KR20150144267A - Method for arranging icon and electronic device supporting the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for arranging an icon of an electronic device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes: a process for displaying multiple icons on multiple regions in a user interface (UI); a process for receiving respective user inputs for at least one of the regions displaying the icons; and a process for arranging the selected icon to the region corresponding to the number which the received user inputs indicate.

Description

METHOD FOR ARRANGING ICON AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE SUPPORTING THE SAME,

The present invention relates to a method for placing icons, for example, and an electronic device supporting the same.

With the development of electronic technology, various electronic device products, such as mobile terminals, tablet PCs, PCs, game consoles, and multimedia players, have become an integral part of the people. Various functions such as application icons, widget icons, folder icons, and file icons are displayed on a plurality of screens as functions supported by applications installed in the terminal or the terminal are increased. Various icons are arranged on one or more screens according to the sequence in which they are created.

In the prior art, when relocating an icon, the user must drag the icon to a desired position in a drag-and-drop manner.

However, in the related art, when a user drags and drops an icon to move the icon, a long drag operation may be required depending on the position of the icon. For example, if a user wants to move an icon from the current screen to another screen, the user has to drag the icon to the screen edge for page slipping. Also, when a user desires to rearrange a large number of icons, repetitive drag operations may be relatively time consuming and inefficient.

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and an electronic device for placing icons that facilitate simple and easy placement of icons by moving the icons on the UI according to the number indicated by the user input.

A method for arranging an icon of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes displaying a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of a user interface (UI), displaying at least one of the plurality of areas And placing the selected icon in an area corresponding to the number indicated by the received user input, for the icon selected based on the received user input, have.

In one embodiment, the step of receiving a user input for each of at least one area representing the icon among the plurality of areas comprises the steps of: drawing a number in each of at least one area of the plurality of areas, The method may further include receiving a handwriting input, a number of touch-down inputs corresponding to the number, or a long-touch input maintained for a time corresponding to the number have.

In one embodiment, the step of arranging the selected icon further comprises the step of determining, for a selected icon based on the received user input, a number indicated by the received user input, wherein the received user input The step of determining the number to be instructed may further include the step of displaying the determined number in each of at least one area displaying the selected icon.

In one embodiment, the step of arranging the selected icon may further include displaying a preview in which the selected icon is arranged in an area corresponding to the number.

In one embodiment, the method may further include setting a number for each of the plurality of regions.

In one embodiment, when the UI includes a plurality of pages, the step of setting a number for each of the plurality of areas may include sequentially numbering all the plurality of areas included in the plurality of pages And setting a number for a plurality of areas included in each of the plurality of pages.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises receiving a user input for selecting at least one page of the plurality of pages, wherein the step of placing the selected icon in an area corresponding to the number comprises: And arranging the selected icon as an area corresponding to the number of the page.

In one embodiment, the method may further include determining an arrangement of an associated icon disposed in an area corresponding to the number before the selected icon is disposed.

In one embodiment, the method may further include placing an associated icon corresponding to the selected icon in an area where the selected icon is disposed.

In one embodiment, the step of determining placement of an associated icon placed in an area corresponding to the number before placing the selected icon comprises: receiving a user input for selecting a plurality of related icons; Arranges the plurality of related icons in an area corresponding to the indicating number before arranging the selected icon, based on the order in which each of the related icons is selected or the number set in each of the areas in which the plurality of related icons are displayed . ≪ / RTI >

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit for displaying a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of a user interface (UI), a user input for each of at least one area of the plurality of areas, And a controller for controlling the display unit to place the selected icon in an area corresponding to a number indicated by the received user input, with respect to the icon selected based on the user input.

As described above, a method and an electronic device for arranging icons according to various embodiments of the present invention can support simple and easy placement of icons by moving the icons on the UI according to the number indicated by the user input have.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device for placing an icon according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of arranging icons according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining a method for arranging icons according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B are exemplary diagrams for explaining a method for arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exemplary view for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is an exemplary view for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 and 12 are illustrations for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Before describing various embodiments of the present invention, an 'electronic device' may be, for example, a smartphone tablet PC, a digital camera, a computer monitor, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), an electronic notebook, a desktop PC, Player, a media player (for example, an MP3 player), a wristwatch, a gaming terminal, and the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following embodiments of the present invention are only for embodying the present invention and do not limit or limit the scope of the present invention. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 for deploying an icon in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display unit 110, an input unit 120, a controller 130, and the like.

In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may display data on the screen under the control of the control unit 130. [ For example, when the control unit 130 processes (e.g., decodes) data and stores the data in a buffer, the display unit 110 may convert the data stored in the buffer into an analog signal and display the analog signal on the screen. The display unit 110 displays a variety of screens according to the use of the electronic device 100 under the control of the controller 130. The display unit 110 includes a lock screen, a home screen, an application execution screen, a menu screen, a keypad screen, Screen or the like can be displayed.

In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), a passive matrix organic light emitting diode (PMOLED), a flexible display, Display.

In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may display an icon or the like on the screen under the control of the controller 130. In one embodiment, the icons may be, for example, application icons, widget icons, folder icons, and file icons. When a user input to the icon is received, for example, when the user clicks the icon, the function corresponding to the icon may be executed, or the corresponding folder or file may be opened.

In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may display a UI (user interface) under the control of the control unit 130. [ In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may display a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of the UI under the control of the control unit 130. [ In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may display a UI including a plurality of pages under the control of the control unit 130. [ In one embodiment, the display unit 110 may display icons arranged (or rearranged) based on user input for at least one area among the plurality of areas of the UI under the control of the controller 130. In one embodiment, when the number indicated by the user input for at least one area of the plurality of areas of the UI displayed under the control of the controller 130 is determined, the display unit 110 displays the determined number in the area indicated by the icon Can be displayed.

In one embodiment, the input unit 120 may include a touch panel 121, a key input unit 123, and the like. In one embodiment, the touch panel 121 may generate a touch event in response to a touch of a user's finger or the like, and may transmit the generated touch event to the control unit 130. [ The control unit 130 transmits the coordinates included in the area touched by the touch area, that is, the area touched by the user's finger or a pen, to the controller 130. The controller 130 touches at least one of the coordinates included in the touch area, Can be determined by coordinates.

In one embodiment, the touch panel 121 may receive at least one of a handwriting input by a numbering operation from a user, a specific number of touchdown inputs, and a long-touch (or holding) input for a period of time .

In one embodiment, the key input unit 120 may include a plurality of keys for receiving numeric or character information and setting various functions. These keys may include a menu retrieval key, a screen on / off key, a power on / off key, and a volume control key. The key input unit 123 generates a key event related to the user setting and the function control of the electronic device 100, and transmits the key event to the control unit 130. The key of the key input unit 123 may be referred to as a hard key and the virtual key displayed on the display unit 110 may be referred to as a soft key.

In one embodiment, the key input unit 123 may include an image for displaying a preview under the control of the controller 130. In another embodiment, the key input unit 123 may include an image for executing icon placement (or rearrangement) under the control of the control unit 130. [

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may perform the functions of controlling the signal flow between the overall operation of the electronic device 100 and the internal configurations of the electronic device 100, and processing the data. For example, the control unit 130 may include a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), and the like. The controller 130 may be a single core processor or a multi-core processor.

Hereinafter, the functions of the control unit 130 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 12. FIG.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of arranging icons according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In step 201, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of a user interface (UI).

In one embodiment, the UI may be a home screen including a plurality of icons, a menu screen, an application execution screen, a screen displaying a folder, and the like. For example, the UI may be a home screen including a plurality of icons such as an icon mapped to a call function, an icon mapped to a text message function, a menu screen, and the like.

In one embodiment, the UI may comprise a plurality of pages. For example, if the number of icons is too large to be displayed on one page, or when a plurality of icons are displayed on one page, if the size of the icon is small, the UI may include a certain number of icons on each of the plurality of pages Lt; / RTI > pages.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display each of the plurality of icons in each of the plurality of areas of the UI. For example, when the UI is a menu screen, the control unit 130 may arrange icons in the plurality of divided areas of the menu screen. When icons are arranged in each of the plurality of divided areas of the menu screen, the size of each of the plurality of divided areas may be the same as the size of the icon. In another example, the size of each of the plurality of partitioned areas may be larger than the size of the icon including the icon.

In operation 203, the control unit 130 may receive user input for each of at least one area displaying an icon.

In one embodiment, the user input may be a handwriting input by a user drawing a number (or number). For example, the user input may be a handwriting input by a user drawing a number ' 5 '. In one embodiment, the handwriting input may be entered within each of the at least one region in which the icon is displayed. For example, the handwriting input may be touched down within the bounds of the area where the icon is displayed by the user's finger (or by the stylus) and within the bounds of the area where the icon is displayed in the touch- May be an input that is touch-released within the boundaries of the area where the icon is displayed after a drag to draw a number (or number) is entered.

In one embodiment, if the user input is a handwriting input by a user drawing a number (or number), the control unit 130 determines whether the currently displayed screen is moved or switched . For example, the control unit 130 sets the screen to be movable or the screen can be switched only when there is a sliding input for the left / right end or the edge area of the upper / lower end of the screen, Depending on the handwriting input, the screen can be set not to move or switch.

In another embodiment, the user input may be at least one or more touchdown inputs to the area where the icon is displayed. For example, the user input may be an input that touches down seven times for the area where the icon is displayed. In one embodiment, the plurality of touchdown inputs may be consecutive touchdown inputs within a predetermined threshold time interval. For example, when the threshold time interval is set to 0.5 second, the control unit 130 may determine that the touchdown input is continuous when the next touchdown input is received within 0.5 seconds after receiving one touchdown input.

In another embodiment, the user input may be a long-touch or holding input for the area in which the icon is displayed. For example, the user input may be a long-touch input corresponding to 7 seconds for the area where the icon is displayed. In one embodiment, when the user input is a long-touch input, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a long-touching time in a certain area of the UI. In one embodiment, when the user input is the long-touch input and the long-touch time is displayed, the controller 130 displays the long-touch time in a predetermined area of the UI, (110). In another embodiment, when the user input is a long-touch input and the long-touch time is displayed, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the user input is in a certain area of the UI and increases in proportion to the long-touching time (or holding duration) It is possible to control the display unit 110 to display the number (or number).

In one embodiment, when receiving user input for each of at least one area representing an icon, the control unit 130 may be configured as an icon for placing (or relocating) an icon displayed in at least one area in which user input has been received You can choose. For example, when a user input is received for an area where each of the three icons is displayed, the controller 130 may select three icons displayed in the area where the user input is received as an icon for placement.

In operation 205, the control unit 130 may determine the number that the user inputs to the selected icon based on the user input.

In one embodiment, the controller 130 may determine the number based on the handwriting input if the user input is a handwriting input by an action drawing a number (or number). For example, when the user input is a handwriting input by a number drawing operation, the control unit 130 recognizes a locus touched by a user's finger or the like received from the touch panel 121, The number can be determined. The control unit 130 recognizes the distance and direction of the touch input by the user's finger or the like, thereby recognizing the touched locus. In one embodiment, the controller 130 may compare the recognized trajectory with the trajectory of the pre-stored number (or number). The control unit 130 can confirm the trajectory of the number having the matching ratio equal to or higher than the threshold among the trajectories of the recognized trajectories. The control unit 130 may determine a number corresponding to the locus of the identified number as a number corresponding to the recognized locus.

In another embodiment, the controller 130 may determine a number based on the touchdown input if the user input is a touchdown input. For example, the control unit 130 may determine the number of consecutive touchdowns to be a number instructed by the touchdown input.

In another embodiment, the controller 130 may determine the number based on the long-touch input time if the user input is a long-touch (or holding) input. For example, the control unit 130 may determine a predetermined number according to the long-touch input time as a number indicated by the long-touch input.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display the determined number when the number indicated by the user input is determined. For example, when the number designated by the user input is determined to be '5', the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display '5'. In one embodiment, when the determined number is displayed on the display unit 110, the control unit 130 determines whether or not a number determined in an area adjacent to the area in which at least a part of the determined number is overlapped with the area in which the user input is received, So that the display unit 110 can be controlled. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display the determined number until the selected icon is placed (or rearranged). In another embodiment, the controller 130 may display the number determined within a predetermined time, and may control the display unit 110 so that the determined number display disappears after a predetermined time elapses.

In step 207, the controller 130 may arrange the icon selected as the area corresponding to the determined number.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may set a number for each of the plurality of areas of the UI. In an embodiment, when each of the plurality of areas is divided into rows and columns, the controller 130 may set the area corresponding to the first column of the first row to '1'. The controller 130 may sequentially set the number of each column of the first row from the area corresponding to the second column of the first row. The controller 130 may determine the number of the first column of the nth row to be the number of the last row of the (n-1) th row.

In another embodiment, when the UI includes a plurality of pages and each of the plurality of pages includes a plurality of areas, the control unit 130 sets the number of the area corresponding to the first column of the first row of the nth page to the next number corresponding to the area corresponding to the last column of the last row of the (n-1) th page can be determined.

In one embodiment, the controller 130 may set the number for each of the plurality of areas of the UI according to the designer intention at the time of user setting or design.

In operation 205, when the number to be input by the user is determined in operation 205, the controller 130 controls the display unit 110 to display a preview indicating an icon selected in the area corresponding to the determined number Can be controlled. For example, when the number indicated by the user input is determined for at least one selected icon, the control unit 130 controls the display unit 110 to display a screen in which the selected icon is displayed in advance in the area corresponding to the determined number can do. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may receive a user input for displaying a preview and may control the display unit 110 to display a preview based on the user input. In one embodiment, the controller 130 may place an icon selected to be identical to the icon placement shown in the preview when an input is received from the user to select the icon placement (or relocation) from the user with the preview displayed. In another embodiment, when an input for canceling (or reverting) an icon placement (or relocation) from the user is received while the preview screen is displayed, the control unit 130 displays a UI including an icon displayed in the original area from the preview The display unit 110 can be controlled.

In one embodiment, the controller 130 may arrange the selected icon in the area corresponding to the determined number, and may arrange at least some of the icons except for the selected icon among the plurality of icons. For example, the control unit 130 may arrange (or rearrange) icons other than the selected icon among a plurality of icons into an area outside the area where the selected icon is arranged (or rearranged). In one embodiment, the controller 130 may arrange the icon displayed in the area in which the selected icon is to be arranged in an area corresponding to the next number set in the area in which the selected icon will be placed. For example, when the number set in the area where the selected icon is to be arranged is n, the controller 130 can arrange the icon displayed in the area where the selected icon is to be arranged in the (n + 1) th area. However, the arrangement of the icons displayed in the area in which the selected icon is to be placed is not limited thereto.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are exemplary diagrams for explaining a method for arranging icons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B, the controller 130 displays a plurality of icons 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, and 318 in a plurality of areas 311, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, and 328 of the display unit 110. [ In one embodiment, the controller 130 may set a number for the plurality of regions 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, and 318. For example, the control unit 130 may sequentially set the numbers from the left region 311 of the uppermost row among the plurality of regions 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317 and 318. The controller 130 sets the number '1' to the area 311, the number '2' to the area 312, the number '3' to the area 313, and the number '4' to the area 314 . The control unit 130 sequentially counts the number 5 from the left area 315 of the second upper row among the plurality of areas 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, ', And number' 6 'for the region 316. By the same method, the control unit 130 can set the number '24' for the rightmost area 318 of the lowermost row. However, the setting of the number for each of the plurality of areas 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, and 318 is an example, and is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the dotted line separating each of the plurality of regions 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318 in FIG. 3A may not be displayed in an actual implementation.

In one embodiment, when a handwriting input that draws a '3' within area 317 is received by the user, control unit 130 may recognize number '3'. The control unit 130 may determine the number '3' as a number indicated by the user input.

In another embodiment, when three consecutive touchdown inputs are received by the user in area 317, control unit 130 may recognize number '3'. The control unit 130 may determine the number '3' as a number indicated by the user input.

In another embodiment, when a long-touch input is received within the area 317 by the user, the controller 130 may determine the number to which the user input is directed, depending on the length of time the long-touch input is received.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display the determined number '3' when the number '3' to be indicated based on the user input is determined.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a button 320 for the user to select a layout for the received icon.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a page indicator 340 indicating each of a plurality of pages when the UI includes a plurality of pages.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a preview button 350 for previewing the placement of the selected icon 327.

In one embodiment, when an input for selecting an icon arrangement from a user is received in FIG. 3A, the controller 130 may control the display unit 110 to display and display icons as shown in FIG. 3B. For example, when the handwriting input for drawing the number '3' is received in the area 317 in which the selected icon 327 is displayed, the control unit 130 sets the area corresponding to the number '3' It is possible to control the display unit 110 to arrange and display the selected icon 327 in the set area 313.

In one embodiment, when the selected icon 327 is placed in an area corresponding to the number indicated by the user input, the controller 130 arranges (or relocates) at least some of the remaining icons except for the selected icon 327 . In one embodiment, the controller 130 displays a plurality of icons from the number set in the area 313 where the selected icon 327 is to be placed to the area where the number set in the area in which the selected icon 327 was set, (Or rearrange) each of them. For example, when the number of the area 317 in which the selected icon 327 is displayed is larger than the number of the area 313 in which the selected icon 327 is to be arranged, To the icon arranged in the area where the number immediately before the number set in the area 317 in which the selected icon 327 has been arranged from the number set in the area where the selected icon 327 has been arranged, (Or rearranged).

For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the controller 130 arranges the selected icon 327 in the area 313 in which the number '3' is set and selects the 'Phone' in the area in which the selected icon 327 is to be placed, The number immediately before the area 317 in which the icon 323 was selected to the selected icon 327 is increased by one more than the number set in the area where the plurality of icons were displayed up to the "Baidu Cloud" It is possible to control the display unit 110 to display each of the areas.

4A and 4B are exemplary diagrams for explaining a method for arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate an example of arranging (or rearranging) icons in a UI including a plurality of pages.

In Fig. 4A, 401-1 and 401-2 represent the first page of the UI, 403-1 and 403-2 represent the second page of the UI, and 405-1 and 405-2 represent the third page of the UI. In one embodiment, when an input to a button 420 for selecting a layout from a user is received in FIG. 4A, the controller 130 displays the display 110 to display a plurality of pages as shown in FIG. 4B Can be controlled. In another embodiment, when receiving a user input for a button 430 for selecting a preview from a user in FIG. 4A, the control unit 130 may display a plurality of pages, as shown in FIG. 4B, Can be controlled.

In one embodiment, although not shown, the controller 130 may set a number in each of a plurality of areas of the first page to the third page. For example, when a plurality of areas are divided into rows and columns, the controller 130 displays an area corresponding to the first column of the first row among the plurality of areas (e.g., an area where the "Recent calls" icon 409 is displayed) Quot; 1 " The controller 130 may sequentially set the number of each column of the first row from the area corresponding to the second column of the first row. For example, the controller 130 may determine the number of the first column of the n-th row to be the number of the last column of the n-1-th row. In another example, the controller 130 may determine the number of the area corresponding to the first column of the first row of the n-th page to be the number following the number corresponding to the area corresponding to the last column of the last row of the (n-1) . For example, the control unit 130 may determine the number corresponding to the area where the "Settings" icon of 402 is displayed as the number following the number corresponding to the area where the "Samsung Service Center" However, the number setting for each of the plurality of areas is an example, and the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may receive user input for each of a plurality of regions included in a plurality of pages of the UI. For example, in FIG. 4A, the controller 130 may receive user input for each of the areas in which the icons 401 through 417 are displayed. The control unit 130 can determine the number indicated by the received user input in each of the areas where the icons 401 to 417 are displayed. For example, the control unit 130 may determine the number indicated by the received user input as the number '1' for the area where the icon 401 is displayed. The control unit 130 may determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area where the icon 403 is displayed to be number '2'. The control unit 130 may determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area in which the icon 405 is displayed to be the number '3'. The control unit 130 may determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area where the icon 407 is displayed to be number '4'. The control unit 130 can determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area in which the icon 409 is displayed to be the number '5'. The controller 130 can determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area in which the icon 411 is displayed as the number '6'. The control unit 130 can determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area where the icon 413 is displayed as the number '7'. The controller 130 may determine the number indicated by the received user input as the number '10' for the area where the icon 415 is displayed. The controller 130 may determine the number indicated by the received user input for the area in which the icon 417 is displayed to be '12'. However, the received user input is not limited thereto, and the user input may be at least one.

In one embodiment, the numbers '1', '2', '3', '4', '5', '6', '7', '10', '12' Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > pages. ≪ / RTI > In another embodiment, the numbers '1', '2', '3', '4', '5', '6', '7', '10', '12' The input can be displayed superimposed on each of the received areas. In another example, the numbers "1", "2", "3", "4", "5", "6", "7", "10" Inputs can be displayed around the received area.

In one embodiment, when a user input is received for each of a plurality of regions and an input to a button 430 for selecting a preview from a user is received, Likewise, an icon received by the user input in the area corresponding to the number designated by the user input, that is, the icon selected by the user input, can be arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the controller 130 may arrange the selected icons 401 to 417 in an area corresponding to a number indicating the selected icon. In one embodiment, the controller 130 may arrange the selected icons and place at least some of the remaining icons except for the selected icons according to the displayed area of the selected icons. For example, the control unit 130 may arrange the icon 419 displayed in the area set to the number '4' in the area set to the number '8'. In another example, the controller 130 may arrange the icon 421 displayed in the area set to the number '5' to the area set in the number '9'. In another example, the controller 130 may arrange the icon 423 displayed in the area set to the number '6' in the area set in the number '13'.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention. Prior to describing FIG. 5, a description overlapping with FIG. 2 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5, in step 501, the control unit 130 displays a page selection image in a page selection area and controls the display unit 110 to display a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas.

In one embodiment, the UI may be a home screen including a plurality of icons, a menu screen, an application execution screen, a screen displaying a folder, and the like. For example, the UI may be a home screen including a plurality of icons such as an icon mapped to a call function, an icon mapped to a text message function, a menu screen, and the like.

In one embodiment, the UI may comprise a plurality of pages. For example, if the number of icons is too large to be displayed on one page, or when a plurality of icons are displayed on one page, if the size of the icon is small, the UI may include a certain number of icons on each of the plurality of pages Lt; / RTI > pages. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display an image for selecting a page on which the icon is to be placed, on one side of the screen (or page). For example, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a page button for selecting a page to which an icon is to be placed in an area adjacent to a plurality of areas in which a plurality of icons are displayed. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may further include a page selection image for generating a new page other than the page included in the current UI. In another embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display only pages other than the currently displayed page.

In step 503, the control unit 130 may receive a user input for at least one area indicating an icon among the page selection area and the plurality of areas.

In one embodiment, the control 130 may receive an input for placing at least one icon to be placed on the selected page after receiving a user input for selecting a page. For example, the control unit 130 may receive an input to select a page to be laid out (or rearranged) by at least one icon displayed in the currently displayed page. If a page to which the icon is to be placed is selected, the control unit 130 may receive an input for selecting at least one icon to be placed in the selected page. In one embodiment, the user input for selecting a page may be a touch input to an image of a page currently included in the UI. In another embodiment, the user input for selecting a page may be a touch input for an image to create a new page. In one embodiment, the user input for selecting an icon to be placed may be a handwriting input by the user drawing a number (or number). In another embodiment, a user input for selecting an icon to be placed may be at least one or more touchdown inputs to the area in which the icon is displayed. In another embodiment, a user input for selecting an icon to be placed may be a long-touch (holding) input for the area in which the icon is displayed.

In another embodiment, the control unit 130 may receive, for each of the icons, a user input indicating a number and an input for page selection. For example, the control unit 130 may receive a user input (e.g., a handwriting input) indicating a number for each icon and an input for selecting a page (e.g., a touch input for an image for page selection. In the example, the input for page selection may be an input to create a new page and specify the generated page.

In operation 505, the control unit 130 may determine a page and a number designated by the user for the selected icon based on the user input.

In one embodiment, based on user input, the control unit 130 may determine the number within the selected page indicated by the selected page and user input. For example, the control unit 130 may determine a number indicating an area in which an icon is to be placed in the nth page and the nth page among a plurality of pages, based on a user input. In another example, when the UI includes n pages, the control unit 130 selects the n + 1th page newly generated by the user input and designates the area in which the icon is to be placed in the (n + 1) The number can be determined.

In step 507, the controller 130 may arrange the icon selected as the determined page and the area corresponding to the determined number.

In one embodiment, if the UI includes a plurality of pages, the control unit 130 may set a number for each of the plurality of areas for each of the plurality of pages. If the UI includes n pages, the control unit 130 may set a number for each of a plurality of areas for each of n pages. For example, when each of the plurality of areas of the first page of the UI is divided into rows and columns, the controller 130 sets the area corresponding to the first column of the first row among the plurality of areas of the first page as' 1 ', And the number can be sequentially set for each column of the first row from the area corresponding to the second column of the first row. The control unit 130 sets the area corresponding to the first column of the first row among the plurality of areas of the second page to '1', as in the second page of the UI and also as the first page, The number can be sequentially set for each column of the first row from the area corresponding to the second column.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may arrange the selected icon in the area corresponding to the determined page and the determined number, and may arrange at least some of the icons except for the selected icon among the plurality of icons. For example, the control unit 130 may arrange (or rearrange) icons other than the selected icon among a plurality of icons into an area outside the area where the selected icon is arranged (or rearranged).

6 is an exemplary view for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the control unit 130 controls the display unit 110 to display the current second page among the first to third pages, as indicated by the page indicator 640. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display images 621 to 625 and a plurality of icons for selecting a page. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 includes an image 621 for selecting the first page except the currently displayed page, i.e., the second page, an image 621 for selecting the third page, The display unit 110 can be controlled to display an image 625 for the user. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the controller 130 may control the display unit 110 to further display an image for selecting the second page currently being displayed.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may receive a user input for selecting a first page of the plurality of pages. For example, the control unit 130 may receive a touch input for an image 621 for selecting a first page from a user. In one embodiment, when one of the plurality of pages is selected, the control unit 130 controls the display unit 110 to display a size, color, shade, or highlight effect so that the selected page is distinguished from other pages can do.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 receives the number indicated by the received user input in each of the areas in which the "ChatON" icon 601, the "Settings" icon 603, and the "S translator" Can be determined. For example, the control unit 130 can determine the number '2' indicated by the received user input in the area where the "ChatON" icon 601 is disposed. The control unit 130 can determine the number '6' indicated by the received user input in the area where the "Settings" icon 603 is located. The control unit 130 can determine the number '12' indicated by the received user input in the area where the "S translator" icon 605 is located.

In one embodiment, a batch selection button input 620 is displayed for an icon on which a user input is received, i.e., a selected icon "ChatON" icon 601, a "Settings" icon 603, and an "S translator" (E.g., a touch input to the layout selection button), the control unit 130 selects the selected icon "ChatON" icon 601, the "Settings" icon 603, and the "S translator" icon 605 That is, the determined number of the first page can be arranged in the set area.

In another embodiment, a preview selection button 620 is displayed for an icon on which a user input is received, i.e., a selected icon "ChatON" icon 601, a "Settings" icon 603, and an "S translator" When the input (e.g., a touch input to the preview selection button 620) is received, the control unit 130 displays the selected icon "ChatON" icon 601, the "Settings" icon 603, ) Of the first page, that is, the preview arranged in the area where the determined number of the first page is set.

7 is an exemplary view for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit 130 controls the display unit 110 to display the current second page among the first to third pages, as indicated by the page indicator 740. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display images 721 to 727 and a plurality of icons for selecting pages. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 includes an image 721 for selecting a first page including an image 723 for selecting a currently displayed page, i.e., a second page, an image 721 for selecting a third page The first page 725 as a new page, and the fourth page 727 as a new page.

In one embodiment, the control 130 may receive, for each of the icons, a user input indicating the number of the icon and an input for page selection. For example, the control unit 130 receives an input indicating the number "2" and an input for selecting the first page for the area where the "ChatON" icon 701 is displayed, and the "Settings" icon 703 is displayed An input indicating the number '6' for the region and an input for selecting the third page, an input indicating the number '12' for the area where the "S translator" icon 705 is displayed, Lt; / RTI > For example, the control unit 130 receives a touch input for an image 721 for selecting a first page and a handwriting input for indicating a number ' 2 ' for an area where the "ChatON" icon 701 is displayed . The control unit 130 receives the touch input for the image for selecting the third page 725 and the handwriting input indicating the number '6' for the area where the "Settings" icon 703 is displayed, The control unit 130 receives a touch input for the image for selecting the currently displayed second page 723 and a handwriting input for indicating the number '12' for the area where the "S translator" icon 705 is displayed .

In one embodiment, the controller 130 places the "ChatON" icon 701 in the area set to the number '2' within the first page based on the sequentially received user input, Can be arranged in the area set to the number '6' in the third page and the 'S translator' icon 705 can be arranged in the area set in the second page in the number '12'.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to display an image 720 for selecting a layout for the selected icon and an image 730 for selecting a preview.

8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention. Prior to describing FIG. 8, a description overlapping with FIG. 2 or FIG. 5 will be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, in step 801, the controller 130 may control the display unit 110 to display a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of a user interface (UI). In step 803, the control unit 130 may receive user input for each of at least one area displaying an icon. In step 805, the control unit 130 may determine the number that the user inputs to the selected icon based on the user input. In step 807, the control unit 130 may determine to place the selected icon in the area corresponding to the determined number.

In step 809, the control unit 130 may determine the placement of an icon to be placed in the area in which the selected icon is disposed (hereinafter referred to as an 'associated icon').

In one embodiment, the associated icon may be an icon placed in the area in which the selected icon is to be placed. For example, the related icon may be an icon currently displayed in an area where a number designated by the received user input is set in an area where the selected icon is displayed. In one embodiment, if the number indicated by the received user input is an icon currently displayed in the set area in the area where the icon is selected, the control unit 130 displays the area where the selected icon is currently displayed, Area can be determined. For example, the control unit 130 may control the display unit 110 to switch and display an icon arranged in an area where the selected icon and the selected icon are arranged (or rearranged). In one embodiment, when a user input is received for each of a plurality of areas in which a plurality of selection icons are displayed, the controller 130 displays a plurality of icons currently displayed in the set area, The layout area for each of the related icons can be determined as the area in which each of the plurality of corresponding selection icons is currently disposed.

In another embodiment, the controller 130 may receive user input to select the same number of related icons as the selected icon for placement (or relocation), and place the selected related icon into the area of the selected icon. For example, when determining the placement area of the selected icon based on the user input for icon placement (or rearrangement), the control unit 130 may determine the placement of the selected icon, Input can be received. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may arrange the selected related icon into the area of the selected icon based on at least one of the order in which the selected related icon is selected and the number (or order) set in the area where the related icon is currently displayed . For example, the control unit 130 may receive a user input for setting an order for each of the n associated icons if the number of selected related icons is n. The control unit 130 may display an associated icon in an area where the selected icon is arranged to correspond to the number indicated by the received user input in the area where the selected icon is displayed according to the order set by the user.

In step 811, the control unit 130 may arrange the selected icon and the related icon in the determined area. In one embodiment, the controller 130 may place the selected icon and associated icon in the determined area and place (or relocate) at least some of the remaining icons besides the selected icon and associated icon.

9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 shows the page before the selected icon and related icons are placed (or rearranged). Figure 10 shows a page after the selected icon and associated icon are placed.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10, 901 of the plurality of pages of the UI show the first page, and 903 shows the second page. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 sets the number '2', the number '6' for each of the areas where the "ChatON" icon 911, the "Settings" icon 913, and the "S translator" Quot ;, < / RTI > number 12, < / RTI > In one embodiment, the related icons are displayed in the area 901 in which the numbers '2', '6', and '12' are set, the icon 'Phone' icon 917, the 'Clock' icon 919, Icon 921. < / RTI >

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 displays each of the selected icons "ChatON" icon 911, "Settings" icon 913, and "S translator" Icon 917, the " Clock "icon 919, and the" Samsung Link "icon 921, respectively. For example, the control unit 130 displays the selected icon "ChatON" icon 911 on the first page 1001 in the area set to the number '2' And the selected icon "S translator" icon 915 can be displayed in the area set to the number '12'. The control unit 130 displays each of the related icon "Phone" icon 917, "Clock" icon 919, ) And the "S translator" icon 915 can be placed in each of the displayed areas. In other words, the control unit 130 may switch the selected icon and the related icon corresponding to the selected icon.

11 and 12 are illustrations for explaining a method of arranging icons according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows the page before the selected icon and associated icon are placed (or rearranged). Figure 12 shows a page after the selected icon and associated icon are placed.

Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, 1101 of the plurality of pages of the UI shows a first page, and 1103 shows a second page. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 sets the number '2', the number '1', and so on for each of the areas where the "ChatON" icon 1111, the "Settings" icon 1113, 6 ', number' 12 '. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 sets the "S Planner" icon 1117, the "Flipboard" icon 1119, and the "QQ Zone" icon 1121 as the same number of related icons as the number of icons selected in 1101 It is possible to sequentially receive user inputs for selection. In one embodiment, the user input for selecting an associated icon may be a touch input for each of the areas in which the same number of icons as the number of select icons in the icons except the select icon are displayed. In one embodiment, the control unit 130 can set the order of the related icons by the selection order of the user input for each of the areas in which the related icons are displayed. For example, when user input is sequentially received for each of the areas where the "S Planner" icon 1117, the "Flipboard" icon 1119, and the "QQ Zone" icon 1121 are displayed, the "S Planner" Quot; icon 1117, a "Flipboard" icon 1119, and a "QQ Zone" icon 1121 in that order.

In one embodiment, the control unit 130 may arrange the related icon into the area of the selected icon based on the order in which the related icon is selected. For example, if the user inputs are sequentially received for each of the areas where the "S Planner" icon 1117, the "Flipboard" icon 1119, and the "QQ Zone" icon 1121 are displayed at 1101, Quot; SQ Planner "icon 1117, a" Flipboard "icon 1119, and a" QQ Zone "icon (as shown in 1203) 1121 are displayed in the area where the corresponding icon is displayed in the order of the small number to the great number among the numbers '2', '6', and '12' As shown in FIG. For example, the control unit 130 determines whether the icon "ChatON" 1111 is displayed as an icon determined by the number "2" indicated by the number input by the user inputting the first related icon "S Planner" icon 1117 Area. ≪ / RTI > The control unit 130 can arrange the second related icon "Flipboard" icon 1119 in the area where the "Settings" icon 1113 is displayed as an icon whose number is indicated by the user input as & . The control unit 130 places an icon 1121 of the related icon "QQ Zone " that is selected third in the area where the" S translator "icon 1115 is displayed, can do.

The present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: electronic device 110: display
120: input unit 121: touch panel
123: key input unit 130:

Claims (20)

A method for placing an icon of an electronic device,
Displaying a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of a user interface (UI);
Receiving user input for each of at least one of the plurality of regions; And
And placing the selected icon in an area corresponding to a number indicated by the received user input, for an icon selected based on the received user input. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the step of receiving user input for each of at least one region of the plurality of regions,
A handwriting input for drawing a number in each of at least one area displaying an icon among the plurality of areas, a touch-down input corresponding to the number of times, or a time corresponding to a number Further comprising the step of: receiving a long-touch input that is stored in the memory of the electronic device. The method according to claim 1,
The step of arranging the selected icons comprises:
Further comprising the step of, for a selected icon based on the received user input, determining a number indicated by the received user input,
Wherein the step of determining the number indicated by the received user input comprises:
And displaying the determined number in each of at least one area representing the selected icon. The method according to claim 1,
The step of arranging the selected icons comprises:
And displaying a preview in which the selected icon is disposed in an area corresponding to the number. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising: setting a number for each of the plurality of areas. 6. The method of claim 5,
If the UI includes a plurality of pages,
Wherein the step of setting a number for each of the plurality of areas comprises:
Sequentially setting a number for all the plurality of areas included in the plurality of pages or setting a number for a plurality of areas included in each of the plurality of pages, A method for deploying. The method according to claim 6,
Receiving a user input for selecting at least one page of the plurality of pages,
The step of arranging the selected icons comprises:
And placing the selected icon in the selected at least one page and an area corresponding to the selected number. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising the step of determining placement of an associated icon disposed in an area corresponding to the number before the selected icon is placed. 9. The method of claim 8,
And placing an associated icon corresponding to the selected icon in an area where the selected icon was placed. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the step of determining placement of an associated icon disposed in an area corresponding to the determined number before the selected icon is placed comprises:
Receiving a user input for selecting a plurality of related icons; And
Based on a sequence in which each of the plurality of related icons is selected, or a number set in each of the areas in which the plurality of related icons are displayed, the plurality of related icons corresponding to the indicating number Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 1, < / RTI > In an electronic device,
A display unit displaying a plurality of icons in a plurality of areas of a user interface (UI);
An input unit for receiving a user input for each of at least one region indicating an icon among the plurality of regions; And
And a control unit for controlling the display unit to place the selected icon in an area corresponding to the number indicated by the received user input, for the icon selected based on the user input. 12. The method of claim 11,
The input unit,
A handwriting input for drawing a number in each of at least one area displaying an icon among the plurality of areas, a touch-down input corresponding to the number of times, or a time corresponding to a number And a long-touch input that is maintained. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit,
And controls the display unit to display the number in each of at least one area indicating the selected icon. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit,
And controls the display unit to display a preview in which the selected icon is arranged as an area corresponding to the number. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit,
And sets a number for each of the plurality of regions. 16. The method of claim 15,
If the UI includes a plurality of pages,
The control unit,
Sequentially setting a number for the entire plurality of areas included in the plurality of pages or setting a number for a plurality of areas included in each of the plurality of pages. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the input unit receives a user input for selecting at least one page of the plurality of pages,
And the control unit places the selected icon in the area corresponding to the selected at least one page and the number. 12. The method of claim 11,
The control unit,
Determining an arrangement of an associated icon disposed in an area corresponding to the number before the selected icon is placed. 19. The method of claim 18,
The control unit,
And arranges an associated icon corresponding to the selected icon in an area in which the selected icon is disposed. 19. The method of claim 18,
The input section receiving a user input for selecting a plurality of related icons,
Wherein the control unit instructs the plurality of related icons before the selected icon is placed, based on a sequence in which each of the plurality of related icons is selected, or a number set in each of the areas in which the plurality of related icons are displayed Numbered area.

Images