Apple Inc v. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd

Filing 4

DECLARATION of Patrick Schmidt filed by Defendant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd re #2 MOTION to Quash (Attachments: #1 Exhibit A, #2 Exhibit B, #3 Exhibit C)(Parvin, Shaham)

Exhibit B

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 iutuu
US007933632B2

(12)

United States Patent
Flynt et al.

(54) TILE SPACE USER INTERFACE FOR
MOBILE DEVICES

(56)

US 7,933,632 B2
Apr. 26, 2011

References Cited

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(75) Inventors: David Wayne Flynt, Lake Forest Park,
WA (US); Bryan T. Agnetta, Seattle,
WA (US); Sally Louise Barton, Seattle,
WA (US); Eduardo L. Escardo -Raffo,
Seattle, WA (US); Tirthankar
Sengupta, Sammamish, WA (US); Peter
G. Chin, Seattle, WA (US); Hok-Sum
Horace Luke, Mercer Island, WA (US)
(73) Assignee: Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA
(US)
(*) Notice:

Patent No.:
Date of Patent:

(10)
(45)

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.C. 154(b) by 936 days.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
OA Dated Dec. 29, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,713, 31 pages.

(21) Appl. No.: 11/424,733

(Continued)
(22) Filed:

Jun. 16, 2006

(65)

Primary Examiner — William D Cumming
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Woodcock Washburn LLP

Prior Publication Data

US 2007/0082707 Al

(57)

Apr. 12, 2007

Related U.S. Application Data

(60) Provisional application No. 60/718,187, filed on Sep
16, 2005.
(51)

Int. Cl.
1104M1/O0

(2006.01)

(52) U.S. Cl . ............. 455/569.1; 379/93.17; 379/433.01;
340/995.1
(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 455/564,
455/569.1; 345/156, 173, 358, 428; 379/93.17;
273/292
See application file for complete search history.

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing a user interface for
mobile devices enable data and services available through the
mobile device to be represented as a set of tiles maintained in
a display space. The tiles provide a snapshot of the current
state of content available through the mobile device without
requiring any interaction by the user. The tiles and display
space are customizable and can be dynamically updated to
display content to a user. In addition, tiles can provide functionality, including simple tasks to a user without requiring
the user to navigate away from the tile display space. Tiles can
also provide quick access to start software applications. Tiles
can be organized in the display space by the user or the tiles
can be automatically grouped based upon associated metadata.
20 Claims, 15 Drawing Sheets
300
X302

ItI
in ii
i!tø2d

306

/,308

lI
LJIIIDD _J
-306

ftI

1310

US 7,933,632 B2
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
6,577,714
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7,283,135
7,308,147
7,315,259
7,325,806
7,376,907
7,379,811
7,424,541
7,435,998
7,451,987
7,481,434
7,483,905
2001/0015721
2002/0044149
2002/0065939
2002/0115476
2002/0133488
2002/0138474
2002/0143755
2003/0004936
2003/0035008
2003/0100315
2003/0158839
2003/017711!
2003/0208456

Bl
B2 *
B1 *
Bl *
B1 *
B2 *
B2 *
Bl *
B2 *
B2 *
B2 *
B2 *
B2 *
Bl *
Bl *
B1 *
Bl
Bl *
B2 *
B2
BI *
B2 *
B2 *
Bl
B1 *
B2 *
B1 *
B2 *
B2 *
Bl *
B2 *
B2 *
B2
B2 *
B2 *
BI *
BI *
B2 *
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al
Al

6/2003
10/2003
10/2003
4/2004
6/2004
9/2004
10/2004
11/2004
3/2005
3/2005
4/2006
4/2006
5/2006
5/2006
5/2006
7/2006
7/2006
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9/2006
11/2006
11/2006
1/2007
1/2007
2/2007
3/2007
7/2007
10/2007
12/2007
1/2008
2/2008
5/2008
5/2008
9/2008
10/2008
10/2008
11/2008
1/2009
1/2009
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8/2002
9/2002
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10/2002
1/2003
2/2003
5/2003
8/2003
9/2003
11/2003

Darcie et at................ 379/93.17
"""""""'
Fishkin et al . ............... 345/156
Comiskey et al . ............ 345/107
Santoro et al ................. 715/765
Chan .......................... 296/24.34
Rekimoto et al . ............ 345/173
Ranganathan et al. ......... 700/22
Albert et al . .................. 345/107
Mann et al ................. 604/890.1
Cohen et al ................... 345/501
Rekimoto et al . ............ 345/173
Santoro et al ................. 715/765
Liu et al ........................ 709/201
Molnar et al . ................ 345/426
Kirk et al ...................... 345/531
Cherry
Fishkin et al . ................ 715/863
Hagge et al .................... 345/1.3
Mann et al .................... 340/654
Fuller et al.
Kirk et al ...................... 345/531
Sano ............................. 382/236
Rasmussen et al. .......... 701/208
Szabo
Feola ............................ 273/292
Singh et al .................... 717/108
Cote et al ...................... 345/428
Sano ............................. 382/236
Sacks ......................... 340/995.1
Feola ............................ 273/292
Santoro et al ................. 715/765
Rasmussen et al. .......... 701/208
Bourne
Kondo ............................ 257/98
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yn
}

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
OA Dated Dec. 1, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,720, 20 pages.
OA Dated Sep. 17, 2008 for U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,706, 32 pages.
U.S. App!. No. 11/424,706: Final Rejection, dated Dec. 14, 2009.
PP •
U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,706: Final Rejection, dated Sep. 17, 2008.
U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,706: Official Action, dated Mar. 27, 2008.
U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,706: Official Action, dated Mar. 9, 2009.
U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,713: Final Rejection, dated Dec. 29, 2008.
U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,713: Final Rejection, dated Feb. 19, 2010.
U.S. Appl. No. 11/424,713: Official Action, dated May 30, 2008.
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U.S. Appl. No. 11/765,684: Official Action, dated Feb. 25, 2009.
*

cited by examiner

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

Sheet 1 of 15

US 7,933,632 B2

r 100
102
TILE SPACE COMPONENT
104

INPUT
COMPONENT

108

INTERFACE
COMPONENT

106
DISPLAY
COMPONENT

TILE MANAGER 110
COMPONENT

FIG. 1

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 2 of 15

r 100
102
TILE SPACE COMPONENT
INPUT
~— 202

USER
INTERFACE
COMPONENT

108

COMPONENT
71(1

TILE MANAGER COMPONENT

208

210

LOCAL
INTERFACE
COMPONENT

DISPLAY TILE

AVAILABLE
TILE

DISPLAY

COMPONENT

COMPONENT

206

212

/- 204

REMOTE

INTERFACE
COMPONENT

COMPONENT

PROFILE

214
NAVIGATION

COMPONENT COMPONENT
216
TILE
POSITION

COMPONENT

FIG. 2

106

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 3 of 15

j-300
ui

12:00PM

Y1II

•

302
304

,-308
. 12:15-1:15

+— • Lunch
Dahlia Lounge

® (2)

A§

(4)

306
56° drizzle

310
I HOME

OPTIONS

FIG. 3

BACK

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 4 of 15

r 400
302
304

402

310

FIG. 4

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 5 of 15

r 500
302
304

502

310

FIG. 5

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 6 of 15
600

YII

12:00PM

302

304

••

•

602

Online Auction
My Items
3of3

O~

Time Left: 56m 34s
Last Bid: US $1,495
18" Porsche Turbo 911

56°

310
I HOME

OPTIONS

FIG. 6

BACK

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 7 of 15

r 700
YI)

12:00PM

302
304

J

i
12:15-1:15
Lunch
Dahlia Lounge

702

56° drizzle

310

I HOME

OPTIONS

FIG. 7

BACK

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r

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eD
00

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FIG. 8

ii1

JI

W

C1

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 9 of 15

r 900
IIJI 711,

12:00PM

V 302
304

HHU LOl
cHr'!1fl I
II
s
310

I HOME

OPTIONS

FIG, 9

BACK

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

Sheet 10 of 15

US 7,933,632 B2

START

1002
GENERATE A TILE SPACE

1004
POPULATE THE TILE SPACE WITH
TILE(S)

1006
DISPLAY TILE SPACE VIEW

)

FIG. 10

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

Sheet 11 of 15

US 7,933,632 B2

START

1102

RECEIVE USER INPUT

1104

NAVIGATE THE TILE SPACE

1106

DISPLAY TILE SPACE VIEW

END

FIG. 11

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

Sheet 12 of 15

US 7,933,632 B2

START

1202
TRIGGER UPDATE OF TILES

1204
OBTAIN CONTENT INFORMATION

1206
UPDATE TILE SPACE

YES

1208
ADDITIONAL TILES?
NO

1210
DISPLAY UPDATED TILE SPACE

END

FIG. 12

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 13 of 15

START

1302
DETERMINE USER PROFILE

DETERMINE DISPLAY TILES BASED
UPON
USER PROFILE

I

1304

1306

1308

FIG. 13

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7 ,933,632 B2

Sheet 14 of 15

r 1400
1402
1430

PROCESSING

1404

; OPERATING SYSTEM
- ------ r 1432-

~

1406
1412

1408
SYSTEM
MEMORY

;

7

APPLICATIONS
____ '
MO DULES
-

-

-------

---

DATA

---------------

1410

ROM

'

INTERFACE

k

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1426

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- 1414

1414

1424 1

FDD

_

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(
1416

`

-

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c 1444

1420

INTERFACE
1446

OPTICAL
DRIVE
DISK

MONITOR
-1438

1422

KEYBOARD

VIDEO
ADAPTOR

1440
MOUSE

1442(WIRED/WIRELESS)
INPUT
DEVICE
INTERFACE

1458
MODEM

1454
WAN

1456
NETWORK
ADAPTOR

d

1418

DISK
1428

-

1448
REMOTE
COMPUTER(S)

1452

(WIRED/WIRELESS)

LAN

1450
MEMORY/

L STORAGE J

FIG. 14

U.S. Patent

Apr. 26, 2011

US 7,933,632 B2

Sheet 15 of 15

r 1500
1504

1502
MOBILE
DEVICE

SERVER(S)
COMMUNICATION
FRAMEWORK

1508

1510
1506

CLIENT DATA STORE(S)

SERVER DATA STORE(S)

FIG. 15

US 7,933,632 B2
2
subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview. It
is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate
the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the
APPLICATIONS
5 more detailed description that is presented later.
Briefly described, the provided subject matter concerns an
This is an application claiming benefit under 35 U.S.C.
improved user interface for mobile devices such as smart119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 60/718,
phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and the like. An
187 entitled "ENHANCED PORTABLE DEVICE NAVIGAenhanced, customizable user interface can be updated
TION TOOLS" and filed Sep. 16, 2005. This application is 10 dynamically to provide users with content without requiring
also related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
user interaction. Users can monitor status and/or data of con11/424,720, entitled, "SEARCH INTERFACE FOR
tent accessible through the mobile device by simply observMOBILE DEVICES", and filed Jun. 16, 2006; U.S. patent
ing the user interface.
application Ser. No. 11/424,713, entitled, "EXTENSIBLE,
The user interface can include a set of dynamic tiles. The
FILTERED LISTS FOR MOBILE DEVICE USER INTER- 15
tiles can include graphics, text or any other visual data. A
FACE", and filed Jun. 16, 2006; and U.S. patent application
number of tiles can be displayed using thumbnail views that
Ser. No. 11/424,706, entitled, "CONTENT SHARING
provide minimal data. In addition, a tile can be selected as the
USER INTERFACE FOR MOBILE DEVICES", and filed
active tile and displayed in an enlarged view including addiJun. 16, 2006. The entireties of the above-noted applications
tional content. Tiles can be updated to reflect changes to
are incorporated by reference herein.
20
associated content accessible through the mobile device.
Content can be local to the mobile device or located remotely.
For example, a tile can include data provided by an Internet
Mobile or portable devices have become increasingly
subscription news service. Tiles can also provide independent
popular and prevalent in today's society. Many users utilize a 25 functionality, including simple tasks, to users without requirmobile device, such as a cellphone, as their primary means of
ing users to navigate away from the tile display space. In
communication and carry such devices with them constantly.
addition, tiles can provide users with quick, direct access to
Mobile devices can include multiple functions such as cellulaunch software applications available through the mobile
lar phone service, voice over Internet protocol ("VoIP")
device.
phone service, software applications, email access, Internet 3t
Tiles can be positioned within a tile space. A tile space can
capabilities, calendar functions, music players and the like.
be any shape or size and can extend beyond the edges of a
Functions, features and capabilities have increased both the
display screen of a mobile device. Users can utilize a keypad,
utility and complexity of mobile devices. It is likely that
stylus or the like to pan the display to view additional portions
functions will continue to be added to mobile devices further
of the tile space. In addition, the active tile can be updated
35
increasing both usefulness and intricacy.
based upon navigation through the tile space, allowing users
While consumers desire additional functionality, the sheer
to see a summary view of additional tiles.
volume of information and features make it difficult for users
Tiles can be positioned or placed within a tile space to
to access commonly used data and functions. Mobile device
optimize presentation of content to users. Users can specificomplexity also makes it difficult for users to fully exploit the
capabilities of such devices. The problem is exacerbated by 40 cally position tiles within the tile space. In addition, the user
interface can perform certain basic organization tasks to posithe generally limited user interfaces of mobile devices. Such
tion tiles within a tile space. For example, the user interface
devices are designed to be small, lightweight and easily porcan reorganize tiles to remove gaps between tiles. The user
table. Consequently, mobile devices typically have limited
display screens, keypads, keyboards and/or other input
interface can also group or cluster tiles based upon metadata
devices. Due to the size of the user input devices and display 45 associated with the tiles. For instance, the user interface can
screens, it may be difficult for users to enter, retrieve and view
group tiles associated with work-related projects in the lower,
information using mobile devices.
left portion of the tile space while grouping tiles associated
Users may have difficulty in accessing the information or
with a user's personal life in the upper, right portion of the tile
function they desire due to the organization ofthe volume and
space.
variety of information that may be contained in or accessed by 50 To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
the mobile device, as well as the growing number of functions
certain illustrative aspects of the claimed subject matter are
such devices are capable of supporting. Conventional menu
described herein in connection with the following description
structures for mobile devices require users to remember a
and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of
hierarchy of functions or applications to reach the desired
various ways in which the subject matter may be practiced, all
data or task. Information is frequently organized based upon 55 of which are intended to be within the scope of the claimed
the application software that provides or manages the inforsubject matter. Other advantages and novel features may
mation. Consequently, users can be required to access inforbecome apparent from the following detailed description
mation based upon the various software applications rather
when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
than based upon user utility. Users can become frustrated
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
when they are unable to locate the desired information or 60
tasks and may be unable to fully exploit the advantages of the
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing a tile
mobile device.
space display in accordance with an aspect of the subject
SUMMARY
matter disclosed herein.
65
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for providing a tile
The following presents a simplified summary in order to
space display in accordance with an aspect of the subject
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed
matter disclosed herein.
TILE SPACE USER INTERFACE FOR
MOBILE DEVICES

US 7,933,632 B2
3

4

FIG. 3 is an exemplary display depicting a tile space in
type of the content, such as an application used to create or
render the specific content data type. For example, to read
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
email from a contact, a user may be required to navigate to
herein.
and open an email application. To telephone that same contact
FIG. 4 is an exemplary display depicting an independent
tile in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter dis- 5 with a question regarding that email, the user may be required
to navigate to the space where that contact's communication
closed herein.
details are visible (e.g., a contact card specifying contact
FIG. 5 is an exemplary display depicting a content tile in
specific information). Finding relevant information can
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
require first determining the appropriate software applicaherein.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary display depicting a content tile in io tion, opening the application and searching for the relevant
information within the application. To view mail from a speaccordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
cific sender, the user may be required to navigate to an email
herein.
application and search by the sender's name.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary display depicting an alert in accorAn enhanced user interface can include a tile space that can
dance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein.
FIG. 8 illustrates navigation of an exemplary display in 15 function as a home screen for a user, providing relevant content and quick access to applications. The tile space can
accordance with an aspect of the subject matter disclosed
provide users with a view or dashboard to monitor the current
herein.
state of a subset of content obtainable through the mobile
FIG. 9 illustrates a zoomed out display in accordance with
device. Many of the most frequently used functions or data
an aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein.
FIG. 10 illustrates a methodology for providing a tile space 20 can be accessed without navigating away from the tile space.
The tile space can be capable of managing any number of
in accordance with an aspect described herein.
tiles. One or more sets of tiles can be customized to provide
FIG. 11 illustrates a methodology for navigating a tile
for a particular user.
space in accordance with an aspect described herein.
Individual tiles can provide users with access to applicaFIG. 12 illustrates a methodology for updating a tile space
25 tions, application content, remote content and/or independent
in accordance with an aspect described herein.
functionality. One or more tiles can provide a user with the
FIG. 13 illustrates a methodology for updating a tile space
data and tasks most likely to be relevant to the particular user
based upon a user profile in accordance with an aspect
without requiring the user to leave the tile space. Typically,
described herein.
tiles are represented in a small or thumbnail view that proFIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suitable
30 vides some minimal amount of information. One tile, referred
operating environment.
to herein as the active tile, can be shown in an expanded or
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a sample-computsummary view. An expanded view of the active tile allows
ing environment.
additional information or functions to be provided to a user
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
without necessitating navigation from the tile space to an
35 application space. Users can select an active tile from the set
The various aspects of the subject matter described herein
of tiles managed by a tile space.
are now described with reference to the annexed drawings,
Referring now to FIG. 1, a display system 100 fora mobile
wherein like numerals refer to like or corresponding elements
device in accordance with an aspect of the subject matter
throughout. It should be understood, however, that the drawdisclosed herein is illustrated. The system 100 can include a
ings and detailed description relating thereto are not intended 40 tile space component 102 that receives input from one or
to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular form
more interface components 104 and changes the view of a tile
disclosed. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications,
space on a mobile device (not shown) via a display compoequivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and
nent 106 according to such input. The system 100 can operate
scope of the claimed subject matter.
on any type of mobile device, including, but not limited to, a
As used herein, the terms "component," "system" and the 45 PDA, text messenger, cellular phone, pocket personal comlike are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either
puter, smartphone, ultra-mobile tablet PC and the like. Input
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software,
from the interface component 104 can include content
or software in execution. For example, a component may be,
obtained from one or more software applications. Input can
but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor,
also include user input generated using a touch screen, keya processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a so pad, joystick, or any other type of control. A single interface
program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an
component 104 is illustrated herein for simplicity; however,
application running on computer and the computer can be a
as shown in FIG. 2, multiple interface components can be
component. One or more components may reside within a
utilized including separate interface components for user
process and/or thread of execution and a component may be
input and input from applications.
localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or ss
The interface component 104 can include or can be conmore computers.
nected to a content sharing system capable of facilitating
The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
sharing of content from multiple software applications. A
example, instance, or illustration. The subject matter discontent sharing system can provide a standard interface
closed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any
between clients such as the interface component 104 and
aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not nec- so applications providing content. This interface ensures that
essarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
clients need not have knowledge of the underlying data strucother aspects or designs.
tures or even the identity of applications to access content.
Content on mobile devices can take many forms including,
A content sharing system can manage the supply of data
but not limited to, contact information, calendar items, mail,
and simple tasks associated with the data to the interface
music, photos, documents, and tasks or actions. Access to ss component 104. Applications can register new categories or
content including data and available tasks is typically proclassifications of data and associated tasks with the content
vided only through software applications specific to the data
sharing system, automatically allowing the interface compo-

US 7,933,632 B2
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nent 104 to access the new data categories and tasks. Applications can also provide the content sharing system with data
supplier components capable of retrieving data from the
underlying data stores of the applications. In addition, applications can provide task executors capable of executing
actions or tasks on data items of selected data types or categories. The central content sharing system can provide data
and tasks to clients in response to queries or requests.
The interface component 104 can obtain data and associated tasks by generating a query specifying the category or t
type of data requested as well as context used to identify
relevant data of the requested category. A set of data requests
based upon the query from the interface component 104 can
be distributed to data supplier components for various software applications. The data supplier components can retrieve is
the relevant data from the underlying data stores of associated
applications and the retrieved results can be assembled and
returned to the interface component 104. The query, data
requests and query results can be specified in a declarative
language, such as extended markup language (XML) to 2(
facilitate transfer of data without requiring knowledge of data
structures by the client.
In another embodiment, the interface component 104 can
interact directly with one or more software applications.
Applications can notify the interface component 104 of a 2,
change to content and provide updated content directly to the
interface component 104. In addition, the interface component can poll or request content from one or more applications
either dynamically or periodically.
The tile space component 102 can include an input corn- 3(
ponent 108 that obtains, receives and/or requests input
including user input and content from the interface component 104. The input can be used to generate the view of the tile
space. In addition, the tile space component 102 can include
a tile manager component 110 that manages a set of tiles that 35
can be displayed in a tile space.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the display system 100 can
include multiple interface components that provide input to
the tile space component 102. The display system 100 can
include a user interface component 202 that provides for input 4C
from a user. The system can also include a local interface
component 204 that provides local content including data and
tasks from software applications local to the mobile device. In
addition, the system can include a remote interface component 206 that allows for input from remote sources. For 45
instance, a remote interface component 206 can obtain data
from an Internet source. One or more of the interface components can be combined into a single interface component.
The tile manager component 110 can include a display tile
component 208 and an available tile component 210. An 50
available tile component 210 can manage a set of all tiles
currently available for inclusion in the tile space. The set of
tiles currently managed in the tile space are referred to herein
as the display tiles and are managed by the display tile component 208. The display tiles can be a subset of the set of 5s
available tiles offered by the available tile component 210.
For example, a large number of possible tiles can be generated
either by users, vendors or other entities. Users can select
from this large set of available tiles to determine tiles to
include within the set of display tiles. Users can customize the 60
set of available tiles and/or display tiles by adding or deleting
tiles. The set of available tiles can be identical to the display
tiles if all available tiles are included within the tile space.
Users can generate and/or utilize one or more user profiles
that specify one or more tiles from the available tiles to be 65
included in the set of display tiles. The profile component 212
can manage one or more user profiles. Different user profiles

6
can be generated to reflect the varying needs or interests of a
user. Profiles can be generated based upon location, time of
day, day of week, user context or any other user condition that
can effect the set of tiles most likely to be relevant to the user.
For example, a user can specify a work profile that includes a
set of tiles specific to the user's occupation. The user can also
create a separate user profile for use outside of work. For
instance, users can create weekend profiles including tiles
associated with entertainment information, personal contacts
and the like. Users can also create profiles specific to geographic locations. Geographic profiles can be particularly
useful for users that travel frequently. A user profile can also
effect other mobile device or user interface settings and need
not be limited to specification of display tiles.
Selection of a user profile can update, reorganize, add or
delete display tiles. Users can view a list of possible user
profiles and select the most appropriate profile for their current context or state. Alternatively, a user profile can be automatically selected based upon one or more predetermined
conditions, such as time of day or day of week. For example,
a determination can be made that it is a weekend day and a
weekend user profile can be utilized to select or organize a set
of display tiles. During weekdays, an alternate set of tiles can
be displayed based upon a weekday profile. User profiles can
also be selected based at least in part upon geographic location. If the mobile device is capable of determining location,
whether using a global positioning system (GPS) or any other
manner of determining location, a profile can be selected
based upon location of the mobile device. The mobile device
can determine if the user is at home, at work or on travel and
select the most appropriate user profile. A user can override
any user profile selections either by electing a different user
profile or by individually adding and/or deleting tiles from the
current set of display tiles.
The tile manager component 110 can include a navigation
component 214 that controls movement through the tile
space. The tile space can extend beyond the limits of the
display screen of the mobile device. To view portions of the
tile space not currently shown on a display screen a user can
indicate a direction to navigate within the tile space via the
user interface component 202. The navigation component
214 can determine the tiles in the tile space currently visible
and track and update the tiles. Navigation can update the
active tile. Typically only one tile is active at any one time; the
remainder of the tiles is displayed in a background or thumbnail view. Navigating through the tile space changes the tile
that has focus, updating the active tile shown in the summary
view.
The navigation component 214 can automatically control
navigation through the tile space. For example, the navigation
component 214 can automatically navigate to the center of the
tile space upon start up. In addition, the navigation component 214 can automatically navigate to display tiles with
updated content
In addition, the tile manager component 110 can include a
tile position component 216 that controls the placement of
tiles within the tile space. Tiles can be positioned within the
tile space using a variety of methods. Users can specify the
position of any or all tiles. In addition, the tile position component 216 can automatically perform certain basic organization operations. For example, the tile position component
216 can prevent a tile from becoming separated from the
remainder of the tiles within the tile space by automatically
adding or moving tiles adjacent to existing tiles, if any, and
removing empty spaces between tiles.
The tile position component 216 can group or cluster
related tiles within the tile space. The tile position component

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216 can utilize metadata associated with tiles to position like
away from the tile space. The independent tile 402 of FIG. 4
tiles in proximity to each other. Tiles can be grouped based
provides an alarm function. The alarm can be set, cancelled,
upon user generated classifications and/or metadata. For
monitored and responded to without leaving the tile space
instance, a user can classify all work-related tiles with one
304. Users can utilize the alarm tile 402 to track the amount of
code and classify personal contacts with a second, separate 5 time left in a parking meter. A background view of the tile can
code, thereby creating two distinct clusters of tiles in the tile
include text indicating the time remaining before the alarm
space. Users can also specify portions of the tile space assosounds.
ciated with the classifications. For instance, work-related tiles
Independent tiles can host controls with which the user can
can be clustered in the upper left portion of the tile space,
interact to preclude requiring the user to navigate away from
while personal contacts can be clustered in the bottom right tc the tile space to an application. For example, an independent
portion of the tile space. Tiles can also be clustered by date of
tile can provide a calculator function. A keypad for a mobile
creation, type of data managed by the tile or any other data
device can provide users with the ability to enter numbers.
associated with a tile.
The calculator tile can utilize basic controls such as on screen
Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary user interface disbuttons to implement operators (e.g., +, —, / or *). In another
play 300 including a view of a tile space is illustrated. The is example, an independent tile can provide a simple messaging
user interface display 300 can include a title bar 302 that can
function.
include icons, images and/or text indicating the current time,
Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary display 500 includbattery power, connectivity or any other status indicators for
ing a content tile 502, shown here in summary view, is illusthe mobile device. The user interface display 300 can also
trated. Content tiles can display orrepresent content provided
include a view of a tile space 304. A view of the tile space 304 2C or maintained by a software application local to the mobile
can include all or a portion of the tile space displayed on the
device. For example, the mobile device can include a contact
user interface display 300. The tile space 304 can be represoftware application that maintains a list of contacts with
sented as a grid of rectangular graphic tiles. Each tile can have
associated contact cards. Contacts are generally individuals
two separate visual representations, active and background.
or entities and contact cards generally include information
The tile space 304 can include one or more tiles 306 in 25 associated with a contact (e.g., name, title, telephone number,
background or thumbnail view. A single background tile 306
email address, physical address and the like). A content tile
is numbered here for simplicity, however as shown in FIG. 3,
502 can act as a shortcut to a contact card included in the
the tile space 304 can include a plurality of background tiles
contact list maintained by the contact software application on
306.
the mobile device. If the content tile 502 is a background tile,
The tile space 304 can also include a tile in active or 3C the thumbnail view can include an image of the contact, text
summary view 308. The tile currently in focus is referred to as
or any other information regarding the contact. The content
the active tile 308, shown in summary view. The active tile
tile 502 can include a context indicator for the contact. The
308 can include additional information, function and features
context indicator can show the current state of the contact
not available when the tile is shown in background view. For
such as whetherthe contact is online, the contact's location or
example, a background tile 306 associated with weather 35 any other property of the contact. In summary or background
information can include the current temperature and condiview the content tile for the contact can include graphics, text
tions in background view. The active or summary view of the
and any other information associated with the contact.
same tile can provide additional weather information such as
A content tile 502 can also provide the user with the ability
a three day forecast.
to launch the software application associated with the conIn addition, the user interface display 300 can include a 40 tent. Users can view limited content information from a backsoftkey bar 310 including one or more softkey functions
ground tile. Users can view additional content information
labels (e.g. Home, Options and More). A softkey is typically
using the summary view. However, the user may wish to
a button located proximate to the display space. Generally, the
perform additional functions, such as updating the contact
function of the button is defined by the softkey function label
card. The content tile 502 can provide a user with the ability
shown near the button on the display space. The controls and 45 to launch the full contact application directly from the tile
features illustrated in FIG. 3 are exemplary. Alternative or
space, without requiring the user to navigate to a menu of
additional controls and features can be included in a user
available applications.
interface display 300.
Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary display 600 includThe tile space 304, backgroundtiles 306 and active tile 308
ing a content tile 602 associated with remote content, shown
can present data and tasks to a user at a central location. In 50 here in summary view, is illustrated. Content can be retrieved
addition, tiles can provide users with information without
or obtained from a remote source, such as a server. Vendors of
requiring the user to leave the tile space 304. For instance,
services or data can generate and offer tiles to users. For
even in background view the weather tile 306 can provide a
example, a vendor that maintains an online auction website
user with weather information at a glance (e.g., current temcan provide an auction specific tile to a user, such as content
perature and conditions). Additional information can be 55 tile 602. The auction tile 602 can track the current status of
obtained by navigating to the weather tile 306. The user is not
any auctions in which the user is participating, indicating
required to leave the tile space 304 to obtain the additional
auction information such as the current bid or time remaining
information. Moreover, tiles are not limited to simply providin an auction. The content tile 602 associated with the auction
ing content. Tiles can include various functions, features and
can update dynamically to reflect content obtained from the
capabilities, described in further detail below.
60 remote source (e.g., additional bids by the user and expiration
Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary display 400 includof item auctions). Tiles can be dynamically updated based
ing an independent tile is illustrated. The tile space 304 can
upon updated content without direct action by the user.
support a variety of tile types, including an independent tile
Content tiles can obtain a variety of content from remote
402, shown here in active or summary view. Independent tiles
sources. For instance, a user may subscribe to a news service.
reside only in tile space and have no link to content or other 65 A tile can display a subset of news provided by the news
applications either local to the mobile device or remote. Indeservice and/or as well as an indication of important news
pendent tiles offer functionality without requiring navigation
bulletins. In a further example, a tile can provide user with

US 7,933,632 B2
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access to one or more maps frequently utilized by the user.
Typically, geographic data sets such as maps are large. A
mobile device may not have the capacity to store multiple
maps. Here, a tile can provide quick access to a selected set of
maps stored in a remote data store.
5
Vendors can provide tiles to users as a service. Users can be
required to subscribe to the service to obtain content. Alternatively, vendors can provide tiles to users to perform targeted
advertising. For example, a clothing retailer can provide a tile
that includes data corresponding to online coupons based ti
upon the user's past purchases. In addition, the retailer can
provide additional information such as new products tailored
to the users buying patterns. In addition, content of the tile can
be updated based upon user location. For instance, the provided coupons can be selected based upon proximity of the is
user to a specific store. Other content accessible from the tile
can include information regarding the closest retailer location.
Content tiles can also provide the ability to directly access
an associated remote service without having to navigate to a 2(
menu of applications. Looking again at the example regarding the online auction, after viewing the summary view, a user
can elect to select the tile and access the online auction. An
online auction browser can be launched offering the user
greater ability to view and interact with desired content, in 25
this case the online auction.
The tile space can also include one or more application
tiles. An application tile provides a user with quick, direct
access to an application. Activation of an application tile
launches the associated application without requiring a user 3C
to navigate to a list of applications to search and select the
desired application. For instance, an application tile can provide a link to a game or other application. Thumbnail and
summary views for application tiles can include graphics, text
or other suitable visual cues to allow a user to easily identify 35
the application.
The tile space can also include shortcut tiles. Shortcut tiles
can provide shortcuts or links to any other location on the
mobile device. For example, the mobile device can include
another user interface for navigating mobile device content. 40
Users can utilize a shortcut tile to leave the tile space and
navigate to the alternate user interface.
Tiles can include any combination of text, graphic images,
hyperlinks or any other visual representation in both summary view and thumbnail view. For example, as shown in 45
FIG. 3, icon, graphic images and/or text can be rendered
within the same tile. Further, an image can be used as the
background of the tile with text overlaying the image. Each
individual tile can include multiple cells or columns that can
be populated with data of varying data types. For instance, a 50
messaging tile can include a column or cell for an icon that
can reflect the method of communication (e.g., voicemail or
text message), a cell for text including the message content
and a cell for text including the sender name. Different columns or cells can have separate tasks associated with the 55
individual columns. Accordingly, selection of an icon within
a tile can generate different task options than selection of the
sender text in the same tile. In addition, tiles can include audio
cues or data. For example, audio data may be triggered when
a tile is active or selected.
60
Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary display 700 including a background tile 702 and an active tile 704, including
alerts or notifications, is illustrated. A notification or alert, as
used herein, is an indicator of a change in state, such as
updated or additional content. Notifications can include 65
changes to text, text color, font, background or other visual
cues utilized to make users aware of changes associated with

a tile. A tile can include an alert or notification in either
summary or thumbnail views. For example, the border color
of background tile 702 can be modified to indicate change. A
user can obtain additional information by navigating to the
background tile 702 and observing the summary view of the
tile. Active tile 704 can also include one or more alerts or
notifications of change to associated content. For example,
the active tile 704 includes icons representing telephone messages and email messages. Alerts can be represented as text,
shown here as parenthetical numbers adjacent to the icons.
The text alerts can indicate newly received voicemail and
email messages. Notifications and alerts are not limited to the
examples illustrated herein. Alerts and notifications can
include any audio, visual or tactile indicia, or any combination thereof.
The tiles described herein are managed in a tile space. The
tile space can include any number of tiles. The tile space can
be a fixed, predetermined size. Alternatively, users can
specify the size of the tile space. In yet another alternative, the
size of the tile space can vary depending upon the number and
location of tiles positioned within the tile space. The tile space
can dynamically grow and shrink as tiles are added and
deleted. Although the tile space has been illustrated herein as
a grid of rectangular tiles, neither the tile space nor the tiles
are limited to a rectangular form. Generally, tiles can be
similarly sized to facilitate tile management and usability;
however, tiles can vary in size. In addition, tiles have been
depicted at evenly spaced intervals; however, the tile space
can allow random or uneven distribution of tiles. Any arrangement of tiles that is useful to users can be utilized.
Referring now to FIG. 8, navigation within a tile space
display is illustrated. As described above, the tile space can be
of any size or dimension. Consequently, the tile space can
extend beyond the borders of the display screen of the mobile
device. As a user provides input through the user interface, the
tile space component, in particularthe navigation component,
can communicate the necessary data to the display component, which can respond by changing the view of the tile
space. For instance, suppose that the user indicates movement
downward toward the bottom of the display screen. In
response, the display component can shift the view downward
to reveal tiles that were previously off the screen. In addition,
the tile in active view can be updated. Movement within the
tile space need not be limited to simple vertical or horizontal
panning.
The tile space can facilitate navigation through the tile
space providing for wrapping or warping at the edges of the
tile space. For example, if a user continues to indicate movement to the right within the tile space, eventually the user will
encounter the edge of the tile space. However, the tile space
can warp or wrap to the leftmost edge of the tile space.
Consequently, the tile space can fonn a continuous ring or
loop. By continuing to indicate movement to the right, a user
will eventually return to the initial portion of the tile space.
Alternatively, the tile space can wrap or warp in the vertical
direction.
Zones or regions can be defined within the tile space to
assist in navigation of the tile space. For example, the tile
space can be divided into quadrants with a distinct background color can be chosen for each quadrant. This pattern of
background colors can allow users to quickly identify their
location within the tile space. A predefined set of zones or
quadrants can provide users with any easy method for establishing location. However, any background pattern that
allows users to orient within the tile space can be utilized.
The appearance of the tile space and tiles can also be
customizable. Color schemes, themes and/or skins can be

US 7,933,632 B2
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selected by the user to personalize the appearance of the tiles,
maintaining order within the tile space. Automatic tile management can help prevent cluttering and randomization of the
the tile space or any portion thereof. A user can customize
tile space.
appearance of tile space and tiles based upon aesthetic prefThe aforementioned systems have been described with
erences or to enhance usability. For instance, individual tile
spaces, tile space zones or tiles can have separate colors, 5 respect to interaction between several components. It should
be appreciated that such systems and components can include
themes or skins to allow a user to identify a tile, tile space or
those components or sub-components specified therein, some
location within a tile space at a glance.
of the specified components or sub-components, and/or addiThe user interface can enhance navigation of the tile space
tional components. Sub-components could also be impleby providing users with a method for returning to a home
location or tile, such as the center or center tile of the tile t( mented as components communicatively coupled to other
components rather than included within parent components.
space. For example, the user interface can include a button
Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components
that immediately jumps or warps to the tile space home.
may be combined into a single component providing aggreReturn to the tile space home can be triggered using a button,
gate functionality or divided into several sub-components.
a stylus or any other method of input for the mobile device.
The components may also interact with one or more other
Referring now to FIG. 9, an exemplary display 900 depictcomponents not specifically described herein but known by
ing a zoomed out display of the tile space is illustrated. The
those of skill in the art.
navigation component can provide a zoom function. ZoomFurthermore, as will be appreciated various portions of the
ing out allows a user to determine current location within the
disclosed systems above and methods below may include or
tile space. While in the zoom out view, the user can select an 2C consist of artificial intelligence or knowledge or rule based
alternate portion of the tile space for viewing. After selecting
components, sub-components, processes, means, methodoloa portion of the tile space, the user can elect to zoom in. At that
gies, or mechanisms (e.g., support vector machines, neural
point the display component will update the display to view
networks, expert systems, Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy
the portion of the tile space selected by the user. During zoom
logic, data fusion engines, classifiers ... ). Such components,
out, smaller representations of tiles can be used to allow for 25 inter alia, can automate certain mechanisms or processes
the display of additional tiles within the display screen of the
performed thereby to make portions of the systems and methmobile device. The zoom out display need not include an
ods more adaptive as well as efficient and intelligent.
active tile. The smaller tile representations can include graphIn view of the exemplary systems described supra, methics or any visual indicia. In addition, a display screen indicaodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the
tor (not shown) can be illustrated on the screen. The display 3t disclosed subject matter will be better appreciated with refscreen indicator can be drawn as a box or border showing the
erence to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10-13. While for purposes
portion of the tile space to be displayed upon zoom in. By
of simplicity of explanation, the methodologies are shown
indicating movement, the user can reposition the display
and described as a series of blocks, it is to be understood and
screen indicator within the tile space and thereby update the
appreciated that the claimed subject matter is not limited by
portion of thetilespacetobedisplayed.Alternatively,theuser 35 the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur in different
can select a tile and on zoom in, the selected tile can be
orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what is
displayed as the active tile, centered in the mobile device
depicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated
display screen.
blocks may be required to implement the methodologies
Tiles can be organized within the tile space in any manner
described hereinafter.
that enhances usability for a user. For example, users can 40 Additionally, it should be further appreciated that the methmanually place or position each tile within the tile space. Tiles
odologies disclosed hereinafter and throughout this specifiassociated with a class of information can be grouped
cation are capable of being stored on an article of manufacture
together. For example, a user can have several tiles devoted to
to facilitate transporting and transferring such methodologies
persons. The user may wish to group all such tiles within the
to computers. The term article of manufacture, as used, is
tile space. Consequently, the user can navigate to the portion 45 intended to encompass a computer program accessible from
of the tile space containing the tiles devoted to people to
any computer-readable device, carrier, or media.
determine the status of all of the contacts at one time. GroupReferring now to FIG. 10, a methodology for updating a
ing related tiles can be used in combination with the zones or
tile space in accordance with an aspect described herein is
quadrants described above. For example, the users may elect
illustrated. At 1002, a tile space is generated for a mobile
to position all contact tiles within the upper left quadrant of 50 device. The tile space can be of any size or configuration, such
the tile space. Work-related tiles can be grouped in the bottom
as a rectangular grid or a continuous loop. The tile space can
right quadrant of the tile space, and so forth. Consequently,
be populated with one or more tiles at 1004. The tiles can be
background color can indicate not only location within the
placed within the tile space according to the specifications of
tile space, but also the type of tile.
a user. Alternatively or additionally, tiles can be placed in the
Alternatively or additionally, tile position component can 55 tile space according to tile parameters, such as classes of data
automatically organize or place tiles. The tile position comassociated with the tiles. The tile space can be larger than the
ponent can infer appropriate groups or clusters of tiles based
available screen of the mobile device. Accordingly, a view of
upon the class of information reference by the tiles (e.g.,
the tile space can include a selected portion of the tile space.
contacts, games and the like), or by any other metadata assoThe portion of the tile space shown in the mobile device
ciated with a tile. Tiles can have a gravity or magnetism based 60 screen can be determined based upon user input. Alternaupon any metadata such as tile origin, tile content, user clastively, a default portion of the tile space can be shown. A view
sification of the tile or any other data. Like tiles can gravitate
of the tile space can be displayed on the screen of the mobile
toward each other based upon this gravity or magnetism. Tile
device at 1006.
magnetism can be used in combination with user classificaReferring now to FIG. 11, a methodology for updating a
tions or selections to maintain order and organization within 65 tile space in response to user input in accordance with an
the tile space. In particular, as tiles are deleted and added to
aspect described herein is illustrated. At 1102, user input is
the tile space, tile clustering using magnetism can facilitate
received. User input can be provided using a keypad, an

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on-screen button, a joystick and the like. For example, with a
devices. In a distributed computing environment, program
modules may be located in both local and remote memory
multi-directional pad either on-screen or mapped to a keypad
storage devices.
or joystick, the user can nudge or move in a desired direction
With reference again to FIG. 14, the exemplary environto see other tiles or collections of tiles. The method navigates
through the tile space in accordance with user input at 1104. 5 ment 1400 for implementing various aspects of the embodiments includes a mobile device or computer 1402, the comBased upon navigation of the tile space, the active tile and the
puter 1402 including a processing unit 1404, a system
background tiles visible on screen can be determined. The
memory 1406 and a system bus 1408. The system bus 1408
view dependent at least in part upon the user's input can be
couples system components including, but not limited to, the
displayed at 1106.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a methodology for updating a to system memory 1406 to the processing unit 1404. The processing unit 1404 can be any of various commercially availtile space in accordance with an aspect described herein is
able processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-proillustrated. At 1202, an update of the tiles, including both the
cessor architectures may also be employed as the processing
active tile and the background tiles, is triggered. Updates can
unit 1404.
be triggered by user input such as addition, deletion or modi- 15 The system memory 1406 includes read-only memory
fication of tiles. Tiles can also be updated periodically. Tile
(ROM) 1410 and random access memory (RAM) 1412. A
updates can also be triggered by changes in content associbasic input/output system (BIOS) is stored in a non-volatile
ated with the tiles. The content associated with a tile can be
memory 1410 such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, which
obtained at 1204. Content can be obtained upon request. At
BIOS contains the basic routines that help to transfer infor1206, the tiles and tile space can be updated based upon the 20 mation between elements within the computer 1402, such as
updated content. At 1208, a determination is made as to
during start-up. The RAM 1412 can also include a high-speed
whether there are additional tiles for which updated content
RAM such as static RAM for caching data.
should be retrieved. If yes, the method returns to 1204 and
The computer or mobile device 1402 further includes an
updated information is obtained for the next tile. If no, the
internal hard disk drive (HDD) 1414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA),
display can be updated at 1210 to show the updated tile space. 25 which internal hard disk drive 1414 may also be configured
Referring now to FIG. 13, a methodology for updating a
for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic
tile space based upon a user profile in accordance with an
floppy disk drive (FDD) 1416, (e.g., to read from or write to
aspect described herein is illustrated. At 1302, a user profile
a removable diskette 1418) and an optical disk drive 1420,
can be selected from one or more possible user profiles. User
(e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 1422 or, to read from or write
profiles can define the tiles available for display on the mobile 30 to other high capacity optical media such as the DVD). The
device and can be specified to provide the user with relevant
hard disk drive 1414, magnetic disk drive 1416 and optical
content based upon the user's context. Selection of a user
disk drive 1420 can be connected to the system bus 1408 by a
profile can be based upon location of the mobile device, time
hard disk drive interface 1424, a magnetic disk drive interface
of day, day of the week or any other relevant information. At
1426 and an optical drive interface 1428, respectively. The
1304, the tiles to be displayed are selected based upon the user 35 interface 1424 for external drive implementations includes at
profile. The view of tile space is determined at 1306. For
least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE
example, the display tiles can include a default tile, such that
1494 interface technologies. Other external drive connection
the display is centered on the default tile. At 1308, the tile
technologies are within contemplation of the subject systems
space can be updated in accordance with the selected user
and methods.
profile.
40
The drives and their associated computer-readable media
In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures, comdisclosed subject matter, FIGS. 14 and 15 as well as the
puter-executable instructions, and so forth. Consequently, the
following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
tile instructions can be stored using the drives and their assodescription of a suitable environment in which the various
ciated computer-readable media. For the computer 1402, the
aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented. 45 drives and media accommodate the storage of any data in a
While the subject matter has been described above in the
suitable digital format. Although the description of computergeneral context of computer-executable instructions of a
readable media above refers to a HDD, a removable magnetic
computer program that runs on a mobile device including a
diskette, and a removable optical media such as a CD or DVD,
computer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recit should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other
ognize that the innovations described herein also may be 50 types of media that are readable by a computer, may be used.
implemented in combination with other program modules or
A number of program modules can be stored in the drives
software applications. Generally, program modules include
and RAM 1412, including an operating system 1430, one or
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that permore application programs 1432, other program modules
form particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract
1434 and program data 1436. The application programs 1432
data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate 55 can provide content for the tiles. All or portions of the operthat the inventive methods may be practiced with other comating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also be
puter system configurations, including single-processor or
cached in the RAM 1412. It is appreciated that the systems
multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computing devices,
and methods can be implemented with various commercially
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, handavailable operating systems or combinations of operating
held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, watch ... ), 60 systems.
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or indusA user can enter commands and information into the comtrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects may also
puter 1402 through one or more wired/wireless input devices,
be practiced in distributed computing environments where
e.g. a keyboard 1438 and a pointing device, such as a mouse
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
1440. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microlinked through a communications network. However, some, if 65 phone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus
not all aspects of the subject matter described herein can be
pen, touch screen, or the like. These and other input devices
practiced on stand-alone computers, including mobile
are often connected to the processing unit 1404 through an

US 7,933,632 B2
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input device interface 1442 that is coupled to the system bus
1408, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a
parallel port, an IEEE 1494 serial port, a game port, a USB
port, an IR interface, etc. A display device 1444 can be used
to provide a set of tiles to a user. The display devices can be
connected to the system bus 1408 via an interface, such as a
video adapter 1446.
The mobile device or computer 1402 may operate in a
networked environment using logical connections via wired
and/or wireless communications to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 1448. For example, the
tile instructions can be local to the computer 1402 and software applications can be located remotely on a remote computer 1448. The remote computer(s) 1448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personal computer,
portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment
appliance, a peer device or other common network node, and
typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to the computer 1402, although, for purposes of brevity,
only a memory/storage device 1450 is illustrated. The logical
connections depicted include wired/wireless connectivity to a
local area network (LAN) 1452 and/or larger networks, e.g. a
wide area network (WAN) 1454. Such LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks,
such as intranets, all of which may connect to a global communications network, e.g., the Internet.
When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 1402 is connected to the local network 1452 through a
wired and/or wireless communication network interface or
adapter 1456. The adaptor 1456 may facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 1452, which may also
include a wireless access point disposed thereon for communicating with the wireless adaptor 1456.
When used in a WAN networking environment, the cornputer 1402 can include a modem 1458, or is connected to a
communications server on the WAN 1454, or has other means
for establishing communications over the WAN 1454, such as
by way of the Internet. The modem 1458, which can be
internal or external and a wired or wireless device, is connected to the system bus 1408 via the serial port interface
1442. In a networked environment, program modules
depicted relative to the computer 1402, or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 1450. It
will be appreciated that the network connections shown are
exemplary and othermeans of establishing a communications
link between the computers can be used.
The computer 1402 is operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, PDA, communications satellite, any piece of
equipment or location associated with a wirelessly detectable
tag (e.g. a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and telephone. The
wireless devices or entities include at least Wi-Fi and BluetoothTM wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or
simply an ad hoc communication between at least two
devices.
Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and
out; anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.)
to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi
network can be used to connect computers to each other, to

the Internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or
Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5
GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps
(802.11 b) data rate, for example, or with products that contain
both bands (dual band), so the networks can provide realworld performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernet networks used in many offices.
FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a sample environment 1500 with which the systems and methods described
herein can interact. The system 1500 includes one or more
mobile device(s) 1502. The mobile device(s) 1502 can be
hardware and/or software (e.g. threads, processes, computing
devices). The system 1500 also includes one or more server(s)
1504. Thus, system 1500 can correspond to a two-tier client
server model or a multi-tier model (e.g., client, middle tier
server, data server), amongst other models. The server(s)
1504 can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads,
processes, computing devices). One possible communication
between a mobile device 1502 and a server 1504 may be in the
form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two
or more computer processes. The system 1500 includes a
communication framework 1506 that can be employed to
facilitate communications between the mobile device(s) 1502
and the server(s) 1504. The mobile device(s) 1502 are operably connected to one or more data store(s) 1508 that can be
employed to store information local to the mobile device(s)
1502. Similarly, the server(s) 1504 are operably connected to
one or more server data store(s) 1510 that can be employed to
store information local to the servers 1504.
The disclosed subject matter may be implemented as a
system, method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using
standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination
thereof to control a computer or processor based device to
implement aspects detailed herein. The term "article of manufacture" (or alternatively, "computer program product") as
used herein is intended to encompass a computer program
accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or
media. For example, computer readable media can include
but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard
disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips ... ), optical disks (e.g.
compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) ... ), smart
cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be
employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as
those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in
accessing a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize
many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject
matter.
What has been described above includes examples of
aspects of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not
possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the
claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may
recognize that many further combinations and permutations
of the disclosed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the
disclosed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit
and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent
that the terms "includes," "has" or "having" are used in either
the detailed description or the claims, such teens are intended
to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising"
as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

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What is claimed is:
1.A user interface for a mobile device facilitating surfacing
of content available through the mobile device, comprising:
an interface component that obtains the content;
a tile space component that manages a plurality of tiles
dynamically updated based at least in part on the content
and the plurality of tiles positioned within a tile space,
wherein the tile space component includes a profile
component that manages at least one user profile and the
plurality of tiles are selected from a set of available tiles
based at least in part on the at least one user profile; and
a display component that displays a view of the tile space.
2. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
tiles includes an application tile that provides a link to a
software application.
3. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the content is local
to the mobile device.
4. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
tiles includes an independent tile that provides functionality
independent of other mobile device applications.
5. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tile space is
divided into a plurality of visually distinct zones.
6. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tile space
component further comprises an available tile component that
manages a set of available tiles and a display tile component
that manages the plurality of tiles selected from the set of
available tiles.
7. The user interface of claim 6, wherein the at least one
user profile is based upon one or more of a geographic location, time, and date.
8. The user interface of claim 1, wherein the tile space
component further comprises a tile position component that
manages the position of each of the plurality of tiles within the
tile space.
9. The user interface of claim 8, wherein the positioning of
the plurality of tiles in the tile space is based at least in part on
metadata associated with each of the plurality of tiles.
10. The user interface of claim 8, wherein the positioning
of the plurality of tiles in the tile space is based at least in part
on user input.
11.A processor-implemented method, comprising:
a processor generating a customizable display space
capable of managing a plurality of dynamically updating
tiles;
the processor populating the customizable display space
with the plurality of tiles, wherein the plurality of tiles
are selected from a set of available tiles based at least in
part on at least one user profile; and

displaying a view of the display space on a display screen
of a mobile device.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving
user input and the processor navigating through the display
space based at least in part on the user input.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein navigating through
the display space comprises panning through the display
space and selecting an active tile for display in a summary
view.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein panning through the
display space comprises wrapping from one edge of the display space to an opposite edge of the display space such that
the display space forms a continuous loop.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein navigating through
the display space further comprises zooming between different zoom depths within the display space.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein displaying a view of
the display space further comprises selecting an active tile
from the plurality of tiles and displaying an enlarged, summary view of the active tile.
17. A system comprising a processor and a computerreadable storage device, the device storing executable
instructions that when processed by said processor cause said
processor to implement the steps comprising:
generating a customizable tile space capable of managing
a plurality of tiles;
populating the customizable tile space with the plurality of
tiles;
selecting one or more tiles from a set of available tiles
based at least in part on a user profile;
dynamically updating the plurality of tiles with the one or
more selected tiles based at least in part on content of the
selected one or more tiles; and
displaying a view of the tile space.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said processor processes said executable instructions to further implement the
steps comprising receiving user input navigating through the
tile space based at least in part on the user input.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the user profile is
based upon one or more of a geographic location, time, and
date.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein said processor processes said executable instructions to further implement the
steps comprising panning through the tile space and selecting
a tile from the plurality of tiles for an enlarged view.

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