FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to mobile applications and more particularly to a method and system for launching a second application based on a gesture performed on an application icon corresponding to a first application in an electronic device.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 5
[0002] Generally, almost all electronic devices display icons on the graphical user interface for accessing folders, applications, programs or the like. Icons allow users to navigate and access content from the electronic device. Icons can be displayed as per user requirement on the display of the electronic device. They can be edited to change their appearance, location, 10 or the like. On clicking on an application icon, the application is invoked and user can use the application. In some cases, the user may need to traverse through multiple pages to execute a function associated with the application.
[0003] In the existing systems, the mobile application icons are 15 limited to launch only the corresponding application. The mobile application icons are used only as an entry point to use the application functionality. Thus, if a user wants to launch some associated program, the user needs to perform plurality of actions, as the mobile application icons are limited only to its functionality, i.e. open the application. Therefore 20 launching the associated program, for example application updates, KNOX mode and private mode invocation for the application is cumbersome for the user.
[0004] Moreover, though the application icon displays that the updates are available for that application, the user cannot update the 25 application through the same mobile application icon. In order to update the application, the user needs to traverse through a sequence of steps. Similarly, if the user wants to see the private data for a particular
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application like gallery, then the user needs to explicitly switch on the KNOX mode and then open the gallery application to see the private data of the Knox mode. Thus, a lot of redundant steps are involved while invoking the associated program or application of the mobile application. Eventually, the user experience is degraded while accessing the mobile 5 applications.
[0005] The above information is presented as background information only to help the reader to understand the present invention. Applicants have made no determination and make no assertion as to whether any of the above might be applicable as Prior Art with regard to 10 the present application.
OBJECT OF INVENTION
[0006] The principal object of the embodiments herein is to 15 provide a method and system for launching a second application based on a gesture performed on an application icon corresponding to a first application in an electronic device.
[0007] Another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method for detecting, by a controller module, a first action performed on a 20 first application icon displayed on the electronic device, wherein the first application icon corresponds to a first application.
[0008] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to provide a method for detecting, by the controller module, a second action performed on the first application icon displayed on the electronic device. 25
[0009] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to launch, by the controller module, a second application associated with the first application.
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[0010] Yet another object of the embodiments herein is to simultaneously launch the first application along with the second application, wherein a second icon corresponding to the second application is displayed on a graphical user interface of the electronic device.
5
SUMMARY
[0011] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a method for launching an application in an electronic device. The method includes detecting, by a controller module, a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on the electronic device, wherein the first 10 application icon corresponds to a first application. The method includes detecting, by the controller module, a second action performed on the first application icon displayed on the electronic device. The method includes launching, by the controller module, a second application associated with the first application. 15
[0012] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide an electronic device configured for launching an application. The electronic device includes a controller module configured to detect a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on the electronic device, wherein the first application icon corresponds to a first application. The controller 20 module is configured to detect a second action performed on the first application icon displayed on the electronic device. The controller module is configured to launch a second application associated with the first application.
[0013] Accordingly the embodiments herein provide a computer 25 program product comprising a computer executable program code recorded on a computer readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer executable program code when executed causing the actions including detecting a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on an
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electronic device, wherein the first application icon corresponds to a first application. The actions include detecting a second action performed on the first application icon displayed on the electronic device and launching a second application associated with the first application.
[0014] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be 5 better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications 10 can be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0015] This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, 15 throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device configured for launching an application in the electronic device, in 20 accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates another block diagram of the electronic device configured for launching the application in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a controller module 25 configured for launching the application in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
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[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for launching the application in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an example scenario of launching a first application along with a second application in the electronic device using a 5 rotate gesture and a tap gesture, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0021] FIGS. 6a-6c illustrates an example scenario of launching a calendar application along with an update application in the electronic device using the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, in accordance to the 10 embodiments as described herein;
[0022] FIGS. 7a-7d illustrates an example scenario of launching a gallery application along with at least one of a KNOX mode and private mode, in the electronic device using the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein; 15
[0023] FIGS. 8a-8d illustrates an example scenario of launching a contacts application along with at least one second application in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0024] FIGS. 9a-9c illustrates another example scenario of launching the contacts application along with at least one second 20 application in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0025] FIGS. 10a-10b illustrates examples of plurality of second applications invoked based on rotation of the first application icon, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein; 25
[0026] FIGS. 11a-11c illustrates examples of plurality of first actions performed on an application icon associated with the first application in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
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[0027] FIGS. 12a-12b illustrates an example scenario for launching of a music player application (second application) along with a message application (first application) in the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0028] FIGS. 13a-13b illustrates an example scenario of re 5 arrangement of a plurality of second applications on detection of a first action on the first application icon, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0029] FIGS. 14a-14c illustrates another example scenario of launching the second application along with the first application, wherein 10 the second application is selected from plurality of second application icons displayed as a ring on the electronic device, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates another example scenario of launching the second application along with the first application, wherein the second 15 application is presented from the connected home networking devices, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein;
[0031] FIGS. 16a-16b illustrates an example scenario of categorization of the first action based on the degree of rotation of the first application icon, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein; 20 and
[0032] FIG. 17 illustrates a computing environment implementing the method for launching the application in the electronic device, according to the embodiments as described herein.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0033] The embodiments herein and the various features and details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known 5 components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The term “or” as used herein, refers to a non-10 exclusive or, unless otherwise indicated. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 15
[0034] The embodiments herein provide a method for launching an application in an electronic device. The method includes detecting, by a controller module, a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on the electronic device. The first application icon corresponds to a first application. Further, the method includes detecting, by the controller 20 module, a second action performed on the first application icon displayed on the electronic device. On detection of the first action and the second action, a second application associated with the first application is launched.
[0035] The first application is simultaneously launched along with 25 the second application. A second application icon corresponding to the second application is displayed on a graphical user interface of the electronic device.
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[0036] In one embodiment, the first action results in a change in orientation, of the first application icon. The change in orientation of the first application icon indicates the second application. Further, in one embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in rearrangement of icons surrounding the first application icon. In another 5 embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in resizing of icons surrounding the first application icon.
[0037] In one embodiment, a directive guidance or help document may indicate the second application. The directive guidance may suggest the user to choose the second application to be launched. The directive 10 guidance may also suggest one or more actions to be performed in order to launch the second application.
[0038] In one embodiment, the first action includes at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon, and a type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon. The second 15 action includes at least one of the patterns of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon, and the type of gesture to be performed on the second application icon.
[0039] In one embodiment, the second application is pre-associated with the first application by performing a third action on at least 20 one of the first application icon and the second application icon corresponding to the second application. The third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the second application icon, the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first 25 application icon, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the second application icon, or the type of gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first application icon.
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[0040] In one embodiment, the third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to a location of a device corresponding to the second application, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the location of the device corresponding to the second application. 5
[0041] Unlike the existing method and system, the proposed system and method can be used to reduce the redundant steps involved in launching of two applications simultaneously. Thus, the processing power required by the electronic device for detecting the redundant steps is also reduced. 10
[0042] Moreover, the proposed method and system enhances the user experience as the user is prevented from performing redundant steps for launching two applications associated with each other. For example, if the user wants to open a message application and a music player application together, the user performs only two actions on the application 15 icon of the message application. Thus, the user is prevented from performing redundant actions to open the music player application separately. Moreover, the system provides the user with an option to launch the second application associated with the first application. Thus, the user can control the launch of both the applications. 20
[0043] Further, the proposed system and the method can be used to overcome the limitation of launching only the application associated with the application icon. The proposed system and method provides more capabilities to the application icons. The capabilities includes launching of an associated second application or a secondary program, association of the 25 first application with one or more second applications through detection of actions performed on the application icon, or the like.
[0044] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 to 17 where similar reference characters denote corresponding
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features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device 100 configured for launching an application in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein. 5
[0046] The electronic device 100 described herein can be for example, cellular phones, smart phones, wireless organizers, personal digital assistants, tablets, handheld wireless communication devices, a laptop, a desktop, or the like.
[0047] As illustrated in the FIG. 1, an application icon 102 is 10 displayed on a user interface of the electronic device 100. In one embodiment, the user may perform a first action followed by a second action on the application icon 102 (first application icon). The electronic device 100 can be configured to detect the first action on the application icon 102. The application icon 102 is associated with a first application 15 104. Further, the electronic device 100 can be configured to detect the second action.
[0048] After detecting the first action and the second action, the electronic device 100 can be configured to launch the second application 106. In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be configured to 20 launch the first application 104 and the second application 106 simultaneously. For example, consider that the first application 104 is a gallery application. Also, consider that the user performs the first action ‘rotation of a gallery application icon’ and the second action ‘click or tap on the gallery application icon’. 25
[0049] After detection of the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, the electronic device 100 can be configured to launch the gallery application and the second application 106 associated with the gallery application. The second application 106 can include update of the gallery application, data
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backup of the gallery application, launching the gallery application in KNOX mode or Private mode, background pairing of a pre-defined favorite device with the electronic device 100 thereby enabling the gallery application to share the data with the favorite device, or sharing of data on the electronic device 100 with another device using short range 5 communication.
[0050] In one embodiment, consider that the electronic device 100 includes a multi-window feature. After detection of the first action and the second action, the first application may be launched in one window and the second application may be launched in another window on the electronic 10 device 100.
[0051] In one embodiment, the first action may result in a change in orientation of the first application icon. For example, consider that the first action is a long press on the first application icon. After performing the long press action, the orientation of the first application icon may change 15 (i.e., the first application icon may get stretched).
[0052] Further, in one embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in rearrangement of icons surrounding the first application icon. For example, after performing the long press on the first application icon, the first application icon gets stretched and the 20 application icons surrounding the first application icon may be displayed in form of a ring surrounding the first application icon.
[0053] In another embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in resizing of icons surrounding the first application icon. For example, after the stretching of the first application 25 icon, size of the application icons surrounding the first application icon may get reduced in order to provide focus on the first application icon.
[0054] Further, the change in orientation of the first application icon indicates the second application 106. For example, if the first
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application icon is stretched and the application icons surrounding the first application icon are displayed in form of the ring surrounding the first application icon, the application icons in the ring may indicate the second application 106. At least one application from the applications in the ring may act as the second application 106. The user may associate the second 5 application 106 with the first application 104 by dragging the first application icon over one of the application icon present in the ring. Further, a second action may be performed on the first application icon to launch the first application and the second application simultaneously.
[0055] After detecting the long press and the drag of the first 10 application icon over one of the application icons, the electronic device 100 may be configured to launch the first application 104 and the second application 106 simultaneously. Thus, the user experience is enhanced as the user is prevented from performing redundant steps for launching two applications associated with each other. 15
[0056] In one embodiment, the first action may be a pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon. The pattern of a gesture may be a combination of two gestures forming a pattern. For example, the first action may include a long press and a drag action performed on the first application icon to move the first application icon 20 from a first position on the user interface to a second position on the user interface.
[0057] In one embodiment, the first action may be a type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon. For example, the type of gesture may be the rotate gesture performed on the first application icon, 25 a long press performed on the first application icon, a drag action performed on the first application icon, a tap on the first application icon, or the like.
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[0058] The second action includes at least one of the patterns of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon, and the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon. The pattern of a gesture may be two tap gestures performed on the first application icon to form a pattern of two tap gestures. 5
[0059] The type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon may include the rotate gesture performed on the first application icon, the long press performed on the first application icon, the drag action performed on the first application icon, the tap on the first application icon, or the like. 10
[0060] In one embodiment, the second application 106 is pre-associated with the first application 104 by performing a third action on at least one of the first application icon and the second application icon corresponding to the second application 106. The third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application 15 icon with respect to the second application icon, the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first application icon, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the second application icon, or the type of gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first 20 application icon.
[0061] For example, consider that the first application 104 is a message application and the second application 106 is a music player application. The music player application 106 may be pre-associated with the message application by performing the third action. The third action 25 may include the rotate gesture performed on the first application icon, the long press performed on the first application icon, the drag action performed on the first application icon, the tap gesture on the first application icon, or the like. For example, the music player application may
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be pre-associated with the message application by the long press on the message application icon and dragging the message application icon over the music player application icon. Similarly, the pattern of the gesture, including the long press and drag action, may be performed on the music player application icon. 5
[0062] In one embodiment, the message application may be pre-associated with the music player application by performing the type of gesture on the first application icon or the second application icon.
[0063] In one embodiment, the third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with 10 respect to a location of a device corresponding to the second application 106, or the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the location of the device corresponding to the second application 106. Consider that the first application 104 is the message application and the second application 104 is an application associated with any home 15 networking device paired or connected with the electronic device 100. The connected devices are displayed on the user interface of the electronic device 100 based on locations of the home networking devices relative to the electronic device 100.The location of the home networking devices may be detected based on the direction of the location of the home networking 20 devices by magnetic sensors installed in the electronic device 100.
[0064] The second applications associated with the connected home networking devices may include a home theatre application, a screen mirroring application in a television, or the like. The connected home networking devices may include the television, a refrigerator, a washing 25 machine, a camera, or the like.
[0065] Unlike the existing method and system, the electronic device 100 can be configured to reduce the redundant steps involved in launching of two applications simultaneously. Thus, the processing power
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required by the electronic device 100 for detecting the redundant steps is also reduced.
[0066] Moreover, the electronic device 100 can be configured to enhance the user experience as the user is prevented from performing redundant steps for launching two applications associated with each other. 5 Thus, the user is prevented from performing redundant actions to open the music player application separately. Moreover, the electronic device 100 can be configured to provide the user with an option to launch the second application 106 associated with the first application 104. Thus, the user can control the launch of both the applications. 10
[0067] Further, the electronic device 100 can be configured to, overcome the limitation of only launching the application associated with the application icon. The electronic device 100 can be configured to provide more capabilities to the application icons. The capabilities includes launching of an associated second application or a secondary program, 15 association of the first application 104 with one or more second applications through detection of actions performed on the application icon, or the like.
[0068] The FIG. 1illustrates a limited overview of the electronic device 100 but, it is to be understood that other embodiments are not 20 limited thereto. The labels provided to each module or component is only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. Further, the one or more modules can be combined or separated to perform the similar or substantially similar functionalities without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the electronic device100 can 25 include various other modules or components interacting locally or remotely along with other hardware or software components to communicate with each other. For example, the component can be, but is
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not limited to, a process running in the controller or processor, an object, an executable process, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer.
[0069] FIG. 2 illustrates another block diagram of the electronic device 100 configured for launching the application in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein. The electronic 5 device 100 can be configured to include a controller module 202, a memory module 206, a communication module 208, a display module 210, and a user interface 212. The controller module 202 can be configured to include an action recognition module 204.
[0070] The memory module 206 can be configured to store the 10 data generated by the electronic device 100. The memory module 206 can also be configured to store at least one second application 106 associated with the first application 104.
[0071] Further, the communication module 208 can be configured to enable the communication between the electronic device 100 and one or 15 more devices paired or connected with the electronic device 100. The display module 210 can be configured to display the application icons corresponding to the applications on the user interface 212 of the electronic device 100. The display module 210 can also be configured to display the modification in application icon based on the first action or the second 20 action.
[0072] The controller module 202 can be configured to detect the first action performed on the first application icon. The first application icon may be associated with the first application 104. Further, the controller module 202 can be configured to detect the second action performed on the 25 first application icon. Further, the controller module 202 can be configured to launch the second application 106 on detection of the first action and the second action. In one embodiment the action recognition module 204 can
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be configured to detect the first action and the second action performed on the first application icon or the second application icon.
[0073] In one embodiment, the controller module 202 can be configured to simultaneously launch the first application 104 along with the second application 106. Further, the second application icon corresponding 5 to the second application 106 is displayed on the user interface 212 of the electronic device 100.
[0074] In one embodiment, the first action results in a change in orientation of the first application icon. The change in orientation of the first application icon indicates the second application 106. Further, in one 10 embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in rearrangement of icons surrounding the first application icon. In another embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in resizing of icons surrounding the first application icon.
[0075] In one embodiment, the first action includes at least one of 15 the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon, and the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon. The second action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon, and the type of gesture to be performed on the second application icon. 20
[0076] In one embodiment, the second application 106 is pre-associated with the first application 104 by performing the third action on the first application icon and the second application icon corresponding to the second application 106. The third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with 25 respect to the second application icon, the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first application icon, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the second application icon, or the type of gesture to be
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performed on the second application icon with respect to the first application icon.
[0077] In one embodiment, the third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the location of the device corresponding to the second 5 application, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the location of the device corresponding to the second application 106.
[0078] Unlike the existing method and system, the electronic device 100 can be configured to reduce the redundant steps involved in 10 launching of two applications simultaneously. Thus, the processing power required by the electronic device for detecting the redundant steps is also reduced.
[0079] Moreover, the electronic device 100 can be configured to enhance the user experience as the user is prevented from performing 15 redundant steps for launching two applications associated with each other. Thus, the user is prevented from performing redundant actions to open the music player application separately. Moreover, the electronic device 100 can be configured to provide the user with an option to launch the second application 106 associated with the first application 104. Thus, the user can 20 control the launch of both the applications.
[0080] The FIG. 2 illustrates a limited overview of the electronic device 100 but, it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. The labels provided to each module or component is only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. 25 Further, the one or more modules can be combined or separated to perform the similar or substantially similar functionalities without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the electronic device 100 can include various other modules or components interacting locally or
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remotely along with other hardware or software components to communicate with each other. For example, the component can be, but is not limited to, a process running in the controller or processor, an object, an executable process, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer.
[0081] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the controller module 5 202 configured for launching the application in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[0082] In one embodiment, the controller module 202 can be configured to include a touch screen controller 302, an orientation recorder 304, a launcher 306, a task controller 308, and the display module 210. 10
[0083] The touch screen controller 302 can be configured to receive a user input. In one embodiment, the user input is at least one of the first action and the second action performed on the first application icon. For example, consider that the first action is the rotate gesture and the second action is the tap gesture performed on the contacts application icon. 15 The orientation recorder 304 can be configured to detect if the rotate gesture is performed on the contacts application icon. If the rotate gesture is performed on the contacts application icon, the orientation recorder 304 can be configured to communicate the rotation to the task controller 308.
[0084] The task controller 308 can be configured to determine the 20 second application 106 to be launched based on detection of the rotate gesture on the contacts application icon. The task controller 308 provides input to the launcher 306 regarding the second application 106 to be launched. Further, the task controller 308 can be configured to provide an input to the display module 210 for rendering the contacts application icon 25 to its original orientation for further invocation of the contacts application. The display module 210, based on the input provided by the task controller 308, modifies the orientation of the contacts application icon to its original orientation.
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[0085] Further, the launcher 306 can be configured to launch the second application 106 based on the input provided by the task controller 308. For example, consider that the task controller 308 determines that the second application 106 to be launched is a data backup of the contacts in the contacts application. The launcher 306 can be configured to launch the 5 data backup program based on the input provided by the task controller 308.
[0086] In one embodiment, the launcher 306 can be configured to launch the contacts application along with the data backup program. Thus, the contacts application icon is provided with more than one function or 10 capability. Unlike the existing systems, the contacts application icon is associated with launching of more than one application based on the actions performed by the user.
[0087] The FIG. 3 illustrates a limited overview of the controller module 202 but, it is to be understood that other embodiments are not 15 limited thereto. The labels provided to each module or component is only for illustrative purpose and does not limit the scope of the invention. Further, the one or more modules can be combined or separated to perform the similar or substantially similar functionalities without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the controller module 202 can 20 include various other modules or components interacting locally or remotely along with other hardware or software components to communicate with each other. For example, the component can be, but is not limited to, a process running in the controller or processor, an object, an executable process, a thread of execution, a program, or a computer. 25
[0088] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for launching an application in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein. At step 402, the method 400 includes detecting, by the controller module 202, the first action performed on the
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first application icon displayed on the electronic device 100. The first application icon corresponds to the first application 104. Further, at step 404, the method 400 includes detecting, by the controller module 202, the second action performed on the first application icon displayed on the electronic device 100. On detection of the first action and the second 5 action, at step 406, the method 400 includes launching the second application 106 associated with the first application 104.
[0089] Further, the method 400 includes simultaneously launching the first application 104 along with the second application106. A second icon corresponding to the second application 106 is displayed on a 10 graphical user interface of the electronic device 100.
[0090] In one embodiment, the first action results in a change in orientation, of the first application icon. The change in orientation of the first application icon indicates the second application 106. Further, in one embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in 15 rearrangement of icons surrounding the first application icon. In another embodiment, the change in orientation of the first application icon results in resizing of icons surrounding the first application icon.
[0091] In one embodiment, the first action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon, and 20 the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon. The second action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon, and the type of gesture to be performed on the second application icon.
[0092] In one embodiment, the second application 106 is pre-25 associated with the first application 104 by performing the third action on the first application icon and the second application icon corresponding to the second application 106. The third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with
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respect to the second application icon, the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first application icon, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the second application icon, or the type of gesture to be performed on the second application icon with respect to the first 5 application icon.
[0093] In one embodiment, the third action includes at least one of the pattern of a gesture to be performed on the first application icon with respect to the location of the device corresponding to the second application 106, the type of gesture to be performed on the first application icon with 10 respect to the location of the device corresponding to the second application 106.
[0094] Unlike the existing method and system, the method 400reduces the redundant steps involved in launching of two applications simultaneously. Thus, the processing power required by the electronic 15 device 100 for detecting the redundant steps is also reduced.
[0095] Moreover, the method 400 enhances the user experience as the user is prevented from performing redundant steps for launching two applications associated with each other. For example, if the user wants to open a message application and music player application together, the user 20 needs to perform two actions on the same application icon of the message application. Thus, the user is prevented from performing redundant actions to open the music player application separately.
[0096] The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or 25 simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from scope of the invention.
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[0097] FIG. 5 illustrates an example scenario of launching the first application 104 along with the second application 106 in the electronic device 100 using the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[0098] As illustrated in the FIG. 5, the first action of the rotate 5 gesture is performed on the application icon 500. The application icon 500 is associated with the first application 104. Further, the second action of the tap gesture is performed on the rotated application icon 500. The electronic device 100 detects the rotate gesture and the tap gesture and launches the second application 106 associated with the first application 104. In one 10 embodiment, the first application 104 can be launched simultaneously with the second application 106.
[0099] FIGS. 6a–6c illustrates an example scenario of launching a calendar application along with the update application in the electronic device 100 using the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, in accordance to the 15 embodiments as described herein.
[00100] As illustrated in the FIG. 6a, the calendar application icon is modified to display that an update is available. The first action of the rotate gesture is performed on the calendar application icon. Further, as illustrated in the FIG. 6b, second action of the tap gesture is performed on 20 the rotated calendar application icon.
[00101] Further, as illustrated in the FIG. 6c, after detection of the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, the calendar application and the update application associated with the calendar application is launched simultaneously. As illustrated in the FIG. 6c, while the calendar application 25 is open, the calendar application is updated in the background. Thus, the redundant steps required to update the calendar application are eliminated, thereby enhancing the user experience and reducing the processing power of the electronic device 100.
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[00102] FIGS. 7a-7d illustrates an example scenario of launching a gallery application along in a KNOX mode, in the electronic device 100 using the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00103] As illustrated in the FIG. 7a, the gallery application icon 5 is displayed on the user interface 212 of the electronic device 100. The first action of the rotate gesture is performed on the gallery application icon.
[00104] Further, as illustrated in the FIG. 7b, second action of the tap gesture is performed on the rotated gallery application icon.
[00105] Further, as illustrated in the FIG. 7c, after detection of the 10 rotate gesture and the tap gesture, the gallery application is launched in the KNOX mode. The KNOX mode is the second application 106 associated with the gallery application.
[00106] In one embodiment, as illustrated in the FIG. 7d, after detection of the rotate gesture and the tap gesture, the gallery application is 15 launched in the KNOX mode and the normal mode simultaneously. In an embodiment, the normal mode Gallery application and Knox mode Gallery application may be launched in a multi-window display environment.
[00107] FIGS. 8a-8d illustrates an example scenario of launching the contacts application along with at least one second application 106 in 20 the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00108] As illustrated in the FIG. 8a, the electronic device 100 is an electronic device 100 with an edge screen. After performing the first action of long press on the contacts application icon, the edge screen is 25 highlighted (indicated by a star symbol at the top portion of the edge screen). In one embodiment, a nearest edge screen relative to the position of the contacts application icon may be highlighted or activated, if the electronic device 100 comprises of a dual edge display.
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[00109] Further, as illustrated in the FIG. 8b, the contacts application icon is dragged to the edge screen by performing the first action also including the drag action on the contacts application icon.
[00110] Further, as illustrated in the FIG. 8c, the second action of the tap gesture is performed on the contacts application icon. 5
[00111] In one embodiment, as illustrated in the FIG. 8d, on detection of the tap gesture, a list of probable second applications 106 is displayed on the user interface 212 of the electronic device 100. As shown in the FIG. 8d, the second application 106 may be dynamically associated with the first application 104 by performing the third action on the second 10 application icon. As shown in the FIG. 8d, the third action of the tap gesture is performed on the Wi-Fi application icon to dynamically select the Wi-Fi application as the second application 106.
[00112] FIGS. 9a-9c illustrates another example scenario of launching the contacts application along with at least one second 15 application 106 in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00113] As illustrated in the FIG. 9a, the first action of long press is performed on the contacts application icon. After performing the first action of long press on the contacts application icon, the edge screen is 20 highlighted (indicated by a star symbol at the top portion of the edge screen). In one embodiment, the nearest edge screen relative to the position of the contacts application icon may be highlighted or activated, if the electronic device 100 comprises of a dual edge display.
[00114] Also, the electronic device 100 displays a list of probable 25 second applications 106 on the edge screen of the electronic device 100. The second application 106 may be one of a KNOX mode, an update application, or a data backup application.
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[00115] As illustrated in the FIG. 9b, the contacts application icon is dragged to the edge screen. The second application 106 may be dynamically associated with the first application 104 by performing the third action on the second application icon.
[00116] As shown in the FIG. 9c, the third action of dragging the 5 contacts application icon on any one the second applications icon is performed to select the second application 104. In one embodiment, multiple second applications 106 may be added or launched with the contacts application by dragging the contacts application icon in the downward direction. 10
[00117] The second application 106 may be unassociated from the contacts application by dragging the contacts application icon in the upward direction.
[00118] In another embodiment (not shown in the FIG), the second application icon displayed on the edge may be touched and dragged on the 15 contacts application icon (first application icon) to launch the second application along with the contacts application.
[00119] FIGS. 10a-10b illustrates examples of plurality of second applications invoked based on rotation of the first application icon, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein. 20
[00120] As illustrated in the FIG. 10a, the first application 104 is the gallery application. The gallery application icon is modified to display the second applications 106 associated with the gallery application. The second applications 106 may be one of the KNOX mode, the update application, or the backup application. 25
[00121] After performing the first action of the rotate gesture, the second applications 106 may get launched with the gallery application based on the rotation of the gallery application icon. When the gallery application icon is rotated in the clockwise direction, the second
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applications 106are added based on the degree of the rotation. As shown in the FIG. 10a, the KNOX mode is added to the gallery application, and the update application is added to the gallery application. The gallery application icon is modified based on the second application 106 added to the gallery application to display the second applications 106 added to the 5 gallery application.
[00122] As shown in the FIG. 10b, as the gallery application icon is rotated in the anti-clockwise direction, the second applications 106 are removed and the gallery application icon is modified accordingly.
[00123] FIGS. 11a-11c illustrates examples of plurality of first 10 actions performed on an application icon associated with the first application 104 in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00124] As illustrated in the FIG. 11a, the first action is the rotate gesture. After detecting the rotate gesture, the gallery application icon is 15 modified to change the orientation of the gallery application icon.
[00125] As illustrated in the FIG. 11b, the first action is the zoom gesture. After detecting the zoom gesture, the gallery application icon is modified to display the gallery application icon in a stretched form.
[00126] As illustrated in the FIG. 11c, the first action is the tap 20 gesture. After detecting the tap gesture, a list of probable second applications 106 is displayed on the user interface 212 of the electronic device 100.The list of probable second applications 106 may be generated based on a number of parameters known in the art, such as user habits, application permissions, or other known recommendation methods. 25
[00127] FIGS. 12a-12b illustrates an example scenario for launching the music player application (second application 106) along with the message application (first application 104) in the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
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[00128] As shown in the FIG. 12a, after detecting the first action and the second action performed on the message application icon, the associated second application 106(the music player application) is launched along with the message application. When the message application is open, the music player application may be active in the background. The music 5 player application icon 1202 is displayed in the stretched form in the top corner of the display of the message application.
[00129] Further, as shown in the FIG. 12b, when the music player application icon 1202 is compressed using a user gesture on the display, and reshaped to its original size, the music player application is closed and 10 the music player application icon 1202 is removed from the display.
[00130] FIGS. 13a-13b illustrates an example scenario of re arrangement of a plurality of second applications 106 on detection of the first action on the first application icon, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein. 15
[00131] As shown in the FIG. 13a, after detection of the first action of the long press on the first application icon corresponding to the first application 104 ‘E’, the surrounding application icons are rearranged and resized to provide more space on the user interface 212 for the first application icon. 20
[00132] As illustrated in the FIG. 13b, the first application icon is in the stretched form and is surrounded by remaining application icons which are resized and rearranged. Thus, the user interface 212 is modified in order to provide more space for the first application icon. Further, the second action may now be easily performed on the first application icon. 25
[00133] FIGS. 14a-14c illustrates another example scenario of launching the second application 106 along with the first application 104, wherein the second application 106 is selected from plurality of second
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application icons displayed as a ring on the electronic device 100, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00134] As illustrated in the FIG. 14a, the first action of the tap gesture is detected. Further, as shown in the FIG. 14b, on detection of the first action of the tap gesture or the long press on the first application icon, 5 a ring of probable second applications 106 is formed surrounding the first application icon. Further, as shown in the FIG. 14c, one of the applications in the ring may be associated as the second application 106 by performing the third action on the first application icon. As illustrated in the FIG. 14c, the first application icon, corresponding to the first application 104 ‘E’, is 10 dragged over the second application icon corresponding to the second application 106 ‘B’.
[00135] FIG. 15 illustrates another example scenario of launching the second application 106 along with the first application 104, wherein the second application 106is presented from the connected home networking 15 devices, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00136] As shown in the FIG. 15, the second application 106 is an application associated with any home networking device paired or connected with the electronic device 100. The applications associated with the connected home networking devices are displayed on the user interface 20 212 of the electronic device 100 based on locations of the home networking devices relative to the electronic device 100.The location of the home networking devices may be detected based on the direction of location of the home networking devices by magnetic sensors installed in the electronic device 100. 25
[00137] The second applications 106 associated with the home networking devices may include the home theatre application, the screen mirroring application in the television, or the like. The home networking device devices may include the television 1502, a refrigerator 1504, a
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washing machine 1508, a camera 1506, or the like. In an event of display of the second applications 106 related to the home networking devices, an indication may be provided on the home networking devices to indicate that an action is going to be performed on the application native to that particular home networking device. 5
[00138] FIGS. 16a-16b illustrates an example scenario of categorization of the first action based on the degree of rotation of the first application icon, in accordance to the embodiments as described herein.
[00139] As shown in the FIG. 16a, the first action is categorized based on the degree of rotation of the first application icon. The degree of 10 rotation of the first application icon may be provided as an input to the second application 106. The second application 106 may be launched based on the degree of rotation of the first application icon.
[00140] For example consider that the second application is the data backup application. When the degree of rotation is 90° and the tap 15 gesture is detected, the electronic device 100 may be configured to perform data backup of one day. Further, when the degree of rotation is 270° and the tap gesture is detected, the electronic device 100 may be configured to perform data backup of 5 days. Such settings for selective execution of the second application 106 based on degree of rotation may be predefined by 20 the user.
[00141] Referring to FIG. 17, a computing environment1702 implementing the method for launching the application in the electronic device 100is illustrated. As depicted, the computing environment 1702includes at least one processing unit 1704 that is equipped with a 25 control unit 1708 and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) 1706, a memory 1714, a storage 1716, plurality of networking devices 1710 and a plurality Input output (I/O) devices 1712. The processing unit 1704 is responsible for processing the instructions of the technique. The processing unit 1704
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receives commands from the control unit1708 in order to perform its processing. Further, any logical and arithmetic operations involved in the execution of the instructions are computed with the help of the ALU 1706.
[00142] The overall computing environment 1702 can be composed of multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous cores, multiple CPUs 5 of different kinds, special media and other accelerators. The processing unit 1704 is responsible for processing the instructions of the technique. Further, the plurality of processing units 1704can be located on a single chip or over multiple chips.
[00143] The technique comprising of instructions and codes 10 required for the implementation are stored in either the memory 1714 or the storage 1716 or both. At the time of execution, the instructions can be fetched from the corresponding memory 1714or storage 1716, and executed by the processing unit 1704.
[00144] In case of any hardware implementations various 15 networking devices1710 or external I/O devices 1712can be connected to the computing environment to support the implementation through the networking unit and the I/O device unit.
[00145] The embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented through at least one software program running on at least one hardware 20 device and performing network management functions to control the elements. The FIGS. 1 to 17 include blocks which can be at least one of a hardware component or a combination of hardware device and software components.
[00146] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments 25 will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are
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intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that 5 the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

I claim:
1. A method for launching an application in an electronic device, the method comprising:
detecting, by a controller module, a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on said electronic device, wherein said first application icon corresponds to a first application;
detecting, by said controller module, a second action performed on said first application icon displayed on said electronic device; and
launching, by said controller module, a second application associated with said first application.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said first application is simultaneously launched along with said second application, wherein a second application icon corresponding to said second application is displayed on a graphical user interface of said electronic device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said first action results in a change in orientation, of said first application icon.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said first action resulting in said change in orientation, of said first application icon indicates said second application.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein said change in orientation of said first application icon results in rearrangement of icons surrounding said first application icon.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein said change in orientation of said first application icon results in resizing of icons surrounding said first application icon.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said second application is pre-associated with said first application by performing a third action on at
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least one of said first application icon and a second application icon corresponding to said second application.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein said third action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to said second application icon, a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said second application icon with respect to said first application icon, a type of gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to said second application icon, a type of gesture to be performed on said second application icon with respect to said first application icon.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein said third action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to a location of a device corresponding to said second application, a type of gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to a location of a device corresponding to said second application.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said first action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said first application icon, and a type of gesture to be performed on said first application icon.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said second action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said second application icon, and a type of gesture to be performed on said second application icon.
12. An electronic device configured for launching an application, said electronic device comprising a controller module configured to:
detect a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on said electronic device, wherein said first application icon corresponds to a first application;
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detect a second action performed on said first application icon displayed on said electronic device; and
launch a second application associated with said first application.
13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein said first application is simultaneously launched along with said second application, wherein a second application icon corresponding to said second application is displayed on a graphical user interface of said electronic device.
14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein said first action results in a change in orientation, of said first application icon.
15. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein said first action resulting in said change in orientation, of said first application icon indicates said second application.
16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein said change in orientation of said first application icon results in rearrangement of icons surrounding said first application icon.
17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein said change in orientation of said first application icon results in resizing of icons surrounding said first application icon.
18. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein said second application is pre-associated with said first application by performing a third action on at least one of said first application icon and a second application icon corresponding to said second application.
19. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein said third action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to said second application icon, a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said second application icon with respect to said first application icon, a type of gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to said second application
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icon, a type of gesture to be performed on said second application icon with respect to said first application icon.
20. The electronic device of claim 18, wherein said third action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to a location of a device corresponding to said second application, a type of gesture to be performed on said first application icon with respect to a location of a device corresponding to said second application.
21. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein said first action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said first application icon, and a type of gesture to be performed on said first application icon.
22. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein said second action comprises at least one of a pattern of a gesture to be performed on said second application icon, and a type of gesture to be performed on said second application icon.
23. A computer program product comprising a computer executable program code recorded on a computer readable non-transitory storage medium, said computer executable program code when executed causing the actions including:
detecting a first action performed on a first application icon displayed on an electronic device, wherein said first application icon corresponds to a first application;
detecting a second action performed on said first application icon displayed on said electronic device; and
launching a second application associated with said first application.