WO2009065422A1

WO2009065422A1 - Improvements in or relating to user interfaces and associated apparatus and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2009065422A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/010034
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mattias Andersson; Zachary Ng; Manuel Gattinger; Lianne Mallett; Nicola Ralston; Edwin Shannon; Shunjiro Eguchi; Joeske Schellen; Alejandro Sanguinetti; Roni Burrell; Tom Jenkins; Daniel Dhondt
Original assignee: Nokia Corporation
Priority date: 2007-11-20
Filing date: 2007-11-20
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: EP2210163A1; CN101868774A

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a controller (140) for a display (130), the display for use in providing one or more of the functions of a hand-portable electronic device, the display itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions (135), the controller arranged to be user-actuatable to partition the display from its maximum operational dimensions into respective display portions (170/180) partitioned along a particular dimension, said display portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the display portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of display portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user-alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said display portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the hand-portable electronic device (100).

Description

Improvements in or relating to user interfaces and associated apparatus and methods

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of user interfaces, associated methods, computer programs and apparatus. Certain embodiments of the invention relate to portable electronic devices, in particular, so-called hand-portable electronic devices which may be hand-held in use (although they may be placed in a cradle in use). Such hand-portable electronic devices include so-called Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

The portable electronic devices of the present invention may provide one or more audio/text/video communication functions (e.g. telecommunication, videocommunication, and/or text transmission (Short Message Service (SMS)/ Multimedia Message Service (MMS)/emailing) functions), interactive/non- interactive viewing functions (e.g. web-browsing, navigation, TV/program viewing functions), music recording/playing functions (e.g. MP3 or other format and/or (FM/ AM) radio broadcast recording/playing), downloading/sending of data functions, image capture function (e.g. using a (e.g. in-built) digital camera), and gaming functions.

Background

Certain computer software packages can be used to split a window of a display. These windows can be minimised on a display into tiles which can be selected to again open-up the window. For example, in the case of some word processing packages, it is possible to split a window in which a document is being viewed into two sections so that two parts of the same document can be independently viewed simultaneously in each section. Also, in some email packages, it is possible to split the window in which the email is being viewed into a section showing the text and a section showing the icons of any attachments. Both such word processing and emailing software packages operate at the window level.

The advent of digital television has allowed the viewing of an electronic program guide (EPG) on-screen at the same time as the program being viewed.

The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the present invention may or may not address one or more of the background issues.

Summary

In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising a controller for a display, the display for use in providing one or more of the functions of a hand- portable electronic device, the display itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions, the controller arranged to be user-actuatable to partition the display from its maximum operational dimensions into respective display portions partitioned along a particular dimension, said display portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the display portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of display portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user-alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said display portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the hand-portable electronic device.

Rather than operating at the window/tile level, the apparatus operates to partition the display itself from its maximum operational dimension (i.e. the apparatus does not operate from within a window of a display but from the maximum operational dimension of the display). Unlike EPGs, the apparatus provides a plurality of user- alterable sizes for the display portions. In addition, the display portions are arranged to be used in conjunction with one another (and not independently of one another) to provide a respective function of the hand-portable electronic device, i.e. the display portions (partitioned portions) are not for use in selecting between different functions of the device but are for use together to provide a particular function of the device.

The functions of the device may be one or more functions selected from the group comprising audio/text/video communication functions, interactive/non-interactive viewing functions, music recording/playing functions, downloading/sending of data functions, image capture function, and gaming functions.

The apparatus may comprise a first display portion for user output and a second display portion for user input, the apparatus arranged such that the user input in the second display portion is provided for display in the first display portion. The second display portion may provide a touch sensitive QWERTY keyboard for user input. The second display portion may provide a portion to detect user scribe input.

Part or all of the display may be configured to be a touch sensitive screen for user input. The touch sensitive screen may be one of a pressure sensitive screen, capacitive sensitive screen and a light beam screen.

The controller may be configured to be user-actuated to partition the display using one or more sliding elements, the apparatus arranged such that the position of the one or more sliding elements correlate with the position of the partition. The apparatus may comprise the one or more sliding elements.

The apparatus may be arranged such that one or more particular positions of the one or more sliding elements correlates with the removal of the one or more partitions.

The apparatus may be configured such that the one or more sliding elements do not obstruct the viewing of the display. The apparatus may be configured for use with one or more transparent sliding elements which are configured to extend (e.g. partially, fully) across the display or on a face of the device comprising the display.

The apparatus may be configured for use with one or more (e.g. non-transparent) sliding elements which are configured to extend (e.g. partially, fully) across the display or on a face of the device comprising the display without substantially affecting the viewing of the display.

The apparatus may be configured such that the one or more sliding elements are for sliding along a face of the device upon which the display is not located. The display may be for use on a first face of the device, and the one or more sliding elements may be provided on a face opposing the first face or on a face laterally to the first face.

The apparatus may be configured for use with respective sliding elements arranged to be slid respectively along two (e.g. orthogonal) faces of the device to each provide a corresponding partition.

The sliding element may be a U-shaped actuator, said U-shaped actuator arranged on a face (e.g. with the rear and side portions) of the device upon which the display is not located.

The one or more sliding elements may be virtual sliding elements, which are user- actuatable in a particular mode of operation of the device. The mode of operation may be initiated whilst a particular actuator (e.g. button) of the device is depressed, upon specific menu-selection by the user of the particular virtual sliding element mode, and/or automatically when the user selects a particular functional mode of the device (e.g. emailing, web-browsing, MMS sending, image capture).

Alternatively the controller may not comprise a sliding element, or virtual sliding element, but may comprise a rotate-able knob or virtual rotate-able knob, or the like. The apparatus may be arranged such that the display portions provide a corresponding user interface input/output according to the particular functional mode of the device. Thus, in one functional mode, one or more display portions may provide both input and output functions, but in another functional mode, the same display portion may provide only an input function or an output function.

The apparatus may be arranged to provide three or more partitioned display portions.

The apparatus may be arranged such that the partition separating the display portions extend completely across the particular dimension of the display.

The apparatus may be arranged such that the particular partition dimension may be an in-use X dimension, and/or an in-use Y dimension. The apparatus may be arranged to partition the display into (equal/non-equal sized) quadrants.

The apparatus may be arranged to partition the display across both dimensions (e.g. both X and Y) to define three or more (e.g. quadrants) defined display portions.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus may be arranged to partition the display across two dimensions to create non-rectangular (e.g. triangular or other non-four- sided (regular/irregular) polygonal portions) display portions.

The apparatus may be a module for a hand-portable electronic device.

The apparatus may be a user interface for the hand-portable electronic device.

Not all modes of operations of the device may require the display e.g. listening to an FM radio broadcast may power down the display. The device may have one or more orientations in use. The apparatus may be arranged to partition the display into left and right display portions with respect to a user. The apparatus may be arranged to partition the display into top and bottom display portions with respect to a user.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a hand-portable electronic device comprising the apparatus of the first aspect.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer program comprising computer code to control a display, the display for use in providing one or more of the functions of a hand-portable electronic device, the display itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions, the computer code arranged to be user- actuatable to partition the display from its maximum operational dimensions into respective display portions partitioned along a particular dimension, said display portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the display portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of display portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user-alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said display portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the hand-portable electronic device.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of assembling an apparatus of the first aspect with associated components to provide a sub- assembly for a hand-portable electronic device or a hand-portable electronic device.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a means for controlling a means for providing visual output, the means for providing visual output for use in providing one or more of the functions of a means for providing hand-portable electronic functions, the means for providing visual output itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions, the means for controlling arranged to be user-acruatable to partition the means for providing visual output from its maximum operational dimensions into respective visual output portions partitioned along a particular dimension, said visual output portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the visual output portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of visual output portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user-alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said visual output portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the means for providing hand-portable electronic functions.

The present invention includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure.

The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.

Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure Ia and Figure Ib show a front view and a rear view of a hand-portable electronic device according to one embodiment;

Figure 2a, Figure 2b, and Figure 2c show the embodiments of Figure 1 in three working configurations; and

Figure 3a shows and Figure 3b show a front view and a rear view of a further embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Figure 1 shows a hand-portable electronic device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure Ia shows a front view of the device 100, while Figure Ib shows a rear view. The device 100 comprises a main body 120, a display 130 and a controller 140. In the present embodiment, the device 100 is arranged as a PDA, or the like.

The display 130 is arranged on a front face 125 of the main body 120 of the device 100. The display 130 is provided by a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), although it will be readily appreciated that alternative displays may be used. The display 130 is further arranged as a capacitance sensitive touch screen. The display 130 is arranged such that it provides a maximum operating dimension 135. The maximum operating dimension 135 is substantially rectangular.

The device 100 further comprises a processing apparatus 150. The processing apparatus comprises a processor 160 and a memory block 165 (i.e. circuitry). Software and/or firmware is used by the processing apparatus 150 in a known manner to process data so as to provide a visual output on the display 130. The processing apparatus 150 is arranged additionally to receive user inputs from the touch sensitive display 130. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate and be able to implement such an arrangement.

The processing apparatus 150 is arranged to provide a first display portion 170 and a second display portion 180 within the display 130. Each display portion 170,

180 is arranged to be distinct from the other, such that the display 130 is provided with a partition 185 along a particular dimension. In the present embodiment, the display 130 is partitioned along an axis, such that both the first display portion 170 and the second display portion 180 are also substantially rectangular. The partition 185 traverses substantially the entire display 130.

In the present embodiment, the first display portion 170 is arranged as a user input, such as a virtual keypad, while the second display portion 180 is arranged as a user output, such as a video display.

The controller 140 comprises a sliding element 190 and a guide 192, the sliding element 190 is provided by a U-shaped actuator. The guide 192 is provided by a recess channel on a rear face 155 of the main body 120. The sliding element 190 is arranged in a complementary arrangement with side portions 154 and the rear face 155 of the main body 120. The sliding element 190 is further arranged such that a complementary lug 195 provided thereupon fits within the recess channel of the guide 192, wherein the sliding element 190 is slidably moveable along the guide 192.

While in the present embodiment the sliding member 190 is arranged substantially on the rear of the device 100, it will be readily appreciated that other configurations are possible. For example, the sliding element may traverse a portion of the display 130. In such an arrangement, the sliding element may be translucent, transparent, or in some instances opaque, such as when the sliding member overlaps the partition or the like.

The controller 140 is in communication with the processing apparatus 150 and is arranged such that the position of the sliding element 190 in relation to the guide can be evaluated, hi the present embodiment, this is achieved by a first conductive

196a rail and a second conductive rail 196b, arranged in parallel, and which extend for a portion of the length of the guide 192. In operation, the lug 195 acts to electrically short a conductive path between the two rails 196a, 196b. In this arrangement, the controller 140 may be considered to act as a variable resistor. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are any number of further configurations that may be applicable.

In use, the device 100 is arranged such that movement of the sliding element 190 along the guide 192 causes a discernable variation in resistance of the guide 192, said resistance being indicative of the location of the sliding member 190 relative to the length of the guide 192.

This resistance is observed by the processing apparatus 150, wherein the processing apparatus 150 is arranged to alter the position of the partition 185 based upon the location of the sliding element 190, such that the configuration of the first display portion 170 and the second display portion 180 are altered relative to one another. In the present embodiment, movement of the sliding element 190 in one direction causes the size of one of the display portions 170, 180 to increase, while the other decreases proportionally. Movement of the sliding element 190 in the opposite direction has the opposite effect. In this arrangement, both the first and the second display portions 170, 180 may be considered to be inverse user alterable with one another. In this arrangement, the maximum operating dimensions 135 of the display 130 remains substantially constant.

Figure 2a shows a front view of the device 100 with the sliding element 190 in a first position, and Figure 2b shows a front view of the device 100 with the sliding element 190 in a second position. In Figure 2c, the sliding element 190 is in a position in which the partition is removed and the display is full sized.

Figure 3 show a device 200 according to a further embodiment, which is similar to a device 100 according to the embodiment described above. The device 200 comprises a main body 220 and a display 230. In the present embodiment the device 200 is arranged as a PDA, or the like.

The display 230 is again arranged on a front face 225 of the main body 220 of the device 200, and is provided by a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The display 230 is further arranged as a capacitance sensitive touch screen. The display 230 is arranged such that it provides a maximum operating dimension 235. The maximum operating dimension 235 is substantially rectangular.

The device 200 further comprises a processing apparatus 250. The processing apparatus 250 comprises a processor 260 and a memory block 265. Software and/or firmware is used by the processing apparatus 250 in a known manner to process data so as to provide a visual output on the display 230. The processing apparatus 250 is arranged additionally to receive user inputs from the touch sensitive display 230.

The processing apparatus (e.g. circuitry) 250 is arranged to provide a first display portion 270 a second display portion 280, and a third control portion 240 within the display 230. The third control portion may be considered to be a virtual controller 240.

Both the first and the second display portions 270, 280 are arranged to be distinct from each other, such that the display 230 is provided with a partition 285 along a particular dimension, in a similar manner to above. In this arrangement however the partition 285 does not extend into the virtual controller 240.

Again first display portion 270 is arranged as a user input, such as a virtual keypad, while the second display portion 280 is arranged as a user output, such as a video display.

The controller 240 comprises a virtual sliding element 290. The virtual sliding element 290 is incorporated into the display 230 and is arranged as a virtual moveable bar within a control window 295.

The controller 240 is in communication with the processing apparatus 250 and is arranged such that user actuation on the virtual sliding element 290 on the display 230 can be evaluated.

In use, the device 210 is arranged such that a user's touch causes movement of the virtual sliding element 290 along the control window. This movement is arranged to alter the position of the partition 285 based upon the location of the virtual sliding element 290, such that the configuration of the first display portion 270 and the second display portion 280 are altered relative to one another.

In the present embodiment, movement of the virtual sliding element 290 in one direction causes the size of one of the display portions 270, 280 to increase, while the other decreases proportionally. Movement of the virtual sliding element 290 in the opposite direction has the opposite effect. In this arrangement, both the first and the second display portions 270, 280 may be considered to be inverse user alterable with one another. In this arrangement the maximum operating dimensions 235 of the display 230 remains substantially constant. A person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the controller 240 may not be operable at all times. For example, in further arrangements a button, or menu- section, or the like, may be required to be pressed or selected for the sliding element 290 to become apparent to and/or operable functional for use by a user. In some embodiments, the controller 240 may be a virtual line which acts as a partition between the display portions 270, 280 and which is user moveable by touch. Similarly, this virtual line may become apparent to and/or operable functional for use by a user upon user actuation of a button, for example.

It will readily be appreciated that the virtual sliding element 290 need not be incorporated within the display 230, and may be provided on a further touch sensitive display. This may be provided on the front face of the device 200, or may be provided on any of the other faces. A person skilled in the art will readily be able to implement such alternative arrangements.

It will also be readily appreciated that the device 100, 200 may comprise any number of controllers, such as 2, 4, 10 or any number therebetween. For example, the device may be arranged such that the display comprises more than one partition, such a two orthogonally intersecting partitions. In such an arrangement, a slidable controller may be provided substantially parallel to each partition, such as one controller on an upper side portion, and a further controller on a lateral side portion. In this arrangement, it will be readily appreciated that the display comprises four display portions, each of which is controllable via the two controllers.

In one configuration, the device 100, 200 is arranged, in use, to provide a telephone keypad on one display portion, and call information of the other. Movement of the sliding element 190 290 causes more or less function buttons to be added to the keypad. In alternative configurations, the device 100, 200 is arranged, in use, to provide an email input on one display portion and email information, such as inbox, composition screen, etc., on the other display portion.

In a further configuration the device 100, 200 is arranged, in use, to provide an video output, such as an MPEG-4 video output, in one display portion, and a control panel in the other. Again movement of the sliding element 190, 290 causes more or less controls to be available to a user, while the video output display portion is increased or decreased. In this arrangement, those less frequently used controls are presented last as the control panel increases.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned apparatus may have other functions in addition to the mentioned functions, and that these functions may be performed by the same apparatus.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising a controller for a display, the display for use in providing one or more of the functions of a hand-portable electronic device, the display itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions, the controller arranged to be user-actuatable to partition the display from its maximum operational dimensions into respective display portions partitioned along a particular dimension, said display portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the display portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of display portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user-alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said display portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the hand-portable electronic device.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the functions of the device are one or more functions selected from the group comprising audio/text/video communication functions, interactive/non-interactive viewing functions, music recording/playing functions, downloading/sending of data functions, image capture function, and gaming functions.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus comprises a first display portion for user output and a second display portion for user input, the apparatus arranged such that the user input in the second display portion is provided for display in the first display portion.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second display portion provides a touch sensitive QWERTY keyboard for user input.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second display portion provides a portion to detect user scribe input.

6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein part or all of the display is configured to be a touch sensitive screen for user input.

7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the controller is configured to be user-actuated to partition the display using one or more sliding elements, the apparatus arranged such that the position of the one or more sliding elements correlate with the position of the partition.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, comprising the one or more sliding elements.

9. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that one or more particular positions of the one or more sliding elements correlates with the removal of the one or more partitions.

10. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the one or more sliding elements do not obstruct the viewing of the display.

11. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured for use with one or more sliding elements which are configured to extend across the display or on a face of the device comprising the display without substantially affecting the viewing of the display.

12. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the one or more sliding elements are for sliding along a face of the device upon which the display is not located.

13. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the display is for use on a first face of the device, and the one or more sliding elements are provided on a face opposing the first face or on a face laterally to the first face.

14. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the apparatus is configured for use with respective sliding elements arranged to be slid respectively along two faces of the device to each provide a corresponding partition.

15. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the one or more sliding elements are a U-shaped actuator, said U-shaped actuator arranged on a face of the device upon which the display is not located.

16. The apparatus according to any claim dependent on claim 7, wherein the one or more sliding elements are virtual sliding elements which are user- actuatable in a particular mode of operation of the device.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the mode of operation is initiated whilst a particular actuator (e.g. button) of the device is depressed, upon specific menu-selection by the user of the particular virtual sliding element mode, and/or automatically when the user selects a particular functional mode of the device.

18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the display portions provide a corresponding user interface input/output according to the particular functional mode of the device.

19. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to provide three or more partitioned display portions.

20. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the partition separating the display portions extends completely across the particular dimension of the display.

21. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that the particular partition dimension is an in-use X dimension, and/or an in-use Y dimension.

22. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to partition the display across both dimensions to define three or more defined display portions.

23. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is arranged to partition the display across two dimensions to create non-rectangular display portions.

24. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a module for a hand-portable electronic device.

25. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is a user interface for the hand-portable electronic device.

26. A hand-portable electronic device comprising the apparatus of one or more of claims 1-25.

27. A computer program comprising computer code to control a display, the display for use in providing one or more of the functions of a hand-portable electronic device, the display itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions, the computer code arranged to be user-actuatable to partition the display from its maximum operational dimensions into respective display portions partitioned along a particular dimension, said display portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the display portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of display portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user-alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said display portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the hand-portable electronic device.

28. A method of assembling an apparatus according to one or more of claims 1-25 with associated components to provide a sub-assembly for hand-portable electronic device or a hand-portable electronic device.

29. A means for controlling a means for providing visual output, the means for providing visual output for use in providing one or more of the functions of a means for providing hand-portable electronic functions, the means for providing visual output itself having in-use maximum operational dimensions, the means for controlling arranged to be user-actuatable to partition the means for providing visual output from its maximum operational dimensions into respective visual output portions partitioned along a particular dimension, said visual output portions user-alterable to provide a plurality of user-alterable sizes of the visual output portions partitioned along the particular dimension such that the respective size of visual output portions in the partitioned dimension are inversely user- alterable with respect to one another within the particular maximum operational dimension, and wherein said visual output portions are arranged for use in conjunction with one another to provide respective one or more functions of the means for providing hand-portable electronic functions.