KR20090024457A - A mobile telecommunication device and a method for setting the area of a touch pad button - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile communications terminal capable of accurately pressing a desired button by a user and a range setting method of a touch pad button using the same are provided to prevent an error when a user presses another region due to directly setting up the button region of the touch pad. A plurality of domains(S1~S10) of a touch pad is successively arranged within the moving range of a finger of a user. The touch pad senses the physical pressure applied to the angular region. And the touch pad converts into the electric signal corresponding to the sensed pressure. The memory stores the button region information of the touch pad which is set up by the user and the button information allocated to the corresponding domain. A controller reads the signal provided from the touch pad and the information corresponding to signal from the memory. The controller recognizes the signal reading and information as the input signal.

Description

A mobile telecommunication device and a method for setting the area of a touch pad button}

The present invention relates to a mobile communication terminal having a touch pad and a touch pad button area setting method using the same.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a general terminal. The illustrated mobile communication terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120, an operation unit 130, a sensing unit 140, and an A / V (Audio / Video) output unit ( 150, the storage 160, the interface 170, the controller 180, the power supply 190, and the like. It should be noted that components may be combined into one or more components, or one component may be subdivided into two or more components as necessary when implemented in actual applications.

The following describes the components in order.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internet module 113, a short range communication module 114, a GPS module 115, and the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast management server may mean a server that generates and transmits a broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information or a server that receives a pre-generated broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information and transmits the same to a terminal. The broadcast related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast signal may include not only a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, but also a broadcast signal having a data broadcast signal combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.

Meanwhile, broadcast related information may be provided through a mobile communication network, and in this case, may be received by the mobile communication module 112.

The broadcast related information may exist in various forms. For example, it may exist in the form of Electronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) or Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H).

  The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals using various broadcast systems, and in particular, digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), and media forward link only (MediaFLO). ), Digital broadcast signals may be received using digital broadcasting systems such as DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) and ISDB-T (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial). Of course, the broadcast receiving module 111 is configured to be suitable for all broadcast systems providing broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcast system described above.

The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the storage 160.

In addition, the mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the wireless signal may include various types of data according to transmission and reception of a voice call signal, a video call call signal, or a text / multimedia message.

The wireless internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless internet access, and the wireless internet module 113 may be internal or external.

The short range communication module 114 refers to a module for short range communication. As a short range communication technology, Bluetooth, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like may be used.

In addition, the Global Position System (GPS) module 115 receives position information from a plurality of satellites.

Meanwhile, the A / V input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera module 121 and a microphone module 122. The camera module 121 processes image frames such as still images or moving images obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display module 151.

The image frame processed by the camera module 121 may be stored in the storage 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. Two or more camera modules 121 may be provided according to the configuration of the terminal.

The microphone module 122 receives an external sound signal by a microphone in a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, etc., and processes the external sound signal into electrical voice data. The processed voice data may be converted into a form transmittable to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 and output in the call mode. The microphone module 122 may implement various noise removing algorithms for removing noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The operation unit 130 generates key input data input by the user for controlling the operation of the terminal. The operation unit 130 may be configured of a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static pressure / capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like. In particular, when the touch pad forms a mutual layer structure with the display module 151 described later, this may be referred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 detects a current state of the mobile communication terminal 100 such as an open / closed state of the mobile communication terminal 100, a location of the mobile communication terminal 100, a presence or absence of a user contact, and operates the mobile communication terminal 100. Generates a sensing signal for controlling. For example, when the mobile communication terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it may sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it is responsible for sensing functions related to whether the power supply unit 190 is supplied with power or whether the interface unit 170 is coupled to an external device.

The interface unit 170 serves as an interface with all external devices connected to the mobile communication terminal 100.

The A / V output unit 150 is for outputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a display module 151 and a sound output module 152.

The display module 151 displays and outputs information processed by the mobile communication terminal 100. For example, when the mobile communication terminal is in a call mode, a user interface (UI) or a graphic user interface (GUI) related to a call is displayed. When the mobile communication terminal 100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, the mobile communication terminal 100 displays a photographed and / or received image, a UI, or a GUI.

Meanwhile, as described above, when the display module 13 and the operation unit form a mutual layer structure and constitute a touch screen, the display module 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device. The display module 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, or a three-dimensional display. 3D display). In addition, two or more display modules 151 may exist according to the implementation form of the mobile communication terminal 100. For example, an external display module (not shown) and an internal display module (not shown) may be simultaneously provided in the mobile communication terminal 100.

The sound output module 152 outputs audio data received from the wireless communication unit 110 or stored in the storage unit 160 in a call signal reception, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and the like. In addition, the sound output module 152 outputs a sound signal related to a function (eg, a call signal reception sound, a message reception sound, etc.) performed in the mobile communication terminal 100. The sound output module 152 may include a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.

Although not shown, it may be provided with a vibration output unit for outputting a signal in the form of vibration using a motor.

The storage unit 160 may store a program for processing and control of the controller 180, and a function for temporarily storing input / output data (for example, a phone book, a message, a still image, a video, etc.). You can also do

The storage unit 160 may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg, SD or XD memory), It may include a storage medium of at least one type of RAM and ROM. In addition, the mobile communication terminal 100 may operate a web storage that performs a storage function of the storage unit 150 on the Internet.

The controller 180 typically controls the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal. For example, it performs related control and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. In addition, the controller 180 may include a multimedia playback module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia player module 181 may be configured as hardware, or may be configured as software separately from the controller 180.

The power supply unit 190 receives an external power source and an internal power source under the control of the controller 180 to supply power for operation of each component.

In the above, the mobile communication terminal has been described in terms of components according to functions. Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 2, the mobile communication terminal will be further described in terms of components according to appearance. In the following description, a slider type mobile communication terminal is described as an example among various types of mobile communication terminals such as a folder type, a bar type, a swing type, a slider type, and the like for clarity.

2 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile communication terminal. A state in which the first body 100A is disposed to overlap the second body 100B may be referred to as a closed status, and at least a portion of the second body 100B may be exposed as shown in this drawing. One state may be referred to as an open state.

Although the mobile terminal operates in the standby mode mainly in the closed state, the standby mode may be released by the user's operation. In addition, the mobile communication terminal mainly operates in a call mode or the like in an open state, but may be switched to a standby mode by a user's manipulation or a lapse of a predetermined time.

The case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming the exterior of the first body 100A is formed by the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2. Various electronic components are embedded in the space formed by the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2. At least one intermediate case may be further disposed between the first front case 100A-1 and the first rear case 100A-2.

The cases may be formed by injecting synthetic resin or may be formed of a metal material, for example, a metal material such as stainless steel (STS) or titanium (Ti).

The first body 100A, specifically, the first front case 100A-1 may include a display module 151, a first sound output module 152-1, a first camera module 121-1, or a first manipulation unit ( 130-1) may be disposed.

The display module 151 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diodes (OLED), and the like, which visually express information.

Since the operation unit is superimposed on the display module 151 in a layer structure, the display module 151 may operate as a touch screen to enable input of information by a user's touch.

The first sound output module 152-1 may be implemented in the form of a speaker.

The first camera module 121-1 may be implemented to be suitable for capturing an image or a video of a user.

The first manipulation unit 130-1 receives an operation signal according to a user's intention to control the operation of the mobile communication terminal.

Like the first body 100A, the case forming the exterior of the second body 100B is formed by the second front case 100B-1 and the second rear case 100B-2.

The second manipulator 130-2 may be disposed on the front body of the second body 100B, specifically, the second front case 100B-1.

The third manipulation unit 130-3, the microphone module 122, and the interface unit 170 may be disposed on at least one of the second front case 100B-1 or the second rear case 100B-2).

The first to third manipulation units 130-1, 130-2, and 130-3 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion 130, and may be a tactile manner in which the user operates while having a tactile feeling. Either way may be employed.

For example, the operation unit may be implemented as a dome switch or a touch pad that may receive a command or information by a user's push or touch operation, or may be implemented by a wheel or jog method that rotates a key, or a method such as a joystick. Can be.

In the functional aspect, the first operation unit 130-1 is for inputting a command such as a start, end, scroll, and the like, and the exemplary view shows a case in the form of a touch pad. The second operation unit 130-2 is for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, and the like.

In addition, the third operation unit 130-3 may operate as a hot key for activating a special function in the mobile communication terminal.

The microphone module 122 may be implemented in a form suitable for receiving a user's voice, other sounds, and the like.

The interface unit 170 serves as a path for allowing the mobile communication terminal to exchange data with an external device. For example, the interface unit 170 is wired or wirelessly, a connection terminal for connecting to the earphone, a port for short-range communication, for example, an infrared port (IrDA port), Bluetooth port (Bluetooth port), wireless LAN port It may be at least one of power supply terminals for supplying power to a wireless LAN port. Since the interface unit 170 has already been described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile communication terminal is mounted on the second rear case 100B-2.

The power supply unit 190 may be detachably coupled for charging as a rechargeable battery, for example.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a configuration of a touch pad IC formed under the first manipulation unit 130-1 of FIG. 2. As shown, it is divided into a plurality of areas, and when a user presses an arbitrary area using a finger or the like, it detects it and uses it as an input signal. Areas S1, S3, S8 and S10 are allocated to perform special functions, and other areas S2, S4, S5, S6, S7 and S9 are used to perform the direction selection or scrolling operation. In the mobile communication terminal according to the related art using such a touch pad IC, an error may occur when a user whose finger is large is used.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, when the button of the area S6 is pressed and the area of the area S7 is invaded, the touch pad IC calculates in software which area occupies more area so that the button of the area having a larger area is used. It is judged that this was pressed.

Thus, as shown in Figure 5, while watching the MP3 or video, the play button (▶) and fast forward (▶▶) function is pressed at the same time may occur regardless of the user's intention. That is, the user wanted to press the play button, but the area of the finger 10 is recognized as pressing fast forward, so that the user recognizes that he or she has operated incorrectly.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal capable of accurately pressing a desired button by a user having a large finger and a method of setting a button area of a touch pad using the same.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal in which a user can directly set a preprogrammed button area of a touch pad, and a method of setting a button area of a touch pad using the same.

 Still another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile communication terminal which can easily set a button area of a touch pad through a menu window, and a method of setting a button area of a touch pad using the same.

The mobile communication terminal according to the present invention for achieving the above objects stores the touch pad button area information set by the user in the memory, so that the control unit inputs the input signal using the signal provided from the touch pad IC and the setting information stored in the memory. It is characterized by using.

A mobile communication terminal and a method for setting a touch pad button region using the same according to the present invention are characterized by setting a touch pad button region by using up and down control keys provided on the side of the terminal.

The mobile communication terminal and the method for setting the touch pad button area using the same according to the present invention are characterized in that the area of the touch pad button is set by a value input by the user using a numeric key.

A mobile communication terminal and a method for setting a touch pad button area using the same according to the present invention are characterized in that the information on the button area changed according to the button area setting of the touch pad is displayed as a change in width during the setting process.

According to the present invention, the method for setting a button area of a mobile communication terminal and a touch pad using the same enables a user to directly set a button area of a touch pad, so that the user can expect an effect of preventing an error caused by a large finger pressing another area. .

6 illustrates a menu screen for setting a touch pad area according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, when the user wants to set the touch pad area, the user uses the terminal setting function included in the menu. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the touch pad region setting item 20 is displayed.

When the user selects the touch pad area setting function, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the sensing area of the touch pad IC is displayed through the display device 151. The user selects the area of the button to be set. For example, if S1 is selected, it is displayed in a different color from other selected areas as shown in FIG. 7. If the user selects S2, S2 will be displayed in reversed color.

After selecting the button area to be set, the width of the area is adjusted. In the description, as shown in FIG. 8, an up and down control key (generally used as a volume key) 130-3 configured on the side of the terminal is used. When the user presses a downward adjustment key among the up and down adjustment keys, it indicates that the area of the selected area S1 is reduced through the display device. The decreasing area decreases in proportion to the number of times the down arrow key is pressed.

On the other hand, if you want to set the button area wide, as shown in Figure 9 press the upper direction of the up and down adjustment keys. In this example, the selected area S1 is displayed wider than the other area.

If necessary, the area of each area may be numerically displayed through the display device. For example, assuming that the area of each area is displayed as a value of "5" by default, "4"-> "3" in the selected area when it is relatively smaller than other areas as shown in the example of FIG. When the display is in the form of, and is relatively larger than other regions as in the example of FIG. 9, displaying the selected region as "6"-> "7" is also a method that can be easily set by the user.

10 is an exemplary view illustrating an example of a method for setting a touch pad area according to another embodiment of the present invention. The display device 151 displays the size of the setting area of each area, and the user directly inputs it using the numeric keys. Compared to the method described above, the size of the other button areas can be viewed numerically, which can have the advantage of finer control. Of course, as described above, it can be controlled by a relative value rather than an absolute value. That is, the relative size can be input based on the basic value "5".

11 is an exemplary view comparing touch pad button regions changed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For example, while the areas S2, S4, S6, and S9 used for the scrolling operation have the same size, the area of S2 and S9 is reduced by the user and S4 and S6 are widely set. Since S2 and S9 do not affect other touch buttons, the width is made smaller. S4 and S6, which may affect other touch buttons, have wider recognition ranges, respectively, to prevent buttons with large fingers from being pressed. can do.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a general terminal.

2 is a front perspective view of an example of a mobile communication terminal.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary view illustrating a configuration of a touch pad IC formed under the first operator of FIG. 2.

4 and 5 are exemplary diagrams of an error that may occur when a user with a large finger presses a touch pad button.

6 illustrates a menu screen for setting a touch pad area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 to 9 are exemplary views illustrating a touch pad button region displayed through a display device and changes thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10 and 11 are exemplary diagrams illustrating a method of setting a touch pad button region by inputting numerical values according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (8)

 A touch pad in which a plurality of areas are sequentially arranged within a moving range of a user's finger and detecting a physical pressure applied to each area to convert into a corresponding electric signal; A memory storing button area information of a touch pad set by a user and button information allocated to the corresponding area; And a controller for reading a signal provided from the touch pad and corresponding information from the memory as an input signal. The mobile communication terminal of claim 1, wherein the button area of the touch pad is set using up and down control keys provided on the side of the terminal. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the button area of the touch pad is set by a numerical value input by a user. The mobile communication terminal of claim 2 or 3, wherein the information on the button area that is changed according to the button area setting of the touch pad is displayed during the setting process through the display device. The mobile communication terminal of claim 4, wherein the button area information of the touch pad is displayed as a change in width. Entering a touch pad region setting menu; Selecting a change target button; Receiving a touch pad region change control signal from a user; Displaying a touch pad area changed according to the change control signal; Method of setting a control panel button area using a mobile communication terminal comprising the step of storing the user setting information of the touch pad area. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the control signal for changing the touch pad area uses up and down control keys provided on one side of the terminal. The method of claim 6, wherein the control signal for changing the touch pad area is performed by direct input of a numerical value using a numeric key.

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