Electronic device, controlling method thereof and computer program product

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

0001This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims the priority benefit of prior application Ser. No. 13/398,857, filed on Feb. 17, 2012, now pending, Ser. No. 13/365,264, filed on Feb. 3, 2012, now pending, and Ser. No. 13/365,262, filed on Feb. 3, 2012, now pending. All of the prior applications claim the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/444,087, filed on Feb. 17, 2011. This application also claims the priority benefits of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/535,350, filed on Sep. 15, 2011, Ser. No. 61/554,978, filed on Nov. 3, 2011, Ser. No. 61/602,603, filed on Feb. 24, 2012 and Ser. No. 61/602,595, filed on Feb. 24, 2012. The entirety of each of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of specification.

BACKGROUND

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic device, and an electronic device and a computer program product using the same. Particularly, the invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic device in a user-interface lock state, and an electronic device and a computer program product using the same.

00042. Description of Related Art

0005With development of technology, in a current information society, people increasingly depend on electronic products. To cope with a demand of high working frequency, high efficiency, and features of lightness, slimness, shortness and smallness of the electronic products, utilization of various portable electronic devices such as notebook personal computers (PC), mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), smart phones, pocket PC and tablet PC, etc. becomes popular. However, regarding the portable mobile device requiring features of lightness, slimness, shortness and smallness, a size thereof is strictly limited, so that a touch screen technique is developed to integrate a keyboard with a screen to serve as an input interface of the portable electronic device, so as to save cost of a conventional keyboard and an area occupied by the conventional keyboard.

0006Although it is quite convenient to operate the electronic device through the touch screen, a user may inadvertently touch a screen key displayed on the touch screen to execute a specific function, for example, a call function of the electronic device by accident. Therefore, the mobile device has a user-interface lock state to prevent the user from miss-touching the touch screen to activate an unnecessary function. In other words, when the user does not need to operate the electronic device, the user can manually set the electronic device to a user-interface lock state, so as to lock an input function of the touch screen. Alternatively, when a non-operation time of the electronic device reaches a predetermined value, the user-interface lock state is automatically activated to prevent the situation of miss-touching.

0007Generally, a background presented by the electronic device in the user-interface lock state is a single picture file, and even the user selects a different picture file according to his preference, it still looks dull to only use the picture as a background frame, and a usage fun is not effectively improved.

SUMMARY

0008The invention provides a method of controlling an electronic device with a touch screen. In the method, part or all of a ring and a function image outside the ring are displayed on the touch screen while the electronic device is in a user-interface lock state. A user input applied to the function image and/or the ring on or near the touch screen is detected, and the function image and/or the ring is moved in accordance with the user input, wherein the function image corresponds to an application. The electronic device transitions to a user-interface unlock state and the application is launched if the function image and the ring approach each other within a predetermined distance, and the electronic device maintains in the user-interface lock state if the function image and the ring do not approach each other within the predetermined distance.

0009The invention provides an electronic device including a touch screen, a memory, one or more processing units and one or more programs. The program is stored in the memory, and the processing unit executes one or more instructions of the program, where the instructions includes following steps. Part or all of a ring and a function image outside the ring are displayed on the touch screen while the electronic device is in a user-interface lock state. A user input applied to the function image and/or the ring on or near the touch screen is detected, and the function image and/or the ring is moved in accordance with the user input, wherein the function image corresponds to an application. The electronic device transitions to a user-interface unlock state and the application is launched if the function image and the ring approach each other within a predetermined distance, and the electronic device maintains in the user-interface lock state if the function image and the ring do not approach each other within the predetermined distance.

0010The invention provides a computer program product, which includes a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium records one or more instructions. After the instructions is loaded to an electronic device, following steps are executed. Part or all of a ring and a function image outside the ring are displayed on the touch screen while the electronic device is in a user-interface lock state. A user input applied to the function image and/or the ring on or near the touch screen is detected, and the function image and/or the ring is moved in accordance with the user input, wherein the function image corresponds to an application. The electronic device transitions to a user-interface unlock state and the application is launched if the function image and the ring approach each other within a predetermined distance, and the electronic device maintains in the user-interface lock state if the function image and the ring do not approach each other within the predetermined distance.

0011The invention providers an electronic device including a touch screen, a memory, one or more processing unit and one or more program. The program is stored in the memory, and the processing unit executes one or more instructions of the program, where the instructions includes the steps of displaying a first shortcut icon corresponding to a first application on a launch bar on the touch screen while the electronic device is in a user-interface unlock state, and displaying a first function image of the first shortcut icon corresponding to the first application on the touch screen while the electronic device is in a user-interface lock state.

0012The invention providers an electronic device including a touch screen, a memory, one or more processing unit and one or more program. The program is stored in the memory, and the processing unit executes one or more instructions of the program, where the instructions includes the steps of displaying one or more contact groups for selection while the electronic device is in a user-interface unlock state, detecting a touch input applied to a contact group of the one or more contact groups on or near the touch screen, and in response to detecting the touch input applied to the contact group on or near the touch screen, selecting the contact group to display a contact image of a contact in the contact group on the touch screen while the electronic device is in a user-interface lock state.

0013In order to make the aforementioned and other features and advantages of the invention comprehensible, several exemplary embodiments accompanied with figures are described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0014The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flow chart of a method of controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flow chart of a method of controlling an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A-4D</figref> are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-5D</figref> are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device according to another embodiment of the invention.

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6C</figref> are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device according to still another embodiment of the invention.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flow chart of a method of controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9A-9D</figref>, <b>10</b>, <b>11</b>, <b>12</b>A-<b>12</b>C, <b>13</b>A-<b>13</b>H, <b>14</b>A-<b>14</b>C are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device in the user-interface lock state according to several embodiments of the invention.

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 15-19</figref> are schematic views illustrating a ring displayed on the touch screen while an electronic device is in the user-interface lock state according to other embodiments of the invention.

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 20</figref>, <b>22</b> and <b>24</b> are schematic views illustrating a home screen of an electronic device according to embodiments of the invention.

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 21</figref>, <b>23</b> and <b>25</b> are schematic views illustrating a lock screen of an electronic device according to embodiments of the invention.

0027<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

0028<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a background of a locked screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of application shortcut according to an embodiment of the invention.

0030<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28B</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of application shortcut according to another embodiment of the invention.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28C</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to no background setting style is being selected according to an embodiment of the invention.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28D</figref> is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of contacts according to an embodiment of the invention.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29B</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of contacts according to an embodiment of the invention.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29C</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of social network service according to an embodiment of the invention.

0036<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29D</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of social network service according to an embodiment of the invention.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of gallery according to an embodiment of the invention.

0038<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30B</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of gallery according to an embodiment of the invention.

0039<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30C</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of gallery according to an embodiment of the invention.

0040<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30D</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of gallery according to an embodiment of the invention.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of weather information according to an embodiment of the invention.

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31B</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of weather information according to an embodiment of the invention.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of stock information according to an embodiment of the invention.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32B</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of stock information according to an embodiment of the invention.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of virtual clock according to an embodiment of the invention.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 34 and 35</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts according to an embodiment of the invention.

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> is a schematic diagram of a message editing screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref> is a schematic diagram of a personalized menu according to an embodiment of the invention.

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref> is a schematic diagram of a lock screen preview according to an embodiment of the invention.

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref> is a schematic diagram of a group selection screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref> is a schematic diagram of a group list screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref> is a schematic diagram of a contacts list according to an embodiment of the invention.

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref> is a schematic diagram of a contact card according to an embodiment of the invention.

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref> is a schematic diagram of a action define screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to the background setting style of note according to an embodiment of the invention.

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to the background setting style of task according to another embodiment of the invention.

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref> is a schematic diagram of a task reminder according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

0058<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the electronic device <b>100</b> includes a touch screen <b>110</b>, one or more processors <b>120</b>, and a memory <b>130</b>. The electronic device <b>100</b> is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a tablet personal computer (PC), or a digital camera, the present invention is not limited thereto.

0059The touch screen <b>110</b> may be a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, an optical touch screen, or a magnetic touch screen, which is not limited by the present invention. The touch screen <b>110</b> is used as an input and output interface for the electronic device <b>100</b>. That is, the touch screen <b>110</b> is configured to display different visual output when using the electronic device <b>100</b>, and to receive different touch operations from a user. In which, the visual output may be the operating result and/or the operation image such as the home screen image, the lock screen image, or the graphical user interface of applications. While the electronic device <b>100</b> is in operation, movement of one or more objects on or near the touch screen <b>110</b> can be detected, and the corresponding signals are transmitted to the one or more processors <b>120</b> to perform the related action on the electronic device <b>100</b>, then the generated visual output is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>.

0060The one or more processors <b>120</b> may be a central processing unit (CPU), which is configured to run various software programs and/or instruction sets stored in the memory <b>130</b> to perform different functions for the electronic device <b>100</b> and to process data after the electronic device <b>100</b> is powered on.

0061The memory <b>130</b> may be an internal storage unit such as a random access memory or a non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, or a magnetic disk storage device). The memory <b>130</b> may also be an external storage unit such as Secure Digital (SD) card, a SIM card, or other storage media which can be externally connected to the electronic device <b>100</b>. The memory <b>130</b> may further be a networked online storage that can be accessed through a communication network by a network component (not shown) of the electronic device <b>100</b>.

0062In the present embodiment, at least an operating system <b>131</b>, and one or more programs <b>133</b> are stored in the memory <b>130</b>.

0063The operating system <b>131</b> includes various software components and/or drivers and is used for managing a general operation of the electronic device <b>100</b>. For example, the operating system <b>131</b> provides a user interface for users to interact with the electronic device <b>100</b>, manages applications that are running on the electronic device <b>100</b>, and manages files stored in the electronic device <b>100</b>.

0064The one or more programs <b>133</b> comprise instructions to be executed by the one or more processors <b>120</b>. To be specific, the one or more processors <b>120</b> run the one or more programs <b>133</b> to perform a method of controlling the electronic device <b>100</b> of the present embodiment. The controlling method of the present embodiment is described later with reference of figures.

0065Below, the operation of the electronic device <b>100</b> will be described in detail with reference to another embodiment of the invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a flow chart of a method of controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

0066In the present embodiment, the electronic device <b>100</b> is set to a user-interface lock state. To be specific, the electronic device <b>100</b> may have a plurality of operation states including the user-interface lock state and a user-interface unlock state. In the user-interface lock state, the electronic device <b>100</b> is in operation but ignores most user input. That is, the electronic device <b>100</b> in the user-interface lock state may only respond to a predefined set of user inputs such as input that corresponds to an attempt to switch the electronic device <b>100</b> to the user-interface unlock state.

0067On the other hand, while the electronic device <b>100</b> is in the user-interface unlock state, the electronic device <b>100</b> can be operated by the user normally. That is, general functions supported by the electronic device <b>100</b> can be invoked, and all kinds of user input from the touch screen <b>110</b> or the other input device (e.g., a hardware button, a key, or a scroll wheel) can be responded by the electronic device <b>100</b>.

0068In step S<b>210</b>, a part of inner area of an unlock ring is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b> while the electronic device <b>100</b> is in the user-interface lock state. To be specific, the unlock ring is formed by two geometric patterns in which one geometric pattern is wholly contained by the other one, the area of the smaller geometric pattern is the inner area of the unlock ring, and a part of the inner area is invisible on the touch screen <b>110</b>. In the present embodiment, the unlock ring has a circular shape (i.e., a circular unlock ring). However, in another embodiment, the unlock ring may have a square shape, a rectangle shape, a rhombus shape, an elliptic shape, a star-shape, a heart shape, or a polygon shape. Moreover, since the unlock ring is formed by two geometric patterns, the type of two geometric patterns may be identical or different. That is to say, the look of the unlock ring is not limited in the present invention.

0069Next, in step S<b>220</b>, a user input applied to the unlock ring on or near the touch screen <b>110</b> is detected. The user input is, for example, an object contact on or near the touch screen <b>110</b> close to the display position of the unlock ring.

0070As long as the user input can be detected continuously, in step S<b>230</b>, the unlock ring is moved in accordance with the user input. That is, the display position of the unlock ring is changed in accordance with the movement of the user input, and the visual feedback is provided to the user through the touch screen <b>110</b>.

0071Once the user input is terminated, in step S<b>240</b>, it is determined that whether the unlock ring is moved to make a predetermined ratio of the inner area of the unlock ring cross a predetermined edge. In the present embodiment, the predetermined edge is an edge of the display area of the touch screen <b>110</b>. That is, the predetermined edge may be a physical edge of the touch screen <b>110</b>. In another embodiment, the predetermined edge may be an edge of an application window, an edge of a dialog box, or any virtual edge displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>.

0072If the unlock ring is not moved to make the predetermined ratio of the inner area of the unlock ring cross the predetermined edge, in step S<b>250</b>, the electronic device <b>100</b> maintains in the use-interface lock state. For example, it is assumed that the predetermined ratio is 100%. The unlock ring is moved in accordance with the detected user input, and if not all of the inner area of the unlock ring clear the predetermined edge at the time of the termination of the user input, the electronic device <b>100</b> remains in the use-interface lock state.

0073However, if the unlock ring is moved to make the predetermined ratio of the inner area of the unlock ring cross the predetermined edge, in step S<b>260</b>, the electronic device <b>100</b> transitions to a user-interface unlock state. Assuming that the predetermined ratio is 100%, the unlock ring is moved in accordance with the detected user input, and the electronic device <b>100</b> remains in the use-interface lock state until the user input is terminated while all of the inner area of the unlock ring clear the predetermined edge. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the unlock ring is zoomed in on the touch screen <b>110</b> during the transition period. However, in another embodiment, the unlock ring is zoomed out on the touch screen <b>110</b> during the transition period. By applying a zoom-in animation effect or a zoom-out animation effect to the unlock ring, the user can clearly notice that the unlock action is done successfully.

0074Although 100% is taken as an example of the predetermined ratio in the foregoing embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the predetermined ratio may be 95%, 90%, or other value. If the predetermined ratio is 90%, as long as nine-tenth of the inner area of the unlock ring cross the predetermined edge while the user input is terminated, the electronic device <b>100</b> transitions to a user-interface unlock state. It should be noted that while the unlock ring is released (i.e., the user input is terminated), whether the predetermined ratio of the inner area of the unlock ring is completely displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b> is not a necessary condition to transition the electronic device <b>100</b> to the user-interface unlock state.

0075<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a flow chart of a method of controlling an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The steps in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> are similar to those in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, and the difference between the two embodiments is that the step S<b>240</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is replaced by the step S<b>340</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The similar steps in the two embodiments will not be described in detail herein.

0076While the unlock ring is moved in accordance with the existent user input, if the user input is terminated, in step S<b>340</b>, whether the unlock ring is moved to make a predetermined ratio of the inner area of the unlock ring cross the predetermined edge and be displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b> is determined. For example, it is assumed that the predetermined ratio is 100%. Then, the electronic device <b>100</b> will transition to the user-interface unlock state only if the entire inner area of the unlock ring crosses the predetermined edge and is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>.

0077<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4A-4D</figref> are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the predetermined ratio is, for example, 100%.

0078In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4A</figref>, while the electronic device <b>100</b> enters a user-interface lock state, a part of inner area <b>410</b> of an unlock ring <b>400</b> is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>. In the present embodiment, the unlock ring <b>400</b> displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b> is divided by the down edge <b>4</b><i>e </i>of the touch screen <b>110</b>, however, the initial position of the unlock ring <b>400</b> is not limited thereto.

0079It is assumed that the predetermined edge is the down edge <b>4</b><i>e</i>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref>, the user begins the unlock action by touching the unlock ring <b>400</b> with his/her hand and finger <b>420</b>, and then the unlock ring <b>400</b> will be moved in accordance with the movement of the finger <b>420</b>. If the user release the unlock ring <b>400</b> as the situation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4B</figref>, the electronic device <b>100</b> remains in the user-interface lock state since a part of the inner area <b>410</b> is still below the down edge <b>4</b><i>e</i>, meanwhile, a unlock hint is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>. The unlock hint is, for example, a text hint which describes how to unlock the touch screen <b>110</b>. The unlock hint may fade out if no user input has been detected for a certain amount of time (e.g., 5 seconds).

0080However, in one embodiment, if the user release the unlock ring <b>400</b> as the situation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4C</figref>, the electronic device <b>100</b> will transition to the user-interface unlock state since all of the inner area <b>410</b> of the unlock ring <b>400</b> clears the down edge <b>4</b><i>e</i>. The electronic device <b>100</b> will transition to the user-interface unlock state as long as the entire inner area <b>410</b> crosses the down edge <b>4</b><i>e</i>, even if there is a portion of inner area <b>410</b> does not be displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>.

0081In another embodiment, if the user release the unlock ring <b>400</b> as the situation shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4D</figref>, the electronic device <b>100</b> will transition to the user-interface unlock state since all of the inner area <b>410</b> of the unlock ring <b>400</b> crosses the down edge <b>4</b><i>e </i>and is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>.

0082It should be noted that the user does not have to move his/her finger <b>420</b> vertically to unlock the electronic device <b>100</b>.

0083<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5A-5D</figref> are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device according to another embodiment of the invention. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref>, the electronic device <b>100</b> is in the user-interface lock state, and a part of inner area <b>510</b> of an unlock ring <b>500</b> is displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b>. The position of the unlock ring <b>500</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5A</figref> is called the initial display position. When the user taps on the position <b>520</b> or anywhere on the touch screen <b>110</b>, besides the unlock ring <b>500</b>, the electronic device <b>100</b> maintains in the user-interface lock state. Furthermore, a unlock hint will be displayed on the touch screen <b>110</b> in response to the user input that is not applied to the unlock ring <b>500</b>.

0084In one embodiment, the unlock hint is a text hint <b>530</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5B</figref>. The instructional text hint <b>530</b> illustrates how to unlock the touch screen <b>110</b> to the user. The text hint <b>530</b> may be displayed near the unlock ring <b>500</b> or at the top of the touch screen <b>110</b>. The position of displaying the text hint <b>530</b> is not limited in the present invention.

0085In another embodiment, the unlock hint is an animation hint that moves the unlock ring <b>500</b> in a direction that can make the predetermined ratio of inner area of the unlock ring <b>500</b> cross the predetermined edge <b>5</b><i>e</i>. Since the predetermined edge <b>5</b><i>e </i>is the down edge of the touch screen <b>110</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5C</figref>, the animation hint is performed in which the unlock ring <b>500</b> moves in an upward direction <b>540</b>. It should be noted that the displacement of moving the unlock ring <b>500</b> during the animation is not limited in the present embodiment. The unlock ring <b>500</b> may not actually moved to make the entire inner area <b>510</b> cross the predetermined edge <b>5</b><i>e</i>. In the present embodiment, the unlock ring <b>500</b> moves to a predetermined position and then falls back to the initial display position. In another embodiment, the unlock ring <b>500</b> bounces when it falls back to the initial display position. In yet another embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5D</figref>, a ripple animation <b>550</b> is displayed around the unlock ring <b>550</b> when it falls back to the initial display position.

0086The text and animation hint facilitates user to perform a correct unlock action even if the user is using the electronic device <b>100</b> for the first time.

0087<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6A-6C</figref> are schematic views illustrating the visual output while controlling an electronic device according to another embodiment of the invention. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6A</figref>, besides a part of inner area of the unlock ring <b>600</b>, four function images <b>610</b>-<b>640</b> are displayed outside the unlock ring <b>600</b> while the electronic device <b>100</b> is in the user-interface lock state. It should be noted that the number of the displayed function image is not limited in the present invention.

0088While detecting the user input applied to the unlock ring <b>600</b> such as the user touches the unlock ring <b>600</b> with his/her finger <b>650</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6B and 6C</figref>, the function images <b>610</b>-<b>640</b> are fading out gradually. This helps avoid improper user interaction with the function images <b>610</b>-<b>640</b> and the unlock ring <b>600</b>. However, if the electronic device <b>100</b> does not transition to the user-interface unlock state within a predetermined time, the function images <b>610</b>-<b>640</b> fade in again.

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the electronic device <b>700</b> includes a touch screen <b>710</b>, a memory <b>720</b>, and one or more processors <b>130</b>. The electronic device <b>700</b> is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop, a tablet personal computer (PC), or a digital camera, the present invention is not limited thereto.

0090The touch screen <b>710</b> may be a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, an optical touch screen, or a magnetic touch screen, which is not limited by the present invention. The touch screen <b>710</b> is used as an input and output interface for the electronic device <b>700</b>. That is, the touch screen <b>710</b> is configured to display different visual output when using the electronic device <b>700</b>, and to receive different touch operations from a user. In which, the visual output may be the operating result and/or the operation image such as the home screen image, the lock screen image, or the graphical user interface of applications. While the electronic device <b>700</b> is in operation, movement of one or more objects on or near the touch screen <b>710</b> can be detected, and the corresponding signals are transmitted to the processor <b>730</b> to perform the related action on the electronic device <b>700</b>, then the generated visual output is displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>.

0091The memory <b>720</b> may be an internal storage unit such as a random access memory or a non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory, or a magnetic disk storage device). The memory <b>720</b> may also be an external storage unit such as Secure Digital (SD) card, a SIM card, or other storage media which can be externally connected to the electronic device <b>700</b>. The memory <b>720</b> may further be a networked online storage that can be accessed through a communication network by a network component (not shown) of the electronic device <b>700</b>.

0092In the present embodiment, at least an operating system <b>721</b>, one or more applications <b>723</b>, and one or more programs <b>725</b> are stored in the memory <b>720</b>.

0093The operating system <b>721</b> includes various software components and/or drivers and is used for managing a general operation of the electronic device <b>700</b>. For example, the operating system <b>721</b> provides a user interface for users to interact with the electronic device <b>700</b>, manages applications <b>723</b> that are running on the electronic device <b>700</b>, and manages files stored in the electronic device <b>700</b>.

0094The one or more applications <b>723</b> include, but not limited to, a phone application, an email application, a camera application, a message application, a contact application, a social network application, a financial application, an alarm application, or a calendar application. The applications <b>723</b> may be native applications pre-installed on the electronic device <b>700</b>, or may be downloaded from third-party sites or online stores.

0095The one or more programs <b>725</b> comprise instructions to be executed by the one or more processors <b>730</b>. To be specific, the one or more processors <b>730</b> run the one or more programs <b>725</b> to perform a method of controlling the electronic device <b>700</b> of the present embodiment. The controlling method of the present embodiment is described later with reference of figures.

0096The one or more processors <b>730</b> may be a central processing unit (CPU), which is configured to run various software programs and/or instruction sets stored in the memory <b>720</b> to perform different functions for the electronic device <b>700</b> and to process data after the electronic device <b>700</b> is powered on.

0097Below, the operation of the electronic device <b>700</b> will be described in detail with reference to another embodiment of the invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a flow chart of a method of controlling an electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

0098In the present embodiment, the electronic device <b>700</b> is set to a user-interface lock state. To be specific, the electronic device <b>700</b> may have a plurality of operation states including the user-interface lock state and a user-interface unlock state. In the user-interface lock state, the electronic device <b>700</b> is in operation but ignores most user input. That is, the electronic device <b>700</b> in the user-interface lock state may only respond to a predefined set of user inputs, including input that corresponds to an attempt to switch the electronic device <b>700</b> to the user-interface unlock state or input that applies to a function image displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>.

0099On the other hand, while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface unlock state, the electronic device <b>700</b> can be operated by the user normally. That is, general functions supported by the electronic device <b>700</b> may be invoked, and all kinds of user input from the touch screen <b>710</b> or the other input device (e.g., a hardware button, a key, or a scroll wheel) can be responded by the electronic device <b>700</b>.

0100In step S<b>810</b>, part or all of a ring and one or more function images outside the ring are displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9A</figref>, in this embodiment, the ring <b>900</b> is partially displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>, the displayed part of the ring <b>900</b> and at least one edge of the touch screen <b>710</b> (e.g., the edge <b>9</b><i>e</i>) form a closed area, and the one or more function images (e.g., the function images <b>910</b> and <b>920</b>) are all displayed outside the closed area bounded by the ring <b>900</b>. In another embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9B</figref>, the entire ring <b>900</b><i>b </i>is displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>, the ring <b>900</b><i>b </i>forms a closed area by itself, and the one or more function images (e.g., the function images <b>910</b><i>b </i>and <b>920</b><i>b</i>) are all displayed outside the ring <b>900</b><i>b</i>. Each function image displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> corresponds to a predetermined function, and is preloaded in or acquired by the electronic device <b>700</b>. For example, the function image may be an application icon, a software button, or an image downloaded or captured by the user through the electronic device <b>700</b>. On the other word, the function image to be displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> may be predetermined by the electronic device <b>700</b> or selected by the user.

0101In step S<b>820</b>, a user input applied to one function image on or near the touch screen <b>710</b> is detected. The user input is, for example, an object contact on or near the touch screen <b>710</b> associated with the position of the function image.

0102Then in step S<b>830</b>, the function image is moved in accordance with the user input. Therefore, while the user input is not terminated, the display position of the function image is changed in accordance with the movement of the user input, and the visual feedback is provided to the user through the touch screen <b>710</b>. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9C</figref>, while the user touches the function image <b>910</b> with his/her finger <b>930</b> and drags the function image <b>910</b>, the display position of the function image <b>910</b> is different from the original position <b>910</b>_OP thereof and is varied accordingly.

0103Once the user input is terminated, in step S<b>840</b>, it is determined that whether the function image is moved into the ring. That is, to determine whether the function image is moved into the closed area bounded by the ring.

0104If the function image is not moved into the ring, in step S<b>850</b>, the electronic device <b>700</b> is maintained in the use-interface lock state. That is, only the user input corresponding to the attempt of switching the electronic device <b>700</b> to the user-interface unlock state or the input that applies to the displayed function image will be responded.

0105However, if the function image is moved into the ring, in step S<b>860</b>, the predetermined function corresponding to the function image is performed. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3D</figref>, while the function image <b>910</b> is moved from its original position <b>910</b>_OP into the ring <b>900</b>, the predetermined function corresponding to the function image <b>910</b> is performed. The exemplars of performing the predetermined function corresponding to the function image are described in the followings.

0106In one embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, one or more function images (e.g., the function images <b>1010</b>-<b>1040</b>) will be displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> as long as the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, and the predetermined function corresponding to this kind of function image is to open a corresponding application. The application is, for example, a phone application, an email application, a camera application, or a message application, the present invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, if the user drags this kind of function image into the ring <b>1000</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the corresponding application will be launched automatically. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the function images <b>1010</b>-<b>1040</b> are corresponding to the phone application, the email application, the camera application, and the message application respectively. Therefore, if one of the function images <b>1010</b>-<b>1040</b> is moved into the ring <b>1000</b>, the corresponding application is then launched.

0107In another embodiment, the predetermined function corresponding to the function image displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> as long as the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state is to access a social networking service or a website. For example, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, nine function images <b>1110</b>-<b>1190</b> are displayed outside the ring <b>1100</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state. The function images <b>1110</b>-<b>1190</b> are acquired by the electronic device <b>700</b> from a certain social networking website through the network, and each of the function images <b>1110</b>-<b>1190</b> is corresponding to a user of the social networking website who is a friend of the user of the electronic device <b>700</b>. If the user drags one of the function images <b>1110</b>-<b>1190</b> into the ring <b>1100</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, a main page of the website user corresponding to the dragged function image is then displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>.

0108In another embodiment, the function image that will be displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state is invoked by an occurrence of an event such as an incoming call, an alarm or a calendar reminder, etc. That is to say, in response to an occurrence of an incoming call, an alarm or a calendar reminder during the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the one or more function images corresponding to the event are then displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>. At this time, if the user drags this kind of function image into the ring, an operation of the event will be executed. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12A</figref>, if one or more function images <b>1210</b> and <b>1220</b> are invoked by an occurrence of an incoming call, the user may answer or decline the incoming call by dragging the related function image <b>1210</b> or <b>1220</b> into the ring <b>1200</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12B</figref>, if one or more function images <b>1230</b> and <b>1240</b> are invoked by an activation of an alarm, the user may snooze or dismiss the alarm by dragging the related function image <b>1230</b> or <b>1240</b> into the ring <b>1200</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12C</figref>, if one or more function images <b>1250</b> and <b>1260</b> are invoked by an activation of a calendar reminder, the user may snooze or dismiss the calendar reminder by dragging the related function image <b>1250</b> or <b>1260</b> into the ring <b>1200</b>.

0109<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13A-13H</figref> illustrate schematic diagrams while controlling an electronic device in the user-interface lock state according to an embodiment of the invention.

0110In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13A</figref>, when the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the ring <b>1300</b> is partially displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>, wherein the displayed part of the ring <b>1300</b> and the edge <b>1311</b> of the touch screen <b>710</b> form a closed area.

0111It is assumed that an alarm event happens while the electronic device <b>700</b> is still in the user-interface lock state. Accordingly, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13B</figref>, two function images <b>1310</b> and <b>1320</b> are displayed outside the ring <b>1300</b> in response to the occurrence of the alarm event. In which, the function image <b>1310</b> is corresponding to a snoozing operation and the function image <b>1320</b> is corresponding to a dismissing operation.

0112As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13C</figref>, if the user touches the function image <b>1310</b> without moving his/her finger <b>1330</b> (or the input tool) and the touch time reaches a predetermined time threshold, the ring <b>1300</b> is slightly moved toward the function image <b>1310</b> (e.g., along the direction <b>1340</b>) in response to detecting the touch. Alternatively, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13D</figref>, if the user touches the function image <b>1320</b> without moving his/her finger <b>1330</b> (or the input tool) and the touch time reaches the predetermined time threshold, the ring <b>1300</b> is slightly moved toward the function image <b>1320</b> (e.g., along the direction <b>1350</b>) in response to detecting the touch. That is, the ring <b>1300</b> is slightly moved in response to detecting the static touch on the function image <b>1310</b> or <b>1320</b>.

0113In another embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13E</figref>, if the user taps the function image <b>1310</b> and then lifts his/her finger (or the input tool), the function image <b>1310</b> and the ring <b>1300</b> are moved toward each other. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13F</figref>, if the user taps the function image <b>1320</b> and then lifts his/her finger (or the input tool), the function image <b>1320</b> and the ring <b>1300</b> are moved toward each other.

0114Furthermore, while detecting the user input applied to the function image <b>1310</b> or <b>1320</b> near or on the touch screen <b>710</b>, a hint image of the function image being touched or tapped is displayed inside the ring <b>1300</b>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13G</figref>, it is assumed that the user touch the function image <b>1310</b> with his/her finger <b>1330</b>, a hint image <b>1360</b> corresponding to the function image <b>1310</b> is then displayed inside the ring <b>1300</b>. The hint image <b>1360</b> may have the same shape and pattern with the function image <b>1310</b> but provides the grayscale effect. However, the appearance of the hint image is not limited in the present invention. In the present embodiment, to move the touched function image <b>1310</b> or <b>1320</b> and/or the ring <b>1300</b>, and to show the corresponding hint image can provide hints or reminders of the operation to drag the function image <b>1310</b> or <b>1320</b> into the ring <b>1300</b> to the user.

0115As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13H</figref>, if the user drags the function image <b>1310</b> from the original position <b>1310</b>_OP into the ring <b>1300</b> and releases the function image <b>1310</b>, the snoozing operation is executed to snooze the alarm accordingly.

0116<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14A-14C</figref> illustrate schematic diagrams while controlling an electronic device in the user-interface lock state according to another embodiment of the invention.

0117In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, when the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, a part of the ring <b>1400</b> and four function images <b>1410</b>-<b>1440</b> are displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>. In which, the function images <b>1410</b>-<b>1440</b> are respectively corresponding to four applications. In the present embodiment, the applications are default applications predetermined by the electronic device <b>700</b>. However, the number of function images being displayed is not limited in the present invention, in another word, the user may select one or more applications from all applications installed in the electronic device <b>700</b>, and one or more function images corresponding to each application selected by the user will be displayed along with the ring <b>1400</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the use-interface lock state.

0118Meanwhile, if any one of the function images <b>1410</b>-<b>1440</b> is touched, the ring <b>1400</b> will move toward the touched function image. For example, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14A</figref>, it is assumed that the function image <b>1410</b> is touched by the user, the ring <b>1400</b> moves toward the function image <b>1410</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14B</figref>, if the function image <b>1440</b> is touched by the user, the ring <b>1400</b> moves toward the function image <b>1440</b>.

0119Alternatively, in other embodiment, if the user taps one of the function images <b>1410</b>-<b>1440</b> and then lifts his/her finger, the tapped function image and the ring <b>1400</b> will move toward each other. Furthermore, a hint image of the touched or tapped function image is displayed inside the ring <b>1400</b> in response to detecting the user input applied on the function image.

0120If the user touches the function image <b>1410</b>, drags the function image <b>1410</b> from its original position <b>1410</b>_OP into the ring <b>1400</b>, and then releases the function image <b>1410</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14C</figref>, the electronic device <b>700</b> exits the use-interface lock state and the application (e.g. the phone application) corresponding to the function image <b>1410</b> is launched. To be specific, the default view (e.g., the default user interface) of the application will be displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b>. On the other hand, if the function image <b>1410</b> corresponds to the application which is already launched, the latest view of the application is displayed to present the latest operating result to the user.

0121In the forgoing embodiments, the ring displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in a user-interface lock state is a circular ring. However, it should be appreciated that while the electronic device <b>700</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the ring displayed on the touch screen <b>710</b> may have an elliptic shape, a polygon shape, or an irregular shape. That is, the shape of the ring is not limited by the present invention. For example, the ring may have an elliptic shape as the ring <b>1500</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref>. In other embodiments, the ring may have a rectangle shape as the ring <b>1600</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref>, a triangle shape as the ring <b>1700</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref>, or a rhombus shape as the ring <b>1800</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref>. Furthermore, the ring may have a heart shape as the ring <b>1900</b> shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>.

0122In the following embodiment, the background of an electronic device when it is in the user-interface unlock state is referred to as the home screen, while the main screen of the electronic device when it is in the user-interface lock state is referred to as the lock screen. Moreover, a launch bar is displayed at the bottom of the home screen.

0123Each time the user selects application(s) to add the corresponding shortcut icon(s) to the launch bar at the bottom of the home screen, the corresponding function image(s) of the shortcut icon(s) will be automatically displayed on the lock screen of the electronic device. Alternatively, if there are one or more default shortcut icons on the launch bar, the corresponding function images of these default shortcut icons will be displayed on the lock screen while the electronic device enters the user-interface lock state. Moreover, the user may press-and-hold one shortcut icon on the launch bar and drag it over another shortcut icon on the launch bar to create a shortcut folder (these two shortcut icons are added into the shortcut folder), and the function image of the shortcut folder will be displayed on the lock screen. To be specific, the user can add, delete, or organize the shortcut icon on the launch bar, and the lock screen will reflect the modification. That is, the function image(s) displayed on the lock screen will be synchronized and corresponding to the shortcut icon(s) and/or the shortcut folder(s) on the launch bar.

0124For example, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, three default shortcut icons <b>2010</b>-<b>2030</b> are displayed on a launch bar <b>2040</b>, wherein the launch bar <b>2040</b> is at the bottom of the home screen <b>2000</b>. In this embodiment, the shortcut icons <b>2010</b>-<b>2030</b> are corresponding to an e-mail application, a web browser application, and a camera application, however, the type and the number of the default application is not limited thereto. The lock screen corresponding to the launch bar <b>2040</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref>, three function images <b>2110</b>-<b>2130</b> of the default shortcut icons <b>2010</b>-<b>2030</b> corresponding to the e-mail application, the web browser application, and the camera application are displayed on the lock screen <b>2100</b>, and the application name is also displayed below each of the function images <b>2110</b>-<b>2130</b>.

0125As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref>, if the user drag a shortcut icon <b>2210</b> of the mail application to the launch bar <b>2040</b>, the configuration of the lock screen <b>2100</b> will be changed automatically as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, wherein the function image <b>2340</b> of the shortcut icon <b>2210</b> is displayed on the lock screen <b>2100</b> automatically.

0126In one embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref>, the displayed function images <b>2110</b>-<b>2130</b> and <b>2340</b> may be aligned and equally displayed on the lock screen <b>2100</b>. However, the display manner of the function image is not limited thereto.

0127In another embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref>, three shortcut icons <b>2410</b>-<b>2430</b> are displayed on the launch bar <b>2040</b>. If the user press-and-hold the shortcut icon <b>2440</b> of camera application, and drag it onto the shortcut icon <b>2450</b> of web browser application, then, the shortcut icons <b>2440</b> and <b>2450</b> of two applications become a folder with a default folder name “Unnamed Folder” (the folder name can be changed by the user). The launch bar <b>2040</b> now has three shortcut icons <b>2410</b>-<b>2430</b> and one shortcut folder <b>2460</b> displayed thereon. Accordingly, while the electronic device enters the user-interface lock state, the function images <b>2510</b>-<b>2530</b> corresponding to the shortcut icons <b>2410</b>-<b>2430</b> and the function image <b>2560</b> corresponding to the shortcut folder <b>2460</b> are displayed on the lock screen <b>2100</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>. The user may drags any function image into the ring to launch it.

0128It should be noted that the appearance of the shortcut icon or the shortcut folder displayed on the launch bar may be visually different from the corresponding function image displayed on the lock screen. For example, the function image of a shortcut icon (or a shortcut folder) on the lock screen is displayed with the name of the application corresponding to the function image (or the folder name of the shortcut folder) while the shortcut icon or the shortcut folder in the launch bar is not, or vice versa. Besides, the displaying sequence of the function images of the shortcut icons/folders in the lock screen and the displaying sequence of the shortcut icons/folders in the launch bar may be different.

0129Along with the increasing variety of supported functions of an electronic device, when the electronic device is in a user-interface lock state, if data displayed on a screen background presents a user's preference or a commonly used function of the electronic device, usage convenience of the electronic device may be improved. The invention provides a method for providing a background of a locked screen, an electronic device and a computer program product using the same according to the above point of view. In order to fully convey the spirit of the invention, embodiments are provided below for descriptions.

0130<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic device <b>2600</b> of the present embodiment includes a screen <b>2610</b>, a memory <b>2620</b> and one or more processing units <b>2630</b>, where the one or more processing units <b>2630</b> are coupled to the screen <b>2610</b> and the memory <b>2620</b>. The electronic device <b>2600</b> is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet personal computer (PC), a digital camera, an electronic book or a game machine, etc., which is not limited by the invention.

0131In an embodiment, the screen <b>2610</b> may be any type of a touch screen, for example, a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, an optical touch screen, an acoustic wave touch screen, an electromagnetic touch screen, etc., though the invention is not limited thereto. The screen <b>2610</b> having a touch control function can serve as an input/output interface of the electronic device <b>2600</b>. Namely, the screen <b>2610</b> may be used to receive a touch input from the user, and may be used to display information of the electronic device <b>2600</b>. The information may be operation interfaces of various applications, widgets, services or functions and generated information contents. In another embodiment, the screen <b>2610</b> can also be a liquid crystal display (LCD) that only has the display function, and the user has to perform input through an input device such as a hardware button or a keyboard, etc.

0132The memory <b>2620</b> may be an internal storage unit or an external storage unit. The internal storage unit may be a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, or a magnetic disk storage device, etc. The external storage unit may be a compact flash (CF) memory card, a secure digital (SD) memory card, a micro SD memory card, or a memory stick (MS), etc., and the external storage unit is connected to the electronic device <b>2600</b> through a corresponding interface. Moreover, the memory <b>2620</b> can also be a network storage space, and the electronic device <b>2600</b> may connect and access the network storage space through a network by using a network device (not shown).

0133In the present embodiment, the memory <b>2620</b> stores one or more programs <b>2640</b> and an operating system <b>2650</b>. Moreover, the memory <b>2620</b> may also store various applications (not shown) and widgets (not shown) that can be executed on the electronic device <b>2600</b>, and software components (not shown) required in operation.

0134The one or more programs <b>2640</b> include one or more instructions. Further, the one or more processing units <b>2630</b> execute the instructions included in the one or more programs <b>2640</b> to implement a method for providing a background of a locked screen of the present embodiment, so as to generate the background displayed on the screen <b>2610</b> when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state. Each of the one or more processing units <b>2630</b> may be a central processing unit (CPU), a programmable microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable controller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD) or other similar devices. In this way, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is activated, the one or more processing units <b>2630</b> can execute the one or more programs <b>2640</b> stored in the memory <b>2620</b> and/or other software installed in the electronic device <b>2600</b>.

0135Various steps of the method for providing a background of a locked screen of the present embodiment are described below with reference of the electronic device <b>2600</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a background of a locked screen according to an embodiment of the invention. It should be noticed that the electronic device <b>2600</b> of the present embodiment has the user-interface lock state and a user-interface unlock state. It is assumed that the screen <b>2610</b> serves as an input interface (for example, a touch screen) of the electronic device <b>2600</b>. When the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the electronic device still continually operates, and when the user touches the screen <b>2610</b>, the electronic device <b>2600</b> ignores most of touch signals generated by the user input. Namely, the electronic device <b>2600</b> can only receive predetermined touch signals including a predetermined touch signal used for switching the user-interface lock state/the user-interface unlock state, and a predetermined touch signal used for switching display data on the background displayed on the screen <b>2610</b>. On the other hand, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface unlock state, the user can normally operate the electronic device <b>2600</b>. Namely, functions and services supported by the electronic device <b>2600</b> and applications and widgets installed in the electronic device <b>2600</b> can all be called and used. Further, the electronic device <b>2600</b> in the user-interface unlock state can receive a signal input through the screen <b>2610</b> and generate a corresponding operation result. Signals input through other input devices can also be processed by the electronic device <b>2600</b> in the user-interface unlock state.

0136Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref>, in step S<b>2701</b>, a selection of a background setting style is received. In the present embodiment, the electronic device <b>2600</b> has a plurality of background setting styles for selection, where each of the background setting styles corresponds to a widget, an application, a function or a service provided by the electronic device <b>2600</b>. For example, the background setting styles may include an application shortcut style, a contacts style, a social network service style, a gallery style, weather information style, stock information style, a virtual clock style, a note style, or a task style, etc., though the invention is not limited thereto. Namely, the electronic device <b>2600</b> may also have other background setting styles for selection. In an embodiment, the user may select the background setting style when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface unlock state. In another embodiment, the electronic device <b>2600</b> may analyse a usage habit of the user to automatically select the background setting style.

0137After the specific background setting style is selected, in step S<b>2705</b>, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, one or more display data are obtained from a storage device according to the currently selected background setting style. The storage device of the present embodiment may be a remote storage device or a local storage device. The remote storage device is, for example, an online storage, and the local storage device may be built in or externally connected to the electronic device <b>2600</b>, which is, for example, a built in hard disk, a portable memory device (e.g., a pen drive), or a memory card, etc. A type of the display data corresponds to the selected background setting style. For example, the display data corresponding to the application shortcut style include a picture file serving as a wallpaper and one or more applications the function image of the shortcut icon of the applications will be displayed. The display data corresponding to the contacts style or social network service style include contacts information and/or dynamic information shared to a community website by friends. The display data corresponding to the gallery style include photos and images. The display data corresponding to the weather information style include a current temperature, a weather status, a rain rate, a future/past weather report, etc. The display data corresponding to the stock information style includes a stock market content, such as stock price, stock quote, market trend, a stock trend, futures, and a classification option price and Hong Kong Shanghai and Shenzhen stocks, etc. The display data corresponding to virtual clock style includes a minute, a second and a date of time. In such step, the one or more display data are, for example, obtained from a remote storage device corresponding to the background setting styles through a network, or the one or more display data are directly obtained from the local storage device.

0138Then, in step S<b>2711</b>, a background of the electronic device <b>2600</b> in the user-interface lock state is generated by using a template corresponding to the background setting style and the obtained display data. In step S<b>2715</b>, the display data on the background changes as time changes. Namely, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the background displayed on the screen <b>2610</b> is no longer a pure picture file, but presents different types of display data according to the selection of the background setting style, and the various types of display data is presented according to the template corresponding to the background setting style, and a content and/or a presenting manner of the display data changes as time changes.

0139It should be noticed that the background generated according to the background setting style does not include information such as a signal strength, a remaining power, a name of a telecommunication practitioner, and a time/date, etc. that are constantly displayed on the electronic device <b>2600</b> regardless whether the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state or the user-interface unlock state. In other words, besides the aforementioned information that are constantly displayed on the electronic device <b>2600</b>, the user can obtain more diversified information through the background when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state. Different background setting styles are described in detail below.

0140<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of application shortcut according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the application shortcut style as the background setting style. When the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, the obtained one or more display data include a picture file serving as the wallpaper and function images of shortcut icons of applications to be displayed (for example, obtained from the local storage device), and the background generated according to the template is shown as a background <b>2800</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28A</figref>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28A</figref>, the background <b>2800</b> includes function images <b>2822</b>, <b>2824</b>, <b>2826</b> and <b>2828</b> corresponding to the applications of phone call, email, camera and message, etc., though the types of the applications are not limited thereto. Further, the electronic device <b>2600</b> may provide a plurality of predetermined applications (for example, phone call, email, camera, message, file browser, web browser, multimedia player, calculator, calendar, and music, etc.), and the user can select at least one predetermined application when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface unlock state. As long as a selecting instruction generated by the aforementioned selection operation is received, and if the background setting style is the application shortcut style, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the function image of shortcut icon of the selected predetermined application is then displayed on the background <b>2800</b> to serve as a shortcut for activating the application. In detail, the user can quickly activate an application by operating a corresponding function image displayed on the background <b>2800</b>, and the electronic device <b>2600</b> accordingly leaves the user-interface lock state.

0141For example, the user may drags the function image <b>2822</b> corresponding to the phone call application into the ring <b>2830</b>, so as to launch the phone call application instantly. Alternatively, the user may drags the ring <b>2830</b> onto the function image <b>2824</b> corresponding to the email application to launch the email application instantly. Moreover, the user may drags the ring <b>2830</b> and the function image <b>2826</b> corresponding to the camera application at the same time and makes the ring <b>2830</b> and the function image <b>2826</b> approach each other to immediately launch the camera application.

0142Moreover, the one or more display data may further include a message that can be accessed or generated by the application that the function image of the shortcut icon thereof should be displayed, and information related to the above message is displayed in form of a mark icon (for example, mark icons <b>2822</b>-<i>b</i>, <b>2824</b>-<i>b </i>and <b>2828</b>-<i>b</i>) together with the function image. Taking the function image <b>2824</b> of the email as an example, the mark icon <b>2824</b>-<i>b </i>represents the number of unread emails in an inbox. In this way, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the user can learn the number of unread emails according to the function image <b>2824</b> and the mark icon <b>2824</b>-<i>b </i>displayed in the background <b>2800</b>.

0143In the present embodiment, although the four function images <b>2822</b>, <b>2824</b>, <b>2826</b> and <b>2828</b> are illustrated for corresponding to four selected predetermined applications, the number and types of the predetermined applications are not limited thereto, and when the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, as long as the background displayed on the screen <b>2610</b> includes a function image of a shortcut icon of one or more predetermined application, it is considered to be within the scope of the invention.

0144In another embodiment, the obtained one or more display data further include a lock screen widget corresponding to an application being executed on the electronic device <b>2600</b>. When the user drags the lock screen widget into the ring displayed on the screen <b>2610</b>, the application corresponding to the lock screen widget is launched immediately. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28B</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of application shortcut according to this embodiment of the invention. It is assumed that a music application is executed on the electronic device <b>2600</b>, and once the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, besides the function images <b>2822</b>, <b>2824</b>, <b>2826</b> and <b>2828</b>, a lock screen widget <b>2832</b> corresponding to the music application is also displayed on the background <b>2800</b>. If the user drags lock screen widget <b>2832</b> into the ring <b>2830</b>, the corresponding music application is launched and a now playing screen (e.g., the latest view of the user interface of the music application) of the music application is displayed on the screen <b>2610</b>.

0145It should be noted that displaying a lock screen widget on the background of the electronic device <b>2600</b> in the user-interface lock state is not limited by the background setting style. That is, no matter what kind of background setting style is being selected (or no background setting style is being selected), as long as an application installed in the electronic device <b>2600</b> is executed and the corresponding lock screen widget is displayed on the background of the electronic device <b>2600</b> in the user-interface lock state, so that the application can be launched by moving the lock screen widget into the ring displayed on the background, moving the ring onto the lock screen widget, or moving both of the ring and the lock screen widget to make them approach each other within a predetermined distance, it is considered to be within the scope of the invention. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28C</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to no background setting style is being selected according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28C</figref>, only a lock screen widget <b>2832</b> corresponding to an application (e.g., the music application) which is already executed on the electronic device <b>2600</b> is displayed on the background <b>2800</b>. The application can be instantly launched in the same or similar way as described above.

0146<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28D</figref> is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28D</figref>, in step S<b>2810</b>, part or all of a ring and one or more function images outside the ring are displayed on the touch screen <b>2610</b> while the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 28A-28C</figref>). In step S<b>2820</b>, a user input applied to the function image and/or the ring on or near the touch screen <b>2610</b> is detected. In step S<b>2830</b>, the function image and/or the ring will be moved in accordance with the user input, wherein the function image corresponds to an application. In step S<b>2840</b>, it is determined that whether the function image and the ring approach each other within a predetermined distance. For instance, it is determined that whether the function image is moved into the ring, whether the ring is moved onto the function image, or whether the function image and the ring are approached to each other within the predetermined distance. If the determination result of the step S<b>2840</b> is negative, that is, the function image and the ring do not approach each other within the predetermined distance, in step S<b>2850</b>, the electronic device <b>2600</b> maintains in the user-interface lock state. If the determination result of the step S<b>2840</b> is affirmative, in step S<b>2860</b>, the electronic device <b>2600</b> transition to a user-interface unlock state and the application corresponding to the function image is launched.

0147<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of contacts according to an embodiment of the invention. In case that the background setting style is set as the contacts style, the corresponding one or more display data include contacts information recorded in the local storage device of the electronic device <b>2600</b>, which may be names and/or profile photos of the contacts, and various contact manners (for example, phone numbers, email boxes, joined community websites, personal web pages, and instant messaging accounts, etc.). For example, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, contacts of a specific group are selected from all of the contacts, and the corresponding contact information is regarded as the display data to generate a background <b>2900</b> displayed on the screen <b>2610</b> when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state. In detail, the template corresponding to the contact displays one or a plurality of contact information belonging to a specific group in the background <b>2900</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29A</figref>, profile photos <b>2921</b>-<b>2929</b> respectively represent 9 contacts belonging to a same specific group, and a tag at a lower left/right corner of each of the profile photos represents a contact manner. Taking the profile photo <b>2923</b> as an example, this contact has two contact manners, where a tag <b>2923</b>-<i>a </i>represents that such contact uses a specific community website, and a tag <b>2923</b>-<i>b </i>represents that such contact has a phone number.

0148In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29A</figref>, the template limits the background <b>2900</b> to simultaneously display <b>9</b> contacts, though the number of the contacts is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, along with different templates, an upper limit of the number of the contacts displayed in the generated background may be different. For example, the other template only displays 2, 4, or 5 contacts in the background. However, if the number of the contacts in the specific group exceeds the upper limit of the number of the contacts displayed in one page of the background that is specified by the template, a plurality of pages of the backgrounds may be generated, and the number of the contacts in each page of the background does not exceed the upper limit of the number of the contacts. Further, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> receives an operation instruction from the user, the electronic device <b>2600</b> switches an up/down page of the backgrounds to display different contact information.

0149Moreover, when the specific group selected by the user does not exist or the specific group does not include any contact, it represents that none contact information is obtained to serve as the display data. Now, the generated background is shown as a background <b>2950</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29B</figref>. In detail, the background <b>2950</b> includes an error message <b>2931</b> to notify the user the above situation.

0150<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29C</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of social network service according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, a remote storage device (for example, a server) that provides a community website or a network service is logged on through a network according to user identification (ID) information (for example, user account or password) recorded in the electronic device <b>2600</b>, and then the contacts information are obtained from the community website or the service webpage to serve as the display data. The obtained contacts information may be dynamic information (for example, photos, videos, texts, or links) shared to the community website or the service webpage by others. For example, shown as a background <b>2970</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29C</figref>, the background <b>2970</b> includes three sets of contact information <b>2932</b>, <b>2934</b> and <b>2936</b>, and each contact information includes a representative picture and name of the contact, and a message content shared to the community website. During the user-interface lock state, the electronic device <b>2600</b> automatically accesses the remote storage device that provides the community website every a predetermined time, so as to obtain latest contact information to serve as the display data. Moreover, presenting manners such as display positions and sizes of all of the obtained contact information dynamically change as time changes, for example, the contact information <b>2932</b>, <b>2934</b> and <b>2936</b> are automatically and alternately enlarged and displayed at the center of the screen <b>2610</b> clockwise. Besides, the electronic device <b>2600</b> can also switch the contact information <b>2932</b>, <b>2934</b> and <b>2936</b> according to an operation instruction input by the user. In this way, even if the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the user can still check different contact information by inputting the operation instructions. In other words, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the user can still conveniently and opportunely view dynamic information on the community website through the background <b>2970</b> displayed on the screen <b>2610</b>. Moreover, the user can drag any one of the contact information <b>2932</b>, <b>2934</b> and <b>2936</b> down into the ring <b>400</b> and unlock directly to the source Social app.

0151However, if the electronic device <b>2600</b> does not record any user ID information, or the recorded user ID information cannot be used to logon the community website or the service webpage, the background displayed on the screen <b>2610</b> of the electronic device <b>2600</b> is shown as a background <b>48</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29D</figref>, which includes an error message <b>2933</b> to notify the user the above situation.

0152<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of gallery according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the gallery style as the background setting style. When the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, the obtained one or more display data may include photos in a specific photo album. The specific photo album may be selected by the user when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface unlock state. The specific photo album may be a network photo album provided by a remote storage device (for example, a network storage space), and user ID information has to be used to log on the network photo album through a network, so as to obtain the photos stored therein. The specific photo album can also be a photo album in a local storage device (for example, a memory card) of the electronic device <b>2600</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30A</figref>, in the user-interface lock state, a background <b>3000</b> of the electronic device <b>2600</b> is generated according to a template of the gallery style and photos <b>3020</b>, <b>3022</b>, <b>3024</b> and <b>3026</b>, though the number of the photos are not limited thereto.

0153In detail, in the present embodiment, a presenting manner of the photos <b>3020</b>, <b>3022</b>, <b>3024</b> and <b>3026</b> serving as the display data change as time changes. For example, when the photos <b>3020</b>, <b>3022</b>, <b>3024</b> and <b>3026</b> are display in form of slide, each of the photos automatically moves towards a specific direction. In other words, the presenting manner such as a size, a display position or clarity of each of the photos changes as time changes. In another embodiment, a moving direction of each of the photos also changes as time changes, so that the photos are displayed in form of the slide in different moving directions. It should be noticed that the invention is not limited to the display effect of the slide, and in other embodiments, the obtained photos may have different display effects as time changes.

0154Moreover, the user can also switch the obtained photos during the user-interface lock state of the electronic device <b>2600</b> by inputting an operation instruction. In this way, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, the background <b>3000</b> may display different photos, and multiple display effects are presented during a switching process of the photos.

0155Moreover, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> cannot obtain the photos from the storage device to serve as the display data, the background displayed in the screen <b>2610</b> includes an error message to notify the user a reason why the photos cannot be obtained. For example, if the specific photo album selected by the user does not exist, or the specific photo album has no photo therein, the error message may include prompt message such as “No photos found, please select another photo album”.

0156Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30B</figref>, it is assumed that the specific photo album is stored in the memory card (e.g., a SD card), and if the memory card is detected to be damaged when it is accessed, since the photos cannot be successfully obtained, an error message <b>3031</b> in a background <b>3030</b> is, for example, prompt message such as “An error was encountered on your memory card” to notify the user a reason of the error occurrence.

0157As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30C</figref>, it is assumed that the specific photo album is stored in the memory card, and if the memory card cannot be detected when the photo stored therein are accessed, in order to inform the user to insert the memory card, an error message <b>3032</b> in a background <b>3040</b> is, for example, prompt message such as “Please insert a memory card”.

0158In an embodiment, if the electronic device <b>2600</b> has a universal serial bus (USB) interface, the user can connect the electronic device <b>2600</b> to other devices through the USB interface for data accessing. Namely, the electronic device <b>2600</b> may be used as a flash drive. When the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface lock state, if the electronic device <b>2600</b> is connected to the other device through the USB interface, the photos cannot be obtained from the local storage device of the electronic device <b>2600</b> for displaying. Now, the background is shown as a background <b>3050</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30D</figref>, in which an error message <b>3033</b> is, for example, prompt message such as “Your content is inaccessible because your phone is being used as USB storage. Disconnect USB to access your content”.

0159<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of weather information according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the weather information style as the background setting style. When the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, the obtained one or more display data may include a current temperature, a weather status, a rain rate, a past weather report, a future weather forecast, etc. The electronic device <b>2600</b> may be connected to a weather report release center through the network to obtain a content of the latest weather information, and displays the obtained display data according to a template of the weather information. The electronic device <b>2600</b> obtains the latest weather information to serve as the display data every a predetermined time, and opportunely displays the display data on a background <b>3100</b>. In the present embodiment, the template displays today's temperature and weather status in the center of the background <b>3100</b>, and displays the weather information of future several days (for example, four days, though the invention is not limited thereto) at a lower part of the background <b>3100</b> by icons <b>3122</b>, <b>3124</b>, <b>3126</b> and <b>3128</b>, though the template of the weather information is not limited thereto. In this way, even if the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, the user can still directly obtain the dynamic whether information through the background <b>3100</b> of the electronic device <b>2600</b> at any time.

0160However, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31B</figref>, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> cannot obtain the content of the weather report from the weather report release center (for example, the electronic device <b>2600</b> cannot obtain the content of the weather report through the network or according to a date or an area selected by the user), a background <b>3130</b> displays an error message <b>3131</b> to notify the user, where the error message <b>3131</b> is, for example, prompt message such as “No weather data available”.

0161<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32A</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of stock information according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the stock information style as the background setting style. When the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, the obtained one or more display data may include stock names/codes pre-selected by the user and the corresponding stock prices, etc., and the background generated according to the template is shown as a background <b>3200</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32A</figref>. The electronic device <b>2600</b> may be connected to a stock release center through the network to obtain a latest stock content, and displays the obtained display data according to a template of the stock information. In an embodiment, as the stock price goes up and down, the corresponding stock name moves towards different directions. For example, when the stock price goes up, the stock name moves upwards, and vice versa. The electronic device obtains the latest stock information every a predetermined time, and accordingly updates a content of a background <b>3200</b>. In this way, even if the electronic device <b>2600</b> enters the user-interface lock state, the user can still directly obtain the dynamic stock information through the screen <b>2610</b> of the electronic device <b>2600</b> at any time.

0162However, when the electronic device <b>2600</b> cannot obtain the latest stock information from the stock release center, the generated background is shown as a background <b>3250</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32B</figref>, and the background <b>3250</b> displays an error message <b>3231</b> of “No stocks found”.

0163<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to a background setting style of virtual clock according to an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user selects the virtual clock style as the background setting style. The obtained display data may include time, date and appearance setting of the virtual clock. The appearance setting of the virtual clock includes various different digital clocks and analog clocks, which may be selected by the user when the electronic device <b>2600</b> is in the user-interface unlock state. The background generated according to the template is shown as a background <b>3300</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>. In the present embodiment, the template displays the virtual clock at the center of the background <b>3300</b>. It should be noticed that the background <b>3300</b> may provide a three-dimensional (3D) display effect, and present a vivid 3D virtual clock along with movement of the electronic device <b>2600</b>.

0164In the following embodiment, the user can define a contact group for a background corresponding to a background setting style of contacts in settings. A contact image of at least one contact in the group will be displayed on the background of the electronic device when it is in the user-interface lock state. On each contact image, a default action icon of a default action corresponding to the contact is shown if the default action is defined for the contact. However, if the contact is not corresponding to any default action, only the contact image of the contact will be displayed.

0165<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts according to an embodiment of the invention. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref>, a contact group of four contacts is selected to generate the background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts. However, the number of contacts in the selected group is not limited. In this embodiment, at most 9 contacts can be displayed in a page of the background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts. That is, it can have different layouts for 1-9 contacts, and if the selected group has more than 9 contacts, the user may scroll to next or pervious page to see other contacts in the group. In this embodiment, a default action has been set to each of the contacts corresponding to the upper-left contact image <b>3410</b>, the lower-left contact image <b>3420</b>, and the lower-right contact image <b>3430</b>, the default action icon representing each default action is respectively shown in the circles <b>3410</b>-<i>a</i>, <b>3420</b>-<i>a </i>and <b>3430</b>-<i>a</i>. In this embodiment, no default action has been set to the contact corresponding to the upper-right contact image <b>3440</b>, so there is no additional default action icon on the contact image <b>3440</b>.

0166The default action of each contact may be making a phone call, sending a short message, sending an e-mail, or viewing the details of the contact. However, the default action is not limited therein.

0167It is assumed that the default action set to the contact corresponding to the lower-left contact image <b>3420</b> is sending a short message. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref>, while the user drags the lower-left contact image <b>3420</b> into the ring <b>3500</b>, the electronic device is unlocked and the user interface of the SMS application is launched for the user to edit the message as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref>. Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref>, the user may edit the message, attach a file, and send the message by press the button <b>3600</b>.

0168As long as the default action is set to the contact and the group containing the contact is selected for generating the background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts, the user can drag the contact image of the contact into the ring to unlock the locked device and launch the default action directly. If the user drag a contact image of a contact that has not been set to any default action (e.g., the contact corresponding to the upper-right contact image <b>3440</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref>), a action define screen (e.g., the default action setting screen <b>4300</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref>) for user selection will be displayed after the contact image is dragged into the ring <b>3500</b>. If the user assign a default action to the contact through the action define screen, next time when the electronic device enters the user-interface lock state, a default action icon of the assigned default action will be displayed along with the contact image of the contact. Alternatively, a system pre-defined default action will be launched if the user drags the contact image of a contact without default action into the ring. That is, the system pre-defined default action is assigned to the contact without any user selected default action, and a pre-defined default action icon corresponding to the system pre-defined default action is displayed on the contact image of the contact.

0169It should be noted that the user may select one or more contacts from the contacts list instead of selecting a group to generate the background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts.

0170Following is the related setting about the background corresponding to the background setting style of contacts. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 37</figref>, if the user selects a option <b>3870</b> in the personalized menu <b>3710</b>, the electronic device displays a lock screen preview as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 38</figref>. If the user press the “Setting” button <b>3810</b>, the group selection screen <b>3900</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 39</figref> is launched. Then, the user may select any group displayed on the group selection screen <b>3900</b>, such as the “Friends” group.

0171In one embodiment, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 40</figref>, the user may add a new group by pressing the button <b>4010</b> in the toolbar <b>4000</b>. Select one group in the group list to check the contacts in that group. The contacts list is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 41</figref>. The user can tap on each contact in the contacts list to view the contact card.

0172The contact card records the detail setting of each contact. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 42</figref>, the name/contact image/phone number/group/ringtone and other settings are all displayed on the contact card <b>4200</b>. The user can tap on the option <b>4210</b> to launch the default action setting screen <b>4300</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 43</figref>. Then, the user may select one of the default actions to the contact.

0173<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 44</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to the background setting style of note according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, while the electronic device is in the user-interface lock state, four function images <b>4410</b>-<b>4440</b> and at least a part of a ring <b>4450</b> are displayed on the screen of the electronic device. Each of the function images <b>4410</b>-<b>4440</b> is corresponding or related to a note taking function. For example, the function image <b>4410</b> is corresponding to a function of creating a note, the function image <b>4420</b> is corresponding to a function of creating a note and starting recording, the function image <b>4430</b> is corresponding to a function of opening a camera function for capturing a photo or video and adding the photo or video into the new note, and the function image <b>4440</b> is corresponding to a function of searching notes.

0174When the user needs to create a note while the electronic device is in the user-interface lock state, the user may touch one of the function images <b>4410</b>-<b>4430</b> with his/her finger and drags the touched function image into the ring <b>4450</b>, then the note taking function corresponding to the function image dragged into the ring <b>4450</b> will be launched. For example, while the user drags the function image <b>4410</b> into the ring <b>4450</b>, a screen for editing a new note and the software input panel (SIP) such as a software keyboard will be displayed. If the user drags the function image <b>4420</b> into the ring <b>4450</b>, a microphone will be turned on to record audio and add the recorded voice code into the new note. Alternatively, if the user drags the function image <b>4430</b> into the ring <b>4450</b>, the camera function will be launched for capturing a photo or video to be added into a new note. In another embodiment, the user may touch the ring <b>4450</b> and drag the ring <b>4450</b> to the function images <b>4410</b>-<b>4430</b> to launch the functions corresponding to the function images <b>4410</b>-<b>4430</b>.

0175On the other hand, if the user needs to search for a existent note while the electronic device is in the user-interface lock state, the user may touch the function image <b>4440</b> with his/her finger and drags the function image <b>4440</b> into the ring <b>4450</b>, then the screen for searching the note will be launched.

0176<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 45</figref> is a schematic diagram of a background corresponding to the background setting style of task according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a task list <b>4510</b> is displayed while the electronic device is in the user-interface lock state, wherein the maximum number of tasks that can be shown in the task list <b>4510</b> is, for example, 10. When the number of tasks is more than the maximum number of tasks can be displayed on the task list <b>4510</b>, a notification is shown at the bottom of the task list <b>4510</b>. However, the user has to unlock the electronic device to see the remaining tasks.

0177As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 46</figref>, when the reminder <b>4630</b> of one of the tasks is activated, two function images <b>4610</b> and <b>4620</b> are invoked accordingly. The user may snooze or dismiss the task reminder by dragging the related function image <b>4610</b> or <b>4620</b> into the ring <b>4500</b> or by dragging the ring <b>4500</b> to the related function images <b>4610</b> or <b>4620</b>.

0178An embodiment of the invention provides a computer program product, in which the computer program product comprises a computer readable storage medium and an executable computer program mechanism embedded therein. After the computer program mechanism is executed by an electronic device having a screen, the electronic device can achieve the effects illustrated in the afore-described embodiments. The computer readable storage medium may be a read only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, or a transmission medium, etc. Alternatively, the computer program product may be directly provided through a network transmission, which is not to be limited by invention herein.

0179It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.