602 Messaging Server v3.32c serial key or number

Touch Screen Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Determining Commands by Applying Heuristics

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to electronic devices with touch screen displays, and more particularly, to electronic devices that apply heuristics to detected user gestures on a touch screen display to determine commands.

BACKGROUND

[0002] As portable electronic devices become more compact, and the number of functions performed by a given device increase, it has become a significant challenge to design a user interface that allows users to easily interact with a multifunction device. This challenge is particular significant for handheld portable devices, which have much smaller screens than desktop or laptop computers. This situation is unfortunate because the user interface is the gateway through which users receive not only content but also responses to user actions or behaviors, including user attempts to access a device's features, tools, and functions. Some portable communication devices (e.g., mobile telephones, sometimes called mobile phones, cell phones, cellular telephones, and the like) have resorted to adding more pushbuttons, increasing the density of push buttons, overloading the functions of pushbuttons, or using complex menu systems to allow a user to access, store and manipulate data. These conventional user interfaces often result in complicated key sequences and menu hierarchies that must be memorized by the user.

[0003] Many conventional user interfaces, such as those that include physical pushbuttons, are also inflexible. This may prevent a user interface from being configured and/or adapted by either an application running on the portable device or by users. When coupled with the time consuming requirement to memorize multiple key sequences and menu hierarchies, and the difficulty in activating a desired pushbutton, such inflexibility is frustrating to most users.

[0004] To avoid problems associated with pushbuttons and complex menu systems, portable electronic devices may use touch screen displays that detect user gestures on the touch screen and translate detected gestures into commands to be performed. However, user gestures may be imprecise; a particular gesture may only roughly correspond to a desired command. Other devices with touch screen displays, such as desktop computers with touch screen displays, also may have difficulties translating imprecise gestures into desired commands. [0005] Accordingly, there is a need for touch-screen-display electronic devices with more transparent and intuitive user interfaces for translating imprecise user gestures into precise, intended commands that are easy to use, configure, and/or adapt. Such interfaces increase the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction with portable multifunction devices.

SUMMARY

[0006] The above deficiencies and other problems associated with user interfaces for portable devices and touch screen devices are reduced or eliminated by the disclosed multifunction device. In some embodiments, the device is portable. In some embodiments, the device has a touch-sensitive display (also known as a "touch screen") with a graphical user interface (GUI), one or more processors, memory and one or more modules, programs or sets of instructions stored in the memory for performing multiple functions. In some embodiments, the user interacts with the GUI primarily through finger contacts and gestures on the touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the functions may include telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging, blogging, digital photographing, digital videoing, web browsing, digital music playing, and/or digital video playing. Instructions for performing these functions may be included in a computer readable storage medium or other computer program product configured for execution by one or more processors.

[0007] In an aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is performed at a computing device with a touch screen display. While displaying a web browser application, one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display are detected; a first set of heuristics for the web browser application is applied to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; and the first command is processed. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. While displaying a photo album application, one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display are detected; a second set of heuristics for the photo album application is applied to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and the second command is processed. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a computing device comprises: a touch screen display, one or more processors, memory, and a program. The program is stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The program includes: instructions for detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, instructions for applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and instructions for processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a computing device comprises: a touch screen display; one or more processors; memory; and one or more programs. The one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or more programs include: instructions for detecting one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a web browser application; instructions for applying a first set of heuristics for the web browser application to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; instructions for processing the first command; instructions for detecting one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a photo album application; instructions for applying a second set of heuristics for the photo album application to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and instructions for processing the second command. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images. [0011] In another aspect of the invention, a computer-program product comprises a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism (e.g., one or more computer programs) embedded therein. The computer program mechanism comprises instructions, which when executed by a computing device with a touch screen display, cause the device to: detect one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, apply one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and process the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items. [0012] In another aspect of the invention, a computer-program product comprises a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism (e.g., one or more computer programs) embedded therein. The computer program mechanism comprises instructions, which when executed by a computing device with a touch screen display, cause the device to: detect one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a web browser application; apply a first set of heuristics for the web browser application to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; process the first command; detect one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a photo album application; apply a second set of heuristics for the photo album application to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and process the second command. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: means for detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, means for applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and means for processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: means for detecting one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a web browser application; means for applying a first set of heuristics for the web browser application to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; means for processing the first command; means for detecting one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a photo album application; means for applying a second set of heuristics for the photo album application to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and means for processing the second command. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

[0015] The disclosed heuristics allow electronic devices with touch screen displays to behave in a manner desired by the user despite inaccurate input by the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] For a better understanding of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention as well as additional embodiments thereof, reference should be made to the Description of Embodiments below, in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the figures. [0017] Figures IA and IB are block diagrams illustrating portable multifunction devices with touch-sensitive displays in accordance with some embodiments. [0018] Figure 2 illustrates a portable multifunction device having a touch screen in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] Figures 3A-3C illustrate exemplary user interfaces for unlocking a portable electronic device in accordance with some embodiments. [0020] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a menu of applications on a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface for listing instant message conversations on a portable multifunction device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] Figures 6A-6K illustrate an exemplary user interface for inputting text for an instant message in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary user interface for deleting an instant message conversation in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an exemplary user interface for a contact list in accordance with some embodiments. [0025] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary user interface for entering a phone number for instant messaging in accordance with some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 10 illustrates an exemplary user interface for a camera in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 11 illustrates an exemplary user interface for a camera roll in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] Figures 12A-12C illustrate an exemplary user interface for viewing and manipulating acquired images in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for viewing albums in accordance with some embodiments. [0030] Figure 14 illustrates an exemplary user interface for setting user preferences in accordance with some embodiments.

[0031] Figure 15 illustrates an exemplary user interface for viewing an album in accordance with some embodiments. [0032] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for viewing images in an album in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 17 illustrates an exemplary user interface for selecting a use for an image in an album in accordance with some embodiments. [0034] Figures 18A-18J illustrate an exemplary user interface for incorporating an image in an email in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] Figures 19A and 19B illustrate an exemplary user interface for assigning an image to a contact in the user's contact list in accordance with some embodiments.

[0036] Figure 20 illustrates an exemplary user interface for incorporating an image in the user's wallpaper in accordance with some embodiments.

[0037] Figures 21A-21C illustrate an exemplary user interface for organizing and managing videos in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 22A and 22B illustrate an exemplary user interface for setting user preferences for a video player in accordance with some embodiments. [0039] Figure 23A-23D illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a video player in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] Figures 24A-24E illustrate an exemplary user interface for displaying and managing a weather widget in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] Figures 25A-25E illustrate an exemplary user interface for displaying and managing a stocks widget in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] Figures 26A-26P illustrate an exemplary user interface for displaying and managing contacts in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] Figures 27A-27F illustrate an exemplary user interface for displaying and managing favorite contacts in accordance with some embodiments. [0044] Figures 28A-28D illustrate an exemplary user interface for displaying and managing recent calls in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] Figure 29 illustrates an exemplary dial pad interface for calling in accordance with some embodiments. [0046] Figures 30A-30R illustrate exemplary user interfaces displayed during a call in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] Figures 31A and 3 IB illustrate an exemplary user interface displayed during an incoming call in accordance with some embodiments. [0048] Figures 32A-32H illustrate exemplary user interfaces for voicemail in accordance with some embodiments.

[0049] Figure 33 illustrates an exemplary user interface for organizing and managing email in accordance with some embodiments.

[0050] Figures 34A-34C illustrate an exemplary user interface for creating emails in accordance with some embodiments.

[0051] Figures 35A-35O illustrate exemplary user interfaces for displaying and managing an inbox in accordance with some embodiments.

[0052] Figure 36 illustrates an exemplary user interface for setting email user preferences in accordance with some embodiments. [0053] Figures 37A and 37B illustrate an exemplary user interface for creating and managing email rules in accordance with some embodiments.

[0054] Figures 38A and 38B illustrate an exemplary user interface for moving email messages in accordance with some embodiments.

[0055] Figures 39A-39M illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a browser in accordance with some embodiments.

[0056] Figures 40A-40F illustrate exemplary user interfaces for playing an item of inline multimedia content in accordance with some embodiments.

[0057] Figures 41A-41E illustrate exemplary user interfaces for interacting with user input elements in displayed content in accordance with some embodiments. [0058] Figures 4 IF illustrates an exemplary user interface for interacting with hyperlinks in displayed content in accordance with some embodiments.

[0059] Figures 42A-42C illustrate exemplary user interfaces for translating page content or translating just frame content within the page content in accordance with some embodiments. [0060] Figures 43A-43DD illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a music and video player in accordance with some embodiments.

[0061] Figures 44A-44J illustrate portrait-landscape rotation heuristics in accordance with some embodiments. [0062] Figures 45A-45G are graphical user interfaces illustrating an adaptive approach for presenting information on the touch screen display in accordance with some embodiments.

[0063] Figures 46A-46C illustrate digital artwork created for a content file based on metadata associated with the content file in accordance with some embodiments. [0064] Figures 47A-47E illustrate exemplary methods for moving a slider icon in accordance with some embodiments.

[0065] Figures 48A-48C illustrate an exemplary user interface for managing, displaying, and creating notes in accordance with some embodiments.

[0066] Figures 49A-49N illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a calendar in accordance with some embodiments.

[0067] Figures 50A-50I illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a clock in accordance with some embodiments.

[0068] Figures 51A-51B illustrate exemplary user interfaces for creating a widget in accordance with some embodiments. [0069] Figures 52A-52H illustrate exemplary user interfaces for a map application in accordance with some embodiments.

[0070] Figures 53A-53D illustrate exemplary user interfaces for displaying notification information for missed communications in accordance with some embodiments.

[0071] Figure 54 illustrates a method for silencing a portable device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0072] Figures 55A-55D illustrate a method for turning off a portable device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0073] Figures 56A-56L illustrate exemplary methods for determining a cursor position on a touch screen display in accordance with some embodiments. [0074] Figures 56M-56O illustrate an exemplary method for dynamically adjusting numbers associated with soft keyboard keys as a word is typed with the soft keyboard keys in accordance with some embodiments.

[0075] Figures 57A-57C illustrate an exemplary screen rotation gesture in accordance with some embodiments.

[0076] Figures 58A-58D illustrate an approach of identifying a user-desired user interface object when a finger contact's corresponding cursor position falls into an overlapping hit region in accordance with some embodiments.

[0077] Figures 59A-59E illustrate how a finger tap gesture activates a soft key icon on a touch screen display in accordance with some embodiments.

[0078] Figures 59F-59H illustrate how a finger swipe gesture controls a slide control icon on a touch screen display in accordance with some embodiments.

[0079] Figures 60A-60M illustrate exemplary soft keyboards in accordance with some embodiments. [0080] Figure 61 illustrates an exemplary finger contact with a soft keyboard in accordance with some embodiments.

[0081] Figures 62A-62G illustrate exemplary user interfaces for displaying and adjusting settings in accordance with some embodiments.

[0082] Figures 63A-63J illustrate an exemplary method for adjusting dimming timers in accordance with some embodiments.

[0083] Figures 64A and 64B are flow diagrams illustrating methods of applying heuristics in accordance with some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0084] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0085] It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first gesture could be termed a second gesture, and, similarly, a second gesture could be termed a first gesture, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0086] The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0087] As used herein, the term "if may be construed to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context.

Similarly, the phrase "if it is determined" or "if [a stated condition or event] is detected" may be construed to mean "upon determining" or "in response to determining" or "upon detecting [the stated condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [the stated condition or event]," depending on the context. [0088] Embodiments of a portable multifunction device, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device such as a mobile telephone that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player functions.

[0089] The user interface may include a physical click wheel in addition to a touch screen or a virtual click wheel displayed on the touch screen. A click wheel is a user- interface device that may provide navigation commands based on an angular displacement of the wheel or a point of contact with the wheel by a user of the device. A click wheel may also be used to provide a user command corresponding to selection of one or more items, for example, when the user of the device presses down on at least a portion of the wheel or the center of the wheel. Alternatively, breaking contact with a click wheel image on a touch screen surface may indicate a user command corresponding to selection. For simplicity, in the discussion that follows, a portable multifunction device that includes a touch screen is used as an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that some of the user interfaces and associated processes may be applied to other devices, such as personal computers and laptop computers, which may include one or more other physical user- interface devices, such as a physical click wheel, a physical keyboard, a mouse and/or a joystick.

[0090] The device supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a blogging application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and/or a digital video player application.

[0091] The various applications that may be executed on the device may use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as the touch screen. One or more functions of the touch screen as well as corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as the touch screen) of the device may support the variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent.

[0092] The user interfaces may include one or more soft keyboard embodiments. The soft keyboard embodiments may include standard (QWERTY) and/or non-standard configurations of symbols on the displayed icons of the keyboard, such as those described in

U.S. Patent Applications 11/459,606, "Keyboards For Portable Electronic Devices," filed July 24, 2006, and 11/459,615, "Touch Screen Keyboards For Portable Electronic Devices," filed July 24, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The keyboard embodiments may include a reduced number of icons (or soft keys) relative to the number of keys in existing physical keyboards, such as that for a typewriter. This may make it easier for users to select one or more icons in the keyboard, and thus, one or more corresponding symbols. The keyboard embodiments may be adaptive. For example, displayed icons may be modified in accordance with user actions, such as selecting one or more icons and/or one or more corresponding symbols. One or more applications on the portable device may utilize common and/or different keyboard embodiments. Thus, the keyboard embodiment used may be tailored to at least some of the applications. In some embodiments, one or more keyboard embodiments may be tailored to a respective user. For example, one or more keyboard embodiments may be tailored to a respective user based on a word usage history (lexicography, slang, individual usage) of the respective user. Some of the keyboard embodiments may be adjusted to reduce a probability of a user error when selecting one or more icons, and thus one or more symbols, when using the soft keyboard embodiments. [0093] Attention is now directed towards embodiments of the device. Figures IA and

IB are block diagrams illustrating portable multifunction devices 100 with touch-sensitive displays 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The touch-sensitive display 112 is sometimes called a "touch screen" for convenience, and may also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. The device 100 may include a memory 102 (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), a memory controller 122, one or more processing units (CPU's) 120, a peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, a speaker 111, a microphone 113, an input/output (I/O) subsystem 106, other input or control devices 116, and an external port 124. The device 100 may include one or more optical sensors 164. These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 103.

[0094] It should be appreciated that the device 100 is only one example of a portable multifunction device 100, and that the device 100 may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or a may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in Figures IA and IB may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

[0095] Memory 102 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory 102 by other components of the device 100, such as the CPU 120 and the peripherals interface 118, may be controlled by the memory controller 122. [0096] The peripherals interface 118 couples the input and output peripherals of the device to the CPU 120 and memory 102. The one or more processors 120 run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions for the device 100 and to process data. [0097] In some embodiments, the peripherals interface 118, the CPU 120, and the memory controller 122 may be implemented on a single chip, such as a chip 104. In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

[0098] The RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 108 converts electrical signals to/from electromagnetic signals and communicates with communications networks and other communications devices via the electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 108 may include well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including but not limited to an antenna system, an RF transceiver, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory, and so forth. The RF circuitry 108 may communicate with networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN) and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices by wireless communication. The wireless communication may use any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.1 Ig and/or IEEE 802.1 In), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for email (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), and/or Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS)), and/or Short Message Service (SMS)), or any other suitable communication protocol, including communication protocols not yet developed as of the filing date of this document.

[0099] The audio circuitry 110, the speaker 111, and the microphone 113 provide an audio interface between a user and the device 100. The audio circuitry 110 receives audio data from the peripherals interface 118, converts the audio data to an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal to the speaker 111. The speaker 111 converts the electrical signal to human-audible sound waves. The audio circuitry 110 also receives electrical signals converted by the microphone 113 from sound waves. The audio circuitry 110 converts the electrical signal to audio data and transmits the audio data to the peripherals interface 118 for processing. Audio data may be retrieved from and/or transmitted to memory 102 and/or the RF circuitry 108 by the peripherals interface 118. In some embodiments, the audio circuitry 110 also includes a headset jack (e.g. 212, Figure 2). The headset jack provides an interface between the audio circuitry 110 and removable audio input/output peripherals, such as output-only headphones or a headset with both output (e.g., a headphone for one or both ears) and input (e.g., a microphone).

[00100] The I/O subsystem 106 couples input/output peripherals on the device 100, such as the touch screen 112 and other input/control devices 116, to the peripherals interface 118. The I/O subsystem 106 may include a display controller 156 and one or more input controllers 160 for other input or control devices. The one or more input controllers 160 receive/send electrical signals from/to other input or control devices 116. The other input/control devices 116 may include physical buttons (e.g., push buttons, rocker buttons, etc.), dials, slider switches, joysticks, click wheels, and so forth. In some alternate embodiments, input controller(s) 160 may be coupled to any (or none) of the following: a keyboard, infrared port, USB port, and a pointer device such as a mouse. The one or more buttons (e.g., 208, Figure 2) may include an up/down button for volume control of the speaker 111 and/or the microphone 113. The one or more buttons may include a push button (e.g., 206, Figure 2). A quick press of the push button may disengage a lock of the touch screen 112 or begin a process that uses gestures on the touch screen to unlock the device, as described in U.S. Patent Application 11/322,549, "Unlocking a Device by Performing

Gestures on an Unlock Image," filed December 23, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference. A longer press of the push button (e.g., 206) may turn power to the device 100 on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. The touch screen 112 is used to implement virtual or soft buttons and one or more soft keyboards. [00101] The touch-sensitive touch screen 112 provides an input interface and an output interface between the device and a user. The display controller 156 receives and/or sends electrical signals from/to the touch screen 112. The touch screen 112 displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed "graphics"). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects, further details of which are described below.

[00102] A touch screen 112 has a touch-sensitive surface, sensor or set of sensors that accepts input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. The touch screen 112 and the display controller 156 (along with any associated modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 102) detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on the touch screen 112 and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages or images) that are displayed on the touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, a point of contact between a touch screen 112 and the user corresponds to a finger of the user.

[00103] The touch screen 112 may use LCD (liquid crystal display) technology, or

LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. The touch screen 112 and the display controller 156 may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with a touch screen 112.

[00104] A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of the touch screen 112 may be analogous to the multi-touch sensitive tablets described in the following U.S. Patents: 6,323,846 (Westerman et al), 6,570,557 (Westerman et al), and/or 6,677,932 (Westerman), and/or U.S. Patent Publication 2002/0015024A1, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. However, a touch screen 112 displays visual output from the portable device 100, whereas touch sensitive tablets do not provide visual output. [00105] A touch-sensitive display in some embodiments of the touch screen 112 may be as described in the following applications: (1) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/381,313, "Multipoint Touch Surface Controller," filed May 2, 2006; (2) U.S. Patent Application No. 10/840,862, "Multipoint Touchscreen," filed May 6, 2004; (3) U.S. Patent Application No. 10/903,964, "Gestures For Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed July 30, 2004; (4) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/048,264, "Gestures For Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed January 31, 2005; (5) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/038,590, "Mode-Based Graphical User Interfaces For Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed January 18, 2005; (6) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/228,758, "Virtual Input Device Placement On A Touch Screen User Interface," filed September 16, 2005; (7) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/228,700, "Operation Of A Computer With A Touch Screen Interface," filed September 16, 2005; (8) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/228,737, "Activating Virtual Keys Of A Touch-Screen Virtual Keyboard," filed September 16, 2005; and (9) U.S. Patent Application No. 11/367,749,

"Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device," filed March 3, 2006. All of these applications are incorporated by reference herein.

[00106] The touch screen 112 may have a resolution in excess of 100 dpi. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch screen has a resolution of approximately 160 dpi. The user may make contact with the touch screen 112 using any suitable object or appendage, such as a stylus, a finger, and so forth. In some embodiments, the user interface is designed to work primarily with finger-based contacts and gestures, which are much less precise than stylus- based input due to the larger area of contact of a finger on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the device translates the rough finger-based input into a precise pointer/cursor position or command for performing the actions desired by the user.

[00107] In some embodiments, in addition to the touch screen, the device 100 may include a touchpad (not shown) for activating or deactivating particular functions. In some embodiments, the touchpad is a touch-sensitive area of the device that, unlike the touch screen, does not display visual output. The touchpad may be a touch-sensitive surface that is separate from the touch screen 112 or an extension of the touch-sensitive surface formed by the touch screen.

[00108] In some embodiments, the device 100 may include a physical or virtual click wheel as an input control device 116. A user may navigate among and interact with one or more graphical objects (henceforth referred to as icons) displayed in the touch screen 112 by rotating the click wheel or by moving a point of contact with the click wheel (e.g., where the amount of movement of the point of contact is measured by its angular displacement with respect to a center point of the click wheel). The click wheel may also be used to select one or more of the displayed icons. For example, the user may press down on at least a portion of the click wheel or an associated button. User commands and navigation commands provided by the user via the click wheel may be processed by an input controller 160 as well as one or more of the modules and/or sets of instructions in memory 102. For a virtual click wheel, the click wheel and click wheel controller may be part of the touch screen 112 and the display controller 156, respectively. For a virtual click wheel, the click wheel may be either an opaque or semitransparent object that appears and disappears on the touch screen display in response to user interaction with the device. In some embodiments, a virtual click wheel is displayed on the touch screen of a portable multifunction device and operated by user contact with the touch screen.

[00109] The device 100 also includes a power system 162 for powering the various components. The power system 162 may include a power management system, one or more power sources (e.g., battery, alternating current (AC)), a recharging system, a power failure detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode (LED)) and any other components associated with the generation, management and distribution of power in portable devices.

[00110] The device 100 may also include one or more optical sensors 164. Figures IA and IB show an optical sensor coupled to an optical sensor controller 158 in I/O subsystem 106. The optical sensor 164 may include charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) phototransistors. The optical sensor 164 receives light from the environment, projected through one or more lens, and converts the light to data representing an image. In conjunction with an imaging module 143 (also called a camera module), the optical sensor 164 may capture still images or video. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the back of the device 100, opposite the touch screen display 112 on the front of the device, so that the touch screen display may be used as a viewfmder for either still and/or video image acquisition. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is located on the front of the device so that the user's image may be obtained for videoconferencing while the user views the other video conference participants on the touch screen display. In some embodiments, the position of the optical sensor 164 can be changed by the user (e.g., by rotating the lens and the sensor in the device housing) so that a single optical sensor 164 may be used along with the touch screen display for both video conferencing and still and/or video image acquisition.

[00111] The device 100 may also include one or more proximity sensors 166. Figures

IA and IB show a proximity sensor 166 coupled to the peripherals interface 118. Alternately, the proximity sensor 166 may be coupled to an input controller 160 in the I/O subsystem 106. The proximity sensor 166 may perform as described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 11/241,839, "Proximity Detector In Handheld Device"; 11/240,788, "Proximity Detector In Handheld Device"; 11/620,702, "Using Ambient Light Sensor To Augment Proximity Sensor Output"; 11/586,862, "Automated Response To And Sensing Of User Activity In Portable Devices"; and 11/638,251, "Methods And Systems For Automatic Configuration Of Peripherals," which are hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor turns off and disables the touch screen 112 when the multifunction device is placed near the user's ear (e.g., when the user is making a phone call). In some embodiments, the proximity sensor keeps the screen off when the device is in the user's pocket, purse, or other dark area to prevent unnecessary battery drainage when the device is a locked state. [00112] The device 100 may also include one or more accelerometers 168. Figures IA and IB show an accelerometer 168 coupled to the peripherals interface 118. Alternately, the accelerometer 168 may be coupled to an input controller 160 in the I/O subsystem 106. The accelerometer 168 may perform as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20050190059, "Acceleration-based Theft Detection System for Portable Electronic Devices," and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20060017692, "Methods And Apparatuses For Operating A Portable

Device Based On An Accelerometer," both of which are which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, information is displayed on the touch screen display in a portrait view or a landscape view based on an analysis of data received from the one or more accelerometers. [00113] In some embodiments, the software components stored in memory 102 may include an operating system 126, a communication module (or set of instructions) 128, a contact/motion module (or set of instructions) 130, a graphics module (or set of instructions) 132, a text input module (or set of instructions) 134, a Global Positioning System (GPS) module (or set of instructions) 135, and applications (or set of instructions) 136. [00114] The operating system 126 (e.g., Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X,

WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as Vx Works) includes various software components and/or drivers for controlling and managing general system tasks (e.g., memory management, storage device control, power management, etc.) and facilitates communication between various hardware and software components. [00115] The communication module 128 facilitates communication with other devices over one or more external ports 124 and also includes various software components for handling data received by the RF circuitry 108 and/or the external port 124. The external port 124 (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB), FIREWIRE, etc.) is adapted for coupling directly to other devices or indirectly over a network (e.g., the Internet, wireless LAN, etc.). In some embodiments, the external port is a multi-pin (e.g., 30-pin) connector that is the same as, or similar to and/or compatible with the 30-pin connector used on iPod (trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.) devices.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/850,635, “Touch Screen Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Determining Commands by Applying Heuristics,” filed Sep. 5, 2007, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/937,991, “Touch Screen Device, Method, and Graphical User Interface for Determining Commands by Applying Heuristics,” filed Jun. 29, 2007; 60/937,993, “Portable Multifunction Device,” filed Jun. 29, 2007; 60/879,469, “Portable Multifunction Device,” filed Jan. 8, 2007; 60/879,253, “Portable Multifunction Device,” filed Jan. 7, 2007; and 60/824,769, “Portable Multifunction Device,” filed Sep. 6, 2006. All of these applications are incorporated by referenced herein in their entirety.

This application is related to the following applications: (1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/188,182, “Touch Pad For Handheld Device,” filed Jul. 1, 2002; (2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/722,948, “Touch Pad For Handheld Device,” filed Nov. 25, 2003; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/643,256, “Movable Touch Pad With Added Functionality,” filed Aug. 18, 2003; (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/654,108, “Ambidextrous Mouse,” filed Sep. 2, 2003; (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,862, “Multipoint Touchscreen,” filed May 6, 2004; (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,964, “Gestures For Touch Sensitive Input Devices,” filed Jul. 30, 2004; (7) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/038,590, “Mode-Based Graphical User Interfaces For Touch Sensitive Input Devices” filed Jan. 18, 2005; (8) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/057,050, “Display Actuator,” filed Feb. 11, 2005; (9) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/658,777, “Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device,” filed Mar. 4, 2005; (10) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/367,749, “Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device,” filed Mar. 3, 2006; and (11) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/281,695, “Icons, Graphical User Interfaces, and Animated Graphical User Interfaces For a Display Screen or Portion Thereof,” filed Jun. 28, 2007. All of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to electronic devices with touch screen displays, and more particularly, to electronic devices that apply heuristics to detected user gestures on a touch screen display to determine commands.

As portable electronic devices become more compact, and the number of functions performed by a given device increase, it has become a significant challenge to design a user interface that allows users to easily interact with a multifunction device. This challenge is particular significant for handheld portable devices, which have much smaller screens than desktop or laptop computers. This situation is unfortunate because the user interface is the gateway through which users receive not only content but also responses to user actions or behaviors, including user attempts to access a device's features, tools, and functions. Some portable communication devices (e.g., mobile telephones, sometimes called mobile phones, cell phones, cellular telephones, and the like) have resorted to adding more pushbuttons, increasing the density of push buttons, overloading the functions of pushbuttons, or using complex menu systems to allow a user to access, store and manipulate data. These conventional user interfaces often result in complicated key sequences and menu hierarchies that must be memorized by the user.

Many conventional user interfaces, such as those that include physical pushbuttons, are also inflexible. This may prevent a user interface from being configured and/or adapted by either an application running on the portable device or by users. When coupled with the time consuming requirement to memorize multiple key sequences and menu hierarchies, and the difficulty in activating a desired pushbutton, such inflexibility is frustrating to most users.

To avoid problems associated with pushbuttons and complex menu systems, portable electronic devices may use touch screen displays that detect user gestures on the touch screen and translate detected gestures into commands to be performed. However, user gestures may be imprecise; a particular gesture may only roughly correspond to a desired command. Other devices with touch screen displays, such as desktop computers with touch screen displays, also may have difficulties translating imprecise gestures into desired commands.

Accordingly, there is a need for touch-screen-display electronic devices with more transparent and intuitive user interfaces for translating imprecise user gestures into precise, intended commands that are easy to use, configure, and/or adapt. Such interfaces increase the effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction with portable multifunction devices.

The above deficiencies and other problems associated with user interfaces for portable devices and touch screen devices are reduced or eliminated by the disclosed multifunction device. In some embodiments, the device is portable. In some embodiments, the device has a touch-sensitive display (also known as a “touch screen”) with a graphical user interface (GUI), one or more processors, memory and one or more modules, programs or sets of instructions stored in the memory for performing multiple functions. In some embodiments, the user interacts with the GUI primarily through finger contacts and gestures on the touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the functions may include telephoning, video conferencing, e-mailing, instant messaging, blogging, digital photographing, digital videoing, web browsing, digital music playing, and/or digital video playing. Instructions for performing these functions may be included in a computer readable storage medium or other computer program product configured for execution by one or more processors.

In an aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

In another aspect of the invention, a computer-implemented method is performed at a computing device with a touch screen display. While displaying a web browser application, one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display are detected; a first set of heuristics for the web browser application is applied to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; and the first command is processed. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. While displaying a photo album application, one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display are detected; a second set of heuristics for the photo album application is applied to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and the second command is processed. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

In another aspect of the invention, a computing device comprises: a touch screen display, one or more processors, memory, and a program. The program is stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The program includes: instructions for detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, instructions for applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and instructions for processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

In another aspect of the invention, a computing device comprises: a touch screen display; one or more processors; memory; and one or more programs. The one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or more programs include: instructions for detecting one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a web browser application; instructions for applying a first set of heuristics for the web browser application to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; instructions for processing the first command; instructions for detecting one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a photo album application; instructions for applying a second set of heuristics for the photo album application to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and instructions for processing the second command. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

In another aspect of the invention, a computer-program product comprises a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism (e.g., one or more computer programs) embedded therein. The computer program mechanism comprises instructions, which when executed by a computing device with a touch screen display, cause the device to: detect one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, apply one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and process the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

In another aspect of the invention, a computer-program product comprises a computer readable storage medium and a computer program mechanism (e.g., one or more computer programs) embedded therein. The computer program mechanism comprises instructions, which when executed by a computing device with a touch screen display, cause the device to: detect one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a web browser application; apply a first set of heuristics for the web browser application to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; process the first command; detect one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a photo album application; apply a second set of heuristics for the photo album application to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and process the second command. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

In another aspect of the invention, a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: means for detecting one or more finger contacts with the touch screen display, means for applying one or more heuristics to the one or more finger contacts to determine a command for the device, and means for processing the command. The one or more heuristics comprise: a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command, a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command, and a heuristic for determining that the one or more finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first item in a set of items to displaying a next item in the set of items.

In another aspect of the invention, a computing device with a touch screen display comprises: means for detecting one or more first finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a web browser application; means for applying a first set of heuristics for the web browser application to the one or more first finger contacts to determine a first command for the device; means for processing the first command; means for detecting one or more second finger contacts with the touch screen display while displaying a photo album application; means for applying a second set of heuristics for the photo album application to the one or more second finger contacts to determine a second command for the device; and means for processing the second command. The first set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional vertical screen scrolling command; a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a two-dimensional screen translation command; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more first finger contacts correspond to a one-dimensional horizontal screen scrolling command. The second set of heuristics comprises: a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying a first image in a set of images to displaying a next image in the set of images; and a heuristic for determining that the one or more second finger contacts correspond to a command to transition from displaying the first image in the set of images to displaying a previous image in the set of images.

The disclosed heuristics allow electronic devices with touch screen displays to behave in a manner desired by the user despite inaccurate input by the user.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first gesture could be termed a second gesture, and, similarly, a second gesture could be termed a first gesture, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase “if it is determined” or “if [a stated condition or event] is detected” may be construed to mean “upon determining” or “in response to determining” or “upon detecting [the stated condition or event]” or “in response to detecting [the stated condition or event],” depending on the context.

Embodiments of a portable multifunction device, user interfaces for such devices, and associated processes for using such devices are described. In some embodiments, the device is a portable communications device such as a mobile telephone that also contains other functions, such as PDA and/or music player functions.

The user interface may include a physical click wheel in addition to a touch screen or a virtual click wheel displayed on the touch screen. A click wheel is a user-interface device that may provide navigation commands based on an angular displacement of the wheel or a point of contact with the wheel by a user of the device. A click wheel may also be used to provide a user command corresponding to selection of one or more items, for example, when the user of the device presses down on at least a portion of the wheel or the center of the wheel. Alternatively, breaking contact with a click wheel image on a touch screen surface may indicate a user command corresponding to selection. For simplicity, in the discussion that follows, a portable multifunction device that includes a touch screen is used as an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that some of the user interfaces and associated processes may be applied to other devices, such as personal computers and laptop computers, which may include one or more other physical user-interface devices, such as a physical click wheel, a physical keyboard, a mouse and/or a joystick.

The device supports a variety of applications, such as one or more of the following: a telephone application, a video conferencing application, an e-mail application, an instant messaging application, a blogging application, a photo management application, a digital camera application, a digital video camera application, a web browsing application, a digital music player application, and/or a digital video player application.

The various applications that may be executed on the device may use at least one common physical user-interface device, such as the touch screen. One or more functions of the touch screen as well as corresponding information displayed on the device may be adjusted and/or varied from one application to the next and/or within a respective application. In this way, a common physical architecture (such as the touch screen) of the device may support the variety of applications with user interfaces that are intuitive and transparent.

The user interfaces may include one or more soft keyboard embodiments. The soft keyboard embodiments may include standard (QWERTY) and/or non-standard configurations of symbols on the displayed icons of the keyboard, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/459,606, “Keyboards For Portable Electronic Devices,” filed Jul. 24, 2006, and 11/459,615, “Touch Screen Keyboards For Portable Electronic Devices,” filed Jul. 24, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The keyboard embodiments may include a reduced number of icons (or soft keys) relative to the number of keys in existing physical keyboards, such as that for a typewriter. This may make it easier for users to select one or more icons in the keyboard, and thus, one or more corresponding symbols. The keyboard embodiments may be adaptive. For example, displayed icons may be modified in accordance with user actions, such as selecting one or more icons and/or one or more corresponding symbols. One or more applications on the portable device may utilize common and/or different keyboard embodiments. Thus, the keyboard embodiment used may be tailored to at least some of the applications. In some embodiments, one or more keyboard embodiments may be tailored to a respective user. For example, one or more keyboard embodiments may be tailored to a respective user based on a word usage history (lexicography, slang, individual usage) of the respective user. Some of the keyboard embodiments may be adjusted to reduce a probability of a user error when selecting one or more icons, and thus one or more symbols, when using the soft keyboard embodiments.

Attention is now directed towards embodiments of the device. are block diagrams illustrating portable multifunction devices 100 with touch-sensitive displays 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The touch-sensitive display 112 is sometimes called a “touch screen” for convenience, and may also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. The device 100 may include a memory 102 (which may include one or more computer readable storage mediums), a memory controller 122, one or more processing units (CPU's) 120, a peripherals interface 118, RF circuitry 108, audio circuitry 110, a speaker 111, a microphone 113, an input/output (I/O) subsystem 106, other input or control devices 116, and an external port 124. The device 100 may include one or more optical sensors 164. These components may communicate over one or more communication buses or signal lines 103.

It should be appreciated that the device 100 is only one example of a portable multifunction device 100, and that the device 100 may have more or fewer components than shown, may combine two or more components, or a may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. The various components shown in may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination of both hardware and software, including one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits.

Memory 102 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state memory devices. Access to memory 102 by other components of the device 100, such as the CPU 120 and the peripherals interface 118, may be controlled by the memory controller 122.

The peripherals interface 118 couples the input and output peripherals of the device to the CPU 120 and memory 102. The one or more processors 120 run or execute various software programs and/or sets of instructions stored in memory 102 to perform various functions for the device 100 and to process data.

In some embodiments, the peripherals interface 118, the CPU 120, and the memory controller 122 may be implemented on a single chip, such as a chip 104. In some other embodiments, they may be implemented on separate chips.

The RF (radio frequency) circuitry 108 receives and sends RF signals, also called electromagnetic signals. The RF circuitry 108