KR20190091427A - Method and apparatus for multi-tasking in a user device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for supporting a fast task change in a user device supporting multitasking. The method for supporting multitasking of the present invention comprises the processes of: receiving an interaction requesting task change in a state that an execution screen of a specific application is displayed; displaying stacks for all running tasks; changing a stack into a task of a stack according to the selection of a user among the stacks; and displaying a screen of the changed task.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-TASKING IN A USER DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for multi-tasking operation of a user device, and more particularly, to multi-tasking in a user device capable of providing intuitive and quick switching between a plurality of tasks running on the user device supporting multitasking. It relates to a tasking operation method and apparatus.

Recently, with the development of digital technology, various mobile devices such as mobile communication terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), electronic notebooks, smart phones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), etc., capable of communicating and processing personal information have been released. The rapid development of these technologies enables the user devices to use video calls, digital organizers, shooting, email transmission, broadcast playback, Internet, music playback, schedule management, and social network services in the initial simple voice call and short message transmission functions. It has various functions such as service, messenger, dictionary and game. The above functions may be basically installed when manufacturing a user device, and a user may download and install an application having a new function through an application store as needed.

On the other hand, the applications of the various functions as described above may be simultaneously executed by a multi-tasking (multi-tasking) function of the user device can be operated in plurality. That is, the user device may simultaneously operate the tasks according to the multitasking by the multitasking. At this time, the execution screen for any one application according to the user's selection among the plurality of running applications is provided through the display unit, the other applications are operated in the background, and the execution screen display thereof may be omitted. When the user switches from the highest task currently running as the main task (for example, an application on the execution screen displayed through the display unit) to another task (for example, other applications operating in the background), the user terminates the highest task, All tasks that are currently in operation are listed and then other tasks are selected from the list to switch between them.

Therefore, in order for the user to check other applications other than the one currently being used or switch to another application during the operation of multiple applications by multitasking, the user must end the currently used task or process the background and then switch to the list display of the running tasks. In other words, the process must be cumbersome, such as selecting a new task from the list. This task switching procedure is inconvenient in selecting a task to be switched because the user's intuition due to the task switching is not considered. Accordingly, a multi-angle implementation of a function in which a user can intuitively and quickly use multitasking of the user device is performed in the user device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a multitasking operating method and apparatus for supporting more effective use of an application in a user device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multitasking operation method and apparatus for more intuitively and quickly performing task switching for a plurality of applications running on a user device.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multitasking operation method capable of supporting switching between tasks on the basis of a small step and a simple interaction when switching from one task to another task among a plurality of applications operated by multitasking on a user device. In providing a device.

The method according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object, in the multitasking support method, a process of receiving an interaction requesting a task switch when the execution screen of a specific application is displayed, and all the running tasks And displaying the stacks of the stacks, switching to a task of the stack according to a user selection among the stacks, and displaying a screen of the converted task.

In order to achieve the above objects, an embodiment of the present invention includes a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for executing the method on a processor.

An apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objects, in the user device, provides a task switching area, the task switching user lists the stack of each task in accordance with the task switching interaction through the task switching area A display unit providing an interface, a plurality of tasks for a plurality of applications, and stack size adjustment and adjusted stacks for all currently running tasks when detecting the task switching interaction through the task switching area. It is arranged and represented, and includes a control unit for controlling the task switching based on the stack.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that those skilled in the art may better understand it from the following detailed description of the invention. In addition to these features and advantages, further features and advantages of the present invention which form the subject of the claims of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

As described above, according to the method and apparatus for multitasking in the user device proposed in the present invention, it is possible to switch to another task directly from the task currently being worked on, so that fewer steps and simpler interactions are possible than in the prior art. It can support a better transition between tasks. In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to support an environment that can more intuitively and quickly perform task switching for a plurality of applications running on the user device.

This invention may be implemented in all types of user devices and their various devices. In addition, according to the present invention, by implementing an optimal environment for switching between tasks of each application when operating a plurality of applications by multitasking in the user device, it can contribute to improving the usability, convenience and competitiveness of the user device.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for describing a task switching operation between a plurality of tasks in a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stack structure provided for task switching in a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating another screen example for explaining a task switching operation between a plurality of tasks in a user device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a multitasking operating method of a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this case, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by like reference numerals as much as possible. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may blur the gist of the present invention will be omitted. That is, in the following description, only parts necessary for understanding the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention are described, and it should be noted that the description of other parts will be omitted so as not to distract from the gist of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for supporting fast task switching in a user device supporting multi-tasking. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an input for switching between tasks of a plurality of applications running on a user device that supports multitasking is performed, a stack of all currently running tasks is shown, The present invention relates to a multitasking operating method and apparatus in a user device that enables intuitive and quick switching between tasks. According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to immediately switch to the other task from the current task.

Next, a configuration and operation control method of a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. However, it should be noted that the configuration and operation control method of the user device according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited or limited to the contents described below, and thus may be applied to various embodiments based on the following embodiments. .

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the user device of the present invention includes a display unit 100, a storage unit 200, and a controller 300. In addition, the user device may include an audio processing unit including a microphone and a speaker, a digital broadcasting module for receiving a digital broadcast (for example, a mobile broadcast such as digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) or digital video broadcasting (DVB)), and a static image of a subject. And short-range wireless communication-based communication functions such as a camera module for dynamic video recording, Bluetooth (BLUETOOTH) communication, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) communication, and Near Field Communication (NFC) At least one short-range communication module for inputting, an input unit for supporting a hard key based input, a radio frequency (RF, Radio) for supporting communication functions such as a mobile communication based voice call, a video call, a data call, etc. Frequency module, communication module to support IP (Internet Protocol) based internet communication service, location of user device Position information acquisition unit for collecting the beam, and, but may further include a structure such as a battery (battery) for supplying power to the configuration of the above-described and illustrated on them is omitted.

The display unit 100 may display a screen related to an operation state of the user device. For example, the display unit 100 may display a menu screen of a user device or display respective execution screens according to execution of various applications. In the present invention, the display unit 100 generally uses a liquid crystal display (LCD), but includes a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), and an active OLED ( Other display devices such as AMOLED, Active Matrix OLED, etc. may be used. In addition, in the present invention, the display unit 100 may include an interface supporting a touch-based input. For example, the display unit 100 may support a variety of touch-based user inputs by configuring a touch screen, generate an input signal according to the user input, and transmit the generated input signal to the controller 300. In addition, the display unit 100 displays a screen in a horizontal mode, a screen in a vertical mode, and between a horizontal mode and a vertical mode according to a rotation direction (or a laying direction) of the user device when displaying the execution screen as described above. It can support the display of the adaptive screen change according to the change.

In particular, in the present invention, the display unit 100 may provide a task switching area when a user device simultaneously operates tasks of a plurality of applications according to multitasking. The display unit 100 may receive a touch interaction for task switching through the task switching area. The display unit 100 may provide a task switching user interface in which stacks of tasks are listed under the control of the controller 300 when the touch interaction is input. In this case, the display unit 100 displays an execution screen of an application according to the highest task currently being executed on the top stack when displaying the stacks of the tasks, and displays the applications according to other tasks that are being operated by multitasking on the stacks below the stack. A part of the execution screen or identification information of applications may be displayed in one region of each stack. The display unit 100 may display a stack resized according to the number of tasks in operation when displaying the stacks of the tasks. The screen configuration of the display unit 100 and a screen example thereof will be described later.

The storage unit 200 stores various applications and data that are executed and processed in a user device, and may include one or more nonvolatile memories and volatile memories. In the present invention, the read only memory (ROM), flash memory (flash memory), random access memory (RAM), internal hard disk (HDD, Hard Disk), an external hard disk, an external storage medium, etc. may be configured. . The storage unit 200 is an operating system of the user device, a program and data related to a display control operation of the display unit 100, a program and data related to an input control operation using the display unit 100, and a function operation of the user device. The program and data related to the multitasking operation of the user device, the program and data related to the task switching and the task switching to switch directly from another task to another task can be continuously or temporarily stored. In the present invention, the storage unit 200 may store setting information related to the multitasking operation. The setting information may include information on a stack display method according to a touch interaction for task switching, information on a screen display method when switching to a task that is finally determined according to the touch interaction.

The controller 300 controls the overall operation of the user device. In particular, the controller 300 may control an operation related to a task switching function according to a user's touch interaction during the multitasking operation. For example, the controller 300 may operate a plurality of tasks according to simultaneous driving of a plurality of applications. In addition, when detecting a touch interaction in the task switching area for task switching on the execution screen of the application currently displayed on the display unit 100, all of the currently running tasks may be classified and displayed as a stack. The controller 300 may represent a stack according to each task through the task switching user interface. In this case, the controller 300 may calculate and display the resizing size of the stacks according to the number of tasks to be operated. For example, the controller 300 compares the number of tasks with a predetermined schedule reference value (eg, a total of five, etc.), and performs resizing that adds or subtracts the width of the top stack according to the predetermined reference value or less than the predetermined reference value. And adjust the spacing between different substacks accordingly.

The controller 300 may perform task switching in response to a user's touch interaction-based task switching request while displaying the stacks, and control the result screen display accordingly. For example, the controller 300 selects a sequential stack that sequentially selects each stack one by one, a direct stack selection that directly selects a specific stack, and a focusing stack selection that focuses and selects while moving sequentially between the stacks. It can support either type of stack selection. The sequential stack selection, direct stack selection, and focusing stack selection scheme will be described later. The controller 300 may control task switching to an application of a specific stack selected according to the stack selection method as described above, and control screen display of the switched task. For example, the controller 300 may display the execution screen of the application according to the task switching in full screen or control the screen display of the stack switched to the highest level according to the task switching.

As such, the control unit 300 may control the overall operation of the function operation of the present invention, and in the operation example of the user device and the control method thereof with reference to the drawings to be described below with respect to the detailed control operation of the control unit 300. Will be explained.

In addition to the above functions, the controller 300 may control various operations related to the general functions of the user device. For example, the controller 300 may control its operation and screen display when executing a specific application. In addition, the controller 300 may receive input signals corresponding to various touch interaction inputs supported by the touch-based input interface and control function operation accordingly. In addition, the controller 300 may control transmission and reception of various data based on wired communication or wireless communication.

Meanwhile, the user device of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 may include all information communication devices, multimedia devices, and application devices for supporting the functions of the present invention. For example, the user device may include a tablet PC, a smart phone, a digital camera, a mobile communication terminal that operates based on communication protocols corresponding to various communication systems. Devices such as a portable multimedia player (PMP), a media player, a portable game terminal, a laptop computer, and a personal digital assistant (PDA) may be included. In addition, the function control method of the present invention may be applied to various display devices such as digital television (DTV), digital signage (DS), large format display (LFD), and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for explaining a task switching operation during operation of a plurality of tasks by multitasking in a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates an operation example of a method of sequentially switching tasks according to a sequential stack selection among task switching methods according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, it is assumed that the execution screen of a specific application (eg, Application 1) is displayed as shown in the screen example of reference numeral 201. In this case, it is assumed that one execution screen is displayed on the screen, but a plurality of different applications are being driven internally according to multitasking. That is, it is assumed that the tasks of each application according to multitasking are being operated simultaneously.

Next, in the same state as the screen example of reference number <201>, the user performs a touch interaction (hereinafter, referred to as a stack call interaction) to call the stack for executing a task switching function as shown in the screen example of reference number <203>. You can type in the area. In this case, the one area may correspond to a task switching area allocated for task switching. The task switching area may be allocated to one side of the screen (eg, the rightmost side of the screen) in order to reduce interference associated with executing a general function according to a touch interaction in the execution screen. The stack call interaction may be a touch-and-hold interaction for holding an input for a predetermined time or a tap-based interaction for releasing after a short time. In this case, the touch-and-hold interaction may be released or continuously maintained after the stack call. For example, in the sequential method and the focusing method to be described later, the touch interaction may be maintained to support movement between stacks that are called. Alternatively, in the direct method described below, a new touch interaction for selecting a specific stack among the stacks in which the touch interaction is released and called may be input.

Next, when the stack call interaction is input as shown in the screen example of reference number 203, the stack for all tasks currently being operated may be listed and displayed as in the screen example of reference number 205. In the present invention, the stack is generated by resizing an execution screen of each application to a predetermined image type in order to support task switching. The stack includes a window image such as a capture image, a still image, a snap image, etc. capturing the execution screen. This may be the case. In this case, the stack may be represented in multiple stages through a cascade arrangement as shown in the screen example of reference numeral 205. When the stack is displayed for all tasks, the size of the stack may be resized according to the number of running tasks. For example, the resizing may be performed to narrow or increase the interval between stacks of the tasks according to the number of running tasks.

Next, in a state where a stack of tasks is called and shown as a screen example of reference number <205>, the user selects a specific point on the top task (eg, task of Application 1) screen as shown in the screen example of reference number <207>. After touch, a touch interaction (for example, a task switching interaction) for moving to another point (for example, touching one pointer and moving to the left) may be input. The task switching interaction may be input by any one of a flicking interaction, a dragging interaction, a moving interaction, and a sweeping interaction.

Next, when a task switching interaction is input as shown in the screen example of reference number <207> and then moved to a specific direction (for example, to the left direction), it corresponds to the movement of the task switching interaction as shown in the screen example of reference number <209>. As the stack of the top-level application slides to the left, a screen of a next-order application (eg, Application 2) may gradually appear. This can be provided by fade in and fade out schemes.

Next, when the user releases the task switching interaction while moving in the left direction in the same state as the screen example of reference number <209>, the task switching is performed as shown in the screen example of reference number 211 and accordingly, the next higher priority application is used. A stack of (eg, Application 2) may appear at the top. At this time, the stack structure called as the screen example of reference number 211 may be maintained, and the stack of the sliding and disappearing application (for example, Application 1) may be moved and disposed on the lowermost stack.

Next, in the same state as the screen example of reference number 211, the user may sequentially perform task switching of other applications by the task switching interaction input as described above. In addition, the user may terminate the task switching procedure by the touch interaction input set in the same state as the screen example of reference numeral 211 or in the state of sequentially performing the task switching. For example, in a state where a stack of next-order applications (for example, Application 2) is displayed as shown in the screen example of the reference number <211>, the user maintains an input on the stack for a predetermined time and releases the touch interaction ( For example, a switch off interaction may be input. Then, as shown in the screen example of reference number 213, the execution screen of the application (for example, Application 2) of the stack disposed at the top according to the task switching may be displayed in full screen.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 2, when displaying a stack for all tasks currently being operated according to a stack call interaction, a task termination item 250 may be provided in one region of each stack. have. As shown in the screen example of reference numerals 205 to 211 of FIG. 2, the task termination item 250 may perform task management for tasks that are being operated while stacks of tasks are called. For example, it may optionally be provided to support the convenience of termination). This allows the user to intuitively and simply manage the tasks that are not in use. For example, when the user inputs an interaction to the task termination item 250 in the state as shown by reference numeral 207 of FIG. 2, the stack of the task is removed from the screen and the task (that is, the task of Application 1). Can be terminated. In this case, as the stack is removed, the remaining stacks may be rearranged. For example, the spacing between the remaining stacks can be adjusted automatically.

3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a stack structure provided for task switching in a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, it is assumed that a state in which an execution screen of a specific application (eg, Application 1) appears as shown in the screen example of reference numeral 301. In this case, it is assumed that one execution screen is displayed on the screen, but a plurality of different applications are being driven internally according to multitasking. That is, it is assumed that the tasks of each application according to multitasking are being operated simultaneously.

Next, in the same state as the screen example of reference numeral 301, the user may input a touch interaction (stack call interaction) for calling a stack for executing a task switching function into a preassigned task switching area.

Next, according to the present invention, in response to the stack call interaction, a stack of all applications currently running may be extracted, and a task switching user interface may be configured and displayed based on the stack. In the present invention, the task switching user interface provides a stack of all applications currently running as above through a cascading arrangement, and can support sequential task switching, direct task switching, and focusing task switching according to a user's touch interaction. Represents an interface. The stack is generated by resizing an execution screen of each application to a predetermined image type to support task switching, and may include a window image such as a capture image, a still image, a snap image, etc. capturing the execution screen. Hereinafter, the capture image will be described.

Next, each stack provided to the task switching user interface may vary according to a user setting method as shown in a screen example of reference number <303>, reference number <305>, reference number <307>, and reference number <309>. May be provided as a type.

For example, as shown in the screen example of reference numeral 303, the stack extracted in response to the touch interaction input may be provided in a multi-step through a cascade arrangement. In this case, in the screen example of the reference number, the capture image corresponding to the execution screen of the application (eg, Application 1) that was being displayed through the display unit 100 before the stack call interaction is provided to the top stack, The stack may be provided cascaded beneath it. In this case, the information on the stacks of the other applications may be omitted. In this case, although not shown on the screen, each of the lower stacks may also be configured to include a window image (ie, a capture image).

As shown in the screen examples 305 and 307, the stack extracted in response to the touch interaction input may be provided in a multi-step through a cascade arrangement. In this case, the screen reference numerals 305 and 307 show an example in which a part of a captured image of a stack of other applications besides the top stack is displayed at the edge by adjusting the gap between the stacks. In addition, in the case of the reference numerals 305 and 307, the item for easily identifying the corresponding application may be provided at the edge where the captured image appears in the lower stacks of the top stack. For example, a top-level stack is provided with a capture image of Application 1, and an item (eg, reference) that can identify the corresponding application at the edge where some of the captured images according to Application 2, Application 3, Application 4, etc. appear below it. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, shown at the edge of the stack on the screen 305 and reference numeral 307, may be provided through a portion of the stack. The item for identifying the application may be provided as a portion of a captured image in which an execution screen of the corresponding application is captured, an image in which the captured image is resized in an icon size, or a specific icon or text for identifying the corresponding application.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown by reference numeral 305 and reference numeral 307, each stack constituting the task switching user interface may be divided between stacks according to the number of running applications. It may be provided in the form of narrowing or extending the gap. For example, in the case of reference numeral 305, a total of four applications are running, and thus, a total of four stacks are provided accordingly. In the case of the reference number 307, a total of six applications are running and a total of six stacks are provided accordingly. In particular, when the number of applications operated as shown in the screen example of reference number 307 is greater than a predetermined reference value, for example, the width of the top stack is narrowed according to the number to provide a space between the other stacks. Can be. This allows the user to intuitively identify the application by the remaining stacks in addition to the top stack.

As shown in the screen example of reference number 309, the stack extracted in response to the touch interaction input may be provided in a multi-step through a cascade arrangement. In this case, the index item 350 having a function such as a bookmark (or a bookmark) is provided in one region (eg, bottom of the stack) in order to support quick recognition and quick switching of stacks. , The right side of the stack, etc.) is shown. For example, a capture image of Application 1 is provided on the top stack, and a specific type of index item 390 is provided to protrude from a lower portion of the stack, and below the application stack according to Application 2, Application 3, Application 4, etc. A specific type of index item 390 may be protruded and provided in a lower region of the stack in which portions of each captured image are displayed. In the present invention, the index item 390 may be provided with an icon or text for easily identifying a corresponding application of each stack, and the shape of the index item 390 may have various shapes according to user settings. And color can be provided.

4 is a diagram illustrating another screen example for explaining a task switching operation during operation of a plurality of tasks by multitasking in a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an operation (direct method) of supporting a switch to a specific task directly according to a direct stack selection among task switching methods according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, it is assumed that the execution screen of a specific application (eg, Application 1) is displayed as shown in the screen example of reference numeral 401. In this case, it is assumed that one execution screen is displayed on the screen, but a plurality of different applications are being driven internally according to multitasking. That is, it is assumed that the tasks of each application according to multitasking are being operated simultaneously.

Next, in the same state as the screen example of reference number <401>, the user performs a touch interaction (hereinafter, referred to as a stack call interaction) for calling a stack for executing a task switching function as shown in the screen example of reference number <403>. Can be entered in the switch area.

Next, when a stack call interaction is input as shown in the screen example of reference number 403, the stack for all tasks currently being operated may be listed and displayed as in the screen example of reference number 405. In this case, the stack may be represented in multiple stages through a cascade arrangement as shown in the screen example of reference numeral 405. When the stack is displayed for all tasks, the size of the stack may be resized according to the number of running tasks. For example, the resizing may be performed to narrow or increase the interval between stacks of the tasks according to the number of running tasks. In addition, as described above, after resizing to increase or decrease the width of the uppermost stack, the lower stacks may be adjusted.

Next, in a state where a stack of tasks is called and displayed as shown in the screen example of reference number 405, the user corresponds to the corresponding application (eg, Application 3) to which the task is to be switched as shown in the screen example of reference number <407>. A touch interaction (hereinafter, referred to as a selection interaction) for selecting a stack to be input may be input. The selection interaction may correspond to a tap interaction, a flick interaction, a drag interaction, a move interaction, a sweep interaction, a touch-and-hold interaction, and the like.

Next, when the selection interaction is input in the screen example of reference number 407, the process may proceed as shown in the screen example of reference number 409 or the screen example of reference number 411 according to a setting method. For example, in the case of the direct task switching method of the present invention, as shown in the screen example of reference number 409, the selected stack is switched to the highest level according to the user's selection interaction to display its screen and rearrange the order of the other stacks. Can be represented. In this case, a stack of applications (eg, Application 1 and Application 2) existing above the selected stack may be disposed below the stack of applications (eg, Application 4) of the existing lowest task in a corresponding order. In addition, in the direct task telephony method of the present invention, as shown in the screen example of reference number 411, an execution screen of an application (for example, Application 3) of a stack selected according to a user's selection interaction may be directly displayed as a full screen.

On the other hand, when proceeding with the screen example of the reference number <409> the user can continue to perform the task switch. The user may terminate the task switching procedure by the touch interaction input set in the same state as the screen example of reference number 409. For example, in a state where a stack of a selected application (for example, Application 3) is displayed as shown in the screen example of the reference number 441, the user maintains an input on the stack for a predetermined time and releases the touch interaction (for example, , Transition off interaction). Then, as shown in the screen example of reference number 411, the execution screen of the application (eg, Application 3) of the stack disposed at the top according to the task switching may be displayed in full screen.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another screen example for explaining a task switching operation during operation of a plurality of tasks by multitasking in a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an operation of switching a task according to a focusing stack selection among the task switching methods according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention (focusing method).

Referring to FIG. 5, first, an execution screen of a specific application (eg, Application 1) is displayed as shown in the screen example of reference number 501, and internally, tasks of a plurality of applications according to multitasking are simultaneously operated. Assume

Next, in the same state as the screen example of reference number <501>, the user performs a touch interaction (hereinafter, referred to as a stack call interaction) for calling a stack for executing a task switching function as shown in the screen example of reference number <503>. Can be entered in the switch area.

Next, when the stack call interaction is input as shown in the screen example of reference number <503>, as shown in the screen example of reference number <505>, the stack for all of the currently operating tasks may be listed and displayed. In this case, the stack may be represented in multiple stages through a cascade arrangement as shown in the screen example of reference number 505. When the stack is displayed for all tasks, the size of the stack may be resized according to the number of running tasks. For example, the resizing may be performed to narrow or increase the interval between stacks of the tasks according to the number of running tasks. In addition, as described above, after resizing to increase or decrease the width of the uppermost stack, the lower stacks may be adjusted.

Next, in a state where a stack of tasks is called and shown as a screen example of reference number <505>, the user may select the specific stack (for example, a top stack, etc.) as shown in the screen examples of reference numbers <507> to <511>. The touch interaction (selection interaction) moving to another stack after touching one region of the input unit may be input. The selection interaction may correspond to a flick interaction, a drag interaction, a move interaction, a sweep interaction, or the like.

For example, the user may input a selection interaction of moving to a right direction in which lower stacks are touched after touching a region of the top stack as shown in the screen example of reference number 507. In this case, when the selection interaction is moved from the top stack to another stack according to the movement of the selection interaction, a specific effect is applied to the stack in which the selection interaction is located, as shown in the screen examples of reference number <509> and reference number <511>. May be granted to the user. That is, by focusing the stack in which the selection interaction is located, the user intuitiveness for stack selection can be improved. For example, as shown in the example of reference numeral <509> and reference numeral <511>, the corresponding stack on which the selection interaction is located may be transparently overlaid to the top and provided in a preview form. Alternatively, the stack in which the selection interaction is located may be highlighted or changed in color without changing the arrangement of the stacks.

Next, as described above, when the user selects the stack of the corresponding application (eg, Application 3) to switch the task according to the movement of the selection interaction as shown by reference number <507> to reference number <511>, the selection is made from the corresponding stack. Interactions can be released. Then, as shown in the screen example of reference number 513, the execution screen of the application (eg, Application 3) of the stack selected according to the selection interaction may be displayed in full screen.

As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the sequential task switching operation of switching tasks by turning the stacks one by one in the state where the stacks of all the running applications are displayed, the direct task switching operation of directly selecting a stack of a specific application. Can support According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a touch interaction input in one region of a specific stack is moved to another stack, a specific effect (for example, transparent overlay display, highlight display, and color change display) is selected on the stack selected according to the movement of the touch interaction. Etc.) to focus on the stack being selected and release the selection interaction from the stack of the application to be selected, so that the task can be directly switched to the application of the stack.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a multitasking operating method of a user device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, first, the controller 300 may operate a plurality of other tasks for user selection (step 601) and display a screen of the highest task (step 603). In operation 605, the controller 300 may detect a touch interaction input during the multitasking operation.

Next, when the touch interaction is input, the controller 300 may determine whether the touch interaction is an interaction input within a task switching area allocated to perform a task switching function (step 607).

Next, when the touch interaction is an interaction input outside the task switching region, the controller 300 may control to perform a corresponding operation according to the touch interaction (step 609). For example, the controller 300 may operate as a top-level task and control an operation such as executing a function of a selected item according to the touch interaction on an execution screen of an application currently displayed on the screen.

Next, when the touch interaction is an interaction input in the task switching region, the controller 300 may check all tasks currently being operated (operation 611). For example, the tasks of the applications displayed on the current screen, as well as the tasks of a plurality of other applications that are operated internally according to multitasking, may be checked.

Next, the controller 300 may calculate the resizing size of the stacks according to the identified tasks (operation 613). For example, the controller 300 compares the identified number of tasks with a predetermined schedule reference value, and resizes the top stack according to a value above or below the predetermined reference value, and resizing accordingly. You can adjust the spacing between stacks.

Next, the controller 300 may display a stack of all resized tasks according to the calculated result (step 615). For example, as described above, the controller 300 may cascade the stacks through a task switching user interface and display the stacks in multiple steps.

Next, the controller 300 may control the display of the stack of the task selected based on the user's touch interaction while displaying all the stacks related to the application of the running tasks through the task switching user interface (step 617). ). For example, as described above, the controller 300 may display a stack display by moving the stacks according to the sequential task switching operation (example of FIG. 2) and a stack display selected according to the direct task switching operation (example of FIG. 4). The display of the stack to which the effect is applied according to the movement of the touch interaction (example of FIG. 5) may be controlled.

Next, the controller 300 may control the task switching to the application of the stack according to the user selection (step 619). In operation 621, the controller 300 may control screen display of the switched task. For example, the controller 300 may display the execution screen of the application according to the task switching on the full screen or control the screen display of the stack switched to the highest level according to the task switching.

On the other hand, the multitasking operation method in the user device of the present invention as described above may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means can be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer-readable recording medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the recording medium may be those specially designed and constructed for the present invention, or they may be known and available to those skilled in computer software.

The computer-readable recording medium includes optical media such as magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), and digital versatile disc (DVD). ), Specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as Magnetic-Optical Media, such as Floppy Disk, and Read Only Memory, Random Access Memory, and Flash Memory. Hardware devices are included. In addition, program instructions include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

And those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention described above can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. And the scope of the present invention is represented by the appended claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present invention. Should be.

On the other hand, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the specification and drawings are merely presented specific examples to easily explain the technical contents of the present invention and help the understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications based on the technical idea of the present invention can be carried out in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

100: display unit
200: storage
300: control unit

Claims (20)

In an electronic device,
touch screen; And
A processor, wherein the processor,
Receiving a first touch input through the touch screen while displaying a first task execution screen for a first task executed in the electronic device on the touch screen,
Based on receipt of the first touch input, displaying a stack of visual elements partially overlaid on the touchscreen,
While displaying the stack, receive a second touch input for moving one or more visual elements in the stack,
Receive a second touch input for removing a visual element corresponding to a particular task from the stack,
Based on the reception of the third touch input, two consecutive visual elements remaining in the stack after removing the visual element corresponding to the specific task from the stack and removing the visual element corresponding to the specific task; Adjust the spacing between visual elements,
Receive a fourth touch input for selecting one of the visual elements from the stack of partially overlaid visual elements,
Based on receiving the fourth touch input, display a second task execution screen for a second task corresponding to the selected visual element on the touch screen,
Each of the visual elements in the stack corresponds to each of a plurality of tasks including the first task and includes identification information for identifying the task.
The method of claim 1, wherein the processor,
And determine a spacing between two consecutive visual elements in the stack based on the number of visual elements displayed on the touch screen.
The method of claim 1,
And the first task execution screen includes a preset portion to receive a touch input for displaying the stack of visual elements that are overlaid step by step instead of the first task execution screen.
The method of claim 1,
Each of the visual elements in the stack includes a task execution screen image, the task execution screen image including captured screen images corresponding to the plurality of tasks.
The method of claim 1,
The identification information includes at least one of an icon and text.
The method of claim 1,
Identification information of at least one visual element in the stack is obscured by another visual element during display of the stack.
The method of claim 1, wherein the processor,
And display the visual elements on the stack at regular intervals.
The method of claim 1, wherein the processor,
And determine an amount of overlay of visual elements in the stack based on a plurality of visual elements displayed on the touch screen.
The method of claim 1, wherein the processor,
The visual element corresponding to the first task is placed on top of the stack,
While displaying the second task execution screen for the second task on the touch screen, in response to receiving a fifth touch input, a stack of visual elements in which a visual element corresponding to the second task is displayed at the top is displayed. Display electronic device.
The method of claim 1,
Each of the visual elements in the stack includes a task end item for receiving a touch input for removing each of the visual elements from the stack.
In the multi-task management method of an electronic device including a touch screen,
Receiving a first touch input through the touch screen while displaying a first task execution screen for a first task executed by the electronic device on the touch screen;
Displaying a stack of visual elements partially overlaid on the touch screen based on the receipt of the first touch input;
While displaying the stack, receiving a second touch input for moving one or more visual elements in the stack;
Receiving a third touch input for removing a visual element corresponding to a specific task from the stack;
Based on the receipt of the third touch input, two consecutive visual elements remaining in the stack after removal of the visual element corresponding to the particular task from the stack and removal of the visual element corresponding to the particular task; Adjusting the spacing between visual elements;
Receiving a fourth touch input for selecting one of the visual elements from the stack of partially overlaid visual elements; And
Based on receiving the fourth touch input, displaying a second task execution screen for a second task corresponding to the selected visual element on the touch screen;
Each of the visual elements in the stack corresponds to each of a plurality of tasks including the first task, and includes identification information for identifying the task.
The method of claim 11, wherein the adjusting the spacing between the two consecutive visual elements comprises:
Determining an interval between two consecutive visual elements in the stack based on the number of visual elements displayed on the touch screen.
The method of claim 11,
And the first task execution screen includes a preset portion to receive a touch input for displaying the stack of visual elements overlaid in stages instead of the first task execution screen.
The method of claim 11,
Each of the visual elements in the stack includes a task execution screen image,
And the task execution screen image includes captured screen images corresponding to the plurality of tasks.
The method of claim 11,
Identification information of at least one visual element in the stack is obscured by another visual element during the stack display, and includes at least one of iconic text.
The method of claim 11,
Displaying the stack of visual elements comprises displaying the visual elements on the stack at regular intervals.
The method of claim 11,
Determining an amount of overlay of visual elements in the stack based on a plurality of visual elements displayed on the touch screen.
The method of claim 11,
A visual element corresponding to the first task is placed on top of the stack,
While displaying the second task execution screen for the second task on the touch screen, in response to receiving a fifth touch input, a stack of visual elements in which a visual element corresponding to the second task is displayed at the top is displayed. Multi-task management method further comprising the action of displaying.
The method of claim 11,
Wherein each of the visual elements in the stack comprises a task end item for receiving a touch input for removing each of the visual elements from the stack.
A non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor of an electronic device including a touch screen, cause the processor to perform operations.
Receiving a first touch input through the touch screen while displaying a first task execution screen for a first task executed by the electronic device on the touch screen;
Displaying a stack of visual elements partially overlaid on the touch screen based on the receipt of the first touch input;
While displaying the stack, receiving a second touch input for moving one or more visual elements in the stack;
Receiving a third touch input for removing a visual element corresponding to a specific task from the stack;
Based on the reception of the third touch input, two consecutive visual elements remaining in the stack after removing the visual element corresponding to the specific task from the stack and removing the visual element corresponding to the specific task; Adjusting the spacing between visual elements;
Receiving a fourth touch input for selecting one of the visual elements from the stack of partially overlaid visual elements; And
Based on receiving the fourth touch input, displaying a second task execution screen for a second task corresponding to the selected visual element on the touch screen;
Each of the visual elements in the stack corresponds to each of a plurality of tasks including the first task and includes identification information for identifying the task.

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