Common Interface
From Openmoko
Contents |
Overview
This document defines the Common Interface elements for the Openmoko platform. Specifically, these elements are Layouts, Top Panel, Application Switching, and Data Input.
Layouts
The OpenMoko platform uses the physical layout of the application to distinguish between types of applications -- Native and Nonnative.
Native Applications
Native applications are developed specifically for the OpenMoko platform. They are tailored to provide the best possible interface for a handheld device. Specifically they have the following components:
- Title Menu
- is used in place of the “File, Edit, VIew, Help…” type menus for traditional applications. It’s purpose is to provide all global application functionality.
- Selector Menu
- is a pull down menu that displays a list of commands that will parse / organize the data visible in the navigation frame.
- Navigation Area
- is used for displaying lists of objects.
- Toolbar
- The toolbar provides functionality that will operator on the objects in the Navigation section.
- Details Area
- is used for displayed detailed information for the active object.
Nonnative Applications
One of the major goals for the OpenMoko platform is to support X-11 applications will very little porting effort. These applications have the following interface that mirrors a desktop application on PC:
- Application Menu
- is the standard “File, Edit, VIew, Help…” type menu found in traditional applications. It’s purpose is to provide all global application functionality.
- Application Area
- is the area where the application runs and displays its interface. This will be identical to tradition X-11 applications.
Top Panel
This provides the task bar / panel applications interface. Specifically it provides the following functionality:
- Task Launcher
- To start an application or service a user taps the OpenMoko Icon. This will bring up the application list.
- Quick Launch
- Applications or services can be placed in the Quick Launch location for faster access.
- Input Method
- When taped a list of the possible input methods will be displayed.
- Panel Applications
- Device Status and Monitoring uses mini applications called, Panel Applications. The can be added as the user likes to the Panel.
Physically it can be positioned at any side of the screen. By default it will be at the top:
http://people.gta01.hmw-consulting.de/sean/specifications/images/common_interface/Top%20Panel.png
Application Switching
Switching between applications is extremely important to the workflow for small devices. OpenMoko provides this function using a page-turning like metaphor. When the user taps on the page button:
http://people.gta01.hmw-consulting.de/sean/specifications/images/common_interface/Paging.png
The Application Switcher is invoked:
http://people.gta01.hmw-consulting.de/sean/specifications/images/common_interface/Page-Flip.png
The user can then tap on the desired application and this will be placed in the active window location.
Data Input
In input of data is accomplished via a software keypad. The software keypad has the following layouts:
- Normal
- Normal input consists of Roman languages and Asian Languages.
- Symbols
- Input of special characters such as “!`,.<>/?’;”
- Numeric
- Input of numeric keys for calculation
- Phone
- Phone number keypad
- Date & Time
- numbers and symbols specially tailored for date and time entry.
Alerts
The system will notify the user of important information by displaying alert messages. The layout is as follows:
