KR101287054B1 - Mobile Terminal having macro function and Method for triggering macro using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a macro execution method capable of executing a macro very quickly and conveniently with a simple operation.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a touch screen capable of displaying and inputting, a storage unit for storing at least one macro, and a mobile terminal having a control unit for controlling the overall operation. A display element, which is a dual function element having a function, is displayed, and the control unit selectively performs the macro function according to a specific operation of the help element, which is displayed on the touch screen and helps to execute the macro. A mobile terminal having a macro function is provided which executes a macro corresponding to a specific signal inputted by a help element and the display element.
Therefore, according to the present invention, since the macro is executed immediately using the screen displayed on the home screen without following complicated steps, the macro can be executed very quickly and conveniently.

Description

Mobile terminal having macro function and method for triggering macro using the same}

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having a macro and a macro execution method using the same, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal and a macro execution method capable of executing a macro very quickly and conveniently by a simple operation.

Recently, due to the development of technology, various portable terminals such as smartphones, tablet PCs, navigation systems, and MP3 players have been developed, and many of them have touch screens. In addition, numerous applications for these terminals have been developed, and hundreds of them are being developed every day. According to the related art, a plurality of application icons are displayed on a home screen and tap to execute a desired application. However, in the case of a portable terminal, the number of application icons that can be displayed on one home screen due to the small space of the touch screen is about 20, for example. Therefore, the user must find the desired icon while moving a number of home screens and have to labor to tap it.

In addition, even if you find the desired icon to activate the application, you need to go through many additional command input steps in order to perform the specific function you want, and the mobile terminal has a smaller screen area than the desktop computer or laptop. In order to perform these various stages of command input, much attention and time are required.

A technique for executing a macro of a mobile terminal is disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2010-0037973.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal capable of executing a macro conveniently and efficiently in a portable terminal and a terminal thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a touch screen capable of displaying and inputting, a storage unit for storing at least one macro, and a mobile terminal having a control unit for controlling the overall operation. A display element, which is a dual function element having a function, is displayed, and the control unit selectively performs the macro function according to a specific operation of the help element, which is displayed on the touch screen and helps to execute the macro. A mobile terminal having a macro function is provided which executes a macro corresponding to a specific signal inputted by a help element and the display element.

In addition, the present invention is a portable terminal having a touch screen that can be displayed and input, a storage unit for storing at least one macro and a control unit for controlling the overall operation, the touch screen has a dual function having a unique function and a macro function A text input element which is an element is displayed, and the control unit selectively performs a function of the text input element according to a specific operation of a help element which is displayed on the touch screen to help execute a macro. And a macro corresponding to the macro-allocation shortened sequence if the short-term sequence inputted by the element and the character input element is compared with the macro-allocation shortened sequence corresponding to the macro stored in the storage unit. It provides a mobile terminal having a.

The controller may be configured to convert the text input element into a mode in which a short sequence may be input when the help element is specified. In particular, when the help element is touched, the control unit preferably converts the text input element to be displayed in letters or numbers.

The specific manipulation of the help element may include any one of a tap or a gesture manipulation. In addition, the mode of the text input element may include any one of a numeric key input mode and a gesture input mode.

The control unit is set to display a specific letter or number at a position corresponding to the character input element when the help element is manipulated, and the controller stores the shortened sequence received by the character input element and the macro stored in the storage unit. If the corresponding macro allocation short permutations are compared and matched, it is preferable to execute a macro corresponding to the macro allocation short permutation.

The controller determines whether the text input elements are simultaneously touched when the help element is touched, and when the text input elements are touched at the same time, a shortening sequence corresponding to the touch manipulation of the text input elements is input. Here, the touch manipulation of the character input element may be a gesture manipulation. Alternatively, the character input element may be set to be utilized as a numeric keypad.

Preferably, the tapping of the help element is set such that the shortening sequence can be continuously input using the character input element until the release. Here, the help element may be a dual function element.

Tapping the help element alone performs a unique function assigned to the help element, and if a text input element is manipulated while tapping and pressing the help element, a short sequence for executing a macro is preferably input.

After tapping the help element, if the text input element is not touched and the help element is released, the control unit measures the touch time when the help element is touched, and executes the unique function of the help element within a predetermined time, if the predetermined time is reached. In this case, it is preferable to return to the state before the help element is touched.

There are a plurality of help elements, and the controller corresponds to the macro assignment short axis sequence when the short sequence of the combination of the help element and the text input element is compared with the macro allocation short sequence corresponding to the macro stored in the storage unit. It is preferable to run a macro.

The operation of the help element or the text input element includes a gesture operation, and letters or numbers may be assigned to the gesture operation. Here, the gesture manipulation may be a sliding or flick manipulation in a specific direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the character input element is set to be utilized as a help element.

When two elements of the letter input element are selected and one element is touched while the other element is pressed, it is preferable that the two-digit number is set to be input by a combination of numbers assigned to the two elements. .

According to the present invention, there is provided a method for executing a macro in a portable terminal, the terminal comprising: a storage unit capable of storing at least one macro, a touch screen capable of displaying a home screen, and inputting a user command; And a control unit which oversees operations of the terminal, wherein the method allocates a specific shortened sequence consisting of characters to each macro and stores it in the storage unit, and designates at least one of the display elements of the home screen as a help element. And among the display elements of the home screen, a part of the independent function display element is designated as a text input element for inputting a character, and the short sequence can be input by an operation by combining the help element and the text input element. The control unit may alternatively perform a function of the text input element according to a specific operation of the help element. The character input element is a dual function element, and when a user inputs a specific shortcut sequence by operating the help element and the character input element, the control unit of the terminal allocates the shortcut sequence from the macros stored in the storage unit. There is provided a method for executing a macro in a portable terminal, characterized in that the extracted macro and set to execute it.

According to the present invention, since the macro is executed immediately using the screen displayed on the home screen without following complicated steps, the macro can be executed very quickly and conveniently.

As the user can execute the macro in a familiar and comfortable way, the user can expect to use an efficient mobile terminal.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a portable terminal according to the present invention;
2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;
3 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of the mobile terminal according to FIG.
4 and 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;
6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the mobile terminal according to FIGS. 4 and 5;
7, 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams showing another embodiment of the portable terminal according to the present invention;
10 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of the mobile terminal according to FIG.
11 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;
12 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation along a sliding direction in FIG. 11;
13 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of the mobile terminal according to FIG.
14 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of a mobile terminal according to the present invention;

According to an aspect of the present invention, in a portable terminal having a touch screen, a technique for executing a number of macros directly on one home screen displayed on the touch screen is disclosed. According to an aspect of the present invention, a conventional display element such as an icon or a folder that is previously installed on a conventional terminal is installed without installing an additional display element (input element) for executing a macro on the home screen. You can run many macros as they are. To this end, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as a method for executing a macro in a mobile terminal,

The terminal includes a storage unit capable of storing at least one macro, a touch screen capable of displaying a home screen, an input of a user's command, and a controller configured to control operations of the terminal. And assigning a specific shortened sequence consisting of letters to each macro and storing it in a storage unit, designating at least one of the display elements of the home screen as a help element, and among the display elements of the home screen, Designate a part as a character input element for inputting a character, and set to input the shortened sequence by the operation of the combination of the help element and the character input element, wherein the character input element is a dual function element, The control unit may alternatively perform the function of the text input element according to the specific operation of the help element. When a specific short sequence is input by operating a text input element, the controller of the terminal extracts a macro to which the short sequence is assigned from the macros stored in the storage unit, and sets it to be executed. Provides a way to run macros.

That is, among the display elements displayed on the home screen, at least one is designated as a help element for helping to execute the macro of the present invention, and a part of the independent function display elements among the display elements is used for executing the macro of the present invention. In order to input a short sequence, a character is designated as a "character input element" for performing a function of inputting a character, and a number of macros are directly displayed on one home screen by manipulation of the help element and a specific display element. Run it. Preferably, the help element and the text input element utilized in the present invention are dual function elements. This means that the conventional terminal has a function for executing the macro of the present invention while maintaining the function as an independent function element (unique function) conventionally utilized, such as an icon and a folder function. That is, the unique function refers to a function originally assigned as a display element such as an icon or a folder commercially available in a conventional terminal, such as an application icon, activating a corresponding application, and displaying a folder contents.

For example, in the case of an application icon, a single operation, that is, tapping, activates a specific application allocated in advance, but when operating in a specific method defined in the present invention, a function for a macro of the present invention is performed. do. The function of the help element performs a function to help the macro execution, such as changing the input mode so that when the user manipulates the display element, the function for executing the macro of the present invention is not a unique function. Of course, the help element itself may perform a function for executing a macro, for example, inputting a specific character.

Hereinafter, a portable terminal having a macro according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a mobile terminal according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the portable terminal according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 100, a controller 102, and a touch screen 104, and the touch screen 104 includes an input unit 108 and a display unit 106. ). The input unit 108 and the display unit 106 are merely functional divisions, and may be difficult to distinguish in hardware. In addition, the mobile terminal 10 may further include various components such as a mobile communication module, an internet communication module, a short range communication module, an audio processor, a digital broadcast receiving module, a camera module, and the like, which are directly related to the present invention. No description and illustration are omitted.

The display unit 106 visually displays various graphical user interfaces and information related to the state and operation of the portable terminal on the screen. The display unit 106 may display a plurality of home screens, and various display elements such as icons, folders, and widgets may be displayed on the home screen. When the operating system of the portable terminal is operated, the display unit 106 displays a home screen ("basic home screen") designated to be basically displayed.

The input unit 108 performs a function of inputting a user's command through various graphic user interfaces. In particular, a user may input a desired command through display elements such as icons, folders, and widgets displayed on the home screen, and a signal generated by manipulating the input unit may be transmitted to the controller.

Most of the display elements of the touch screen 104 also function as input elements, and in this case, the display elements and the input elements are difficult to distinguish in hardware. In the present invention as well, the descriptions are given as display elements without distinguishing them separately.

The storage unit 100 stores various programs and data that are executed and processed in a terminal including an operating system, and includes one or more nonvolatile memory and volatile memory. In particular, in the storage unit, a plurality of macros are stored, and each macro is assigned a specific task that is desired to be executed, and a short permutation for quickly executing the macro is assigned. The short sequence is a sequence consisting of letters, that is, a letter sequence or text. In describing the present invention, a short axis sequence means a short axis sequence for executing a macro of the present invention.

The controller 102 controls the overall state and operation of the mobile terminal. In particular, it controls the execution of macros. In detail, when a user inputs a predetermined short sequence by operating the input unit 108 under a specific condition in which the user may input a macro short sequence, the controller 102 inputs a list of macros stored in the storage unit 100. Extract the macro corresponding to the short permutation and run it. When the operating system of the portable terminal is activated, the controller is in a waiting state waiting for a user's command input.

On the other hand, the user can be stored to perform a series of tasks through the macro generation program, which is stored through the macro assignment short sequence. An example of such a mat is shown in Table 1 below.

Macro Assignment Shortcut Permutation

Macro work
11

Patent application file open
21

Play music playlist 1 time
22

Play music playlist 2 times
35

Open your browser and access the JPO homepage

The macro-mapping short sequence may be stored as other characters as well as numbers, or may be a combination of numbers and other characters.

≪ Embodiment 1 >

2 shows a preferred example of the home screen of the mobile terminal according to the present embodiment. A status bar 112 is displayed on the upper portion of the home screen, and the Mc icon 113 is installed as a conventional status icon and an icon (help icon) to help the macro of the present invention.

In addition, a plurality of home screen icons are displayed on the home screen. This may be, for example, an application icon for activating a specific application (application) or a data icon for accessing a specific data file. These are " independent function display elements " set so that a function (unique function) assigned to each icon is independently executed when operating each icon alone.

These are usually displayed together on the home screen, but the number, position, order, arrangement, function, and the like are not mutually dependent and independent. In addition, a specific display element may be deleted or added independently.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the Mc icon 113 is tapped (S120), the basic home screen is displayed on the touch screen 104 of the mobile terminal (S121). On the ten icons among the icons on the home screen, Or serial numbers 0 to 9 are displayed in the vicinity.

If the number of icons is less than 10, the controller additionally displays the icons. The icon displaying the serial number is preferably arranged in four rows and three columns as in the numeric keypad of the computer keyboard as shown in FIG. If the Mc icon 113 is directly tapped on the home screen, the serial number is displayed on the icon on the home screen.

Thereafter, the input mode of the icon of the home screen is switched to the numeric key input mode (S122). That is, when a user manipulates an icon ("number icon") to which a number is assigned, the user can perform a number input function for short sequence input of a macro instead of a function (unique function) as an icon in a conventional terminal. .

Thereafter, the control unit 102 continuously receives the input of the number by the manipulation of the number icon, and successively determines whether the permutation (number) of the input number coincides with a predetermined macro assignment short permutation sequence stored in the storage unit. Monitor with (S123). If the number corresponding to the macro allocation short permutation is input, the controller 102 extracts the macro from the storage and executes it (S124). For example, if a macro is assigned to play a particular piece of music, the media player is activated and the particular piece of music is played.

Once the execution of the macro starts, the input mode of the display element is returned to the original input mode from the numeric key input mode (S125), the process is terminated, returning to the standby mode and waiting for another user's input.

As described above, a serial number is placed on a home screen icon that is an independent function display element, and a plurality of home screens can be utilized as a numeric keypad.

This is compared with the operation of a conventional icon in which one operation is assigned to one operation, which means that the icons are continuously input to utilize specific text as a key or keypad capable of inputting. That is, the controller may alternatively perform the function of the text input element according to whether or not the help element that executes the macro displayed on the touch screen is touched.

In addition, the present embodiment utilizes ten icons among a large number of keys most efficiently as a numeric key and a numeric keypad, which are means for inputting specific texts. Use as a numeric keypad in a row. In addition, since the number icon directly utilizes the home screen icon displayed on the home screen, the user can directly execute the desired macro without having to search for a corresponding icon by accessing the macro execution screen. That is, a number is placed on a number of home screen icons so that it can be used as a numeric keypad.

If you want to terminate in the middle of the process, enter a predefined exit command, such as tapping the Mc icon again.

That is, when the user enters the numeric key mode, the user may operate a plurality of display elements to input a shortened sequence including numbers, and the terminal may continuously receive the input of the shortened sequence. As soon as the input permutation (number) matches the pre-specified macro assignment short permutation, the macro execution waits to execute the macro.

As described above, the user can execute a number of macros on one home screen by a combination of the Mc icon 113 and at least one home screen icon. For example, in the case of Table 1, simply tap the Mc icon 113 and tap 'Icon 2' (the icon to which 2 is assigned) and 'Icon 1' in succession. Is judged to be input, and the playlist # 1 music to which the macro allocation shortcut sequence 21 is assigned is immediately played.

In the present embodiment, since the Mc icon 113 is displayed on the status bar, the home screen screen for executing the macro by directly operating the Mc icon 113 on a screen other than the home screen, for example, a screen on which a specific application is running. Can be accessed. The Mc icon 113 may be installed at the bottom of the screen, for example, the task bar 116. In addition, tapping an existing status icon, for example, the battery icon 114, may be utilized to function as the Mc icon 113, or other elements displayed on the status bar, for example, time display 112 may be utilized. As a result, the Mc icon 113 is an example of a help element, and may be installed at any position on the home screen, and preferably, a specific area of the upper or lower portion of the home screen.

In this embodiment, when the help element is manipulated, the input mode of the display element of the home screen is switched to the numeric key input mode. However, the input mode of the display element may be set to the gesture mode to be described later.

≪ Embodiment 2 >

4 shows a preferred example of a home screen displayed on the portable terminal of this embodiment. Here, a plurality of home screen icons are displayed, and one of the icons is designated as a help icon and is called H icon 130. This helps to run macros. The H icon 130 preferably designates an icon in the lower left corner that can be easily tapped with the left thumb.

In addition, 10 of the remaining icons are selected and designated as character input elements, and serial numbers (0 to 9) are displayed thereon. It is preferable to have 4 rows and 3 columns arranged like the numeric keypad of a computer keyboard. Do.

In the left-handed case, as shown in FIG. 5, it is convenient to designate an icon at the lower right portion as the H icon 130 and to arrange a serial number on the remaining ten icons.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the present embodiment. If the H icon 130 is tapped in the standby state (S140), the H icon 130 is released (S141), and if the number icon (the numbered icon is tapped) is tapped. (S142) Continuously monitor.

If the H icon 130 is released, i.e. detached, it means that the H icon 130 is released after being tapped alone, and the process proceeds to S143 where the tap operation is a normal tap operation or a long press. Determines if the operation is tapped. Long tap means that the icon is released after the icon is pressed for a certain period of time without tapping and releasing an icon. If you tap and hold, the process exits and resumes waiting for your command. If it is a normal tap operation, and performs a conventional function assigned to the icon, such as to activate a specific application (S144). As described above, if the user changes his mind while tapping and holding the H icon 130 and wants to exit without executing the macro, the user only needs to release the H icon 130.

That is, the control unit measures the touch time when the help element is touched, and when the help element is released without the text input element being touched, if the touch time is within a certain time, the controller executes a unique function of the help element. If the predetermined time or more, the help element returns to the standby state before the touch.

On the other hand, in many conventional mobile terminals, when an icon is long tapped, the icon is set to wiggle, that is, shake from side to side. In the present embodiment, it is convenient to set, for example, to double tap instead of long tapping to wiggle the H icon 130. Double tap is a quick double tap as you know.

If the number icon is tapped in S142, this means that the number icon is tapped while the H icon 130 is tapped and pressed, and in the control unit 102, the number icon is not a conventional function as an icon of the number icon. The number assigned to is entered. After that, the control unit 102 is in a state of monitoring whether additional numbers are input by the user (S145). The process then advances to S146 to monitor whether the H icon 130 is released. That is, until the H icon 130 is released, additional numeric input is continuously monitored and received. In addition, when the number icon is pressed while the H icon 130 is pressed, the conventional function (unique function) of the icon is not performed, but a function of inputting a short sequence for executing the macro is performed.

If it is determined in step S146 that the H icon 130 has been released, the control unit 102 determines that a shortening sequence corresponding to the input number has been input, and based on this, the shortening input among the macros stored in the storage unit 100. It finds and extracts the macro to which the permutation is assigned and executes it (S! 47). Thereafter, the process ends and returns to the standby state again.

As described above, by holding down the help icon while operating at least one home screen icon, it is very easy to input a short sequence consisting of numbers, the number is not only a single digit, but also a number of digits all It is possible to use this technology to run a number of macros.

In summary, the help icon alone performs a pre-assigned conventional function, such as launching a specific application, while tapping another number icon while pressing the help icon to execute the macro of the present invention. It is a dual function help icon that acts as a help element. In other words, if you tap the number icon while tapping the help icon, the corresponding number is entered. Until the help icon is released, it is not limited to a single number. The controller recognizes that the input number is a shortened sequence for executing the macro. In addition, the character input element performs a unique function that is pre-assigned as an independent function element when operated alone, but when a specific operation of the help element is accompanied, that is, the character is held in a tap and touch before inputting the character input element. When manipulating an input element, a function of inputting a shortened sequence is performed.

That is, when the help element is touched (before the help element is released, the touched state), the controller determines whether the text input elements are touched at the same time, and when the text input elements are touched at the same time, the touch of the text input elements is touched. The shortening sequence corresponding to the operation is entered.

The help icon, that is, the H icon 130, preferably selects an icon at the lower left of the user from among numerous icons that can be easily manipulated. That is, the user can tap and hold the help icon with one finger, and input the desired shortcut sequence very easily by manipulating another home screen icon with the finger of the other hand. In addition, by simply releasing the help icon, a macro corresponding to the input short sequence can be immediately executed. As described above, while maintaining the original function of the conventional home screen icon, the user can easily execute a large number of macros directly on one home screen by utilizing both fingers.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the home screen may include a plurality of help icons.

Preferably, the icon 152 in the left column or the icon 151 in the bottom row is designated and used as a help icon, and the 4 rows and 3 columns of icons in the remaining positions are used as the numeric keypad.

This arrangement allows for easy manipulation of the help icon using the thumb of the left hand in case of right handed. For example, if you press the number icon while pressing 'icon A' and input 13, the macro corresponding to A13 is executed, and if you enter 15 while pressing 'icon B', macro corresponding to B15 Is the way it is executed. Each help icon is convenient to categorize macros. For example, a text message is assigned to 'icon D' and music playback is designated to 'icon B'. As a specific example, in a text message macro, a message that is frequently sent to 10 digits of two digits, that is, a receiver is assigned, and a content that is frequently sent to one digit can be assigned. If you assigned Hong Gil-dong to recipient 1 and assigned the message "Email sent. Please confirm." To the message 3, the user simply turns on the device and presses the 'Icon D' on the home screen. Just type in and you'll be able to do it immediately and easily. As a result, even if there are many types and numbers of macros to be executed, they can be systematically classified and managed by category, which can be executed very easily.

In the left-handed case, as shown in FIG. 8, the right column icon 153 may be used as a help icon instead of the left column icon, and the icons of the remaining positions may be used as the numeric keypad of 4 rows and 3 columns.

Third Embodiment

According to another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the number icon is used as the help icon without specifying a help icon and a number icon separately. 20 icons are displayed on the default home screen, and 10 serial numbers from 0 to 9 are assigned and displayed by using icons in 4 rows and 3 columns as the numeric keypad. In addition, D icon 161 and X icon 162 are designated as function icons. That is, in the home screen, 10 display elements are designated as number icons, and these are used as help icons.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the numeric icon is tapped in the standby state (S170), the control unit 102 continuously monitors whether the numeric icon is released and whether another icon is tapped (S171, S172). . If the number icon is released in S171, this means that the number icon is tapped and released alone, and the control unit 102 performs a conventional function assigned to the number icon, that is, a unique function as a home screen icon. (S173) This process ends. For example, if a specific application is assigned an icon, the application is activated. If it is determined in S172 that another icon is tapped, this means that the icon is tapped while tapping and holding any number icon first, and the process proceeds to S174 to determine what the other icon is. If the other icon is a number icon, this means that a number icon is tapped while another number icon is tapped, and it is determined based on Algorithm 1 to determine which shortcut sequence is input based on the number assigned to the icon. (S176). Thereafter, the controller 102 extracts and executes the macro to which the shortened permutation is assigned from the macros stored in the storage 100 (S177). If the other icon is the D icon 161, the controller 102 determines based on Algorithm 2 to determine which shortened sequence is input based on this (S175), extracts the macro to which the shortened sequence is assigned, and executes it. (S177). If the other icon is X icon 162, the process ends. Ending means waiting for another user to enter a command. If the other icon is not a number icon, a D icon, or an X icon, the process is terminated as well.

As described in Algorithm 1, when a user taps another numeric icon while touching without releasing a numeric icon in a standby state, a two-digit shortcut sequence corresponding to the above operation is input. If you tap 'icon n' while holding down 'icon m', it is determined that a two-digit shortcut sequence has been entered, where m is ten digits and n is the number of jobs. For example, when a user taps 'icon 3' while pressing and holding 'Icon 1' (an icon assigned to 1) by manipulating the home screen, the controller 102 inputs a shortened sequence of 13 as input. To judge.

For example, the algorithm 2 is described. If the icon D is pressed while the icon 1 is pressed, the short permutation of 11 is determined, and if the icon 3 is pressed, When the D icon 161 is tapped, it is determined that a shortened sequence of 33 is input. In other words, the number entered is overlapped with the number of jobs and ten digits to form one two-digit number.

In the present embodiment, the D icon and the X icon are dually assigned to the left and right sides, which are arranged to be symmetrical to the left and right, so that the other hand can easily tap the D icon or the X icon even if the user presses and holds the number icon with the finger of either hand. Can be.

As described above, some of the display elements of the home screen are designated as a number icon and a function icon, and the number icon itself is designated to function as a help element, thereby specifying a combination of the corresponding help element and the number icon or function icon. It is possible to input a short permutation. The help element and the number icon may be referred to as a dual function display element that can be performed as a function of inputting a shortening sequence for a macro of the present invention while maintaining a function as an icon in a conventional mobile terminal. .

That is, when a single tap of a number icon alone, it performs a unique function assigned to it, but if the tap the number icon while tapping the other number icon, the first pressed number icon functions as a help element. The help element has a function of inputting a shortened sequence of the present invention when the display element of the home screen is manipulated, instead of the unique function assigned to the display element. Of course, as in the present embodiment, the help element itself may also perform a function of inputting a shortened sequence.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the user slides or flicks the number icon up or down without separately designating the D icon and the X icon, the controller may be configured to determine that the D icon or the X icon is pressed together, respectively. . For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the 'icon 5' is slid upward, 55 is input, and when the slid downwards, the process ends.

The above technology makes it very easy for the user to execute as many as 100 macros, corresponding to the short sequence 00 to 99, directly from a single home screen.

<Fourth Embodiment>

In the above embodiment, in order to input a short sequence, a plurality of numeric icons are designated among independent display element elements of the home screen and used as a numeric keypad. However, according to another embodiment, a specific number is assigned to a specific gesture manipulation of a certain display element, and a short sequence is input by combination with a help element. The gesture operation will be described separately without including a tap operation. That is, in the present embodiment, the manipulation of the display element can be performed by two operations, a slide or a tab. For example, when a certain icon is slided (or flicked) in a specific direction, a predetermined number is input according to the direction, and the controller 102 sets it to determine that a shortened sequence for executing the macro is input. Among the display elements of the basic home screen, as shown in FIG. 11, two icons of the lowest row are designated as help icons, which are referred to as Hp icons. It is designated as double on the left and right, and arranged to be symmetrical, each function is the same.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the direction for sliding a specific icon is divided into eight (up, down, left, right, top, bottom, top, bottom, and bottom), and serial numbers 1 to 8 are previously assigned thereto.

In the portable terminal, the technique itself, which detects this when sliding in a specific direction and performs the assigned specific function, is well known to those skilled in the art and thus will not be described. If the operation is not performed in a specific direction, but simply taps or presses and holds in a normal manner, 0 is inputted.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the Hp icon is touched in the standby state (S180), the process continuously monitors whether another icon is operated and whether the Hp icon is released (S181, 182). The touch operation of the Hp icon does not include a release operation. If it is determined that the other icon has been manipulated, the other icon has been manipulated while touching and holding the Hp icon, and the controller 102 analyzes the operation and determines what the corresponding short sequence is (S187). .

Specifically, the operation can be performed by tap or gesture. Thereafter, the control unit 102 extracts the macro corresponding to the input shortened sequence from the storage unit 100 and executes it (S188). If it is determined in step S182 that the Hp icon has been released, this means that the Hp icon is independently touched and released regardless of the operation of other icons, and the control unit 102 simply taps and releases it, or It is determined whether it is sliding (S183).

If the release operation is not a sliding operation, it is judged that the Hp icon is simply tapped and released, and performs a conventional function of the home screen icon (unique function), that is, a predetermined icon such as activating a specific application. It is made (S184). If it is determined that the release operation is a sliding operation, after a predetermined character corresponding to the sliding operation is input, the input mode of the touch screen is switched to the gesture mode (S185). In many conventional portable terminals, the home screen is set to switch to another home screen by sliding or flicking the home screen from side to side. In the gesture mode, a conventional function consisting of various gesture operations such as slide and flick is temporarily inactivated, and the gesture operation only performs a function for executing a macro of the present invention. If an icon other than the Hp icon is operated in the gesture mode (S186), the controller 102 analyzes the corresponding operation and determines what the input short sequence is (S187). Thereafter, the control unit 102 extracts and executes the macro corresponding to the input shortened sequence from the storage unit 100 (S188). Thereafter, the input mode of the touch screen is returned to the original mode (S189), and the process is terminated and the standby mode waits for the user's input command again. Of course, if the input mode is not switched to the gesture mode and there is no change from the original mode, nothing is done in the S189.

A process of determining what the input shortened sequence is according to a user's icon manipulation will be described below. The actual short permutation input consists of a combination (or permutation) of the operation of the Hp icon and the operation of another icon. In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the other icons may utilize icons of the first row and the fourth row except the lowest row. For example, if the user slides the 'icon A' (the icon to which A is assigned) to the right while the user presses the Hp icon, 0 is input by the operation of the Hp icon, and the operation of the specific icon is performed. A and 3 are input, and finally, the control unit 102 extracts the macro assigned to A03 from the macros stored in the storage unit 100 to execute the macro. If the user simply taps on the 'icon A' while pressing the Hp icon, the controller 102 determines that an abbreviated sequence of A00 is input and executes the macro.

In addition, if the user slides the Hp icon down and slides the 'icon B' to the right, the control unit 102 determines that a shortened sequence of B53 is input and is assigned to B53 from the macro list stored in the storage unit 100. Extract the macro and run it.

As described above, in many conventional mobile terminals, when the home screen is slid or flicked from side to side, it is set to switch to another home screen. In the present embodiment, the lowest icon including the Hp icon is displayed among the home screens. In the arranged area, such a home screen switching function is not set by default.

As described above, the desired permutation sequence can be directly and easily inputted directly from the home screen by a combination of the help icon and another home screen icon. The combination may be an operation of another icon while the help icon is pressed, or may be an operation of another icon subsequent to the operation of the help icon. In addition, the operation is not only to tap, but also to make it possible to input a short axis sequence very easily by utilizing various gesture operations.

In addition, when a specific gesture operation such as sliding a help icon is performed, the input mode of the home screen is switched to the gesture mode, whereby a shortcut sequence can be input by performing a gesture operation on another icon. In the present embodiment, nine macros of 0 to 8 for each icon are formed by sliding (or flicking) another home screen icon in a specific direction while pressing and holding the help icon while maintaining the function as a conventional home screen icon. In addition it is very easy to run. In addition, the help icon itself can also input nine types of 0 to 8 by sliding (or flicking) it in a specific direction, so when combined, 9X9 = 81, which adds 81 macros per home screen icon. You can run it. For example, if one of the home screen icons is designated as a dual function icon that can execute a radio function macro, the user can easily and easily listen to the desired broadcast from one of 81 preset stations on one home screen with a simple operation. .

In addition, as shown in the present embodiment, if 16 home screen icons are displayed except for the bottom line icon, 16X81 = 1296, and it can be seen that as many as 1296 macros can be simply executed on one home screen screen. have.

Such a technology is more useful in the case of a mobile terminal having a relatively large touch screen such as a mid-sized smartphone or a tablet PC, since there is a free space for gesture manipulation such as sliding in a specific direction around a home screen icon. In addition, the help icon is arranged in a left and right symmetrical arrangement to the left and right, according to the position of the icon and the user's preference to use either of the left and right to hold the help icon has the convenience of operating in the same way.

In addition, an embodiment for simplifying the operation of the help icon is also possible. As shown in FIG. 14, all the lowest line icons are designated as help icons, each of 1 to 4 is assigned, and other icons are pressed while the help icon is pressed. When the operation is performed, the help icon may be operated in such a manner that an allocated number is input. For example, when the 'H icon' is pushed to the right while the 'help icon 2' is being pressed, the short sequence H23 is input.

In this case, the number of additional macros available for each home screen icon is 9X4 = 36. If 16 home screen icons are displayed except the bottom line icon, 16X36 = 576, and the number of macros that can be easily executed on one home screen screen is as many as 576 while maintaining the function as a conventional home screen icon. It can be seen.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the gesture operation is described as a sliding operation by way of example. Alternatively, the flick operation may be set instead of sliding, and various other gesture operations may be used.

In addition, in the present embodiment, when the help element is slid, the display element of the home screen is set to switch to the gesture mode, but instead of the gesture mode, the display element may be set to the numeric key input mode as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to an aspect of the present invention, a technique for inputting a short permutation sequence for executing a large number of macros by using a conventional display element such as an icon or a folder displayed on a home screen in a conventional portable terminal is provided. Started. This means that a large number of macros can be executed without additionally installing a specific display element such as a specific icon for executing a macro, and as a result, it is possible to efficiently use the space on the home screen of a narrow portable terminal. In addition, it means that you can enter a shortcut sequence directly from the home screen without displaying a separate screen for inputting the shortcut sequence on the touch screen of the mobile terminal, as a result, as shown in the prior art, the display on the touch screen is The icons on the home screen that are most familiar with their shape and location can be used without the time or effort of waiting for the process of converting to a separate screen, or adapting the position of the display elements displayed on the separate screen. You can run many macros by manipulating the same display elements. In addition, in the related art, unlike the case where a specific task is executed with only one finger on the home screen, according to the above embodiment, the fingers of both hands (for example, the thumb) can cooperate to execute the macro very efficiently. do.

The display element maintains a conventional function as an icon or a folder in a conventional mobile terminal. For example, in the case of an application icon, tapping it alone activates a specific application that is pre-assigned. Tapping it alone displays the contents of the folder. When the display element is operated alone, the conventional function previously assigned to the display element is performed.

In the conventional portable terminal, in the case of independent function elements such as icons and folders displayed on the home screen, the functions assigned to each element are independent of each other. That is, the control unit 102 is set to perform each assigned independent function (unique function) when each display element is operated alone (for example, one tap) ("independent function"). (Or cooperative functions) are not set up to perform a function in interdependence or in coordination with an input element ("collaborative function"). More specifically, the control unit 102 is configured to continuously receive input of a plurality of display elements, and to complete one (common) function such as inputting a character or a word by the continuous input. It is not set to perform one function by the operation by the present invention or in combination with another display element. In an embodiment of the present invention, the display element having such an independent function is utilized to serve as a display element having a cooperative function like a keyboard of a keypad. In addition, while maintaining the independent function of the display element, it was utilized as a dual function element that can be performed as a cooperative function, in a preferred embodiment, one function to achieve through the private interest cooperative function, It can be said to input a short sequence of characters to execute a macro.

In this way, by using the display elements displayed on the home screen as it is in the conventional mobile terminal, a short sequence for macro execution can be input, so that a user can quickly select a desired macro while maintaining the function as a conventional home screen. It can be implemented, resulting in the saving and efficient utilization of hardware resources called limited space on the touch screen.

The home screen icon may use only the icon displayed on the basic home screen among the home screens, or may be set to use the same on all other home screens.

In describing the present application, an icon is described using one example representing many display elements that can be displayed on the screen, and may be replaced with any other display element such as a folder or a widget.

In addition, after the user inputs the shortened sequence, various modifications such as extracting and executing the macro from the control unit after a predetermined time elapses or executing the user's confirmation process may be possible. In addition, inputting a shortened sequence means inputting a shortened sequence for executing a macro of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the display element of the home screen is used as a help element, but only the input element may be used as the help element.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, if the process is to be terminated while the process is in progress, the process may be terminated by various methods such as tapping a specific area on the home screen, for example, a specific status icon, or making a specific gesture on the home screen. Can be set.

The dual function element combines a unique function as an independent function element and a function for executing a macro of the present invention.

In the present application, a number of terms including macros are used, which is intended to clearly indicate that a user performs a specific task when a user inputs a specific input, and does not limit the present invention.

In addition, although the serial number is used as an example, it can be set to utilize other characters including the alphabet.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, various methods of operating the display element have been disclosed in order to perform a specific function, but it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this is not fixed and can be assigned to any other operation method.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the display element is manipulated so that a shortened sequence of characters can be input, but the characters are not necessarily inputted, and any other type of signal corresponding thereto may be input. Such variations are intended to be included in the present invention, or equivalents.

As the inventive concept allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, particular embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description.

However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this speculation, the terms "comprise" or "having" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, one or more other It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the possibility of the presence or the addition of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and are to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present application Do not.

In addition, the term bi-functional element is used, for example, to express the technical spirit of the present invention, there is no limit in any way, and any other form of technology having an equivalent function to the invention disclosed herein It is intended to be within the scope of the invention or to be equivalent to the invention.

The embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the present specification and drawings are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications based on the technical idea of the present invention are possible in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

100: storage unit 102: control unit
104: touch screen 113: Mc icon

Claims (20)

In a portable terminal having a touch screen for display and input, a storage unit for storing at least one macro and a control unit for controlling the overall operation,
The touch screen displays a display element which is a dual function element having a unique function and a macro function,
The controller may alternatively perform the macro function according to a specific operation of a help element, which is displayed on the touch screen to help execute a macro.
And a macro function corresponding to a specific signal input by the help element and the display element. In a portable terminal having a touch screen for display and input, a storage unit for storing at least one macro and a control unit for controlling the overall operation,
The touch screen displays a character input element which is a dual function element having a unique function and a macro function,
The controller may alternatively perform a function of the text input element according to a specific operation of a help element, which is displayed on the touch screen to help execute a macro.
And comparing a short sequence sequence input by the help element and the character input element with a macro allocation sequence sequence corresponding to a macro stored in the storage unit, and executing a macro corresponding to the macro allocation sequence sequence. Handheld terminal with macro function. The method of claim 2,
And the controller converts the text input element into a mode in which a short sequence can be input when the help element is specified. The method of claim 3,
Specific operation of the help element,
A portable terminal having a macro function, characterized in that it comprises any one of a tap or a gesture operation. The method of claim 3,
The mode of the character input element is,
A mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized in that it comprises one of a numeric key input mode and a gesture input mode. The method of claim 2,
The control unit is set to display a specific letter or number at the position corresponding to the character input element when the help element is operated,
The macro function according to claim 1, wherein the macro corresponding to the macro allocation short sequence is executed when the short sequence sequence input by the character input element and the macro allocation short sequence corresponding to the macro stored in the storage unit are matched. Mobile terminal equipped. The method of claim 2,
The controller determines whether the text input elements are simultaneously touched when the help element is touched, and when the text input elements are touched at the same time, a short sequence corresponding to a touch manipulation of the text input elements is input. Mobile terminal with a function. The method of claim 7, wherein
And wherein the touch manipulation of the character input element is a gesture manipulation. The method of claim 7, wherein
The character input element is a mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized in that it is set to be utilized as a numeric keypad. The method of claim 7, wherein
And a macro function set to continuously input a shortened sequence using the text input element until the help element is released after tapping the help element. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The help element is a mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized in that the dual function element. 12. The method of claim 11,
If you tap the help element alone, a unique function assigned to the help element is performed.
And a short sequence for inputting a macro when a text input element is manipulated while tapping and holding the help element. 12. The method of claim 11,
After tapping the help element, if the text input element is not touched and the help element is released,
The control unit measures the touch time when the help element is touched, and executes the unique function of the help element within a predetermined time, and returns to the state before the help element is touched if a predetermined time or more. Mobile terminal. The method of claim 2,
There are a plurality of help elements, and the controller corresponds to the macro assignment short axis sequence when the short sequence of the combination of the help element and the text input element is compared with the macro allocation short sequence corresponding to the macro stored in the storage unit. A mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized by executing a macro. The method of claim 2,
The manipulation of the help element or the text input element includes a gesture manipulation,
A mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized in that letters or numbers are assigned to the gesture operation. 16. The method of claim 15,
The gesture operation is a mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized in that the sliding or flick operation in a specific direction. The method of claim 7, wherein
A mobile terminal having a macro function, characterized in that set to utilize the character input element as a help element. 18. The method of claim 17,
Select two elements of the character input element,
Touching the other element while pressing any one element, the portable terminal having a macro function, characterized in that the two-digit number is input by the combination of the numbers assigned to the two elements. As a method of running a macro in a portable terminal,
The terminal comprises:
A storage unit capable of storing at least one macro,
A touch screen that can display the home screen and input user commands,
It is provided with a control unit that manages the operation of the terminal,
The method comprises:
Assign a specific short sequence of characters to each macro and store it in the storage.
Designate at least one of the display elements of the home screen as a help element,
Among the display elements of the home screen, a part of the independent function display element is designated as a text input element for inputting text.
Set to input the shortened sequence by the operation of the combination of the help element and the text input element,
The controller may alternatively perform the function of the text input element according to whether the help element is specified.
The character input element is a dual function element,
When a user inputs a specific shortcut sequence by operating the help element and the text input element, the controller of the terminal extracts a macro to which the shortcut sequence is assigned from the macros stored in the storage unit, and sets it to execute. A method for executing a macro in a portable terminal, characterized in that. 20. The method of claim 19,
And wherein said help element is a dual function element.

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