Input to Locked Computing Device
Abstract
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving at a computing device that is in a locked state, one or more user inputs to unlock the device and to execute at least one command that is different from a command for unlocking the device. The method further includes executing in response to the user inputs to unlock the device an unlocking operation by the device to convert the device from a locked state to an unlocked state. The method further includes executing the at least one command in response to receiving the user inputs to execute the at least one command. The at least one command executes so that results of executing the at least one command are first displayed on the device to a user automatically after the device changes from the locked state to the unlocked state.
1. A computer-implemented method for making an input to a locked device, comprising: receiving at a computing device that is in a locked state, one or more user inputs to unlock the computing device and to execute at least one command that is different from a command for unlocking the computing device; executing in response to the user inputs to unlock the computing device an unlocking operation by the computing device to convert the computing device from a locked state to an unlocked state; executing the at least one command in response to receiving the user inputs to execute the at least one command; and wherein the at least one command executes so that results of executing the at least one command are first displayed on the computing device to a user automatically after the computing device changes from the locked state to the unlocked state.
Google files for slide-to-unlock patent as Apple battle heats up
The search giant's patent application provides for an unlocking method that also lets users perform at least one command, like placing a call or opening an application.
Who would have thought a simple slide-to-unlock gesture would be so important?
Google last week saw a patent it filed for back in 2010 published that describes a manner in which users interact with a smartphone--or PC--to unlock the device and perform at least one command. According to the patent filing, the commands can be anything from placing a phone call to opening an application.
The publication is a key step in Google acquiring the patent, since it establishes full prior art for any other patent applications that might pop up worldwide.
Unlike typical unlocking mechanisms, which bring users back to the last screen they had opened before locking the device, Google's technology immediately brings users to their desired activity. Since Apple already owns a slide-to-unlock patent, it appears that the added functionality might be Google's way of securing this patent.
Google's Android partners are under attack from Apple, which recently hurled lawsuits at Samsung over its alleged violation of the slide-to-unlock patent in its line of mobile devices.
Just yesterday, Apple won a key ruling in a German court that said Motorola Mobility is violating Apple's slide-to-unlock patent in several of its mobile devices. The court offered Apple the chance to enforce a permanent ban on Motorola's devices, but the iPhone maker would need to put up a bond to secure any revenue losses Motorola would incur in the event the ruling is overturned by a higher court.
"Today's ruling in the patent litigation brought by Apple in Munich, Germany, concerns a software feature related to phone unlocking in select Motorola devices sold in Germany," a Motorola spokesperson told CNET yesterday in response. "Motorola has implemented a new design for the feature. Therefore, we expect no impact on current supply or future sales."
Google is in the process of closing its $12.5 billion Motorola Mobility acquisition. So, Apple's continuing battle with Motorola impacts Google far more than it previously has. And now that Google might soon have its own patent, it might respond with a shot over Apple's bow. After all, isn't that how all these patent lawsuits have played out?
"We file patent applications on a variety of ideas that our employees come up with," A Google spokesperson told CNET in an e-mailed statement. "Some of those ideas later mature into real products or services, some don't. Prospective product announcements should not necessarily be inferred from our patent applications."
Update 9:35 a.m. PT to include Google's statement.
(Via Patently Apple)
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-57380117-17/google-files-for-slide-to-unlock-patent-as-apple-battle-heats-up/#ixzz1mtedzA3k
