WO2016181166A1

WO2016181166A1 - Devices and methods for selecting icons

Info

Publication number: WO2016181166A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/051393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tim WILLIS
Original assignee: University Of Dundee
Priority date: 2015-05-14
Filing date: 2016-05-13
Publication date: 2016-11-17
Also published as: GB201508292D0

Abstract

There is described methods and devices for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen, or the like. In some examples, a device is used to display a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen. Responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region -that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons -the device may display one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at, or towards, an opposing perimeter region of the screen. In some examples, the methods and devices may display a group of icons at a different region of the screen, from where touched. The group of icons may comprise an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons.

Description

Devices and Methods for Selecting Icons

Technical Field

Some described examples relate to devices, user interfaces and methods that can be used to display and select icons on touchscreens.

Some examples relate specifically to touchscreens comprised with, or in communication with, wearable devices, such as those worn at a wrist (e.g. smart watches). Background

Significant innovation and technology development has occurred in recent years in relation to wearable technology and devices. Some wearable technologies have user interfaces comprising touchscreens that permit a user to enter and receive data via that screen.

The data processed by the wearable device may be for use at the device, or indeed communicated between that device and further equipment, for example when paired to a multimedia device, such as a smartphone, or the like, or indeed when in communication with a network access point.

However, with the increase in processing capability, there is a desire to increase the capability with which such wearable devices can be used in isolation of ancillary paired hardware, and optionally to make such wearable devices self-standing, i.e. not requiring paired additional hardware. In doing so however, the wearable device should be sufficiently capably of operating with comparable ease to any paired hardware, and permit a user to operate those smaller devices with ease. However, challenges exist not least of all because of the difference in comparable size between any user interfaces (e.g. touchscreens) of such wearable devices and existing paired equipment. There remains a need to provide wearable devices that permit ease of input of data, and icon or character selection, and which remain comparable to such selection/input experienced with larger multimedia devices, such as smartphones, tablets, etc. This need is desired also in other technology areas in which constrained user interfaces may be present, such as those provided in-vehicle, on compact media players, or the like.

This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Summary

Some examples describe devices and methods for selecting icons from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen (e.g. a touchscreen comprised with a smartwatch, in a vehicle, compact media players, etc.). Some of the described examples permit ease of input of data, and/or icon or character selection using devices having a constrained size, and in particular a constrained size of user interface (e.g. touchscreen) that remains comparable to selection/input on larger devices.

In one example, there is a method for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen. The method may comprise displaying a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen. In other similar words, the method may comprise displaying the plurality of icons at a perimeter region, or indeed if not specifically at the perimeter region of the device, then nevertheless displaying those icons in an arrangement that corresponds to the perimeter of the touchscreen.

The method may comprise, responsive to a user touch or contact at a user-touch region (for example, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons), then displaying one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at an alternative region of the screen. The method may comprise, responsive to a user touch or contact at a user-touch region, then displaying one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at - or towards - an opposing, or generally opposing, perimeter region on the screen. In some examples, the one or more icons displayed may be presented greater in size than otherwise presented at the user-touch region of the perimeter region. In other words, "zoomed" or "enlarged" compared to the size typically displayed.

In some examples, the method may comprise displaying a group of icons associated with the user-touch region. That group of icons may be displayed at, or towards, the opposing perimeter region of the screen. The group of icons may comprise the icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more additional displayed icons. For example, the method may comprise displaying a group of icons comprising an expected icon together with adjacent icons (for example, four adjacent icons). An expected icon may be considered to be the icon most closely displayed relative to the user-touch region or, put differently, the expected icon may represent the icon most likely to be selected based on the particular location of user touch. Those additional icons may comprise one or more icons displayed at either side of the expected icon, for example. The additional icons may include only adjacent icons to the expected icon.

The method may comprise highlighting (e.g. by contrast) to a user an expected icon from the group of icons. For example, the highlighted expected icon may be displayed in a different colour or hue, or different texture or the like, from the additional icons. As well as displaying the group of icons on the screen, the method may comprise additionally displaying the expected icon somewhere additionally on the screen. For example, the expected icon may be additionally displayed at a centre region of the screen. In some examples, the group of icons are displayed in arc sections at, or towards, the opposing region of the screen. Those arc sections may have a common angle. In some cases however, the expected icon may be displayed with a greater angle than one or more (or all) of the additional icons. In other similar words, the portion of the screen used to present the expected icon may be greater than that of the additional icons.

In some examples, the method may comprise displaying, for example continuously displaying, corresponding one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at, or towards, an opposing region on the screen responsive to a user moving the user-touch region. In other similar words, as a user moves the point of contact with the screen (e.g. clockwise or anticlockwise around the screen), the method may comprise revising and updating the displayed icons at, or towards, the opposing region of the screen. The initial contact and display of an icon may be considered a coarse selection, and subsequent movement and revision on the icon to be selected may be considered a fine selection. However, in other examples where a group of icons are displayed, the method may comprise, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region, highlighting alternative icons within the group for selection. Put differently, the first contact by a user may be considered a coarse selection in which an expected icon and additional (e.g. adjacent) icons are displayed. Subsequently, a user may be able to translate the point of contact to provide a fine selection from the group of icons. The user may translate the user- touch region along the plurality of icons displayed in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region so as to effect fine selection of an icon within the group. The method may comprise highlighting, to a user, the location, or approximate location, of the user-touch region on the screen. For example, the user-touch region may be highlighted by contrast (e.g. colour, texture, etc.), which in some examples may remain visible to a user (i.e. not obscured by the user's finger) when a user touches the screen.

The method may comprise providing a highlighted indication to a user, from a region of the screen associated with the user-touch region, to the one or more of the icons displayed at, or towards, the opposing region on the screen. For example, the highlighted indication may comprise an arrow, a line, a chord or banding, or the like.

The method may comprise selecting, for input to a device associated with the screen, an icon following some action by a user. For example, the method may comprise selecting, for input to a device associated with the screen, an icon after release of touch of a user. In similar words, the method may comprise operatively selecting an icon when the user removes contact at the user-touch region. In some examples, a selection may be cancelled when a user moves the user-touch region to a predefined region of the screen (e.g. the centre of the screen). Of course, in other examples, a selection may be made when a user moves the user-touch region to a predefined region of the screen and a cancellation of selection may occur when the user simply releases contact at an icon. Alternatively, selection or deselection may occur using an additional user input. For example, depressing the screen or other user interface element (e.g. button) may provide for selection or deselection of an icon.

The method may comprise additional inputs or selections (e.g. gesture inputs or selections), which may be performed at the touchscreen. Such additional inputs or selections may be provided so as to augment an icon selection (e.g. undo or redo a selection). For example, movement of the user-touch region in an anti-clockwise manner, either fully or partially, around the screen may perform a first gesture input or selection, while a movement of the user-touch region in a clockwise manner, either fully or partially, around the screen may perform a second gesture input or selection. The first gesture input may undo (or delete) a previous selection, e.g. a previous character selection when that character has been selected in error. The second gesture input may redo a previous selection, e.g. reinsert a character when a previous "undo" was performed in error. In either case, the movement of the of user-touch region - fully or partially around the screen - may follow, or correspond to, where the plurality of icons are displayed.

The method may comprise performing an operative function at a device associated with the touchscreen, responsive to a user selecting a particular icon. Such an operative function may cause the device to initiate a specific routine or programme. The operative function may cause the device to initiate a specific routine or programme external to the device. In some examples, the plurality of icons displayed comprise text characters. Selection of a particular icon or character may provide text input to a device associated with the screen. Selected characters may be cumulatively displayed on the screen (e.g. at a centre region of the screen). Characters (and words) may be predictively displayed on the screen.

It will be appreciated that a perimeter region as mentioned above may surround some or all of the screen. The method may comprise displaying a plurality of icons at some or all of a perimeter region of a circular screen, or rectangular screen, or the like. Further, the icons may be permanently displayed, for example at a bezel or the like.

The screen may be comprised with a wearable device, such wrist-wearable device. The device may comprise wireless connectivity (e.g. from the IEEE 802 family, and/or cellular connectivity).

In some examples, there is described a method for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen, the method comprising:

displaying a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen (e.g. at a perimeter region); and

responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, then displaying one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at, or towards, an opposing, or generally opposing, perimeter region on the screen.

In some examples, there is described a method for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen, the method comprising: displaying a plurality of icons at a perimeter region of the screen; and responsive to a user touch at a particular perimeter region, displaying one or more of the icons associated with a user-touch region at an alternative region of the screen.

In some examples, there is described a method for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen, comprising:

displaying a plurality of icons for selection on the screen, and

responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, then displaying a group of icons at a different region of the screen, wherein the group of icons comprise an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons. In some examples, there is provided a method for performed a gesture input or selection at a touchscreen of a device, e.g. for icon or character selection, or other function.

The method may comprise moving a user-touch region in predefined direction or manner, e.g. in an anti-clockwise or clockwise manner, either fully or partially, around a screen, in order to perform a gesture input or selection.

The method may comprise moving a user-touch region in a first direction, e.g. an anticlockwise manner, either fully or partially, around a screen to perform a first gesture input or selection, and moving the user-touch region in second direction, e.g. a clockwise manner, either fully or partially, around the screen so as to perform a second gesture input or selection. The first and second directions may be opposing. The first and second gesture inputs may perform related or corresponding actions (e.g. redo/undo). In further examples, there is described a device (e.g. a wearable device, in-vehicle device, compact media player or the like).

The device may comprise a user interface for example comprising a touchscreen. The device may comprise a processor and memory, configured in a known manner, to operative control the function of the touchscreen. For example, the device may be configured to display information, data, images, etc. at the screen, as well as receive input from the screen (e.g. responsive to a user touch). The device may comprise additional user interface elements (e.g. buttons). The device may be configured to display on the screen a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen. The device may be configured, responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, to display one or more of the icons associated with a user-touch region at an alternative (e.g. opposing, or generally opposing), region on the screen, such as an opposing perimeter region.

The device may be configured to display a group of icons associated with the user- touch region. That group of icons may be displayed at an alternative region of the screen (e.g. at, or towards, the opposing perimeter region of the screen). The group of icons may comprise the icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more additional displayed icons. For example, the device may be configured to display a group of icons comprising an expected icon together with adjacent icons (for example, four adjacent icons). An expected icon may be considered to be the icon most closely displayed relative to the user-touch region or, put differently, the expected icon may represent the icon most likely to be selected based on the particular location of user touch. Those additional icons may comprise one or more icons displayed at either side of the expected icon, for example. The additional icons may include only adjacent icons to the expected icon.

The device may be configured to highlight at the screen (e.g. by contrast) to a user an expected icon from the group of icons. For example, the highlighted expected icon may be displayed in a different colour or hue from the additional icons, or different texture of the like. In addition to displaying the group of icons on the screen, the device may be configured additionally to display the expected icon somewhere else on the screen. For example, the expected icon may be additionally displayed at a centre region of the screen. In some examples, the group of icons may be displayed in arc sections at the opposing region of the screen.

In some examples, the device is specifically configured to display continuously corresponding one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at, or towards, an opposing region on the screen, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region. In other similar words, as a user moves the point of contact with the screen, the device may be configured to revise and update any displayed icons (e.g. those at the opposing perimeter region).

However, in other examples where a group of icons are displayed, the device may be configured, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region, to highlight alternative icons within the group for selection. Put differently, the first contact by a user may be considered a coarse selection in which an expected icon and additional icons are displayed. Subsequently, the device may be configured to permit a user to translate the point of contact to provide a fine selection from the group of icons. The user may translate the user-touch region along the plurality of icons displayed in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region so as to effect fine selection of an icon within the group.

The device may be configured to highlight, to a user, the location, or approximate location, of the user-touch region on the screen. For example, the user-touch region may be highlighted by contrast (e.g. colour, texture, etc.) which in some examples remains visible when a user touches the screen.

The device may be configured to highlight an indication to a user, from a region of the screen associated with the user-touch region, to one or more of the icons displayed at an opposing region on the screen. For example, the highlighted indication may be an arrow, a line, chord, band, or the like.

The device may be configured to confirm a selection (e.g. after release of touch of a user). The device may confirm an operative selection of an icon when the user removes contact at the user-touch region. In some example, a selection may be cancelled when a user moves the user-touch region to a predefined region of the screen (e.g. the centre of the screen). Of course, in other examples, a selection may be made when a user moves the user-touch region to a predefined region of the screen and a cancellation of selection may occur when the user simply releases contact at an icon.

Alternatively, selection or deselection may occur using an additional user input. For example, in some cases the device comprises additional user inputs (or user interface elements, such as buttons.). In some examples, depressing the screen or other user interface element (e.g. button) may provide for selection or deselection of an icon.

The device may be configured to receive additional inputs or selections (e.g. gesture inputs or selections) from the touchscreen. Such additional inputs or selections may be provided so as to augment an icon selection (e.g. undo or redo a selection).

The device may be configured to perform or execute an operative function, responsive to a user selecting a particular icon. Such an operative function may cause the device to initiate a specific routine or programme. The operative function may cause the device to initiate a specific routine or programme external to the device.

In some examples, the plurality of icons displayed comprise text characters. Selection of a particular icon or character may provide text input to a device. Selected characters may be cumulatively displayed on the screen (e.g. at a centre region of the screen). The device may be configured comprise software or firmware, specifically configured to provide predicative analysis based on input characters. Such predictive analysis may be displayed on the screen. The device may comprise a circular screen, or rectangular screen, or the like. The device may be configured as a wearable device, such wrist-wearable device. The device may be comprised with transport (e.g. in a vehicle, taxi, passenger service vehicle, airplane, or the like). The device may comprise wireless connectivity (e.g. from the IEEE 802 family, and/or cellular connectivity). The device may be configured to perform additional processes and functions, which may use the same firmware and/or hardware. In some examples, there is described a device comprising:

a touchscreen configured to display a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen; and

the device being configured, responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, to display one or more of the icons associated with a user-touch region at an alternative (e.g. opposing, or generally opposing) region on the screen, such as an opposing perimeter region.

In some examples, there is described a device comprising:

the device being configured, responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, to display a group of icons at a different region of the screen, wherein the group of icons comprise an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons.

In some examples, there is provided a computer program product or computer file configured to at least partially (or fully) implement the devices and methods as described above. In some examples, there is also provided a carrier medium comprising or encoding the computer program product or computer file. The program/encoding may be non-transitory. In some examples, there is also provided processing apparatus when programmed with the computer program product described. Some of the above examples may implement certain functionality by use of software, but also that functionality could equally be implemented mainly or solely in hardware (for example by means of one or more ASICs (application specific integrated circuit) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)), or indeed by a mix of hardware and software (e.g. firmware). As such, the scope of the disclosures should not be interpreted as being limited only to being implemented in software.

Aspects of the inventions described may include one or more examples, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/examples may be useful with wearable technology comprising touchscreens, such as smart watches, or indeed any such devices that require input or user selection, but having constrained size of screens. 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 1 a shows a simplified representation of a device comprising a touchscreen for selecting icons, and Figure 1 b shows a more detailed representation of the touchscreen;

Figures 2a-2g show examples of icon selection;

Figures 3a-3d show example of displaying icons at, or towards, an opposing perimeter region;

Figure 4 shows alternative presentations of an expected icon; and Figure 5 shows a further example of a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of a screen.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Some of the following examples are described specifically in relation to wearable devices comprising touchscreens, such as smartwatches. However, it will be appreciated that the same devices and methods may be used for other applications, particularly those comprising touchscreens, and particularly those that are constrained by available size (e.g. in vehicle, compact media players, etc.). A skilled reader will readily be able to implement the various alternative embodiments accordingly.

Figure 1a shows a simplified representation of a device 10 comprising a touchscreen 20. The device 10 can be considered to be a smartwatch (e.g. wearable on a user's wrist), or other such wearable technology. It will be appreciated that in relation to a smartwatch, there remain practical constraints regarding the possible size of any touchscreen 20. Figure 1 b shows an enlarged view of the touchscreen 20, as will be further described. Here, while the device 10 has been shown as having a circular screen 20, it will be appreciated that this is by means of example only and the following embodiments could equally be applied to a rectangular screen 20, or further alternative shapes or configurations.

The device 10 comprises a processor 30 and memory 40 configured in a known manner to control operatively the function of the touchscreen 20. Here, the touchscreen 20 may be considered to be some or all of the user interface of the device 10, with the device 10 configured to display information, data, images, etc. at the screen 20, as well as receive user input from the screen 20 (e.g. responsive to a user touch). Of course, in some examples, the device 10 may comprise additional user interface elements or means (not shown for ease), such as depressible or rotary buttons or the like. In some examples, the screen 20 may be depressible (in addition to touch) in order to effect additional input.

In the example given, the device 10 further comprises an antenna 60 configured to permit wireless connectivity (e.g. from the IEEE 802 family, and/or cellular connectivity). The device 60 may be configured to pair with additional hardware, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or the like. The device 10 may additionally be configured for wired or inductive powering or charging (not shown for ease). It will be appreciated that in addition to controlling operatively the screen and/or communicating, the device 10 may be configured to perform additional processes and functions, which may use the same firmware and/or hardware. Here - and in particular when desiring or requiring user input - the device 10 is configured to display on the screen 20 a plurality of icons 50. Those icons 50 may be considered to be selectable by a user (e.g. using touch at the screen) in order to perform some function or input. For the purposes of ease of explanation, the plurality of icons 50 displayed comprise Latin text characters (e.g. a-z). However, in further embodiments the icons may represent different language text characters, and/or indeed different functions (e.g. app icons, shortcut icons, or the like). However, in this example, selection of a particular icon 50 (or indeed character) provides text input to the device 10.

Selected characters may be cumulatively displayed on the screen 20 (e.g. at a centre region of the screen). Figures 2a-2g shows an example of selected characters being cumulatively selected and inserted into a search field presented at a region of the screen 20. The device 10 may comprise software or firmware, specifically configured to provide predicative analysis based on input characters. Such predictive analysis may be displayed on the screen, as exemplified in Figures 2b-2f.

In some examples, the device may be configured for additional inputs or selections to be made using the touchscreen. These may be considered to be gesture inputs or selections performed at the touchscreen. Such additional inputs or selections may be provided so as to augment an icon selection.

For example, considering the Figure 2a-2g, after selection of a particular character, the device 10 may be configured such that movement of the user-touch region 70 in an first predefined direction, e.g. in an anti-clockwise manner either fully or partially around the screen 20, performs a first gesture input or selection, such as "undo", while movement of the user-touch region 70 in a second predefined direction, e.g. in a clockwise manner either fully or partially around the screen 20, may perform a second gesture input or selection, such as "redo". In other examples, the gesture inputs may provide alternative functions, such as "search", "cancel", etc. In such cases, the first and second predefined directions may be opposite direction.

The provision of such additional gesture input may minimise the number of icons needing to be displayed, and provided ease of use of the device 10.

Returning to Figure 1 b, in this example the plurality of icons 50 are arranged or provided in a manner that corresponds to a perimeter region 25 of the screen. While in the example shown, the icons 50 are presented entirely around a perimeter region 25 of the screen 20, it will be appreciated that in further examples, the icons 50 may not be presented entirely around the perimeter region 25, but rather only around some of the perimeter region 25 (e.g. half of the perimeter region 25). Further, while in this example the icons are displayed on the screen, in other examples the icons may be provided at a device frame (e.g. bezel) or the like. In which case, the icons may be constantly visible to a user, irrespective of where the device 10 is powered or in an "input" mode.

In use, and when selection of an icon is desired, a user is able to touch (e.g. using a finger, stylus, or the like) a region of the screen 20 corresponding or associated with a desired icon. This selection may not be completely precise, but may be as near as possible based on the user's precision, and/or based on the size of the screen. Responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region 70 (see Figures 3a-3c), the device 10 is configured to display one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region 70 at a different region of the screen. In this example, the device 10 is configured to display at, or indeed towards, an opposing perimeter region 75 of the screen 20.

In Figure 3a, responsive to a user's touch, the device 10 is configured to display a single icon 80 that is associated with, or indeed corresponds to, the particular user- touch region 70. Here, the single icon "k" may be considered to be an expected icon 80. That is to say that an expected icon 80 may be considered to be the icon most closely related to the user-touch region 70. Or, put differently, the expected icon 80 may represent the icon most likely to be selected based on the particular location of user touch.

Here, device 10 is further configured to highlight or display an indication 90 to a user, from a region of the screen 20 associated with the user-touch region 70, towards the expected icon 80. In some examples, this may be presented as an arrow, line, or the like. However, here a chord or band 90 of a contrasting colour is displayed. While the expected icon 80 is displayed to the user for ease, nevertheless additionally providing such an indication 90 to a user, allows that user to identify quickly and with ease where on the screen 20 the device 10 considers the user-touch region 70 to be. This is particular useful with such small sized touchscreens 20. Additionally, or alternatively, the device 10 may be configured to highlight, to a user, the location, or approximate location, of the user-touch region 70 on the screen 20. For example, and considering Figures 2a, 2c, 2e and 2f, the user-touch region 70 may be highlighted by contrast (e.g. colour, texture, etc.) which in some examples remains visible when a user touches the screen. In other words, the device 10 may be configured to highlight the user-touch region 70 so that it remains visible to a user even though that user's finger may be in contact with the screen 20. In the example in Figure 2a, 2c, 2e and 2f, a circular indication 95 is provided that would be visible irrespective of the orientation of a user's finger relative to the screen 20.

Figures 3b, 3c and 3d show further examples of the device 10 functioning responsive to a user's touch. In these examples, the device 10 is configured, responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region 70, to display a group of icons 55 associated with a user- touch region 70 at, or towards, an opposing perimeter region 75 of the screen 20.

Here, the group of icons 55 comprises not only the icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region 70 (e.g. the expected icon 80) but also one or more additional or indeed adjacently displayed icons. That is to say, those icons that are normally displayed on the screen 20, adjacent to the icon at the user-touch region 70. In the examples shown in Figures 3b-3d, the device 10 is configured to display a group of icons 55 comprising an expected icon 80 together with additional icons 85, those additional icons 85 comprising one or more icons displayed at either side of the expected icon 80. It may be considered that the group of icons 55 are displayed in arc sections at or towards the opposing perimeter region 75 of the screen 20.

Those arc sections may have a common angle, or in some cases the expected icon 80 may be displayed with a greater angle than one or more (or all) of the additional icons 85. However, as can been seen from Figure 3d, in some examples, the portion of the screen 20 used to present the expected icon 80 may be greater than that of the additional icons 85.

It will be apparent, particularly when considering Figure 3d, that in some examples when displaying the group of icons 55, a substantial portion of the screen 20 at the opposing perimeter region 75 is used or utilised in order to display those icons 55. Indeed, the group of icons 55 are enlarged compared to the manner in which the plurality of icons 50 are typically displayed on the screen 20. It will be appreciated that while the single expected icon 80 in Figure 3a is displayed at a centre region of the screen 20 towards the opposing perimeter region 75, nevertheless in further examples it too may be presented in such an enlarged manner at the opposing perimeter region 75 such that a substantial portion of the screen 20 is used or utilised to display that icon.

In Figure 3d, the device 10 is also configured to highlight at the screen 20 (e.g. by contrast) to a user an expected icon 80 from the group of icons 55. As well as displaying the group of icons 55 on the screen 20, the device 10 may be configured additionally to display the expected icon 80 somewhere else on the screen. For example, the expected icon 80 may be additionally displayed at a centre region of the screen 20 as shown in Figures 3b and 3c. Additionally or alternatively a highlighted expected icon 80 may be displayed in a different colour, hue or texture from the additional icons 85 in a similar manner as is shown in Figure 3d.

In some examples, when selecting an icon from the plurality of icons (e.g. in Figure 3a), the device 10 may be configured to display continuously corresponding one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region 70 at, or towards, an opposing region 75 on the screen 20, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region 70. In other similar words, as a user moves the point of contact with the screen 20, the device 10 may be configured to revise and update any displayed icons (e.g. those at or towards the opposing perimeter region 75) to correspond to the current position of the point of contact or user-touch region 70. In which case, the initial contact at a user-touch region 70 may be considered to be a coarse selection, displaying an initial expected icon 80. From which, a user may be able to subsequently move the user-touch region 70 (e.g. around the screen 20 of the device 10) and revise the icon to be selected. This may be considered to provide a fine selection.

However, in other examples (for example where a group of icons 55 are displayed), the device 10 may be configured, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region 70, to highlight alternative icons within the group 55 for selection. Put differently, a first contact by a user may be considered a coarse selection in which an expected icon 80 and additional icons 85 are displayed. Subsequently, the device 10 may be configured to permit a user to translate the point of contact to provide a fine selection from the group of icons 55 (e.g. the group of icons 55 only). The user may translate the user- touch region 70 along the plurality of icons 50 displayed in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region so as to effect fine selection of an icon within the group 55. In such a manner, fine control or selection can be achieved by essentially while being in a "zoom" mode, where for instance a rotation of 45° could equate to only 10° on the normally displayed plurality of icons. In any event, once highlighted at, or towards, the opposing perimeter region 75, the device 10 can be configured to confirm a selection, for example, after release of touch of a user (e.g. when the user removes contact at the user-touch region 70). In some examples, a selection may be cancelled when a user moves the user-touch region 70 to a predefined region of the screen (e.g. the centre of the screen). Of course, in other examples, a selection may be made when a user moves the user-touch region 70 to a predefined region of the screen and a cancellation of selection may occur when the user simply releases contact at an icon. Alternatively, selection or deselection may occur using an additional user input. For example, in some cases the device 10 may use additional user interface elements, such as buttons. Further still, the device 10 may also be configured to permit additional gesture inputs as described in relation to Figure 2 above (e.g. undo/redo performed by anti-clockwise and clockwise movement of the user-touch region 70). A skilled reader will readily be able to implement the various embodiments accordingly. Nevertheless, upon selection, the device 10 provides for ease of character input. However, it will be appreciated that in alternative examples, selection of an icon may cause the device to perform or execute an alternative operative function, responsive to a user selecting a particular that icon. Such an operative function may cause the device to initiate a specific routine or programme (e.g. launch an application). The operative function may cause the device 10 to initiate a specific routine or programme external to the device (e.g. when paired to another device). A skilled reader will readily be able to implement those alternatives accordingly. It will be appreciated that there may be many alternative ways in which to display one or more of the icons (or groups of icons) associated with the user-touch region at or towards an opposing, or generally opposing, perimeter region on the screen. Figure 4 shows some further examples. In each case, because an icon (e.g. an enlarged icon) is directed to be presented at an opposing perimeter region in such a manner (or indeed towards, or substantially towards that region), this helps mitigate the likelihood that that icon will be obscured by a user's finger or wrist or the like, and allows clarity of selection, making the most use of a small screen 20 with limited area to present information, and limited touch resolution. The described device 10 permits ease of input of data, and icon or character selection that remains comparable to selection/input in larger devices.

While in the example above a single ring of icons has been given by way of example that are provided in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen 20, nevertheless multiple rings, or the like may be provided. Figure 5 shows a further example.

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 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 spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen, the method comprising:

displaying a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen; and

responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, then displaying one or more of the icons associated with the user-touch region at, or towards, an opposing perimeter region of the screen.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more icons displayed are presented greater in size than otherwise presented at the user-touch region of the perimeter region.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising displaying a group of icons associated with the user-touch region, the group of icons being displayed at, or towards, the opposing perimeter region of the screen.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the group of icons comprises an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4 comprising highlighting by contrast to a user an expected icon from the group of icons.

6. The method according to any of the claims 3 to 5, wherein the group of icons are displayed in arc sections at, or towards, the opposing region of the screen.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the portion of the screen used to present an expected icon is greater than that of the adjacent icons.

8. The method according to ant of the claims 3 to 7, comprising, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region, highlighting alternative icons within the group for selection.

9. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 7 comprising, responsive to a user moving the user-touch region on the screen, revising and updating the display of the one or more icons associated with the user-touch region.

10. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising highlighting by contrast, to a user, the location, or approximate location, of the user-touch region on the screen.

1 1. The method according to any preceding claim, comprising providing a highlighted indication to a user, from a region of the screen associated with the user- touch region, to the one or more of the icons displayed at, or towards, the opposing region on the screen.

12. The method according to any preceding claim, comprising selecting, for input to a device associated with the screen, an icon following an action by a user.

13. The method according to any preceding claim, comprising performing an operative function at a device associated with the touchscreen, responsive to a user selecting a particular icon, such an operative function causing the device to initiate a specific routine or programme.

14. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of icons displayed comprise text characters, and selection of a particular icon or character provides text input to a device associated with the screen.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising predictively displaying characters or words on the screen, responsive to a user selection.

16. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of icons are displayed in a manner corresponding to all of perimeter region of the screen.

17. A method for selecting an icon from a plurality of icons on a touchscreen, comprising:

displaying a plurality of icons for selection on the screen, and

responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, then displaying a group of icons at a different region of the screen, wherein the group of icons comprise an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons.

18. A device comprising:

a touchscreen configured to display a plurality of icons in a manner corresponding to a perimeter region of the screen; and the device being configured, responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, to display one or more of the icons associated with a user-touch region at, or towards, an opposing perimeter region of the screen.

19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the device is configured to display a group of icons associated with the user-touch region, the group of icons being displayed at, or towards, the opposing perimeter region of the screen.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the device is configured to display a group of icons comprising an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons.

21. The device according to claim 19 or 20 configured to highlight by contrast to a user an expected icon from the group of icons.

22. The device according to any of the claims 18 to 21 , wherein the device is configured as a wearable device, such as a smartwatch.

23. The device according to any of the claims 18 to 22, configured to perform or execute an operative function, responsive to a user selecting a particular icon, wherein that operative function causes the device to initiate a specific routine or programme.

24. A device comprising:

a touchscreen configured to display a plurality of icons for selection on the screen; and the device being configured, responsive to a user touch at a user-touch region, that user-touch region being at or near one of the displayed icons, to display a group of icons at a different region of the screen, wherein the group of icons comprise an icon most closely displayed next to the user-touch region together with one or more adjacently displayed icons.

25 A computer program product configured to implement the methods as described in any of the claims 1 to 17.