory module is configured to store icon data that can be used to control the execution of an application or function. The control module is configured to forward the data of at least one icon from the memory module to the display module so that the icon is displayed on a screen. The control module is configured, when it detects that the electrical connector is electrically connected to an electronic device, to adapt the configuration of the at least one icon, wherein the adapted configuration is automatically displayed on the screen to indicate a new operating mode of the mobile device.The configuration of the icon can be implemented by adjusting the size, one or more pixels, the position or a number of icons. Summary of the invention

[0009] In view of this, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for displaying an icon and an electronic device to overcome the problems in the prior art. For example, the user cannot accurately select an application suitable for the present mode of operation because the display modes of icons associated with multiple applications are the same for different modes of operation, thereby diminishing the user experience.

[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to simplify the use of an electronic device with (geometrically) different operating modes of the device and different applications applicable in the operating modes. This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1 and the device according to claim 7.

[0011] The method is a method for displaying an icon, wherein the method is applied to an electronic device with multiple operating modes. The electronic device comprises a first housing and a second housing, wherein the second housing is variably positionable relative to the first housing, and a respective operating mode is associated with a relative position between the first housing and the second housing. The method comprises: Detecting and determining a current operating mode of the electronic device by detecting the change in a shape of the electronic device using sensors for detecting the relative position between the first housing and the second housing, the sensors being arranged in the electronic device; Determining, in accordance with the present operating mode, a first application applicable to the present operating mode; and Setting a display rule for an icon assigned to the first application.

[0012] Preferably, the plurality of operating forms comprises at least one tablet computer form, one notebook computer form or one tent form.

[0013] Preferably, setting a display rule for an icon of the first application includes: Classify the icon of the first application; and Displaying the classified icon in a specified area of ​​the screen of the electronic device; or separately displaying the classified icon on a left, right, top or bottom side of the screen of the electronic device.

[0014] Preferably, setting a display rule for an icon of the first application includes: Setting a display size of the icon of the first application.

[0015] Preferably, setting a display rule for an icon of the first application includes: Control the icon associated with the specific first application so that it flashes at a specified frequency.

[0016] Preferably, setting a display rule for an icon of the first application includes: Control the icon associated with the specific first application so that it is highlighted.

[0017] Also disclosed is an apparatus for displaying an icon applied to an electronic device having multiple modes of operation, the electronic device comprising a first housing and a second housing, the second housing being variably positionable relative to the first housing, and a respective mode of operation being associated with a relative position between the first housing and the second housing.The device comprises a detection unit configured to detect and determine a current operating mode of the electronic device by detecting a change in a mode using sensors for detecting the relative position between the first housing and the second housing; a selection unit configured to determine, according to the current operating mode of the electronic device determined by the detection unit, a first application applicable to the current operating mode; and a setting unit configured to set a display rule for an icon associated with the first application determined by the selection unit.

[0018] Preferably, the setting unit includes: A classification module capable of classifying the icon of the first application; and a first display module adapted to display the classified icon in a predetermined area of ​​the screen of the electronic device; or a second display module adapted to separately display the classified icon on a left, a right, an upper or a lower side of the display screen of the electronic device.

[0019] Preferably, the setting unit includes: A first settings module capable of setting a display size of the icon of the first application.

[0020] Preferably, the setting unit includes: A first control unit adapted to control the icon associated with the first application to flash at a predetermined frequency.

[0021] Preferably, the setting unit includes: A second settings module capable of controlling the icon associated with the first application so that it is highlighted.

[0022] An electronic device comprising: A screen capable of displaying an icon associated with the first application; a setting component capable of rotating and setting the operating mode of the electronic device; and the above-mentioned device for displaying an icon.

[0023] It is known from the above-mentioned technical solution that a method and apparatus for displaying an icon and an electronic device according to the present invention are provided over the prior art. In particular, the current operating mode of the electronic device is determined and identified. The application in the electronic device usable for the current operating mode is selected according to the determined operating mode. Subsequently, the icon associated with the determined and selected application and displayed on the screen of the electronic device is accordingly set to be highlighted. In this way, it is ensured that the user can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the usable application in the operating mode of the electronic device, which improves the user experience when the user uses the electronic device. Short description of the drawings

[0024] The accompanying drawings used in describing the embodiments or the prior art are briefly described below so that the technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present invention or according to the prior art become clearer. It goes without saying that the accompanying drawings below illustrate only some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can obtain additional accompanying drawings based on the accompanying drawings without creative effort. Fig. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a structural schematic diagram of a screen of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3a shows a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device in tablet computer form according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3b shows a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device in a notebook computer form according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3c shows a structural schematic diagram of an electronic device in a tent shape according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 is a structural schematic diagram of an icon display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a structural schematic diagram of another icon display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Fig. 9 is a structural schematic diagram of yet another icon display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of still another icon display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0025] The technical solution according to the embodiments of the present invention is described clearly and completely as follows, together with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments according to the present invention. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can derive from the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of the invention.

[0026] A method and apparatus for displaying an icon and an electronic device are provided according to the following embodiments of the present invention, and the specific structure will be explained in detail based on the following embodiments. First embodiment

[0027] As in Fig. 1 shown, is Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon according to the present invention. The method is essentially applied to an icon C of the application on the screen 1 of an electronic device, shown in Fig. 2, applied. The Fig. 2 may have several forms, for example a tablet computer form as in Fig. 3a, a notebook computer form as in Fig. 3b and a tent shape as in Fig. 3c. The electronic device used in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3c mainly comprises a first case A and a second case B, and a display screen 1 is provided in the case A.

[0028] Based on the electronic device shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 3c, the method for displaying an icon on the electronic device with multiple modes of operation essentially comprises steps S101-S103: Step S101: Detecting and determining the operating mode of the present electronic device. Step S102: Selecting and determining a first application for the operation form that can be used for the operation form. Step S103: Setting a display rule for an icon associated with the first application.

[0029] In the above-mentioned step S101, the operating mode of a given electronic device is primarily detected and determined by sensors provided in the electronic device. In step S101, the operating mode of the given electronic device is detected by the sensors each provided within the corresponding housing of the electronic device. The detected data is compared with a predetermined data range for each operating mode to determine the operating mode of the given electronic device.

[0030] As in Fig. 3a to Fig. As shown in Figure 3c, in the electronic device according to the present invention, the display and a processor are arranged on opposite sides. Namely, in the electronic device, the display is arranged in one housing and the processor is arranged in the other housing. The two housings form a complete housing of the electronic device. Regarding the location of the above-mentioned sensors provided in the electronic device, one sensor is provided in the housing with the display, and one sensor is provided in the housing with the processor. The number of the above-mentioned sensors provided may alternatively include only one or more sensors. The location of the sensor in each housing is freely selectable. Preferably, the sensor is provided at a position where the change in shape can be sensitively measured.For example, the sensor can be provided within the edges of the housings, or within the closed edges of the two housings.

[0031] The sensor provided in the electronic device can be either a physical sensor or another sensor for measuring the change in position and angle.

[0032] With the above-mentioned icon display method, in the electronic device with multiple modes, the icons associated with different applications can be displayed in different forms within the housing according to the different modes of operation. This meets the requirement that different applications be usable for different use cases. The above-mentioned icon display method will be described in detail below along with the various modes of operation of the electronic device.

[0033] First, step S101 is performed. Shape data for the current electronic device is detected and acquired by the sensors. The shape data may include relative position and / or angle data. The acquired shape data is compared with the specified data range for the respective operating mode. If the determined shape data falls within or lies within the range of the specified data corresponding to an operating mode, the operating mode of the current electronic device is determined.

[0034] Next, if it is determined in step S102 that the electronic device is in tablet computer form as shown in Fig. 3a, a first application applicable to the electronic device in tablet computer form is selected and determined. The number of first applications is not limited to one, and the word "first" is used here essentially to distinguish it from other applications that are not usable for the same operating mode.

[0035] Then, step S103 is performed. The display rule for the icon corresponding to the selected and determined first application displayed on the screen of the electronic device is set accordingly. By setting the display rule, the icon associated with the first application can be displayed prominently compared to the icons associated with other applications.

[0036] If it is determined in step S102 that the electronic device is in the notebook computer form as shown in Fig. 3b, a first application usable for the electronic device in notebook form is selected and determined.

[0037] Then, step S103 is performed. The display rule for the icon associated with the specific first application displayed on the screen of the electronic device is set accordingly. By setting the display rule, the icon corresponding to the first application can be displayed more prominently than the icons associated with other applications.

[0038] Similarly, if it is determined in step S102 that the electronic device is in tent form as shown in Fig. 3c, a first application usable for an electronic device in tent form is selected and determined.

[0039] Then, step S103 is performed. The display rule for the icon associated with the first application displayed on the screen of the electronic device is set accordingly. When setting the display rule, the icon of the first application can be displayed prominently compared to other icons associated with other applications.

[0040] It should be noted that the operating shape of the electronic device includes not only the tablet computer shape, notebook computer shape or tent shape mentioned above, but may also include other shapes, such as an upright shape.

[0041] With the above-mentioned icon display method according to the present invention, the current operating mode of the electronic device is determined, and the application that can be performed in the operating mode of the body, namely, the application usable for the operating mode, is selected according to the current operating mode. Then, the icon associated with the application and displayed on the screen of the electronic device is appropriately set to be displayed prominently. This ensures that the user can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the application available in the operating mode of the body of the electronic device, thus improving the user experience when the user uses the electronic device. Second embodiment

[0042] Based on the electronic device used in Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c, according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, shows Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon applied to the above-mentioned multi-mode electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. The method essentially includes the following steps S201 to S204.

[0043] Step S201: Detecting and determining an operation mode of the present electronic device.

[0044] In the above-mentioned step S201, the operating mode of the present electronic device is essentially detected and determined by sensors provided in the electronic device. In step S201, the operating mode of the present electronic device is detected by the sensors provided within the respective housings of the electronic device. The detected data is compared with a predetermined data range associated with an operating mode to determine the operating mode of the present electronic device.

[0045] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the location of the sensor in the electronic device and the detection method of the sensor are the same as those in the first embodiment, to which reference is made here without being repeated.

[0046] Step S202: Selecting and determining a first application for the operation form that can be used for the operation form.

[0047] Step S203: Classifying the icon associated with the specific first application.

[0048] In step S203, the icon may be ranked according to the size, the number of clicks, or a selected random order of the first application. The ranking method according to the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0049] Step S204: Displaying the classified icon in a predetermined area of ​​a screen of the electronic device.

[0050] In step S204, the specified area may be any area on the screen of the electronic device, and the area may be near the area where other non-set icons are displayed. Alternatively, the specified area may be displayed independently on the screen.

[0051] In particular, an independent or single display type individually displays the classified icon on a left, a right, an upper or a lower side of the screen of the electronic device.

[0052] In the method according to the above-mentioned second embodiment of the present invention, an initially existing display rule is changed. The method is applied to the electronic device with multiple modes of operation through the following steps S201 to S204.

[0053] Step S201 is performed. The shape data for the current electronic device is determined and recorded by the sensors. The shape data can be relative position data and / or angle data. The recorded shape data is compared with the specified data range corresponding to the respective operating mode. If the determined shape data falls within or lies within the current data range of a corresponding operating mode, the operating mode of the current electronic device is determined.

[0054] Then, if it is determined in step S202 that the electronic device is in tablet computer form as shown in Fig. 3a, the application usable for the electronic device in tablet form is selected and determined. In particular, the application may be a specific gaming application, such as "Angry Birds" and "Link Go," or a specific search application.

[0055] Then, step S203 is performed. The icon associated with the above-mentioned specific first application displayed on the screen of the electronic device is classified.

[0056] Then, step S204 is performed. The rated icon is displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the electronic device's screen.

[0057] By performing the ranking process of step S203 and the display process of step S204, the icon associated with the selected and determined first application is actually set. Therefore, the icon associated with the first application can be displayed prominently compared to an icon associated with another application.

[0058] Similarly, if it is determined in step S202 that the electronic device is in notebook computer form as shown in Fig. 3b, or that the electronic device is in tent form, as in Fig. 3c, is selected and determined for the current operating mode of the electronic device in the same manner as above. Then, the subsequent processes, such as the classification process in step S203 and the display process in step S204, are performed. Thus, the set icons are displayed prominently compared to the other icons.

[0059] With the above-mentioned icon display method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device having different operation modes, the icon associated with the different application can be classified for different operation modes and then displayed in a predetermined area. In this way, the icon associated with the selected application is displayed conspicuously and recognizably. Thus, the demand for different applications to be usable for different use cases can be met. Thus, the user can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the usable application in consideration of the operation mode of the electronic device, further enhancing the user experience when the user uses the electronic device. Third embodiment

[0060] Based on the electronic device as described in Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c, according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, shows Fig. 5 is a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon, which is applied to the above-mentioned electronic device with various operating modes according to the embodiment of the present invention. The method essentially includes the following steps S301 to S303.

[0061] Step S301: Detecting and determining an operation mode of a present electronic device.

[0062] Step S302: Selecting and determining a first application for the operation form that can be used for the operation form.

[0063] Step S303: Setting the icon associated with the specific first application to increase the display size, or setting the icon associated with the specific first application to decrease the display size.

[0064] The above-mentioned steps S301 - S302 are the same as the steps S201 - S202 in the first and second embodiments, to which reference is made without being repeated.

[0065] In step S303, the display size of the icon of the first application is adjusted, i.e., an initial display rule for the icon is changed. Specifically, the display size is increased or decreased. The comparison icon typically corresponds to other unselected or unadjusted icons. This means that the display size of the icon is increased or decreased with respect to the comparison icon.

[0066] It should be noted that the third embodiment of the present invention can be implemented together with the method according to the above-mentioned second embodiment. In this case, the setting process includes the following steps:

[0067] After the specific icon is classified and displayed, the display size can be increased or decreased.

[0068] Alternatively, the specific icon is ranked and displayed after the display size of the specific icon is increased or decreased.

[0069] The method for displaying an icon according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic device having a plurality of changeable modes of operation through steps S301-S303.

[0070] Step S301 is performed. Shape data of the current electronic device is determined and recorded by the sensors. The recorded shape data is compared with the specified data range of the respective operating mode. If the determined shape data falls within or lies within the current data range of an operating mode, the operating mode of the electronic device is determined.

[0071] If it is determined in step S302 that the electronic device is in the notebook computer form as shown in Fig. 3b, the first application applicable to the notebook computer form of the electronic device is next selected and determined. Specifically, the first application may be a specific communication application, such as "QQ" and "MSN," or a specific document processing application.

[0072] Then, step S303 is performed. The display size of the icon corresponding to the determined first application is controlled to increase or decrease.

[0073] Alternatively, before step S303, the icon associated with the specific first application displayed on the screen of the electronic device is classified. Then, the classified icon is displayed in a predetermined area of ​​the screen of the electronic device or is separately displayed on an upper, lower, left, or right side of the screen.

[0074] Alternatively, after step S303, the icon whose display size has been adjusted is classified. Then, the icon is displayed in the specified area or separately displayed on an upper, lower, left, or right side of the screen.

[0075] The first application is comparable if it is determined in step S302 that the electronic device is in tablet computer form, as in Fig. 3a, or that the electronic device is in tent form, as in Fig. 3c, is selected and determined for the current operating mode of the electronic device in the same manner as shown above. Then, the subsequent step S303 is performed. The display size of the icon associated with the specific first application is adjusted, and then the steps of categorizing and displaying the icon in the predetermined area in the second embodiment are performed. Thus, the icon associated with the first application can be displayed prominently compared with the icons associated with other applications.

[0076] With the above-mentioned icon display method according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in an electronic device having different operating modes, the icon associated with the different application can be adjusted to enlarge or reduce the display size of the specific icon for a different operating mode. In this way, the icon associated with the selected application is displayed conspicuously and recognizably. Furthermore, in conjunction with the method of the second embodiment, the requirement that different applications be usable for different use cases can be met, and the user can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the application suitable for the operating mode of the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience when the user uses the electronic device. Fourth embodiment

[0077] Based on the electronic device shown in Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c and according to the above-mentioned first embodiment, shows Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method for displaying an icon, which is applied to the above-mentioned electronic device with various operating modes according to the embodiment of the present invention. The method essentially includes the following steps S401-S403.

[0078] Step S401: Detecting and determining an operation mode of the present electronic device.

[0079] Step S402: Selecting and determining a first application for the operation form that can be used for the operation form.

[0080] Step S403: Control the icon associated with a specific first application to flash at a specific frequency.

[0081] The above-mentioned steps S401-S402 are the same as in the first, second, and third embodiments, to which reference is made here without being repeated.

[0082] In step S403, blinking at a predetermined frequency refers to a display rule in which the display mode of the selected icon is blinking at a certain frequency, compared to a non-selected or non-set icon.

[0083] It should be noted that the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in conjunction with the method according to the above-mentioned second and third embodiments. In this case, the steps of setting the icon and controlling the blinking of the icon include multiple combinations.

[0084] In a first combination, the specific icon may continue to flash at a predetermined frequency after the specific icon has been classified and displayed.

[0085] In a second combination, the display size of the specific icon is increased or decreased, and then the specific icon can flash at a predetermined frequency after the specific icon has been classified and displayed.

[0086] In a third combination, the specific icon may flash at a predetermined frequency after the display size of the specific icon has been adjusted to be enlarged or reduced.

[0087] The order of the steps of setting the icon and controlling the blinking of the icon in the first, second, and third embodiments can be changed and is not limited in the present invention.

[0088] The method for displaying an icon according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the electronic device with multiple changeable modes. The method may include steps S401-S403.

[0089] Step S401 is performed. Shape data of the current electronic device is determined and recorded by the sensors. The recorded shape data is compared with the data range of the respective operating mode. If the determined shape data falls within or lies within the data range of one of the operating modes, the operating mode of the current electronic device is determined.

[0090] If it is determined in step S402 that the electronic device is in the tent shape as shown in Fig. 3c, a first application applicable to the tent-shaped electronic device is selected and determined. In particular, the first application may be a specific application, for example, for a video player.

[0091] Then, step S403 is executed. The icon associated with the first specific application is controlled to flash at a specified frequency.

[0092] Alternatively, the steps of setting according to the above first, second and third combinations are used for the display rule for the specific icon.

[0093] Similarly, if it is determined in step S402 that the electronic device is in tablet computer form as in Fig. 3a, or that the electronic device is in tent form, as shown in Fig. 3b, the first application for the present mode of operation is selected and designated in the same manner as shown above. Step S403 is then subsequently performed. The icon associated with the designated first application is controlled to flash at a predetermined frequency. Furthermore, in conjunction with the methods according to the second and third embodiments, the icon associated with the first application is displayed prominently compared to the icons of other applications that are not selected and designated.

[0094] It should be noted that in addition to the above-mentioned manner in which the display rule for the icon associated with the specific first application is changed, the icon associated with the specific first application may also be controlled in the setting step, or another display rule may be adopted, as long as the first application is displayed clearly and prominently in the operating mode of the electronic device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned display rules.

[0095] With the above-mentioned icon display method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the electronic device with multiple operation modes, the icons associated with different applications can be controlled so that the specific icons flash at a predetermined frequency in the case of different operation modes. This conspicuously displays and identifies the icon associated with the selected application. Together with the methods of the second and third embodiments, when the requirement that different applications can be applied to different use cases is met, the user can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the application applicable to the operation mode, thus improving the user experience when the user uses the electronic device.

[0096] The above-mentioned icon display method according to the present invention can be implemented in various devices. Thus, an icon display device based on the above-mentioned embodiments of the methods is provided. The specific structure of the device is described below. Fifth embodiment

[0097] As in Fig. 7, represents Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an icon display device according to the present invention. The device is essentially applied to a multi-mode electronic device including a detection unit 101, a selection unit 102, and a setting unit 103.

[0098] The detection unit 101 is suitable for detecting and determining the operating mode of a given electronic device.

[0099] The selection unit 102 is adapted to determine a first application usable for the operating mode of the present electronic device according to the operating mode determined by the detection unit.

[0100] The setting unit 103 is adapted to set the display rule for an icon corresponding to the first application determined by the selection unit.

[0101] The implementation and principle of each unit in the device corresponds to those described in the method according to the first embodiment, to which reference is hereby made without being repeated.

[0102] Furthermore, another device for displaying an icon according to the present invention is provided. As in Fig. 8, the device may comprise a detection unit 101, a selection unit 102, a classification module 104 and a first display module 105 or a second display module 106 (shown by the dotted line in Fig. 8).

[0103] In particular, a combination of the classification module 104 with the first display module 105 or with the second display module 106 can convert the setting unit 103 into Fig. Replace 7.

[0104] The detection unit 101 is suitable for detecting and determining the operating mode of the present electronic device.

[0105] The selection unit 102 is adapted to select and determine a first application that can be used for the operating mode of the present electronic device, which was determined by the detection unit.

[0106] The classification module 104 is adapted to classify the icon of the particular application.

[0107] The first display module 105 is adapted to display the classified icon in a predetermined area of ​​a screen of the electronic device.

[0108] Alternatively, the second display module 106 is adapted to display the classified icon separately on a left, a right, an upper or a lower side of the screen of the electronic device.

[0109] The implementation and principle of each unit in the device correspond to those described in the method according to the second embodiment, to which reference is hereby made without being repeated.

[0110] Furthermore, another device for displaying an icon according to the present invention is provided. As in Fig. 9, the device may comprise a detection unit 101, a selection unit 102, and a first adjustment module. The first adjustment module may be a magnifying adjustment module 107 or a reducing adjustment module 108 (shown by the dotted line in Fig. 9).

[0111] In particular, the first adjustment module, that is, the enlarging adjustment module 107 or the reducing adjustment module 108, the adjustment unit 103 in Fig. Replace 7.

[0112] The setting unit 101 is suitable for detecting and determining the operating mode of a given electronic device.

[0113] The selection unit 102 is adapted to select and determine a first application applicable to the operating mode of the present electronic device, which was determined by the detection unit.

[0114] The first settings module is essentially used to set the display size of the icon assigned to the first application.

[0115] In particular, the enlarging setting module 107 is adapted to set and enlarge the display size of the icon associated with the specific first application.

[0116] The resizing setting module 108 is adapted to set and reduce the display size of the icon associated with the specific first application.

[0117] The implementation and principle of each unit in the device correspond to those described in the method according to the third embodiment, to which reference is hereby made without being repeated.

[0118] Yet another device for displaying an icon is also provided according to the present invention. As in Fig. 10, the device may include a detection unit 101, a selection unit 102 and a first control module 109.

[0119] In particular, the first control module 109 can control the setting unit 103 in Fig. Replace 7.

[0120] The detection unit 101 is suitable for detecting and determining the operating mode of the present electronic device.

[0121] The selection unit 102 is adapted to select and determine a first application usable for the operating mode of the present electronic device, which was determined by the detection unit.

[0122] The first control module 109 is adapted to control the icon associated with the specific first application so that it flashes at a predetermined frequency.

[0123] The implementation and principle of each unit of the device correspond to those described in the method according to the fourth embodiment, to which reference is hereby made without being repeated.

[0124] It should be noted that the units or modules in the aforementioned device for displaying an icon can be combined in any way. In particular, the units or modules for adjusting the type or position of the icon can be combined in any way. Furthermore, the detection unit of the device can be a sensor in the electronic device.

[0125] The above-mentioned icon display device according to the present invention can be applied to the electronic device with multiple operation modes. In this case, the current operation mode of the electronic device is determined, and the first application that can be used for the operation mode, that is, the first application usable for the operation mode, is selected according to the current operation mode. Then, the icon associated with the first application and displayed on the screen of the electronic device is appropriately set to be displayed conspicuously. This ensures that the user of the electronic device with multiple operation modes can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the first application available for the operation mode of the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience when the user uses the electronic device.

[0126] It should be noted that, in addition to the above-mentioned manner in which the display rule for the icon associated with the first application is changed, in the setting step, the setting unit 103 may also be a second setting module (not shown in the figures) capable of controlling the icon associated with the first application so that it is highlighted. In addition, the setting unit 103 may also establish display rules in which the icon is set in a different manner, provided that the first application is displayed prominently and prominently in the operating mode of the electronic device. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned display rules.

[0127] The method and device for displaying an icon according to the present invention are applied to the electronic device having multiple modes of operation. Therefore, an electronic device according to the present invention is also provided accordingly. The specific structure of the electronic device is shown in Fig. 10, and may include: a screen 1, a setting part 2, and a device for displaying an icon (not shown in the figure).

[0128] Screen 1 is configured to display the icon associated with the application. Setting part 2 is configured to change and set the operating mode of the electronic device. The structure of the icon display device is the same as that of each icon display device according to the fifth embodiment, and its implementation is the same as that of the first to third embodiments.

[0129] In particular, the application of the electronic device is described in detail by the following examples.

[0130] If the electronic device is a personal computer, the operating mode can be tablet, notebook, tent, or upright. An icon associated with "Angry Birds" that only functions in the tablet mode, along with other document icons, will be displayed on the computer screen.

[0131] The operating mode of the present electronic device is determined, as stated above, by the method and device for displaying an icon and the electronic device. If the determined operating mode is operating in tablet form, the first application suitable for the tablet form, for example, the game program "Angry Birds," is selected. The icon displayed on the screen and associated with "Angry Bird" is set. Specifically, the icon can be displayed separately on an upper, lower, left, or right side of the screen; and / or the display size of the icon is set to be enlarged or reduced; and / or the icon is controlled to flash at a specific frequency. Meanwhile, other document icons remain in their original state.

[0132] When the above method is applied to an electronic device with multiple operating modes, it is possible to prominently display the icons corresponding to different applications in different operating modes, that is, they can be prominently displayed for the application that can be used in the operating mode. By meeting the requirement that different applications be applicable to different use cases, users can quickly, conveniently, and accurately select the application that is applicable to the operating mode of the electronic device, thereby improving the user experience when using the electronic device.

[0133] The above examples are merely embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art may make improvements and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. These improvements and modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] A method for displaying an icon, the method being applied to an electronic device having multiple modes of operation, wherein the electronic device comprises a first housing and a second housing, wherein the second housing is variably positionable relative to the first housing, and a respective mode of operation is associated with a relative position between the first housing and the second housing, the method comprising: Detecting and determining a current operating mode of the electronic device by detecting the change in a shape of the electronic device using sensors for detecting the relative position between the first housing and the second housing, the sensors being arranged in the electronic device; Determining, in accordance with the present operating mode, a first application applicable to the present operating mode; and Setting a display rule for an icon assigned to the first application. [2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating modes comprises at least one of a tablet computer mode, a notebook computer mode, and a tent mode. [3] The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein setting a display rule for an icon of the first application comprises: Classify the icon of the first application; and Displaying the classified icon in a specified area of ​​the screen of the electronic device; or separately displaying the classified icon on a left, right, top or bottom side of the screen of the electronic device. [4] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein setting a display rule for an icon of the first application comprises: Setting a display size of the icon of the first application. [5] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein setting a display rule for an icon of the first application comprises: Control the icon associated with the specific first application so that it flashes at a specified frequency. [6] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein setting a display rule for an icon of the first application comprises: Control the icon associated with the first application so that it is highlighted. [7] Device for displaying an icon, applied to an electronic device with multiple modes of operation, wherein the electronic device comprises a first housing and a second housing, wherein the second housing is variably positionable relative to the first housing, and a respective mode of operation is associated with a relative position between the first housing and the second housing, the device comprising: a detection unit adapted to detect and determine a current operating mode of the electronic device by detecting a change in a mode using sensors for detecting the relative position between the first housing and the second housing, the sensors being arranged in the electronic device; a selection unit adapted to determine, according to the present operating mode of the electronic device determined by the detection unit, a first application applicable to the present operating mode; and a setting unit adapted to set a display rule for an icon associated with the first application determined by the selection unit. [8] The device according to claim 7, wherein the setting unit comprises: A classification module capable of classifying the icon of the first application; and a first display module adapted to display the classified icon in a predetermined area of ​​the screen of the electronic device; or a second display module adapted to separately display the classified icon on a left, right, top or bottom side of the screen of the electronic device. [9] The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the setting unit comprises: A first settings module suitable for setting the display size of the icon of the first application. [10] The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the setting unit comprises: A first control unit adapted to control the icon associated with the first application to flash at a predetermined frequency. [11] The device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the setting unit comprises: A second settings module capable of controlling the icon associated with the first application so that it is highlighted. [12] Electronic device comprising: A screen capable of displaying an icon associated with a first application; a setting component adapted to rotate and adjust the operating mode of the electronic device; and a device for displaying an icon according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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